The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested businessman Anoop Kumar Gupta in connection with a money laundering probe into the over Rs 3,600-crore VVIP choppers purchase scam case, official sources said on Saturday.

They said Gupta, the joint managing director of KRBL Limited that sells India Gate basmati rice, has been sent to five-day custody of the central probe agency after he was produced before a special court for cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) here. ED sources said Gupta was arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP choppers deal case and alleged he was not cooperating in the ongoing probe.

His custodial interrogation was necessary in light of some fresh evidence gathered by the Enforcement Directorate that pertains to "proceeds of crime" or alleged kickbacks of the deal being paid to a firm "controlled" by Gupta, they said. Gupta's lawyers told the court that his arrest was "not justified" and pleaded that he should not be sent to ED custody owing to his medical condition as he suffers from diabetes and other ailments.

The agency, in its remand application, said two streams were used for channelling about Euro 70 million worth "proceeds of crime" or bribe money to various political persons, bureaucrats and Indian Air Force officials in return of swinging the 12 helicopters deal in favour of AgustaWestland.

Tunisia has received proceeds of crime to the tune of Euro 24.37 million from AgustaWestland and out of this about Euro 12.4 million were further transferred to Interstellar Technologies Limited, Mauritius." "The proceeds of crime were further transferred to various companies including Rawasi Al Khaleej General Trading (RAKGT) LLC Dubai which was incorporated in 2007 by KRBL DMCC, Dubai and accused Anoop Gupta was one of the director of this company," the ED alleged.

This company (KRBL DMCC) was a subsidiary of KRBL Limited (India), it said. The ED said that "in 2009, the entire stake (49 per cent shareholding) of KRBL DMCC held in RAKGT was transferred in the name of one Anurag Potdar but in fact, even after this, RAKGT is under the control of KRBL Limited through Gupta and part of the proceeds of crime received in RAKGT were transferred to KRBL Limited".

It claimed that it obtained some documents in December last year pertaining to these purported links and they show that Gupta was "controlling" the financial transactions of this (RAKGT) company. Gupta has been named by the ED in another alleged defence deal scam involving aircraft manufacturer Embraer.

The businessman was named in a charge sheet by the agency in December in that case that pertains to payment of alleged commission by Embraer to clinch the USD 208-million deal with India, in which it is suspected and alleged that kickbacks were paid. The ED slapped money laundering charges to probe allegations of irregularities in the now-cancelled deal to purchase of 12 VVIP choppers from Italy-based Finmeccanica's British subsidiary AgustaWestland.

The deal was scrapped by India in 2014.
At least ten people were killed and several others injured in a fatal road accident after a passenger bus collided with a truck on the Moradabad-Agra Highway owing to low visibility due to dense fog early on Saturday morning. The accident occurred almost 18 kilometers away from Moradabad city in Hussainpur Puliya of Moradabad's Kundarki area.

Top police and administration officials including District Magistrate, SP and CMO have reached the spot. Relief and rescue work is currently underway.

"Forensic team is here, rescue almost complete. 3 vehicles collided with each other. Eyewitnesses tell us that it was a case of overtaking," ANI quoted the SSP as saying.

Expressing grief, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath ordered a probe into the incident and directed officials to provide assistance and health services to the victims.

The chief minister also announced to give financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of the deceased and Rs 50 thousand each to the injured persons.

In a similar incident earlier this week, five people were killed after an ambulance hit a stationary truck in Gopiganj area in Bhadohi amid reduced visibility due to dense fog on Tuesday. Four members of a family and the ambulance driver were killed in the accident, police said.

The United Arab Emirates plans to offer citizenship to a select group of foreigners, the first Gulf Arab nation to formalize a process aimed at giving expatriates a bigger stake in the economy.

The major policy shift is aimed at attracting talent to the UAE in a way that will boost growth, according to details of the policy published on state news agency WAM. Foreign residents make up more than 80% of the U.A.E.s population and have for decades been a mainstay of its economy. The UAE comprises seven sheikhdoms, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Oil-rich Gulf states have been forced to consider longer residency and limited citizenship for foreigners as they seek to attract investment and diversify from oil. Until now citizenship in the UAE and some other Gulf states has been reserved for foreigners in special cases, including for service to the state, but these changes will formalize and widen such a process.

We adopted law amendments that allow granting the UAE citizenship to investors, specialized talents & professionals including scientists, doctors, engineers, artists, authors and their families. The new directives aim to attract talents that contribute to our development journey," Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum said in a tweet.

The UAE cabinet, local courts and executive councils will nominate those eligible for the citizenship under criteria set for each category he added. The law allows receivers of the UAE passport to keep their existing citizenship."

According to a statement on UAEs news agency website, the conditions that must be met to secure the citizenship are:

The citizenship can be withdrawn upon breach of the conditions, the statement said

Last year, the UAE abolished the need for companies to have Emirati shareholders, in a major shake-up of foreign ownership laws aimed at attracting investment into an economy reeling from the coronavirus and a decline in oil prices.

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Jeffrey Epstein died behind bars in August 2019 in what was ruled a suicide

The warden brought in to clean up the federal jail where Jeffrey Epstein died has abruptly stepped down after a yearlong tenure marred by inmates' complaints about squalid conditions, a smuggled gun and another inmate's unexplained death.

Marti Licon-Vitale, 54, quit the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan this week. Her abrupt departure came about a week after staff at the jail left an allegedly intellectually disabled inmate alone in a holding cell for 24 hours in violation of prison system regulations.

It also follows the mysterious September death of inmate Tony McClam, which was not related to the coronavirus, the Bureau of Prisons said, though what happened to him remains unexplained.

McClam, who was facing drug charges, was found unresponsive just two days after arriving at the facility and could not be saved, the bureau said. A lawyer for his family said they were still awaiting the results of his autopsy, but that he had complained of medical issues and didn't receive the appropriate medical attention before his death.

Marti Licon-Vitale, 54, quit the Metropolitan Correctional Center (above) in Manhattan this week. She was brought in to clean up the troubled lockup, but faced many challenges

In a statement, the Bureau of Prisons said Licon-Vitale 'has announced her retirement and an interim warden has been assigned until a new warden is appointed.'

That interim leader is listed in court papers as Eric Williams. He will be the fourth warden at the New York City lockup in 18 months, and the third person put in charge since a shakeup following Epstein's August 2019 death.

Messages seeking comment were sent to Licon-Vitale.

Licon-Vitale, the former head of the federal prison in Danbury, Connecticut, was appointed warden of the Metropolitan Correctional Center - which had been billed as one of the most secure jails in America - in January 2020.

She took over from an interim warden who replaced Lamine N'Diaye, the warden in charge when Epstein died in August 2019 in what was ruled a suicide. N'Diaye was transferred to another job in the agency.

Epstein's death a month after his arrest on child sex trafficking charges has been a lingering shadow over the 600-inmate facility in lower Manhattan.

The Justice Department's inspector general has yet to complete an investigation into lapses that led to the disgraced financier's death.

The warden brought in to clean up the embattled federal jail where Jeffrey Epstein died has abruptly stepped down after a year-long tenure marred by challenges

Two correctional officers responsible for monitoring him that night are awaiting trial on charges they lied on prison records because they were sleeping and browsing the internet instead of doing their jobs.

Licon-Vitale faced an immense challenge in trying to turn the facility around, hampered by issues such as the coronavirus pandemic and contraband smuggling, as well as staffing shortages and dwindling supplies early in the pandemic.

In recent weeks, a correctional officer at the facility reported sexual misconduct by a superior, which officials at the jail delayed reporting to senior Bureau of Prisons officials, according to three people familiar with the matter.

The people could not discuss the matter publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

And last week one inmate - whose lawyer says he has the mental capacity of an 8-year-old child - was left in a holding cell for 24 hours while awaiting a competency.

The man who was left in the holding cell, Richard Quinn, 26, 'made friends with mice' during the agonizing wait, his attorney Peter Brill said. He said the top officials at the jail had failed to report the violation to their superiors at the Bureau of Prisons.

The Bureau of Prisons would not directly address the allegations. But in a statement, the agency said it was 'committed to ensuring the safety and humane treatment of all inmates in our population, our staff and the public,' adding that 'allegations of staff misconduct are thoroughly investigated and appropriate action is taken if such allegations are proven true, including the possibility of referral for criminal prosecution when appropriate.'

The agency said its employees are required to refrain from harassing conduct and that employees 'receive training to detect and prevent inappropriate behavior not only with other staff but also with inmates.'

In March, just before the pandemic prompted federal prisons to halt visitation, the jail went on a weeklong lockdown after officials got a tip that a gun may have been smuggled inside.

Investigators found a handgun and turned up other banned items, such as cellphones, narcotics and homemade weapons, sparking an ongoing criminal probe into guard misconduct.

After the gun was discovered, then-Attorney General William Barr also launched a Justice Department task force to address criminal misconduct by officers at several correctional facilities.

As the coronavirus took hold, Metropolitan Correctional Center employees weren't able to get masks, while staff restrooms ran out of soap.

Workers in charge of refilling the dispensers were pressed into duty as correctional officers because of staffing shortages. Early in the crisis, more than 25% of staff positions were vacant.

Licon-Vitale faced an immense challenge in trying to turn the facility around, hampered by issues such as the coronavirus pandemic and contraband smuggling

In May, a court-authorized inspection found that inmates with coronavirus symptoms were neglected and ignored and social distancing was almost nonexistent, with some inmates sleeping on bunks within arms reach of each other.

In a deposition, Licon-Vitale said isolating ill inmates in the jails special housing unit took priority, even as she agreed that conditions in that part of the jail were worse than in regular cells. Lawyers complained that sick inmates were being made to lie on concrete beds and weren't given sheets, blankets or pillows.

Complaints about conditions haven't abated. Defense lawyer Sabrina Shroff wrote to a judge last week about a client being kept in 'barbaric and inhumane' conditions in solitary confinement at the jail.

Shroff said her client, former CIA software engineer Joshua Schulte, was made to live in a cell the size of a parking space that is 'infested with rodents, rodent droppings, cockroaches and mold' and lacks heating, air conditioning or functioning plumbing as he awaits trial on charges he leaked government secrets to WikiLeaks.

As of Thursday, there was just one inmate and 13 employees sick with the virus at the Metropolitan Correctional Center, according to the Bureau of Prisons. No deaths have been reported at the jail as a result of the disease.
Warning: Conservationists are worried that the rhino could be facing extinction

The rhino is at risk of extinction, conservationists have warned after new data showed that its numbers in South Africas Kruger National Park has plummeted.

An official count in the park, home to the worlds biggest concentration of rhinos, found it had lost two thirds of its animals in less than 10 years.

There are 3,549 white rhinos and 268 rarer black rhinos in the park in the countrys north-east. In 2011 the white rhino population was estimated to be 10,621 and the black rhino 415. The decline has been most rapid since 2015 when there were estimated to be close to 9,000 white rhinos in the park.

Conservationists urged world governments to put pressure on South Africa to act urgently to halt the decline.

It had been hoped that a decrease in rhino poaching would have revived the species. But the latest figures, published in the South African National Parks annual report for 2019/2020, suggests there is less poaching only because of a scarcity of rhino.

The rhino has become emblematic in the fight to preserve rare species across the world and its loss would be a devastating blow to conservation groups.

Patsy Stagman, founder of campaign group Rhino Revolution UK, said the decline threatened the species. These figures are quite shocking, she said. We now need international pressure put upon South Africa. This is the worst it has ever been. Rhino will become extinct at this rate.

Charlie Mayhew, chief executive of wildlife charity Tusk, said: Weve always known that Kruger National Park is a prime target for illegal poaching, but these figures are more worrying than ever.

Rhinos are killed by poachers for their horns, which can sell for 57,000 a kilogram in Asia.


"The English did not took India; we gave it to them. They were not in India because of their strength, but because we kept them This excerpt from one of the most seminal work of Mahatma Gandhi and the most original contribution to political theory after Kautilya's Arthashastra still gives goosebumps to those who read HIND SWARAJ which is an alternative to feudalism, Marxism and western style democracy based on majority-ism.

Hind-Swaraj is a book of about 30,000 words written by our Father of Nation in Gujarati while on a return trip from England to South Africa in just 10 days. The book talks about The Concept of Self Rule which still remains valid in the 21st century, it is a key to understanding Gandhi's life and philosophy; and to get over the present dilemma-growth without development. The book depicts how visionary Gandhi Ji was as despite of being published in 1909, it does not talk about how to win political freedom for India; rather it is a book on how humanity can progress from conscious to super-conscious and moral beings. The book contains such deep theories which will compel you to think that has it been written thinking about the current world.

In Hind Swaraj, Gandhi Ji has also laid down the duties of a newspaper which still acts as guiding steps for journalism today. Each chapter of the book talks about various issues still being faced by the country even after 63 years of Independence, one of the excerpts from Chapter XVIII reads English-knowing Indians have not hesitated to cheat and strike terror into the people. It is we, the English-knowing Indians that have enslaved India. The curse of the nation will rest not upon the English but upon us which shows what our country has been lacking since the establishment of the nation i.e UNITY. It is very unfortunate that so little has been written in the mainstream media on Hind Swaraj (Indian Home Rule), in its centenary year though it can be of much use today to resolve the present crisis bedeviling the nation.

You will be surprised to know whenever Bapu was tired of writing from right hand he was writing from this left hand and in this book he had written 40 pages from left hand. (As per featured image Left side image is from book written by Bapu and right hand side image written by Bapu by left hand around 40 pages).

One would agree that how rare and priceless it is to have the original Hind Swaraj written by Bapu himself in ones collection, as today one can re-construct a new monument of love or buy back The Kohinoor from the British empire but bringing Bapu back to life and writing such exemplary work is like a wild dream.

Anirudh Sethi, one of the most prominent author from India and apart from analyzing international markets, the collector of antiquities from around the world having rare collection of objects and coins especially everything regarding Mohan Das Karam Chandra Gandhi and holder of the original Hind Swaraj among his diverse collection.

Anirudh Sethi talks about the book and states that Hind Swaraj is the seed from which the tree of Gandhian philosophy will grow to its full stature in this country.

Mr. Sethi had an interest in understanding the Indian culture from his childhood which led him to write seen best sellers including the likes of The Royal Family of Baroda and now dreams of opening a public museum showcasing the souvenir he has collected throughout the year through vigorous research and study about Mahatma Gandhi Ji.

It is people like Anirudh Sethi who is keeping the tradition and morals of this country alive and spreading the same to the future generations to come!! Like Gandhi Ji, Mr. Sethi too believes that Real home rule is self-rule or self-control. and, non-violence is the only means to attain it.

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The Egyptian government has taken unprecedented interest in seawater desalination, especially with the continuing failure of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) negotiations and Ethiopias completion of 75% of the dam construction.

Egypt has used Russian expertise, in cooperation with the Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI), the Egyptian armed forces Engineering Authority and the University of Alexandria, to promote the local production of seawater desalination.

During talks between the Russian Rusnano Group, the AOI and the Engineering Authority held via video call Jan. 22, Abdul Menhem al-Toras, head of the AOI, underlined the importance of exploiting local industrial capacities to cement domestic production and localize the technology of manufacturing the tools of water desalination stations.

The aim behind this cooperation is to manufacture tools and components of the seawater desalination stations using national Egyptian expertise, he said.

Toras pointed to an agreement between the participating parties on a project to establish a specialized factory to manufacture seawater desalination membranes, in partnership with the Russians, using the technological capacities of the AOI and based on global quality standards at competitive market prices.

Ever since the latest round of negotiations between Ethiopia and Egypt on filling and operating the GERD faltered, there have been increasing concerns about Egypts water situation and ways to ensure the citizens vital components at a reasonable cost and sufficient quantities. These concerns gave a major push to the endeavors to own necessary techniques for water desalination.

During his speech in parliament Jan. 24, Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Mohamed Abdel Ati blamed Ethiopias stubbornness for the failure of the GERD negotiations. Four meetings have been held under the African Union (AU) auspices, and five six-party meetings in the presence of the ministers of irrigation and foreign affairs of Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan, he added. But Ethiopias obstinacy in the Nile dam file continued, Abdel Ati said, stressing that the GERD crisis concerns the whole Egyptian state and institutions, and each authority is doing its relevant part.

During the Jan. 22 virtual meeting, Toras praised the expertise of the Russian Rusnano Group, a prominent entity specialized in seawater desalination. He clarified that they agreed to boost the local components to produce techniques that would save on the expenses of importing components for the manufacture of desalination stations and reduce imports to decrease the spending of foreign currency. This step would also help localize production and reduce the price of one cubic meter of water and achieve high added value for the local industry, he noted.

Nineteen new desalination plants are scheduled to become operational within 18 months and will be added to the already existing ones, which amount to 65 stations located in six governorates.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi issued Decree No. 83 in September 2019, approving a 15 million Kuwaiti dinars (about $49.5 million) loan agreement between the Egyptian government and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development for a project to establish four seawater desalination stations in the south Sinai governorate. The agreement was signed in Sharm el-Sheikh. The project is expected to be launched at the end of 2021 and will be completed within a year and a half.

Hossam Shawky, director of the Egypt Desalination Research Center of Excellence, told Al-Monitor over the phone that the countrys water treatment and desalination strategy is ambitious, as water desalination is one of Egypt's most important strategic options in facing the expected scarcity of water, and using it as drinking water with the gradual shift in dependence on desalinated water in coastal and remote areas, as well as in touristic areas.

He explained that the states strategy is divided into two axes: The first includes the implementation of a number of seawater desalination plants, and the second includes the completion of sewage water treatment projects in all governorates. He said that the implementation of this strategy has already begun and is scheduled to be completed by 2050.

Shawky added that work is underway on two other axes, namely the expansion of the construction of water treatment plants using binary and ternary systems to ensure optimal and multipurpose use of water. Examples include al-Mahsama treatment plant and Bahr al-Baqar sewage water treatment plant with a capacity of 5.6 million cubic meters per day. The second axis comprises ground-water recharge and will be used in places affected by rain during the winter season.

In October, Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly announced that the government is implementing a plan including several projects to set the strategic water vision until 2037.

Madbouly indicated in a speech in parliament that the cost of this plan, which has already begun, amounts to 900 billion Egyptian pounds (about $57.3 billion), and includes a shift to modern irrigation in agriculture, rationalization of canals and drains, treatment of wastewater, and expansion of desalination plants for seawater or groundwater.

He noted that, in less than three years, projects included in the plan and worth 110 billion Egyptian pounds ($7 billion) were implemented; and in less than two years, desalination plants worth 160 billion Egyptian pounds ($10.2 billion) would be completed to meet the water needs of Egyptians by desalinating sea water, in addition to developing the existing ones.

Madbouly added that Egyptian desalination plants had produced about 80,000 cubic meters three years ago, stressing that more than 800,000 cubic meters per day are currently produced. He mentioned the water treatment projects of Bahr al-Baqar, which produces about 5.5 million cubic meters to be used in agricultural irrigation and al-Mahsama plant that produces 1 million cubic meters per day.
A man charged with possession of a two-foot long stick, which was used to cause injury to another man has had his case put back to February 16 for disclosure.

James Donoghue, 3 St Marys Street, Drumlish, was also before Longford District Court last Tuesday for breach of bail.

Sgt Enda Daly explained that Mr Donoghue had breached several bail conditions including a breach of curfew on January 1, 2021, and a number of failures to sign on.

He will reappear before Longford District Court on February 16.
At first glance, the general increase in drug-related offences across the three Cork Garda divisions may be viewed as an issue of serious concern.

However, senior Gardai insist that this is a reflection of the fact that the force is investing "huge amounts" of resources into dedicated drug units across the Cork and indeed the entire country.

"Drugs are out there and the pandemic has not diminished the amount of drug taking in society. People are using them, and the scale and supply of drugs is very prevalent. Our drugs units have had a huge amount of success across the city and county targeting known dealers," Chief Supt Barry McPolin told the Cork County Joint Policing Committee.

"The figures before you speak for themselves. It should not be underestimated that we are taking huge amounts of drugs off the streets of Cork each year," he added.

Chief Superintendent Tom Myers of the Cork North Division said a phenomenal amount of work was being undertaken in relation to tackling drug dealers, whom he described as "a scourge on our communities". "Drugs know no county boundaries, and we are working closely with national drugs units and the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) in relation to targeting the assets of targets across the city and county. This will be a big hit to them," he said.

"The courts are also handing down severe sentences for dealers, in particular those dealing in Class A Drugs like heroin and cocaine.

"The message is that if you are involved in drug trafficking, you will pay the consequences - and that can include long prison sentences."
Aggression is overt or covert, often harmful, social interaction with the intention of inflicting damage or other harm upon another individual.



It may occur either reactively or without provocation. In humans, aggression can be caused by various triggers, from frustration due to blocked goals to feeling disrespected. Human aggression can be classified into direct and indirect aggression; whilst the former is characterized by physical or verbal behavior intended to cause harm to someone, the latter is characterized by behavior intended to harm the social relations of an individual or group.







I did not say mouthing off and screaming at someone was a "crime". What it is is incitement of aggression towards another individual.



The "crime" usually follows with bodily harm when that individual gets out of control. They cannot control their behavior or aggre
Against that backdrop, role models matter. In 2018, Clarke Gayford, a New Zealand broadcaster, opted to stay home with his baby daughter after his partner, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, became the second elected head of government ever to give birth in office. Afterward, Ms. Ardern said the couple received letters from families in similar arrangements, thanking them for normalizing a partnership still seen as odd.

We always tell girls, You cant be what you cant see, but we need to understand that the same is true for boys, said Liz Plank, who found that when she interviewed hundreds of men for her book For the Love of Men, many wanted to upend their fathers tired definition of masculinity but could not come up with public examples of men who had done so. Its just as important for them to see men in support positions as it is for girls to see women in leading positions, she said.

That would be a win for anyone in a support role. Lacey Schwartz Delgado, an award-winning filmmaker who is also a congressional spouse, said she struggles with the reality that raising 7-year-old twins with her public-servant, scheduled-to-the-nines husband has meant her own career must often be adjusted. We always celebrate stepping forward, so when you step back you can feel like a failure, she said. Its too bad it takes this, but when you see men making that choice too  to take on child rearing, to make sacrifices at work, to give their time to their spouse, its powerful. It helps say that that choice is one to be proud of.

It would help even more, of course, if our policies said so too. The United States trails the developed world in its cruel lack of family leave measures and subsidized child care  a status quo based on the antiquated assumption that an unpaid female caregiver is always on hand to care for a baby, sick child or parent. This combination of factors has been devastating during the pandemic, especially for Black and Latina mothers, who are more likely to be breadwinners than their white peers but who also have been driven out of the work force at higher rates  a dual whammy that underscores our crisis of care.

And heres where I find myself dreaming about how else Mr. Emhoff could make a difference in his new role. Second spouses traditionally have portfolios of work. If he were to take on caregiving as an issue, he would upend gender norms even further by embracing a subject that affects all of us yet is almost exclusively discussed by women. And who better than the man in the girl dad sweatshirt to lobby for paid family leave?

In doing that, hed also demonstrate allyship. Jamia Wilson, an activist and the former publisher of the Feminist Press, relishes the significance of a white man stepping back to support the career and vision of a Black, South Asian, second-generation-American woman. Part of being an ally  which Ive experienced myself in my marriage to a white man  is, how are you going to not just love me, but show up for my community? she said. I go back to how Kamala always says she will be first but not last. So what is he going to do to make sure she is not the last? Supporting the next generation of milestone makers, she said, would be a beautiful thing.

It would. But of course, Mr. Emhoff is not the protagonist here  that would be the vice president, and whatever she needs from him will define his role. Nobody can do the job of vice president or president without having someone to cry to, vent to, laugh with, said Kati Marton, whose book Hidden Power surveyed 12 presidential marriages. His main role is to be what so many wives have been over the millennia: a really great support to his spouse.
Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disicks relationship is anything but conventional. The two have officially been broken up for years. Yet, they remain close  to the point where its easy to believe theres still a spark between them. Just take the new trailer for Keeping Up With the Kardashians Season 20 for example, which shows them even taking a nap together.

Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick at an event together in October 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada | Denise Truscello/WireImage

Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick spent a lot of time together in 2020, per reports

Kardashian and Disick specifically seemed to be around each other a lot in the earlier part of the year after Disick spent time in a Colorado rehab facility. At the time, sources told E! News he had allegedly turned to Kardashian for support as he worked to cope with lasting grief from the deaths of his parents.

Kourtney knows how to handle Scott and he is always in a better headspace when he gets to spend time with his kids, the source said, referencing their three children: Mason, 11, Penelope, 8, and Reign, 6. She has really been there for him since his rehab exit, and has had a lot of sympathy towards him.

Throughout the summer, Kardashian and Disick reportedly took several family vacations together, including a May trip to Utah. Soon, reconciliation rumors started to emerge, fueled by flirty comments Disick was caught leaving on Kardashians social media. But multiple sources denied them, saying that while the two are close, theyre just friends.

Sundays are for self care, so treat yourself with this DIY, all-natural lip scrub on @pooshdotcom https://t.co/Dcv9qSTi0N pic.twitter.com/9nstvmQgVD  Kourtney Kardashian (@kourtneykardash) June 30, 2019

RELATED: Fans Think Kourtney Kardashian Is Wearing Scott Disicks Shirt in New Instagram Photo

Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick were caught resting together in a trailer for Keeping Up With the Kardashians

In a scene featured in the trailer for the upcoming season of KUWTK, Kim Kardashian West tells her family she walked in on Kardashian and Disick napping together. The clip then cuts to footage that indeed shows them knocked out on a couch as Kardashian West tiptoes out of the room.

Theyre definitely made for each other, Kendall Jenner replies in the conversation with the KKW Beauty founder. Like, theyre supposed to be together.

The scene was likely filmed in 2020, but its unclear exactly when.

RELATED: Quarantine Led to Scott Disick and Sofia Richies Breakup, Source Claims

The trailer is for the final season of Keeping Up With the Kardashians

The trailer is for the 20th and final season of KUWTK, which will begin airing in March. Kardashian West announced the end of the show in September 2020, explaining in a subsequent interview with Grazia magazine that she and her family just want a break.

We just need a minute to regroup. You know, we havent had a break for fourteen years, she continued. Weve gone in filming a season, then a spin-off, and I think theres no other way to say it other than, we just live such big lives. And we have kids now. And they need us. Theres so much going on that, even just for a minute we need a break.

But while they might not have a show anymore, theyll still work in television. Shortly after the news of the end of KUWTK, the Kardashian-Jenners finalized a massive deal with Hulu, under which theyll produce various forms of content.
A couple crashed their boat into an embankment after being 'spooked' by a spider.

A 30-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman were boating in the Hawkesbury River in Sydney's North West on Saturday when the unwelcome guest suddenly appeared at about 3pm.

As the boat crashed into an embankment at Sackville North, the woman was flung through the windshield suffering injuries to her head.

The man also suffered head and leg injuries and the pair were taken to Westmead Hospital in a stable condition.

A couple crashed their boat into an embankment after being spooked by a spider in the Hawkesbury River around 3pm on Saturday

NSW Ambulance Inspector Peter Van Praag said the pair were lucky not to have sustained any more severe injuries.

'It appears the pair were spooked by an unwelcome spider that came down from the roof of the boat,' he said.

'They were distracted by the spider and next thing they looked up and crashed into the bank.'

Mr Van Praag said the woman had to be taken to hospital via a Careflight helicopter.

'She broke the windscreen and rolled across the bow of the boat and back into the shallow water after the boat mounted the bank,' he said.

It's unclear what kind of spider was on the boat.
WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th January, 2021) US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Colombian Foreign Minister Claudia Blum discussed the political and economic situation in Venezuela during a phone conversation, State Department spokesperson Ned price said in a statement.

"The Secretary and Foreign Minister Blum also discussed their shared commitment to the restoration of democracy and economic stability in Venezuela, and the importance of efforts to meet the humanitarian needs of Venezuelan migrants in Colombia and throughout the region," Price said after the call on Friday.

Blinken told Blum the Biden administration looked forward to boosting both nations' economies in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Price said.

Blinken pledged to partner closely with the Colombian government on countering drug trafficking and transnational criminal groups that threaten regional security, the spokesman added.
The government is scheduled to take up 20 new bills during the Budget Session that got underway on January 29 with the tabling of the Economic Survey, a Lok Sabha bulletin has said.

The Budget Session will be held in two partsfrom January 29 to February 15 and then March 8 to April 8.

The 20 new bills include the Finance Bill, where Parliament will clear proposals of the Union Budget after it is presented on February 1.

Some of the bills that will be tabled include the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) Bill, Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, Electricity (Amendment) Bill, Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill.

Also read: Economic Survey 2021 pegs GDP growth at 11% in FY22, backs fiscal expansion to beat slowdown

The Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021, aims to create a facilitative framework for the official digital currency to be issued by the Reserve Bank of India. The bill also seeks to prohibit all private cryptocurrencies in India, however, it allows for certain exceptions to promote the underlying technology of cryptocurrency and its uses.

National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) Bill, 2021, proposes a new development financial institution (DFI) as a provider, enabler and catalyst for infrastructure financing and as the principal financial institution and development bank for building and sustaining a supportive ecosystem across the life-cycle of infrastructure projects.

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2021, seeks structural changes in the mining sector through amendment to act of 1957 to accelerate growth and generate employment. It also seeks to improve the competitiveness of the sector by removing legacy issues and attract private investments by bringing in international best practices in exploration and mining.

The Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2021 aims at de-licensing of the distribution business and bring in competition, the appointment of members from law background in every commission, strengthening of APTEL, a penalty for non-compliance of RPO, prescribing rights and duties of consumers.

The CCI Amendment Bill aims to make certain essential structural changes in the governing structure of the CCI, changes to substantive provisions to address the needs for new-age markets and to expand the activities of the commission by opening regional offices.
London: European leaders have given themselves sweeping powers to block crucial coronavirus vaccine shipments to Australia in a ploy condemned as unethical, dangerous and selfish.

The new export restrictions, unveiled overnight Australian-time, grant the European Union final say on whether jabs produced on the continent by pharmaceutical giants Pfizer and AstraZeneca can leave the territory.

The emergency scheme is the latest escalation in a brawl between the EU and two drug firms, which recently warned the number of doses available to Europe over the coming months would be slashed because of production problems.

European leaders retaliated on Friday by publishing new export controls designed to give EU citizens priority access to locally produced jabs even though other countries, including Australia, are also relying on supplies from European factories.
Peeved over developments at the Ghazipur border site of farmers protest, the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Lok Shakti) on Friday re-launched its stir over the new farm laws, just a day after it had announced withdrawing its protest in Noida. BKU (Lok Shakti) chief Thakur Sheoraj Singh Bhati called on the unions supporters, who were camping at the Dalit Prerna Sthal in Noida, to now reach Ghazipur border, where BKU members are staying put.

In a video message, Singh also appealed to BKU (Lok Shakti) supporters in western Uttar Pradesh to reach the farmers mahapanchayat that was convened in Muzaffarnagar. Yesterday, an MLA of Ghaziabad had reached Ghazipur protest site along with his armed supporters. This act has distressed the soul of (BKU leader) Rakesh Tikait. An announcement was made regarding his arrest and ending of the protest there, but the MLA vitiated the atmosphere there and Tikait broke down, Bhati said.

BKU (Lok Shakti) will not tolerate any policy of suppression. The government or administration can take any action but no MLA or public representative can act cruelly with the farmers and BKU (Lok Shakti) will not tolerate this, he added. Bhati said his faction will stand shoulder to shoulder with Tikaits BKU in the fight against the new contentious farm laws.

BKU (Lok Shakti) had been camping at the Dalit Prerna Sthal in Noida since December 2, demanding the rollback of the three new farm laws, legalization of the minimum support price for crops and implementation of recommendations of the Swaminathan Committee report. Bhati, the factions national president, had Thursday announced ending the protest in view of the violence during farmers tractor parade in Delhi on Republic Day. He and some other of his union members later Thursday also met with Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar. On the union chiefs call, office bearers of BKU (Lok Shakti) attended the mahapanchayat in Muzaffarnagar, while scores of supporters reached Ghazipur border to join the stir there on Friday evening.
New Delhi: A threat has occurred outside the Israeli embassy in the Lutyens area of Delhi on Friday evening. According to the information, this blast was done to spread panic. Israeli Ambassador to India, Dr. Ron Malka, after talking to a private news channel said that all people are completely safe. The blast was done near the Israeli embassy. Efforts are being made with the Government of India to know which people were involved in this attack.

He said that it is too early to blame any organization for this blast. There is a very close friendship between Israel and India. Ever since the Israeli mission in Europe began to be targeted, all missions have been put on high alert ever since. He said that there is not much I can say about the relationship between India and Israel, but both are working very wisely. Terrorism will be fought together. Israel is confident that India will ensure the safety of our mission and diplomat.

At the same time, the Israeli Foreign Ministry has described this incident as a terrorist incident. The Israeli Foreign Ministry also said that Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenji is being regularly updated on this matter. He has ordered to take all necessary security measures.

Also Read:-

Indo-Nepal border reopens after 8 months, conditions applied

Sonu Sood again raises his helping hand after video of Indore Corporation went viral

Sriwijaya Air plane Crash: Indonesian officials identify body of pilot
A West Virginia news publisher has filed an antitrust suit against Google and Facebook, who together receive roughly half of all digital ad dollars in the U.S. and are facing antitrust charges from federal and state authorities.

The company, HD Media, owns several papers in the state, including the Herald-Dispatch in Huntington and the Charleston Gazette-Mail.

HD Media claims Google has so monopolized the online ad market that 'it threatens the extinction of local newspapers across the country.' The suit also alleges that Google and Facebook conspired to further their dominance with a secret agreement, referring to a suit filed by 10 Republican attorneys general in December.

The company does not specify the impact on its business of the behavior of Facebook and Google beyond saying that it has hurt its ability to 'effectively monetize its content' because Google is enabled to take an uncompetitive share of the news publisher's ad revenues. A lawyer for the company declined to speak on the record.

The company, HD Media, owns several papers in the state, including the Herald-Dispatch in Huntington and the Charleston Gazette-Mail

It's the first antitrust lawsuit against a tech platform focused on news publishing, said David Chavern, head of the news trade group News Media Alliance. He said the group was not involved in the suit.

HD Media filed in federal court in West Virginia and asked for a jury trial. It asked for unspecified damages and that the court stop Google and Facebook from the uncompetitive conduct it is alleging.

The newspaper industry has been on a long decline, with steep job losses and publications getting thinner and even disappearing. Online ad revenues have been unable to offset print-ad losses.

Federal and state antitrust authorities have sued both Google and Facebook in recent months. The Justice Department alleges that Google abuses its dominance in online search and advertising.

HD Media claims Google has so monopolized the online ad market that 'it threatens the extinction of local newspapers across the country.'

Suit also alleges that Google and Facebook conspired to further their dominance with a secret agreement

Facebook didn't immediately reply to a request for comment. Google referred a reporter to a blog post published in mid-January by its director of economic policy, Adam Cohen, that defends Google's business against antitrust charges brought by the Texas attorney general in December.

The lawsuit comes as Google has vowed to withdraw its main search engine from Australia, while Facebook Inc says it will block news sharing if the government proceeds with a law to make them pay domestic media outlets for content they feature.

The planned law states that Australian news outlets can negotiate individually or collectively with Facebook and Google over payment for content used on the tech firms' sites. Other tech firms may be added if they are deemed big enough.

If the parties cannot reach an agreement, an arbitrator will decide whose offer is more reasonable. If Facebook or Google break any resulting agreements, they can be fined up to A$10 million ($7.4 million) in civil penalties.


The construction of a transit accommodation at the Headquarters of the Southern Command, Kpeshie Ridge of the Ghana Armed Forces will soon be completed.



When completed, it will address the challenge of lack of accommodation for soldiers based outside Accra but who visit the national capital to perform official duties.



The building which will house 96 people at a time and is estimated at a cost of GH3 million, is the initiative of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) the Southern Command, Brigadier General Abraham Yeboah Nsiah, on May 13, 2020.



The facility contains a dining hall, ironing rooms, and washrooms with other ancillary facilities.



Brigadier General Abraham Yeboah Nsiah started the project as part of his personal contribution to augment governments efforts in addressing the accommodation challenges facing the various barracks across the country.



Media briefing



Briefing the media on Friday, January 29, 2021 on the progress of the project, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Southern Command, Major Berlinda Amarteifio said the building will serve as a transit quarters to accommodate personnel from units outside Accra whenever they come to Accra for official duties.



She explained that personnel who come from units outside Accra for training purposes, ceremonial duties, escort duties and other official assignments, encounter challenges with accommodation, forcing some to perch with their friends outside the barracks.



She said when personnel come to Accra for official duties, such people needed to be accommodated at the barracks but unfortunately, due to accommodation challenges, they are compelled to go outside and perch with friends.



So the GOC in a bid to alleviate this stress that personnel have to go through whenever they come to Accra for official duties, initiated this project, Major Amarteifio noted.



She said although the government is doing its best to address the accommodation challenges in the various barracks, benevolent individuals could assist in that respect, saying that when a soldier gets a good place to sleep, it enables them to carry out their duties well.



The President of Citizen Eye Ghana (CITEG), a civil society organization, Alex Kwaku Tetteh, who was at the event commended Brigadier General Abraham Yeboah Nsiah for the project and called on other Ghanaian nationals to emulate his example.







Source: Graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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A student from Brazil risked death when he swallowed around 100 packages containing cocaine, totalling around a kilo in weight, in an attempt to smuggle them into the UK.

Luan Irving Dos Santos Monteiro (30), who is originally from Macapa, has been jailed after he was caught with the cocaine worth around 80,000 (90,381) the day before Christmas.

He was initially detained by Border Force officers at Heathrow Terminal 4 after an x-ray revealed the packages when he got off a flight from Sao Paulo.

He was then questioned by National Crime Agency investigators following his interception at Heathrow on 24 December 2020.

A judge at Isleworth Crown Court sentenced him to four years and two months in prison after he was charged with attempting to import class A drugs on Christmas Day.

Read More

NCA Heathrow operations manager Ian Truby said this was an incredibly dangerous smuggling method.

Had any one of those packages split then the consequences could have been fatal, he said. Organised crime groups need drugs mules like Dos Santos Monteiro to bring their illicit substances into the UK.

His was an important link in the chain from the producers and cartels in South America to the UK street gangs who sell these drugs.

He added: At every level throughout that chain we see criminals engaged in violence and exploitation, which is why we are doing everything we can to target the networks involved in international drug trafficking.
Police on Saturday identified the woman fatally shot Thursday in a North Portland neighborhood as 24-year-old Christina Gomez.

Gomez was found with a gunshot wound in the 9500 block of North Buchanan Avenue after officers were called to reports of shots fired in St. Johns.

She was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Her death has been ruled a homicide, police said, but the circumstances surrounding her killing remain under investigation.

All parties involved in the incident have been identified and interviewed, police said.

Police asked anyone with information about this case to contact Detective Ryan Foote (Ryan.Foote@portlandoregon.gov; 503-823-0781) or Detective Travis Law (Travis.Law@portlandoregon.gov; 503-823-0395) and reference case number 21-25163.

-- Jaimie Ding

jding@oregonian.com; 503-221-4395; @j_dingdingding

Puducherry:

Lt Governor Kiran Bedi has hailed the launch of GST in a tweet and said that 'India is heading to become one common market-Indian Common Market'(ICM).

'So far as Puducherry is concerned the GST is the product of non-stop work personally seen it done in Puducherry by Commercial Taxe Department,' she tweeted.

Puducherry has worked through the year to prepare traders, officers and consumers to prepare for GST transition, she said. The new tax regime was ushered on Friday at a latenight event in the historic Central Hall of Parliament.

India Heading to become one common market. 

ICM, Indian Common Market. https://t.co/YgfwRZQxTc  Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) June 30, 2017

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News reports indicate COVID-19 vaccines are not getting out soon enough nor inadequate supplies to most regions, but there may be a larger underlying problem than shortages. A University of California, Davis, study found that more than a third of people nationwide are either unlikely or at least hesitant to get a COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to them.

The results are from public polling of more than 800 English-speaking adults nationwide in a study published online earlier this month in the journal Vaccine.

Our research indicates that vaccine uptake will be suboptimal ... with 14.8 percent of respondents being unlikely to get vaccinated and another 23 percent unsure." Jeanette B. Ruiz, Study Lead Author and Assistant Professor of Teaching Communication, University of California - Davis

"Even though vaccination remains one of the most effective public health initiatives, some still doubt the efficacy and safety of vaccines. Unfortunately, the seemingly rushed process of the COVID-19 vaccine may have further fueled these doubts."

The co-author is Robert Bell, emeritus professor of communication, UC Davis.

Respondents cited vaccine safety and effectiveness assessments as the primary basis for hesitancy, authors said.

In the study, compensated participants were recruited from the United States through an Internet survey panel of 2.5 million residents developed by a commercial survey firm. Recruitment was based on quota sampling to produce a U.S. census-matched sample representative of the nation and was representative of the U.S. population in terms of region of residence, sex, and age, but also diverse with regard to all demographic variables assessed.

Researchers measured the respondents' intention to vaccinate; demographic and health status profile of individuals least likely to vaccinate; general vaccine knowledge and vaccine conspiracy beliefs; and the role of media and partisan politics played in their resistance to vaccination.

A political party, health risk factors, media contribute to attitudes

The authors indicated demographic characteristics, vaccine knowledge, perceived vulnerability to COVID-19, risk factors for COVID-19, and politics likely contribute to vaccination hesitancy. The study was conducted relatively early in the pandemic outbreak during two days in June 2020.

Demographic predictors of the likelihood of being vaccinated against COVID-19 included having an income of $120,000 or higher or being a Democrat (in comparison to the reference category Republican).

The members of three political groups -- Democrat, Republican or Independent -- did not differ in their reported vaccine knowledge, however. One-fourth of those identifying with no political party reported they were not likely to get vaccinated.

The media had an effect too. Respondents relying primarily on social media for information about COVID-19 anticipated a lower likelihood of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.

Those reporting getting their information from various other media did not show significant differences in vaccine acceptance, but viewers of Fox News did report being more hesitant than viewers of other broadcast news, the research showed.

The authors noted that it is possible that individuals gravitate toward the cable news networks that present a view on the pandemic that is aligned with their own opinions.

Media reports have regularly noted that men, adults age 65 and over, and individuals with pre-existing conditions are most vulnerable to COVID-19, and respondents from these groups said they were more likely to accept a future vaccine in this survey. A majority of the least-educated respondents did not expect to get vaccinated against COVID-19, researchers said.

The top four reasons given for vaccination hesitancy were as follows: concerns about vaccine side effects, worries about allergic responses to the vaccine, doubts about vaccine effectiveness and a preference for developing immunity through infection.

Other reasons were less frequently cited -- including being healthy, fear of needles, being immune from past infection, being young and lack of concern about developing a serious illness.

Unfortunately, the health disparities present in the spread and treatment of COVID-19 were reflected in survey participants' vaccination hesitancy estimations," researchers said in the paper. "The pandemic has especially burdened the African American, Latino, and Native American communities, who account for a disproportionate number of COVID-19 cases and deaths. Greater likelihood of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was associated with more knowledge about vaccines, less acceptance of vaccine conspiracies, elevated COVID-19 threat appraisals, and being current with influenza immunization."

Primary findings summary

Male, older, white, married, and those from higher-income households more likely to vaccinate.

Republicans and Fox News viewers were less likely to vaccinate.

Being currently immunized against influenza predicted COVID-19 vaccination intent.

A better understanding of COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy is needed.
Egyptian hairdressing icon Mohamed El-Sagheer died at 84 on Friday from the coronavirus.

El-Sagheer was best known for revolutionising the salon industry and hair fashion with his cuts and innovative approach.

Countless celebrities and users took to social media on Friday to mourn the death of the owner of El-Sagheer chain of beauty salons.

El-Sagheer started his work in the beauty industry at the beginning of the 1960s. He travelled to France in 1971 where he acquired more skills and techniques alongside his most important mentor, the famous name in the profession: Alexander de Paris.

He returned to Egypt a few years later to launch a salon in his name and become one of the first "haute coiffeurs" in the region.

El-Sagheer, who counted scores of celebrities and dignitaries as his friends and clients, has been hailed as the life and soul of the profession by those who knew and loved him.

The El-Sagheer beauty salons all over Egypt have been closed since Friday as a mark of respect to their owner.

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-30 01:36:38|Editor: huaxia

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A crew member of an export freight train gives a thumbs up at a departure ceremony in Ankara, Turkey, on Jan. 29, 2021. The first block export freight train from Turkey to Russia and a new Turkey-China export train departed on Friday from Ankara. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua)

ANKARA, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- The first block export freight train from Turkey to Russia and a new Turkey-China export train departed on Friday from Turkey's capital Ankara.

"Following the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line and successful completion of export railway services through the central hallway between Turkey and China in December, we are happy to send our first block export train from Ankara to Moscow," Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Adil Karaismailoglu said at the ceremony at the train station.

The train en route to Moscow carries major appliances on 15 wagons and 15 containers for the 4,650-km distance, the minister said.

The train bound for China is carrying 1,000 tons of the mineral boron in 42 containers via the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, Karaismailoglu noted.

The project, which aims for a massive transportation network linking Asia, Europe and the Middle East, is a very important project for Turkey and a very important opportunity, he said.

The transit time between Turkey and China decreased to 12 days from 30 days thanks to this project, the minister added.

Turkey sent its first export train to China on Dec. 19, 2020.
Bengaluru:

Meira Kumar, the oppositions presidential nominee, on Saturday asserted that she was not a scapegoat in the upcoming election to the countrys top constitutional post as she was fighting for an ideology.



Anybody fighting for an ideology and appealing to the voice of conscience cannot be a scapegoat. I am a fighter and I will fight and I am sure that many will join me in this fight, she said in response to a question whether she was being made a scapegoat in the presidential election.



Union minister and Republican Party of India (RPI) leader Ramdas Athawale had yesterday took a jibe at the Congress saying it was using Kumar as a scapegoat by fielding her as the opposition candidate in the July 17 presidential election.



Kumar, a former Lok Sabha speaker and the daughter of iconic Dalit leader Jagjivan Ram, was speaking to reporters after meeting the Congress MPs and MLAs at the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee office here.



Seventeen opposition parties have fielded Kumar as their joint candidate in the presidential election against NDAs nominee Ram Nath Kovind.



To a question on her not having the support of enough lawmakers, Kumar said she was fighting the poll on values and principles which were sacred to the people of the country.



Wherever I go, people tell me that I do not have the numbers. If I do not have the numbers, why dont you round up the figures and declare the results? Why have the elections?, she wondered.

ALSO READ | Presidential poll 2017: Meira Kumar files her nomination in presence of Sonia Gandhi, other Opposition leaders



Pointing out that she launched her campaign from the Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat, Kumar said, I am carrying forward those values and principles which are sacred to most of my countrymen and women.



Someone has to take them up. I am taking up your fight also....you want me to withdraw? Do you want me to get defeated? I am simply fighting.



Kumar also met former prime minister and Janata Dal (Secular) supremo H D Deve Gowda and sought his partys support to her candidature.



Asked about the presidential poll turning into a Dalit contest, she said it was shameful that a supreme election to the post of president was being painted in this manner.



We have to come out of this mentality....even in 2017, people with high qualifications are talking about castes. When both the sides had fielded candidates from higher castes in the past, no one discussed about it. We were not even aware of their castes. We were only aware of their accomplishments, experience and capabilities and only those things were discussed.



When the contest is between me and Kovind, our caste is being discussed and there is no other talk. Where are we today? Where are we heading?, she wondered.



Noting that in todays era, everyone craved for quality, Kumar said, Our thinking needs to become good as well.

ALSO READ | Presidential poll | Meira Kumar to News Nation: 'It's not Dalit vs Dalit fight; have lot of respect Ram Nath Kovind'



Asked if she would meet Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in the run-up to the election, Kumar said she had written a letter to him and would decide on meeting him when she visited the eastern state.



Going against the decision of its alliance partners, the RJD and the Congress, Nitish Kumars JD(U) has decided to back the candidature of former Bihar governor Kovind. Kumar, the oppositions presidential nominee, also hails from Bihar.



When pointed out that like her, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also been speaking about development based on Mahatma Gandhis ideologies, Kumar said Gandhijis ideology was that of secularism.



We do not just have to be tolerant towards the other religions, but be respectful towards them. That was Gandhijis ideology and we have always carried that forward, she said.

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The Telegraph

The daughter of Radovan Karadzic, the former Bosnian Serb leader serving life for genocide and crimes against humanity during the 1990s Yugoslav wars, has claimed her father is living in unhealthy and uncivilised conditions in a British prison. Karadzic, 75, who was convicted in 2016, was transferred from a detention unit in Holland to a UK jail earlier this month following an agreement struck between the UN and the Home Office. But his daughter, Sonja Karadzic-Jovicevic, has complained about the conditions at her fathers new prison after speaking to him on the phone. "As for the physical condition in which he is accommodated, it is unacceptable, she told SRNA, a news agency based in the Republika Srpska, the Serb enclave of Bosnia. If we add to that the fact that he is in a building full of carcinogenic asbestos that is banned around the world, it is clear in what condition he will be in. Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic also claimed that moving her father to the UK was a deliberate act of spite against his family. "My father is in a very uncivilised situation, and as far as his family is concerned, his relocation to the south of England was deliberately made to keep him far away, outside the rules of the United Nations Resolution adopted by the Security Council, she said. It will be very difficult for us physically, financially and procedurally, because of visas, and immunisation during the pandemic, and even after that, to ever go there and visit him," she continued. She added that he had been deprived of his books and his computer, and will be completely removed from his language and his culture. A spokesman for the Justice Ministry said: "UK prisons meet health and safety standards." Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic, who has a political career in Bosnia, has fought to defend her fathers name despite his brutal role in the wars as the Yugoslavian federation separated in the 1990s. Known as the Butcher of Bosnia, Karadzic went down in infamy, in particular for ordering the Srebrenica Massacre in July 1995. Some 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were rounded up by the Bosnian Serb army in and around the town of Srebrenica and then killed in the worst single massacre in Europe since the end of the Second World War. Karadzics lawyers had objected to his clients transfer to the UK, arguing that his life would be in danger owing to Muslim inmates in British prisons. They also argued that owing to possible threats to Karadzics life he would be kept in conditions resembling solitary confinement, but the UN court dismissed the objections. Given his role in the slaughter of Muslims, the experience of another Serb convicted of war crimes may also weigh upon the Karadzic family. In 2010 Radislav Krstic, a former Bosnian-Serb general, was stabbed by three Muslim prisoners while serving a sentence in Wakefield prison, in apparent retaliation for Srebrenica.
FILE PHOTO: Film producer Harvey Weinstein departs Criminal Court is pictured on the first day of a sexual assault trial in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, U.S., January 6, 2020. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo (REUTERS)

Jack Palladino, a private detective hired by Harvey Weinstein to investigate potential accusers and journalists, is on life support and not expected to recover after being robbed outside his San Francisco home.

Mr Palladino, whose client list included Kevin Costner, Robin Williams, Snoop Dogg, and Bill Clinton, had just stepped outside of his Victorian home in the citys Haight-Ashbury neighborhood when a car pulled up and a thief tried to take his expensive camera. The incident caused Mr Palladino, 70, to fall and hit his head on the pavement.

His son, Nick Chapman, told the San Francisco Chronicle the famed detective is not expected to survive, after surgeons tried to stop the bleeding.

Mr Palladino began taking on high-profile cases along with his wife Sandra Sutherland soon after leaving law school, including investigating Patty Hearsts 1974 kidnapping by the Symbionese Liberation Army, as well as reportedly working for Bill Clinton in 1992 just before he was elected president to quell rumours about extramarital affairs.

More recently, Mr Palladino, whose family said he was working on a final case before entering retirement, was part of a group, which included private investigators and ex-Mossad agents, hired by disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein to surveil and assess the credibility of various potential accusers and journalists pursuing the case.

According to The New Yorker, Mr Palladinos targets included a profile on Adam Moss, then editor of New York magazine, which was pursuing a story on Mr Weinstein that never made it to print.

There was much more static and distraction than Ive encountered on any other story, Ben Wallace, the writer pursuing the article for New York, told The New Yorker.

At the time, defending his actions, Mr Palladino told the Chronicle that the credibility of witnesses and the verifiability of allegations are always at issue in litigation. That is not only our firms particular expertise as investigators, but our legal and ethical due process obligation in the representation of our clients.

Story continues

Mr Palladino was part of a larger effort from Mr Weinstein to get information on the women preparing to publicly accuse him of sexual misconduct. According to The New Yorker, two investigators from the intelligence firm Black Cube used false identities and met with Rose McGowan, an actress who eventually publicly accused Mr Weinstein of rape. One of the investigators also pretended to be a womens right activist and secretly record multiple meetings with Ms McGowan, as well as deceiving journalists in an attempt to try and find out who was taking their allegations to the press.

Read More

Harvey Weinstein accusers agree to $17m settlement deal

Weinstein extradition to California delayed again due to coronavirus

Weinstein faces up to 140 years in prison if convicted of new charges
Illinois 47th in COVID Vaccine Distribution

By The Associated Press

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Republicans questioned Gov. J.B. Pritzker this week on why Illinois efforts in distributing COVID vaccines are lagging.In a letter addressed to Pritzker, members of the Senate Republican Caucus said Illinois ranks 47th in overall vaccine distribution, with just 4.8% of Illinoisans receiving at least one shot as of Thursday.We are asking for you to provide a clear explanation to legislators and to the citizens of Illinois as to why Illinois is among the worst states in regard to getting vaccines out to those who need it most, the caucus said in the letter, adding that putting the blame on the federal government is unsatisfactory.Pritzker has been urging patience for essential workers and people 65 or older who are now eligible to receive shots. He said efforts will be bolstered with $43 million in new federal funding and a 16% increase in weekly vaccine deliveries promised by President Joe Bidens administration.Illinois started to administer vaccinations in December. As of Wednesday, roughly 830,000 vaccines had been given to residents.Currently, just over a quarter of residents in long-term care facilities have received shots while doses sit on shelves. Pritzker said he recently spoke with leaders of Walgreens and CVS in charge of getting the vaccines to patients.
WASHINGTON  The Republican Accountability Project, an anti-Trump group, is paying for two billboards in the district of U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, telling her to resign.

The billboards going up Monday in Queensbury and Fort Ann will say "You lied about the election. The Capitol was attacked. Stefanik: resign."

The billboards will remain up until the end of February, said Meaghan Leister, chief of National Communications and Outreach for Defending Democracy Together, which runs the Republican Accountability Project.

The billboards are the first phase of a $1 million campaign targeting nine other House Republicans and U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Josh Hawley, R-Mo. All of the lawmakers voted to object to certifying the 2020 presidential election results on Jan. 6, hours after a mob of pro-Trump supporters broke into the U.S. Capitol to try to stop the certification and keep President Donald Trump in the White House.

The campaign is part of a larger effort by Defending Democracy Together, which opposed Trump's re-election, to aid Republicans who voted to impeach Trump and back primary challengers of Republicans, like Stefanik, who objected to President Joe Biden's electoral victory.

"Rep. Stefanik helped incite the attack on the Capitol by spreading lies about the election which proves she is unfit to hold office and should be nowhere near power," Leister said.

Stefanik said she objected to certifying the election results because she believes elections in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan were improperly conducted. She said tens of millions of Americans had concerns about unconstitutional overreach by officials running the elections and judges and those concerns should be discussed.

Her campaign did not respond to a request for comment Friday night.

The other House Republicans targeted by the campaign are U.S. Reps. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, Louie Gohmert, R-Texas, Madison Cawthorne, R-N.C., Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., Mo Brooks, R-Ala. and Dan Bishop, R-N.C.

Trump's campaign and his supporters filed dozens of lawsuits challenging Biden's victory, but judges have not found that election laws were broken in the course of the 2020 election or that fraud occurred. Biden won the popular vote and the Electoral College vote. The House and Senate voted overwhelmingly to certify the election results on Jan. 7.

Since her vote, Stefanik has lost the support of some major corporate donors and was removed from the advisory committee of Harvard Kennedy School's Institute of Politics.


Canada announced stricter restrictions on travelers including a mandatory $2,000 hotel quarantine, multiple tests, increased 'surveillance' and banning all flight to Mexico and the Caribbean.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the new measures on Friday in response to the more contagious variants of the novel coronavirus.

Starting next week, all international passenger flights to Canada must land at four airports: Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary and Montreal.

In addition to pre-boarding negative tests that Canada also requires, travelers will be tested at the airport on arrival and be forced to quarantine in a hotel at their own expense until the result three days later.

Following a negative result they will be expected to quarantine at home, with expanded 'surveillance and enforcement' and another test on the tenth day.

Trudeau said the travel restriction measures will start 'in the coming weeks' but airline services to Mexico and all Caribbean destinations are immediately suspended until April 30.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured at Rideau Cottage in Ottawa on Jan. 22, has announced stricter restrictions on travelers to Canada

All flights to Mexico and the Caribbean have been immediately suspended until April 30. Pictured Vancouver International Airport on January 28

The new restrictions require all international passengers to fly into one of four airports, Vancouver, pictured, Toronto, Montreal or Calgary, and be tested on arrival

Arrivals to airports, pictured Pearson Airport in Toronto on January 26, will be forced to quarantine in a hotel at their own expense. It is designed to deter people from taking holidays

All passengers will be expected to be tested on arrival, pictured are staff in PPE kit at Toronto's Pearson airport on January 26

Returning traveller Alain Wiesenthal has a COVID-19 test done at Pearson Airport in Toronto on Tuesday January 26, 2021. Wiesenthal was returning from an essential trip to Israel via New York

Trudeau said that the hotel stays could cost as much as $2,000 Canadian dollars, around $1,576 American dollars, due to added security, food and safety measures to protect staff.

He said: 'Travelers will then have to wait for up to three days at an approved hotel for their test results, at their own expense, which is expected to be more than $2,000. Those with negative test results will then be able to quarantine at home under significantly increased surveillance and enforcement.'

He said the measure will be take effect 'in the coming weeks.'

The steep cost for the hotel stay includes the cost for a private PCR test, security, food and the cost of measures the designated hotels will have to take to keep their workers safe.

Dr. Theresa Tam, Canadas chief public health officer, said: 'The cost is a ballparking. This isnt like any other facility. This is one where there has to be infection prevention control measures, security and other costs as well. Its not just a regular stay at a hotel.'

The new measures have been brought in as a response to new, highly contagious variants of the novel coronavirus

Tam also said a test will be required on the 10th day after people return.

The prime minister said those with positive tests will be immediately required to quarantine in designated government facilities to make sure they're not carrying variants of particular concern.

It's excellent. It's a shame it's this late. This is something they could have done ages ago. Dr. Andrew Morris, a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Toronto

Trudeau also said the government and Canadas main airlines have agreed to suspend service to sun destinations Mexico and the Caribbean right away.

He said Air Canada, WestJet, Sunwing, and Air Transat are cancelling air service to all Caribbean destinations and Mexico starting Sunday until April 30.

'They will be making arrangements with their customers who are currently on a trip in these regions to organize their return flights,' Trudeau said.

Mexicos Foreign Relations Department said in a statement that 'the government of Mexico expresses its hope that the measure recently announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau can be withdrawn as soon as possible, in order to avoid a deep economic crisis in the North American Region.'

Trudeau said they were working to include 'additional testing requirements for land travel'.

Canada already requires those entering the country to self-isolate for 14 days and to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days before arrival.

Tam, Canadas top health official, said that security contractors will be going door-to-door to check on returnees who are isolating at home.

The move to require a hotel stay upon return would discourage vacations as people would not want to have to quarantine at a hotel at their own expense upon return.

Dr. Andrew Morris, a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Toronto and the medical director of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program at Sinai-University Health Network, said: 'It's excellent. It's a shame it's this late. This is something they could have done ages ago. This is definitely a step in the right direction.'

More and more governments are thinking about ways to be more aggressive because of the new variants, delays in vaccines, the challenges with getting the population vaccinated and the strains on health care systems.

Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said officials have been urging Canadians to cancel all nonessential travel and are trying to eliminate it.

'"Unfortunately, some are making the choice to engage in nonessential travel. If they are going to make that choice, they should bear the full cost,' Blair said.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said his province will begin testing at Toronto's Pearson International Airport on Monday as a stop gap until federal measures are in place.

Trudeau also announced there will be a delay in part of the next shipment of the Moderna vaccine, which arrives next week.

He said Canada will receive 78% of the expected amount, translating to 180,000 doses.
KYODO NEWS - Jan 30, 2021 - 21:39 | All, Japan, Coronavirus

Japan began arrangements Saturday to extend the state of emergency over the coronavirus pandemic for up to another month in Tokyo and other areas continuing to see a high number of infections, sources familiar with the matter said.

The final decision on whether to extend the current virus emergency covering 11 of Japan's 47 prefectures beyond the original end date of Feb. 7 will be made next week, but a source close to Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said an extension would be inevitable for eight of the 11 prefectures.

The eight are Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo and Fukuoka.

The state of emergency, which was first declared for Tokyo and three neighboring prefectures on Jan. 7 and expanded to seven other areas six days later, entails urging the public to refrain from going outside unnecessarily and asking restaurants and bars to shorten their opening hours.

The government will consider lifting the emergency in Tochigi Prefecture, north of the capital, as it has seen a sufficient drop in new infections, the sources said.

However, it will examine whether to add Okinawa Prefecture, where the virus has continued to spread on remote islands, to areas subject to the virus emergency, they said.

On Miyako Island, five nurses dispatched from the Ground Self-Defense Force at the request of Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki will start working Sunday at a nursing care facility where cluster infections have occurred. The nurses are scheduled to work there until Feb. 13.

In the seven days to Friday, 143 new cases were reported in Miyakojima city covering the island with a population of some 55,000, bringing its weekly number of infections per 100,000 people to 261.78, more than five times that of Tokyo, according to the Okinawa prefectural government.

The government will consult with health experts next week to assess whether the number of coronavirus cases in the two remaining prefectures -- Aichi and Gifu -- has fallen enough for the emergency to be lifted.

Suga said Saturday that he needs to "observe the situation a little more" before making a decision, according to officials who met with him. The emergency could remain in place for another three weeks to one month, the sources said.

In order to lift the virus emergency, the situation must improve from Stage 4, the worst level on the government's four-point scale.

The stages are based on six key indicators, including the weekly number of infections per 100,000 people and the percentage of hospital beds for COVID-19 patients currently available.

Eight prefectures, including Tokyo, Kanagawa and Osaka, remain at Stage 4 for the weekly number of infections per 100,000 people as of Saturday.

Tokyo has seen four-digit increases in infections almost every day since entering January, but the count has shown a downward trend in recent days. The capital reported 769 new cases with 19 deaths on Saturday, bringing its cumulative total to 99,208 cases and 883 deaths.

The nationwide daily tally stood at over 3,300 on Saturday, with about 90 deaths. The number of serious cases dropped by 40 to 974.

Yasutoshi Nishimura, the minister in charge of Japan's coronavirus response, told a press conference Friday that he intends to hold a meeting of an advisory panel of health experts "at an appropriate time." The government will decide on the emergency extension based on their advice.

The panel meeting could be held either Tuesday or Thursday next week, according to the sources.

Ruling party lawmakers have called for additional support measures should the emergency be extended, including fresh aid for businesses that comply with requests to shorten operating hours.
Dame Joan insists her youthful looks are down to 'luck, good genes and make-up. When I see my age [written down], I always think: 'That's a joke, that can't be!' I feel 39.' But as she reads aloud from her old diary, filled with the names of her crushes, including movie star Richard Burton, she looks and feels like a teenager again

The faded green teenage diary is a little dog-eared and the brown-tinged pages bear the unmistakable patina of age.

Inside, the spidery handwriting is so tiny, Dame Joan Collins needs a magnifying glass to decipher the words, written by a star-struck schoolgirl dreaming of fame.

Dated March 1951, the words were written after a day spent auditioning for a part in a forthcoming comedy about a beauty pageant. There's pride in there, along with excitement. Self-doubt is peppered through her awkward teenage musings.

'Fitted on gorgeous bathing costume for 'Beauty Queen',' she writes.

'Saw BW (Bill Watts her agent). He said I was the only girl he knew who could look attractive with no make-up on.'

And there's more as the insecure teen vents her frustrations at school, teachers and adults in general: 'Everyone keeps telling me to grow up and develop character. How can you do it just like that? Miss Duff was simply beastly in dictation. She made fun of my jeans. Said I was seen with a different boy each day!'

You can just imagine this fresh-faced teen scribbling in her bedroom in post-war London, as she struggles with faltering self-confidence and the confusing world of boys and dating.

Dame Joan can, too. For these words were written by her in the early 1950s.

And here, for the first time, Dame Joan is sharing extracts from the diary she wrote, never imagining she would go on to become one of Britain's best-loved stars of stage and screen.

They offer an insight into a much more innocent world, one where actresses were expected to be beautiful but demure; curvy not skeletal; glamorous but maintain a mystique.

Dame Joan smiles wistfully as she pores over the words scribbled by her teenage self.

'Was this written by an elf?' she laughs, peering intently at the minuscule jottings in the five-year diary she started as a 15-year-old.

This battered old diary went missing 34 years ago from her Beverly Hills home at the height of her fame, when she was starring as Alexis Carrington Colby in the hit television series Dynasty.

Remarkably, it was only returned to her a few years ago, after a Louis Vuitton suitcase containing a treasure trove of her memorabilia was mysteriously dumped on the doorstep of one of the star's oldest friends in Barnes, South-West London.

Even Dame Joan admits it sounds like a plot worthy of a mini-series, complete with such compelling ingredients as passion, heartbreak and lust, with a bitter divorce courtroom battle as the finale.

'Was this written by an elf?' she laughs, peering intently at the minuscule jottings in the five-year diary she started as a 15-year-old

As for whoever may have had her diary, scrapbooks and letters for all this time, well, Joan has her suspicions. Let's just say they centre on 'The Swede'. We'll get to him later. But back to the intrigue.

Dame Joan was with her fifth husband, film producer Percy Gibson, 56, in St Tropez when she received a phone call from theatrical agent Barry Langford, 61, her former assistant and close friend.

He told her a man with what sounded like a 'Scandinavian' accent had called him out of the blue to ask: 'Do you still work for Joan Collins?' Then he asked: 'Is this still your address?' He hung up when Mr Langford confirmed it was.

'The next day I opened the door to find a Louis Vuitton suitcase on my doorstep, with the initials JC, which I instantly recognised as one of Joan's,' says Mr Langford.

'She was very excited when I called her, saying: 'Open it, open it', and I could hear Percy's voice in the background going: 'Don't  it might be a bomb!'

'I opened it anyway, and was amazed to find all of Joan's memorabilia. It was quite bizarre.'

Dame Joan continues: 'When Barry told me what was there, I said: 'Oh my God, can you send it to me?' And so he did, by courier.

'When it arrived at my home in the South of France, I opened it and there was all my diaries, scrapbooks, newspaper cuttings, photographs and private letters from my parents, younger sister, Jackie, and various boyfriends.'

There were 51 letters alone from former fiance Warren Beatty, who was a 22-year-old unknown about to start National Service when they fell madly in love.

'It was very moving to see all the letters my sister had sent to me in Hollywood from London, when she was 15 or 16,' says Dame Joan.

'I had them all copied and sent to her daughters in Los Angeles  they were thrilled.'

Dame Joan's younger sister, best-selling novelist Jackie Collins, died from breast cancer in 2015 and Joan treasures those airmail letters.

To celebrate her 70th year as a working actress, Dame Joan has decided to share her teenage diary and scrapbooks with the Mail and revisit the turbulent era in her personal life, in which they mysteriously vanished.

At the elegant London flat she shares with Percy, her adored husband of 19 years, Dame Joan looks glossy, glamorous, and impossibly evergreen at 87.

Dressed in slinky black trousers, a black polo-neck and a fur-trimmed gilet, she appears far younger than the ancient diary in her hand, which charts the genesis of a career that began as a 17-year-old starlet signed by the Rank Organisation.

Transported back to the childhood bedroom of her parents' London flat, she recalls jotting down her dreams of becoming a serious theatre actress

She now has 76 films, 17 books and a string of television and theatre credits to her name, and boasts one of the most enduring of careers.

Married five times with three children and three grandchildren, she was given the OBE in 1997 for services to acting and received a Damehood from Prince Charles in 2015 for services to charity.

Dame Joan insists her youthful looks are down to 'luck, good genes and make-up. When I see my age [written down], I always think: 'That's a joke, that can't be!' I feel 39.'

But as she reads aloud from her old diary, filled with the names of her crushes, including movie star Richard Burton, she looks and feels like a teenager again.

Transported back to the childhood bedroom of her parents' London flat, she recalls jotting down her dreams of becoming a serious theatre actress.

Stuck to its pages is her very first newspaper cutting, featuring a picture of herself as a 16-year-old drama student at Rada with her hero, the legendary John Gielgud.

'Back then I never wanted to be a star, but a leading lady on the stage,' she says 'and if I could go back and give 15-year-old Joan advice, it would be to have more confidence in herself.'

After being taken on by Rank at 17, however, her career took a different path and the diary records her very first film audition for a starring role as a bathing beauty.

The part went to another girl, Pauline Stroud, but it was Joan  given a bit-part  who was hailed as the 'new Ava Gardner'. It was she who would go to Hollywood aged 20 with a contract from major studio 20th Century Fox. She returns to the diary: 'Filming in a bathing costume. What a day. Was exhausted at the end of it. Came home. Tried to tidy room. I don't like filming,' Dame Joan reads aloud, nostalgically recalling the dire warnings of her father, Joe, a theatrical agent, who told her she'd be washed up by 23 if she became an actress.

'My parents didn't exactly lavish me with praise. My father didn't think I was good enough and told me to give up all this acting nonsense, as he referred to it and go to secretarial college,' she recalls.

'When I was voted the Most Beautiful Girl in Britain by the Photographers Association aged 18, Daddy said: 'She's a nice looking girl, but nothing special.'

Others did not agree, and Dame Joan was in much demand as a model for advertisements.

She has famously never been short of admirers either. Until she met Percy, she admits men were a bit of a blind spot; her Achilles' heel. 'The first time I went on a date, I think I was 15 or 16, Daddy warned: 'Be back by 10pm.'

When we returned from the cinema 20 minutes late, Daddy was leaning out of the window with a bayonet rifle, shouting: 'You get my daughter in here, otherwise I'll kill you!'.'

At 18, Dame Joan married Northern Irish film star Maxwell Reed, who was in his 30s. She would later reveal in her autobiography that on their first date, Reed  who died of cancer in 1974  forced himself on her after plying her with whisky.

'He took my virginity and if that happened in the 1950s, you had to get married,' she says of their miserable four-year marriage which ended in divorce after he tried to persuade her to sleep with an elderly admirer for a 10,000 fee.

Horrified, Joan fled to Hollywood where she fell in love with Warren Beatty, partied with Marlon Brando and James Dean and fended off movie moguls who tried to lure her on to the casting couch.

In 1963, she married West End theatre sensation Anthony Newley, father of her children Tara and Alexander, whom she divorced in 1970 because of his 'sordid' womanising. He died in 1999, aged 67.

Her 1972 marriage to U.S. businessman Ron Kass, head of The Beatles' record label Apple and father to their daughter, Katy, also ended in divorce in 1983.

Kass, who died from cancer three years later, aged 51, was reported to have blown a large chunk of his wife's fortune on a drug habit.

Enter 'The Swede'. A handsome, blond former pop star, Peter Holm was 14 years her junior, but sparks flew when they met at a pool party in 1983  the year she won a Golden Globe for Dynasty.

A dazzling couple, he became her lover, manager and then fourth husband in 1985. But it was all over in less than two years.

'The Swede inveigled his way into my life with enormous charm when I was very raw after the break-up of my marriage to Ron,' says Joan, who still can't bring herself to use his name.

'I had a lot of problems and my life was unravelling. My daughter, Katy, was recovering from a serious accident and a lot of people resented my success on Dynasty.

'John Forsythe, who played Blake Carrington, was so appalled I'd done a Playboy photoshoot in my 40s, he held the magazine up like it was a dog turd, said: 'How can you let this woman be on our show?'

'As my fame grew, I had too many people working for me. I was so busy doing 12-hour days, I was signing documents without reading them and being ripped off.

'I'd just been landed with a huge tax bill, because my returns hadn't been filed and, suddenly, here was someone telling me: 'I can do it.' He cleared the decks of all these people and sorted everything out.

'But then he said: 'If you don't marry me, I'm leaving you.' My sister, Jackie, went mad when I told her, but I said: 'Well, he's doing the most wonderful things for my finances.'

'She was very angry and we had one of our sisterly rages, but she was right and I soon realised it was a terrible mistake.'

When Dame Joan ended the marriage, Holm contested their pre-nuptial agreement and reportedly demanded a sizeable chunk of marital assets and alimony.

Refusing to leave one of their two Hollywood properties, an ugly court battle ensued, in the midst of which Dame Joan's treasured memorabilia vanished.

'During my career, I'd moved around 55 times and a beat-up old case containing my diaries, scrapbooks and letters had followed me everywhere,' she says.

'It was on a shelf in the walk-in closet at our family home in Bowmont Drive and, after the judge decreed that The Swede could stay in the property, I was given just one hour to remove all my possessions. In my rush, I forgot to take the suitcase.'

When Dame Joan realised, she asked for it back through her lawyer  but it was another few months before a judge granted her permission to return to the property.

'There was the suitcase on the shelf and I was so thrilled. But when I opened it, I found it stuffed with old newspapers,' she says.

'Everything was gone. The lawyers got involved and The Swede totally denied having anything to do with their disappearance.

'I was terribly upset, but decided to move on, and I didn't really think about them again for many years until that call from Barry.'

Whoever made the call, why did they decide to return the memorabilia after so long?

'I have absolutely no idea, or even if The Swede is still alive, and I'm not interested in trying to find him to ask,' says Dame Joan.

'You ask yourself, were they returned out of guilt? Did someone else have them all along? Or were they found by someone who wanted them to go back to their rightful owner?

'But I really don't care who returned them or why or where they've been for 30 years. I'm just thrilled to have them back.'

Today, the suitcase is safely locked away, but Dame Joan is far too busy to dwell on the past when the present is so interesting, if rather uncertain in these unsettling times.

Indeed, Dame Joan has been writing a Covid memoir and, later this year, hopes to publish the explosive diaries she kept during her Hollywood years. Expect some big names to be dropped.

A film biopic of the famous Collins sisters' lives is also being planned, drawing on her old letters recovered, diary and scrapbooks.

Closing her battered old diary, Dame Joan says: 'After 70 years in the business, I have sometimes wondered during lockdown: 'Will I ever work again?' but I'm hoping the best is yet to come.'

The leader of the Christian Social People Party's (CSV) parliamentary group, Martine Hansen, and Deputy Prime Minister Dan Kersch from the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP) were guests on RTL Radio on Saturday afternoon.

The topic of the debate was Luxembourg's strategy in the fight against Covid-19. For the past weeks and even months, the CSV has demanded that the government should introduce a step-by-step plan or a long-term strategy in order to give business and the general public more predictability. Deputy PM Kersch dismissed the idea, pointing out that Ireland had a step-by-step plan but was forced to abandon it completely. There were too many unpredictable factors, the minister explained, currently also due to the spread of mutations of the virus. Kersch stressed that in Luxembourg, the government is not giving people any false hopes.

Regarding aids for self-employed workers and the recent criticism by the Young Artisan Federation, Kersch stated that he himself is the only one who had presented a potential solution to the problem. The minister's idea involves a sort of mutual fund through which businesses could support each other according to the principle of solidarity with additional aid provided by the state. Kersch stated that he is open to discuss the idea, adding that every case needs to be considered individually, of course.

Horesca and working from home

On the topic of the Horesca sector, Kersch stated that a lot of restaurants and cafes are well organised and receive assistance from the Horesca federation when applying for state aids. However, some are struggling to properly hand in their applications and the government needs to do more to reach them as well, the Deputy PM acknowledged. While he understands that the biggest help for the Horesca businesses would be to know the date of their re-opening, the minister stressed that the government give any guarantees in that regard. Martine Hansen countered that even if nothing can be guaranteed, the government should still give these businesses some sort of perspective.

When asked about telework, Kersch stated that, to his knowledge, only a very small number of employers refused to grant telework to their employees, when the latter asked for it. On the other hand, many employees actually want to stop working from home. Kersch clarified that even if the Covid-19 law does not stipulate anything in regard to telework, the employer has an obligation to do everything in his power to ensure the well-being of his employees and that includes switching to telework, whenever possible.

Vaccines in Luxembourg

In regard to the vaccination campaign, Hansen stated that her party welcomed the fact that the government decided to keep the second dose. However, the CSV believes that it is important to give the population some hope for the future and thus, the government should release a rough schedule and order indicating when certain parts of the population can expect to receive their vaccine. Kersch rejected the idea, stating that this is impossible as it is not known when the different doses of the vaccines will be delivered.

The Deputy PM added that he does not understand the CSV's strategy, as cooperation generally works well within the parliamentary commissions and some of the opposition's ideas are included in the draft bills, but then suddenly during plenary sessions, the CSV criticises nearly everything. Hansen countered the criticism by pointing out that the majority parties generally rejected the CSV's motions during plenary sessions.

People protest against new anti-abortion laws near the ruling Law and Justice party headquarters in Warsaw, Poland, Friday, Jan. 29, 2021. Czarek Sokolowski/AP

Protests erupted in Poland this week after the government implemented strict limits on abortions.

The ruling was made back in October, but past protests delayed its implementation until now.

Access to the procedure has reportedly been declining in the devoutly Catholic country.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Thousands of abortion rights activists and their allies in Poland continued protesting Friday after the country abruptly implemented a strict ban on abortions Wednesday, months after the Constitutional Court made the initial ruling.

In October, a top court in the country banned the termination of pregnancies with fetal defects, essentially eliminating almost all access to the procedure which already had strict limits. Now, abortions are allowed only in cases of rape or incest or if the mother's life is in danger, according to NPR.

Of the 1,100 abortions performed in Poland last year, 1,074 were because of fetal abnormalities, according to The New York Times.

The ruling in the fall triggered weeks of mass protests throughout the country, forcing the government to delay the law from taking effect.

It was unclear why the nationalist Law and Justice government, which is aligned with the Roman Catholic Church, chose Wednesday to suddenly implement the law amid the country's economic and pandemic struggles, according to The Times.

One protester, Nadia Klos, a member of LGBT group Queer Tour, told the newspaper it was unbelievable that the government was forcing through changes during the pandemic.

"It's an attempt to take away the rights of half of the citizens by referring to religion, when it's all about power," Klos said.

Protests began after the decision was made Wednesday and continued into Thursday and Friday. One demonstration turned tense when police officers told protesters they needed identification to leave the area, The Times reported. Video from the scene appeared to show protesters attempting to break through the officers blocking them.

Story continues

Another protester, Iwonna Kowalska, a member of a group called the Polish Grandmas, told The Times that the ruling was a step backward.

"This is what the communists would do, too," Kowalska said. "They would wait for a time when everything is collapsing and then make changes."

Poland is one of Europe's most devout Catholic countries, according to Reuters, and abortion access has been declining even without the strict law in place, as more doctors refuse to administer them because of religious beliefs, leading many Polish women to seek abortions abroad.

A politician in the Law and Justice Party, Marek Suski, said the party would consider allowing the most extreme fetal deformities to be excluded from the new law, Reuters reported.

"In cases when the foetus doesn't have a skull or has no chance to live outside the womb, there should be a choice. We will work on this," Suski told public radio.

Read the original article on Insider

Several African countries are grappling with a deadly second wave of the covid-19 virus being driven by a variant first identified in South Africa.

Paul Samasumo  Vatican City

There are fears that the continents health system, already beleaguered in many countries, could be overwhelmed.

Alarm as the virus spreads to densely populated areas

Clerics and governments are worried. Jesuit priest, Fr. Charles Chilufya, the Coordinator of the Africa Task Force of the Vaticans Covid-19 Commission and Director of the Justice and Ecology Office of the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JCAM) has spoken of the concern of many African governments.

Several African countries have reported a further increase (of the coronavirus) over the past month. The novelty of this second wave is that the virus has started to spread in densely populated areas, Fr. Chilufya said.

Bishops in Zambia and Tanzania urge more collaboration

The Bishops of Zambia, on Thursday, this week, issued a statement urging Zambians to unite and combat the devastating disease that has claimed the lives of a Bishop as well as several priests and sisters in the country.

It is clear the pandemic has spread to all parts of the country and is in our communities. As we fight against Covid-19, we urge all Zambians, regardless of their social, cultural, religious and political affiliation, to put aside their differences and unite for a common goal, the Bishops said in the statement.

Similarly, Tanzanian Bishops in a statement to Agenzia Fides cautioned their compatriots about the new wave of coronavirus infections, which have led to an increase in deaths. Our country is not an island ...We must defend ourselves, take precautions, and cry out to God with all our might so that this scourge will not overtake us, said the East African prelates.

A complicated second phase

In the first phase of the Covid-19 wave, African countries fared reasonably well in containing infections largely through stringent actions. However, observers say many African countries cannot afford to keep countries under lockdown for prolonged periods. Unfortunately, this could also mean that the virus is spreading unrestrained and resulting in the recent high infections seen on the continent.

Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, says the 501Y.V2 variant, first identified in South Africa, is now driving the spread of infections on the continent.

Highest fatality rate and lack of vaccines

At 2.5 per cent, Africas Covid-19 case fatality rate is now above the global rate of 2.2 per cent. Some African countries are said to have case fatality rates of 3 per cent and possibly more.

A lack of vaccines is complicating an already difficult situation.

The African Union has put together an African vaccine acquisition task team to source vaccine doses for the continents 1.3 billion population. Amidst a fierce worldwide competition for vaccines and hoarding by some countries, it may be a long while before meaningful quantities of vaccines find their way to the continents ordinary citizens.
Srinagar:

On Friday, Pakistan violated ceasefire along the Line of Control in Uri sector of Kashmir. Woman was injured in the ceasefire.



The Indian Army retaliated to the Pakistani firing.



"Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing in Gwalta area of Uri Sector around 9.30 am," a police official said.



He said 45-year-old Shakeela Bano sustained splinter injuries in the action of Pakistani troops.



The injured woman has been taken to a hospital where her condition is stated to be stable.

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[January 29, 2021] CVIAQ CLASS ACTION NOTICE: Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP Files Securities Fraud Lawsuit On Behalf of Covia Holdings Corporation f/k/a Fairmount Santrol Holdings Inc. Investors

Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP ("GPM") announces that it has filed a class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio captioned Baron v. Deckard, et al., (Case No. 1:21-cv-0238) on behalf of persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Covia Holdings Corporation ("Covia" or the "Company") f/k/a Fairmount Santrol Holdings Inc. ("Fairmount Santrol") (OTC: CVIAQ) (NYSE: CVIA, FMSA) securities between March 15, 2016 and June 29, 2020, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Plaintiff pursues claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). Investors are hereby notified that they have until February 8, 2021 to move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff in this action. If you suffered a loss on your Covia investments or would like to inquire about potentially pursuing claims to recover your loss under the federal securities laws, you can submit your contact information at https://www.glancylaw.com/cases/covia-holdings-corporation/. You can also contact Charles H. Linehan, of GPM at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, or via email at shareholders@glancylaw.com or visit our website at www.glancylaw.com to learn more about your rights.



On March 22, 2019, after the market closed, the Company revealed that it had "received a subpoena from the SEC (News - Alert) seeking information relating to certain value-added proppants marketed and sold by Fairmount Santrol or Covia within the Energy segment since January 1, 2014." On this news, Covia's stock price fell $0.45 per share, or 6.9%, to close at $6.05 per share on March 25, 2019, on unusually heavy trading volume.

On November 6, 2019, the Company disclosed that "the SEC has requested additional information and subpoenaed certain current and former employees to testify." On this news, Covia's stock price fell $0.07, or approximately 4.3%, to close at $1.56 per share on November 6, 2019. On June 29, 2020, after the market closed, the Company announced that it had entered into a comprehensive restructuring agreement and voluntarily filed petitions under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. On June 30, 2020, the NYSE delisted the Company, stating that "the Company is no longer suitable for listing" after the announcement that it was filing for bankruptcy. On this news, the Company's share price fell $0.18, or 37.5%, from a close of $0.48 per share on June 29, 2020 to the open on the OTC on July 1, 2020 at $0.30 per share. Throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) the Company's proprietary ' value-added' proppants were not necessarily more effective than ordinary sand; (2) the Company's revenues, which were dependent on its proprietary 'value added' proppants, was based on misrepresentations; (3) when Company insiders raised this issue , the Defendants did not take meaningful steps to rectify the issue; and (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. If you purchased or otherwise acquired the Covia securities during the Class Period, you may move the Court no later than February 8, 2021 ask the Court to appoint you as lead plaintiff. To be a member of the Class you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the Class. If you wish to learn more about this action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Charles Linehan, Esquire, of GPM, 1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100, Los Angeles California 90067 at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, by email to shareholders@glancylaw.com, or visit our website at www.glancylaw.com. If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number and number of shares purchased. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210129005648/en/

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VIJAYAWADA: The ruling YSR Congress has lodged a complaint with the State Election Commission against the Opposition Telugu Desam over the release of TD election manifesto for the Gram Panchayat elections.

A YSRC team led by party state general secretary Lella Appi Reddy submitted a complaint to the SEC in specific against TD chief Chandrababu Naidu. The former CM, the team said, has violated the model code of conduct by releasing the manifesto even as panchayat elections are being held on a non-party basis.

The YSRC leaders noted that the SEC had, by exercising its plenary powers, passed an order prescribing restrictions in use of campaign materials such as handbills, flexes, pamphlets, banners and flags with a view to avoiding political overtones in the non-party based panchayat elections. This was done so as to ensure free, fair and peaceful polls, and maintain the spirit of the Statute.

They said that since elections to the panchayats are done on non-party basis, each panchayat is a separate unit for the election process. Hence, there cannot be interference by political parties. The TD however violated the SEC orders and election laws, the YSRC team complained.

The YSRC complaint stated that the TD has also got pamphlets printed and the Opposition party is using these physically and virtually for the poll campaign. These pamphlets carried the names and photographs of TD leaders. The YSRC team urged the SEC to take action against TD for gross violation of the Constitutional provisions and damaging the spirit of the panchayat elections.

Meanwhile, the YSRC objected to plan for use of a separate app by the SEC to monitor elections and for receiving complaints, after putting aside the official apps. YSRC state general secretary Lella Appi Reddy and other party leaders lodged a complaint with the SEC in this respect on Friday.

Appi Reddy said the SEC had in his video conference with district collectors reportedly disclosed about an app it developed and put to use in the notified election process. He recalled that there was already an app developed by the Government of Andhra Pradesh by name NIGHA app to cater to the needs of the election commission.

He pointed out that the panchayat election commissioner issued a notification on January 8 and the model code of conduct came into operation from the next day. There was no mention about the new app in the public domain, he said.

Appi Reddy said a new app could mean violation of safety and security aspects relating to the polls. There are applications in the domain created by the central and state governments. So what is the need for a new app?
Lilly Singh, the Canadian YouTuber turned late-night talkshow host, is a power dresser. She aces the pantsuits and androgynous looks like a total 'bawse.' (Image: Instagram)
New Delhi:

NDA presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday met Puducherry legislators and the lone Lok Sabha member from the Union Territory, who assured support for his candidature.

Puducherry-based All India NR Congress chief N Rangasamy and his party legislators met Kovind at a hotel in Chennai.

Puducherrys lone Lok Sabha MP R Radhakrishnan, who belongs to the main opposition party in the Assembly (AINRC), was also present, according to Tamil Nadu BJP.

Also, BJPs lone legislator from Kerala and veteran party leader O Rajagopal took part in the meeting to drum up support for Kovind.

Kovind, 71, arrived here this morning from New Delhi and was accorded a warm reception by Tamil Nadu BJP leaders at the airport. Later, he drove to a city hotel where he met the legislators.

The NDA presidential nominee is also scheduled to seek support from the AIADMK factions led by former chief minister O Panneerselvam and Chief Minister K Palaniswami later in the day.

Trending Now: President Pranab Mukherjee speaks on increasing mob lynching, asks 'are we vigilant enough'

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The Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Economic Development and Technology, Zdravko Pocivalsek, has renewed calls for flights between the United Arab Emirates and Ljubljana to be established during his three-day visit to Dubai this week. Slovenia has been seeking connectivity to the Gulf for years and talks have already taken place with all of the major carriers from the UAE. The Slovenian Ministry for Infrastructure previously noted that hybrid carrier Flydubai was negotiating with airport operator Fraport Slovenia over the introduction of flights to Ljubljana. "There are good prospects for the establishment of flights between the UAE and Ljubljana. UAE carriers are interested", the ministry said at the time. However, flights are yet to materialise with Flydubai recently announcing a new service to nearby Salzburg. The Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Economic Development and Technology, Zdravko Pocivalsek, has renewed calls for flights between the United Arab Emirates and Ljubljana to be established during his three-day visit to Dubai this week. Slovenia has been seeking connectivity to the Gulf for years and talks have already taken place with all of the major carriers from the UAE. The Slovenian Ministry for Infrastructure previously noted that hybrid carrier Flydubai was negotiating with airport operator Fraport Slovenia over the introduction of flights to Ljubljana. "There are good prospects for the establishment of flights between the UAE and Ljubljana. UAE carriers are interested", the ministry said at the time. However, flights are yet to materialise with Flydubai recently announcing a new service to nearby Salzburg.





Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, in 2019, the General Manager of Ljubljana Airport, Zmago Skobir, said, "We are constantly working on the Gulf area, so we are very active in that respect. It is one of the most important goals not only for Fraport and the Slovenian National Tourism Board, but also for the country and the airport itself. The more direct routes, the more investors there will be, as well as more tourists. So, the Gulf is our priority, but we have very strong competition for these markets in Zagreb, Belgrade, Venice and Vienna".





Both the Slovenian government and Ljubljana Airport have mounted a campaign since 2017 to attract Gulf carriers, although so far without success. In addition to Flydubai, the airport held talks with other leading airlines from the United Arab Emirates, including Emirates, Etihad Airways and Air Arabia. Furthermore, Slovenia and the UAE signed a Civil Aviation Agreement, which enables flexibility on routes, capacity, number of frequencies and types of aircraft between the two countries, for both passenger and cargo flights. In its final year of operations even Slovenia's former national carrier Adria Airways expressed interest in serving Dubai. The Emirate is currently one of the few places welcoming all nationals with just a negative PCR test.





BJP leaders said that the former TMC leaders might join the saffron party on Saturday of be inducted into the party at a Dumurjula stadium programme on Sunday

Kolkata: Former West Bengal minister Rajib Banerjee, who recently quit the TMC, will Saturday fly with a few other disgruntled MLAs and leaders to New Delhi where they may join the BJP, sources in the saffron party said.

Banerjee and MLAs Prabir Ghosal and Baishali Dalmiya, who was recently expelled from the TMC, and former Howrah mayor Rathin Chakraborty, will be flying to the National Capital on a special plane, and meet central BJP leaders.

Former TMC MLA from Ranaghat Paschim in Nadia district Parthasarathi Chattopadhyay is also likely to accompany them.

Banerjee said he had a word with Union Home Minister Amit Shah who called him to Delhi.

"After I resigned from the TMC, I received a call from the BJP leadership.....Amit Shah ji told me to come over to Delhi. If I get assurances regarding the state's development, I will join the party," he told a Bengali news channel.

When asked what role does he expect to play in the BJP, Banerjee said it is for the party to decide.

"I want to work for the people. So whatever role is assigned to me, I will accept," he said.

BJP sources said the former TMC leaders will take a special flight to Delhi. They may join the BJP today or come back and be inducted into the party at Dumurjula stadium programme on Sunday, a senior BJP leader said.

According to BJP sources, these TMC leaders were supposed to join the saffron party during Shah's rally at Dumurjula in Howrah on Sunday. However, Shah's two-day visit to West Bengal was cancelled at the last minute following a blast outside the Israeli Embassy in Delhi.

Union minister Smriti Irani will now deputise for Shah at the programme.

Ghosal told reporters that he will be flying to Delhi this afternoon and will join the BJP.

The ruling TMC in West Bengal was rocked by a fresh bout of desertions on Friday with Rajib Banerjee quitting the party and several other leaders rallying behind him.


Britain cannot spend its way to prosperity the new Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng has said in the lead up to the budget.

Mr Kwarteng took over as secretary of state from Alok Sharma, who has been appointed full-time president of the UN Cop26 climate conference, three weeks ago.

He suggested public sector spending could be squeezed in the coming budget due to the Government deficit, fuelled by the coronavirus pandemic.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak is thought to be keen on reducing public spending and introducing tax rises in the budget, which is scheduled for March 3.

Britain cannot spend its way to prosperity the new Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng has said in the lead up to the budget

But other ministers and Tory backbenchers believe further public spending increases are needed to boost the economy.

Mr Kwarteng told the Daily Telegraph: 'Let me be very clear  without a thriving private sector, we will not be able to afford good public services.

'Great public services rely on a thriving, dynamic open economy. The Chancellor is of the same opinion.

'We as a Government are not going to be able to spend our way to prosperity.'

Rishi Sunak has insisted further economic support is coming in response to Covid-19, although he remained tight-lipped on the detail when challenged by MPs.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak is thought to be keen on reducing public spending and introducing tax rises to cope with the deficit

The Chancellor is facing a series of demands, including from the Conservative benches, to extend support to businesses and individuals  including the 20 weekly boost to Universal Credit.

Mr Sunak estimates it will cost between 20 billion and 30 billion to help firms with VAT and extend the business rate relief, stamp duty holiday, self-employment scheme and benefits boost.

He added it is 'reasonable' to consider the suggestions 'in the round at the Budget'.

Yesterday, Mr Kwarteng said one of his first major decisions after taking over at the department was to put a stop a post-Brexit review of workers' rights as he did not want Brexit to be about 'whittling away workers' rights'.

There had been reports that the Government was considering using the new freedom to diverge from European Union employment rules, including the working time directive which enshrines a 48-hour week.

But Mr Kwarteng told the BBC's Political Thinking: 'Before I was secretary of state, I think there was work looking at a review.

'I became secretary of state three weeks ago and I've stopped it. I don't think that's a constructive thing to do.

'I don't think the opportunities of Brexit are about whittling away workers' rights or trying to have a race to the bottom or trying to reduce wages.

'On the contrary, a lot of people in my constituency voted for Brexit because of a stagnation of wages.'
Freight lorry driver George McGlash, from Dungannon in Northern Ireland, is tested at the laboratory and testing centre for Covid-19 antigen testing of hauliers bound for France via Dublin Port, at Dublin Airport, Ireland on January 29, 2021.(Paul Faith / AFP)

A furious row over shortages of AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine has risked stoking conflict with the UK just weeks after London and Brussels sealed a Brexit trade agreement.

The EU had warned it would invoke Article 16 -- overriding part of a deal with London allowing the free-flow of goods over the Irish border -- but backed down after criticism from the UK and Ireland.

"The Commission will ensure that the Ireland / Northern Ireland Protocol is unaffected," the EU Commissioner said in a statement late Friday.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had told EU chief Ursula von der Leyen of his "grave concerns about the potential impact" the European bloc's decision might have.

The European scheme to monitor and bar exports of vaccines produced in EU plants has also been criticised by the World Health Organization.

The WHO said the move was part of a "very worrying trend" that could jeopardise the global supply chain for vaccines.

Although the EU has rowed back from the Article 16 threat, a Commission statement said if there were vaccines circumventing the European system, "the EU will consider using all the instruments at its disposal".

The EU earlier justified the "safeguard measure" as an attempt to keep member states' vaccine rollouts on track.

And Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides insisted: "We are not protecting ourselves against any specific country. And we're not in competition or in a race against any country."

- 'Act of hostility' -

The Brexit deal's Northern Ireland protocol allows goods to flow between EU member Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, without the need for customs checks at the border.

Under the protocol's Article 16, either party can unilaterally suspend the terms for specific goods if the agreement leads "to serious economic, societal or environmental difficulties that are liable to persist".

Brussels had said it would invoke the article to monitor and in some cases block exports of vaccines produced in EU plants.

The move brought both sides of Northern Ireland's Loyalist and Republican divide together in condemnation.

Arlene Foster, leader of Northern Ireland's loyalist Democratic Unionist Party, called the move to invoke Article 16 an "incredible act of hostility".

Colum Eastwood, leader of the republican SDLP party, said the move was a "disproportionate and grave error" by the EU.

There is little or no physical infrastructure on the border thanks to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

That deal ended decades of violence between those who want Northern Ireland to remain British and those who want it to be part of the Irish republic.

Maintaining a "soft" border was integral to Brexit negotiations, with local leaders warning of a potential return to violence.
Hilary Duff shared a heartwarming ultrasound snap of her upcoming third baby to her Instagram Stories this Friday.

The 33-year-old actress is expecting her second baby by her husband Matthew Koma and her third baby altogether.

She uploaded the new picture and wrote on top of it that she was 'WAITING PATIENTLY TO MEET YOU NEW [bear emoji].'

'WAITING PATIENTLY': Hilary Duff shared a heartwarming ultrasound snap of her upcoming third baby to her Insta Stories this Friday

Hilary is currently in New York City filming her hit TV Land show Younger in which she stars alongside Tony-winner Sutton Foster.

On her Insta Stories this Friday she also let her fans in on how she and costume designer Jacqueline Demeterio were covering up her baby bump.

Hilary was draped in a flowing high-collared Givenchy dress that featured a black floral pattern on top of a scarlet background.

'Expensive sheets': On her Insta Stories this Friday she also let her fans in on how she and costume designer Jacqueline Demeterio were covering up her baby bump for Younger

'HOW @JACKIEODEMETERIO HAS RESORTED TO VERY EXPENSIVE SHEETS,' Hilary joked with a mirror selfie of the look.

Hilary and Banks welcomed their daughter Banks in 2018 and got married the following year before announcing their new pregnancy last October.

The mother-of-two shares an eight-year-old son called Luca Comrie with her first husband Mike Comrie whom she divorced in 2016.

Making it happen: Younger is now filming its seventh season; Hilary is pictured at work during a shoot day in New York this Thursday

Hilary caused a sensation when she revealed that after giving birth to Banks, she made part of her placenta into a smoothie and drank it.

Younger, in which Sutton plays a middle-aged woman masquerading as someone in her 20s and Hilary her colleague, is now filming its seventh season.

The TV Land program was created by Darren Star who is famous for such shows as Sex And The City and Beverly Hills 90210.

Younger airs on TV Land in the U.S. and Stan in Australia
The IISCO Steel Plant (ISP), a unit of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), has called for applications in prescribed format from qualified and experienced individuals for filling Forty-Six (46) vacancies to the post of Medical Officers (GDMO), Medical Officer (Dental) and Medical Specialists in ISP through direct recruitment to be posted at the IISCO Steel Plant in West Bengal, India on a fulltime basis. The offline application process towards the same started on January 23, 2021 and closes on March 1, 2021.

CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Posts Medical Officers (GDMO), Medical Officer (Dental) and Medical Specialists posts in ISP Organisation IISCO Steel Plant (ISP) Educational Qualification MBBS Degree; BDS Degree; PG Degree, DNB, MD, MBBS, MDS in concerned specialty Experience MBBS Degree; BDS Degree; PG Degree, DNB, MD, MBBS, MDS in concerned specialty Job Responsibilities null Skills Required null Job Location West Bengal Salary Scale Medical Officers (GDMO/Dental) - Rs. 20,600 up to Rs. 50,500 per month; Medical Specialists - Rs. 32,900 up to Rs. 58,000 per month Industry Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) Application Start Date January 23, 2021 Application End Date March 1, 2021

SAIL Recruitment 2021: Age Criteria And Fees

Candidates interested in applying for SAIL Medical Officer Jobs 2021 through SAIL Recruitment 2021 must not have exceeded 34 years of age (Medical Officer) and 41 years of age (Medical Specialists) respectively, with relaxation (upper age limit) up to 3 years (OBC-NCL) and 5 years (SC/ST categories) as specified in SAIL Notification 2021.

Candidates must pay a prescribed amount of Rs. 500 as application fee for SAIL Medical Officer/Medical Specialist Jobs 2021 through SAIL Recruitment 2021 through SBI Collect online mode only as mentioned in the official SAIL Notification 2021 given at the end of the article.

Also Read: Karnataka Schools News: Schools In Karnataka Across Boards To Slash 30 Per Cent Tuition Fees

SAIL Recruitment 2021 Vacancy Details

Post Name No. Of Vacancies Medical Officer (GDMO/Dental) 24 Medical Specialists 22 Total 46

SAIL Recruitment 2021: Education And Experience

Desirous candidates applying for SAIL Medical Specialist Jobs 2021 through SAIL Recruitment 2021 must have possess an MBBS Degree; BDS Degree; PG Degree, DNB, MD, MBBS, MDS in concerned specialty from a recognised Institution/University with one to three years of experience in the concerned field/specialty as detailed in the SAIL Notification 2021.

SAIL Recruitment 2021: Selection And Pay Scale

The selection of candidates for SAIL Medical Specialist Jobs 2021 through SAIL Recruitment 2021 will be done through Written Test/Computer Based Test (CBT) and Personal Interview as applicable as notified in the SAIL Notification 2021.

Shortlisted candidates for SAIL Medical Officer Jobs 2021 through SAIL Recruitment 2021 will be paid emolument in the following scale:

Medical Officers (GDMO/Dental) - Rs. 20,600 up to Rs. 50,500 per month

Medical Specialists - Rs. 32,900 up to Rs. 58,000 per month

Also Read: Union Budget 2021: Expectations For Education Sector In Union Budget 2021-22; NEP, EdTech To Be Focus Areas

SAIL Recruitment 2021: How To Apply

Candidates applying for SAIL Medical Officer/Medical Specialist Jobs 2021 through SAIL Recruitment 2021 must fill the application form in a prescribed format attaced with the SAIL Notification 2021 and send the same along with self-attested copies of relevant supporting documents listed in the SAIL Recruitment 2021 Notification to the "General Manager (Personnel-CF), SAIL-IISCO Steel Plant, 7, The Ridge, P.O. Burnpur-713325, West Bengal" on or before March 01, 2021 by speed post/ registered post/courier.

Download SAIL Recruitment 2021 Notification PDF for Medical Officer/Medical Specialist posts
When Married At First Sight airs its two-part Grand Reunion special from Sunday night, with returning contestants from the shows most controversial seasons, viewers may be left with one lingering response: are these people gluttons for punishment?

After already having their private lives exploited for the sake of reality TV drama and enduring the much-reported post-show fallout - those countless behind-the-scenes horror stories of PTSD, bullying, and extensive online abuse spawned by unflattering edits - why do these contestants willingly return to a place of such presumed trauma?

Tracey Jewel, Jessika Power and Ines Basic in the Married At First Sight reunion special. Credit:Nine

Its a trend thats been seen across the reality TV circuit, familiar faces popping up time and again. While some clearly benefit from the repeat exposure - The Bachelors Keira Maguire found a redemption arc on spin-off Bachelor In Paradise; Abbie Chatfield, a breakout favourite on The Bachelor, has continued that popular run on Tens Im a Celebrity - its confounding why those burnt the first time would risk a reality TV return.

Its a valid question, says Jessika Power, who will appear in Nines MAFS reunion (Nine is the owner of this masthead) alongside some of the shows other outspoken combatants including Tracey Jewel and Ines Basic. Powers controversial stint on the series sixth season in 2019 saw her heavily trolled on social media over infidelity allegations.
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New Delhi: In view of the coronavirus, the Nepal government had closed all its borders for the movement of common people from March 24. Since Friday, orders have been issued to open 30 major borders of 77 districts of Nepal with strict conditions for common people. Deepak Paudel, the head of Nepal's Ministry of Home Affairs (Peace, Security and Crime Control Branch), has issued a letter informing that the 30 borders of Nepal, which are adjacent to India, are only given to Indian citizens and Chinese borders with China. Has been opened for citizens.

People will have to fill-up the form issued by the Central Government of Nepal High Covid Control Committee (CCMC) for admission, in which they will have to submit a corona inquiry report 72 hours before, only then they will be given an online pass to come to Nepal. From these thirty boundaries, people will be able to travel only by road. Except for India and China, it will be possible for citizens of other countries to come by air.

While giving information to a private news channel, District Collector of Parsa District Nepal, Asman Tamar, has informed that a letter from the Ministry of Home Affairs has come in which thirty borders have been ordered to be opened. Along with the rule, there are two borders of the Birgunj border of Parsa district and Bara district adjoining Raxaul subdivision.

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BCCL

Internet services in the Delhi borders along with adjoining areas near Singhu, Ghazipur and Tikri - epicentres of the farmers' weeks-long protest against the centre's agriculture laws - will be suspended from 11 pm for a period of 24 hours, the Union Home Ministry said in a notification issued Saturday afternoon. Read more



India Has Vaccinated Over 30 Lakh Against COVID-19 In 13 Days

Reuters

India was one of the countries that began rolling out the COVID-19 vaccination programme to its people, late, when compared to the likes of US and Europe. But ever since the vaccines were made available, two weeks ago, starting with frontline healthcare workers, the country has been clocking impressive coverage every single day. And in less than two weeks since the inoculation began, over 30 lakh frontline healthcare workers have been given the first dose of the vaccine. Read more



Outrageous Orders In Sexual Assault Has Cost The Judge Her Permanent Posting In Bombay HC

Bombay Bar Association

In what is being described as an unprecedented move, the SC Collegium has withdrawn in its recommendation to the Centre to make, Justice Pushpa Virendra Ganediwala a permanent judge of the Bombay HC. Justice Ganediwala, an additional judge in Bombay high court, had courted controversy recently for her shocking acquittal orders in POCSO cases. Read more



4 Men Allegedly Thrash Dalit Teen In TN, Urinate On Him

BCCL

In a reprehensible incident, four men allegedly thrashed an 18-year-old youth belonging to the Dalit community and urinated on him after he objected to one of them hurling casteist slurs at him. The incident happened in Pudukkottai district of Tamil Nadu. The four men had been booked after the teen lodged a complaint against them. Read more

US Health Workers, Stuck In Snow, Vaccinate Stranded Drivers Before Vials Expired

FB post

Oregon health workers who got stuck in a snowstorm on their way back from a COVID-19 vaccination event went car to car injecting stranded drivers before several of the doses expired. Josephine County Public Health said on Facebook that the impromptu vaccine clinic took place after about 20 employees got stranded in a snowstorm at Hayes Hill. Read more
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday stressed on the importance of smooth functioning of Parliament and comprehensive discussions on the floor of House. The prime minister called upon the bigger parties to ensure that the House is conducted smoothly and the smaller parties are also given the chance to voice their opinions, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said after a virtual all-party meeting.

"PM @narendramodi reaffirmed the importance of smooth functioning of Parliament and comprehensive debates on the Floor of House. He added that frequent disruptions mean smaller parties suffer as they cant express themselves adequately. It is for the bigger parties to ensure Parliament functions smoothly, there are no disruptions and thus, the smaller parties are able to voice their views in Parliament," he said.

Currently, the Budget session is underway in Parliament and it will go on till February 15. It will be conducted with all Covid-19 protocols in place. The second part of the Budget Session will be held between March 8 and April 8. In total, the Parliament will be in session for 33 days.

PM @narendramodi reaffirmed the importance of smooth functioning of Parliament and comprehensive debates on the Floor of House. He added that frequent disruptions mean smaller parties suffer as they cant express themselves adequately. Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) January 30, 2021

Joshi further said that the prime minister paid his tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary and reiterated that the late leader's dreams for the country be fulfilled. PM Modi also took congnisance of the vandalism of Gandhi's statue in the US state of California and condemned the act "saying that such an atmosphere of hate is not welcome for our planet."

Unknown miscreants vandalised, broke and ripped from the base a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in a park in the US state of California, evoking a strong response from India which sought a thorough investigation and appropriate action against those responsible for the "despicable act". The incident has also shocked and outraged Indian-Americans across the country, who have demanded that the officials investigate it as an incident of hate crime.

The 6-ft tall, 650-pound (294 kg) bronze statue of Gandhi, in the Central Park of the City of Davis in Northern California, appeared to have been sawed off at the ankles and half its face was severed and missing.

In Saturday's meet, Prime Minister Modi also touched upon India's role in increasing global properity, said Joshi. "PM @narendramodi highlighted the role India can play to further global good in a many sectors. He referred to the skills and prowess of our people, which can be a force multiplier to global prosperity," he tweeted.

On the contentious issue of farm laws, Joshi said the prime minister has assured the farmers that the government is approaching the issue with an open mind and the Centre's offer to stay the legislation still stands.

READ | Centre's Proposal to Suspend Farm Laws Still Stands, PM Modi Tells All-party Meeting

"During the All-Party meet PM @narendramodi assured that GOI is approaching the farmers issue with an open mind. PM said GoIs stand is same as it was on 22nd- proposal by Agriculture Minister still stands. He reiterated what Tomar Ji said - that he is phone call away for talks,"

Referring to the violence that rocked Delhi on January 26, the prime minister has said that the law will take its own course, Joshi said.

Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-30 23:02:58|Editor: huaxia

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JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's African National Congress (ANC) on Saturday defended their decision of selecting Xiaomei Havard as a member of parliament, saying the country is a non-racial and non-sexist.

ANC Chief Whip Pemmy Majodina said Harvard is a trained ICT professional, a computer scientist, a businesswoman and a philanthropist with a PhD. She has lived in South Africa since 1994 and married her partner who is a South African citizen and qualifies for citizenship in accordance with the law.

"In May 2019, she stood for elections on an ANC ticket having gone through a national list process and emerged as candidate 130 on the ANC national list as verified by the Independent Electoral Commission. Her party, the ANC included her name in the national list and her appointment meets Constitutional muster and is allowed,"said Majodina, adding that she has been supporting the ANC for more than 15 years.

Havard was sworn in as the member of Parliament this week to replace Jackson Mthembu who succumbed to the COVID-19 complications. The elevation sparked debates on social media with some supported while some against it.

Majodina said the country condemns all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

"The speedy and comprehensive elimination of all forms of racism and discrimination is a historic mission that we cannot shy from," she said. Enditem
In 1916 Milford Creamery was a well-established aid to dairy farming in the community.

Evolving from Milford Dairy Factory to Milford Co-operative Creamery Ltd. was a testament to its success and a boom in agriculture during World War 1, 1914-1918 would further increase activity within the creamery. However, the political climate in Ireland from 1916 onwards was to have a major impact on all aspects of Irish Life. Milford would not escape the troubles and Milford Co-operative Creamery, the centre of the farming economy, would be a focus for reprisal during the struggle for independence.

1919-1921 was the period referred to in Irish history as the Anglo-Irish War or more commonly the War of Independence. The war was to be a systematic attack on Royal Irish Constabulary Barracks and R.I.C. police officers, in the eyes of Republicans, symbols of British rule in Ireland. Furthermore, as the R.I.C. were an armed police force, many of the barracks contained weapons and ammunition required for Republicans in the struggle.

By February of 1920, it became apparent to British Prime Minister David Lloyd George that back-up for the R.I.C. was needed. Many R.I.C. officers had resigned due to attacks and recruitment had dwindled to nothing. In March of 1920, a group of demobilised soldiers who had served in the British army during World War 1 were sent to Ireland. They became known as the Black and Tans because of their khaki uniforms and dark green R.I.C. caps and in August of that year, the Auxiliaries, who were ex-British Army officers, were sent to supplement the Black and Tans.

The I.R.A. fought a guerrilla war which the Tans found very difficult to deal with because in Ireland 'there was no front line, or rather the front line was everywhere, the enemy was invisible but he was everywhere'. In such conditions, the Black and Tans became very frustrated which led them to commit dreadful crimes in an undisciplined manner. Attacks by the I.R.A. on R.I.C. barracks or the Black and Tans led to reprisals involving wholesale destruction of property, including the burning of creameries, central to the livelihood of rural communities.

As the War of Independence intensified during 1920, the Auxiliaries and Tans, recognising the commercial importance of the creameries to their communities, saw their burning and destruction as a powerful weapon with which to terrorise rural Ireland. Rearcross Creamery, County Tipperary was the first to be burned on 9th April, 1920, the earliest of 60 such burnings that year, most carried out in counties Tipperary and Limerick. By the time the first creamery burning took place in County Cork at Banteer on October 8th, the country was in a volatile state. The deaths of Terence McSwiney and Kevin Barry in these weeks were further causes of unrest.

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Various incidents had occurred in Milford village in the summer and early autumn of 1920 which included the raiding of St. Patrick's Hall and a bomb being dropped in the Square which only caused minor damages. An attack on Milford Creamery was also feared as the Tans occupied both Charleville and Dromcollogher, making the creamery a potential target as they passed through the village two or three times a week. However, following the siege at Doony R.I.C. Barracks on November 3rd and its subsequent burning by a local I.R.A. unit, a major reprisal at the creamery was inevitable and it soon came to pass.

On November 8th 1920 at about 10.30pm, Black and Tans broke in through Milford Creamery windows and set fire to casks of oil and stocks of wheat and maize. However, no sooner had the Tans left than help was at hand. Paddy Sheehan, the engine driver or 'boiler man' at the creamery, immediately rounded up any available help. The Chapel Bell was tolled, drawing a huge and willing crowd to the scene who managed to quench the flames and avert the threat to the creamery business.

In the report of the Labour Commission to Ireland, the event is recorded as: 'Creamery entered forcibly, fire set to barrels of separator and machinery oils, cast iron bars of boiler wrecked by bomb; a live bomb with wire attached to pin of same was placed across a walking passage used by staff. This was later discovered and removed.

'In the general stores oil was run off from barrels over cheese crates, egg crates and straw packing for eggs and all set on fire. The egg store was similarly treated. Cheese to the value of 1,000.00 was damaged by smoke and heat, and later from water used to quench and confine conflagration.'

Mr. James Fant, an officer from the I.A.O.S., who was sent to assess the damage, recorded that for this attack a claim for 4,000.00 had been lodged with the local authority.

The weeks following the first burning incident at Milford Creamery saw an even more disturbed country. A week long rampage by Crown forces in Tralee in early November caused unprecedented revulsion not just in Ireland but also in America and Britain.

On Sunday, 21th November, the 'Bloody Sunday' shootings took place at Croke Park.

Locally, Mortimer Duggan, a national school teacher from Broadford, was shot dead by police while playing cards on November 26th. On this same date a more serious burning and looting took place at Milford Creamery when, arriving at midnight, the Tans perpetrated a systematic and determined act of vandalism.

Creamery buildings were set on fire, stocks of butter were looted and a sentry was kept at the chapel gate until flames were leaping through the creamery and comprehensive damage was assured. The second burning of Milford Creamery was to have a much greater impact on the community.

According to a national newspaper on the following Monday, "Nothing now remains, only that portion of the creamery which was erected about 40 years ago. The adjoining portion, which formed the mill, is completely destroyed. The burning of this mill will inevitably throw a number of people out of employment. It will also mean a big financial blow to the local farming community".

However, the scars left in Milford following the Black and Tans' attack were not just financial and physical. The destruction of an enterprise that had given the village and parish its name by literally ripping the mill out of Milford was a crushing blow to the entire community.

Just two years previously in 1918 this new mill building had been erected and fitted out with top of the range milling equipment sourced from Joseph Armfield & Son, Millwrights of London at a cost of some 15,000. It was at that time described as consisting of a Patent Roller Flour Mill containing the latest patent wheat dryer, bran and pollard divider, semolina divider, wheat scourer with seed and cockle sifters and capable of turning out the finest of white flour.

To defray some of the costs involved, the creamery committee had formed a separate milling society and issued mill shares which they offered to committee members, creamery suppliers and any other interested parties. Now, following the Black and Tan attack, all that remained of one of the most modern mills in the South of Ireland were the four walls and the expensive machinery in a state of twisted debris.

On the night of the Milford Creamery burning locals had witnessed the armed forces arriving in the village in two Crossley Lorries before carrying out the destruction. Two days later two similar type vehicles as had brought Black and Tans to Milford transported a group of their colleagues through Kilmichael in Mid-Cork and, as the song says, 'they were seated in two Crossley Tenders as they took the high road to their doom'.

Just over a week later the infamous burning of Cork City took place.

Clearly, for Milford Co-op Creamery and their counterparts this was not an easy time to carry on business, but the show did go on, at least partly. The Armfield Mill, a source of such great pride to Milford Creamery personnel, had been destroyed. Large stocks of cheese were lost and no further mention is made of cheese making at Milford Co-op for over a decade. Another problem Milford Creamery faced at this time was having their trucks commandeered or dismantled by the R.I.C. The lorries were vital for the transport of produce to the Railway Station in Charleville and John O'Connell, Manager of Milford Co-operative Creamery, reported that the creamery's "Commer 3 Ton Lorry" had been seized by the military on a number of occasions during these months.

The War of Independence was certainly a difficult period in the history of the Irish Co-operative movement throughout Munster and Ireland. With the transfer of governance from Westminster to the Irish Free State in 1922, a new era in agriculture emerged. Milford Co-operative Creamery, like many more, received significant compensation for damage done by Crown Forces. Luckily, the property had been insured against damage by riot etc., by Messrs. Gibson, Lloyd & Company for a sum of 20,000.

Manager John O'Connell and the creamery solicitors pursued a claim for 12,000.00 for losses caused and restitution of 9.518, composed of Building Loss 2,274 and Contents Loss of 7,244, was later paid to Milford Co-operative Creamery. This facilitated the erecting of a replacement mill capable of producing five tonnes of maize meal daily as well as barley meal of very fine quality.

However, it has been impossible to verify if flour was ever again milled in Milford following the Black and Tan destruction of 1920. Nevertheless, business was back on its feet for Milford Co-operative Creamery which in subsequent years of peak production served over 400 milk suppliers and employed upwards of 50 people.

John O'Connell came to manage the Milford Dairy Factory in 1910 at the young age of 26. He had, nevertheless, already spent some time as manager of a co-operative creamery in his native Brosna, before succeeding Milford Creamery's first manager, Matt J. Murphy. In John's 20 years as manager, he put in place many innovations and advancements, growing a creamery involved solely in butter production into a multi-dimensional business.

Markets were sought and cultivated for cheese, eggs, poultry, flour, meal, milk and cream. John O'Connell faced and overcame the difficulties involved in carrying on business hampered by the restrictions of war years and the wanton vandalism of the Black and Tans.

John married Bridie Watson and lived with his family in Milford until his death at a young age in 1930 while his brother Paddy gave many years' service as manager of the Dromina branch of Milford Co-op. The assimilation of this creamery in 1915 and of Dromcollogher Creamery in 1924 into the Milford Creamery business were other developments overseen by John O'Connell.

Milford Co-op continued to trade independently until amalgamation into Golden Vale Co-op Creameries in 1973.

* Further coverage of centenaries in the January 28th edition of The Corkman

Struggles for democracy failing for detachment of educated class

The other day a Division Bench comprising Justice Mamnoon Rahman and Justice Khizir Hayat in a case involving the conduct of a police officer has observed that the people's perception is that they are living in a police state. They said it so that the police remain a law and order force believing in the rule of law. The perception expressed by their Lordships has a deeper meaning in our sad history of political failures.





Our people's struggles and sacrifices in blood and tears for securing the rule of law and democratic rights failed again and again beginning from the attainment of Pakistan in 1947 to the present day creation of Bangladesh.





The people have been easily denied their democratic rights they fought for and died in large numbers under the changed new establishment. During Pakistan most of the time the country was under military rule of West Pakistan dominated by army. We were refused meaningful participation though in the creation of Pakistan we contributed the most. Our great leader and an eminent architect of Pakistan Mr HS Suhrawardy was obstructed from entering Pakistan. Our people and political leaders began all over again our struggle for democratic rights against West Pakistan's autocratic rule.





The first general election was held in 1956 under a democratic Constitution. But democratic experiment was not allowed to continue by imposing military rule of Field Marshal Ayub Khan in 1958. The people were denied democratic rights effortlessly.





At long last Bangabandhu decided to make a clear demand for six-point based autonomy for East Pakistan in 1966. The people began their struggle for autonomy under democracy. They faced clashes and loss of lives. Many political and student leaders agonised in prison.





Gen Yahya Khan took over power from Gen Ayub Khan with the promise of solving the autonomy issue and held elections for the elected representatives to resolve the dispute over the six-point demand.





To cut the long story short, it was a monumental success for Bangabandhu that a consensus agreement was secured on six-point autonomy through the mediation of President Yahya Khan.





However, when this consensus agreement was ready to be signed some young ones, may be some others also, met Bangabandhu previous night and misled him by saying that popular uprising joined by Bengali army had begun for independence of Bangladesh. So he would lose leadership if he signed the autonomy agreement.





Though unbelievable that there would be any popular uprising without his knowledge or leadership. But Bangabandhu swallowed the bait. More surprising was his decision to be in West Pakistan prison despite his belief in the story of popular revolt for independence.







We find from the progression of our movement for autonomy that was manifestly turned into a war with India's help for independence by young agitators. All this was happening before our eyes yet our educated ones remained detached in the midst of the national crisis needing their intellectual guidance on the understanding that politics is not for them.





Freedom is a national issue for all. Without the active cooperation of educated people no autocracy or democracy can succeed. Our politically not committed educated people face no problem of conscience to serve under any government and punish our people as police state if so needed.







That is not the end of our misfortune. In the absence of our leaders the leadership fell into the hands Indira Gandhi who had her own reason to teach Pakistan a lesson.





She had no difficulty in rejecting outright Gen Yahya Khan's secret proposal for holding a referendum for the people of East Pakistan to decide if they wanted independence or not. He also agreed to release Sheikh Mujib. Gen Yahya Khan was anxious to avoid war with India.





If Bangabandhu was not in prison and the leadership did not pass on to India then the responsibility of taking the decision on referendum proposal would have been his. There would have been a peaceful solution on the basis of our people's opinion. The butchering of our people would have stopped.





Such a tragedy of political errors one after another were happening before our eyes while the educated class came to no help is responsible for our dark and dubious history of political disasters. It is a great shame for the whole nation and more so for our sensitive educated ones who preferred to remain on the sidelines when their intellectual participation and commitment to democracy was essential. Bangabandhu was not in control.





The bitter lesson we must learn is that the educated class must not remain politically noncommittal about democracy and the people's rights. They must also be accountable to the people like the political leaders.

We cannot live in two worlds in the same country.

Islamabad:

As international pressure on the country grew to combat terror and its funding, Pakistan had banned Tehreek-e-Azaadi Jammu and Kashmir, a new front for Hafiz Saeeds Jamaat-ud-Dawa.



TAJK gained prominence as a JuD front when it held pro-Kashmir freedom rallies and displayed banners and streamers across Pakistan on Kashmir Day on February 5, days after Saeed was put under house arrest for 90 days in Lahore.



The mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attack in which 166 people died had indicated about a week before his house arrest he might launch TAJK to expedite the freedom of Kashmir.



The re-branding of JuD as TAJK showed that Saeed had got a wind of the government plans and had worked out how to resurface and survive after the clampdown on his ostensible network of JuD and its affiliate Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation.

ALSO READ | Hafiz Saeed detention case: Pakistan's Lahore High Court defers verdict by July 3



The JuD front was put on the list of proscribed organisations on June 8 - a fortnight before the meeting of Financial Action Task Force in Spain, according to a list available on the website of Pakistans National Counter Terrorism Authority.



Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) has called a meeting on Monday to discuss the ban on its affiliate, The Nation reported. There are 64 other outfits in the proscribed organisation category, including Jaish-e-Mohammad, al-Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban, and JuDs armed wing Lashkar-e-Taiba responsible for 26/11 and several other terror attacks in India.



According to a report in Dawn newspaper on Saturday, Pakistan continues to remain on the radar of the FATF over concerns that it is not fully complying with curbs against entities listed with the United Nations.



India had raised the terror financing issue at the FATF in February this year. The FATF last week referred Pakistan to its regional affiliate - the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering - for further analysis and a follow-up report on actions the country has taken against entities designated under UN sanctions list.



Pakistan government has been under mounting international pressure to crackdown on terrorist networks and their fronts. However, according to the report, Pakistani officials expect that Pakistan would be cleared of the concerns.



The United Nations placed both JuD and FIF on its watch list in December 2008 and March 2012, respectively.



The ban on TAJK on June 8 happened a day before the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kazakh capital Astana. India had pushed the SCO members at the summit to curb the financing of terrorist organisations and their fronts.



The Astana Declaration of the Heads of State of the SCO said that the member states will continue to cooperate in order to counteract the activities of individuals and legal entities related to the recruitment, training and utilisation of terrorists, public calls for terrorist activities or the justification of acts of terrorism, and financing terrorist activities.



Last week, the US declared Pakistan-based Hizb-ul-Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin a global terrorist. The announcement had come hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump had their first bilateral meeting.

ALSO READ: Lahore High Court to announce verdict in Jamaat-ud Dawah chief Hafiz Saeed's detention case on June 19

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
'The vaccination programme for the nurses in Our Lady of Lourdes hospital is still moving slowly since we reported the lack of vaccines in the labour ward last week.'

Over 600 men and women who were alive for Christmas in the Republic of Ireland are no longer with us today due to COVID-19.

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer has predicted 1,000 deaths in January, and sadly the figures are not far off, with another 23 deaths nationwide on Monday.

The median age of those who died is 84 years and the age range is 43-98 years.

The vaccination programme for the nurses in Our Lady of Lourdes hospital is still moving slowly since we reported the lack of vaccines in the labour ward last week, although it is understood one maternity nurse has received the vaccine, and 19 other doses were distributed to other staff members in all departments.

Counties Louth and Meath have experienced a number of the deaths, with daily confirmed COVID-19 figures still topping 50 in Louth, and often over 100 in Meath in recent weeks.

In the latest two-week period from January 5th to January 18th, Dundalk South once again had the highest number of cases at 961, almost three times the national rate.

The Ardee electoral district also experienced another spike in case at 475, with East Meath also having a worryingly high number of 539 of positive tests.

The coastal and rural parts of Drogheda are relatively low at 287 cases, with the centre of Drogheda showing 378 cases.

Hospitals around the country are being put under pressure and as of Monday, there are 10,216 cases of COVID-19 in national hospitals, with 1,009 requiring ICU.

22, 434 healthcare workers have contracted the virus in total.

'Through the solidarity shown by families and communities across the country in recent weeks, we are beginning to flatten the curve of COVID-19 infection. Each individual effort to follow the public health advice is making an impact, but we can only continue this positive trend and drive down incidence in the community by continuing to stay at home and avoid meeting or mixing with others in our social circle, including for any close family gatherings, such as birthdays or funerals, as these can be 'super-spreader' events,' said Dr Tony Holohan, speaking on Sunday evening.

'We know it is possible to have COVID-19 without displaying symptoms, so we all need to behave as though we are infectious and minimise our close contacts with others. If you suspect that you might be ill, isolate away from others in your household, let your close contacts know and come forward for testing as soon as possible.'
One thing is clear, however, Navalny and his supporters are being facilitated by brazen Western interference in Russias internal affairs.

Can you imagine the hue and cry if, for example, the Russian embassy in Washington had published maps of the Capitol buildings prior to the January 6 violent assault there by Trump supporters? Or if the Russian embassy in Netherlands published details over the weekend of demos against the Covid-19 curfews the Dutch government has imposed?

Can you imagine further the hysteria among Western governments if Russian media had published articles actually calling people out on the streets?

Thats the chasm of hypocrisy we are seeing with regard to Navalny.
Uh-oh! It could be you, or it could be us, but there's no page here.
vice president on Saturday alleged that the government's "efforts" to crush the farmers' movement has only strengthened their unity.

"The farmers' stir would not be called off unless the three farm laws are repealed," Chaudhary told reporters at Mathura's Bajna town.

He alleged that "after efforts of the government to crush farmers' agitation, unity of farmers has further strengthened."



Later, addressing a Kisan Mahaanchayat at Morki Inter College in Bajna, he called on farmers to use "Vote Ki Chot (their franchise)" to foil the evil design of the state government.

The Yogi Adityanath government should be taught a lesson in the forthcoming panchayat elections, he said.

He called on farmers to participate in ongoing farmers agitation atGazipur and Palwal and condemned the lathicharge by the police on farmers at Gazipur, terming it illegal.

Jayant also announced the start of the programme "Chalo Gaon Ki Or (Move towards villages) from February 12.

At the mahapanchayat, Samajwadi party leader Sanjai Lathar said the BJP-led central government is mistaken if it considers farmer leader Rakesh Tikait alone.

"Farmers of the country are behind Tikait," he said.

"The BJP has in a planned manner defamed the peaceful tractor rally of farmers in Delhi on January 26 by sending its activists in it for violence," the SP leader alleged.

The tears that rolled down the eyes of Tikait are the tears of farmers.The government is living in a fools paradise if it considers that by adopting foul means, the agitation may be foiled, state vice president Kunvar Narendra Singh said.

In the mahapanchayat, a call to farmers to join in the farmers' agitation in Delhi was also given by over one dozen leaders including former minister Tej Pal Singh.

(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.)
As COVID-19 forced their clients to make organization-wide changes, gov tech companies have rolled out new products during each leg of the crisis, from remote work to contact tracing, digital services, public outreach, returning to work and vaccine management. Staring down what is hopefully the last stretch, Salesforce this week announced a bundle of software tools for governments, health-care organizations, businesses and nonprofits focused on administering vaccines.Salesforces Vaccine Cloud has a lot of overlap with tools the company launched last year: in May, it released the Work.com platform to help companies manage employee safety and remote work, and in September , a set of vaccine management tools to help agencies design their own programs for inventory management, public outreach, appointment scheduling, online pre-screenings, outcome monitoring and surveys.According to a news release , the Vaccine Cloud repackages those tools in the Salesforce Customer 360 platform and expands upon them. For government agencies, it gives them data and analytics to track progress with vaccinating citizens, including doses, patient outcomes, and consolidating related data from disparate systems. For health-care providers, tools on the Vaccine Cloud can handle inventory, scheduling, staff training, payment and communication. For businesses, besides helping them schedule vaccine appointments, it lets people share their vaccination or health status so employers know when they can safely bring people back to work.Jefferson McMillan-Wilhoit, director of health informatics and technology at the Lake County Health Department in Illinois, said in a public statement that purpose-built cloud technology helps his staff navigate a complex process when time is of the essence.Our cloud-based AllVax system enables us to shield our community and employees from some of the difficult logistical pieces of the vaccination process to focus and execute on our core mission, he said.
Islamabad, Jan 30 : The Pakistan Supreme Court will hear a petition on February 1 filed by the Sindh government against the recent order to release all the accused persons in the murder case of American journalist Daniel Pearl.

The provincial government challenged the Supreme Court's decision on Thursday, maintaining that the Sindh High Court's (SHC) order did not contain detailed reasons.

The petition calls on the court to order a stay on the SHC'S December 24, 2020, decision regarding the release of the four convicts, including Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, the key accused.

A three-judge bench of the apex court, which delivered Thursday's verdict, will not hear the plea.

"One of the findings recorded by the SHC short order is that the respondents are not 'enemy aliens' within the meaning of Article 10 (9) of the Constitution. Meaning of this term is hitherto judicially unexplained," maintained Advocate General Sindh Suleman Talibuddin.

The Sindh government maintains that the accused persons fall in the category of 'enemy aliens', adding that it has placed proof on record of the SHC, which was rejected.

"Now, the Sindh government has requested the bench to pronounce authorities judgment on the law and facts," reads the order-sheet.

The Advocate General also highlighted that the SHC, in its short order, had also barred the Sindh government from exercising its authority Under Article 10 of the Constitution, adding that the same provision authorizes the government to pass preventive detention of an individual.

The SHC ruling in the case has not gone well with the US administration. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that the US was "outraged" by the decision.

"The decision is an affront to terrorism victims everywhere, including in Pakistan," she said.

"The US was prepared to prosecute Sheikh in the US. We expect the Pakistani government to expeditiously review its legal options to ensure justice is served," said Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

On the other hand, the Pakistani court's decision has shocked the family of the late journalist, who say that the members "were in shock and total disbelief", calling the verdict "a crime against humanity, against journalism, against the core of our civilization".

"We are shocked and hope some steps will be taken to correct for this injustice," said Judea Pearl, Daniel Pearl's father.

Acting US Attorney General Monty Wilkinson said that Washington was ready to take custody of Sheikh and put him on trial in the US.

"He must not be permitted to evade justice for his charged role in Daniel Pearl's abduction and murder," read the statement.

On Friday, Blinken had a telephonic conversation with Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, raising US' serious concerns over the legal proceedings.

The 38-year-old South Asia bureau chief of The Wall Street Journal was doing research on religious extremism in Karachi when he was abducted in January 2002.

A graphic video showing his beheading was delivered to the US consulate a month later.
The need for a temporary Covid-19 test centre in Enniscorthy has never been greater according to members of the local Municipal District.

A local GP has also said it would be a good idea to have a small test centre in the town for people who can't travel to the main testing facility in Wexford town.

The latest 14-day incidence rate for Enniscorthy is a shocking 3,291.40 with 897 cases recorded between January 5 and 18.

It's the second highest rate of Covid-19 infections in the country with only Belmullet in County Mayo recording worse figures.

From a county perspective the 14-day incidence rate is 1,518.8 and the alarmingly high rate in Enniscorthy has prompted calls for a temporary test centre to be set up.

Cllr Jackser Owens has been particularly vocal in his concern over the current situation and speaking to this newspaper he said the time has arrived for a temporary centre to be set up.

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'We need a centre here because the numbers are sky high and also there is no facility for people who can't drive to get access to a test,' said Cllr Owens.

'Why hasn't the HSE set up a centre here when there was one set up in New Ross and in Ferns when the numbers went up in the New Ross area and in north Wexford?' he said.

Acknowledging that the numbers in Enniscorthy are now higher than they were in both the New Ross and Gorey areas when the temporary centres were set up there to deal with the crisis. Cllr Owens said it's 'high time a centre was set up'.

'What about people who haven't got transport?' he said.

'We have a population of around 35,000 in the electoral area and that is a lot of people with the virus as rampant as it is now,' he added.

'I think it's a disgrace because there are people who are not able to go for a test who need to because they can't get to the centre and that is not good enough.'

Cllr Owens went on to comment that the time to set up a temporary centre was when the figures started to rise.

'I don't know why that wasn't done at the time but if definitely needs to be done now,' he said.

'The amount of people who contacted me worried because they can't get to the test centre is incredible,' he added.

He also highlighted that the waiting time for a test for people getting one at their home is 'around five days'.

'When you add in the time for the test results to come back you could be looking at seven to nine days between when someone is symptomatic to when the results come and a person could get very sick in that time,' he said.

'Why was Enniscorthy ignored when we have almost the highest number in the country?' he asked.

Cllr John O'Rourke has also expressed concern about the current situation and in particular the situation people who can't drive currently find themselves in.

He said such people are not being given adequate means to attend for a test when advised to do so by their GP.

Cllr O'Rourke said people who don't drive had contacted him because they don't want to use public transport for fear of spreading the virus if they turn out to be positive.

'They don't want to use public transport or a taxi and Caredoc does not provide a [transport] service,' he said.

Local GP, Dr George Leslie, said it would be a good idea to have a test centre set up in Enniscorthy but said it would only need to be a small centre.

'After this wave, there has been a definite increase in Covid-19 positive numbers,' said Dr Leslie.

He said that initially the negativity rate in people calling for a Covid test was significant but added that positive tests are now 'rising dramatically'.

'Most of the people are positive now who are being sent for a test,' he said.

However, he said that what has also been noticeable is that many people are not experiencing as severe symptoms as before.

'Some people are getting a mild sore throat and mild breathlessness and after a few days some of them are healthy again,' he said.

'I am observing that the severity of symptoms are less but a lot more people are Covid-positive,' he added.

He said some people are asymptomatic and commented: 'There are some without symptoms, some with mild symptoms and those who are well again after a period of time.'

He encouraged people to not worry too much and said: 'Calm your mind and try to relax, and stay at home.'

Dr Leslie also encouraged people to stay safe and quarantine if they feel they may have the illness.

'As a GP, I would say we are facing a serious situation but it's important not to panic,' he said.

'If you are experiencing something different like a cough with breathlessness then seek advice from a professional GP,' he added.

While the situation in Enniscorthy is very serious, Dr Leslie said he was very proud of the way the local community has faced the challenge posed by the virus.

With regard to the calls for a temporary test centre to be set up in Enniscorthy, Dr Leslie said: 'It think that is a good idea.'

Through his role with Caredoc he said he knows of a lot of people who don't have access to the Wexford town centre.

'It's just a little bit too far from home for some people,' he said.

He also knows of medical professionals who don't have access to the main test centre.

'The numbers in Enniscorthy are very high at the moment and I think we should have a test centre here temporarily and at least people could walk there if needs be,' he said.

Dr Leslie said that out of 32 patients he treated last week over a certain time-frame 28 of them resulted in Covid test bookings.

He said there is a very good community in Enniscorthy and if access to a Covid test is more accessible for people it will give them peace-of-mind.

'If people go for a test and get a negative result it will also make them mentally free and that is very important,' said Dr Leslie.

He also said that if a temporary site was set up it wouldn't be a case of sending everyone to it.

'We wouldn't be sending everyone to the local centre,' he said.

'It would be specifically those who are vulnerable or who can't access the main test centre,' he added.

'We don't need a big set up, we just need a small centre.'

'A temporary centre is the best option because we have big numbers requesting a Covid booking,' he said.

'To ensure less panic we could have a small, temporary test centre,' he added.

However, Dr Leslie is also confident that the overall numbers will begin to decrease in the coming weeks, particularly as the roll-out of vaccines increases.

Cllr Owens raised the issue at last week's monthly meeting of the local authority and said he had contacted the HSE about the matter.

Cllr Cathal Byrne agreed with Cllr Owens and said the figures 'coming out of Enniscorthy' are 'disturbing'.

He also proposed that a temporary test centre be set up in the town and his proposal was supported by the other members.

Since then, Cllr Byrne said the local authority received correspondence back from the HSE and the Department of Health saying a temporary centre will not be set up in Enniscorthy because the test centre in Wexford can cater for the current demands.

This newspaper contacted the HSE last week about the issue of a temporary test centre being set up in the town, however, we had received no response at the time of going to press.
[January 29, 2021] Google Search Core Update December [2020] - Analysis by Qamar Zaman SEO & Website Expert from Dallas, TX

Dallas, Jan. 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Until now, the SEO community is still speculating about the broad core algorithm update rolled out by Google on the 3rd of December last year. The search giant called it the December 2020 Core Update. I wrote an article about it over two weeks ago and talked about AI and Google BERT. But what does Google do when they roll out a core update? Why Google Keeps Rolling Out Core Updates? Google rolls out core updates several times a year when they implement significant changes to their search algorithms and systems. They do this to ensure that what they returned to their users' search queries is relevant and authoritative content. According to the search giant, unlike other algorithm updates, they always confirm if they roll out broad core updates because these changes usually brought widely notable effects such as drop or rise in website traffic. Impact of the December 2020 Core Update Search Engine Land reported that this recent broad core update had significantly impacted affected sites based on RankRanger, SEMRush, SearchMetrics, and Sistrix data. The report mentioned some big websites got a spike increase in traffic, and there are those with significant losses. Check out this comparison between May 2020 Google Core Update and December 2020 Core Update by SearchMetrics. Credit: Search Engine Land On the other hand, an independent publisher reported that the December 2020 Core Update doesn't affect much of his fellow independent publishers and bloggers' website traffic. He even concluded that those large sites that were badly hit are those with content that lacks life and personality. I guess what he meant by this is that those websites are too robotic, have no personal touch, and give the impression that their content is mass-produced somewhere.



Putting all the data and experts' observations together, one can conclude that the December 2020 Core Update negatively impacted some big websites with content that lacks relevance and authority. If you are among those websites that got hit by the December 2020 Core Update, here are some quick tips on how to recover your traffic.

Top Ways to Recover If Your Website Got Hit by the December 2020 Core Update When a broad core update gets rolled out, there are indeed some winners and losers. For those websites that lose traffic, here are practical tips to help you bounce back. 1. Update your old web pages Broad core updates are mainly about Google updating their system on how they assess content. If you see a significant drop in your traffic, especially on your web pages that haven't been updated for a year or two, then it's time you evaluate your content and update them. For example, you own a law firm website with pages about a particular law amendment and haven't revamped those pages with the latest updates about the topic. For sure, your traffic will take a nosedive when a broad core update gets rolled out. 2. Keep on producing new content regularly This is where blogging and regular press release distribution come in. Google loves fresh content. Maintaining a blog about your business or industrys relevant topics keeps your website getting indexed by search engines. Regular press release publication on high authority news websites is also another way of getting your content out there. This also helps you reach other target audiences your website cannot reach. 3. Keep on improving your content There are many ways to improve your website content aside from writing long-form articles and comprehensive analysis about a particular topic. Putting videos, infographics, and even snippets of your social media posts can humanize your content and make it more relevant. Live videos and even uploading TikTok on some of your blog posts tell search engine bots that your web page is managed by real human beings and is not mass-produced. 4. Evaluate your link profile This is probably a piece of redundant advice, but this doesn't get old as links are still part of Google Page Rank factors. If a core update negatively impacts your website, evaluate the webpages you link back to and those that link back to you. Remove everything that comes from spammy portals or those with shady content. Applying all these practical tips can help you recover your traffic the next time Google will roll out another broad core update. Final Thoughts The December 2020 Core Update is a wake-up call for marketers and website owners to take content quality and relevance to the next level. It's high time for those that got hit badly to re-evaluate their content marketing strategy and how they incorporate SEO into their overall digital marketing plan from now on. With Google keeping on innovating its algorithm to assess content quality, it is logical that we should also keep on leveling up the quality of content we publish. Blogging, press release distribution, infographics, live videos, long-form articles, and podcasts, for example, can help search engines distinguish which content is crappy and which ones are authentic.



SEO Analyst Qamar Zaman T: 972.437.8942

Sources & References: https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2019/08/core-updates https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwQ92wMVmsY https://blog.searchmetrics.com/us/google-core-update-dec-2020-analysis/ https://kisspr.com/google-core-update-and-e-a-t-for-attorney-seo

This news has been published for the above source. Qamar Zaman [ID=16421] Disclaimer: The information does not constitute advice or an offer to buy. Any purchase made from this story is made at your own risk. Consult an expert advisor/health professional before any such purchase. Any purchase made from this link is subject to the final terms and conditions of the website's selling. The content publisher and its distribution partners do not take any responsibility directly or indirectly. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the company this news is about.



Attachment Impact of the December 2020 Core Update



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Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. A few storms may be severe. High 73F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

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Scattered thunderstorms early, then cloudy skies after midnight. A few storms may be severe. Low around 50F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.

Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Even though nine years have passed since Ralph Heimans was driven through the gates of Buckingham Palace for the most crucial 60 minutes of his career, the Australian artist is still bombarded with one big question: what's the Queen like? Heimans is armed with a good answer when I ask too. "She really does have an aura. If such a thing exists in this world, she has it. Although it might have helped that when I met her she was wearing the robes of state, encrusted in jewels and walking with four footmen carrying her 18-foot long robe. But I honestly was struck." Ralph Heimans' work, Coronation Theatre, being installed inside Westminster Abbey. Credit:Getty His more enduring insight into the Queen hangs in Westminster Abbey - a 2.5-metre high by 3.4-metre wide portrait commissioned to celebrate her 60 years on the throne. Heimans, an outsider of sorts in the Australian art world, was the only painter invited to mark the moment and was granted an hour-long sitting with the monarch in the Yellow Drawing Room of Buckingham Palace in 2012. The encounter firmly established him as the portraitist of choice for the royal houses of Europe and a genuine Australian success story  albeit not a hugely well-known one. Just think about it, says Michael Kirby, the former High Court judge who helped Heimans win the job. The only portrait of the Queen for her diamond jubilee was done by an Australian. And it has been acquired by Westminster Abbey and will be there for hundreds of years. When we first speak over Zoom, London is enduring another coronavirus lockdown. Heimans has not conducted any in-person sittings all year. "This pandemic has reminded me how much portraitists depend on human-to-human contact  the sitting, the initial exchange and spark that occurs between the subject and the artists is irreplaceable," he says.

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"I think there's a narrative here and in Australia that the arts can take a hit because it is not essential, which is very distressing. The arts are what keep us afloat during these times of distress." Ralph Heimans portrait of the Prince of Wales. He laughs when I ask whether the pandemic might inspire an era of portraits featuring masks. The eyes are the window to the soul and thankfully we can at least still see those. Whats amazing is how easily we can still recognise people with a mask on  how little information we require, within milliseconds, to identify somebody. The brain is incredible. Heimans will often start a major work by tackling the eyes. Its all in the eyes. When I have a blank canvas, as soon as you paint the eyes, it starts to breathe and it starts to tell you what the painting needs. His distress when fathers rights activist Tim Haries spray painted HELP over the Queens portrait in 2013 was slightly offset by relief the vandal had missed her eyes. "A portrait painter is a little bit like a sculptor  creating a form out of stone. You try to breathe life into a figure. It's not just a superficial thing of how they look. It's really how they move, how they feel, how they think. It's almost like being an actor  you have to inhabit that person." Ralph Heimans has lived in south London for 11 years. Credit:Edwina Pickles The roll call of Heimans famous subjects is striking. He immortalised Prince Philip in 2017 and Prince Charles the following year thanks to a commission funded by billionaire Anthony Pratt and partly orchestrated by Paul Keating, whose support for Heimans momentarily outweighed his republican leanings. Pratts friend, businessman Ross Fitzgerald, is also friends with Keating and the former prime minister became something of a middle man in suggesting Heimans might be the right choice to paint the future king.

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So, yes, a portrait of Prince Charles came about through Paul Keating, which is ... unexpected, Heimans laughs. But when you think about it, those two men connect really well, oddly, with their passion for the environment, art and architecture. Keating thinks the startling boyish 50-year-old artist is only just getting started: We are going to see a lot more of Ralph ... theres going to be an even bigger Ralph coming, Keating tells me. "Ralph is interested in beauty, a matter which has gone out of fashion. And of course I've been interested in beauty per se all my life so when you run into somewhat of a kindred spirit you do find something of a common cause." Heimans 2017 portrait of Prince Philip is set in the Grand Corridor at Windsor Castle. Credit:Buckingham Palace/AP Heimans' portraits of Danish Crown Prince Frederik and his Tasmanian-born wife Princess Mary hang in a 17th century castle north of Copenhagen. Labor lion Tom Uren and Murdoch family matriarch Dame Elisabeth have also sat for the Sydney-born talent, as have billionaire business identities Sir Frederick Barclay and Darla Moore. To commemorate the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeares death in 2016, publisher Random House picked Heimans to paint six literary icons including Booker Prize winning authors Margaret Atwood and Howard Jacobson, American writer Gillian Flynn and Norwegian crime novelist Jo Nesbo. He has also painted actor Dame Judi Dench and one-time Sydney Symphony Orchestra conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy. Ralph Heimans portrait of author Margaret Atwood.

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He is also the creative genius behind the official portrait of former governor-general Dame Quentin Bryce in the Members Hall at Parliament House, and Radical Restraint, the National Portrait Gallery's evocative tribute to the trailblazing legal giant Kirby. Kirby agrees the London-based Heimans is not celebrated at home to the extent he deserves. "Australia's like that, though," the former judge says. "Australia doesn't celebrate its heroes. Indeed it is sceptical of heroism, and tends to think that foreigners are by nature more gifted. We've had many people in Australia who have had to go overseas to get discovered. But I do think Ralph was discovered before he went to London." Heimans only came to paint Radical Restraint in 1996 after a chance conversation between Kirby and the painter's documentary maker father Frank. "We really did click," Heimans says. "He admired my work, which was wonderful, and I admired what he stood for, his bravery and his judicial philosophy. We became friends." Many years later Kirby would copy Heimans into an email he wrote suggesting Canberras National Portrait Gallery commission a piece for the Queens diamond jubilee. I read the email, called Michael and said, what are you cooking up? and he said would you like to do this portrait?, and I replied absolutely. John Dauth, Australias high commissioner to London at the time and a former press secretary to Prince Charles, took the pitch to Buckingham Palace. Ten months later the green light was granted and Heimans was whisked through the gates for the all-important sitting. 'You try to breathe life into a figure. It's not just a superficial thing of how they look. It's how they move, how they feel, how they think.' Portrait painter Ralph Heimans There's an element of destiny to Heimans' extraordinary success. Some of his first memories feature drawing and painting. "From a very early age I realised my identity was an artist," he says from the south London home he shares with wife Tami and their daughters Ellie-Rose and Hannah. "I had a very clear drive. It was from before I could write. I would sit alone for hours on end and just draw. I don't ever recall a bored moment in my childhood because I could just pick up a pencil."

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While Frank made documentaries, Heimans mother Josette taught French. His brother Jeremy would co-found activist group GetUp! in 2005. It was at the family home in Cremorne on Sydneys lower north shore where a 14-year-old Heimans fell in love with oils. The experience of oils was indescribable. I set up a corner in the dining room of the family house and that was it. I basically never left that space for the rest of school. Ralph Heimans portrait of actor Dame Judi Dench. Credit:Courtesy Ralph Heimans Heimans would go on to win the now defunct National Art Award aged just 17 and used the $2500 prize money to spend three months travelling Europe in search of an art school. But this was the 1980s and Heiman's interest in traditional European style was thoroughly unfashionable, even discouraged. He scoped out prestigious academies in Florence, Milan, London and Vienna but was disappointed they all focused on theory over technique. He returned to Australia dejected but determined. At one point Frank and Josette took their son to see a psychologist. When the doctor asked what was wrong, his exasperated parents blurted out in near-unison, "He wants to be an artist!" When the doctor asked what was wrong, his exasperated parents blurted out in near-unison, 'He wants to be an artist!'. "It was like a scene out of a Woody Allen movie," Heimans laughs. "The look on the psychologist's face was sort of like 'who am I supposed to be evaluating here?' It didn't take long before they did a complete about-face and were very supportive and it has been so important to have that." Conscious of his parents' concerns, Heimans enrolled to study architecture at Sydney University. "It was a bit odd because I was trying to design renaissance buildings in Ultimo, which did not go down well with the tutor." He eventually graduated with a degree in fine arts and pure mathematics  the latter of which he calls on to paint the intricate structural surrounds of portrait subjects.

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The 44-day Second Karabakh War between Armenia and Azerbaijan, its Russian-mediated outcome, the launch of Russias own peacekeeping operation, and Turkeys rise as a regional power have all exposed the Minsk Groups irrelevance, The Jamestown Foundation writes in the article Can the Minsk Group on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict Reinvent Itself?

Mandated by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) back in 1992 to mediate a political solution to the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and oversee a multinational peacekeeping operation, the Minsk Group forfeited its chance after 2009, vegetated for another decade, and found itself sidelined by the aforementioned events, which it neither anticipated nor managed to affect. The Minsk Groups own obscurity in the last ten years served to conceal its failings from public view; but the recent war and its aftermath have made it impossible for the Minsk Group to survive with its pre-existing mandate, structure and ideology.

Russia appropriated the drivers seat in the ostensibly collective Group from 2010 onward and ultimately bypassed the Minsk Group unceremoniously in 2020, shaping the wars outcome by unilateral Russian action. Washingtons disengagement from 2009 onward facilitated Russias manipulation and circumvention of the Minsk Group. During the 44-day war, Washington and Paris (both stunned by the unanticipated events) abandoned the mediators impartiality by favoring Armeniavocally so in Paris. Both Washington and Paris decided to view this war through the prism of their own strained relations with Turkey, therefore acting to Azerbaijans detriment and compromising the mediators impartiality.

Nevertheless, the Minsk Groups Western co-chairs are now attempting to reactivate this forum. For the time being, Paris is leading this attempt, seconded by Washington. Both governments hope to recoup at least some of their lost influence by using the Minsk Group, the only avenue still open to them. Their access to this avenue, however, depends largely on Moscow. The latter looks at this attempt from a wait-and-see standpoint, with plenty of time and leverage to play. Armenia is eagerly embracing Frances and the USs initiative; Azerbaijan displays a skepticism born of experience.

On January 14, Russias Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko received the US and French ambassadors, John Sullivan and Pierre Levy, respectively, in Moscow. He informed them about Russian President Vladimir Putins telephone calls with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian regarding the possible continuation of the Minsk Group co-chairmanships work. The impression conveyed was that Washington and Paris hoped for Russias leverage with Baku and Yerevan to reactivate the Minsk Groups co-chairmanship forum.

The Minsk Groups Russian, US, and French co-chairs convened at the ambassadors level on January 25, planning for a possible visit to Baku and Yerevan. Unusuallyprobably unprecedentedlythe meeting took place in Poland, without explanation as to the choice of venue.

On January 2627, the French foreign ministrys State Secretary Jean-Baptiste Lemoine visited Baku and Yerevan in that order. Meeting with President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, the French dignitary practically offered apologies over his governments vocal pro-Armenia stance during the Second Karabakh War: The French government found itself in a complicated situation during the war, Lemoine explained. Admittedly, some misunderstandings occurred; but we need to look ahead now (APA, January 27, 2021). While at it, Lemoine pitched a railroad construction project on behalf of the French company Alstom. Lemoine pointedly refrained from mentioning the matter of Nagorno (Upper) Karabakhs future political status, which Armenia insists upon but Azerbaijan currently rules out. In Yerevan, Lemoine apparently stopped short of endorsing Pashinians and Foreign Minister Ara Aivazians calls for a political
(Newser)  US Rep. Stephen Lynch has tested positive for the coronavirus, despite having had both doses of the Pfizer vaccine. The Massachusetts Democrat received the result Friday, "after a staff member in the Congressman's Boston office had tested positive earlier in the week," a spokeswoman said. Lynch "feels fine," isn't showing symptoms, she said, and will cast his House votes by proxy next week. He attended President Biden's inauguration after getting the second vaccine dose and testing negative. On Thursday, another Massachusetts Democrat, Rep. Lori Trahan, announced that she is among the 26 million Americans who have tested positive, per WYCN. Trahan tweeted that she's in self-quaratine and also will vote by proxy, per CBS.

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For COVID-19 vaccine recipients, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, it "typically takes a few weeks" after having the shots to build immunity. The vaccines are designed to prevent illness, but not necessarily infection, per the Boston Herald. Also, a Boston University infectious diseases specialist pointed out, they're not perfect. "Neither the Pfizer nor Moderna vaccine is 100% protective based on the studies that were done," he said. "They're both about 95% effective against symptomatic infections." Their efficacy against asymptomatic infection and transmission isn't clear. More than three dozen Capitol Police officers and several members of Congress have tested positive for the virus since the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, which health experts say appears to have been a super spreader event. Lawmakers who caught the virus had sheltered in place during the riot with colleagues who were not wearing masks. (Another lawmaker who tested positive blamed Republicans.)
on Friday said that it does not consider itself bound by any of the obligations enshrined in the Treaty on Prohibition of (TPNW).

This comes as the ban treaty had taken effect last Friday amid the lack of signatures from the major nuclear powers, Dawn reported. According to the United Nations, this treaty seeks a legally binding instrument to prohibit nuclear weapons, which includes a set of prohibitions on participating in any nuclear weapon activities.

Pakistani Foreign Office Spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri on Friday stated that this treaty neither forms a part of nor contributes to the development of customary international law in any manner.

There are nine nuclear-armed countries, with Russia and the United States holding the majority of nuclear weapons, Dawn reported. The others are Britain, India, Pakistan, China, France, Israel and North Korea.

The Pakistani spokesperson argued that the Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which was adopted in July 2017, was negotiated outside the established UN disarmament negotiating forums.

None of the nuclear-armed states took part in the negotiations of the treaty which failed to take on board the legitimate interests of all stakeholders, Radio reported.

Zahid Chaudhri further claimed that many non-nuclear armed states have also refrained from becoming parties to the treaty, adding that it is indispensable for any initiative on nuclear disarmament to take into account the vital security considerations of each and every state.

The TPNW was adopted by the Conference at the United Nations on 7 July 2017 and opened for signature by the Secretary-General of the United Nations on 20 September 2017. Following the deposit with the Secretary-General of the 50th instrument of ratification or accession of the Treaty on 24 October 2020, it entered into force on 22 January 2021.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Shirlene 'Ms. Juicy' King Pearson was reportedly slashed in the face with broken glass during a boozy brawl, last year, at Nouveau Bar & Grill in College Park, Georgia.

The horrific fight between the Little Women Atlanta cast captured on camera ended in the 49-year-old reality star requiring stitches and a CAT scan, according to TMZ.

In a teaser for the Lifetime's unscripted hit series on Friday, footage of the nasty throw-down showed twin sisters Amanda and Andrea Salinas in a screaming match with Abira Greene.

Scroll down for video

Ouch! Shirlene 'Ms. Juicy' King Pearson was reportedly slashed in the face with broken glass during a boozy brawl, last year, at Nouveau Bar & Grill in College Park, Georgia

While it was unclear what led to the chaos, Abira and the Salinas sisters could be seen launching insults, and even spitting on each other, before a glass was thrown.

As Ms. Juicy attempted to diffuse the frenzied attack, she ended up getting hit by a glass, which left her forehead wounded and bleeding.

'I'm bleeding,' the television personality cried as a pal held a paper towel to one of her injuries. 'I got a cut, I got a cut...on my foot!'

Unbelievable: The horrific fight between the Little Women Atlanta cast captured on camera ended in the 49-year-old reality star requiring stitches and a CAT scan, according to TMZ

At odds: In a teaser for Lifetime's unscripted hit series on Friday, footage of the nasty throw-down showed twin sisters Amanda and Andrea Salinas in a screaming match with Abira Greene

Fighting words: While it was unclear what led to the chaos, Abira and the Salinas sisters could be seen launching insults, and even spitting on each other, before a glass was thrown

Despite her head bleeding, she appeared in disbelief that she had walked through broken glass.

Meanwhile, one of the Salinas sisters could be seen being physically dragged out by a security guard as she yelled at the other women.

The pre-pandemic night, which occurred in February, included the late Ashley 'Minnie' Ross, who passed away in May after losing control of her car and colliding with a vehicle in the opposite lane.

Mad: Despite her head bleeding, she appeared in disbelief that she had walked through broken glass

Chaos: As Ms. Juicy attempted to diffuse the frenzied attack, she ended up getting hit by a glass, which left her forehead wounded and bleeding

Not backing down: Meanwhile, one of the Salinas sisters could be seen being physically dragged out by a security guard as she yelled at the other women.

Gone too soon: The pre-pandemic night, which occurred in February, included the late Ashley 'Minnie' Ross, who passed away in May after losing control of her car and colliding with a vehicle in opposite lane

A police report obtained by TMZ, at the time, revealed that Minnie lost control of her car while traveling on one side of the highway causing her to jerk the steering wheel right according to eyewitness testimony.

Police said that she briefly went off-road before abruptly swinging back to the left and colliding with another vehicle in the opposite lane. The reality star was deemed responsible for the crash.

Minnie was unresponsive at the scene and later pronounced dead. The other driver went to the hospital with complaints of pain.

Late star: Ashley 'Minnie' Ross seemed to disapprove of the violence

'I'm bleeding,' the television personality yelped as a pal held a paper towel to one of her injuries. 'I got a cut, I got a cut...on my foot!'

Comforting hand: A pal tried to help Ms. Juicy

No alcohol or drug tests were administered to either driver and there was no autopsy performed on Minnie and she will likely be listed as dying from blunt force trauma from the accident, according to the outlet.

Ross was one of the original castmembers of the Lifetime series, which began airing in 2016.

The reality show follows a group of little women living in Atlanta as they deal with drama, friendship, careers and men.

Ross had starred on the main cast of all six seasons of the show.

Uncontrollable: Amanda and Andrea Salinas seen flipping off Greene

Unscripted drama: The reality show follows a group of little women living in Atlanta as they deal with drama, friendship, careers, and men

The hit program has starred castmates Ms. Juicy, Briana Barlup, Tiffany 'Monie' Cashette, Emily Fernandez and the Salinas twins since 2016

She starred on the hit program with castmates Ms. Juicy, Briana Barlup, Tiffany 'Monie' Cashette, Emily Fernandez and the Salinas twins.

Ross' castmates took to social media to share their condolences and favorite memories with the reality star.

'This is too much too much,' declared Ms. Juicy Baby.

Boozy night: Many of the women appeared to be drinking heavily

Before the accident: Ms. Juicy seen before getting her face slashed

Drama: Onlookers filmed and snapped photos of the night

Amanda Salinas, shared photos of Ross, at her wedding. Her sister, Andrea, also took to Instagram to pay homage to the reality star.

Amanda Salinas said: 'As Im writing this Im in tears I cant believe it my Minnie!!!! Why did they take you away from us!!!! WHY!!!!! It always seems like we have all the time in the world, only to realize how fleeting it really is. I wish we had more time to do and say the things we saved for later which along with you is gone forever.'

Her sister, Andrea Salinas, added: 'Minnie why did you have to leave us so soon!!?? You were such a great friend / mama bear to us since the day we meet in LA To film the pilot shoot for the show omg I cant believe this!!'

A whole lot of drama: Ross was one of the original castmembers of the Lifetime series which began airing in 2016

Legacy: Minnie pictured speaking at the 2019 Atlanta Ultimate Women's Expo in November 2019

Tonya Renee Banks, from Little Women: LA, also offered her condolences in a heartwarming post.

The show is a spin-off to Little Women: LA as Little Women: Dallas is also part of the franchise.

Ross is survived by her mom Tammy Jackson, aunt Veronica Deloney, uncle John Deloney, & grandmother Rose Deloney.

Remembering their friend: Ms Juicy Baby took to Instagram to offer prayer's for Minnie's family
He further complained against MP V. Vijayasai Reddy for his unsavoury remarks on him in violation of the poll code.  DC Image

VIJAYAWADA: State election commissioner (SEC) N. Ramesh Kumar has complained to Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan against government advisor Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, two ministers and an MP for personally and politically targeting him.

The SEC, in a letter to the Governor on Friday, underlined that the government advisor (Public Affairs) holds a cabinet rank. Despite being a public servant, Sajjala has been indulging in political activity and attacking a constitutional authority. The election commissioner opined that being a public servant drawing salary and allowances from the government, Sajjala is bound by rules governing a public office.

Ramesh Kumar suggested that the Governor take legal opinion from Attorney General of India, as he (Ramesh) has no confidence in the office of advocate general. The SEC went on to seek Sajjalas dismissal as advisor in public interest.

The state election commissioner also complained against panchayat raj minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy and municipal administration minister Botsa Satyanarayana for targeting SEC with adverse remarks in violation of the model code of conduct. He further complained against MP V. Vijayasai Reddy for his unsavoury remarks on him in violation of the poll code.

The election commissioner warned that he may move the constitutional court to seek remedy against such gross injustice.

However, the government advisor refused SECs allegations saying the latter has been going overboard in passing comments against the state government and ignoring flaws of opposition parties. He vowed that they would continue to expose the election commissioners biased functioning. Sajjala turned critical of SEC for ignoring TD supremo N. Chandrababu Naidus act of releasing a party manifesto for panchayat polls, though they are being held on non-party basis. He alleged that the election commissioner is working under directives of Naidu.
Hi, my name is Scott C. Waring and I wrote a few books and am currently a ESL School Owner in Taiwan. I have had my own UFO sighting up close and personal, but that's how it works right? A non believer becomes a believer when they experience their first sighting. You witnessed it, your perceptual field changes, so now you need to share it.





I created this site to help the UFO community get a little bit organized. I noticed that there was a lot of chaos when searching for UFO sighting reports, so I hope this site helps. I wanted to support those eyewitnesses who have tried to tell others about what they have seen, yet were laughed at by even closest of friends.





More and more each day the governments of the world leak bits and pieces of UFO information to the public. They have a trickle down theory in hopes of slowly getting citizens use to the idea that we are not alone in universe and never have been. The truth is being leaked drop by drop until one day we look around and find ourselves neck high in it.





The discovery of alien species in existence is the most monumental scientific event in human history, suppression of that information is a crime against humanity.





About me:

I live in Taiwan. I OWN MY OWN ENGLISH SCHOOL, AND ONCE HAD 5 SCHOOLS.

Am Former USAF at SAC base (flight line).

Age: 42

Educ: BA in Elem ed. Masters in Counseling ed.





I had two UFO sightings, (30+bus size orbs) in military and in 2012 personally saw the UFO over Taipei 101 building on New Years Day (and recored it).
Guwahati, Jan 30 : All India Congress Committee (AICC) spokesperson Gourav Vallabh on Saturday slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government for been incapable, incompetent and indifferent towards the plight of the Assamese people as he said that the state government used communal divide as a tool to polarise the voters in the state.

Vallabh said the BJP leaders have, over the last few weeks, resorted to lies and deceit to whitewash their actions of misgovernance and paint a fair picture of their inactions.

"The BJP has been working overtime to destroy the social fabric of Assam, which is a land of Srimanta Sankardeva who propagated an inclusive society," the Congress leader told the media.

The Congress spokesperson said that out of 36 states and Union Territories combined, Assam ranked 20th in the Business Reform Action Plan Results 2019 indicating no concrete reforms initiated by the Assam's BJP government.

"It took two years for the BJP government at the Centre to come up with a shoddy North East Industrial Development Scheme that doesn't even propose an exclusive industrial policy for the northeast." Vallabh accompanied by Lok Sabha member from Assam Abdul Khaleque and Assam Congress Media Department chief Bobbeeta Sharma, said that as per CMIE (Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy) data, the unemployment rate in Assam in December 2020 was 7.6 per cent, higher than the national unemployment rate of 6.5 per cent.

He said, "Against the promise of nine new medical colleges, one high-tech 500-bed hospital in every district, the BJP government has deceived the Assamese people with a foundation laying ceremony happening a month before the elections." Reports of renowned and credible bodies suggest that there is a 50 per cent shortage of community health centres in Assam. Shortage of trained medical manpower and poor state of healthcare facilities indicates complete neglect in the last five years.

In the education front, the Congress leader said that the BJP government not only failed to deliver on its promise of setting up 30 ITIs and an IIM, it has led the state into a decline.

"NITI Aayog has recently released the India Innovation Index-2020. Out of 27 states and nine Union Territories, Assam is ranked 29th. This speaks of the state's overall pathetic performance in education - especially higher education and research - science and technology sector, industrial and employment sector," Vallabh added.
EUGENE, Ore -- Representative Peter DeFazio is working with the Biden administration to pass a large stimulus package.

According to DeFazio, the Trump administration failed to provide enough financial assistance for states to effectively increase their testing capabilities. He says thats all about to change under the new administration.

Were going to get a lot of money down to the states to help them with this effort, DeFazio said. Weve got to get this thing under control. Weve got to get people back to work and the economy moving again.

DeFazio toured the University of Oregons Monitoring and Assessment Program lab today to learn how additional funds could expand the labs test processing capabilities.

The lab, located at the Phil & Penny Knight Campus, is home to Lane Countys largest testing program with approximately 4,000 tests processed every week. It has helped increase the states testing capacity to around 17,000 every day.

The university received more than $4 million in federal relief last spring to help speed up statewide testing efforts.

With new, more contagious COVID-19 variants spreading in the United States, DeFazio says increasing testing efficiency at similar labs around the country is critical right now in order to study variants and strengthen vaccines accordingly.

They will be able to instruct from that sequencing how we might modify the vaccines in the future to deal with new threats from these mutating viruses, DeFazio said.
The Victorian government has shut the border to parts of WA after the states Premier Mark McGowan ordered a five-day lockdown because one new case was recorded.

Anyone who has been in Perths metropolitan area, the Peel region and the South West region of WA will not be able to enter Victoria as of 9pm Sunday night. Those areas have been deemed red zones under Victorias traffic light system.

If people have been in one of these currently listed red zones since 25 January, they will not be allowed to enter Victoria without an exception, exemption or permitted worker permit, a statement from the Victorian Health Department said.

The rest of Western Australia outside of the red zone areas of the Perth metropolitan area, the Peel region and the South West region will remain green zones.

NSW Health issued its advice late Sunday requiring some travellers returning from affected areas of WA to isolate or stay at home.

Any travellers who have been at places of concern will be required to be tested and isolate for 14 days if they attended any of the named venues, a spokesperson said.

In addition, it said anyone who had been in any of the affected areas of WA since Monday January 25 will be required to get tested within 48 hours of arrival in NSW.

They will also have to stay at home for five days, until 9pm on Friday February 5. If they do not get tested, they are required to remain at home for a total of 14 days.

There were four flights scheduled to arrive in Melbourne from Perth on Monday, with the first arriving after 6pm.

Passengers from flights arriving today and since January 25 will be contacted by the Health Department. They will be asked to get tested and isolate.

The land border between WA and South Australia will have a police check point which is likely to check both SA and Victorian permits.
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During the virtual meeting, Opposition parties are likely to demand a debate on the farmers' agitation underway at various border points of Delhi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair an all-party meeting on Saturday to put forth the government's legislative agenda for the Budget Session of Parliament.

This time the customary all-party meeting is being held after the beginning of the session. The Budget Session began on Friday with President Ram Nath Kovind addressing the joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament.

Usually such all-party meetings are held ahead of parliamentary sessions to ensure smooth functioning of both the Houses.

During the virtual meeting, Opposition parties are likely to demand a debate on the farmers' agitation underway at various border points of Delhi.

The Opposition parties had raised a similar demand at an all-party meeting convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday, but the government suggested that the issue of farmers' agitation can be raised during the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address for which 10 hours have been allocated in Lok Sabha on 2,3 and 4 February.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha are meeting in shifts of five hours each to ensure distancing norms. While Rajya Sabha will meet in the morning, Lok Sabha will meet in the second half of the day.

Union Budget 2021: Narendra Modi to chair all-party meet today ahead of annual financial statement

During the virtual meeting, Opposition parties are likely to demand a debate on the farmers' agitation underway at various border points of Delhi.
Lori Harvey took to her Instagram account on Friday to promote her new collection with the clothing brand Naked Wardrobe.

The 24-year-old daughter of Steve Harvey played it up for the camera as she posed for three sizzling snaps in an eye-catching outfit.

Lori officially launched her collection on Wednesday, which is mainly comprised of sweatpants, crop-tops, and other popular 'athleisure' styles.

Making moves: On Friday, Lori Harvey posted a series of photos to her Instagram account to promote her new collaboration with Naked Wardrobe

In the Instagram photos, Harvey was seen wearing a white Knotty & Ribbed Crop Top from her own clothing collection underneath a black denim jacket with multiple laced portions.

She paired the top with a matching black pair of form-fitting jeans that featured a flattering high waistband and a tapered leg.

The model's gorgeous raven hair cascaded loosely onto her shoulders and down her back for the sultry photoshoot.

Stylish outfit: The model wore a denim jacket with matching jeans during the promotional photoshoot

Gorgeous hair: The social media personality's beautiful black locks fell onto her shoulders and back in the photos

Harvey had been working on the collection for the past six months and was excited to finally make the clothes available to the public.

Shortly before the line's debut, the social media personality spoke to People about her motivation behind designing some of the products in the collaboration.

'For the past six months, I wanted to focus on creating items that would motivate women to be comfortable in their skin. This inspired me to create a line of neutral signature color crop tops and joggers,' Harvey said.

Working hard: Harvey had been keeping her collaboration under wraps for months before its release on Wednesday

The designer explained why the line featured so many variations on sweat pants, which are a favorite clothing choice of hers.

The model noted that 'I love sweats. I can dress them up or down and be stylish, confident and comfortable at any occasion.

'We also chose a comfortable fabric to enhance the feel of the mood while wearing the line. These items are your everyday go-to that will make you feel good and look good,' she remarked.

Favorite item: The model spoke about why she had a particular affinity for sweat pants and noted that 'I can dress them up or down and be stylish'

In addition to staying busy with her new clothing line, the model recently revealed that she is dating actor Michael B. Jordan.

The two were speculated to have been seeing each other for months before they went Instagram official in early January.

The couple recently returned from a PDA-filled trip to St. Barts, where they documented much of their time together on their respective social media outlets.

Special someone: Earlier this month, the model went Instagram official with her boyfriend Michael B. Jordan
Janice Dean demands accountability from NY Gov. Cuomo after report on COVID-19 nursing home deaths

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Fox News meteorologist Janice Dean, whose in-laws died from the novel coronavirus at New York nursing homes, responded to a report from the state's Attorney Generals Office that found COVID-19-linked deaths in the states nursing homes were undercounted by 50%.

Dean addressed a report from New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, in an op-ed published Thursday. Dean has emerged as a vocal critic of Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, arguing that his executive order that required nursing homes to admit coronavirus-positive patients contributed to the death of her elderly in-laws and many others residing in the states nursing homes.

Dean likened James report to a door opening, with a glimmer of light peeking through, adding, One of the most stunning findings from the report is that the nursing home resident deaths appear to be undercounted by New York State Department of Health by approximately 50 percent.

She said the report finally confirmed that the nightmare we have been experiencing was very real.

New York has one the highest COVID-19-linked death rates per 100,000 residents in the country.

After the report was published, officials disclosed nearly 4,000 additional deaths among nursing home residents.

During a press briefing on Friday, Cuomo derided the report on nursing home deaths as being nothing more than a political attack.

Where this starts is frankly a political attack from the prior federal administration, Cuomo charged.

Last year, the DOJ requested data from Cuomo and three other governors about orders related to nursing home residents with COVID-19. It later expanded its request, asking for detailed numbers from hundreds of facilities in New York state, The Epoch Times reported.

The DOJ said at the time that the data will help inform whether the Department of Justice will initiate investigations under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act.

Protecting the rights of some of societys most vulnerable members, including elderly nursing home residents, is one of our countrys most important obligations, then-Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Division Eric Dreiband said back in August. We must ensure they are adequately cared for with dignity and respect and not unnecessarily put at risk.

On the Fox News program The Faulkner Files Thursday, host Harris Faulkner read aloud a portion of the report that said: Government guidance requiring the admission of COVID-19 patients into nursing homes may have put residents at increased risk of harm in some facilities and may have obscured the data available to assess that risk.

Dean, who appeared as a guest on the program, emotionally recalled phone conversations she had with her husband and sister-in-law following the publication of the report.

Maybe the angels won, maybe the angels will have their day in court, and maybe this governor will be held accountable, Dean said she told them. Im not a political person, but my family was affected and I wasnt seeing the coverage, I wasnt seeing the questions being asked of this governor. He continued to pass the blame on everyone else and everything else and he still, to this day, will not accept any responsibility.

This is never a role I thought I would ever be in, Harris, but Im so grateful today that justice might be served, she continued.

During an appearance on Fox Business Networks The Evening Edit later in the day, Dean described the report as light at the end of a very dark tunnel, adding that the report says everything that we have been saying from the very beginning.

This governors mandate of putting COVID-positive patients into nursing homes had a grave consequence, Dean stressed. She called for an independent bipartisan investigation with subpoena power to get the governor and his health commissioner on the stand to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth and let us have our moment as well to tell him what hes done to our families.

We want the answers, but we also want accountability from this governor, his administration, and his health department, she continued. Dean expressed hope that the report was the start of a bigger investigation into this governor and his administration.

During her appearance on The Evening Edit, Dean also signaled support for a federal investigation into nursing home deaths, explaining that Cuomo wasnt the only governor that put into effect that mandate of putting COVID-positive patients into nursing homes.

She added, It happened in California, in Michigan, in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Why did those Democratic governors decide that these nursing homes should be infected with COVID patients? she asked. It makes no sense. They were our most vulnerable, they were sitting ducks.

While Cuomos handling of the coronavirus pandemic in New York state has won him praise from the mainstream media, as Dean has repeatedly noted, he has also received intense criticism from other big names in New York politics.

According to a New York Post report published last summer, Cuomos handling of the coronavirus pandemic has led George Pataki, the most recent Republican to serve as governor of the Empire State, to consider running against Cuomo in 2022, when the current governor will seek a fourth term.

At least one Pataki confidante said the situation has angered him enough to even consider running against Cuomo in 2022 and denying him the same fourth term Pataki denied his father, Mario, in 1994, the report said.

Pataki defeated the Democratic incumbent Mario Cuomo, Cuomos father, in the 1994 gubernatorial election and served as governor through 2006. No Republican has won the governorship of New York since.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-30 13:38:00|Editor: huaxia

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LUANDA, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) on Friday urged politicians and civil society in the Central Africa Republic (CAR) to overcome differences through dialogue instead of military means.

This call was heard as a mini-summit of the ICGLR member countries was held in Luanda, capital of Angola, to discuss prevailing insecurity in the CAR.

ICGLR member countries must assume a constructive and influential role with the "living forces" of the CAR, so that they understand the infeasibility of the military solution to the conflict, and get prepared to accept dialogue with the legitimate government of the country, said Angolan President Joao Lourenco, the acting chair of the ICGLR.

The ICGLR is an inter-governmental organization of African countries in the African Great Lakes Region. It was created with the aim of resolving peace and security issues following the political conflicts that marked the region in 1994.

The current situation leaves the legitimate government of the CAR in a position of great fragility, given the growing ease of rebel forces to acquire weapons of all calibres and firepower, Lourenco said.

He underlined that action for peace and security in the CAR would be developed in close cooperation with the African Union and the United Nations.

"We want a Great Lakes sub-region free of unnecessary armed conflict, death, destruction and forced displacement of its populations," Lourenco said.

Leaders of countries in the Great Lakes region attended the mini-summit.

Tensions intensified in the CAR as the country held the presidential elections on Dec. 27, 2020.

On Jan. 4, authorities announced preliminary results of the vote, saying Touadera won 53.92 percent, but his opponents demanded that the Constitutional Court cancel the ballot, claiming "massive fraud" and low voter turnout.

On Jan. 18, the Constitutional Court of the Central African Republic confirmed the re-election of President Faustin-Archange Touadera for his second term, with 53.16 percent of the Dec. 27 balloting. Enditem
It was the sort of idea that should have vanished with the sunrise, and the onset of sobriety. That tantalizing line could have come from the opening of one of the more than 100 books published by Hard Case Crime, as a rueful narrator reflects on the offhand thoughts that led to trouble. In fact, its how Hard Case Crime cofounder Charles Ardai, an Edgar Awardwinning writer himself, described the circumstances of the imprints origins.

Ardai told PW that when he arranged to get together for drinks in 2001 with novelist and graphic designer Max Phillips, an old friend, he didnt imagine where their casual conversation about the books theyd relished growing up would lead. Their discussions of the paperback crime novels they remembered vividly from Gold Medal or Popular Library, by authors such as John D. MacDonald, got more spirited, figuratively and literally, as the evening wore on and the bar tab grew. They reminisced about pocket-size books with luscious, painted covers and a tough, atmospheric prose style. After the friends wondered why no one published those sort of books anymore, one of them mused that they should collaborate to start a new publishing imprint to fill the void.

The rest is genre publishing history. After a few years of getting the business organized, Ardai and Phillips released the first Hard Case Crime titles in 2004. And though some elements of the books theyd loved have fallen by the wayside (such as the pocket format, due to the prohibitive economics of distributing mass market paperbacks), their spirit remains.

In terms of the look and feel and storytelling style, we havent deviated one iota, Ardai said. We still favor lean storytelling, with most of our books clocking in at 256 pages or less, featuring intense, focused stories. No one needs to know what Sam Spades childhood was likejust get on with the story weve come to read.

Hard Case Crimes 2021 list is highlighted by the biggest name on its rosterStephen King. In March, the publisher will release Kings Later, complete with the tagline, Only the dead have no secrets. PWs review noted that no good deed goes unpunished in this gruesome yet mesmerizing paranormal coming-of-age story. Later is Kings third book for Hard Case Crime, preceded by 2005s The Colorado Kid and 2013s Joyland.

How did Hard Case Crime land the uber-bestselling King in its early days, when it had only published a dozen titles? Ardais account is pleasantly improbable. We knew that one of the challenges we faced was getting readers to pick up books by writers whose names they didnt already know, Ardai said, whether that was old-time pulp writers whose works we were rescuing from obscurity or new writers we might discover. He reasoned that readers would give the books a closer look if they also saw a name they knew and respected. He knew from interviews that King was a fan of the old-style paperbacks and hoped he could get King to write a blurb.

Utilizing the investigative skills of his own fictional PI, John Blake, Ardai found the name and address of Kings accountant and dropped off a package with samples of what Hard Case Crimes books would look like, and who its authors would be. He didnt expect anything to come from the effort.

Months passed. Then the phone rang. It was Kings agent, who told Ardai that King didnt want to write a blurb, because he wanted to write a book instead. Kings gesture, which Ardai dubbed as an act of transcendent generosity, put Hard Case Crime on the map.

This year also brings other notable titles, including Donald Westlakes Castle in the Air (Mar.); two books from the indefatigable Max Allan Collins, Two for the Money (Apr.) and Double Down (May); a trade paperback edition of Killer Come Back to Me: The Crime Stories of Ray Bradbury (Aug.); and Five Decembers (Oct.), written by James Kestrel (a pseudonym), featuring a Honolulu police detective probing a grisly murder on the eve of the Pearl Harbor attack.

Collins said writing for Hard Case Crime is attractive because they go their own way and are motivated by a love for the noir genre, taking risks with new talent and respect older talent. Charles Ardai encourages me to write what I want to write. Im at a point in my career and, frankly, at an age where being able to write what I want means more than financial considerations, an approach that can pay off better than a more market-driven, cynical one.

Ardai plans to continue with what has worked. The fact that were still at it two decades later is a testimony to the widespread appeal and the staying power of this sort of crime fiction, he said. Its exciting, its slightly disreputable, itll take you for a ride and show you a good time, and best of all, no hangover! I cant imagine a way Id rather have spent the past 20 years of my life. If my tombstone eventually has that gun-and-crown logo carved on it, Id consider myself a lucky man.


As thousands of Britons raced home to beat the travel deadline from the United Arab Emirates yesterday, one man defiantly declared that he was staying put.

Awkwardly for the Government, that man was one of its own advisers, the multi-millionaire financier Ben Goldsmith.

The Daily Mail can disclose that Mr Goldsmith, who is on the board of the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is staying in the UAE with his wife and young children.

We are in Abu Dhabi, which has strict quarantine requirements on arrival and almost no cases of Covid, he told this newspaper.

However, direct inbound flights from the UAE were banned by Britain from 1pm yesterday after evidence that a more infectious South African strain of Covid-19 had been detected there. Business trips to the UAE will no longer be considered essential.

Ben Goldsmith with his wife Jemima on April 18, 2018 in London. The Daily Mail can disclose that Mr Goldsmith, who is on the board of the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is staying in the UAE with his wife and young children

The financier, who is the brother of environment minister Lord (Zac) Goldsmith, said he and his family havent thought about returning to Britain, explaining: We had planned on staying here for quite a bit longer anyway.

His wife Jemima has work out here because she was weighing up plans for a restaurant here.

Britons returning from the UAE face having to quarantine in airport hotels for ten days. It was still unclear yesterday when this will come into force, but officials are thought to be considering the week beginning February 8.

So Mr Goldsmith, who grew up in the 18th century mansion Ormeley Lodge near Londons Richmond Park, could have to spend ten days with his family at a Travelodge in Hounslow.

The financier, 40, has three children with Jemima, 33, and two surviving children with his first wife, the banking heiress Kate Rothschild, 38. He and his family are currently staying at a home in the desert kingdom bordering the Persian Gulf which they hired through the website Airbnb.

Mr Goldsmith, who is the son of the late billionaire tycoon Sir James Goldsmith and aristocrat Lady Annabel, is keen to stress that he and his family travelled to the UAE (pictured) in mid-December before lockdown

He declines to give details about the property but Airbnb has luxurious places on offer such as a six-bedroom villa at 6,575 per night.

We followed all the rules

However, even then the Government was advising against non-essential travel abroad. The Government emphasised to hopeful holidaymakers that they should carefully consider whether they must travel abroad. The financier said: We followed all the rules in the UK and here, as youd expect. We have been away since mid-December, before any new lockdowns or travel rules were put in place back in the UK  and, naturally, we followed all rules and guidance pre-departure.

Mr Goldsmith was appointed as a non-executive board member of Defra in March 2018. He said: We are both able to work well from here, which we continue to do for the time being.

Last night a Defra spokesman said: Mr Goldsmith has continued to work remotely in his capacity as a non-executive director.

Jemima and Ben Goldsmith attend the wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston at St George's Chapel on May 18, 2019

When ministers announced tighter restrictions on international journeys this week, Home Secretary Priti Patel attacked social media influencers showing off in sunny parts of the world such as the UAE, which includes Dubai. Although Mr Goldsmith is a prolific user of social media, he has not posted anything online to indicate that he is in the UAE. Indeed, he has regularly made comments on Twitter about rural British matters such as establishing new woodlands.

Last July the Mail revealed that red deer had escaped from Mr Goldsmiths Somerset farm because of inadequate fencing.

The deer damaged neighbours land and Mr Goldsmith admitted to this paper that he had bull****ted when he claimed to local farmers that he was having the creatures rounded up.

Mr Goldsmith, a proponent of rewilding the countryside, also confessed that he fed wild boar.

At one point he appeared to admit releasing the wild boar  a criminal offence  but later told the Mail he had typed the words wild boar in a message in error when he had meant pigs.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-30 16:20:41|Editor: huaxia

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A staff member displays a sample of the COVID-19 inactivated vaccine at a vaccine production plant of China National Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd. (Sinopharm) in Beijing, capital of China, April 10, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei)

Hungary's approval of the Chinese vaccine demonstrates its recognition of and trust in the safety and effectiveness of the Chinese vaccine, and attests to the fine tradition of the two countries helping each other in times of difficulty, said Wang.



BEIJING, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday that with joint efforts of China and Hungary, vaccine cooperation will definitely become an upgraded version of anti-COVID-19 cooperation between the two countries.

Wang made the remarks during a phone conversation with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto.

Wang said he is glad to know that Hungary has approved import of a Chinese COVID-19 vaccine, adding that China attaches great importance to Hungary's urgent desire to strengthen vaccine cooperation with China.

Hungary's approval of the Chinese vaccine demonstrates its recognition of and trust in the safety and effectiveness of the Chinese vaccine, and attests to the fine tradition of the two countries helping each other in times of difficulty, he said.

COVID-19 inactivated vaccine products are seen at a packaging plant of the Beijing Biological Products Institute Co., Ltd. in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 25, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei)

China will, based on China-Hungary comprehensive strategic partnership, facilitate Chinese enterprises' export of the first batch of vaccines to Hungary, he added.

Overcoming the impact of the pandemic, mutual beneficial cooperation between China and Hungary has maintained a sound momentum, Wang said.

According to the Chinese foreign minister, in 2020, the volume of bilateral trade achieved a hard-won growth of more than 14 percent year on year, and at the third China International Import Expo last year, among all Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC), the volume of transactions Hungary reached with China was the highest.

Wang said China will, as always, support bilateral cooperation in various fields, and is pleased to see more Chinese enterprises invest and develop businesses in Hungary.

Medical supplies donated by the Chinese government are seen at the Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport in Budapest, Hungary, on April 29, 2020. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)

China also hopes that Hungary will continue playing a constructive role in pushing forward China-CEEC cooperation and relations between China and the European Union (EU), he said.

For his part, Szijjarto said Hungary attaches great importance to developing its relations with China.

The country is ready to deepen practical cooperation with China in various fields, and play an active role in China-CEEC cooperation and EU-China relations, he said.

Hungary thanks China for its strong support in vaccine cooperation, and hopes that China will speed up the approval process to facilitate Hungary's purchase of vaccines in China, Szijjarto noted.

He said the Chinese vaccines will help Hungary save more lives and accelerate the resumption of work and production as well as economic recovery. 
The realty major reported 9% rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 452 crore on 15% jump in net sales to Rs 1543 crore in Q3 FY21 over Q3 FY20.

Consolidated profit before tax came rose 5% to Rs 386.76 crore in Q3 FY21 from Rs 368.61 crore in Q3 FY20. Current tax expense fell 26.2% year on year to Rs 104.24 crore in Q3 FY21.

EBITDA jumped 49% to Rs 624 crore in Q3 FY21 from Rs 419 crore in the same period last year. DLF said demand in the residential business is improving, aided by a low-interest cost regime, various government incentive initiatives and quality supply with affordability.

During the quarter, DLF launched Independent Floors in DLF City, which was absorbed in record time, demonstrating demand for quality products in established locations. New Sales bookings for the quarter rose to Rs 1,022 crore, reflecting a 40% growth year on year. The company assured it continues to step up on new launches and remain focused on creating a healthy pipeline of new products offering diversity across segments and geographies.

The realty major remains focused on cost optimization and tight working capital management. The quarter closed with a positive cash flow of Rs 115 crore and Net Debt reduced to Rs 5,100 crore in Q3 FY21.

DLF Cyber City Developers (DCCDL)'s rental business continued to exhibit resilience. The company saw Q-o-Q growth in rental income as retail business paced towards normalcy. The company said it maintains a positive outlook for its rental business. The tenant workforce is slowly returning to their workspaces in our facilities. The office business remains stable and continues to exhibit strong collections of 98%. The development of Downtown, at Gurugram & Chennai and NOIDA project remains on track.

The festive season added cheer to the retail segment with footfalls showing improvement. Overall, the retail business is recovering steadily, with the luxury segment-leading it. All our malls are witnessing increased footfalls and better spend per footfall, it said.

"In our process for getting the rental business REIT ready, DCCDL has engaged advisors for its rental business and we are hopeful that the process is expected to be completed in the next 12 months, it added.

DLF is India's real estate developer and has more than seven decades of track record of sustained growth, customer satisfaction, and innovation. DLF has developed 153 real estate projects and developed an area of approximately 330 million square feet.

Shares of DLF ended 2.03% lower at Rs 255.40 on Friday.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A third Houston-area resident has been arrested and charged in connection with the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.

The FBI announced that bakery owner Wilmar Jeovanny Montano Alvarado was arrested, the Houston Chronicle's Anna Bauman reports. Alvarado is charged with violent entry or disorderly conduct; entering a restricted building or grounds; civil disorder; assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers or employees; and obstruction of an official proceeding.

TEXANS AT THE RIOT: Texas man's son tried to warn FBI before father attacked Capitol with mob

Alvarado previously gave an interview to Fox26 Houston on Jan. 8, saying he flew to Washington D.C. to protest against the election of President Joe Biden, believing former President Donald Trump's baseless claims of election fraud. A mob of Trump's supporters breached the building, resulting in five deaths and delaying the certification of the election results.

Alvarado told Fox26 that he was unwillingly pushed toward the building doors by the crowd.

"I turned around, trying to get out, and it was really impossible because people kept pushing in," Alvarado said, Fox26's Ivory Hecker reported. "So I found myself really close to the cops, and so I was like with my hands up, and I told them, Im not part of this. Im trying to get out."

He voluntarily identified himself to investigators on Jan. 14 and told them he did not enter the building or assault any officers on the scene. However, investigators found footage that differed from Alvarado's account, showing him pushing toward the police line with a hand on a police shield, Bauman reports.

Alvarado owns Betty's Bakery and Restaurant in Pasadena. He is the third Houston-area resident to be arrested in connection with the riot after former Houston police officer Tam Pham and veteran Joshua R. Lollar.
Conflicting advice from the The World Health Organisation, which changed its guidance for pregnant women considering a COVID-19 vaccine on Friday, abandoning opposition to immunisation for most expectant mothers unless they were at high risk, has also added to her fears. Ive never had to make any of these types of decisions and I think what plays into it for us in Australia is that we have the luxury of not having many cases, she said. If I was overseas where there were thousands of cases a day, it would be a much harder decision. This week, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said most pregnant women should not get a COVID-19 vaccination due to insufficient data and a low number of cases in Australia. Dr Attwell led a research project last year aimed at understanding attitudes to the COVID-19 vaccine. Of the more than 1300 respondents, 65 per cent were willing to get the coronavirus vaccine, 27 per cent were in the maybe group, while about 8 per cent said they would refuse to get the vaccine. The research suggested people were more likely to be unsure about the vaccine if they were female, they perceived coronavirus to be a mild illness, had less trust in science and were less willing to vaccinate for influenza.

Professor of public health Julie Leask. Credit:Louise Kennerley University of Sydney public health and immunisation expert Professor Julie Leask said about 13 per cent of the Australian population are hovering somewhere in the spectrum of vaccine hesitancy, while those in the refusal group sit at about 9 per cent, according to a national survey done for the federal government. Within that broad spectrum you have a group who are extremely hesitant and some who are just a bit hesitant and some who are likely to just go along with it. While vast research suggests more than 95 per cent of us support childhood immunisation, a recent poll of 2000 Australian parents found almost a quarter were unsure or unwilling to get a potential COVID-19 vaccine. Another study conducted in April deemed hesitancy among the Australian public was at about 14 per cent  almost 5 per cent of people said they would not get a vaccine, while 9 per cent were unsure or indifferent.

Recent research from the Australian National University last November found almost three in 10 Australians are at least somewhat hesitant about a COVID-19 vaccine, with 13 percent either highly hesitant or resistant. Vaccine hesitancy even exists in healthcare workers. Reports from the United States track vaccine hesitancy among health workers at about 29 per cent. Associate Professor Holly Seale, an infectious disease social scientist at the School of Population Health at the University of New South Wales, said decision-making around vaccination can be a complex mix of psychosocial, cultural, political and other factors, she said. Healthcare workers, just like the broader public, may perceive they are at low risk of acquiring a vaccine-preventable disease, she said. They may have concerns about the safety and effectiveness of a vaccine and or may find it challenging to get vaccinated. So is vaccine hesitancy on the rise? According to Dr Attwell, there is no robust evidence it is growing.

I would almost say because we have quite strict mandatory policies in many states now, our compliance with the childhood vaccination schedule has never been better, Dr Attwell said. If more Australians are hesitant about receiving the COVID vaccine than other vaccines that doesnt mean we are experiencing a rise in vaccine hesitancy. What it means, understandably, is that people are in a really kind of scary scenario of a global pandemic and some are little anxious about the thing thats going to come and help fix that for us. Professor Leask predicts hesitancy will decline as more information about vaccine safety and effectiveness emerges. How this campaign is managed and how any minor controversies are managed will make a big difference to how Australians accept this vaccination campaign, she said. Hesitancy is defined by the World Health Organisation as a delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite availability of vaccination services. Historically, it has been linked to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles and whooping cough. In 2019, the WHO declared vaccine hesitancy one of the 10 biggest threats to global health.

Loading For many people, the speed at which the vaccine has been created has fuelled anxiety around long-term side effects. Professor Danchin said a normal vaccine timeline was around 10 to 15 years. But now were looking at a timeline anywhere between nine to 18 months, she said. An important part of our job as scientists and medical professionals is to reassure people that no steps in the vaccine process have been missed. In fact, it just been a massive global investment in terms of funding, approval, timelines, everything has been shortened dramatically given the risk of COVID. Discussions about vaccination can be highly emotive, Professor Danchin said, in part because success of a vaccine depends on widespread uptake.
Experts heralded the launch of AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine as a turning point in the pandemic

Only a few weeks ago, Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca was being applauded for the speed with which it developed its COVID-19 vaccine.

Experts heralded the launch of the jab as a turning point in the pandemic, not least because it can be transported and stored more easily than its Pfizer/BioNTech counterpart.

The Anglo-Swedish firm also won plaudits for promising to provide the vaccine on a non-profit basis to lower- and middle-income countries.

Now the vaccine has become a headache, with questions about its effectiveness, and potential litigation because of delays in delivery to the European Union.

On Friday, the European Commission published the contract it signed with the drugs group, showing AstraZeneca's commitment to produce 300 million doses of the vaccine.

A day earlier, an inspection of a Belgian plant producing the vaccine was carried out at the request of the European Commission to examine production problems at the site.

Italy raised the prospect of legal actionwhich would also target Pfizerto "get back the promised doses".

Germany's Robert Koch Institute also questioned the effectiveness of the jab among the over-65s, citing gaps in test data.

All of these tensions came as the EU mulled approval of the AstraZeneca jab which was granted on Friday. It was the third COVID vaccine authorised by the European Medicines Agency.

The Financial Times said on Friday the "souring" relationship with the EU "could hurt the pharma group".

'Vaccine nationalism'

"Neither side comes out of this particularly well," CMC Markets analyst Michael Hewson told AFP, adding that the disputes showed why "the prospect of vaccine nationalism is so worrying".

He cautioned that "if the EU follows through on its threat to impose an export restriction," there could be a knock-on effect of "countermeasures" from other nations like the UK if supplies slow.

The contract with the EU stipulates that AstraZeneca committed to its "best reasonable efforts" to manufacture and distribute the doses.

David Greene, a partner in the law firm Edwin Coe and president of The Law Society in the UK, said the contract remained "straightforward", even if the group was not providing the shot for profit.

He added that the contract with the EU was governed by Belgian law, and, as such, "the only place it can be litigated is in Belgium".

If AstraZeneca does not demonstrate that it is using its "best reasonable efforts" to respect its commitments, said Greene, it could have breached its contract and risks potential lawsuits.

But Russ Mould, an analyst for the online broker AJ Bell, said the financial consequences of the recent spat needed to put in context.

"The German questions about the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine, and the US FDA's apparent unwillingness to approve it, are unfortunate and may not be helpful for the FTSE 100 firm's reputation, but many other countries seem happy to keep on using it," he said.

Mould added that the vaccine's low price meant that "the hit to profits is likely to be limited" and attributed a recent decline in the drug group's share price to "investor concerns over the proposed $39-billion cash-and-stock purchase of (pharmaceutical firm) Alexion".

Susannah Streeter, an analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, believes the pandemic had allowed the group to gain expertise in vaccines, which it lacked in the past.

"The fact that it is so sought-after, to the extent supplies have led to intergovernmental spats, is unlikely to lead to a long-term reputational hit," she said.

"Instead it is more likely to draw attention to the significant contribution the company has made."

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Confirming/ruling out metastasis/oligometastasis

To confirm patient is amenable to surgery

To confirm a supposed curative indication

Patard JJ, Kim HL, Lam JS, et al. Use of the University of California Los Angeles integrated staging system to predict survival in renal cell carcinoma: An international multicenter study. J Clin Oncol. 2004 Aug 15;22(16):3316-3322. Escudier B, Motzer RJ, Tannir NM, et al. Efficacy of Nivolumab plus Ipilimumab According to Number of IMDC Risk Factors in CheckMate 214. Eur Urol. 2020 Apr;77(4):449-453.

(UroToday.com) At the European Association of Urology (EAU) Section of Oncological Urology (ESOU) 2021 virtual meeting, Dr. Arnaud Mejean discussed surgical and perioperative challenges of large renal tumors, particularly those with vena cava and lymph node involvement. Dr. Mejean notes that statistics from the SEER database suggest that 19% of patients present with locoregional disease, making this an important area of management. Historical data from an international multicenter study shows that based on UCLA Integrated Staging System (UISS) stratification for localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the 5-year survival rates were 92%, 67%, and 44% for low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups, respectively.For metastatic RCC, the 3-year survival rates were 37%, 23%, and 12% for low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups, respectively:Dr. Mejean highlights that, although a nuanced assessment, the median survival among those with high-risk localized disease is not that dissimilar from patients with low-risk metastatic disease. Similarly, patients with high-risk localized disease had comparable median survival as those in the CheckMate 214 study treated with nivolumab plus ipilimumab with 2 IMDC risk factors:Dr. Mejean notes that there are several important preoperative management points prior to operating on a patient with locally advanced renal cell carcinoma, including a clinical examination, laboratory tests, CT imaging, MRI, and occasionally the utilization of nomograms (which he does not find all that useful). The objectives of this preoperative evaluation include (with imaging the day before):Furthermore, it is important to have a high degree of preparation and a high level of expertise for these complex, risk operations since the goal is to be safe, confident, and to achieve negative margins. For these operations, there are two different situations: (i) a vena cava thrombus (often curable by surgery alone), and (ii) lymph node involvement (rarely localized and incurable by surgery alone).With regards to neoadjuvant therapy, there is no recommendation although small studies have shown a primary tumor median size reduction of 10-30% with TKIs. However, there is a minimal effect on RCC with IVC thrombi, with a lack of published large series versus controls. The future includes clinical trials with immunotherapy alone or in combination (9 trials, including pembrolizumab, nivolumab, durvalumab plus tremelimumab, spartalizumab plus canakinumab, axitinib plus toripalimab, axitinib plus avelumab, sitravatinib plus nivolumab). Adjuvant therapy trials to date have been disappointing for overall survival benefit with only S-TRAC demonstrating a disease-free survival benefit (and only a FDA recommendation of sunitinib for very high-risk disease).Dr. Mejean concluded that the future will the optimal sequencing of systemic therapy and surgery with the goal of making surgery easier and optimizing overall survival.Presented by: Arnaud Mejean, MD, PhD, CHU de Bordeaux-Direction generale, Paris, FranceWritten by: Zachary Klaassen, MD, MSc  Urologic Oncologist, Assistant Professor of Urology, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University/Medical College of Georgia Twitter: @zklaassen_md during the 18th Meeting of the EAU Section of Oncological Urology (ESOU21), January 29-31, 2021 References:
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She is one of the most iconic Victoria's Secret Angels.

So it's no surprise Candice Swanepoel was front and centre on a new campaign for the lingerie brand, as she modelled a sizzling black lingerie set.

The model, 32, looked incredible in cut-out black bra with floral lace detailing, teamed with a matching barely-there thong.

What an angel! Candice Swanepoel was front and centre on a new campaign for lingerie brand Victoria's Secret, as she modelled a sizzling black lingerie set

Candice styled the jaw-dropping look with semi-sheer suspenders and a belt, while posing up a storm in a bathroom for the sultry lingerie shoot.

The stunning blonde wore her long locks in a loose natural style, as she posed by holding her locks in her hand, while resting on the sink.

She opted for soft touches of make-up in neutral shades and accessorised her ensemble with a pair of glitzy gold earrings.

A good look: Earlier this month, Candice started 2021 off with a bang by sharing several new pinup images to social media

Earlier this month, Candice started 2021 off with a bang by sharing several new pinup images to social media.

On her Tropic Of C Instagram account, the South African born beauty posed in a nude bikini that left little to the imagination.

The mother-of-two looked slender and toned in the suit which was strapless and had a soft tie in front.

Golden glow: 'Stay golden. the cha cha top in gold tap the pic to shop,' the cover girl wrote in her caption with the hashtag for 'inspired by the female form'

'Stay golden. the cha cha top in gold tap the pic to shop,' the cover girl wrote in her caption with the hashtag for 'inspired by the female form.'

In another cover worthy image she said, 'The lew - the cha cha top + the C bottom in gold .' The bottoms have very thin strings keep the briefs on the model's body.

And in yet another fun post the catwalk queen stated: 'The cha cha is our ruffle edge bandeau top with adjustable front tie in a metallic lurex fabric. pair it with our C bottom.'

The company has been doing well since it launched two years ago: 'Tropic Of C is influenced by nature. inspired by the female form, an eco lifestyle brand crafted with love and respect for mother nature.'

Cha Cha fun: In another cover worthy image she said, 'The lew - the cha cha top + the C bottom in gold '

Candice first launched the swimwear line in 2018 after appearing in campaigns for many other brands including Tom Ford, Givenchy, and Ralph Lauren, among others.

After walking for the brand for three years, the supermodel was named a Victoria's Secret Angel in 2010 and was featured on the cover of the lingerie line's swim catalogue in 2013.

She has also walked the runway for various fashion houses including Chanel, Dolce and Gabbana, and Versace.

She has two children, Ariel and Anaca, with her former partner Hermann Nicoli whom she was with from 2005 until 2018.
A delegation of PD MEPs, on a mission to Croatia and Bosnia to visit the refugee camps on the borders between the two countries and to have direct testimony of the tragic situation of migrants in those areas, was blocked today by the Croatian police at the border.

"We wanted to go and inspect the border between Croatia and Bosnia without crossing it, but we have been prevented", denounced MEPs Brando Benifei, Pietro Bartolo, Alessandra Moretti and Pierfrancesco Majorino.

"We made a commitment to the police not to cross the border but we wanted to go through the last piece of Croatia. This was not possible, however, because a dozen officers formed a human barrier preventing us from proceeding".

"Being able to inspect is our right and duty. The police probably have something to hide - the Democratic MEPs denounced -. If we have been treated like this, let alone how migrants and potential asylum seekers could be treated".

Thousands of asylum seekers and refugees are trying to reach Europe along the Balkan route, but are stopped by the police.

Senator Pd Ernesto Magorno spoke of a "humanitarian tragedy" which is taking place "in a condition of widespread indifference", while "violence and ferocious abuse have been documented for some time with testimonies and videos".

According to what appears today, Magorno explains, "at least 900 people, including numerous children, were left without accommodation in the cold and bad weather, a dramatic condition that requires us to intervene at European level".

"Solidarity with the Pd parliamentarians of the S&D group who have been prevented from reaching the border with Bosnia. Being able to check what happens on the borders of Europe is our right", wrote the president of the group of Socialists and Democrats in Parliament in the evening. European Iratxe Garcia Perez on Twitter. While MEP Giuliano Pisapia defined "the decision of the Croatian police to block the delegation of colleagues who were on a mission and intended to carry out checks in a moment of serious emergency on the migratory front as unacceptable". "The Croatian authorities - urged Pisapia - change their attitude and allow the parliamentarians to carry out the mission".

gettyimagesbank



By Kang Seung-woo



Japan, once a non-factor in the North Korea denuclearization negotiations during the four years of former U.S. President Donald Trump, is expected to have a bigger say under President Joe Biden, who is strongly seeking more trilateral cooperation with South Korea and Japan on the decades-long challenge, according to diplomatic observers.



However, it remains to be seen if the envisaged three-way cooperation will play up to Biden's expectations due to lingering animosity between Seoul and Tokyo over historical issues that have prevented them from coming together over their common security interest, with the experts advising Washington to make efforts to insulate trilateral cooperation from historical grievances.



"Overall, the Biden administration is going to seek to strengthen all U.S. alliances and improve dialogue and coordination with all U.S. allies. This will include South Korea and Japan in addressing the North Korean nuclear challenge," U.S. Naval War College professor Terence Roehrig said.



Robert Manning, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, also said there is no way to address the challenges from North Korea without a strong coalition and it starts with South Korea and Japan.



"With regard to Japan, as initial Biden administration discussions with Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and other senior officials demonstrate, they see Japan as the keystone of U.S. forward presence in East Asia, and the U.S.-Japan alliance as a force multiplier with regard to both Indo-Pacific and global strategy," Manning said.



In fact, the new U.S. administration has provided glimpses of its decision to include Japan in dealing with the North Korean nuclear problem.





From left are President Moon Jae-in, U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga / Korea Times file
The entrance of the Constitutional Tribunal during a protest against the Constitutional Tribunal decision on tightening the country's abortion laws on October 19, 2020 in Warsaw, Poland. (Omar Marques/Getty Images)

Poland Approves New Restrictions on Abortion

Polands government put into effect on Wednesday a constitutional court decision banning terminations of pregnancies with fetal defects, three months after the court ruled that the abortion of congenitally damaged fetuses is unconstitutional.

The constitutional court of Poland, a deeply Catholic country, issued on Wednesday a justification of a controversial October 2020 ruling that bans abortions in cases of fetuses with congenital defects, even ones so severe that there is no chance of survival upon birth. The government then published the courts ruling in a government journal of laws. Those steps were the formal prerequisites required for the new law to enter into force.

Under the new rules, terminations will be permitted only in cases of rape and incest, and when the mothers life or health is endangered. Doctors performing illegal abortions in Poland face jail.

In a justification published on Wednesday, the tribunal left open the possibility of parliament regulating some circumstances covered by the law.

Marek Suski, a Law and Justice Party lawmaker, said the party would consider introducing new rules that could allow the most extreme fetal deformities to be excluded. But political commentators say consensus between Law and Justice and its arch-conservative governing allies would be difficult to achieve.

In cases when the fetus doesnt have a skull or has no chance to live outside the womb, there should be a choice. We will work on this, Suski told public radio.

On Jan. 27, officials said the government would now focus on assisting parents of children with disabilities, although the Law and Justice Party, as well as its centrist predecessors, have been accused by critics of not doing enough in that regard.

The state can no longer take a life away only because someone is sick, disabled, in poor health, Law and Justice lawmaker Bartlomiej Wroblewski said.

No law-abiding government should respect this ruling, Borys Budka, leader of Polands largest opposition party, the centrist Civic Platform, told reporters.

Polish cabinet member, a lawmaker, and a deputy leader of a conservative party Micha Wojcik told TVN24 that parents who are expecting a child with a fatal defect should be supported, they should feel that the state backs them when they go through very difficult times in their lives.

His party drafted legislation to help women who are pregnant with babies with severe defects, reported TVN24. The legislation will regulate the functioning of perinatal hospices, which will be available for mothers whose babies have lethal defects, Wojcik told TVN24.

More of such hospices must be created, Wojcik said adding that now there are only a dozen of them in Poland.

Believers pray on the stairs of the Holy Cross Church as protesters take part in a demonstration against tightening Polands abortion law, in Warsaw, Poland, on Oct. 30, 2020. (Wojtek Radwanski/AFP via Getty Images)

In October 2020, the constitutional court ruled, after considering a motion of 119 lawmakers representing the ruling party and two other centrist and conservative parties, that the provision of existing abortion law allowing for abortion of fetuses with congenital defects is unconstitutional because the Polish Constitution protects human life.

The ruling panel consisted of 13 judges, according to Fakt. Two judges, Leon Kieres and Piotr Pszczolkowski, submitted dissenting opinions to the ruling, and three dissenting opinions to the justification of the judgment came from three other judges, according to a statement by the constitutional court.

Pregnant women and their families who are told that their child would likely to have a severe and irreversible disability or a serious life-threatening illness deserve respect, compassion, and support. The state should provide them with the necessary assistance instead of forcing heroism on them, Kieres said in his dissenting opinion.

Reactions

Law and Justice lawmaker Jadwiga Emilewicz told portal TenPoznan.pl Since the Polish Constitution protects human life, [the constitutional courts] judgment seems to be justified, true, and necessary.

Emilewicz said however that the decision should be followed by law that will ensure support for families with disadvantaged children and that she would support such a law.

Before the law restricting abortion was enacted in the 1990s, the acceptance of this procedure in society was 90 percent, Emilewicz said. Along with the introduction of a legal norm that limited abortion and made people realize that it was killing a life, the acceptance for this procedure dropped to 20 percent, she explained.

This is a legal achievement and a unique thing, that the weak are part of the community, Emilewicz told TenPoznan.pl.

Civic Platform lawmaker Agnieszka Pomaska told Polish radio station RMF: A new social contract is definitely needed when it comes to abortion. I am in favor of such a new social contract being created.

I support access to abortion as a genuine womens right and [I am in favor of] giving them a choice, Pomaska said, adding that to ensure the safety of abortion, a woman needs the support of a psychologist and a physician.

The deputy speaker of the Sejm Malgorzata Kidawa-Blonska, who also represents Civic Platform, told journalists, according to the Polish News Agency PAP, This ruling means that many couples, many women who fight and want to have a child, will not have the courage to take the risk, because  in a situation where the fetus is severely and permanently damaged, they will be afraid that they will have to give birth.

President of the Polish Episcopate Stanisaw Gadecki said in a statement that he appreciated the decision of the constitutional court. The life of every human being from conception to natural death is of equal value to God and should be equally protected by the state. And a person of upright conscience cannot deny anyone the right to live, especially because of their illness, Gadecki said.

People hold banners and shout slogans during a protest against the new anti-abortion laws on January 29, 2021 in Warsaw, Poland (Omar Marques/Getty Images)

To date, about 98 percent of all legal abortions in the countryof which there were 1,110 in 2019were performed on the grounds of fetal malformations.

Some activists consider the new law to be draconian.

Small protests gathered late on Jan. 27 following the announcement and pro-choice activists announced more would take place the next day.

The protesters are demanding a full liberalization of the abortion law and the resignation of the government, neither of which seem likely in the short term.

In the meantime, some womens rights groups are seeking new strategies. The Federation for Women and Family planning says it will seek redress in international courts, arguing that the new law violates prohibitions of cruel treatment and torture. It is also assisting women who want to obtain abortion pills or travel abroad for the procedure.

Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Condor has been steadily working towards the construction stage at La India

Condor Gold ( ) ( ) has completed a ground investigation program of 23 geotechnical drill holes and 58 test pits on the tailings storage facility (TSF), water retention and attenuation reservoir and processing plant site at La India project, Nicaragua.

Condor is accelerating La India project from a pre-feasibility level of design to final engineering designs on key infrastructure, in preparation for construction.

The project is fully-permitted. The final TSF design will be fully compliant with internal and external legislation.

Chief executive Mark Child said the work demonstrated Condors commitment to to de-risk and advance La India Project to construction.

Condor's objective, subject to funding, is to fast track the La India Project to operational status.

A feasibility-level design on the TSF and water retention/attenuation reservoir is 64% completed and is due to be finalised in June 2021.

The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources requested final designs as a condition of granting the key environmental permit to develop, construct and operate a new mine at La India.
'Oriel Windfarm Ltd has confirmed that cables will be buried along the route of the project, which is set to come ashore south of Dunany Point.'

The power supply generated from the multi-million euro plan for an offshore windfarm, close to Clogherhead, will be carried underground to a substation east of Ardee.

Oriel Windfarm Ltd has confirmed that cables will be buried along the route of the project, which is set to come ashore south of Dunany Point.

It will then go underground and for the most part, along roads with a limited number of landowners impacted. Those that are part of the scheme have already been contacted.

The company say that as part of the consultation process , local residents along the route will be advised about the project.

Due to public health restrictions, the consultation will be hosted online. A virtual exhibition featuring details of the project is now available online and a public webinar is also scheduled for 10th February.

Once operational, the Oriel offshore wind farm is expected to generate enough electricity to cover the needs of over 300,000 households - more than the population of counties Louth, Meath, Cavan, Monaghan and Down. Oriel will thereby contribute to the reduction of Ireland's carbon emissions by 600,000 tonnes per annum.

As part of the project, there will be a significant annual community fund to support local community initiatives and projects.

An online community briefing webinar will take place on February 10th at 7pm. You can register a place at this event on the website or by emailing: contact@orielwindfarm.ie

The goal of these events is to obtain feedback on the project. You can email your views on the project to contact@orielwindfarm.ie. You can also write to Oriel Wind Farm, DKIT, Dundalk, Co. Louth or call on 01 963 0313.

This is purely a consultation process at this time to inform the public about the project and not a planning application which will come at a later stage.

The project is on track to start construction in 2024, subject to planning permission and government policy. They would commence generation in 2025.
Patti Stanton Scholarship Fund

Patti Stanton grew up in Tennessee, and came to Kentucky to attend WKU. She began her teaching career in the Barren County School System, where she taught elementary and middle school band for three years. She then took a hiatus of several years to work in youth ministry with her church. After moving to Lexington, her first teaching assignments were beginning orchestra and band at several elementary schools in Fayette County. She was later able to move back to teaching her favorite level, middle school, and served as the Assistant Director of Orchestras and Bands at Winburn Middle School in Lexington, where she also directed the jazz band. She retired after her 19th year at Winburn Middle School where the students benefitted daily from her rehearsal and sectional skills.

Throughout her career she enjoyed the fact that all students who play an instrument contribute to the success of the group and the beauty of the music they perform. She would often tell her classes, There is no bench on this team! Everyone is in the game and every one of you is important! Not all of her students could afford to take private lessons. Though they could contribute to her ensembles, that made them less likely to be able to one day compete for a music scholarship on their instrument.

As a high school senior feeling called to be a band director, Ms. Stanton found herself in a similar situation. When I was about to start college I realized I had fallen through a crack in the system and did not qualify for a grant. I also was not accomplished enough on my instrument to compete for a scholarship. I was determined to be a band director though, so my undergraduate degree was paid for almost exclusively with student loans.

Ms. Stanton began her coursework at Volunteer State Community College and transferred to WKU as a junior. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education and a Master of Science in Education from Western Kentucky University, and a Rank I in Music education from Eastern Kentucky University, which included coursework from Vandercook College of Music in Chicago.

She still marvels that she was actually paid to do something she so thoroughly enjoyed, and hopes this scholarship, which is intended to bridge the financial gap for students aspiring to be a band or orchestra director, will help others enjoy that experience as well.

Republic Media Network's Editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami spoke to Isreal's Ambassador to India Dr. Ron Malka with regards to the IED blast that took place near the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi on 29th January. Discussing the possible role of Iran in the blast, Dr. Ron Malka stated that they were still trying to figure out why Iran considered them as their 'mortal enemy'.

"This is something we need to figure out. Why is this grievance towards us? You (Iran) are located so far, what did we do to them. What do they even have with us? What does Iran consider us as a mortal enemy? Iran's motive is the total annihilation of Israel. We only protect ourselves, we do not carry attacks on anyone. We are very decisive in our own protection. Who is to blame here then?" he added.

The Ambassador also shared his thoughts on the alleged note recovered from the blast site addressed to the Israel Embassy ambassador with a mention of Qasem Soleimani's assassination and whether that had any connection with the blast. The top Iranian general in a Washington-directed drone strike last year.

"There have been some events such as assassinations of Soleimani and other operations around the world that refer to Israel. We are not surprised. We are well prepared. This is not going to scare us. We have the full cooperation of India and it is a good opportunity for us to thank India for being such good friends," said Dr Ron Malka.

Read: Iraq Issues Arrest Warrant For Trump Over Soleimani Killing

Read: 'Soleimani Will Be Avenged': US Investigates Audio Message Of Hitting Capitol Building

Blast near Israel Embassy in Delhi

A low-intensity explosion was reported near the Israel Embassy at the APJ Abdul Kalam Marg on Friday evening. As per the fire department, the explosion was reported around 5:05 PM which ended up damaging three cars. The exact location of the blast was outside Jindal House, few metres away from Israel Embassy. The blast took place when President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were present a few kilometers away at the Beating Retreat ceremony at the culmination of the Republic Day celebrations. As per the Prasar Bharti News Service, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was hidden inside a flower pot near the pavement which caused the explosion.

A team of Delhi Police's Special Cell on Saturday morning visited the spot near the Israeli Embassy. An FIR has also been lodged in the case, Delhi Police Commissioner SN Srivastava confirmed. As per sources, the special cell has filed the FIR under UAPA and section 120B of the IPC.

Read: 'India-Israel Ties Targeted, Both Sides Investigating': Envoy Dr Ron Malka On Delhi Blast

Read: Delhi Blast: Israel Envoy Dr Ron Malka Assures Bilateral Ties With India Remain Undeterred
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha joins an online session of the World Economic Forum Jan. 29 from the ministry's headquarters in Seoul's Jongno District. Courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs



Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha has urged the world to ensure a fair and equitable supply of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, voicing concerns about vaccine nationalism.



Kang made the remarks at an online session of the World Economic Forum, Friday, the foreign ministry said in a statement.



During the session, Kang called for the world to take a multilateral approach for a fair use of vaccines and treatments, the ministry said.



Kang also hailed the World Health Organization's global vaccine project, known as COVAX, as a fair and equitable supplier of vaccines, according to the statement.






When I wrote about Samantha Armytage in this column a month ago, the Sunrise co-host, who had ignored my overtures to pick up the phone and talk, opted for her usual response: a dummy spit on social media and a bit of name calling, labelling me a grot.

The Sunrise team: Natalie Barr, executive producer Michael Pell, Samantha Armytage, David Koch and Mark Beretta. Credit:Seven

My crime? Reporting that - given Armytages supposedly happier new life with her millionaire husband and home in the country - a question mark hung over her future at the helm of Sunrise and the unrelenting daily grind of breakfast TV, which she partially stepped back from last year.

Armytage was incensed. So much so she emboldened many of her hundreds of thousands of fans to chime-in. The mostly anti-masker, anti-lock-down Trumpianesque whack-jobs with shabby grammar threatened all manner of ill-will. No doubt they will be barking at the shadows of Twitter yet again today after reading this.
A member of staff health checks an abandoned kitten at RSPCA Leybourne Animal Centre in south-east England, on May 27, 2020. (Ben Stansall/AFP via Getty Images)

UKs Largest Animal Charity May Pass Prosecution of Animal Abuse to Crown Prosecution Service

Britains biggest animal welfare charity may hand over its role of prosecuting animal cruelty cases to the countrys Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) said in a statement on Thursday that its considering the transfer of its role as prosecutor to concentrate on its frontline work where it can make the most difference by rescuing and looking after animals.

The RSPCA has campaigned for tougher sentences of up to five years in jail for animal abusers as part of its 10-year plan. It expects the increased sentences to come into force in England and Wales this year.

But in order to pursue longer sentences for animal abusers, cases of the worst cruelty will have to be heard in the crown court, as the CPS is likely better equipped to prosecute these kinds of cases, the charity said.

Were pleased that this year could see one of our hard-fought campaigns to raise the maximum penalty for animal abuse from six months to five years become reality, the RSPCAs Chief Executive Chris Sherwood said in a statement. But this also means a big change in the way cases are prosecuted and sentenced.

Prosecutions of this kind place a huge responsibility on a charitys shoulders, he said. We believe this responsibility should sit with the Crown Prosecution Service, which is a statutory public body with regulatory oversight.

Not Stepping Back

Founded in 1824, the RSPCA has prosecuted animal cruelty cases for almost the entirety of its 197-year history.

The RSPCA said, however, that its not stepping back from prosecutions, and the move to hand over prosecutor responsibility to the CPS is a strategic one.

Our inspectors would still be rescuing, investigating, and collecting evidence of cruelty and abuse and seeking to hand this over to the CPS, Sherwood said.

We believe that there may be a better way to ensure animals get the justice they deserve by bringing together our expertise in investigations with the CPS skills and resources.

The prosecutor role will not be handed over until it is confirmed that the CPS has the commitment, the resources, and the expertise required, Sherwood said.

But, the RSPCA will still reserve the right to take a prosecution in the future if it felt that justice is not being done for animals, it said.

The RSPCA has come under the spotlight in recent years over its vocal stance against badger culling and for bringing private prosecution proceedings against fox hunters.

In 2014, it was the subject of an independent review (pdf) of its prosecutorial role by the former chief inspector to the CPS, Stephen Wooler, and in 2016 the charity indicated that it would likely no longer prosecute fox hunting cases.

The chair of the RSPCAs board of trustees, Rene Olivieri, said that currently peoples expectations of charities are changing and the sector has to work even harder to maintain and enhance trust in our vital work.

There is, rightly, real scrutiny of the work that charities do and this [role change] would bring us in line with other charities in the British Islesno other charity is the principal prosecutor for a whole category of offenses, in our case, animal welfare, she added.
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Thats as true for me as it is for others in the diaspora. My family fled Vietnam in 1975 when I was 6 years old and Ive not spent Tet in the motherland since. Though I dont live in Vietnam or in a Little Saigon enclave, the Lunar New Year remains strong in my DNA. Its a state of mind more than a milieu.

Christine Ha, the chef of the Blind Goat and Xin Chao in Houston, spent her early high school years eating banh chung prepared by her paternal grandmother and aunt for their clan of 100, who descended upon their home to pay Tet respects to Ms. Has grandfather, the family patriarch. Ms. Ha, 41, now deviates from the standard of preparing everything from scratch, purchasing some dishes from local Little Saigon shops.

But she still wants to capture the essence of those times with her family. I learned to make banh chung, to pay homage to my Ba Noi, she said, referring to her grandmother. Its the one tradition that I understood and loved.

Christina Nguyen, 36, the chef of Hai Hai in Minneapolis, went rogue during Tet even as a child. When she was young  and picky  she avoided the requisite sticky rice cakes at big family feasts and ate only her favorites, like fried cha gio spring rolls and tender steamed banh beo rice cakes. At those gatherings, Ms. Nguyen gambled away her li xi, small red envelopes containing crisp new bills, in a popular dice game called bau cua tom ca. That childhood food and rebellious fun now inspire her restaurants Tet menu, which last year included fried spring rolls filled with venison, a nod to the stag that appears on the dice and mat in the game.
Srinagar, Jan 30 : The J&K police have arrested two newly recruited terrorists and four terrorist associates, linked with proscribed terror outfit LeM/JeM, from South Kashmir's Anantnag district, officials said on Saturday.

Arms and ammunition were also recovered from their possession.

"Acting on a tip-off about a terrorist attack in Anantnag/Bijbehara towns by Lashker-e-Mustafa (Parent Organization JeM), the police along with 3RR established special checking points at multiple locations and conducted intensified checking. Meanwhile, a vehicle with two persons on board was intercepted at one of the points. However, they tried to flee the spot after being signalled to stop, but the alert joint forces later apprehended them," police said.

The arrested were identified as Imran Ahmed Hajam and Irfan Ahmed Ahanger. Both have recently joined terrorist ranks and are affiliated with proscribed terror outfit LeM/JeM.

During interrogation, the duo revealed that they have joined the LeM outfit recently and divulged that the LeM was recently floated to give an impression that terrorism in Kashmir is indigenous and not sponsored by Pakistan.

They further revealed that they are the close associates of Hidayat Malik alias Hasnain, a self styled Chief of LeM, Umer alias Wahid Khan and Aftab alias Ali Bhai. They were carrying recee of the area to plant an IED in order to target security forces," police added.

Police said that during further course of investigation four terrorist associates of proscribed terror outfit JeM were arrested from different locations.

They have been identified as Bilal Ahmed Kumar, Tawfeeq Ahmed Lawey, Muzamil Ahmed Wani and Aadil Ahmed Rather.

Further, probe is on.
It is a tribute to our powers of self-delusion that we managed to celebrate Australia Day this year (or some of us did) with a straight face. This year there has been no Australia, not really  there has been a collection of states and territories acting according to the interests of their populations, held together in loose collaboration, but more often than not, at odds with each other.

Australia Day marks the beginning of the colony of NSW, not the inception of Australia, which did not even exist in the imagination until much later. And at no point in our history have the realities of federation been brought to bear more than during the pandemic.

Illustration: Reg Lynch Credit:

State borders have been closed. State police kept out foreigners from interstate. State leaders swiped at each other and acted imperiously to exclude or eject the residents of other states. Often this happened without so much as a courtesy phone call to the leader of the affected state.

Premiers have become our protectors, and their surging political popularity shows how richly voters have rewarded parochialism.
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(Singapore--January 30, 2021 11:00 p.m. SPT/January 30, 2021 10:00 a.m. EST)-- Nivolumab monotherapy is an effective treatment option for relapsed malignant mesothelioma (MM), according to research presented today at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer World Conference on Lung Cancer.

Malignant mesothelioma is an intractable cancer, and no phase III trial has yet shown an improvement in overall survival following the standard first line chemotherapy doublet comprising pemetrexed and cisplatin or carboplatin since it was licensed in 2004.

Professor Dean Fennell, chair of Thoracic Medical Oncology at the University of Leicester in collaboration with Professor Gareth Griffiths and his team at the Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, University of Southampton, UK, presented results of the Checkpoint Blockade for Inhibition of Relapsed Mesothelioma (CONFIRM) study, funded by Cancer Research UK/Stand Up To Cancer. The investigator-led, placebo-controlled randomized phase III trial involved 24 centers in the United Kingdom.

Nivolumab is a programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitor that has shown activity in previously treated malignant mesothelioma in two single-arm phase II clinical trials.

In the CONFIRM trial, 332 adult patients with previously treated, unresectable, histologically confirmed MM (pleural or peritoneal) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0-1 were randomly assigned to nivolumab (n = 221) or placebo (n = 111).

Participants were stratified by epithelioid vs nonepithelioid histology. The co-primary endpoints were investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS); key secondary endpoints included best overall response and safety.

Overall survival was immature but showed significantly longer survival with nivolumab (events 232 [target 291]; median, 9.2 vs 6.6 months; HR, 0.72; 95% CI: 0.55-0.94; P=0.02). Investigator-assessed progression-free survival was longer for nivolumab vs placebo (3.0 vs 1.8 months; HR 0.61; 95% CI, 0.48-0.77; P<0.001). PD-L1 expression was assessed in 234 tumor blocks using the Dako 22C3 tumor proportion score (TPS). There was no statistically significant association between PD-L1 TPS > 1% (in 34% of included patients) and survival. Grade 3-4 treatment-related adverse events were reported in 19% of patients who received nivolumab and in 6.3% who received placebo. Treatment discontinuation due to toxicity occurred in 13.1% (nivolumab) versus 2.7% (placebo).

"CONFIRM met its co-primary endpoints of improved overall survival and progression-free survival with nivolumab vs placebo in relapsed malignant mesothelioma. The safety profile of nivolumab was consistent with its known profile with no new safety signals. Nivolumab monotherapy is an effective treatment option for [patients with this disease," said Prof. Fennell.

"CONFIRM gives good evidence that this treatment approach should be considered for the new standard of care for these patients," said Prof. Griffiths

"Therapeutic alternatives are always welcome in the contest of a difficult-to-treat diseases such as malignant pleural mesothelioma," said Dr. Giorgio Scagliotti, interim IASLC CSO, "and this study contributes to increase our range of treatment opportunities in the setting of relapsed/recurrent disease."

###

About the IASLC:

The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) is the only global organization dedicated solely to the study of lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies. Founded in 1974, the association's membership includes more than 7,500 lung cancer specialists across all disciplines in over 100 countries, forming a global network working together to conquer lung and thoracic cancers worldwide. The association also publishes the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, the primary educational and informational publication for topics relevant to the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of all thoracic malignancies. Visit http://www. iaslc. org for more information.

About the WCLC:

The WCLC is the world's largest meeting dedicated to lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies, attracting more than 7,000 researchers, physicians and specialists from more than 100 countries. The goal is to increase awareness, collaboration and understanding of lung cancer, and to help participants implement the latest developments across the globe. The conference will cover a wide range of disciplines and unveil several research studies and clinical trial results. For more information, visit wclc2020.iaslc.org.
In new TN assembly DMK has most MLAs with pending criminal background, crorepatis

BJP chief announces alliance with AIADMK for Tamil Nadu polls

India

oi-Deepika S

Chennai, Jan 30: The BJP and the AIADMK will fight Tamil Nadu election together, announced party chief JP Nadda at a public rally in Madurai.

"I would like to share with you and declare here that the BJP has decided that in the coming times, BJP along with AIADMK & other like-minded parties will contest the elections," Nadda made the formal announcement in the run up to the Assembly elections expected in April or early May.

The BJP president, who is here on a one day visit, earlier in the day, chaired a core committee meeting of the party.

Assembly elections in the state are expected in April or early May and the two parties had faced the 2019 Lok Sabha elections as allies, with the DMDK and PMK besides others being the other constituents of the coalition.

The AIADMK has "regional aspirations" and at the same time, the Tamil Nadu's ruling party stood for assimilation with national aspirations. Be it under the leadership of AIADMK founder M G Ramachandran or the late party supremo, "Amma Jayalalithaa ji," the AIADMK had all along batted for regional aspirations and the party also was for assimilation with national aspirations, he noted.

"Tamil Nadu needs (national) mainstreaming and it is possible only with the BJP," he said adding the issues facing the state could be addressed with the support of his party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. Seeking people's political and social support, he said protection of Tamil culture is possible only with the saffron party alongside 'mainstreaming.'

"Take care of Kamalam (lotus, the BJP symbol) and Kamalam is going to take care of development of Tamil Nadu."

Tamil Nadu elections 2021: Nadda offers prayers at Madurai Meenakshi Temple

Hailing Tamil as the world's oldest language, Nadda, who is here on a one day visit, said when the right person assumed the right place, it led to right decisions.

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed the top office, a 'safe destiny' was assured for the nation and Tamil Nadu as well, he said. Be it projects like the defence corridor or allocation of funds for Tamil Nadu, the situation changed only after the BJP came to power at the Centre, he said.

Nadda recalled that Modi had quoted a couplet from 'Tirukkural' to soldiers at Ladakh and also cited the Prime Minister's 'Yaadum Oorey' reference of Tamil poet Kaniyan Poongundranar in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in 2019.

Dwelling on Tamil, he said the Tamil people had a unique combination of entrepreneurship, economic and cultural ethos.

The BJP top leader's Tamil pitch assumes significance as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had some days back alleged that the saffron party had no respect for south Indian language and culture.

The top leader in the core panel meet deliberated on constituencies in Tamil Nadu with winning chances and asked the state leadership to focus more on such segments.

He also addressed social media volunteers and interacted with noted personalities who joined the party recently. On Sunday, the BJP chief would visit Puducherry.

Former public works minister and ex-Congress leader from the union territory, A Namasivayam, had joined the saffron party days ago in Delhi.
The union movement will launch an advertising campaign on Monday targeting key marginal seats that it hopes will replicate the success of its Howard-era Your Rights at Work campaign and force the Morrison government to back down on its industrial relations bill.

Thirteen seats that helped decide the last election, including Reid in Sydney and Chisholm in Melbourne, will be hit with a barrage of billboard and media ads delivering a union message claiming the industrial changes will cut wages, reduce job security and hurt the economy.

ACTU president Michele ONeil with emergency services workers, one group the unions say will be hurt by new laws, at a press conference. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

In a year when many in politics expect an election, industrial relations is one of the few areas in which the government has staked out a clear policy agenda and Labors caucus is united in opposition, making it a potential flashpoint.

The government argues the changes are a key plank of its plans to help the economy recover from the coronavirus pandemic and will help businesses and workers negotiate better pay and conditions deals.
Japanese law enforcement authorities on January 29 arrested a 48-year-old woman for hiding her mothers corpse for 10 years in her apartment's freezer. Fearing eviction, Yumi Yoshino, stored the dead body of her mother at home instead of giving her a funeral to avoid getting caught, and asked to vacate the property by the accommodation owners. Nearly a decade ago, Yoshinos mother had died of unidentified causes aged 60 and the police only recently discovered the dead body of the woman who has been missing for several years.

According to sources of the Kyodo news agency, the accused was staying at a housing complex which was registered under her deceased mother and she had already, once, been asked to evacuate the home due to a delay in her rental pay mid-January. A home help, as per agencies sources, noticed the dead body in a freezer and raised an alarm.

Yoshino, in her defense, told the police officers that she had stored the corpse as she feared that she would be asked to evacuate her Tokyo apartment. She took the gory step, having nowhere else to go, police sources told the local Japanese media outlets. The officers, post an autopsy, are outrunning homicidal death as no wound marks on the dead body have been found. Meanwhile, a probe has been ordered to ascertain the time and cause of the womans death. The accused, the deceased womans daughter, was arrested by the Police from the city of Chiba, near Tokyo at a hotel. The corpse, having been stored in the freezer, had toughened, bent, and frozen inside the enclosure and was dragged out by the police. The woman, as per Japanese medias ground reports, had been anxious about her mothers body discovered as she didnt want to vacate the place.

Read: Japan Prime Minister Says He's Determined To Hold Olympics

Read: Japan Determined To Hold Olympics, Paralympics

Twitter killer stored dismembered bodies

Similarly, last month, the Japanese high-profile criminal dubbed as Twitter Killer who dismembered at least nine victims, all of whom were women, was sentenced to death over 2017 serial murders. According to sources of The Japan Times, the Japanese court sentenced the 30-year-old Takahiro Shiraishi who brutally murdered and later butchered the dead bodies of the suicidal people' that he met online. The killer was charged with the first count of homicide for luring the women aged between 15 and 26 to his apartment in Zama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Tokyo, where he attacked them with weapons and stashed the pieces of their bodies in a freezer in a likewise manner to avoid being caught red-handed with the crime. Presiding Judge Naokuni Yano ruled that the nine victims had not consented to the killing and may not have been in a mentally sound state. But Shiraishi was mentally fit to be held accountable for the murders, the judge said in the verdict, adding that the crime was extremely vicious.

Read: India, Japan Review Implementation Of Projects In Northeastern Region

Read: 'Committed To Working Together': Biden And Suga Agree To Strengthen US-Japan Alliance
Candace Nelson is a marketing professional living in Charleston, W.Va. She is the author of the book The West Virginia Pepperoni Roll from WVU Press. In her free time, Nelson blogs about Appalachian food culture at CandaceLately.com. Find her on Twitter at @Candace07 or email CandaceRNelson

@gmail.com.
A member of the swab team working at the Covid-19 test centre at DkIT earlier this year. Photo: Aidan Dullaghan/Newspics

While the number of new cases of COVID-19 is slowing down, data from the Department of Public Health North East, which covers counties Louth Monaghan, Cavan and Meath, reveals that cases in the region doubled in just 25 days during the third wave of the pandemic.

Dr Elaine Brabazon, Senior Surveillance Scientist who leads the surveillance team at the Department of Public Health North East reported that cases jumped from 10,000 in mid-November to over 20,000 on January 13.

There have been 7,151 cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Louth from the beginning the pandemic until January 22, with almost half of all cases, 3,167, occurring in January.

As on Sunday, there were new 1,623 cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Louth in the past 14 days, giving a 14 day incidence rate of 1,259.27 per

100,000 of population meaning that 1 in 71 people in Louth have been infected in the past 14 days. Nationally the 14-day incidence rate is 840 per 100,000 of population.

The latest figure for Local Electoral Areas show that Dundalk South remains a worrying blackspot with 961 cases from January 5 to January 18. This gives a 14-day incidence rate of 2962.8 per 100,000 ,more than double the national figure of 1,334.6.

Cases were also high in Dundalk Carlingford with 618 new cases and a 14 day incidence rate of 2,414.2 per 100,000 while in Ardee, 475 new cases were reported, giving a rate of 1816.2 per 100,000 of population.

There is still a large number of patients being treated for COVID-19 in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital although it has dropped from a high earlier this month. As of Sunday night, 94 people were being for COVID-19 in the Drogheda hospital, including ten new cases which had been confirmed in the previous 24 hours.

Local Sinn Fein TD Ruairi O Murchu said that while the latest figures indicate that Louth is 'going in the right direction'

Deputy O Murchu said: 'While it looks like we are going in the right direction, infection rates remain extraordinarily high in Louth, particularly in Dundalk South. It is very worrying that the British variant of Covid-19, which seems to be more transmissible and perhaps more deadly, is becoming more dominant here over the last couple of weeks.

'It has been very difficult for families, businesses and everyone in the community during this third lockdown but I would urge everyone to continue to do their very best to help suppress the virus by staying at home and avoiding contact with people as much as possible'.

The Louth TD said he had been contacted by a number of sectors of the local health service seeking clarity about the vaccination programme. He said there needs to be 'transparency and fairness' with regard the vaccine rollout.

He also said the government and the EU 'need to be robust in negotiations with pharma companies, particularly AstraZenica, about difficulties with vaccine supply'. He said: 'We cannot afford to mess up the vaccine roll-out programme.'
By Tony Hicks

Bay City News Foundation

Janet Napolitano will bring UC Berkeley faculty, researchers, and students together across disciplines to explore bipartisan solutions when it comes to political security.

The new initiative, called the Center for Security in Politics - based at the Goldman School of Public Policy - will examine factors like social media disinformation, climate change debate, and foreign interference in elections, that contribute to historic levels of political instability.

The former University of California president and secretary of Homeland Security under President Barack Obama wants to find ways to deal with those complex challenges in a focused and effective way. The center will also focus on election technology, biotechnology, changing methods of communication, artificial intelligence, and psychology.

Napolitano will appear online with three other former Homeland Security securities from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 4 in an installment of Berkeley Conversations: "Homeland Security in a Post-Trump Era." Joining the former Arizona governor will be Jeh Johnson, who also served under Obama, and former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge and Michael Chertoff, both of whom served under President George W. Bush.

In a statement released by UC Berkeley, Napolitano said her concept of security in politics means integrating technology-based research with practical political policymaking to create a more secure and trustworthy political environment after the 2016 and 2020 elections.

"It's almost too soon to identify lessons from the 2020 election," Napolitano said. "But one lesson that's become increasingly clear is that we have a population that's almost living in two alternative universes at the same time."

Napolitano said one of the motivations for the center is concern over the lack of appreciation for science, data, and facts in the current political climate. It will focus on three areas: security risks from climate change; cybersecurity and emergent technologies; and election integrity.

"You can't have a functioning democracy if people don't believe that elections are secure," Napolitano said. "We've seen that in spades in the aftermath of the 2020 election. What are the best ways to conduct an election? What are the best ways to do a post-election process so that people understand that the votes they cast were accurately counted and accounted for? That's a particular problem that involves technology, but also political science, journalism, and so forth."

Napolitano said its clear Russia interfered in the 2016 election, if not in actual vote counts, then at least to cause dissension, unrest and division leading up to the election. She said it's difficult to prepare for what we don't anticipate.

"But we do have academics (and) researchers, who spend their lives understanding the reach of what can happen," Napolitano said. "The center gives us a great opportunity to better integrate what they know and appreciate with policymaking and politics."

The center will sponsor research and bring practitioners and academics together to examine key issues. The initial event will be followed up in March with a daylong workshop on election integrity with officials on the "front line" during the 2020 election.

It's important the center is bipartisan to have a "good lens," which is why the initial event features two Democrats and two Republicans," Napolitano said. The center will provide a "security studies umbrella for Berkeley."

"We really want to strive to educate a diverse generation of security professionals," Napolitano said. "My anticipation is that those who work with the center will have a larger public profile, as a result, and that the work of the center will be used in Washington, both by people on the policy side and on the political side, by the executive branch and the legislative branch, and that we'll see the products of the center cited and used."

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.

Dixie D'Amelio starred in a Vogue video published Thursday and made comments about not attending college that sparked backlash from fans. TikTok/@maddiedobs; Jim Spellman/WireImage

TikToker Dixie D'Amelio is facing backlash after addressing her choice to not attend college.

In a Vogue video, the 19-year-old said she didn't want to hear her songs played at frat parties.

People called her remarks "tone-deaf," while others defended her right to make her own choices.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Related: Why college textbooks are so expensive

Dixie D'Amelio has sparked criticism among her fans and followers for addressing her reasons for not going to college.

Vogue published a video on Thursday starring the 19-year-old TikToker and her boyfriend Noah Beck as part of the magazine's "24 Hours" video series.

In late 2019, Dixie and her younger sister, Charli D'Amelio, went from being virtually unknown high school students from Connecticut to becoming famous on the video-sharing app TikTok. The D'Amelio sisters and their parents have developed major followings on social media, and they're set to star in a Hulu docuseries about their rise to fame.

D'Amelio, while cooking breakfast, told Vogue viewers that after moving with her family to Los Angeles in May 2020, she wanted to be more independent and moved to her own apartment that October.

"It was fun living with my family, but I also was supposed to be in college right now, so I thought I needed to learn how to grow on my own and mature, and I wasn't doing that because I would just have my mom do things for me," D'Amelio said.

She added: "So now living by myself, I still go home every day to my parents' house and have my mom do things for me, but that's what moms are for, right?"

D'Amelio went on to say that she was "fully" accepted to college in August 2019 and decided not to attend. She did not share the name of the school where she was accepted.

"I decided not to go because just traveling back and forth was going to be a lot, and I was also really scared because I saw someone make a TikTok saying that they would play my songs at a frat party, and that's really what turned me away from going to school because I don't think I could handle that level of embarrassment - being at a frat party and hearing someone play my song," D'Amelio said.

Story continues

D'Amelio started releasing music in 2020, including her song "Be Happy" and other singles featuring Wiz Khalifa and Liam Payne.

Some people called D'Amelio's comments about college in her Vogue video 'privileged' and 'tone-deaf'

TikTok user @maddiedobs posted a clip of D'Amelio's Vogue video with nearly 30,000 shares and 1 million "likes" at the time of writing. In comments, some users called D'Amelio's comments about her apparent reasons for not going to college "tone-deaf."

"Imagine getting into college AND having the money to pay for it, but not going bc someone will play your song at a party," one user commented on TikTok.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

In comments, others called the TikToker's apparent reasons for not going to college as "privileged," and pointed out that with millions of followers on social media, she is likely setting an example for younger viewers.

Some fans of D'Amelio's came to her defense in comments on TikTok, saying that as a 19-year-old, she has a right to make her own decisions about her life.

Representatives for Dixie D'Amelio did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Read the original article on Insider
UK Visa Offer Addresses Desperate Need of Hongkongers: Simon Cheng

The UKs new visa programme allowing Hong Kong British National (Overseas) status holders to live in the UK is very generous and addresses the desperate needs of Hong Kong people, an exiled Hong Kong human rights activist said.

BN(O) status holders in Hong Kong and their eligible family members can apply for a visa to live, study, and work in the UK from Jan. 31, with the opportunity to renew the visa and eventually apply for British citizenship.

Simon Cheng, a former employee of the British consulate in Hong Kong who is now living in the UK, said he believes most people in Hong Kong are grateful for the UKs offer, and welcome the opportunity.

I feel that a sense of fear would be prevailing and common in Hong Kong. People are losing confidence to One Country, Two Systems, so thats why theyre getting out, the pro-democracy activist told The Epoch Times on Friday.

He said that once freedom is lost in Hong Kong, its natural for the citys residents to want to go to a free place to live, regardless of ones political alignment.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian earlier on Friday announced that the Chinese regime would no longer recognise the BN(O) passport as a travel document and proof of identity starting from Jan. 31, and reserves the right to take further measures.

Cheng believes Beijings derecognition of the BN(O) passport is currently more of a symbolic gesture, and that it may be a relief to those who feared worse. But he also has concerns that it could be taken further.

They [might] in the future find their own way to see who are using the passport to settle down in the UK though this scheme, and possibly [in] retaliation, theyll deprive [them of] their Chinese nationality. Cheng said.

He said that some people wont be concerned about this since they dont want to be identified as CCP [Chinese Communist Party] Chinese, but for others who have family in Hong Kong, it could cause a lot of unnecessary inconvenience.

Chengs short business trip to the Chinese border city of Shenzhen in August 2019 turned into a nightmare: For 15 days, he was held incommunicado, accused by Chinese authorities of being a British spy, and tortured to extract intelligence about protesters in his home city.

After arriving in the UK in late 2019, Cheng became the first BN(O) passport holder to be granted asylum. He said that he now feels a sense of duty to help other Hongkongers.

We set up an expats group for Hong Kong people in the UKHongKongers in Britainand one of the objectives [is] well be helping Hong Kong people [so they] can be easily assimilated and settled down in the UK, and make sure theyre much more contributive to the UK economy and society, he said.

Maggie Wong, a Hongkonger who lives in the UK, speaking to The Epoch Times in an online interview, in the UK, on Jan. 29, 2021. (The Epoch Times/Screenshot)

Maggie Wong, a BN(O) passport holder who has lived in the UK for a few years, said the UKs offer is a great sign that shows the UK government had been thinking about how to help the people in Hong Kong.

Im really grateful for that. And I think a lot of Hong Kong people share the same opinion as well, she told The Epoch Times on Friday.

On Thursday, Hong Kongs Chief Executive Carrie Lam told Bloomberg that she doesnt see why anyone would want to go to the UK.

I just dont see how 2.9 million Hong Kong people would love to move to the United Kingdom, she said. The important thing is for us to tell the people of Hong Kong that Hong Kongs future is bright.

Wong said that she couldnt see herself being happy in Hong Kong right now.

From my personal perspective, I mean, look at the past couple years, what has been happening in Hong Kong? I think I cannot see how people can make a conclusion saying that Hong Kongs future is really bright right now, she said.

She added that peoples sense of security has been seriously damaged.

All of my friends or family in Hong Kong, they, to a very large extent, they dont feel like this is the same Hong Kong anymore, Wong said. So I dont really understand why Carrie Lam would make such a statement.

I think if people would have a chance or opportunity, they would consider moving abroad, just so they could have a brighter future, she added.

Though she regards the derecognition of the BN(O) passport as more of a protest on Beijings part rather than a real deprivation of the ability to travel, Wong has the same concerns as Cheng.

What concerns me would be their next step, whether or not Hong Kong people would be able to hold two passports, like the BN(O) and as well as the Hong Kong passport [the main document used for travel in and out of Hong Kong], she said.

I do wish that the UK government, they might be able to say even though the Chinese government do not recognise this, we are still welcoming the people. So I am hoping that they might make a statement to reassure Hong Kong people so that they dont get panicked, Wong said.

The UKs Foreign Office later on Friday issued a statement saying BN(O) status holders can apply for a visa with other documents.

Eva Fu contributed to this report.
As HGTV fans know, Tarek El Moussa has had to deal with a whole lot publicly  from his cancer scares to his divorce from ex-wife and Flip or Flop costar Christina Anstead to his engagement to Heather Rae Young. But theres still so much out there that many dont know about him  which is exactly why hes decided to share his fun facts exclusively with Us Weekly.

Watch the video above (and scroll down!) to learn 25 things you dont know about El Moussa  including his favorite hobby and what his hidden tattoo is.

1. My favorite subject in school was math because it was the only thing I understood.

2. I was a straight-C student.

David Buchan/Shutterstock

3. My first job was a bag boy at Stater Bros. Markets in Buena Park, California.

Read article

4. My worst job was cleaning big diesel trucks in Compton, California. I got paid $3.75 an hour under the table.

5. When I was a kid, I thought I was going to be an engineer.

6. The song that I could listen to on repeat for the rest of my life is Juicy by The Notorious B.I.G.

7. I dont rewatch episodes of my [shows].

8. I first knew that I wanted to get into real estate in 2003. I was 20 years old.

9. My biggest fear is sharks.

10. My worst flipping experience [was when] we bought a house [last] year. [It] almost fell over when we fixed the foundation.

11. The second I saw Heather, I knew she was The One, or at least I hoped she was.

12. My favorite part about being a dad is spending time with my kids [Taylor, 10, and Brayden, 5, with ex-wife Christina].

Read article

13. My favorite thing to do with [them] is date night. I love taking them to their favorite restaurants. We [also love] wrestling. We move the couches around in the living room, set up a ring and just go for it.

14. My favorite place to visit [is] our [other] home out in the desert in La Quinta, California.

YouTube

15. I have a tattoo [of] a big black spider-looking tribal on my back. I got it in high school.

16. I regret [getting] it. It itches me all the time.

17. My most memorable fan experience was back in 2013 when I had the chance to meet Ryan Reed, a registered nurse out of Texas who was watching Flip or Flop. She noticed a lump on my neck and messaged me. I found out I had [thyroid] cancer because of her.

18.The scariest moment in my life was a few months later, when I found out I also had [testicular] cancer. I thought I was going to die.

19. Im a huge UFC fan.

20. If I could trade places with a celebrity for a day, it [would] be light heavyweight champion Jon Jones.

21. My favorite childhood memories [are from when] my dad used to come to my school and take me to lunch.

Read article

22. My favorite cheat meal is pizza [topped with] pepperoni, jalapeno, ham and pineapple  with about three gallons of ranch [dressing] and a lot of red chili flakes.

23. My reality TV guilty pleasure is Selling Sunset.

24. My hobby is [doing] hot yoga. I never thought in my life that I would love [it].

25. Im passionate about every single day and all the opportunities that this world [offers], and the second chance that Ive been given.

Tareks Flip Side is available to stream on Discovery+.
The body of Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick will lie in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, the building he died defending in the Jan. 6 insurrection by supporters of President Donald Trump, congressional leaders announced Friday.

An arrival ceremony for Sicknick, a native of South River, is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, with a viewing period for his fellow Capitol Police officers beginning at 10 p.m and continuing overnight. The viewing period will be open to members of the House and Senate from 7-9 a.m. Wednesday. A congressional tribute is scheduled for 10:30 a.m.

A departure ceremony will take place after the congressional tribute on Wednesday before Sicknicks remains are taken to Arlington National Cemetery, where he will be interned.

The U.S. Congress is united in grief, gratitude and solemn appreciation for the service and sacrifice of Officer Brian Sicknick, said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., in a joint statement.

The heroism of Officer Sicknick and the Capitol Police force during the violent insurrection against our Capitol helped save lives, defend the temple of our democracy and ensure that the Congress was not diverted from our duty to the Constitution. His sacrifice reminds us every day of our obligation to our country and to the people we serve.

Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-12th Dist., and Don Beyer, D-Va., have introduced legislation to posthumously award Sicknick the Congressional Gold Medal.

Sicknick joined the Capitol Police in July 2008 after six years in the New Jersey Air National Guard. He was one of five people killed after a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol while lawmakers were certifying the electoral votes electing Joe Biden as president. The lawmakers were hurried out of the Capitol into a safe room

After the building was cleared out, a majority of House Republicans, including 2nd Dist. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, voted against certifying the votes, as the rioters demanded.

Hours before the riot, Trump told supporters at a rally to fight like hell and if you dont fight like hell, youre not going to have a country anymore. He was impeached a week later for an unprecedented second time on charges of incitement. The Senate is scheduled to begin its trial Feb. 8.

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.
A composition competition is taking place as part of the West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival

The West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival will hold an inaugural Composition Competition, with the winner due to perform at the festival's 'Rising Star' recital in May.

Entry is free and is open to all composers currently based in Ireland or holding Irish citizenship.

Competition entrants should write a piece of music for the violin and piano of between three and five minutes in duration. The work should not have been previously performed in public prior to its world premiere at the festival.

The competition is open to composers of all ages, including emerging composers, and entrants can only submit one work. Each entry received will be judged anonymously by an independent judging panel.

The winning composer's new work will be premiered at the West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival's 'Rising Star' recital taking place on Saturday, May 29, and will be performed by Phoebe White on violin and Peter Regan on piano.

The winner will also receive a prize of 350 and a pre-concert composer's voice interview, along with the performers, by the Contemporary Music Centre, Ireland.

They can also look forward to collaborations, workshops and rehearsals with festival performers and inclusion in publicity for the upcoming festival.

Entries should be emailed to westwicklowfestival@gmail.com with the subject line 'Composition Competition 2021'. The closing date for entries is Friday, April 9.

This year's line-up for the first programme of the festival taking place in May features Sean Shibe (guitar), Rosanne Philippens and Zoltan Fejervari (violin and piano), Quatuor Van Kuijk, Jamal Aliyev and Sam Armstrong (cello and piano), Trio Sitkovetsky, Rachel Kelly (mezzo-soprano), Fiachra Garvey (piano) and Phoebe White and Peter Regan (violin and piano). The programme will also feature a new commission by composer Linda Buckley.
Nigeria suspended its plan to begin exporting sorghum to the United Kingdom in 2020, as a result of the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the country representative of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hakeem Ajeigbe, has said.

Mr Ajeigbe told PREMIUM TIMES in March 2020 that potential buyers of the beverage-making cereal had already been contacted in the UK, sales were to start shortly.

Very soon we will be exporting malted sorghum to Britain, Mr Ajeigbe had said. I have already linked the major market to some of our sorghum off-takers in Nigeria, they will malt the sorghum and then send it to Britain, there is a market there, there is somebody who wants to buy.

By now, they should have finished with the deal. I have made the linkage  that means that our farmers will be exporting malted sorghum this year, not next year. Actually, the thing is even in some weeks time, malted sorghum will be exported outside the country.

He told this newspaper on Tuesday that the pandemic scattered everything just as the implementation of the plan was getting underway.

The derivatives there was almost like agreed with the guy who is going to buy it in the United Kingdom. He was supposed to come and then this COVID embargo on travel just put it on hold but we are hoping this will improve and we will start again, Mr Ajeigbe said.

Sorghum in Nigeria

Nigeria produces large amounts of sorghum, a cereal that can be used as a replacement for maize, wheat, millet and even for rice and all kinds of food.

In Nigeria, sorghum is the third most widely grown cereal after maize and millet. The grain can be popped, boiled, roasted or ground to make flour for pastry and baking.

It is used for the production of flatbreads, porridge, pancakes, alcoholic beverages including beer and liquors.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Nigeria is the largest producer of sorghum in West Africa, accounting for about 71 per cent of the total regional sorghum output and ranks the second largest producer of sorghum in the world.

It is mainly produced in the northern parts of the country, in Plateau, Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto, Gombe, Bauchi, Zamfara, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Taraba States.

The crop has contributed to about 30 per cent of calories intake per capita among all cereal crops consumed in the country over the past two decades, according to the FAO.

We are promoting it for industrial use now and once we start using it for industrial activities the demand will go up and thats what we are hoping, Mr Ajeigbe said.

When the demand goes up the good thing for sorghum is you can easily increase the production without even increasing the land area, we can increase our production by at least 40 per cent easily.

Many of the Nigerian flour mills who are the owner of Northern Nigeria Flour Mills are using sorghum now, he said.

They are putting about 10-20 per cent sorghum in those wheat flour and they are also milling sorghum as a whole.

He said Nigeria would have been the largest producer in the world but for the crisis in the North East. The crop is grown mostly in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States, the birthplace of the terrorist group, Boko Haram.

The institute, ICRISAT, is doing a lot to promote the crop and is partnering with the government, he said.

ADVERTISEMENT

During the time of Obasanjo, we are promoting cassava bread but you can do sorghum bread without looking for all those enzymes that are needed for the cassava bread.

We work hand in hand with the federal ministry of agric. Anyway, the minister is planning a sorghum rebranding, lets see how it works, he added.
New Delhi: The death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who is also known as the Father of the Nation, is annually celebrated on January 30. As millions across the world, political leaders and heads of states pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, the OTT platforms have laid out a spread of binge-worthy options based on the Father of the Nation.

Heres a list of a few lesser-known films on Mahatma Gandhi, whose teachings, practice of non-violence, and significant contribution towards India's freedom struggle have touched all our lives.

Hamne Gandhi Ko Maar Dia

The 2018 movie, directed by Naeem A Siddiqui, narrates the story of two strangers - Kailash and Divakar, whose paths cross during a train journey. The film is set against the turbulent backdrop of Partition, following the end of British Raj. The story traces the interactions of the two characters who have conflicting views about the Mahatma and his philosophy during the journey that coincides with the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.

Road to Sangam

The 2009 movie directed by Amit Rai depicts the tale of Hasmat, a devout Muslim residing in Uttar Pradesh. A mechanic, Hasmat is asked to repair an old lorry, unaware that this was the vehicle that once transported one of the 20 cremation urns with Gandhi`s ashes. He takes up the job, but the situation gets complicated when he finds out the truth behind the urns and decides to transport the last remains of Gandhi. The film stars Paresh Rawal with the late Om Puri and Pavan Malhotra.

Gandhigiri

The late Om Puri plays the NRI Rai Saheb, who strongly believes in the principles of Mahatma Gandhi. On returning to India, he comes across four troubled people who have made wrong choices in life. The film captures his efforts to reform them by following Gandhi`s example.

Nannu Gandhi

The 2008 Kannada film by NR Nanjunde Gowda revolves around a group of children who inspire everyone around them by adhering to Gandhi`s principles and opinions.

Rebooting Mahatma

The Gujarati film, released in 2019, is based on the concept of a humanoid version of Mahatma Gandhi. He has been brought to 21st Century and Bapu discusses various topics that greatly impact today's world, such as the political system, Bollywood, social media and youth.
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The Pakistani army has violated the ceasefire again by resorting to unprovoked firing along the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, officials said on Saturday.

The firing from across the border started around 10.10 pm on Friday in the Bobiyaan border outpost area of Hiranagar sector, prompting an effective retaliation by the Border Security Force (BSF), the officials said.

They said the cross-border firing between the two sides continued till 3 am but there was no report of any damage on the Indian side.

The BSF detected two cross-border tunnels, one each in the Bobiyaan and Pansar areas of Hiranagar sector, on January 13 and 23 respectively, frustrating Pakistan's attempt to push terrorists into India.

Both the 150-metre tunnels were detected during an anti-tunneling drive along the IB by the border-guarding force.
Dozens of US airline pilots have reported making 'mistakes' because they are 'rusty' after returning to the skies following months of lockdown due to the pandemic, a NASA watchdog has reported.

Air travel has been at its lowest demand in decades as a result of COVID-19, which shut down many international flights as countries tried to curb the virus.

Now pilots getting back into the captain's seat have told 's NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System that since May they have been making dozens of 'mistakes' because they are out of practice.

Errors include forgetting to disengage the parking break on take off, taking three attempts to land the plane on a windy day, choosing the wrong runway and forgetting to turn on the anti-icing mechanism that prevents the altitude and airspeed sensors from freezing.

So far, there have been no reported incidents of out-of-practice pilots causing accidents that have injured passengers.

Whilst aviation experts say they are confident in the safety of flights they warn of the need for pilots returning to work after months away to receive extra training sessions, with some US airlines starting to provide it.

Dozens of pilots have told NASA's anonymous Aviation Safety Reporting System that they have made 'mistakes' due to being 'rusty' as a result of fewer flights during the pandemic. Pictured is a Boeing 767-323 cargo jet takes off from Los Angeles international Airport on January 13, 2021. It's not clear which airlines the pilots flew for

Aviation experts say they are confident in the skills of pilots and the airlines providing them extra training after months in lockdown

One officer, who did not turn his de-icing system on, told the NASA watchdog: 'Because I had not flown in a few months, I was rusty. I felt that my recollection was strong enough, but in reality I should have taken some time to review' the standard operating procedures, as reported by The Los Angeles Times.

Another pilot accidentally lined up to land on the wrong runway, while a different pilot accidentally disengaged autopilot and a first officer made an unusually steep turn after misreading instruments in the cockpit.

In each case, the pilots and first officers blamed the errors on being out of practice.

In September, a first officer on a commercial jet reported having misjudged the distance to the runway during a landing and causing the plane to descend too low. Instead of aborting the landing and circling the airport for another try  the safest option  the first officer made last-minute adjustments to land.

'Contributing factors included light turbulence requiring constant power adjustments,' the first officer said.

They added: 'Also, lack of recent flight time due to taking leave  this was my first approach/landing in a number of weeks on top of very limited flight time in the past six months.'

During an incident in October when a pilot forgot to take off the parking break they said it had been '40 days since my last flight.'

They added: 'We are flying less, so we need to be even more attentive. Better attention to detail.'

NASA's Aviation Safety Reporting System was developed so that pilots and other airline crew members could anonymously report mechanical glitches and human errors without fear of reprisal from airplane manufacturers or airline management.

International and domestic flights plummeted, and in the case of some destinations, ceased completely last year. Leading many pilots to feel out of practice once they got back in the air. Pictured is a JetBlue Airways Airbus A320-232 taking off from Los Angeles international Airport on January 13, 2021

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) bars pilots from flying a commercial jet unless they have performed three takeoffs and three landings  either on a plane or in a simulator  in the previous 90 days

Airline experts have long acknowledged that when pilots are inactive for long periods their skills decline quickly and they are prone to making errors, like flying too fast or too high during a landing or forgetting to get clearance from the air traffic control tower before descending to a lower altitude.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) bars pilots from flying a commercial jet unless they have performed three takeoffs and three landings- either on a plane or simulator- in the last 90-days.

But the FAA amended that requirement twice last year, giving pilots more leeway, though so far no US airline has reported a pilot needing to use it.

In April and May, the number of daily takeoffs in the US dropped to about 75% below pre-pandemic levels.

In recent months, the number of takeoffs has risen to 43% below pre-pandemic times, according to industry data.

As a result, some pilots have been brought back to work after being away for up to four months.

Last week Delta Air Lines announced that it planned to bring back about 400 pilots by summer in hopes that the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines will boost demand for travel.

Aviation experts say there are enough backup systems in modern passenger jets to prevent minor oversights from becoming serious accidents.

Richard G. McSpadden Jr, senior vice president at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association's Air Safety Institute, said: 'The key to flying safely is frequency. You are not as sharp if you haven't flown for a while.'

However, the International Air Transport Association, a trade group for the world's airlines, reported a steep increase last spring in the rate of planes making 'unstable approaches', which typically occur when pilots try to land at too high a speed or without enough thrust and have to make last-minute adjustments.

The airlines group reported that the rate of 'unstable approaches' jumped from about 13 or 14 for every 1,000 flights before the pandemic to more than 35 per 1,000 in May.

The problem of unstable approaches increased in airports around the world in the spring and summer of 2020, the group said, but the rate returned to pre-pandemic levels in the last few months.

But many experts say they are not concerned. Kenneth P. Byrnes, chairman of the Flight Training Department at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, said that commercial passenger jets always fly with a pilot and a co-pilot to reduce the odds of pilot error.

He said: 'I'm comfortable with the safety requirements. I don't think there is an imminent danger.'

Mark Searle, global director for safety at the International Air Transport Association, said he has faith that pilots are on top of their need to do more training.

'If they adhere to standard operation procedures that we practice, I don't think there is much of an issue,' he said.

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association recently offered a video series on its website to help out-of-practice pilots sharpen their flying skills.

The series includes tutorials on using the radio to communicate with an air traffic control tower and tips on making a smoother landing.

American Airlines, one of the world's largest carriers, was also worried about pilots being out of practice, so it began more frequent reviews of its data on pilot performance.

The pilot data from 2020 showed no loss in proficiency, said Kimball Stone, American Airlines' senior vice president of flight operations.

'There has been no degradation of skills,' he said.
The topic of the siege of Leningrad is not widely covered in the world media, especially when compared with the Holocaust, an analyst of Vestnik Kavkaza, Artyom Sokolov said in the National Question program on Vesti.FM.

"Silke Bigalkes article in the German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung published in January 2019, on the eve of the military parade in St. Petersburg in honour of the 75th anniversary of the lifting the siege, caused a great resonance. In an article entitled  Moscow is abusing the memory of Leningrad, Bigalke presents Russia as a party that is diminishing the significance of the tragedy. "Once again, those in power in Moscow are demonstrating soldiers instead of showing sympathy, and emphasizing national pride rather than memory, the expert cites the article.

At the same time, she admits that the blockade was a genocide organized by the Wehrmacht, as a result of which over a million people died. The blockade was genocide. But after the war, neither side was interested to call it genocide, the German journalist wrote, the analyst reminds.

In her opinion, its not worth remembering the event every year. The journalist calls the blockade one of the most monstrous crimes of the Wehrmacht, which was not discussed in Germany for a long time. The idea of people as victims who gave their lives for the victory of Russia seems to be dangerous. "As if this would justify their death as if they were dying of hunger voluntarily. This belittles what happened, and it is dangerous, Bigalke concludes. The article of the German journalist caused a wide public outcry. The State Duma, the Federation Council, the Society of residents of besieged Leningrad, the Russian Union of Veterans - all responded to the article, Artem Sokolov stressed.

But generally speaking, in the German press, as a rule, materials on the siege of Leningrad are reduced to either an ordinary excursus into history or to a review of a book devoted to this issue, the analyst of Vestnik Kavkaza noted.

About five years ago, the MDR website published an article entitled Destruction by hunger - the Leningrad blockade. In it, the author tells that the blockade was Hitler's personal order. Initially, it was planned to take the city, but then it was decided to siege it. The article emphasizes that what Nazi propaganda was selling as a preventive war against Bolshevism turned out to be a war of racial extermination. The author also calls the siege of Leningrad one of the most egregious war crimes during World War II, the expert noted.

"In 2019, the German newspaper Die Welt published an article with the quotes from Ales Adamovich and Daniil Granins The Blockade Book. In fact, it is a review of the book which contains 200 stories of the blockade recorded. The total volume of the material amounted to 4,000 pages. The author of the article also admits that the siege of Leningrad was a heinous crime for which the Wehrmacht is responsible, Artem Sokolov concluded.
Cadiz Couple Arrested in Princeton on Drug Charges

By West Kentucky Star Staff, WKDZ

PRINCETON - A drug investigation in Princeton resulted in the arrest of a Cadiz pair on Thursday.The Pennyrile Narcotics Task Force and officers with the Princeton Police Department responded to the parking lot of a grocery store where they spoke with 36-year-old Tiffany Tyler Herndon and 30-year-old Nicholas Herndon.Authorities reportedly learned that the couple had been trafficking methamphetamine. A search of the pair allegedly uncovered approximately 20 grams of meth and a small amount of synthetic marijuana.They were both arrested and lodged in the Caldwell County Jail.Tyler Herndon was charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia, driving with a suspended license, no registration plate, and no insurance.Tiffany Herndon was charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine), and possession of synthetic drugs. Additionally, she was served with a Christian County Bench Warrant charging her with failure to appear.

Pro-life youth gather nationwide for Life Chain to protest against abortion

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ARLINGTON, Va.  As coronavirus restrictions and security concerns forced the March for Life to forego its annual demonstration in Washington, D.C., this year, a group of pro-life Americans gathered to form the largest ever Life Chain.

The pro-life group Students for Life of America decided to put on an event that would enable people who had already planned to attend the March for Life to show their support for the unborn, just a week after the 48th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide.

Despite the bitterly cold wind chill, more than 200 pro-life youth gathered at Gravelly Point in Arlington, Virginia, Friday. The park is located just off the George Washington Memorial Parkway and near Ronald Reagan National Airport.

With the Washington Monument in the background, attendees formed a large Life Chain, which organizers hoped would be the largest in the world. As they faced the George Washington Memorial Parkway, many driving on the busy highway honked their horns to show support for their cause.

Holding signs emblazoned with phrases such as abortion betrays women, pro-life protesters chanted, Hey hey! Ho ho! Roe v. Wade has got to go, We are the pro-life generation and Preborn rights are human rights!

In addition to the main Life Chain, which took place in Arlington, other Life Chains took place in the states of California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington.

In an interview with The Christian Post, Kristi Hamrick, the chief media and policy strategist for Students for Life, said, We wanted to give people the opportunity to engage with this memorial related to Roe v. Wade, and not everybody could come to the capital.

Weve done Life Chains before but not during the march, she added. Were going to stand for life together no matter where we are. Hamrick also shared her thoughts about the mood of the pro-life movement, now that the federal government is controlled by the Democratic Party, which is almost unanimously sympathetic to the pro-abortion movement.

This change in administration reminds us that this is not a D.C. movement; this is a national movement. And its clear that this administration, the Biden administration, is going to be radically pro-abortion, but the momentum for life is at the state level, she added.

Were seeing pro-life gains at the state level. Theres a lot of activity there, and frankly, thats the kind of activity thats going to drive cases to the Supreme Court. So the question is, where are you looking for hope and change, and were looking for it at the state level.

This year, in particular, reminds us, where is the power of the pro-life movement? Its in people and their communities. And we really see that this year when so many were not able to come because of the restrictions of the local government.

Autumn Lindsey, a community college student from Washington state who has attended the March for Life for the previous three years, told CP: Im here to stand for life."

"I think what events like this prove is that the pro-life generation is going to show up despite the circumstances," Lindsey said. "You know, its nitty-gritty, its hard work. But were here because we believe that abortion is the greatest injustice of our lifetime. And so, theres going to be nothing that stops us from doing what we can to speak up and stand for life.

Weighing in on the new administration, Lindsey said, I think for a lot of people its discouraging with a new administration. But the pro-life generations mission isnt going to change.

Our mission was to abolish abortion and is to abolish abortion," she continued. "Although it feels like a step back with this new pro-abortion administration, were going to continue to do all that we can to make sure that were changing cultures in our own cities across the nation because this movement isnt just in D.C, its nationwide. Were going to continue being active and mobilizing in our own cities to change the culture  and to create a culture of life.

Holding a sign that said Conceived in rape, I love my life, Rebecca Kiessling of Michigan told CP, I did not deserve the death penalty for the crime of my biological father.

They should punish rapists and not babies, added Kiessling, who serves as president of the pro-life organization Save the 1. She attended the Life Chain with her 17-year-old daughter, Carina, along with her friend Christy Larson of Minnesota, who's also a member of Save the 1, and Christys husband, Tom.

Kiessling said she attended Life Chain to advocate for the babies, to make sure that they get a chance at life.

When asked about the Democratic Party's majority control in Congress, given that it supports the pro-abortion movement, Kiessling said, Its very discouraging to see that they have so much control because we know how much damage they can do.

Christy Larson, who said she was also conceived as a result of rape, held a sign identical to Kiesslings while Tom Larson held a sign that read: My wife was conceived from rape, I love her life. Carina Kiessling held a sign that read: My mom was conceived in rape, I love her life.

Brenna Lewis from Cincinnati, Ohio, an employee of Students for Life, said she was at the Life Chain to stand for life. Regarding the recent change in presidential administrations, Lewis remarked that, We are very determined, still very optimistic. You know, theres going to be a bit of defense play here, but thats definitely not our focus. We know theres still steps forward for life, even with this particular administration.

Landon, also from Ohio, said, Im here to support the pro-life movement, something that I feel strongly about and want to get more involved with.

Landon said that he found out about the Life Chain after receiving an email from the pro-life group Live Action. He predicted that a new presidential administration was going to make it more difficult, thats for sure, but its the people that are out and doing stuff like this that are going to make a difference in changing hearts and minds.

While the Life Chain drew people from across the country, some locals also turned out at the event. I am here to support women and their children, said Alyssa from Vienna, Virginia. Over 62 million preborn childrens lives have been taken since 1973, and we are here to support an end to abortion.

When asked to weigh in on the new presidential administration, she maintained that It will be challenging, but now its more important than ever for us to stand up for the preborn and be a voice for the voiceless. It will be harder to pass pro-life legislation, and some things might be reversed, but we just have to fight more than ever.

Dustin Curtis from Spotsylvania, Virginia, who's the executive advisor for Students for Life Action, told CP that Im here to stop the number one injustice in America and across the world right now, and thats to reverse Roe v. Wade.

He pushed back on the idea that the most recent federal election gave the pro-abortion movement an overwhelming victory. They do not have a mandate, so I dont think the abortion lobby has a mandate at all. Given the election results, the split Senate and the fact that Nancy Pelosi, one of the most radical pro-abortion speakers of the House, she lost seats this past year. So it was a close election and  I dont think  you could make an argument that they have a mandate.

At the state level, we have tons of opportunities there, and were seeing pro-life legislation move rapidly in places where we have pro-life majorities and pro-life governors, so Im actually pretty optimistic about the future. And we are seeing it with new polling out that the Students for Life conducted that shows more and more millennials are becoming more and more pro-life by the day, he continued.

While the Life Chain, which began at 9 a.m. Eastern time, was scheduled to conclude at 11 a.m., but the event finished about 45 minutes earlier than expected when U.S. Park Police kindly informed organizers that the number of people at the event exceeded the limit allowed under Virginias social distancing guidelines. Throughout the event, participants were encouraged to wear masks and urged to remain 6 feet apart.
A school that offered a pupil 17,000 after he injured his foot was told told by a judge to think again and come up with more money.

The 15-year-old boy was injured after a teacher told him to move heavy cones in the playground.

Judge John O'Connor said in the Circuit Civil Court that Our Lady of Good Counsel Boys' National School could pay out as much as 25,000 to Joe Bennett, of Churchview Road, Killiney.

The judge granted the boy's barrister time to contact the school and inform it of the court's view before the settlement offer would be rejected and the case be sent to trial.

Grip

The barrister later told Judge O'Connor the school had increased its offer to 20,000.

Judge O'Connor had heard that in early February 2018, a teacher had told the then 12-year-old and another pupil to move cones that separated play areas.

The barrister said Joe had lost his grip on one of the wet cones, which fell on the big toe of his left foot.

"Liability has not been conceded, but we have the view of forensic engineer Karl Searson that the cone had been modified with the attachment to its base of a metal plate, making it unsuitable for being moved by children," the barrister said.

She said the boy had struggled through classes for the remainder of the school day.

The accident happened on a Friday, and the boy, due to increasing pain, had been taken to the accident and emergency unit of Tallaght Hospital, where it was found his big toe was fractured.

He had to have his nail punctured and the fluid drained.

He was on crutches for several days.

Judge O'Connor said the boy had suffered a great deal of pain and his social and sporting activities were affected.

He approved the increased compensation of 20,000.

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In just one year, COVID-19 has killed more than 400,000 Americans, and infected more than 24 million others. But a new study shows just how unevenly those deaths and cases have played out across the country.

It finds that the more disadvantaged a county's population was before the pandemic, the higher the toll of coronavirus last spring and summer.

That level of disadvantage, measured on a standard scale called the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), tracked closely with the number of cases and deaths per 100,000 residents in each county, according to the new University of Michigan study.

The ten-point SVI score combines many measures of the social disadvantage of a county's population, with higher scores meaning greater disadvantage. For every point higher on the ten-point SVI scale, counties had 14% higher incidence of COVID-19 cases, and 14% more deaths per 100,000 people, the team reports in JAMA Network Open.

That translates to 87 excess COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people, and 3 excess COVID-19 deaths per 100,000 people, for every step up the SVI scale.

Cases also rose faster in higher-SVI counties than in lower-SVI ones during the months the researchers analyzed, from late March to late July 2020.

Since half of COVID-19 cases spring from virus spread by people who don't have symptoms, the findings have important implications for all Americans, say the researchers from the U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation.

These findings highlight that underlying inequality and social disadvantage, and its role in promoting the spread of coronavirus, is a problem that affects all of us, no matter where we live. This evidence contradicts the perception that COVID-19 mostly affects just one set of people in one kind of area." Renuka Tipirneni, M.D., M.Sc., Study's Senior Author

She adds, "While the first surge was mainly in urban areas with high percentages of Black and Latinx residents, as time went on some of highest rates of cases and deaths were in rural counties with predominantly white populations. But across the board, we find the areas hardest-hit by the disease were linked by higher rates of social disadvantage."

The SVI, which factors in everything from income, language and education to housing, race and disability, is calculated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention based on national Census data.

Higher case and death rates were also seen in areas that had higher rates of measures that aren't included in the standard SVI, such as obesity, mass transit use, food insecurity and adults who lack health insurance.

Tipirneni, a primary care physician in the U-M Medical School's Department of Internal Medicine and health services researcher who has worked in multiple health care settings, worked with first author and senior statistician Monita Karmakar, Ph.D., M.S. for the intensive data analysis. Coauthor Paula Lantz, Ph.D., a professor and associate dean at U-M's Ford School of Public Policy, helped evaluate the policy implications of the findings.

"Our findings highlight that there are pockets of disadvantage everywhere in America, and that they are playing a large role in the pandemic that's affecting all of us as we interact with one another," says Karmakar.

Factors most associated with higher impacts

The team looked at how SVI and other social measures related to 4.3 million cases and 147,074 deaths reported during the first 6 months of the pandemic in the US. They accounted for variation in population density and COVID testing rates.

The team then analyzed the SVI for each county. The ten-point score, which is expressed in terms of scores from 0.1 to 1.0, melds measures that include poverty rate, income and education level, housing type, English language ability, single-parent families, percent of people over 65 or under 17, access to a personal vehicle, racial and ethnic minority population percentage, and disability.

Digging down into the individual factors that made up the social vulnerability index, the researchers found that the higher the percentage of racial and ethnic minorities in a county's population, and the higher the percentage of people with limited English skills, the higher the COVID-19 case and death rates. The counties measuring highest on these factors had a 22% increase in case rate for every point up on their overall SVI score, and a 17% increase in death rate.

The percentage of the population that lives in over-crowded housing or in single-parent households was also associated with higher case incidence and death rates.

Looking at factors that aren't included in the official SVI, the researchers found many linkages with COVID-19. Interestingly, the concentration of health care resources available in the county did not seem to make a significant difference, though Tipirneni cautions that as more hospitals become overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients in the fall and early-winter surges, that may have changed.

However, a higher rate of obesity among a county's residents, the more adults that lacked health insurance, the more adults who rely on public transportation to get to and from work, and the more people who have unstable food supplies, the higher the rates of COVID-19 cases and deaths.

Most-impacted counties

Of the 3,137 counties analyzed, Trousdale County, Tennessee came in as the county with the highest incidence of COVID-19 cases during the study period, with 16,348 cases per 100,000 people by the end of July 2020. This was mainly linked to a COVID-19 outbreak in spring that sickened more than 1,300 inmates at a correctional center located there. This helped explain its high caseload despite having an SVI score of 0.52, near the middle of the scale.

But the next four counties with the highest COVID-19 case rates from January through July were all much higher on the SVI scale, including Lake County, TN and Lee County, Arkansas with SVI scores over 0.9. Dakota County, Nebraska (0.86) and Buena Vista County, Iowa (0.74), came in fourth and fifth. The latter two are also rural counties with small populations that are home to a prison that was the center of a large outbreak.

The county with the highest death rate, Hancock County, Georgia, had an overall SVI score of 0.80, with a population of 8,000 people seeing a high number of nursing home deaths. The four next-highest counties  three of them in Georgia, and one in New Mexico  all had SVI scores over 0.9.

The study team plans to make a full list of the SVI scores and COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates for every county in the study available online.

The study did not include data from for U.S. territories, nor for New York City because at the time of the analysis, the city did not release county-level data for the five counties that make it up. However, the authors performed an analysis that considered New York City data as if it were a single county, and found it did not change their findings.

Policy implications

The authors note that the new findings support the broader importance of "social determinants of health" -- upstream factors about a person's life circumstances that cause differences in their risk of health conditions. Such determinants are known to put someone at higher risk of the conditions that would put them at higher risk of developing a severe case of COVID-19 if they get infected, including diabetes, high blood pressure and lung disease.

Counties with high SVI scores are likely to have higher percentages of essential workers in frontline jobs. They're also likely to have more people living in homes and commuting in conditions that make social distancing and isolation of the sick difficult.

"The longstanding inequality that led to the higher social vulnerability scores in the hardest-hit counties is likely to get worse because of the pandemic," says Lantz. "The tragic Catch-22 of the COVID-19 pandemic is that its economic and social consequences are going to further exacerbate social inequalities and community-level social vulnerability. Investments in public policies that protect everyone, like paid sick leave, affordable housing, high-quality education and health insurance are needed to reduce the social inequalities that drive every type of health inequality, including COVID-19."

As policymakers grapple with the root causes, immediate impacts and downstream effects of the inequities identified, the researchers hope the new findings will help them target their efforts.

Immediate efforts might include public outreach campaigns aimed at people with lower English proficiency, focused efforts to expand COVID-19 testing, treatment and vaccination in the hardest-hit areas, and assistance with housing and food coordinated among government and nonprofit service agencies.

The team previously calculated COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates by SVI for the counties of Michigan, and provided the data to the state. It has been shared with the state's task force that targets COVID-19 testing locations and other services.

In the meantime, the team hopes that future research could look at even smaller geographic areas, down to the community, ZIP code or Census tract level, as well as data about the types of jobs worked by people in a given area. New efforts by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the local-area social vulnerability resources from the University of Wisconsin and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, can also help further efforts to study and act on differences in advantage.

Fines, suspended jail terms for Koh Pha-ngan partygoers

SURAT THANI: The 109 people caught partying at a bar on Koh Pha-ngnan in contravention of COVID-19 restrictions have been fined B4,000 each.

COVID-19Coronavirushealthcrime

By Bangkok Post

Saturday 30 January 2021, 10:31AM

The 111 people arrested partying in breach of COVID-19 controls at the Three Sixty Bar on Koh Pha-ngan island on Tuesday night were seated well apart when taken to the district office. Photo: Surat Thani immigration / Supapong Chaolan

They were also each sentenced to one month in prison, suspended for one year, reports the Bangkok Post.

The bar owner and a staff member were each fined B10,000 and sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for one year.

The Koh Samui Provincial Court handed down its judgement on Thursday afternoon via video conference.

The 111 defendants were at the Koh Pha-ngan district office multi-purpose building. Police took them there instead of the court to reduce the risk of infection. Health officials measured each defendants body temperature and they were required to wash their hands with alcohol gel and wear a mask, and they were seated well apart.

A total of 109 customers were detained  89 foreigners (38 men and 51 women) and 20 Thais (seven men and 13 women)  when immigration and tourist police and local officials raided the Three Sixty Bar in Koh Pha-ngan district on Tuesday night.

Also detained were Pongdaran Lim-ochakul, 40, who admitted being the owner and party organiser, and Somsakul Kiartnarong, 47, a bartender.

Forty bottles of beer and whisky and a notepad were seized.

Earlier reports said Mr Pongparan admitted only being the owner, while Mr Somsakul admitted being the organiser of the party.

Pol Col Panya Niratmanon, chief of Koh Pha-ngan police, said on Friday that all defendants were charged with illegal gathering in a crowded venue that posed a risk of disease, violating an order by provincial authorities declaring the province a disease control area, and violating the emergency degree to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

The owner and the bartender faced additional charges of allowing alcoholic drinks inside the premises in violation of the provincial COVID-19 restrictions.

Mr Pongdaran said he organised the party but was not aware that the order banning such a gathering was still in force. He thought that because Surat Thai had not recorded a coronavirus case for 14 days, parties and other activities could resume.

If officials had warned him earlier, he would have cancelled the party, the bar owner said.

Dmitrii Kopylov, 36, a Russian national, said he was at the party because he thought nothing would happen. He accepted the court ruling and offered his apologies to the Thai people.
Robert Cohan, a New York-born dancer and choreographer who changed the course of British dance by helping to establish an acclaimed contemporary dance company and school in London in the late 1960s, died there on Jan. 13. He was 95.

His nephew, Roy Vestrich, confirmed the death.

Mr. Cohans path to running the London enterprise began in 1954, when, as an important member of the Martha Graham company in New York, he met Robin Howard, a wealthy grandson of former Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin and a big fan of Grahams work.

Almost a decade later, Mr. Howard sponsored a trip by the company to the Edinburgh Festival and a subsequent season in London and was so encouraged by the visits success that he suggested to Ms. Graham that she set up a studio there.

Mr. Cohan had been teaching at the Graham School even while continuing to dance with it, and both Ms. Graham and Mr. Howard agreed that he should be the London outposts director. In May 1966, Mr. Cohan began teaching classes in Graham technique  with its emphasis on weighted movement emanating from the spine and pelvis  in a studio on Berners Place, off Oxford Street.

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for a car bombing in eastern Afghanistan that officials say killed at least 14 soldiers when it targeted a military base in Nangarhar.



Local councilor Ajmad Omar said four other troops were wounded in the attack on January 30, in the Shrizad district near the border with Pakistan.



The dpa news agency quoted a spokesman for the Taliban, Zabiullah Mujahid, claiming that the militant group carried out the attack and saying casualty figures were higher.



Both the Taliban -- who are engaged in mostly deadlocked peace talks with the Afghan government in Qatar -- and Islamic State (IS) are active in the area.



Meanwhile, the Afghan Interior Ministry and a lawmaker are providing contradictory accounts of a deadly clash that occurred in the central Wardak Province a day earlier.



The ministry said police killed seven local militia members and wounded nine more in a skirmish in the Behsood district late on January 29. It also said 68 militia members were arrested for disrupting police efforts.



But a local Wardak lawmaker, Mahdi Rasikh, was quoted as saying that police had opened fire on a peaceful demonstration, killing 11 and injuring 20 more.



The continued violence comes with calls rising from Kabul for the United States to ramp up pressure on the Taliban and avoid rushing the withdrawal of more of its 2,500 or so troops from Afghanistan.



Afghan and Pakistani security sources reported on January 28 that a mine blast in Nangarhar Province killed Mangal Bagh, the leader of the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e Islam.

In 2018, the United States placed a $3 million bounty on Baghs head over his alleged role in attacks on NATO convoys, drug trafficking, and other illegal activities.



On January 29, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani urged the United States and NATO to "take a very strong stand on the conditions-based approach" to withdrawing their troops.



Ghani said members of the transatlantic alliance had told him they were "very much interested in continuing" NATO's mission in Afghanistan.



Ashraf also said the new administration of U.S. President Joe Biden "is going to send a team to Kabul" to discuss ways to energize Afghan peace talks.



The Pentagon said this week that "the Taliban are not meeting their commitments" under an agreement reached nearly a year ago on the withdrawal of U.S. troops.

With reporting by dpa and Reuters
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. A few storms may be severe. High 73F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms early, then cloudy skies after midnight. A few storms may be severe. Low around 50F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
The government's procurement has increased by 19 per cent so far this kharif marketing season to 596.98 lakh tonne, costing more than Rs 1.12 lakh crore (Rs 1.12 trillion) to the exchequer, amid farmers' protest at various Delhi borders against three new farm laws.

"In the ongoing Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2020-21, Government continues to procure Kharif 2020-21 crops at MSP (minimum support price) from farmers as per existing MSP Schemes," an official statement said.

Kharif marketing season starts from October.

The Food Corporation of India and state agencies have procured 596.98 lakh tonne of till January 29, 2021, up 18.92 per cent from 501.97 lakh tonne in the corresponding period of the previous year.

"About 86.79 lakh farmers have already benefited from the ongoing KMS procurement operations with MSP value of Rs 1,12,709.84 crore," the statement said.

Out of the total purchase of 596.98 lakh tonne, Punjab has contributed 202.77 lakh tonne.

Thousands of farmers, mainly from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, are protesting at various borders of the national capital, seeking repeal of farm laws and a legal guarantee for the MSP system.

Eleven rounds of talks between the Centre and around 40 farmer unions have failed to break the deadlock.
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Israeli investigators, specialised in probing terror-related incidents, are likely to arrive in Delhi today to assist the Indian investigators probing the minor IED explosion at Israeli embassy in the national capital. Some cars were damaged in the blast that took place in the high-security zone of Lutyens' Delhi.

According to Israeli ambassador to India Dr Ron Malka, there were no injuries in the minor blast and all the officials are "safe at home." He added that it is too early to name any group as Israel and India are working together to find out the perpetrators and motivation behind this attack.





The incident happened on the 29th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries. a Ron Malka YY (@DrRonMalka) January 29, 2021

Another Israeli officer told news agency Reuters that the minor blast near the Israeli embassy in India, which took place on the 29th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries, is a "terrorist incident". Delhi Police said "initial impressions suggest a mischevious attempt to create a sensation", adding no damages to life and property were reported.

The Delhi Police found an envelope addressed to the Israeli embassy which contained a letter that says this explosion is a "trailer". It also talks about Iran's General Qasem Soleimani who was killed in a drone airstrike by the US near Baghdad International Airport in January 2020 and the Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsin Fakhrizadeh who was assassinated in Tehran using a satellite controlled machine gun in November 2020 as martyrs. Iran suspects Israel as the force behind the attack on Fakhrizadeh.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has spoken to his Israeli counterpart Gabi Ashkenzai and "assured him that the Indian authorities are committed to the security of all Israeli diplomatic staff and will continue to act resolutely to locate those involved in the explosion." Both the ministers promised mutual cooperation on the investigation into this incident.

FM @Gabi_Ashkenazi thanked @DrSJaishankar and promised full cooperation and any help required from Israel. DG @AlonUshpiz and Secretary @HarshShringla also spoke and agreed to cooperate. a Ron Malka YY (@DrRonMalka) January 29, 2021

The incident is under investigation by the authorities in India who are in contact with the relevant Israeli authorities. Authorities from both sides are cooperating in the investigation.

We will continue to update as there are developments. a Ron Malka YY (@DrRonMalka) January 29, 2021

Also read: Minor blast outside Israel Embassy in Delhi; none injured, says Police

Also read: Who is General Qassem Suleimani? Iran's top commander killed by the US


Meyer began to feel as if he knew the people personally  the ones who described smells in terms of tea and fruit, or meat and gasoline, or blue Powerade and lollipops. The way they described their senses felt so intimate, he said later, you could almost see the type of person they are. He was becoming convinced that people believe they are bad at describing smells simply because they so often are asked to do so in labs, sniffing single, isolated molecules (when the more familiar odor of coffee is a blend of many hundreds of them), cloistered away from the context of their real lives and the smells that actually mattered to them. Given the right opportunity, he said, people become very, very verbal.

For Meyer, an IBM researcher who specializes in using algorithms to analyze biological data, and who was one of the people who insisted that the G.C.C.R. surveys should include open text boxes, this was exciting news. For years, scientists studying smell have been working off just a few, deeply deficient data sets that link different chemicals and the way humans perceive them. There was, for example, a record created in the late 1960s by a single perfumer, who described thousands of smells, and study after study relied on a single Atlas of Odor Character Profiles, published in 1985. It drew on the observations of volunteers who had been asked to smell various single molecules and chemical mixtures, rating and naming them according to a supplied list of descriptors that many scientists felt was flawed and dated.

More recently, Meyer and many others had been using a new data set, painstakingly created by scientists at the Rockefeller University in New York and published in 2016. (I visited the lab in 2014, while Leslie Vosshall and her colleagues were building their data, and was surprised to find I could smell one of the vials, though it probably just triggered my trigeminal system. When I told Vosshall that it seemed minty, she replied: Really? Most people say, Dirty socks.) But while the new data set was a significant improvement  55 people smelled 480 different molecules, rating them by intensity, pleasantness, familiarity and how well they matched a list of 20 descriptions, including garlic, spices, flower, bakery, musky, urinous and so on  it was still a sign of how limited the field was.

This was why Meyer, along with his colleague Guillermo Cecchi, pushed for those open text boxes in the G.C.C.R. survey. They were interested in the possibilities of natural language processing, a branch of machine learning that uses algorithms to analyze the patterns of human expression; Cecchi was already using the technology to predict the early onset of Alzheimers, when it is most treatable, by analyzing details of the way people speak. Many researchers had written about the possibilities of using artificial intelligence to finally make a predictive olfactory map, as well as to look at links between changes in olfaction and all the diseases to which those changes are connected, but sufficient data was never available.

Now Covid had provided researchers with a big, complicated data set linking olfactory experience and the progression of a specific disease. It wasnt constrained by numerical rankings, monomolecules or a few proffered adjectives, but instead allowed people to speak freely about real smells, in the real world, in all their complex and subjective glory.

When Meyer and Cecchis colleague Raquel Norel finished analyzing the open-ended answers from English-speaking respondents, they found, with surprise and delight, that their textual analysis was just as predictive of a Covid diagnosis as peoples numerical ratings of smell losses. The algorithms worked because people with Covid used very different words to talk about smell than those without it; even those who hadnt fully lost their olfaction still tended to describe their sensations in the same ways, repeating words like metallic, decayed, chemical, acid, sour, burnt and urine. It was an encouraging finding, a proof of concept that they couldnt wait to explore in a lot more depth  first in the G.C.C.R. responses in other languages and then, in the future, in other data sets related to other diseases. Meyer got excited when he talked about it. Anything where smell changes, he told me. Depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimers, Parkinsons, neurodegeneration, cognitive and neuropsychiatric disease. The whole enchilada, as they say.

I had a hard time imagining the olfactory map that scientists have dreamed of for so long. Would it, I asked Mainland, look something like a periodic table? He suggested I think, instead, of the maps that scientists have made of color space, which arrange colors to show their mathematical relationships and mixtures. We didnt know how useful color space was until people started inventing things like color television and Photoshop, he explained, adding that the map itself isnt the goal, but rather the ability to use it to understand why we smell what we do. After that, what will be really interesting are the applications we cant yet imagine. Its hard to understand the utility of the map, he said, until you have the map.

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When someone like the mayor says its really important to actually stabilize and nurture a community and have education in school for kids, then it means you have to have the wherewithal to do that, Weingarten said. This is not an either-or. This is your city. This is your lives. This means that if there is in school learning, we need to make it safe.
NAYPYITAW, Myanmar (AP)  Myanmars military on Saturday denied its chief was threatening to stage a coup over complaints of election fraud, saying the media had misinterpreted his words.

Political tension in the Southeast Asian nation soared this past week after a spokesman for the military, which had ruled Myanmar for five decades, said a coup could not be ruled out if its complaints of widespread fraud in Novembers election were ignored.

The commander-in-chief, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, told senior officers in a speech Wednesday that the constitution could be revoked if the laws were not being properly enforced. Adding to the concern was the unusual deployment of armored vehicles in the streets of several large cities.

Saturdays statement from the military, known as the Tatmadaw, said that some organizations and media wrote without foundation that the military threatened to revoke the constitution. The statement said Min Aung Hlaing's speech was taken out of context, and was actually an observation to senior officer trainees on the nature of the constitution.

The ruling National League for Democracy party captured 396 out of 476 seats in the Nov. 8 election, allowing it to form a government led by State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi for another five years. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party won only 33 seats.

The military has publicly complained several times of electoral fraud and called on the government and the Union Election Commission to review the results. It has said it has found 8.6 million irregularities in voter lists in 314 townships that could have let voters cast multiple ballots or commit other voting malpractice.

The election commission said there was no evidence to support the fraud claims.

Parliaments new session is set to open Monday in the capital Naypyitaw.

The military ran Myanmar for some 50 years before beginning a transitioning to democracy in 2010. The current constitution ensures the country's generals maintain considerable influence in the countrys affairs by guaranteeing them a quarter of the seats in parliament and control of a number of key ministries.

Story continues

Alarmed diplomatic missions in Myanmar reacted Friday to the militarys statements by issuing a joint statement urging calm.

We urge the military, and all other parties in the country, to adhere to democratic norms, and we oppose any attempt to alter the outcome of the elections or impede Myanmars democratic transition, said the statement issued by the EU, the U.S., the United Kingdom, Australia and others.

Peaceful protests have been held in the past few days by supporters of the military and the Union Solidarity and Development Party. In Yangon, the countrys biggest city, about 1,000 demonstrators gathered Saturday next to the famous Shwedagon pagoda.

The military has not been alone in criticizing the election.

Independent rights groups before and after the polls criticized the disenfranchisement of Rohingya Muslims and the cancellation of the vote in some areas.

The election commission cited the dangers of ongoing combat between government forces and ethnic minority guerrillas, but critics suggested specific areas were singled out for cancellation because they were certain to elect lawmakers from parties hostile to Suu Kyi's government.

___

Associated Press journalist Thein Zaw in Yangon, Myanmar, contributed to this report.
Sarah Jessica parker just revealed one part of the storyline of the highly anticipated reboot of "Sex and the City."

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Parker said she's gearing up to reprise her famous Carrie Bradshaw role and teased what fans can expect on the HBO Max reboot titled "And Just Like That."

Part of the series' reboot would include the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic because, as Parker noted, "that's the city these characters live in, and how has that changed relationships once friends disappear."

She also revealed that series creator Michael Patrick King had hired a room full of female writers.

"It's incredibly diverse in a really exciting way," the Hollywood actress said.

Aside from the COVID-19 storyline, Parker also noted that they would be adding views on the social world and politics, as well as the life experiences of other "Sex and the City" cast members.

SJP and her co-stars, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis--who will also be reprising their original roles on the "Sex and the City" reboot--are too excited to catch up after a lot of time has passed. After all, Carrie, Miranda Hobbs and Charlotte York Goldenblatt are already in their 50s.

The show will have to find the answers to fans and the stars' questions of who they are in the world now and if they have adopted after all these years.

Sarah Jessica Parker pondered, "Where have they fallen short as women, as friends, and how are they finding their way? Did they move with momentum? What is their relationship to social media?"

The cast of "Sex and the City" reboot is also excited to what the writers can imagine for today's characters.

No Kim Cattrall

While all three women are reprising their roles, Kim Cattral is the only person who will not be back to play Samantha Jones.

This is following news of her strained relationship with the show in the past years, particularly with Parker.

However, Parker told TMZ that they have no intention of replacing her, nor they're working on a fourth character since "We have New York City as the fourth character."

'Sex and the City' Reboot

The HBO Max series "And Just Like That" will have 10 limited episodes.

Just like the original series, each episode will run for 30 minutes.

Production for the series will start in spring 2021, but there is still no actual release date for "Sex and the City" reboot.

It's not reported if the cast will be getting COVID-19 vaccines prior to filming.

See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles
Seven years into the Flint Water Crisis, one thing we know is that justice and compensation come slow. But the past few weeks brought notable developments in the biggest public health story in Michigan this generation.

First, nine public officials  including former Gov. Rick Snyder  were charged with crimes with their role in the crisis, which was triggered when the water source for the city was switched to the pollution-ridden Flint River in 2014.

Second, a federal judge granted approval for a proposed settlement of $641 million to go forward on behalf of victims of the water crisis: Families of people who died from Legionnaires disease, and residents who suffered health effects from drinking or using the water.

Ron Fonger, the reporter for The Flint Journal who has covered the crisis from its inception, broke down developments in both stories for the latest episode of Behind the Headlines, an MLive podcast. He was joined by Roberto Acosta, news leader for The Journal, who discusses how the news staff works to stay abreast of both complex, developing stories.

The charges of willful neglect of duty against Snyder, said Fonger, may seem minor because they are misdemeanors. But there is a large question at the root of it, he notes.

The governor  all through the water crisis and when the river (water) was being used and the city was in charge of water quality  his primary excuse was, I didnt know. Even though people all around him were talking about problems with Flint water.

The prosecution is saying, You had a duty to seek out that information, and that doesnt bode well for the governor. If you knew, thats wrong; but if you didnt know, thats a problem, also.

To hear the entire conversation with Fonger and Acosta, click on the play button above. For other episodes of Behind the Headlines, listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or other streaming services.
John Derrick has run an online guide to Hawaii travel for nearly 20 years, so he's used to answering questions about the destination. But these days, the questions he gets at GuideofUS Hawaii are a little more complicated.

At what age do kids need to be tested? Does my covid-19 vaccination count for anything? Will my large family violate rules about safe gatherings? If I've already had coronavirus, am I good to go?

"It really does feel like you need a PhD in Hawaii Safe Travels to parse all the information," Derrick said.

Hawaii essentially shut down its borders to travel in March by requiring a 14-day quarantine for anyone who flew in; officials told people not to come, and violators were arrested.

After seven strict months, and several delays, the state reopened its doors in mid-October with a program that lets visitors bypass what is now a 10-day quarantine with a negative coronavirus test taken at least 72 hours before they depart. Those tests have to be done by state-approved partners to count for the "Safe Travels" program.

Now, the tourism-dependent destination is trying to balance the safety of its communities, some of which have limited resources for sick residents, with the economic boost more visitors would bring. It's not an easy task.

Derrick said he wades through county websites and the state's tourism site every day to find out what travelers need to know.

"Most visitors I know are not going to go visit 12 different websites to figure out what the policies are," he said.

Would-be travelers have to navigate a tangle of requirements depending on where they plan to go and how they'll get there, with new rules popping up and even more potential changes ahead if some elected officials get their way.

Earlier this month, Maui started requiring visitors to either download an exposure notification app or enable their exposure notification setting on their mobile phone; those who refuse will have to quarantine.

Want to travel between islands? In most cases, another test is required to avoid quarantine - but not if you're going to Oahu. Travelers heading there from another Hawaiian island do not need a test and will not need to quarantine.

Kauai removed itself from the Safe Travels program late last year, but created its own plan that went into effect this month that lets people test before arriving from outside the state, stay in an approved "resort bubble" for three days and then test again to escape quarantine. Those pre-arrival tests do not have to be with state-approved partners.

To complicate things more, travelers coming to Kauai from Oahu, Maui County, or the island of Hawaii who have been in the state for more than 72 hours can skip quarantine if they take a pre-travel test from an approved state partner. That test has to be taken within 72 hours of departing to Kauai.

"It's ever changing, it's ever evolving," said Sharolyn Kawakami, resort manager at Ko'a Kea Hotel & Resort in Kauai, where the rules are most stringent. "It's very difficult for the consumer to even keep track of all this."

Vikram Seshadri, a Global Travel Collection travel adviser, has created a cheat sheet for clients. He tells them the websites they need to visit, the forms they need to fill out, the tests approved by the state and what they should expect when they arrive. (For example: prepare to show proof of your negative test constantly.)

"They're not messing around," he said. "For clients to know all this, it's a lot. It becomes a little bit of a hassle and trying to walk them through this process can be a little daunting."

Seshadri, who is based in Northern California, said he did not book anyone on Hawaii trips when the mandatory 14-day quarantine was in effect. But he went himself for a few weeks starting Thanksgiving, and now has a handful of clients on vacation there and more in the coming weeks.

For travelers who are getting away for just four or five days, he's not recommending Kauai because of its testing requirements.

"You're stuck for three days on the property," he said. "It sort of defeats the purpose of going to this incredibly pristine island where nature takes center stage."

Kawakami, the Ko'a Kea resort manager, said guests who are in the resort bubble program still relax by the pool, have a social-distanced cocktail party at the pool bar, take laps around the property and watch sunset with Mai Tais. The beach, however, is off limits, and guests in the bubble are kept separate from locals or visitors who have already completed their testing.

She said the priority is to make sure guests, staff and the community are safe, even as the resort copes with a significant drop in tourism.

"We need to be able to operate and keep everybody safe," Kawakami said. "We're really honored to give guests the space to relax and enjoy as much of the sunshine and our resort as they can."

At least one lawmaker in Hawaii is pushing for an end to local differences in travel restrictions. House Speaker Scott Saiki, a Democrat, introduced a bill this week that would make the rules consistent statewide.

"The travel policy has become confusing, not just for Hawaii residents, but also for people who want to visit Hawaii," he said. Saiki said he believes the state would see more visitors if the policies "were clearer and consistent."

Also potentially on the horizon: an exemption for vaccinated travelers. Lt. Gov. Josh Green, a physician and covid liaison for the state, has proposed that people who get both doses of the vaccine and wait another 14 days be allowed to visit without a test or quarantine. The plan would still need to be approved by the governor, and depends on a big question that's still being researched: whether vaccinated people can spread the virus.

If research shows that the vaccine stops transmission, Green said he would envision first putting the new plan into place for travel between islands and then for people coming from outside Hawaii.

"If all goes well, sometime mid- to late March, we may be able to get this done so that people can more freely travel to paradise," he said. Green said he also hopes to have a more uniform set of rules for travel.

"My advice is: get vaccinated and expect the Hawaii rules to simplify and improve as we get into the spring," he said. "Prepare yourselves to have a pretest if you are not vaccinated."

In the meantime, some travelers are finding the restrictions prohibitive.

Seshadri said one couple he worked with had postponed a trip from March 2020 to September to December before finally calling it off. He said they plan to revisit the trip when restrictions have lifted and they have been vaccinated.

"Vacations should give you peace of mind," he said. "If you're going to be stressed out until you get there, it's not worth it."
As easy as it is for me to toss half-empty bottles of sauce and jars of random pickled things from the refrigerator, I rarely let go of shelf-stable canned goods. And in a recent move, I did something I rarely do: look at the expiration dates.

And with that, the question was begged: What the heck is an expiration date, anyway? Well, as it turns out, not much. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, except for infant formula, product dating is not required by Federal regulations.

All those little numbers on the side of your canned goods, bags of rice, cartons of eggs, jugs of milk and so on are, essentially, a suggestion from the manufacturer providing a time frame in which they believe the product will be in peak quality. And the best part for all of my fellow food hoarders out there is those dates are not an indicator of the products safety, as per the USDA.

So why does this matter? Food waste is easily the biggest reason.

On ExpressNews.com: See what recipes were creating and cooking here. Bookmark the page!

The National Resources Defense Council (an international environmental advocacy organization) says in America a full 40 percent of the food produced here winds up in the garbage. That adds up to a whopping $218 billion worth every year. And a significant portion of that is because more than 80 percent of Americans misinterpret date labels and throw food away prematurely, under the misconception that its necessary to protect their families health, according to a report by foodindustry.com.

fcafotodigital /Getty Images

There are four types of dating on food products to be aware of, and they all serve a different function. Fortunately, the USDA has made them all clear. The following is their take on those digits.

A Best if Used By/Before date indicates when a product will be of best flavor or quality. It is not a purchase or safety date.

A Sell-By date tells the store how long to display the product for sale for inventory management. It is not a safety date.

A Use-By date is the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality. It is not a safety date except for when used on infant formula as described below.

A Freeze-By date indicates when a product should be frozen to maintain peak quality. It is not a purchase or safety date.

None of this is to say food doesnt spoil, regardless of the date on the package. But the USDAs advice is to trust your nose and not a calendar: Spoiled foods will develop an off odor, flavor or texture due to naturally occurring spoilage bacteria. If a food has developed such spoilage characteristics, it should not be eaten.

If youre hesitant about eating something lingering in your fridge or cupboards, there are some resources out there to help you make more informed decisions about their safety.

The USDAs FoodKeeper app is a good place to start. Its a database of food items with guidelines on how long a product should remain safe in both unopened and opened packages. Once youve searched for your specific item, the app then allows you to sync the recommended discard date to your smartphones calendar to give you a reminder to toss it out.

On ExpressNews.com: Busting the myth that wood cutting boards are less sanitary than plastic.

The website stilltasty.com provides similar information with a wider range of items available to search from. Both resources held some surprising details.

The guideline for milk, which is highly perishable, is five to seven days beyond the date on the container. Eggs will stay good for three to five weeks past the date on the carton. Butter can safely live in the fridge for up to two months past its purchase date.

More interesting to me as a person whos managed to amass a collection of about a half-dozen cans each of sweetened condensed milk and chipotles in adobo sauce is just how long those will last in their unopened cans: a year past the purchase date for the milk and up to five whole years for the chipotles.

Again, trust your nose and use some common sense with all of these.

nobtis /Getty Images / iStockphoto

Spoiled milk products will make themselves painfully obvious  as anyone whos taken a regrettable sip of coffee dashed with rancid cream will know.

Any cans that are rusty or bulging should be tossed.

Mold on hard cheeses can be safely cut away (cut at least an inch off below the moldy part) but mold on just about anything else can be problematic. And yes, this means its not advised to scrape off the mold on top of ancient jelly and keep making PB&Js.

If all this talk of spoiled food hasnt soured your appetite, weve been cooking up a party here this week. Try any of the following Buffalo sauce inspired dishes as an alternative to wings for your Super Bowl spread.

Recipe: Buffalo Mexican Street Corn Corn on the Cob

Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Queso Fundido

Recipe: Buffalo Hummus

Recipe: Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

pstephen@express-news.net | Twitter: @pjbites | Instagram: @pjstephen
The EU did not warn the Government it was going to restrict Covid-19 vaccine exports from the EU to Northern Ireland, Taoiseach Micheal Martin has revealed.

Mr Martin said the Northern Ireland Brexit protocol became collateral damage in a serious row between the European Union and Astra Zenaca over the supply of vaccines.

He said while it was a mistake to invoke Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol, it is one everyone will learn from.

He is also insisting, despite the furious reaction from Unionist politicians, that what happened was not a hostile act against Northern Ireland.

Instead, he said in an interview with Virgin Media and RTE, the whole episode was collateral damage from the ongoing row between AstraZeneca and the European Commission.

That row centres on the drug companys decision to reduce the amount of Covid-19 vaccines it is going to be able to supply the EU.

Mr Martin was speaking hours after the EU rowed back on its decision to invoke Article 16 of the protocol, which governs the trading arrangements with the European Union and the rest of the UK after Brexit.

Dubbed the option of last resort, Article 16 of the protocol allows either the EU or UK to temporarily suspend aspects of the protocol when the protocol itself creates any unforeseen economic, societal or environmental.

Micheal Martin said: I welcome the decision by the EU in withdrawing the imposition of Article 16.

From my perspective, the whole issue was a fallout from what is an increasingly tense and acrimonious row between AstraZeneca and the European Commission.

Certainly it wasn't a hostile act, in relation to Northern Ireland.

It was very much something that was related to AstraZeneca.

I think it clearly was a mistake.

He said he applauded the commission for quickly pulling back after the Government engaged in constructive communication with the EU over its decision.

Asked how much damage this row has done, he replied: I think this can be retrieved.

And I think the very quick response by the commission is positive in that respect.

I think there is also a sense within the commission that there will be further engagements to avoid situations like this occurring again and in the manner in which it occurred.

He was also asked about Unionist views that this was a move against Northern Ireland, or - as First Minister Arlene Foster put it - an incredibly hostile and aggressive act.

He said: That is not something I would agree with.

I understand their frustration and the reaction but (the protocol) is important for businesses in Northern Ireland, for jobs in Northern Ireland.

The protocol became collateral damage for a very brief period, as a result of that significant row going on in relation to the vaccine and AstraZeneca's relationship with the commission.

It just illustrates overall the tense environment we are all operating in.

This shouldn't have happened and there was a very quick realisation - once we communicated indication of this - on behalf of the commission.

He admitted: Certainly we seem to have been blindsided in relation to the obviously very significant implications for the operations of the protocol.

We were taken aback.

The Government didn't have advance warning and that is something else that has formed part of our discussions in terms of any future positions of this kind that could have an impact on the Protocol.

(Once) we became aware of it, we moved quickly to deal with (it).

And he said he hopes now that everyone in the UK, the EU and Ireland as a member state, can move on.

Earlier, Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney said the EU move as a careless mistake, and said he did not believe it would happen again.
Lucknow:

Uttar Pradesh traders on Friday staged protests against the Goods and Services Taxs implementation, shuttering wholesale markets. The traders also stopped a train in Kanpur.



Kanpurthe business hub of the statewas one of the main centres of the protest, with office bearers of trade organisations participating in the protests. Traders squatted on rail tracks and stopped the Kanpur-Pratapgarh passenger train in a protest against the new tax regime.



Reports of protests also came in from Varanasi, Allahabad, Jhansi, Faizabad, Shahjahanpur and Ghaziabad. We are not against the GST. But we are certainly not happy with the way GST is being implemented. The officials and traders are not ready. Apart from this, the portal is not ready, Rajiv Anand, chairman of UP Yuva Vyapar Mandal told PTI.

ALSO READ: GST Council reduces rate on fertilisers from 12 pc to 5 pc



He also said it is not feasible for small traders to engage the services of a chartered accountant. Today a large number of shops ranging from groceries and bullion to wholesale and clothes remained closed. The transformation to GST should have been gradual and not a sudden one, Anand said.



Akhil Bhartiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal leader Gyanendra Misra protested at the Lucknow railway crossing in Kanpur at around 9.30 AM and stopped the local train. They were later removed by GRP (Government railway Police) personnel. Traders claimed the bandh caused losses of over Rs 2,000 crore. Ashok Kumar, a garment shop owner said, they are yet to get a clear view of the GST.



We are keeping our fingers crossed. Lets hope that whatever will happen, will turn out to be good. Similar views were also echoed by Deep Jaiswal, a medicine seller, who said that the roll out of GST will have minimum impact on the consumers.



Attempting to allay fears of the public, tax lawyer Ashish Tripathi said, GST will have a positive impact on the public, as it will remove the prevailing mechanism of levying tax over tax, giving some relief to the consumers.

ALSO READ | GST rollout on July 1: Decoding Good and Services Tax components; SGST, CGST and IGST

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
The tragic death of a New Ross mother, who leaves behind two young children following the death of their father last autumn, has led to great shock and sadness in New Ross.

Monica O'Connor died aged 25 on Sunday, January 10.

A GoFundMe fundraiser was organised by a family member with a target of 4,500 to help towards the costs of her funeral and caring for her children, Tara-Rose and Noah James.

At the time of going to press, 4,250 had been donated.

Monica was born on August 5, 1995, to Ann and Tony O'Connor. She lived in William Street, for a time, before moving to her family home in 6 Longstone Drive.

Monica was the apple of her father's eye but only got to spend the first two years of her young life with him.

She met her best friend Kate when she was only three.

Monica started school at St Joseph's NS, when she was four, going on to New Ross CBS and Kate was by her side throughout these years.

Monica was a drama queen, always acting out scenes with Kate. Everything was a joke for her and fun was the main focus.

Monica was three when her brother Anthony was born and eight-and-a-half when Seamus came along. Monica being Monica, she had been hoping Seamus would be a boy because all she ever wanted was to be the only girl.

Put simply, Monica always wanted to stand out.

'Seamus was like her baby doll. She did everything for him, including apply make-up when he was a little chap,' her aunt Liz said in her eulogy at St Mary & St Michael's Parish Church.

'Although Anthony and her fought like cats and dogs, they always had each other's back. Monica was able to say whatever she wanted about Anthony, but nobody else could.'

Mourners heard how Monica was a rebellious teenager.

It was challenging, interesting but above all fun being in her company. She loved a good party and especially being the hostess. She even kept a large gathering going with a loaf of Brennan's Bread one night.

Her aunt recalled a memorable trip Monica had to England with her aunt Rose.

A trip to a caravan park to France also sparked many memorable moments, which are now cherished memories for her family who accompanied her on the trip.

A friend said: 'She had her ups and downs but when she got over the downs she enjoyed life to the full and cared about everybody.'

Monica met Harry Hunt when she was 15, She kept the news from her mother for months and all the while Harry was enjoying meals provided by her Mam.

Monica was 19 when she gave birth to Tara-Rose and Noah arrived two years later.

'From the moment Tara Rose was born, she was the perfect mother and it brought a shine to her. They moved into their first home a few doors down from her mother's,' Liz said.

Monica studied beauty therapy for a time.

'The four of them were very happy together and they were a perfect family.'

They moved to Barrett's Park for one year, prior to moving to Belleville, where they remained for two years until the tragic passing of Harry, who passed away last autumn.

'Sadly now we are here in a position six months later. Although we are heartbroken to let you go today - and say this with a heavy heart - we know that you are with the love of your life in heaven. You both left us with two beautiful children that we promise to care for and tell them about you both every day because we know they were the two most important people in your life who you loved and cared for so dearly every day of your precious life.'

Kate said: 'She loved playing games, discussions and playing as the Mammy.

She said Monica was opinionated and loved expressing herself.

'She had a great imagination. Monica loved to laugh and embraced the silly side of life. Monica had the nicest laugh; once she started there was no stopping her and then she'd snort and laugh at herself snorting. This could go on for half an hour and anyone around her would start laughing. We even used to get caught in school laughing.'

Monica loved dancing and singing like no one was watching.

'She always wanted a little girl and a little boy and was so glad when she got them.'

Kate descried her good friend as a trustworthy friend who would help others without hesitation.

'Monica loved watching Tara Rose and Noah's personalities develop; Tara Rose being headstrong and intelligent; Noah being chatty and curious.

'Both clever, beautiful messers, just like their Mammy. She loved every minute of being their mother and you could tell by them that she was the best mother.'

Monica is survived by Tara-Rose and Noah James; her mother Ann, brothers, Anthony and Seamus; grandparents Mary and Tanner, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and a large circle of friends.

She was predeceased by her father Tony.

May she rest in peace.
Languages differ in the sounds they use. The Japanese language, for example, does not distinguish between "r" and "l" sounds as in "rock" versus "lock." Remarkably, infants become attuned to the sounds of their native language before they learn to speak. One-year-old babies, for example, less readily distinguish between "rock" and "lock" when living in an environment where Japanese, rather than English, is spoken.

Influential scientific accounts of this early phonetic learning phenomenon initially proposed that infants group sounds into native vowel- and consonant-like phonetic categories through a statistical clustering mechanism known as "distributional learning."

The idea that infants learn consonant- and vowel-like phonetic categories has been challenged, however, by a new study published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

In the study, a multi-institutional team of cognitive scientists and computational linguists have introduced a quantitative modeling framework that is based on a large-scale simulation of the language learning process in infants. Using computationally efficient machine learning techniques, this approach allows learning mechanisms to be systematically linked to testable predictions regarding infants' attunement to their native language.

Hypotheses about what is being learned by infants have traditionally driven researchers' attempts to understand this surprising phenomenon. We propose to start from hypotheses about how infants might learn." Thomas Schatz, Study's Lead Author, Postdoctoral Associate, University of Maryland of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies

In addition to Schatz, the study's authors include Naomi Feldman, an associate professor of linguistics at the University of Maryland with an appointment in UMIACS; Sharon Goldwater, a professor in the Institute for Language, Cognition and Computation at the University of Edinburgh's School of Informatics; Xuan-Nga Cao, a research engineer at Ecole Normale Superieure (ENS) in Paris and co-founder of the Langinnov and Gazouyi startups; and Emmanuel Dupoux,a professor who directs the Cognitive Machine Learning team at ENS.

For their study, the researchers simulated the learning process in infants by training a computationally efficient clustering algorithm on realistic speech input. The algorithm was fed spectrogram-like auditory features sampled at regular time intervals that were obtained from naturalistic speech recordings in a target language. In this study, American English and Japanese were the two languages used.

This yielded a candidate model for the early phonetic knowledge of, say, a Japanese infant, the researchers say. Next, they asked two questions of the trained models. Could they explain the observed differences in how Japanese- and English-learning infants discriminate speech sounds? And, did the models learn vowel- and consonant-like phonetic categories?

The dominant scientific accounts of early phonetic learning would have expected the answers to these questions to match (either both should be "yes" or both should be "no"). The researchers found that the answer to the first question was positive: Their models did account for infants' observed behavior, in particular for the Japanese infants' difficulty with distinguishing words like "rock" and "lock." The answer to the second question, however, was negative: The models were found to have learned speech units too brief and acoustically variable to correspond to vowel- and consonant-like phonetic categories.

These results suggest a striking reinterpretation of the existing literature on early phonetic learning. Difficulties in scaling up distributional learning of phonetic categories to realistic learning conditions may be better interpreted as questioning the idea that what infants learn are phonetic categories, rather than the idea that how infants learn is through pure distributional learning (the traditional interpretation).

Cognitive science has not traditionally made use of such large-scale modeling, says Schatz, but recent advances in computing power, large datasets, and machine-learning algorithms make this approach more feasible than ever before.

Schatz and Feldman are part of the Computational Linguistics and Information Procession (CLIP) Laboratory in UMIACS, where Feldman is the current director. The robust computing resources in the CLIP lab and the Cognitive Machine Learning lab in Paris were instrumental to the research project, Feldman says.

In conclusion, the researchers believe their computationally-based modeling approach--together with ongoing efforts in the field to collect empirical data on a large scale, such as large-scale recordings of infants' learning environments at home and large-scale assessment of infants' learning outcomes--opens the path toward a much deeper understanding of early language acquisition.
The race for New York City mayor took a couple of turns this week, with Zach Iscol exiting to launch a bid for city comptroller and Real Housewives of New York City star Barbara Kavovit hopping in to take his place. And some of the Brooklyn political dysfunction seeped into the race as well. Several candidates, including Dianne Morales, Andrew Yang, Maya Wiley and Scott Stringer, said they would boycott the Brooklyn Democratic Partys upcoming mayoral forum over racist comments that District Leader Lori Maslow made on social media. Although she had already stepped down from her party leadership position, some progressive members of the party wanted her to resign as district leader and called for the boycott until she did. After several days, Maslow resigned, and as of now, at least Yang is once once again taking part in the forum. Keep reading for the rest of this weeks news.

AG report exposes nursing home COVID-19 deaths

State Attorney General Letitia James released a bombshell new report that found the state is underreporting nursing home coronavirus deaths by as much as 50%. The investigation also found that many nursing homes did not adequately comply with infection control protocols and were understaffed, which put residents at risk. The official tally from the state Department of Health stood at over 8,700, a number that did not include residents who died after being transferred to a hospital. In the wake of the reports release, state Health Commissioner Howard Zucker finally released data that said the actual death count at 12,743 with hospital deaths accounted for  pretty close to 50% higher. The Cuomo administration had for months stonewalled lawmakers, journalists and others when asked for that information. State Sen. James Skoufis, chair of the Investigations and Government Operations Committee, recently threatened to subpoena Zucker to get the data. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has been criticized for a March directive telling nursing homes to accept recovering COVID-19 patients back into congregate care settings from hospitals, although he said he was simply following federal guidance and asserted that the state did not take any action that contributed to higher rates of deaths in nursing homes. James report brought with it a fresh wave of criticism for Cuomo and calls for Zucker to resign.

COVID-19 restrictions lifted

As positivity rates trend down across the state after a holiday spike, Cuomo announced that he is easing restrictions around the state. In Erie County, at one point an emerging second wave epicenter, Cuomo said elective surgeries can resume after halting them amid concerns about hospital capacity. He also lifted nearly all orange and yellow zone microcluster designations in the state, and with them the restrictions imposed on those areas. Lifting the restrictions removes mandatory school testing requirements and permits houses of worship to operate at 50% capacity. Indoor dining is still banned in New York City  that restriction came about through an executive order independent of the microcluster strategy  but Cuomo said it would resume at 25% capacity on Feb. 14  Valentines Day. Five yellow zones still remain, and four of them are in New York City.

More street vendors in NYC

In a long-awaited victory for street vendor advocates, the New York City Council voted to lift a 40-year-old cap on street vendor licenses. For decades, the number of licenses available has remained stagnant at 3,000, creating a massive waiting list to get a permit and a thriving black market to illegally rent others permits. The legislation would create 4,000 new permits over the next decade, with 400 new permits added each year. Although celebrated as an action to help food cart and produce stand owners, others said lifting the cap on licenses will hurt already struggling restaurant owners, who have also been hit hard by the pandemic. Mayor Bill de Blasio has expressed support for the measure, and hes likely to sign it into law.

NYCs State of the City

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio gave a pre-taped State of the City address, his last one before he leaves office. In the video, he laid out his vision for the citys recovery from the pandemic. De Blasio said he would speed up vaccinations and set a goal of inoculating 5 million New Yorkers by June. He proposed a few new ideas, including a City Cleanup Corps to help clean up graffiti and tend to community gardens, and creating a new protected two-way bike lane on the Brooklyn Bridge. De Blasio also presented a plan to expand and centralize the powers of the Civilian Complaint Review Board, which oversees the New York City Police Department.
The final season of Superstore reaches a definitive narrative peak this week (as several of its central characters hit their low). Read on for my review of The Trough.

At the beginning of the episode, Dina and Glenn have a meeting with a Zephra higher-up to talk about Carols lawsuit against the store. Theyre told that the lawsuit wont be viable unless Carol can prove that she was generally unliked, or that management ever did anything that could be considered to be biased against her. So...yeah, thats going to be an issue. Zephra tells the co-managers (without actually telling them) that they need to spy on Carol to try and get evidence that the accident was caused by her own negligence and not the stores.

Dina asks Cheyenne to babysit Carol, making note if she violates any store policies. She then recruits Garrett to help her figure out how to get onto the employee private messaging app to look for evidence of the other employees opinions of Carol. Instead, however, they find a bunch of employees talking about The Trough, which they assume is a new secret hangout spot for the employees to slack off.

When Eric comes to Cloud 9 with Mateo (confirmation that at least one Superstore ship is still going strong!) he accidentally reveals to Garrett that Jonah is still living in Amys old house. He's paying the rent and taking care of her plants, but he just doesnt want to move out. After everyone else in the store hears Jonah's "secret," they all start treating him with kid gloves. Glenn even invites Jonah into his office only to reveal Sandra dressed as Amy - a surrogate so Jonah can get out his repressed feelings, which he insists he doesnt have.

Cheyenne begins to gather intel on Carol, but after it comes up in conversation that Cheyenne hasnt gotten her raise as Floor Manager yet because of corporate red tape, Carol convinces her that her suspicions and distaste should really be directed toward Zephra calling all the shots. The pair end up vaping and hanging out together in the backroom, and Cheyenne promises not to give Corporate any evidence of Carols safety violations.

To find the location of The Trough, Dina and Garrett anonymously invite Justine to meet them at "The Trough" to try and figure out its location. As they soon find out (partially from Justines misguided excitement that she must have a boyfriend now), The Trough is a sex den, and when Garrett and Dina explore the oddly romantic atmosphere, they very nearly kiss before Dina stops herself: shes still with Brian the Vet - remember him?

Mateo, meanwhile, wants to live in Amys house with Eric, so as most of the store tries to walk on eggshells around Jonah, he devises a plan to get Jonah to move out of his ex's place by moving back in with someone else from his past - namely, Kelly. Mateo calls Kelly in from the Fenton store to fill a shift and then forces her to work with Jonah, even though Eric notes that its kind of like kicking him while hes down.

Neither Jonah nor Kelly are actually interested in getting back together, but its this situation that accidentally unveils the second Jonah-related bombshell of the night - when Marcus begins to feel jealous of Jonah and Kelly, he lets it slip that he is living in Amys house with Jonah! Apparently, Marcus offered to move in one night when Jonah had had one too many orange wines, and he needed help with the rent. When everyone finds out this information, they pity him even more. Oh, Jonah, how did this happen? Kelly asks.

Near the end of the episode, Carol starts blackmailing Cheyenne, revealing she recorded their conversation in the backroom, including a part where Cheyenne confesses that she stole some foundation from the makeup counter. Carol intends to use the recording so that Cheyenne couldnt use any information against her, but it turns out that Cheyenne respects her too much now to betray her anyway.

Kelly is done dealing with the store 1217 crazy (honestly, good for her), but after hearing about Jonahs situation, she gives him some advice. She clarifies that shes over him, but when she compares their own break-up with Jonah and Amys, and tells Jonah that its okay to be mad, he finally snaps. After a strongly-worded tirade letting out his pent-up frustrations at Amy, he decides to move out of her house - the first step to moving on.

Honestly, what an interesting episode. I think it was definitely better structurally than the past couple episodes, but some issues still remain. I mightve made the critics most dire mistake in rewatching old episodes of Superstore recently, reminscing on old times. Each episode in earlier seasons has a magnetic energy and a sense of purpose that more recent episodes - Id say everything since Prize Wheel - lacks. While I do think the show can get on without America Fererra (the characters and comedy have still been top-notch), I think the apparent lack of a central protagonist has begun to bite this show in the behind.

Its a problem not easily solved, especially because the de facto choice for a new main character is seemingly Jonah; a straight white man replacing a Latina as lead is probably not the look NBC is going for right now. It's a role that America Ferrera filled so well, and while I believe it's a role that can be taken over, it seems like Superstore is trying to rely on its ensemble-ness to survive, forgetting that even the greatest ensembles have a masthead. Sometimes this strategy works well - see: "Floor Supervisor," but recently it hasn't been nearly as successful. I think that its likely that this empty space where a grounding figure is meant to go will likely go un-filled for the rest of the season, something which I find disappointing, but not surprising.

Other than all of that, I really, genuinely did enjoy this episode! I've always loved Kelly Stables as Kelly, and I felt that Jonahs breakdown was very funny, cathartic, and - character wise - well overdue. Were seeing a lot of characters get set up to fall into place for the finale, which is always fun to see play out. And all the twists and turns the episode took were great, and very nearly hearkened me back to Superstore of old.

And even so, I hate to say that this season is fruitlessly chasing the je ne sais quoi of earlier years, especially only halfway through the arc. So I guess let's slap a "wait and see" on the whole thing. Hey, like I said - I liked the episode.

What did you think of Jonahs post-Amy reckoning? Your thoughts on the episode as a whole? Let me know in the comments!
Its enough to give you mental indigestion. The Covid virus has a striking capacity to outfox us  every time we think its been suppressed we are outmanoeuvred, with new mutations springing up to thwart us.

Vaccines are the answer, and this week much focus was given over to the Oxford/AstraZeneca version, authorised yesterday for over-18s by the European Medicines Agency.

Its too soon in the vaccination process for jubilation, but it ought to have been a day of promise. Not least because it coincided with positive trial reports for a new vaccine by Johnson & Johnson, this one requiring a single dose.

However, a shadow overhangs these developments. Oxford/AstraZeneca will only meet half of its promised supplies by the end of March, a shortfall slowing down the vaccination schedule.

And heres something even more concerning. More Covid variants will keep emerging  as with the UK, South African and Brazilian varieties  and there is a strong probability that current vaccines wont protect against them.

Ultimately, viral evolution will evade these first-wave vaccines, with scientists warning it was a huge error by governments not to have anticipated this at the outset.

Medical researchers advanced proposals to address inevitable mutation, but were ignored because they couldnt promise the near-instant solutions demanded. Ongoing funding into other vaccines which resist mutation is essential, even as we vaccinate with whats currently available.

Read More

These novel Covid vaccines have been produced, trialled and authorised in record time. Arguably, however, we have expected too much, too soon from scientists in our impatience to return to life as normal. A vaccine developed, plus production and rollout accomplished speedily  thats a tall order. Teething problems cant really be a surprise.

But passions are inflamed now, with a row bubbling over between the EU and Oxford/AstraZeneca.

The EU released a redacted version of its contract with the supplier yesterday amid suggestions there may have been over-promising on supplies. Some wonder whether vaccine nationalism has intervened, with the British market being prioritised. Or was the contract left open to interpretation, as contracts should never be?

German magazine Der Spiegel has peered hard at supposedly blanked-out sections  generally the most interesting part of any document  and indicates the deal is worth 870m to the supplier.

With Brexit tensions to the foreground, it is easy to be suspicious. But AstraZeneca says in the contract on some 15 occasions it will make best reasonable efforts to provide the EU with an agreed number of vaccines. Now, Im no lawyer, but even I can see this is not a particularly robust legal term.

The contract talks about using production facilities in the EU and UK to accelerate supply to Europe. The EU has since said production capacity was a factor in the selection criteria for vaccine funding. But there seems to be a case made that vaccines manufactured in Britain should stay in Britain  giving rise to vaccine hoarding fears.

Whatever the contractual small print specifies, no senior executive in AstraZeneca should be in a hurry to get on the wrong side of the EU. Life could become tricky if the company was seeking EU regulatory approval at any stage in the future.

Scientists are striving to address a global problem  they arent thinking in narrow, nationalistic terms. However, Oxford University was urged by the British government to work with AstraZeneca  which moves vaccine development out of academia and into the commercial world. Industrial partners are essential for mass vaccination, but its the failure to translate the researchers global ethical perspective which is damning. Those with power manoeuvre the world to their liking.

Its worth noting the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is to be made available at cost price to developing nations. Also, it can be transported and stored in ordinary refrigeration, as happens routinely with MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and polio vaccines  meaning existing cold chains can be used.

Pfizer, by comparison, requires -70C freezers, huge power-hungry machines, and once defrosted must be used within 12 hours. The Moderna vaccine is a halfway house and can be stored in domestic freezers at -20C.

Most people wont care which vaccine they get so long as a jab comes their way in the foreseeable future. Older cocooners have been housebound for almost a year now and, naturally, are anxious for certainty about their shot.

Many of us have relatives or friends in England with one jab already under their belts, even if the second is being delayed to spread supplies. Their timetable is rolling out beyond frontline workers and care homes to take in vulnerable younger people. But our older citizens in the community remain in limbo.

Elsewhere, seal the Border has been this weeks rallying cry. Youd have as much luck tying up the wind. Not because of politics but because of practicalities, such as 270-odd crossing points.

The Irish Government cannot close off the 26 counties from the six. Nor does it have the political will to do so. Essential workers and goods must and will be free to cross back and forth, although a stop should be put to unnecessary travel  and not just at the Border. Its a question of enforcing the 5km movement restriction.

Misconceptions abound, such as those during the foot-and-mouth outbreak in 2001 when the shutters clanked down on Border crossings. I was sent there as a reporter and the Border most certainly was not closed. Cars drove both ways over disinfected mats, there were Garda checkpoints, but people werent routinely turned back.

At least the Government has the good sense not to guarantee what it cannot accomplish at the Border, a political lesson Stephen Overpromise Donnelly needs to learn. Red flags spring up from his sentences like small pebbles bouncing under the wheels of a juggernaut.

One example was when he used the term heavily caveated to reverse away from missed vaccination targets which were not, in fact, heavily caveated. If you felt a tremor in the atmosphere when he offered that explanation to Claire Byrne on RTE radio, it was probably caused by the nations jaws hitting the ground en masse.

September is still the aspiration, he said of the target to have the population vaccinated. Clearly, the Health Minister is a man never taught the benefits of throwing away a shovel when you find yourself in a hole.

Finally, there are days when lockdown seems to have begun in the dark ages and is destined to run until the sun no longer has power to shine. Its a hard thing were doing. Its a hard thing well have to keep on doing. But we have no choice. And at least  not such a small mercy  our public health experts talk sense.
In brief: AutoX's self-driving car business is excelling in China. In December, the company became the first in the world to deploy completely driverless vehicles on the streets of Shenzhen, China, and now, it has launched a full robotaxi service.

If you live in Shenzhen, you can take one of AutoX's vehicles out for a spin right now. You'll need to be approved for the company's pilot program first, but once you are, hailing a robocab should be as easy as pulling up the AutoX app.

Of course, AutoX's self-driving taxi service isn't free -- you'll need to load up your account with "Anto card points," whatever those are. These will help you pay for rides, though it's unclear how much they will cost, or how many points will be deducted per ride.

If you do decide to sign up for the service, it might take a while for you to receive a response -- AutoX says a staff member will have to reach out and activate your membership.

AutoX's fleet of self-driving cars is made up of Chrysler Pacifica minivans, which you can see in action via the video above. From what we can tell, AutoX's cars seem to tackle most basic obstacles, such as pedestrians and traffic lights, with relative ease.

However, it will take quite a bit more real-world testing before any of us can conclusively rate the company's performance.
You are here: China

China's Ministry of Education has released a set of trial regulations on the setting of majors in vocational schools at the undergraduate level, requiring the establishment of early warning and dynamic adjustment mechanisms.

The regulations specify the requirements, procedures and supervision for setting up such majors.

Improvements and adjustments to the layout and structure of majors should be based primarily on enrollment evaluation, school operations, employment and per-student funding.

Majors that face insufficient resources, inferior quality of education and low employment rates should reduce or even suspend enrollment accordingly, it said.
This article is old - Published: Saturday, Jan 30th, 2021

The latest detailed briefing on the pandemic situation locally has been published by the local authority.

The below update was published yesterday, and echos recent updates with community transmission in households thought to be the driver of the high local covid figures.

In some good news all sub-areas of Wrexham as defined by Public Health Wales have improved since last week, however as with the general figures it is a move that could be described as going from very bad to bad, as Wrexham still has the worst case rate in Wales.

Hospital admissions for Covid-19 in North Wales have plateaued, and sadly deaths from Covid-19 in North Wales have tripled in the last four weeks to a record high.

The full update from yesterday afternoon is copied below, and as usual all bolding and underlining of points is copied from Wrexham Councils data:

Dear Councillors, Community Councillors and the media,

COMMUNICATIONS

Please share this document and the attached graphics and animations (GIFs) widely in your communities.

The key messages are:

The people of North Wales have endured a months lockdown during which many people have become very sick and far too many have died

At long last cases are falling, but we must all follow the rules and stay extra vigilant over the coming months so as not to go through this again

Your vaccine is coming, but wait to be invited

A link to todays Council public briefing note, which you can also share on social media, is provided here: https://news.wrexham.gov.uk/covid-19-briefing-note-if-we-drop-our-guard/

DATA ON THE VIRUS

Please find attached:

Table 1  the summary of weekly data for Wrexham as a whole compared to other councils in North Wales

Table 2  the summary of daily data for the 18 MSOA statistical sub-areas of Wrexham used by Public Health Wales (PHW) in their Tableau

The County Borough as a Whole (Table 1)

The data show that the virus has definitely peaked, with the rate per 100,000 population (438.4) and positivity (21.6%) being much lower today than the 660.5 and 26.5% reported last Friday. However, Wrexham remains worst in Wales and it is likely to take 3 weeks before these rates can be halved, when they will still be high.

The UK variant accounts for 85% (and rising) of new cases in North Wales. There are 2 cases of the South Africa variant (10 in Wales) which are being closely monitored and, as yet, no cases of the much more worrying Brazil variant. International travel restrictions should help reduce the risk from these variants, but it is local household transmission that remains the key driver of the disease.

Hospital admissions for Covid-19 in North Wales (144 week ending 24th January) have plateaued, but remain high, placing continued strain on over-stretched local hospitals. Sadly, deaths from Covid-19 in North Wales have tripled in the last four weeks to a record high (74 week ending 17th January) with more than 145 occurring over the current lockdown  a clear call for everyone to do everything we can to avoid this happening again.

The Sub-Areas (Table 2)

For once, all of the 18 MSOA sub-areas of Wrexham used by PHW in their Tableau have improved since last week, but the figures remain high.

0 have recorded their worst figures since 20 th October (shown in bold on the table), compared to 1 on the 22 nd

have recorded their worst figures since 20 October (shown in bold on the table), compared to 1 on the 22 2 have greater than 800/100k , compared to 5 on the 22 nd

have greater than , compared to 5 on the 22 2 have greater than 700/100k (the hotspots) compared to 5 on the 22nd:

o Hermitage & Whitegate has 811  the same as on the 22nd

o Caia Park has 714  down from 896 on the 22nd

5 have greater than 550/100k , compared to 13 on the 22 nd

have greater than , compared to 13 on the 22 14 are in the worst decile (10%) in Wales , compared to 16 on the 22 nd , but this is because this threshold is much lower (291/100k) than it was last Friday (460), reflecting the fact that cases have fallen much more quickly elsewhere in Wales.

are in the , compared to 16 on the 22 , but this is because this threshold is much lower (291/100k) than it was last Friday (460), reflecting the fact that cases have fallen much more quickly elsewhere in Wales. 4 have less than 300/100k, compared to 1 on 22nd. The lowest is 90/100k, compared to 271 on the 22nd

Settings

Household transmission remains the principal driver of the disease, meaning that houses are the main setting, followed, some way below, by care homes, the Maelor Hospital and the prison. There are also several work-place clusters.

MANAGING THE VIRUS

General

The Level 4 Alert lockdown has clearly reduced the rate of infection, but figures remain high. Welsh Government (WG) has extend it for a further three weeks with two small changes around exercising outdoors and support bubbles for the most vulnerable.

Schools

Schools continue to provide education to pupils via remote learning and on-site for those children who are vulnerable or the children of key workers. WG have announced that these arrangements will continue until after the February half term (i.e. week beginning Monday 22nd February) after which there may be a phased return if cases continue to fall.

Other Council Services

The Council is continuing to provide critical services as publicised on our website.

Vaccination Programme

Please find attached:

Table 3  the summary of daily and weekly data on the rollout of the vaccine across North Wales and Wales as a whole (NB  as of yesterday, BCUHB have begun publishing a daily dashboard of data on the number of vaccinations undertaken in North Wales (bcuhb.nhs.wales) and data from this dashboard have been included in Table 3).

Overall (Table 3)

The vaccination programme in North Wales is fast-moving and subject to daily change, but is currently on track to meet the mid-February target for vaccinating the Priority 1-4 most vulnerable groups.

Care Homes

Residents and staff in Wrexham care homes continue to be vaccinated. To date, over 72% of residents and 48% of staff have been vaccinated and plans remain in place to vaccinate in homes which have had an active outbreak as soon as that becomes possible.

Local Vaccination Centre

On Tuesday 26th of January the Local Vaccination Centre (LVC) at the Catrin Finch Centre on the University campus opened. It is operated between Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8am to 6pm, but it is expected to expand to a 6 days a week operation as vaccine supplies increase. People cannot just turn up; they must wait for an invitation.

GP Practices

As previously reported, all GP practices have agreed to provide vaccinations and will have received some supplies this week. This will expand in the coming weeks with priority groups being contacted to attend for vaccinations. Again, people cannot just turn up; they must wait for an invitation. Vaccines are being distributed to GP practices based on the numbers of patients on their register within the priority groups, but, to ensure equity of supply, additional vaccines have been provided to GPs in the south of the County Borough because the LVC in the Catrin Finch Centre is supporting residents in the north.

More information on vaccinations can be obtained via the following links:

Regards

Chief Officer Planning and Regulatory
The Victorian government has shut the border to parts of WA after the states Premier Mark McGowan ordered a five-day lockdown because one new case was recorded.

Anyone who has been in Perths metropolitan area, the Peel region and the South West region of WA will not be able to enter Victoria as of 9pm Sunday night. Those areas have been deemed red zones under Victorias traffic light system.

If people have been in one of these currently listed red zones since 25 January, they will not be allowed to enter Victoria without an exception, exemption or permitted worker permit, a statement from the Victorian Health Department said.

The rest of Western Australia outside of the red zone areas of the Perth metropolitan area, the Peel region and the South West region will remain green zones.

NSW Health issued its advice late Sunday requiring some travellers returning from affected areas of WA to isolate or stay at home.

Any travellers who have been at places of concern will be required to be tested and isolate for 14 days if they attended any of the named venues, a spokesperson said.

In addition, it said anyone who had been in any of the affected areas of WA since Monday January 25 will be required to get tested within 48 hours of arrival in NSW.

They will also have to stay at home for five days, until 9pm on Friday February 5. If they do not get tested, they are required to remain at home for a total of 14 days.

There were four flights scheduled to arrive in Melbourne from Perth on Monday, with the first arriving after 6pm.

Passengers from flights arriving today and since January 25 will be contacted by the Health Department. They will be asked to get tested and isolate.

The land border between WA and South Australia will have a police check point which is likely to check both SA and Victorian permits.
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A tight-knit community have been left outraged after an accused rapist was freed on bail.

The 19-year-old is accused of raping a 66-year-old woman who was walking next to the river near Victor Street in Cranbrook, Townsville in Queensland just before 6am on September 30, 2020.

The victim was dragged into bushland before she was allegedly raped and left bloodied and bruised.

The 19-year-old is accused of raping a 66-year-old who was walking next to the river near Victor Street in Cranbrook, Townsville in Queensland on just before 6am on September 30, 2020

The victim was dragged into bushland before she was allegedly raped and left bloodied and bruised (pictured: Police at the scene)

Following investigations, police arrested the 19-year-old and charged him with two counts of rape and one count of assault with intent to commit rape.

The man however was granted bail and freed from custody last week leaving the community furious at the decision.

It was later found that the same man is accused of punching a 51-year-old sex worker several times at a home before raping the other woman.

He was subsequently charged with assault occasioning bodily harm for the alleged incident.

Queensland's Attorney General Shannon Fentiman, who is also Minister for Women, said the accused's release was not within 'community standards'.

She has requested urgent advice on the matter, The Courier Mail reported.

Defence solicitor Shontelle Samuel said her client's grandparents would be taking the accused in and were willing to take the 40-minute driver whenever he had to report to police.

Justice David North granted strict bail saying it could help assess the risk the man posed to the community.
Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) -- Just when the vaccine rollout and economic optimism left gold looking like last years metal, it staged a recovery.Bullion is one of the best-performing commodities this month, erasing almost all of this years losses. Investors have been lured back by golds appeal as an inflation hedge, while the Federal Reserve maintains its monetary stimulus and says price pressures should prove temporary. Spot gold rose 0.4% on Friday, capping a fourth straight weekly gain.Diego Parrilla, who runs the Quadriga Igneo fund, is among those who recently boosted their exposure to gold, saying that central banks wont risk increasing interest rates to combat inflation for fear of pricking the enormous bubbles theyve created.We have entered a new paradigm that will be dominated by deeply negative real interest rates, high inflation, and low nominal rates -- an extremely supportive environment for gold, said Parrilla, who manages $350 million.Still, gold is ultimately a haven asset which conventional logic suggests should suffer as the economy booms. So can the latest rally be sustained? Here are four key charts to watch.Inflation ConundrumIts been the hottest question in finance this year, and probably the biggest one for gold: will current inflationary pressures be transitory or persistent?If you ask the Fed, the answer is the former. Parts of bond market disagree, with market-based measures of long-term inflation expectations rising to the highest since 2013 earlier this month.Thats a sweet-spot for gold, which benefits when monetary policy keeps bond rates low even as inflation persists. Real yields on Treasuries have slipped deeper into negative recently, burnishing the appeal of bullion.Where they go next will be critical. Any hint the Fed may taper because of inflation or labor market strength could see bond rates spike -- triggering a repeat of the taper tantrum seen in the wake of the financial crisis, when gold dropped 26% in the space of six months.The position I think you get to is a place where it gets to be very vulnerable to the taper narrative, said Marcus Garvey, head of metals strategy at Macquarie Group Ltd.On the other hand, anything that drags on the global economic recovery -- be it poor jobs data or new virus variants -- should see real yields plunge, benefiting the metal.Dollar DriverThe dollar has been another important driver of gold this year. After initially strengthening as the U.S. vaccination program outpaced the rest of the world, its declined since March as other nations closed the gap, providing a tailwind for the precious metal.Most analysts dont see much movement in the dollar going forward, with the median forecast compiled by Bloomberg suggesting only a slight strengthening.If theyre wrong, be it due to divergence in the global recovery or surprising hawkishness from other nations central banks, the implications for bullion could be significant.Investor DemandGolds poor start to the year came as exchange-traded funds cut their holdings of the metal by 237 tons in the four months through to April. Hedge funds trading on Comex also reduced their exposure to the lowest since 2019 in early March.In the second quarter, flows have started to reverse. If that picks up steam, gold could find another leg higher.There is still potentially a lot of pent-up investment demand, said Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank A/S. Still, positions are relatively small.Others, including Aegon NVs Robert Jan Van Der Mark, who cut his exposure to gold in November after vaccines were announced, remain to be convinced.With vaccination rollout on track and economies reopening, we have less appetite for a safe haven/stagflation type of assets in the portfolio, he said.Bitcoin BounceOften touted as digital bullion, Bitcoins rally in the first months of the year was demoralizing for gold bulls. The two assets are both favored by those fearful of hyperinflation and currency debasement, so the cryptocurrencys outperformance may have turned the heads of would-be bullion buyers.Bitcoin has dropped about 40% from its mid-April high, with substantial outflows from funds. Gold could be a beneficiary.(An earlier version of this story corrected spelling of the central bank in the second paragraph.)More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

A court has issued verdicts ranging from one to three years in prison against nine defendants, deporting foreigners among them, ordering one of them to pay BD5,000 as fine, and confiscating the prohibited materials and the seized monetary sums, Ministries and Public Entities Prosecution Chief has announced.

The nine suspects stood trial over charges of importing selective goods without paying taxes, importing and selling banned herbal materials, as well as engaging in commercial activities without a license.

Case documents reveal that the Public Prosecution had received a notification from the relevant security authorities, indicating that the suspects had imported cigarettes and herbal materials used as an alternative to smoking tobacco, and hid them from customs officers to evade paying tax.

Upon arrival to the kingdom, the imported materials are transported to warehouses prepared in advance and then distributed and sold in the country.

The Public Prosecution launched an immediate investigation into the matter, questioned the defendants, ordered their remand in custody, seized the materials and the sums obtained from their sale, and referred them to the Lower Criminal Court which issued the aforementioned ruling against them.

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The union movement will launch an advertising campaign on Monday targeting key marginal seats that it hopes will replicate the success of its Howard-era Your Rights at Work campaign and force the Morrison government to back down on its industrial relations bill.

Thirteen seats that helped decide the last election, including Reid in Sydney and Chisholm in Melbourne, will be hit with a barrage of billboard and media ads delivering a union message claiming the industrial changes will cut wages, reduce job security and hurt the economy.

ACTU president Michele ONeil with emergency services workers, one group the unions say will be hurt by new laws, at a press conference. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

In a year when many in politics expect an election, industrial relations is one of the few areas in which the government has staked out a clear policy agenda and Labors caucus is united in opposition, making it a potential flashpoint.

The government argues the changes are a key plank of its plans to help the economy recover from the coronavirus pandemic and will help businesses and workers negotiate better pay and conditions deals.
From juicy strawberries dipped in chocolate to espresso-imbibed almond cake, these central Pa. bakeries, restaurants and cafes have confections that are bound to send cupid arrows flying into your hearts.

Anna Rose Bakery & Coffee Shop, 100 N. Second St., Harrisburg, 717-236-3149

This bakery and coffee shop moved from a hidden downtown side street to a more visible location last summer. Situated at the former Pita Pit, freshly made pastries, assorted muffins (gluten-free available, too), brightly colored cupcakes, chocolate-frosted brownies, nut-topped pecan bars and chocolate-layered peanut butter bars are just some of the specialties found in the cases. For Valentines Day, preorder the big, juicy strawberries dipped in chocolate.

Barberet Bistro and Bakery, 26 E. King St., Lancaster, 717-690-2354

For truly authentic French pastries, the bakery portion of Barberet has a dazzling assortment of appealing pastries, tarts, macaroons, and delectable chocolates. Raspberry, salted caramel and apricot-toasted almond are just some of the intensely flavored Les macarons Parisiens. Individual cake slices are elaborate, combining thin sponge cake layers with various buttercreams, nuts, fresh fruit or dark chocolate ganache. Try Lopera ($5.50), a moist, layered almond cake imbibed with espresso and swiped with coffee buttercream and chocolate ganache.

Desserts include baklava, left, blueberry tart, center, and tres leches (sponge cake), at Hellenic Kouzina Greek Cafe. Hellenic Kouzina Greek Cafe is located at 500 E. Main St., Mechanicsburg. July 20, 2017. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com HARHAR

Hellenic Kouzina Greek Cafe, 500 E. Main St, Mechanicsburg, 717-766-2990

Its not hard to locate this family owned and operated cafe outlined by white columns, but it is difficult to find a place to park in the limited lot in front of the building. Fresh, made-to-order Greek recipes are served in a cafeteria setting. And once youve had their signature marinated skewered leg of lamb souvlaki gyro with tzatziki sauce ($8.99) youll want to share bites of Yia-Yias rich and flaky baklava cheesecake ($5.49). This dessert combines phyllo layers and syrupy-walnut topping stacked atop rich, intense vanilla-scented creamy cheesecake.

Beemans Baked Goods, 51 S. Orange Street, Carlisle, 717-218-5258

Theres a reason this family-owned and operated bakery won the Best of Cumberland County in 2020 by The Sentinel. For over three decades, this family-run business has provided the community with made-from-scratch cream, custard, fruit and shoo-fly pies, breads, cakes, pastries, cookies, crackers and even fudge. Heart-shaped sugar cookies and seasonal chocolate covered eggs (peanut butter and coconut are the top sellers) grace the case but youll find double-layer cakes, cream pies, angel food cakes and lots of other goodies at your fingertips. The shop is always fully stocked but if youd like a specific item, be sure and order in advance. Cakes can be personalized while you wait.

Dalicia Bakery and Coffee Shop HARHAR

Dalicia Ristorante & Bakery, 105 S. Market St., Mechanicsburg, 717-525-7496

Impress your date with signature standout strawberry shortcake, tiramisu, Black Forest, lemon roll, apple pecan cheesecake, elclairs and cannoli, all made in-house by owner Samra Alic. At this time no custom cake orders are being accepted but for full cakes please call three days in advance.

Desserts etc., 840 E. Chocolate Ave., Hershey, Pa. Mark Pynes | mpynes@pennlive.com

Desserts Etc., 840 E. Chocolate Ave., Hershey, 717-533-7505

This beautiful bakery, open from 6.a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, is chock full of dazzling desserts. Stop in and start off with a February specialty drink: Chocolate covered strawberry hot cocoa, or perhaps salted caramel chocolate truffle nitro cold brew coffee. The chocolate heart cupcake has milk chocolate icing, strawberry mousse filling and red and pink white chocolate hearts decorating the top. The white chocolate red raspberry filling enriches the raspberry cupcakes.

Chandra Kotzatoski of Simply Greek restaurant in Briarcrest Square in Hershey. Mark Pynes, PennLive

Simply Greek, 23 Briarcrest Square, Hershey, 717-298-6668

Even before the pandemic, Simply Greek was set up to succeed as a takeout and delivery business. The authentic Greek fare is fabulously flavorful and addicting. The hands down most popular item is the signature shrimp pita ($9.99) slathered with your choice of house made sauce: tzatziki, creamy or spicy feta and Harissa yogurt sauce. Youll want to add an order of hand-cut French fries ($1) to the interior of this soft pita package already stuffed with oversized shrimp, tomato and onion slices and freshly chopped parsley. And youll be back for classic Greek dinners such as macaroni and ground beef layered pastitsio ($12.99), eggplant layered moussaka ($12.99) and spanakopita ($9.99). But be sure to try some of the house-made nut and honey-laced baklava and baklava cheesecake -- just two of the mouth-watering, homemade desserts, sliced and ready in takeout containers by the register.

La Bella Sicilia Bakery and Gelateria is located at 5510 Carlisle Pike in Hampden Township. The bakery serves dozens of authentic Italian desserts and pastries, as well as pizza and Italian foods, such as arancini. September 25, 2020. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com

La Bella Sicilia Bakery & Gelateria, 5510 Carlisle Pike, Hampden Twp. 717-590-8188

This dazzling, clean, authentic Sicilian bakery and gelateria is like nothing youve ever seen in the midstate. Dramatically lit cases are stuffed full of iced and piped cookies, eclairs, cake slices, fruit decorated tartlets, and beautifully sculpted cakes. The Sicilian-style pastries and cakes are not overly sweet and there is a pronounced delicacy and elegance to their appearance. Check out the Mimosa cake in the entrance showcase. Beneath the brilliant fresh lemon zested crown lies silky-tart lemon mousse and fine crumb sponge cake. The chocolate mousse cake is another stunner, with its shiny smooth chocolate glaze, circular rosettes and a corsage of curled white chocolate. There is just enough gelatin in the mousse that binds rather than bounces as far as texture. Individual portions of the larger cakes are available too, so you can actually try a miniature version of pistachio mousse cake, a slice of cannoli cake or a small cup of tiramisu hinged with a ladyfinger.

Dockside Willies in Wormleysburg, Pa., is just one of thousands of Pennsylvania restaurants that will benefit from Gov. Tom Wolf's announcement today, Sept. 8, 2020, that establishments can increase indoor seating capacity from 25% to 50% starting Sept. 21. Mark Pynes | mpynes@pennlive.com

Dockside Willies, 449 S. Front St. Wormleysburg, 717-730-4443.

Rebuilt after a July 2018 fire, Docksides impressive interior has a lodge-like wood-enhanced ambiance, outdoorsy theme and an enormous rectangular, walk-around bar counter. Customers are reeled in by the views of the Susquehanna and bountiful, generous-portioned American menu. For starters, Dockside Willies famous river rocks (6 for $7.95 or 10 for $10.95) consist of freshly baked pizza dough balls stuffed with meats and cheeses (served with marinara dipping sauce). Crunchy-coated hand breaded onion rings and pungent sauce go well with signature Willies one-pound belly buster burgers ($13.75), stacked with bacon, mushrooms, bacon, veil-thin breaded and deep fried onions, lettuce, tomato, onion and Willies special sauce.

Save room for comforting, heart-warming desserts. The house favorite peanut butter pie ($4.95) has a thick filling smoothed over a chocolate wafer crust. Hersheys chocolate syrup and crushed peanut butter cups finish off this cardiac bomb. Willies pie in a mug ($5.25) screams out for two spoons to tackle hot apple pie, a large scoop of ice cream, whipped cream and cherry. If those desserts dont satisfy, theres always the triple chocolate layered peanut butter cake ($4.25).

The Copper Crust Co., 966 S. George St., York, 717-650-6235

Chefs Nicole and Sean Austin bring their culinary expertise to the forefront at this cute storefront in York. Everything is made from scratch, from towering stacks of buttercream-stuffed cookies, pain au chocolat and flaky feta-stuffed croissants to exquisite crumb-topped pies, individual mousse cakes, eclairs and cheesecakes.

La Dolce Vita Courthouse Bakery is located at 9 North Duke Street in Lancaster. July 24, 2014 Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com PENNLIVE.COMPENNLIVE.COM

La Dolce Vita, 9 N. Duke St., Lancaster, 717-239-5101

For a truly authentic Old World Italian bakery, look no further than in the shadow of Lancasters courthouse. Diminished in size by the grandiose building across the street, La Dolce Vita impresses with its own elaborate assortment of confections, signature gelato, cronuts, espresso bar and specialty sandwiches and pasta salads. Gourmet cakes and tarts pop from the case tied in brightly colored decorative ribbons, covered in melted chocolate or fondant and garnished with fresh fruit and buttercream rosettes. Choose from apple crumb or closed-top apple pie, pumpkin, pecan and tri-fruit; apple, blueberry and cherry with latticed top. And youll love the made-from-scratch crusts.
Meanwhile, voters in San Francisco and Los Angeles have elected new district attorneys on platforms to minimize incarceration and maximize diversions into non-penal rehabilitation.

They are seeing some pushback. George Gascon, who had been San Franciscos district attorney before shifting to Los Angeles, is even being sued by his own deputies, contending he is violating the law by ordering them to seek minimal sentences for crimes.

The bottom line question, of course, is whether the attitudinal change will, as advocates contend, reduce the systems disproportionate impact on Black and Latino communities while also reducing the overall threat of crime.

Interestingly, and perhaps significantly, violent crime has been spiking upwards during the nearly year-long COVID-19 pandemic. This month, Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore cited a sharp surge in homicides in his city to more than 300 in 2020 and 24 in the first two weeks of 2021.

In mid-January, the Los Angeles Times running tally of homicides counted 656 in Los Angeles County during the previous 12 months.

Its our shared responsibility to stop this senseless violence, Moore said in his tweet.
Security forces used lethal force to disperse demonstrators in the northern port city of Tripoli, Lebanons poorest city. At least two people died, and hundreds were injured during several nights of riots.

Angry protests and clashes with security forces erupted Monday as workers, furious at the governments handling of the coronavirus pandemic, poured onto the streets of Tripoli and other cities around the country. A 24/7 curfew has worsened an already calamitous economic situation for working people.

The protests spread rapidly across the country, including the capital Beirut where protesters set fire to tyres near the parliament, and the eastern Bekaa Valley and the southern towns of Jiyeh and Tyre. Demonstrators blocked major roads on Tuesday and Wednesday night.

The protests followed caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diabs January 14 announcement of a stringent round-the-clock nationwide curfew in a desperate attempt to control a surge of COVID-19 cases. The country of nearly 6 million people has reported almost 300,000 infections and 2,680 deaths, widely assumed to be a gross underestimate given the lack of testing facilities.

Healthcare services, already inadequate, have collapsed, with severely understaffed hospitals unable to treat patients. At least three hospitals were destroyed in the August 4 explosion at Beirut port. Hundreds of medical staff have emigrated, while those who remain are getting reduced salaries that are often paid late. Volunteers are filling the gaps. Hospitals are running out of breathing devices and oxygen supplies. There are reports of patients queuing outside hospitals for hours until their families take them home again. Patients who are admitted must bring their own food and bedding, and many who need ventilators are unable to get connected.

The explosion that hit the Beirut port, Wednesday August 5, 2020 [Credit: AP Photo/Bilal Hussein]

The lockdown was implemented without any economic support under conditions where at least 55 percent of the population are living in poverty and 25 percent in extreme poverty following the countrys economic and financial collapse and the pandemic restrictions. Last year, the economy contracted by 19 percent. As the Lebanese pound lost 80 percent of its value, causing the price of medical supplies, pharmaceuticals and imported foods to soar, the banks prevented small depositors from accessing their savings, even as their value plummeted.

Tens of thousands of people have lost their jobsthe unemployment rate is now 30 percentwhile thousands of street traders and day labourers have lost their livelihoods. People are dependent upon remittancesaccounting for a massive 36 percent of GDPfrom family abroad, mainly in the Gulf States, which fell by more than 6 percent last year.

France24 reported that angry crowds gathered outside the homes of some of Lebanons top politicians in Tripoli on Thursday, torching rubbish and smashing surveillance cameras. Omar Qarhani, an unemployed father of six, said, We want to burn down all their houses the way they burned our hearts. Let any politician dare to walk on the streets of Tripoli. He said that the citys politicians had done almost nothing to help, adding They have shamed this city.

Following a partial lockdown earlier in the month enforced via hundreds of police checkpoints and thousands of fines, the 24 hour curfew has now been extended to February 8. No one is allowed out, even to buy food or essential medical supplies. People are dependent on home deliveries by the grocery stores, a service not widely available, especially in the poorest neighbourhoods.

The Lebanese Health Ministrys first shipment of the Pfizer vaccine is not expected to arrive before the end of next month and at best will only vaccinate one fifth of the population of nearly seven million.

This latest crackdown on protesters coincides with the publication of a report by the London-based human rights group Amnesty International, the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Essex in the UK, that calls on France, the former colonial power, to halt weapons sales to Lebanon. It says that a range of French-manufactured rubber bullets, pepper sprays, tear gas grenadessome even of military gradeand launchers had played a shameful role in suppressing peaceful demonstrations in the country between 2015 and 2020.

Amnesty accused Lebanons security forces of firing tear gas canisters directly at protesters and shooting rubber bullets at chest-level during anti-government protests between October 2019 and August 2020, leading to serious injuries to the head, eyes and upper body.

Lebanons economic crisis is rooted in decades of corruption and looting by the ruling elite that has created one of the worlds most heavily indebted countries, with a sovereign debt equal to 170 percent of GDP, owed in the main to Lebanese banks owned by leading Sunni and Christian politicians.

In October 2019, mass protests against poverty and the governments rampant corruption and mismanagement of the economy swept the country, forcing billionaire Saad Hariris coalition government to resign. Diab, an engineering professor, was chosen by President Michel Aoun to head a technocratic and independent government in January 2020. His government had the support of Hezbollahthe largest parliamentary blocPresident Aouns Christian Free Patriotic Movement, and the Shiite Amal Movement led by Nabih Berri, the parliaments speaker.

The Christian and Sunni oligarchs allied with Hariris Future Movement were bitterly opposed to the government and it suited them to obstruct its work at every turn and blame Diab and Hezbollah for the economic crisis, the countrys default on its sovereign debt and their failure to carry out any measures to alleviate poverty and social distress.

The lockdown measures to deal with the pandemic, while compounding the misery and stoking the widespread anger against the political elite, served briefly to disperse the protest movement.

However, last Augusts massive explosion at Beirut port that killed more than 200 people and caused about $4.6 billion of damage to buildings and infrastructure, deepened the economic and political crisis. The disaster was the result of the criminal neglect and callous indifference displayed by successive governments and the ruling elite, which for years ignored repeated warnings about the dangers of storing ammonium nitrate without proper safety controls near residential areas.

Diab resigned in the wake of the explosion as it became clear that his government would be forced to bear full responsibility. French President Emmanuel Macron sought to intervene and restore the direct rule of the plutocracy via a Hariri-led government in the service of imperialism, and limit or eradicate the influence of Hezbollah. The bourgeois-clerical party, which is backed by Iran, has played a key role in supporting the Syrias President Bashar al-Assad against the Gulf monarchs, Turkey and Washingtons efforts to engineer regime change via their Islamist proxies, as part of the USs broader campaign to overturn the Iranian government.

Months later, Hariri has still been unable to form a government in alliance with the fascistic Lebanese Forces led by former militia leader Samir Geagea, and the Druze-based Progressive Socialist Party of Walid Jumblatt, leaving Diab in a caretaker role.

Hariri is waiting to see whether the new administration in Washington will lift the Trump administrations conditions that precluded any Hezbollah appointees in his coalitionthereby preventing him from forming a governmentas part of President Joe Bidens supposed desire to resume negotiations with Iran.

It is impossible for workers, whose demands for economic security and social equality are diametrically opposed to the interests of all factions of Lebanons kleptocracy, to resolve the crisis they face without a direct challenge to capitalism and its state apparatus. It needs an international perspective that focuses on building a political leadership to unify the working class across sectarian, ethnic, and national divisionsnot just within Lebanons borders but throughout the regionin a struggle against capitalism and for socialism.
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Thousands of Australian chemists will be enlisted in the coronavirus vaccine rollout under a $200 million program to be announced by the federal government on Sunday.

Health Minister Greg Hunt is confident Australias current vaccine schedule is on track after talks with the country heads of Pfizer and AstraZeneca, despite a decision by European leaders to give themselves sweeping powers to potentially block crucial coronavirus vaccine shipments to Australia.

Biotechnology company CSL said on Saturday that it was ahead of schedule for its Australian production of the Oxford University Astrazeneca coronavirus vaccine. CSL senior vice president Chris Larkins told 7 News the company was in the final stages of producing 10 million doses of the vaccine at its facilities in Victoria and expects to roll out the first doses by the end of March.

The federal government will pay 5800 community pharmacies across the country to give coronavirus vaccines for free. The program will start in May, when phase 2 of the rollout to people over 50 and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders is due to start.
President Joe Biden on Friday said that lawmakers in Congress need to take action right away on his $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief proposal. Biden noted that most economists believe that additional economic stimulus is necessary.

"We have to act now... There is an overwhelming consensus among economists... that this is a unique moment and the cost of inaction is high," Pres. Biden said in a Reuters report.

Biden earlier said that he supported the passing of coronavirus relief with or without the Republicans' help. Biden, a Democrat, noted that the COVID-19 relief has to pass "with no ifs, ands or buts."

The Democrats lead the Senate and the House of Representatives, who are ready to take the initial steps next week toward delivering new financial aid to Americans.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Thursday that the divided chamber would start working on the said legislation next week, despite questions from the Republicans and some Democrats about the size of Biden's coronavirus aid proposal.

Democrats are eyeing to use a parliamentary tool called "reconciliation." It would allow the chamber to pass a COVID-19 relief with a simple majority or a minimum of 51 votes. Senate rules usually require 60 votes for legislation to pass in the chamber.

Pres. Biden said Friday that there is no time for delays as the country could have four million fewer jobs this year. He added that this could take a year longer to return to full employment if "we don't act now."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi forecasted that both chambers of Congress would be ready to move forward through reconciliation by the end of next week.

Related story: Poll: 75% of Voters Say Stimulus Check Amount Too Low

Lawmakers Want to Include $2,000 Monthly Stimulus Checks on COVID-19 Relief Package

Progressives in Congress are pushing for $2,000 stimulus checks every month until the pandemic is over.

Rep. Ilhan Omar, along with more than 50 House Democrats, sent a letter to Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday, asking to back such a policy. In their letter, the lawmakers are urging the Biden administration to support recurring direct cash payments.

Omar wrote in the letter that "one more check is not enough," according to a Newsweek report.

The said lawmakers recommended that the monthly payments be given to those who need it most and who would spend it quickly, such as the "immigrant workers, refugees, and their families."

They said that dependents and those excluded from the first two stimulus checks should also be qualified to receive the recurring payments. The letter read that many families cannot afford to wait for eight months between payments.

"To truly build back better, families need stability and certainty through ongoing relief - they cannot be at the mercy of Congressional gridlock," the lawmakers said.

Experts Disagree to Insert $2,000 Monthly Stimulus Checks on COVID-19 Relief Package

Meanwhile, some experts disagreed with the idea of a monthly stimulus check, saying there are better ways to provide relief to Americans and to boost the economy amidst the pandemic.

Gregory Daco, the chief U.S. economist at Oxford Economics, said he does not necessarily know that handing out $2,000 per month would be the right approach right now.

Daco argued that lawmakers should focus on more targeted relief for those disproportionately affected by the current health crisis. The said support could come from extending and expanding unemployment benefits, as well as increasing child tax credit and giving funds for rental assistance.

Biden's COVID-19 relief proposal includes a third round of stimulus checks worth $1,400. However, it could take months before the payments arrive, according to a CBS News report.

Read also: Fact Check: Did Trump's Delayed Spending Bill Signing Cost You a Week of Unemployment Pay?
Grant Denyer and Chezzi are set to welcome their third child in the coming weeks.

And on Friday, the couple spent some quality time with their daughters - Sailor, nine, and Scout, five - ahead of their impending arrival.

The TV presenter, 43, and his wife, 41, took their girls to Sydney's Capitol Theatre to watch Frozen The Musical, which he described as 'insanely good' on Instagram.

'Denyer date night!' On Friday, Grant Denyer and his heavily pregnant wife Chezzi enjoyed a night out with daughters Sailor and Scout at Sydney's Capitol Theatre to watch Frozen The Musical

He shared a series of photos from the evening, including a sweet family selfie at the theatre as they huddled in together.

In another sweet picture, Sailor and her father read the musical book before the show.

Grant wrote in the caption: 'Denyer date night! Last night out as a family of four, took my gorgeous girls to the theatre to see the insanely good @frozenthemusicalau!!'

Ready for the show! The Family Feud host shared a series of photos from the evening including photos from inside the theatre

Excited: Sailor beamed as she held on to her Elsa doll, while younger sister Scout showed off her Anna toy

Doting dad: In another sweet picture, Sailor and her father read the musical book before the show

'OMG man, I don't think I could sing any harder. Pretty sure they were about to pull me up to play the role of Olaf, I was banging out the notes that good,' he joked, adding that his girls were 'mesmerised' by the performances.

The I'm A Celebrity star also admitted to shedding a tear during the show's hit Let It Go.

'So what?... It's a banger of a power ballad! Just seeing the sisters sort out their differences warms my cold icy heart. Don't judge me.'

He also added that it was good to be out and about in Sydney, supporting local restaurants and helping the arts community.

This week, Chezzi showed off her growing baby bump as she hit the 36-week mark in her pregnancy and revealed her unusual pregnancy cravings.

'This is 36 weeks! I'm feeling quite good although very tired as I have low iron. Been quite active getting everyone ready for school so haven't put my feet up as much as I should,' the 41-year-old wrote on Instagram.

Ready to pop: This week, Chezzi showed off her growing baby bump as she hit the 36-week mark and revealed her unusual pregnancy craving of creamy pasta and chocolate

'They're repaying me by swelling up!! Have only been quite sick once this week with HG.'

She added: 'Craving creamy pasta and chocolate now!'

In the picture, Chezzi flaunted her burgeoning baby bump as she posed for a mirror selfie.

It's the third child for Chezzi and Grant with the couple announcing their pregnancy back in August.
A restaurant in HCMC's District 11 is being investigated for its connection to a coronavirus case, January 30, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Dinh Van.

A man coming back to HCMC from the northern Hai Duong Province, a Covid-19 epicenter, has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

Nguyen Tan Binh, director of the HCMC Department of Health, said Saturday the man just returned from Hai Duong's Nam Sach District and is a cousin of a confirmed patient there.

On Jan. 18, he had been to a wedding in Hai Duong together with the cousin, without wearing masks. He later had a cough, headache and lost his sense of smell.

On Jan. 28, he flew to HCMC on Vietnam Airlines flight VN213 that took off at Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport. Once reaching HCMC and being aware of the latest outbreak, he reported his travel and contact history to the authorities.

He was quarantined at the District 11 Hospital in the city, before being transferred to the Cu Chi field hospital once his tests returned positive. The case has yet to be confirmed by the Ministry of Health.

While in HCMC, he was in either direct or indirect contact with 16 people, including hotel employees, a taxi driver and a restaurant worker in District 11. All have been quarantined and being tested. 12 have tested negative once.

On the VN213 flight, 27 passengers were seated close to him, including 16 from HCMC. Two have yet to be reached by authorities.

HCMC authorities have locked down a hotel and a restaurant in District 11 in connection to the man.

By Saturday morning, Vietnam has registered 1,739 cases, including 180 from the current outbreak which emerged from Thursday. Hai Duong has recorded 157 cases of those.

The pandemic has infected more than 102.5 million people worldwide, killing more than 2.2 million.
Clarke County coroner Mitchell Finney was sentenced to three years probation by a federal judge after being found guilty of punching a handcuffed man in the face and pepper spraying him back in 2019, when Finney was a sheriffs deputy, prosecutors said.

Finney, 52, was found guilty in October of deprivation of rights under color of law stemming from the May 11, 2019 incident, when he responded to a service call at Grove Hill Hospital, said Richard Moore, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Alabama.

A disruptive patient at the hospital was subdued by other law enforcement officers who arrived on the scene before Finney. After the patient spat in Finneys face when Finney asked him to take a seat in his patrol car, Finney punched him in the face, prosecutors said.

Finney then got a can of pepper spray form his patrol car and sprayed the handcuffed man in the face for an extended period of time.

The coroner was sentenced to three years probation by a federal judge; prosecutors requested prison time.

While Finney was not ordered to a pay any fines, the judge had him pay $100 in special assessments.

=
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A metal detectorist has found the centrepiece jewel of Henry VIII's lost crown buried under a tree 400 years after it went missing.

Kevin Duckett, 49, made the startling discovery while walking through a field near Market Harborough in Northamptonshire.

The two-and-a-half inch jewel, which could be worth up to 2million, is now at the British Museum.

Mr Duckett said he first thought the jewel was some crumpled tin foil from the wrapping of a Mr Kipling cake.

He told The Sun: 'It was lodged in the side of a hole just a few inches down. I carefully removed it and knew by its colour and weight that it was solid gold.'

Kevin Duckett, 49, made the startling discovery while walking through a field near Market Harborough in Northamptonshire

Historians have feared the jewel was lost forever when Oliver Cromwell ordered the crown to be melted down and sold as coins after he abolished the monarchy in 1649 and beheaded Charles I.

Mr Duckett (pictured) said he first thought the jewel was some crumpled tin foil from the wrapping of a Mr Kipling cake

The 344 precious stones encrusted on the crown, valued by the then Parliament at 1,100, were sold individually.

Mr Duckett, who lives in Fleckney, Leicestershire, took the lump of gold, which also appeared to have an enamel figure on it, home and cleaned it.

He became convinced that the figure was Henry VI after he saw SH inscribed on the base.

The figurine featured five fleur-de-lys  a stylised lily linked to royalty  originally had three figures of Christ, one of St George and one of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus.

But Henry VIII removed the figures of Christ and replaced them with three saint kings of England - St Edmund, Edward the Confessor and Henry VI.

The two-and-a-half inch jewel, which could be worth up to 2million, is now at the British Museum

Mr Duckett said he first thought the jewel was some crumpled tin foil from the wrapping of a Mr Kipling cake

And the crown was used at the coronation of Charles I.

When he fled from Oliver Cromwell after the Battle of Naseby in 1645 they travelled past the spot where Mr Duckett found the jewel.

Experts believe it may have fallen from the crown in Charles's haste or that he decided to bury it.

A spokesperson at the British Museum said: `As required by the Treasure process a British Museum expert has examined the piece and identified it as dating from the late Middle Ages.

`It is a gold enamelled figure showing Henry VI as a saint and appears to have been used as a badge, or attached by means of the loop on its reverse, to another object.

`We are delighted this object was declared Treasure at the Coroners inquest, and the British Museum hopes to acquire it in due course through the Treasure process, which will make it available to public and scholars to study in perpetuity.'
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 webinar aimed at helping businesses grow in 2021 is the focus of the Network Ireland Cork event on Wednesday, 3 February.

'Future Proof Your Career & Business' will feature guest speakers Allana Brown of Allana Brown Consultancy and Caroline Murphy of West Cork Eggs, who will both guide attendees in creating a roadmap for business and employee progression in 2021.

Taking place from 7.30pm-9pm, registration is free for members and 20 for non-members at networkcorkfebruary21.eventbrite.ie.

Speaking ahead of the webinar, Allana Brown, who is a corporate leadership development consultant, has overseen the recruitment and development of senior executives across the globe. "I am extremely passionate about supporting female leadership development. Even though we are working remotely now, and are in a pandemic, career advancement cannot be put on hold," she said. "I want to share my experience on how people can optimise their careers and progress.

"The need for ambition has never been as important, and we all, regardless of where we are in our careers, need to be continually evaluating our leadership capabilities, building personal branding, and identifying any habits that may be holding us back from success.

"When the employee is successful, the business they work for benefits from this success too. It is a win-win scenario."

Caroline Murphy, who was the Network Ireland West Cork president in 2020, is the owner of the award-winning West Cork Eggs in Rosscarbery. Caroline will speak on how she established her business. Caroline got her first four hens in 2009 and now has over 3,000 free range hens.

"I got my first big customer when I approached Eugene Scally of Scally's SuperValu in Clonakilty and he agreed to sell my eggs. Utilising supports available, from SuperValu's Food Academy Programme to the Local Enterprise Office, along with perseverance and a touch of adaptability, the business has grown," said Caroline.

"I'm looking forward to the Network Ireland Cork webinar and outlining what worked for me, what didn't work for me, and how we can all overcome our fears to develop successful businesses and careers."

MC on 3 February for Future Proof Your Career & Business will be Konstantina Stefanidou, a Senior Engineering Manager in Johnson & Johnson.

Network Ireland Cork, a not-for-profit organisation for women in business and the arts, is the largest branch of Network Ireland in the country; visit www.networkireland.ie/cork.
There was chaos in Brussels on Friday night after the EU Commission was forced to backtrack over plans to introduce a "hard vaccine border" in Ireland as part of a no-warning bid to ban EU vaccine exports to the UK.

The move followed hours of diplomatic chaos after it emerged the EU triggered an article of the Protocol which would have enabled the EU to place checks on goods entering Northern Ireland from the Republic to ensure no EU-manufactured vaccines were present.

The Brussels source said a "mistake was made somewhere along the way" and insisted EU vaccines will not be stopped from entering Northern Ireland.

The EU was concerned Northern Ireland could be a "back door" for EU vaccines into the rest of the UK - in breach of the EU ban on exports.

Under the Brexit deal agreed between the UK and EU goods are permitted to move freely between the North and South of Ireland. Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol allows either side introduce controls on goods in emergency situation.

The shock EU manoeuvre sparked concerted outrage from political leaders in Belfast, London and Dublin, forcing the Brussels to stage a climbdown, details of which remained sketchy as we went to press.

It was not clear whether the commission would withdraw the entire export ban on EU vaccines, or was planning only to tweak its use of the controversial Northern Ireland Protocol which has hit trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Read More

First Minister Arlene Foster described the EU plans as "an incredible act of hostility".

The DUP leader, speaking after an official document published in Brussels, said the EU would invoke Article 16 of the Northern Protocol as a "safeguarding measure" in order to include Northern Ireland in the planned export ban.

The EU plan would create a "hard vaccine border" in Ireland, and its use of the Article 16 mechanism of the NI protocol will increase pressure on the UK Government to do the same in order to reduce the increasing disruption to GB-NI trade caused by the Irish Sea Border.

Mrs Foster said: "By triggering Article 16 in this manner, the EU has once shown it is prepared to use Northern Ireland when it suits their interests, but in the most despicable manner - over the provision of a vaccine which is designed to save lives.

"At the first opportunity the EU has placed a hard border between NI and the Republic of Ireland over the supply chain of the coronavirus vaccine."

Describing the EU action as "aggressive and shameful" Mrs Foster added: "It is now time for our Government to step up.

"I will be urging the Prime Minister to act and to use robust measures - including Article 16 - to advance the interests of the Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom," she said.

Neither the Irish nor the UK Governments were warned in advance of the EU's export ban plan .

In the wake of the shock EU move, the UK Government warned Brussels it was "carefully considering" its next steps.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove spoke to his counterpart on the EU-UK joint committee, Maros Sefcovic, to "express the UK's concern over a lack of notification from the EU about its actions in relation to the NI protocol".

And a terse statement from Downing Street said: "The UK Government is urgently seeking an explanation from the European Commission about the statements issued by the EU today and assurances as to its intentions.

"The UK has legally-binding agreements with vaccine suppliers and it would not expect the EU, as a friend and ally, to do anything to disrupt the fulfilment of these contracts.

"The UK government has reiterated the importance of preserving the benefits of the Belfast/Good Friday agreement and the commitments that have been made to the two communities'.

The chairman of Westminster's influential NI Affairs Committee, Simon Hoare, also hit out at the EU's unilateral action.

He said it was "unconscionable folly" for the EU to escalate its vaccines row by triggering the protocol, adding: "We need calm, stability and level-headedness."

A spokesperson for Micheal Martin told RTE News that the Taoiseach was aware of the issue and is "in discussions with Ursula von der Leyen to raise concerns about this", while Dublin Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney tweeted: "We are working with the EU Commission to try to resolve this issue and protect the integrity and operation of the NI Protocol."

The UK is the only European country to be subject to the EU's vaccine export ban plan, which would block UK access to other vaccines, including the Pfizer jab, which is made in Belgium.

In Northern Ireland, politicians from every party criticised the EU's actions.

Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill. Stormont's deputy First Minister, said she had "very serious concerns" over the EU actions.

"This is a totally ill-judged move by the EU and should not have been triggered," she said.

"Calm heads need to prevail, this needs sorted urgently."

Ulster Unionist leader Steve Aiken called on the UK Government to act to protect Northern Ireland's interests: "For weeks now we have been told that Article 16 cannot be invoked accompanied by all sorts of feeble excuses for not doing so," he said.

"Yet the EU has done it at the drop of a hat," he said.

Alliance party North Down MP Stephen Farry - who had supported the NI Protocol - also criticised the EU action. "Use of Article 16 is NOT justified or warranted in this situation," he tweeted.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said on social media: "Invoking Article 16 is disproportionate and a grave error in judgment by the European Commission. We face a common threat. Our response should be characterised by our common values - co-operation & solidarity."

The EU move comes as First Minister Arlene Foster met representatives of vaccine producer AstraZeneca who, she said, raised supply chain issues for Northern Ireland in terms of getting the vaccine here next year.

Earlier UUP leader Steve Aiken appealed for calm amid rising loyalist tensions over the Brexit settlement.
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NEEDHAM, Mass., Jan. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SharkNinja Operating LLC (SharkNinja), an innovation leader in the consumer floorcare industry, offers consumers high quality robotic vacuums at an extraordinary value. This week, iRobot Corp. (iRobot) filed a complaint at the International Trade Commission (ITC) asking the ITC to exclude SharkNinja's ION Robot, IQ Robot and AI Robot vacuums from entering the United States based on allegations of patent infringement.

In 2019, iRobot filed a patent infringement case against SharkNinja in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts alleging infringement of six patents and seeking a preliminary injunction with respect to three of them. The District Court denied iRobot's request for an injunction, and only three of the six patents now remain in the case. In the meantime, The United States Patent Office (Patent Office) has instituted proceedings to re-assess the validity of those three patents, already having found that there is a "reasonable likelihood" that all of the claims iRobot asserted against SharkNinja in those patents are invalid.

iRobot has now attacked SharkNinja's robotic vacuums in a different forum with different patents. But SharkNinja believes that iRobot's new allegations also are unfounded. SharkNinja takes intellectual property very seriously and takes active steps to avoid violations of any valid intellectual property rights of others. SharkNinja intends to aggressively defend itself against iRobot's ill-founded claims of patent infringement and is confident that it will continue to prevail in these disputes In fact, SharkNinja filed a request with the Patent Office in 2020 asking it to invalidate one of the patents only now being asserted by iRobot in the ITC case. That proceeding is pending at the Patent Office.

SharkNinja remains committed to providing innovative robotic vacuums with advanced cleaning features to our consumers at incredible value.

About SharkNinja

SharkNinja is an innovation leader in the housewares industry and creator of the familiar household brands Shark and Ninja. SharkNinja provides the latest in easy-to-use innovative technology with a growing line of solutions that consist of Shark cleaning and home care products and Ninja kitchen appliances. Products are sold at major retailers and through distributors around the world. Ninja and Shark are registered trademarks of SharkNinja Operating LLC .SharkNinja is a subsidiary of JS Global (HKEX: 1691 HK) a leader in small household appliance innovation.

For more information, contact Dan O'Shaughnessy, at [email protected] or visit sharkninja.com.

SOURCE SharkNinja

More than 100 tenants and advocates, organized by the Regional Tenant Organizing Network, blocked eviction hearings at the Santa Clara County Superior Court in San Jose, California Wednesday morning, protesting the displacement of renters during the coronavirus pandemic.

Protesters blocking the courthouse entrance effectively shut down the court in the morning hours before being violently removed by County Sheriffs Deputies. Nine protesters were arrested on the charge of disrupting court operations. In a video on Twitter that gained over 19,000 views in a few hours, a protester is seen being dragged violently away from the crowd by a squad of deputies.

Despite the ongoing pandemic, intensive care units nearing capacity, over 400 daily COVID-19 deaths in California alone and the extension of a federal eviction moratorium by the Biden administration, evictions continue apace throughout the state.

In the heart of Silicon Valley, the home of Facebook, Alphabet/Google, Apple, Netflix and Tesla, impoverished workers are being kicked onto the street while being told to stay home to slow the spread of COVID-19.

There were at least 527 evictions in the Bay Area from the start of the statewide coronavirus lockdown on March 19 through the end of December, according to data collected by KQED and CalMatters from sheriffs offices in the Bay Areas nine counties. At least 145 of those evictionsthe most of any county in the regiontook place in Santa Clara County. Tenants attorneys say that figure is an undercount, since most tenants leave or get locked out before law enforcement ever gets involved. There are 25-30 eviction proceedings every week in Santa Clara County, which may or may not result in immediate eviction.

Chad Bolla, one of the organizers of the event, explained Tenants throughout the Bay Area are being evicted as many landlords are taking advantage of the loopholes in the County, State, and Federal moratoriums, and the spike in COVID-19 cases can be directly linked to evictions.

Under Californias COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act of 2020, or AB 3088, which expires on January 31, renters can prevent eviction by paying one-quarter of back rent accrued since Sept. 1, 2020. A new State bill, SB91, was introduced on Monday that extends this deadline to June 30. The bill also allocates $ 2.6 billion, providing 80 percent of the rent losses between April 2020 and March 2021 to landlords if they choose to forgive the remaining 20 percent and not pursue evictions. If the landlord does not agree to forgive unpaid rent, the program would still pay 25 percent of rent in arrears.

According to an analysis published on January 20 by the Bay Area Equity Atlas and the Housing Now! California coalition, 1.1 million California tenants were behind on rent at the end of 2020. Thats nearly 1 in 5 renters statewide, including more than 37,000 households in Santa Clara County. Those tenants owe an average of $4,651 for a combined total of $173.5 million. The total estimated outstanding rent for California stands at $ 3.7 billion.

Public Counsel, a pro bono law firm, tweeted that Amid #Covid19 tenants need FULL rent debt relief. Rather than guaranteeing relief to all struggling tenants, #SB91 leaves the fate of vulnerable tenants in the hands of landlords.

This plan leaves tenants to the luck of the draw, Christina Livingston, executive director of the tenant advocacy group Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, told the Los Angeles Times. If a tenant has a landlord who wants them to stay, they will get this federal rent assistance. If the tenant is unlucky enough to have a corporate landlord who wants to flip the building, or a racist landlord who doesnt like them, they wont receive the relief.

While the media have praised Bidens executive order to extend moratoria on evictions and foreclosures to the end of March, the protest at Santa Claraand the violent police response it elicitedsheds light on the true nature of the Democratic Partys response to the growing eviction crisis.

Jennifer Kwart, a spokeswoman for Assemblyman David Chiu (D-San Francisco) was quoted by the Los Angeles Times explaining that under the executive order signed by Biden, tenants must pay all back rent owed at the end of March in order to avoid immediate eviction. Through SB-91, Californias Democrats are attempting to forestall the immediate eruption of mass homelessness while avoiding any significant interference with the profit interests of landlords.

Debra Carlton, executive vice president of state public affairs of California Apartment Association, pointed to the importance of the subsidy for most landlords, telling the Associated Press, Without this money, many landlords are at risk of losing their rental units.

Landlords may lose their property, and indeed support must be provided to small-scale landlords to ensure they financially survive the pandemic, but an evicted tenant could easily lose their life. Several academic studies have documented how the horrifying reality of losing a home in the middle of a pandemic exacerbates sickness and death.

A November study, still awaiting peer review, by UCLAs Fielding School of Public Health, linked the lifting of eviction moratoriums in 27 states to 433,000 new COVID-19 cases and 11,000 deaths. The researchers attributed those cases to an increased spread of the virus, the result of people searching for new housing, doubling up with friends or family, or becoming homeless.

Another study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research in January found that uniform moratoriums on evictions and utility shut offs through November of last year could have saved 164,000 lives lost to COVID-19. The report laid out a sobering assessment of how the drive for profit has taken needless lives: We find that policies that limit evictions are found to reduce COVID-19 infections by 3.8% and reduce deaths by 11%. Moratoria on utility disconnections reduce COVID-19 infections by 4.4% and mortality rates by 7.4%. Had such policies been in place across all counties (i.e., adopted as federal policy) from early March 2020 through the end of November 2020, our estimated counterfactuals show that policies that limit evictions could have reduced COVID-19 infections by 14.2% and deaths by 40.7%. For moratoria on utility disconnections, COVID-19 infections rates could have been reduced by 8.7% and deaths by 14.8%.

Echoing the horrors cited by such studies, and pointing to the contradictions in the policies and palliatives touted by Newsom, Biden and the Democratic Party, Betty Gabaldon, a tenant organizer at Wednesdays protest, told KQED News, Evictions are deadly, theyre telling us to stay home to fight COVID, but how are we going to do it if they are kicking us out?

California is home to some of the richest people on the planet. Elon Musk, the richest man on Earth, increased his fortune 5-fold as 2 million people succumbed to COVID-19 around the world. In May 2020, Gavin Newsom collaborated with Musk to prematurely reopen the Tesla factory, resulting in several documented infections and likely many more, as statistics are not available. Newsom, with an estimated net worth of $20 million, speaks for the capitalist class that Musk belongs to, which has insisted throughout the pandemic that nothing can be done that impinges on profits.

Workers facing eviction and infection must form rank and file neighborhood committees to fight for their rights for housing and safety. The well-being of the mass of society must be placed above the profits of a few. These committees must be guided by the understanding that the Democratic Party represents the wealthy. To put an end to evictions, workers must organize independently of and in opposition to all factions of the Democratic Party, in unity with educators, healthcare workers and other workers across the country and internationally who are fighting for a rational and humane response to the pandemic.

We encourage all those interested in forming rank and file committees to oppose evictions to contact the WSWS today. We will help link these struggles to the growing rebellion of the working class in the United States and internationally.



Source:


Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili.

Market Reports on Saudi Arabia Provides the Trending Market Research Report on Tomato Pastes and Purees (Seasonings, Dressings and Sauces) Market in Saudi Arabia - Outlook to 2024; Market Size, Growth and Forecast Analytics (updated with COVID-19 Impact) under Food category. The Tomato Pastes and Purees Market in Saudi Arabia is projected to exhibit highest growth rate over report offers a collection of superior market research, market analysis, and competitive intelligence and industry reports.

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Tomato Pastes and Purees - includes concentrated tomato paste/ puree. Passata is included.

Tomato paste is made from cooking tomatoes for several hours which are later reduced to a thick and rich concentrated paste. On the other hand, Tomato puree consists of tomatoes that have been cooked briefly and strained, resulting in a thick liquid.

Leading global companies include Unilever, ConAgra, Cirio Del Monte.

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Tomato pastes and purees market in Saudi Arabia registered a positive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.58% during the period 2014 to 2019 with a sales value of SAR 430.94 Million in 2019, an increase of 4.20% over 2018. The market achieved its strongest performance in 2018, when it grew by 5.46% over its previous year and its weakest performance in 2017, when it increased by 4.17% over 2016.

The research handbook provides up-to-date market size data for period 2014-2019 and illustrative forecast to 2024 premised on Covid-19 hit, covering key market aspects like Sales Value and Volume for Tomato pastes and purees and its variants .

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The coronavirus pandemic definitely started in China, according to a scientific study that has traced the 'mother' of all Covid-19 infections and its initial descendants to the country.

The groundbreaking research by US experts, which analysed samples from thousands of coronavirus patients, also established that the outbreak almost certainly began in October 2019.

Their findings challenge Beijing's attempts to divert attention to other nations as the pandemic's birthplace, with officials arguing that the virus may have been imported into Wuhan, in China's Hubei province.

The study's suggested date of first infections fits with claims from the US State Department that 'several' researchers at the top-security Wuhan Institute of Virology fell sick in the autumn of 2019.

Inspectors from the World Health Organisation gathered outside an exhibition on Covid-19 in Wuhan yesterday

The explosive findings come as a World Health Organisation team belatedly begins its inquiry in China into the origins of the pandemic amid fears that its work will be stifled by the Chinese dictatorship.

China has promoted dubious theories that the virus emerged outside its borders. Even last week, a foreign ministry spokeswoman claimed it might have come from a US military base and laboratory in Maryland.

Shi Zhengli, a Wuhan scientist whose cutting-edge research has aroused suspicions, has also just published a paper arguing the disease 'existed for some time before the first cases were described in Wuhan'.

China's stance has provoked dismay around the world. 'The evidence of the virus emerging from Wuhan is compelling but Beijing continues to blame others,' said Tom Tugendhat, the Tory MP and chairman of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee.

The new US study is by a team of molecular epidemiology detectives at the Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia. They used modelling techniques developed in tracking cancer mutations to trace the evolution of Sars-Cov-2  the coronavirus strain that causes Covid-19  back to the 'progenitor', or ancestor, genome behind the 101 million infections worldwide.

Their study dates the progenitor from mid-October to early November 2019. It says there are 'multiple coronavirus infections' showing its 'fingerprint' from January 2020, indicating it 'was spreading worldwide weeks after the first reported cases of Covid-19'.

'All the genetic evidence makes it clear this virus is from China,' said Sergei Pond, one of the paper's authors. 'The pattern of worldwide spread is also consistent with Chinese viruses seeding epidemics in other countries.'

He said it was hard to tie down a precise date for 'Patient Zero', but believed the ancestor genome probably emerged in late October 2019.The researchers' findings are backed by another study from scientists in California and Arizona that concluded the period between mid-October and mid-November 2019 was 'the plausible interval when the first case of SARS-CoV-2 emerged in Hubei province'. China first admitted to a new epidemic on December 31, then took three weeks to confirm human transmission despite plentiful earlier evidence that it was spreading fast among citizens and medical teams in the central Chinese city.

Days later, Wuhan scientists published a paper that spoke of 41 identified cases by January 2, 2020. A well-sourced story in the South China Morning Post later said the first confirmed case  a man aged 55  dated back to November 17. Now, the WHO has revealed it knows of 124 confirmed cases before the end of 2019  all except five of them involving patients from Wuhan. Critics complain it has sat on this key information.

'If it is serious about investigating Covid-19 origins, it should release case histories and ensure any virus sequences from hospital samples are made available,' said Gilles Demaneuf, a member of 'Drastic', a team of researchers probing the origins. The quest to find out about the pandemic's origins is complicated by Communist Party officials who silenced doctors and scientists, deleted databases, falsely blamed an animal market and even claimed the disease came from outer space.

Many experts believe Covid crossed over naturally from bats to humans, possibly through another species, but there is a growing clamour to investigate if it could have leaked from one of the laboratories in Wuhan working with bats.

Much attention has focused on WIV, China's top-security lab that specialised in bat coronaviruses, where Prof Shi was artificially forcing the evolution of viruses.

Before leaving office, President Trump's team disputed her claims there were 'zero infections' at the lab. Earlier this month, Prof Shi published a paper that focused on outbreaks of the virus on Western mink farms and claimed contact with contaminated food from cold storage 'could be an important source' of Covid transmission.

Leading scientists dismiss such ideas. Nikolai Petrovsky, professor of medicine at Flinders University, Adelaide, said Australia was importing huge quantities of frozen food yet avoided outbreaks apart from ones caused by quarantine breaches. 'There is no evidence this virus originated in minks,' he added.

Prof Shi admits she first thought on hearing of the outbreak in Wuhan was that it may have been a leak from her lab but has since denied this.
Martyrs' Day is observed every year on January 30 to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. On this occasion, Kerala remembered Gandhi on his 73rd death anniversary on Saturday. He had paid five visits to the state and the first one was regarding his most cherished issue of 'Hindu-Muslim' unity.

Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on this day in 1948 by Nathuram Godse.

In his first ever visit to Kerala, Gandhi reached Kozhikode from Trichy by train and then went to the coastal town of Malabar on August 18, 1920. He had a series of meetings with Hindu and Muslim leaders and discussed the importance of the Khilafat movement, besides fighting the British and throwing them out of the country.

Senior Congress leader and Chairman of Gandhi Centre, V.S. Hareendranath told IANS: " Mahatma Gandhi was a towering personality who always stood for communal amity as well as religious dialogues and also worked for the downtrodden. It was very clear that during the Khilafat movement his main plank was of Hindu-Muslim unity, which he emphasised at Kozhikode during his 1920 visit, as per records available with us."

Gandhi addressed a mega rally of 20,000 people at Vellayil beach in Kozhikode on the evening of the same day. K. Madhavan Nair who later became the first KPCC president, translated the Mahatma's speech.

Gandhiji's second Kerala visit in 1925 was on March 8, and he stayed in the state till March 19. He met several prominent personalities during the visit. The prime focus of his visit was the Vaikom satyagraha which was for the entry of the lower castes to the Vaikkom Mahadeva Temple.

The Mahatma visited Sivagiri and met the spiritual leader Sree Narayana Guru and also stayed at Varkala.

During his third visit to the state, he reached Thrissur on October 14, 1927 and met students of Sarvodaya school, Thrissur and inspired them to wear Khadi as part of the nationalist movement.

It was during this visit that a girl, Kaumudi walked boldly to the stage from where the Mahatma was addressing the students and removed all her gold ornaments and donated them to him. She also pledged not to wear gold anymore. Gandhiji had later written an article in Harijan by the title "Kaumudi Ka Tyag".

The Mahatma on his fourth visit to Kerala reached Shoranur, Palakkad on January 10, 1934 with his wife Kasturba Gandhi. She opened the Kaimadham Ayyappa temple to Dalits and this was the first temple opened for the Dalit community in India.

Gandhiji visited the Matrubhumi press at Kozhikode during this visit and unveiled a photograph of K Madhavan Nair, the first KPCC president who had passed away by then.

The fifth visit of the Mahatma was from January 12-21, 1937 and the main purpose was mostly to participate in the Temple Entry Proclamation declared by the Travancore Maharaja Sree Chithira Tirunal Balaramavarma on November 12, 1936.
One of the attorneys on former President Donald Trumps second impeachment trial team previously used racial stereotypes to kick Black citizens off a jury, including saying one of them shucked and jived in court, HuffPost has learned.

The attorney, Greg Harris, is one of four South Carolina attorneys who make up the core of Trumps impeachment team. Harris confirmed his hiring to The Associated Press on Thursday. Harris will defend a former president who regularly appealed to racists and inspired a deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol by a mob that included a significant contingent of outright white supremacists.

Back in 1989, the South Carolina Supreme Court found that Harris had used racial stereotypes to strike two Black jurors during a DUI trial while he served as an assistant solicitor in South Carolinas 5th Judicial Circuit Solicitors Office.

The South Carolina Supreme Court ruling doesnt explicitly name Harris, but HuffPost confirmed he is the prosecutor in question. Philip Mace, the attorney for the Black female defendant in the DUI case, told HuffPost that over the course of two trials, Harris used nine out of 10 of his strikes against Black potential jurors.

When I challenged him on it, Greg said he didnt have a racist or [discriminatory] bone in his body. I remember that, Mace said.

Harris did not respond to an email or a message left at his law firm. Trumps team did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

South Carolina attorney Greg Harris has been tapped for former President Donald Trump's impeachment team. (Photo: Harris & Gasser website)

In the case, Harris struck a 43-year-old Black juror he claimed walked slow, talked low and was somewhat aged. In another, Harris told the trial judge he struck another potential juror because he was unemployed and seemed disinterested during jury selection. But he also added in a racial stereotype.

I watched him as he walked from the jury panel to the microphone and I have noted that he  he shucked and jived is what I had. Thats just my analysis of the way he walked up here, Harris told the court.

The trial judge initially found that Harris use of a racial stereotype did not indicate a pattern of racial discrimination, and that Harris had articulated racially neutral reasons for striking jurors.

The South Carolina Supreme Court disagreed.

While unemployment had been held up as a race-neutral explanation to strike a juror, as had demeanor in many jurisdictions, the South Carolina Supreme Court called Harris use of a racial stereotype troublesome and evidence of intentional discrimination.

The trial court failed to inquire into or comment on the prosecutors explanation that the juror was struck because he shucked and jived. The use of this racial stereotype is evidence of the prosecutors subjective intent to discriminate, the court ruled in 1989.

The South Carolina decision came three years after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Batson v. Kentucky in 1986 that jury selection procedures that purposefully exclude black persons from juries undermine public confidence in the fairness of our system of justice. The Supreme Court said that prosecutors needed to present a race-neutral explanation of their jury strikes if defendants make an equal protection claim based on discriminatory use of peremptory challenges, which are the limited number of objections that attorneys can make about proposed jurors without needing to give a reason.

Mace said the state Supreme Court ruling was a great decision that resulted in a sea change in South Carolina, which, like America, has a violent history of racism and white supremacy.

It was not a difficult argument to make, Mace said. I came out of it with a little paper certificate from the ACLU, and Greg got a promotion to assistant United States attorney.

Indeed, Harris went on to work as a federal prosecutor in South Carolina. The 59-year-old is the former chairman of the South Carolina Ethics Commission, and has been involved in a number of high profile cases and clients including working an an expert witness for former Gov. Nikki Haley, The State reported.

Mace said that Harris is a pretty competent lawyer. He was less kind to former South Carolina Attorney General Charlie Condon, who was reportedly approached about joining Trumps team but declined.

Charlie, as attorney general, all he did was push to keep the Confederate flag flying over the [state Capitol] dome and to keep women out of The Citadel [military college], Mace said. Id bring Rudy [Giuliani] back before Id employ Charlie Condon as my attorney. (Condon did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment.)

Mace said Harris is probably very, very conservative, but nevertheless said Harris might be a lawyer hed consider hiring if he were in serious criminal trouble.

But Im a white guy, he added.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.
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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 30)  While the government is no longer extending its ban on areas with new COVID-19 variants, the Bureau of Immigration clarified on Saturday tourists are still not allowed to enter the Philippines.

In a statement, Commissioner Jaime Morente said other travel restrictions will still be imposed despite the move of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to relax travel curbs on the 36 countries with recorded cases of new COVID-19 variants beginning Monday, Feb. 1.

We are still limiting the entry of foreign nationals to the country, following the IATF, Morente said. Generally speaking, tourists are still not allowed to enter the country.

The Philippine government initially imposed a travel ban on flyers from the United Kingdom amid the emergence of a new virus strain there. The ban later covered 36 countries with reported cases of new and more contagious COVID-19 variants.

The BI said foreign nationals should have valid and existing visas at the time of entry, except for those qualified as balikbayans under Republic Act No. 6768.

They also have to present a pre-booked accommodation for at least seven nights in an accredited quarantine facility.
Chi Linh city's medical centre (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi  Vietnam reported 34 new COVID-19 community cases over the past 12 hours to 6:00 on January 30, according to the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control.



The committee said 32 of the cases are linked to the hotspot in Chi Linh city, the northern province of Hai Duong.



The two others are from Ha Long city and Van Don district, the northern province of Quang Ninh, with one related to a COVID-19 patient in Hai Duong and another having close contact with patient 1553  an employee at Van Don International Airport who was confirmed infected on January 28.



The total locally-transmitted cases of COVID-19 in Vietnam now stand at 873, including 743 detected as from July 25.



The national count of COVID-19 stands at 1,739.



As many as 1,448 patients have been recovered so far, and the fatalities remain at 35.



Among the active patients, five have tested negative for the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 once, three twice and eight thrice.



More than 21,850 people who had close contact with COVID-19 patients or came from pandemic-hit areas are under medical monitoring nationwide.
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Indigenous Canadian drama Trickster, which had been renewed for a second season, has now been cancelled after co-creator / director Michelle Latimer became embroiled in a controversy over her claimed ancestry.

In December Canadian broadcaster CBC aired a bombshell investigation, disputing Latimers claims that she is of Algonquin, Metis, and French heritage, from the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg and Maniwaki area in Quebec.

Two producers then quit in protest with Latimer eventually resigned from the show and apologising.

We have had many conversations over the last few weeks with a view to continuing production on a second season of Trickster, CBC said in a statement. Those conversations included producers, writers, actors, and the author of the books on which Trickster is based. Fully respecting everyones perspective, season two will not move forward as planned unfortunately.

I was not involved in the decision that was announced today and am sad to hear that Season 2 has been cancelled, Latimer said. I am incredibly proud of the entire team that worked so hard to bring Trickster to life, and I will forever be grateful to the cast and crew that poured their hearts and souls into its creation.

Canadas National Film Board also withdrew the directors acclaimed documentary Inconvenient Indian from distribution and film festival premieres, including the 2021 Sundance Film Festival.

Trickster debuted in Australia on NITV in October.

Source: Deadline, Globe & Mail

Related
New Delhi:

Separatist Hurriyat Conference leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was placed under house arrest on Friday. He was heading towards Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta area for the Friday prayers.



A spokesman of the Hurriyat chairman said that Mirwaiz was stopped by policemen from leaving his residence and informed that he was placed under house arrest.



Mirwaiz was heading to Jamia Masjid to deliver a sermon ahead of prayers, he added.



The step was taken in order to maintain law and order situation in view of the protest call given by the Hurriyat after Friday prayers, a police official said.



Meanwhile, restrictions were imposed in Srinagar on Friday by the authorities as a security measure against protests by separatist groups over the United States decision to declare Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin a global terrorist.



With PTI inputs.

ALSO READ | J&K: Hurriyat delegation visits house of lynched police officer in Srinagar

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Low-cost airline SpiceJet, on January 30, announced 20 new flights on its domestic network. The airline announced the launch of 16 new flights connecting Jaipur with different cities including Dehradun, Amritsar, Udaipur and Delhi among others. SpiceJet will also connect Jaipur with Goa via Surat.

After connecting Pakyong with Delhi, the airline will now also connect Pakyong with Kolkata under the government's regional connectivity scheme- UDAN. It will also add its second frequency between Delhi and Dehradun. All the new flights are scheduled to commence operations effective February 1 and February 10, 2021, the company said in a press note.

While the flights on Jaipur-Dehradun route will operate four-times-a-week, flights between Jaipur-Amritsar will operate thrice-a-week. Flights connecting Jaipur with Udaipur, Goa and Delhi will operate daily along with flight between Delhi and Dehradun. Meanwhile, flights on the Kolkata-Pakyong sector will operate five-times-a-week.

SpiceJet has also announced an introductory promotional fare ranging between Rs 2,407 and Rs 3,981 for its new services.

The new services will be operated by its Bombardier Q400 aircraft.

"There cant be a better time to launch multiple flights to connect this picturesque and historical city with other major cities owing to the perfect weather conditions for travel and tourism. As Covid cases are slowly diminishing, travel destinations like Jaipur make a perfect weekend get-away for everyone with special introductory prices on one-way fares. Plus, we will keep adding new flights to various other Tier-2 cities offering great potential, Shilpa Bhatia, Chief Commercial Officer, SpiceJet stated in the release.

With the new flights, passengers from cities such as Jaipur, Dehradun, Pakyong and Surat will be able to easily travel to a host of other cities both on SpiceJets domestic as well as international network.

The new Google development on the site of Boland's Mill in Dublin

Tech giant Google has secured planning permission to transform ground floors of two of its towers at its 300m development at Bolands Mill into a market-place to facilitate local food and craft businesses.

The plans represent a new urban quarter for the Dublin 4 area.

According to landscape architects, Gustafson Porter + Bowman, the market-place element will form part of a new public realm at Bolands Mill which will be a fully accessible series of streets and squares that connects the surrounding residential areas back into the fabric of the site and the newly accessible Grand Canal Dock Edge.

Already, the firm has carried out projects at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Park Central in Valencia and Marine One in Singapore. Work is continuing on the overall 300m scheme and as part of the new application granted permission by Dublin City Council, Google Ireland will increase the level of cafe, restaurant and retail use across all four major buildings at its Bolands Mill redevelopment.

The application didnt attract any objection and in documents lodged with the city council, Gustafson Porter + Bowman said the development at Bolands Quay will bring new activities and people to a part of Grand Canal Dock that has remained dormant for already two decades.

Planning consultants for Google Ireland, John Spain & Associates said the new marketplace use will enhance the overall public interaction within the development and create a new urban quarter in the area.

Mr Spain said the marketplace will create a greater variety of experiences for visitors.

President Joe Biden prepares to sign executive orders in the White House in Washington on Jan. 28, 2021. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

Biden Sets Record for Number of Executive Actions in First Nine Days in Office

President Joe Biden had signed 28 executive orders and another 12 actions like proclamations, memorandums, and agency directives, in his first nine days in White House, a blistering pace and record for any prior U.S. president within the same timeframe.

Bidens bevy of measures include reversals of some of the policies of his predecessor, such as halting funding for the construction of former President Donald Trumps signature border wall and canceling the Keystone XL pipeline project that Trump revived after its axing by former President Barack Obama. They also include pandemic related actions, such as imposing a mask mandate on federal property; reinstating travel restrictions on non-U.S. citizens traveling from Brazil, South Africa, and much of Europe; and ramping up government-wide coordination of the pandemic response.

Bidens day-one actions included a number of memorandums and executive orders: rejoining the Paris Agreement on climate change; promoting racial equity; requiring mask-wearing on federal property; freezing approval of rules passed in the final days of the Trump presidency; strengthening the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that shields illegal immigrants who arrived in the United States as children from deportation; and pausing federal student loan payments.

Most recently, on Thursday, Biden signed an executive order seeking to expand medical coverage, and a presidential memorandum rescinding the ban on U.S. funding for international nonprofits that provide counseling or referrals for abortion.

While it is unlikely that Biden will keep up the furious pace of executive orders, he has already faced pushback from critics, who say the presidents early reliance on executive action is at odds with his pledge as a candidate to be a consensus builder.

The left-leaning New York Times editorial board, which endorsed Biden for president and lauded his win, ran a piece on Thursday headlined Ease up on the Executive Actions, Joe, arguing that this is no way to make law.

Calling Bidens directives a flawed substitute for legislation, the editorial board argued that they are not meant to serve as an end run around the will of Congress.

The Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), speaking on the floor of the upper chamber on Thursday, suggested Bidens flurry of executive action bear the hallmarks of a dictatorship.

As recently as October, now-President Biden said you cant legislate by executive action unless you are a dictator. Well, in one week, he signed more than 30 unilateral actions, McConnell said. And working Americans are getting short shrift.

The Kentucky Republican was referring to remarks Biden made at an October ABC News town hall, when he said there are certain things you cant do by executive order unless youre a dictator during an exchange about how quickly hed push his plan to raise taxes on corporations and wealthy Americans. But while the full context of Bidens statement suggests he was not criticizing all executive orders as hallmarks of a dictatorship, his remarks have nevertheless opened him up to allegations of hypocrisy and executive overreach.

McConnell took aim at Bidens executive orders that canceled the Keystone XL pipeline permit and that imposed a moratorium on new leases on oil and gas drilling on federal land and waters, arguing the moves undercut Americas energy independence and threaten jobs.

According to one study, the decision on federal lands will leave us down nearly one million American jobs by next year alone, McConnell said. Its a heck of a way to kick off a presidency.

Biden and aides on Thursday pushed back against growing criticism of the presidents heavy reliance on executive orders in his first days in office, with White House press secretary Jen Psaki telling a press briefing on Thursday that, He is going to use the levers that every president in history has used: executive actions.

But he also feels its important to work with Congress, and not just one partyboth partiesto get things done, she added.

Biden, during a brief exchange with reporters in the Oval Office after signing two executive orders on Thursday, framed his latest executive actions as an effort to undo the damage Trump has done rather than initiating any new law. He noted he was working to persuade lawmakers in Congress to pass his $1.9 trillion pandemic aid package by means of a legislative process.

White House communications director Kate Bedingfield bristled at the New York Times criticism of Bidens executive orders in a series of tweets, saying, I cant help but recall that during the primary they encouraged voters to consider what a president could accomplish through executive action.

Of course we are also pursuing our agenda through legislation, she added. Its why we are working so hard to get the American Rescue Plan passed, for starters.

Psaki said at a briefing on Friday that on Tuesday next week, Biden will sign an executive order on modernizing the U.S. immigration system.




Haiti - USA : $75.5 million additional aid for Haiti





Following the agreement of January 11, 2021 between the United States Government, via the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Government of Haiti, 'the American Embassy in Port-au-Prince announced on Friday 29 January, a US $75.5 million commitment to improve development results across Haiti in the sectors of health, education, agriculture and governance, among others...



This latest agreement brings USAIDs total assistance to Haiti to nearly $1.9 billion since 2011. Furthermore, to date, the U.S. government has provided more than $16 million in COVID-19-related assistance, which includes USAID, U.S. Southern Command, and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention support for Haitis COVID-19 response.



This new funding will be used to implement USAID programs in Haiti in health, education, food security, agricultural development, economic growth, water and sanitation, and governance.



USAID Haiti Mission Director Chris Cushing remarked "The American people will continue to help our Haitian neighbors access better health care services, learn better in schools, acquire new professional skills, and increase agricultural production and economic opportunities. We are neighbors, partners, and friends. Together, we can build a brighter future in Haiti."



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Morrison discovered a whole new mode of leadership. He has transformed not only from unpopular to popular, but from divider to unifier. And hes now seeking to extend the experience into post-COVID politics. We see him making conciliatory gestures such as changing the national anthem to embrace Indigenous Australia. The lump of coal is long gone. We see the Morrison government supporting billions of dollars worth of state government renewable energy plans. We see a national hydrogen energy strategy. We see his government hastening to work with the Joe Biden administration on climate change. You wont hear Morrison making any big rhetorical flourishes about climate change as the great moral issue of our time. He enjoys his job. He doesnt want to trigger an insurrection from his far-right, pro-coal fantasists. But he has shifted and continues to shift. He said recently that the world accepted the need to move to net-zero emissions  it is now about the how, not the if. Even when Morrison told rural Queenslanders this month that their coal mines still had decades to run, he saw fit to add: Look, I think people who work in these sectors know that things change over time. And they understand that.

Loading Cautiously, incrementally, Morrison is looking to extend his support from the crisis phase into the recovery era, to expand from the tribal right to the moderate centre. As a Liberal strategist says: Hes not looking to be divisive, hes being pragmatic. His industrial relations policy is not John Howards by any stretch and its the backbench pushing superannuation [as an issue], not the leadership. On most issues hes looking to track towards the centre. Why? Because thats where elections are won and lost in a country with compulsory voting. Morrisons success is driving Barnaby Joyce into his latest foray. The former Nationals leader says Morrisons strength is pushing his Coalition partner towards disappearing. He thinks his leader, Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, is a pushover who needs to stand up to Morrison to differentiate the Nationals from the Liberals. He wrote a demarche in The Australian this week: I am kicking up the dust now because the Coalition has devolved into a marriage of convenience that diminishes the electoral prospects of the whole Coalition.

McCormacks public rejoinder was that the Coalition was, in fact, a marriage of strength. This just makes Barnaby crazier: Its a marriage of strength, its just that theres someone else in the bed; its a marriage of strength, its just that Josh Frydenberg is sitting in McCormacks seat. He means in the House, where the Nationals leader has been shuffled down the frontbench just out of camera range so Frydenberg can enjoy an extra slice of TV time. Loading Weve talked quietly to Morrison to fix it, now we need to throw down the gauntlet. Joyce says the Nationals need to demand three things from the Liberals. One, increasing the Nationals number of seats in the 22-member cabinet from four to five, as the Coalitions power-sharing formula stipulates. Two, more powerful cabinet seats than the ones they currently hold. Treasury or health rather than veterans affairs, for instance. Three, the ability to deliver on key demands  such as more decentralisation of government departments, and new coal-fired power or nuclear power plants. Isnt Joyce just agitating to return as Nationals leader? Im not touting for the leadership, he says. To be quite frank, if I were Id be playing the good cop. Im not. Im prepared to be the bad cop. His preferred Nationals leader, he says, is his protege and former staffer Matt Canavan. Hes a Nationals senator, and you cant be leader if youre in the upper house. Matts got to want it, Joyce concedes.

Joyce also admits the Coalition is in the box seat to win the next election. So why the panic about diminished electoral prospects for the whole Coalition? What I worry about, says Joyce, is Labor changing leader and going from three-legged horse in a very long race to being competitive. If that happens, its no good trying to change the Coalition then, because its too late. If Labor changes, itll be most effective in making gains in our coal seats, not in Toorak or Wentworth where the Liberals enjoy primacy. Loading So is Labor about to dump Anthony Albanese? Theres been a lot of chatter about it this week, fed by the reshuffle of Labors frontbench positions. The short answer is no. Heres a telltale sign for new players  the recent speculation always mentions a number of alternative leaders. It doesnt specify a single, obvious challenger. That means there isnt one. The case against Albanese is twofold. One is that he lacks cut-through. Of course he does. The country has been gripped by a pandemic and recession for the past year, a twin crisis that naturally grants the Prime Minister commanding attention. An opposition leader can only achieve cut-through in such a national crisis by being irresponsible or ridiculous, or both. Albanese has time and opportunity to achieve cut-through from now till election day.

Second is Bill Shortens crack this week that Labor shouldnt have a tiny agenda. Its true that Albanese jettisoned the policy overload that Shorten took to the last election. But Shortens 280 policies, announced months and years in advance, were the aberration for an opposition. Albaneses policy paucity is standard. Besides, Albanese makes the point that Labor offering universal childcare is a major piece of policy, as significant as universal superannuation or universal healthcare. Loading There are two commanding arguments against a change of opposition leader. First, that the electorate absolutely hates such self-indulgent internal games. In the absence of a transformative alternative such as a Bob Hawke or Kevin Rudd, a change would likely be a setback, not a solution. Second, the polls show that while Morrisons approval has soared, the governments electoral standing has not. In fact, the polls continue to put Labor around 49 per cent to the governments 51 per cent. This suggests that the people appreciate Morrisons leadership, but havent changed their voting intentions. Not yet, anyway. Just as the pandemic suspended politics as usual, the electorate has suspended judgment.
A two-month-old baby was flung out of the window from the backseat of a car after a suspended driver crashed the vehicle they were travelling in.

The female driver of a Toyota Tarago was on Stephen Road, Botany, a suburb in Sydney's south east, about 7.10pm on Friday.

The 48-year-old failed to slow down at a bend and struck the gutter, then mounted the kerb, causing the car to smash into a steel fence, police said.

The female driver of a Toyota Tarago (pictured) was on Stephen Road, Botany a suburb in Sydney's south-east, about 7.10pm on Friday

The driver failed to slow down at a bend and struck the gutter, mounted the kerb which then caused the car to smash into a steel fence, police said

A two-month-old baby was allegedly unrestrained in the back seat and was thrown out the window.

Luckily, the baby did not suffer any injuries but was taken to Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick for observation.

The three other passengers were also uninjured following the crash.

Police attended the scene and found out that the Toyota was unregistered and the driver already had a suspended licence.

She was arrested and taken to Prince of Wales Hospital under police guard to be treated for a minor injury. She also underwent mandatory testing.

A two-year-old baby was flung out the window after the driver of the car failed to negotiate a bend

The woman was then taken to Maroubra Police Station where she was charged with negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm) and use of an unregistered Class A motor vehicle on the road.

She was also charged with driving with child under six months not restrained as prescribed, and driving a motor vehicle while licence suspended.

The 48-year-old was granted conditional bail and will appear at Waverley Local Court on March 3.

Police have also completed a child at risk notification to Family and Community Services.
Security personnel move a barrier to clear the way for the World Health Organization team as they depart from the Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital after a field visit in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. The World Health Organization team investigating the origins of the coronavirus pandemic visited another Wuhan hospital that had treated early COVID-19 patients on their second full day of work on Saturday. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)<br />
Unless you were unduly interested in big-cat conservation, happened to be the owner-operator of a questionable roadside zoo, or perhaps just ran a tie-dye leopard-print blouse wholesaler and wondered who kept buying everything, its unlikely the name Carole Baskin meant a lot to you this time last year.

Well, thats changed. Because if 2020 was a party, first to arrive was the coronavirus, second was the global shutdown, and then, just when things were getting going, in burst Netflix series Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness. Experts will debate which of the three was most horrifying for years to come.

So many people who reach out to me say, Thank you for getting us through Covid; You got us through this hard time with your cra-azy life, Baskin says today. They dont realise what that would have been like for me

Watched by 64 million households in its first month, Tiger King, a seven-part docuseries, was utterly insane. Ostensibly it followed the misadventures of Joseph Maldonado-Passage (aka Joe Exotic), now 57, a mulleted, gun-slinging, polygamous former policeman, sometime politician, occasional country music performer and full-time zoo owner in Oklahoma.

Joe was the Tiger King. But while he was the protagonist, the focus soon shifted from him and the clear mistreatment of his cats to a feud he had with Baskin, the hippyish founder of Big Cat Rescue sanctuary in Florida. Big Cat Rescues goal was, and is, to end abuse of big cats in captivity. Exotic was one of many renegade zoo owners Baskin had trained her sights on.

The pair had history, including a legal case in 2011 when Baskin sued Exotic for trademark infringement, resulting in him being ordered to pay her $1m, but theyve never met, or even spoken. Still, Exotics unbridled hatred for his archnemesis clearly compelled producers, who indulged him at every turn.

In one of many online videos, Exotic dressed a blow-up doll as Baskin and shot it in the head. He also repeatedly accused her of having killed her disappeared ex-husband, Don Lewis, even suggesting she may have fed him to her cats. Eventually, he tried to hire a hitman to have Baskin murdered.

In 2019, he was convicted of this, along with several animal-abuse charges, and is currently serving a 22-year prison sentence. He was unsuccessful in his appeal to be pardoned by Donald Trump before he left office. Exotics allies said Trump was the only one who can appreciate [Joes] showmanship.

Baskin, though, came out alive and, almost a year on from the shows release, shes thriving, if a little bruised. Yes, shes trolled by hundreds of people daily. Yes, shes sick of denying murdering her second husband. But shes here, beaming out of my laptop screen.

Hallooo, she calls out, disappointingly. As any Tiger King viewer knows, her catchphrase is, Hey, all you cool cats and kittens! Evidently I am neither cool nor cat nor kitten.

The 59-year-old is at home in Florida, positioned in front of a white tiger-print shawl, dressed exactly as expected in a black top with a big cat on it. Hair down, chunky jewellery, sunglasses on head, look of gentle defiance on face. The only thing missing is her trademark floral headband. Right here, she responds, lifting one up.

Even by the standard of Baskins barely believable life, 2020 was a wild year. Tiger King and its attendant fame was one thing, but she is also still running Big Cat Rescue, home to 53 cats, mid-pandemic. (On cue, her walkie-talkie interrupts us; she switches it off and says her 40-year-old daughter, Jamie, who works with her, can deal with it.)

Last month, a volunteer was bitten by a tiger, and she remains in hospital. Shes doing well, her spirits are high It just underscores how dangerous these animals are, says Baskin. It takes a fraction of a second of you not thinking about something and you could be killed.

Public tours of the sanctuary were cancelled throughout 2020, meaning she lost $1m in expected revenue  a figure she attempted to match by, among other things, appearing on US TV series Dancing with the Stars and joining the app Cameo, on which celebrities record videos for paying fans. So far she has sent more than 2,700, making over $400,000. (A message from Baskin costs $299, not all of which she receives, or a 10-minute Zoom call is $999.) Shes loved it, other than the time a prankster asked her to send her regards to Rolf Harris and his best friend, Jimmy Savile.

Expand Close Carole Baskin during her stint on ABC's Dancing with the Stars. Photograph: Frank Ockenfels/ABC via Getty Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Carole Baskin during her stint on ABC's Dancing with the Stars. Photograph: Frank Ockenfels/ABC via Getty Images

Its been a weird dichotomy between walking around the sanctuary and it being just so quiet, and my personal life, she says. After Tiger King, it was like being attacked for selfies by 40 or 50 people a day. [But] the only bad feedback was [from] people who could hide behind an email or phone  those people would scream obscenities about how they wanted to kill me and kill my family and kill the cats. Im like, Why do you want to kill the cats?

If Baskin sounds curiously relaxed about receiving dozens of death threats a day, she is. Though Joe Exotic is in jail , that doesnt mean she feels safe.

If I had been in danger prior to Joe being sent to jail, I think I have been in more danger since, she says, calmly. As dangerous as he was, hes the least dangerous of those guys.

When she attends some events, she hires a bodyguard. But around town I dont I do carry a gun, but my belief is [I] would probably never see it coming. I dont think Id be able to get to a gun in time.

Just yesterday somebody flew a drone over her property, so she checked it wasnt loaded with a grenade. Because that was one thing Joe thought would be a great way to kill people, dropping a grenade from a helicopter. Every day is a matter of living like that.

Tiger King had been five years in the making. According to Baskin and her current, adoring husband, Howard, it had originally been sold to them as the big-cat version of Blackfish, the 2013 documentary that exposed the treatment of captive orcas at SeaWorld. It was not that, she says, accurately. We sat through the whole thing, then looked at each other and went, What a missed opportunity

Baskin felt let down by how she and her business were presented. Big Cat Rescue looked little different from the zoos it is designed to save animals from. In reality, it doesnt breed, sell, trade or allow any public contact with the cats. Baskin herself, meanwhile, came across as unhinged as Exotic, only in a more conniving way, like a (Cat) Lady Macbeth. In reality, I find her warm and quite funny.

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Then there was the subplot that focused on rumours she murdered Lewis. The way [Howard] describes it is, if you were to put on a trial and the prosecution put forward their whole case, and then never allowed the defence to produce any evidence, of course everybody would think that person was guilty Theyd have me doing these slow-motion, evil looks into the camera to make me look like a really hateful, vengeful person, and its just not who I am.

A number of critics saw Baskins portrayal as deeply misogynistic, not least in the persistent suggestion that she relied on her husband(s) to accrue wealth.

You know, I didnt even know what the word misogyny meant when I read that. I was like, I gotta look that up! she says. The people [who] said, Well, you cant trust her, she killed her husband! were always animal abusers. Ive had that thrown at me all these years, but I didnt realise people believed it.

Baskin laughs a lot, but never more hysterically than when confronting the most painful moments in her life. She remains po-faced, for instance, when I marvel at how Kim Kardashian dressed as her for Halloween, or when I point out that she has become a fashion icon, apparently inspiring the resurgence of leopard print on the high street. (Well, I didnt think it was iconic.)

She practically guffaws, however, when looking back on her experiences of domestic violence, infidelity, or a serious car accident. The worse the trauma, the bigger the lols, which means nothing is funnier than the rumours that she murdered Lewis in 1997  which she flat-out denies.

Theirs was a volatile marriage. Theyd met in 1981, when the 19-year-old Baskin was walking barefoot along the side of the road in Tampa having thrown a potato at her allegedly abusive first husband, Michael Murdock. Lewis, cruising by, convinced her to get in the car by offering her a gun to point at him in case he did anything untoward.

Lewis was, she says, an unpredictable but charismatic man. He was also married, so Baskin  whod had Jamie, then a baby, with Murdock  became his latest extramarital affair. They were together for the next decade, on and off, and went into business together buying and selling houses, before marrying in 1991 and launching Big Cat Rescue the following year. Not that it made him faithful. At all. He sounds like a sex addict.

Well, he was, but I had such a strong libido that I thought I was all he needed. It still blows my mind, because wed be having sex two or three times a day, and he still had girlfriends on the side? she laughs.

Its been written that hed fly to Costa Rica most months, where he had shady interests and more girlfriends, timed in with the week of Baskins menstrual cycle.

That was true. Hed tell me it was because I was grouchy and he wanted me to have peace around the house, but he was out having all these affairs. That was the nature of our relationship. I was free to have affairs of my own, but after we got married, I thought we were being faithful. I certainly was

By 1997, things had frayed. According to Baskin, Lewis became increasingly erratic, wasting most of a million dollars she lent him to invest, and was losing his faculties.

A volunteer came up to me one day and said, Its amazing youre able to run this sanctuary and deal with a husband who has Alzheimers I bought a load of books [about the disease], I showed Don. He had started getting stuck in dumpsters, defecating behind buildings, really crazy stuff. I was trying to get him medical help, but every time I did, people were in the way. I believe they were taking advantage of him and didnt want him to get help.

At dawn on August 18, 1997, Lewis left home and vanished. He owned several planes and, though his licence was suspended at the time, often flew. Two days later, his van was found at a small airport 40 miles away. But there was no evidence in the van or at the airport, no witnesses who had seen a plane take off, no sign of foul play at the sanctuary, his credit cards hadnt been used, and although two of his ocelots had recently been shipped to Costa Rica, there was no sign of him there, either. Details of the investigation were never released but US media has reported that none of Lewiss planes were missing.

The case became a national story, starting a theory mill that hasnt stopped churning since. Was Lewiss van placed there by somebody else? Had he flown to Costa Rica and been murdered? Had he flown to Cuba, but cunningly sent the ocelots to Costa Rica to distract the authorities? Or had Baskin killed him and hidden the body in a septic tank? Or ground him up and fed him to the tigers?

Most of these conspiracies were disinterred and re-aired on Tiger King. Baskin was able to wearily brush off those spouted by zoo owners  she has never even been a suspect  but the accusations from Lewiss ex-wife, Gladys, and daughters were harder to take. And the producers, for instance, put forward the idea that she refuses to take a lie-detector test.

I offered! The only people I cared about knowing the truth were Dons daughters. I was heading down there [to take the test] but my criminal attorney was like, Absolutely not  so Ive not taken one since, because I dont know where he is. I could pass the lie detector and be seen as a stone-cold killer with no emotions, or I could fail because I have emotions, and now Im a stone-cold killer. Theres no way to win, she says.

She hadnt spoken to Lewiss family in person since 2001. She received his death certificate the following year. He was, she says, my best friend from the time I was 19 years old. Only then could she have a moments grief.

I just looked out of the window, and by the time I came back, hours had passed. I spent the next two days bawling my eyes out. I havent had a real episode of emotions since then, she says. Thats probably the closest Ill get, unless we find some evidence of remains.

Every time theres a hurricane, I think something will wash out of the Gulf that will prove the thing he was most likely doing at the time was the thing that would end up killing him. She means a plane crash.

But what if he didnt die, I wonder? What if a taxi pulls up at your home tomorrow, and Lewis gets out, looking sheepish? What would you say?

Id want to know where hes been! she says, with that laugh. And, you know, I really believe he was suffering mentally, so if hes alive somewhere, he probably has absolutely no idea who he is. But if that were the case, I would take care of him for the rest of his life. I am happily married, but I always loved Don.

And Howard would be okay with that?

Oh, yeah! Hes an angel.

To understand why Carole Baskin married Howard, a sweet, adoring, elderly-seeming retired management consultant 11 years her senior, its worth considering the previous men in her life.

She was born on a US Air Force base in Texas. Her mother was a secretary; her father worked in intelligence (he is one of two private detectives shed hire to look for Lewis), and later as a pilot.

My mother was the stable one, my father was this dreamer, the charismatic person She stops. God, no wonder I have these daddy issues. By eight, shed become besotted by cats, and learned that unwanted kittens are euthanised. It was a life-changing moment. I was like, I am going to end that problem. Its still her goal, once shes done with big cats.

The family moved 14 times before she was 13, and at 14 years old, Baskin was raped by three men at knifepoint after a friend from church sold her virginity for drugs. She ran away from home, worked underage doing bar jobs, briefly drank heavily (she now barely drinks at all), then, at 17, moved in with her boss at a department-store job  Murdock, whom she married and had Jamie with, and had run away from after a fight in 1981.

In October, Baskin came out as bisexual, explaining that shed once had a platonic wife in the 1980s. I had sexual relationships with women before Mary, my platonic wife, she tells me.

A... platonic wife? I was in an automobile accident when I woke up with amnesia in the hospital, she explains, with outstanding nonchalance. [My assistant] found me in the hospital and was like, Wheres your baby? I didnt know I had one.

Baskin was in hospital for weeks, and the amnesia took years to be cured fully, thanks principally to her old diaries. As she scrambled to recover, she couldnt cook, clean, look after my daughter  I needed somebody to just be that wife. So she put an advertisement in the local newspaper for a non-sexual live-in partner (Im not sure why she didnt term it nanny, either) and found a nice woman called Mary. Where was Lewis? Hed decided that was a good time to try to patch things up with Gladys, of course.

So you can see why Baskin was looking for a little more stability in a third husband. In 2002, while seeing a hypnotherapist to try to control her weight, she discovered she kept attracting this charismatic, daredevil, bad-boy type, and it never ended well. So I concluded I should choose somebody totally outside of what had appealed to me.

That was our Howard, all right. They met at an event in an aquarium in 2002. There he was, in a three-piece suit and sweater vest, and all Baskin could think was, Man, I could really loosen him up But they got talking and he was the cats pyjamas. I was so shocked at what Ive been missing all these years. They married in 2004. She takes a breath. Ugh, I love, love that guy.

And he loves her. That much was clear on Tiger King, from his adoring stares and staunch defences. Theyve never had an argument, having once written a constitution of how to deal with one another under stress, and he likes the cats enough to dress up in an animal-print singlet for some now infamously weird wedding photos.

Ive been wondering this for half an hour, so might as well ask: are you still having sex three times a day?

Actually, Baskin says cheerfully, one of the things I found so endearing and bizarre about [Howard] when we first started to date was that I was accustomed to having a lot of sex, I still had a very strong libido. Howard, on the other hand, was a once-a-week man. I was like, Really, once a week? Thats what I can look forward to?! So thats what my life was like until menopause, then my libido went right out the window and I have zero sex drive.

Which leaves plenty of time for Baskin to focus on her other great love: the cats. She says the Tiger King producers recently got in touch to clear the air, but Baskin told them to lose her number. If there is a season two, she wants no part.

Besides, she has her own upcoming reality series on animal cruelty with ITV America, as well as being the subject of a drama based on the hit podcast Joe Exotic. Shell be played by Saturday Night Live star Kate McKinnon, who has previously impersonated Hillary Clinton, Rudy Giuliani and Theresa May. In any case, Baskin is so close to succeeding in killing off the rest of the private big-cat industry in the US that she wont be going anywhere for a while.

My daughter and husband would really like it if I did, [but] unfortunately Im not done until Ive driven the last nail into the coffin of that industry.

And Joe Exotic? One day, he might get out. And maybe hell call Baskin, pleading for forgiveness. The Tiger King, humbled at last.

I dont have any harsh feelings about him, she says. If he had a true come-to-Jesus moment, then I would be all forgiving. But I dont think change is possible with him. All hes saying is he was framed, and he doesnt belong there, and he doesnt take any responsibility for the things that he did to those animals.

She shrugs, and I expect a last laugh. For once it doesnt come.





The Hidden Tiger: Big Cat Rescue is available to download now. Half of the rental or purchase fees are donated to Big Cat Rescue

 Guy Kelly / Telegraph Media Group Limited 2021

Read More




It's tough to have sympathy for international travellers who have been caught in the crosshairs of Ottawa's latest travel restrictions.

It's tough to have sympathy for international travellers who have been caught in the crosshairs of Ottawa's latest travel restrictions.

Since the pandemic took hold in this country just under a year ago, there have been far too few restrictions on travellers. Our ability to travel both internationally and domestically has been curtailed, but other than a couple of instances (a short-lived, recent ban on flights to and from U.K., for example) we've pretty much allowed people to travel anywhere, any time, with little oversight.

That largely came to an end on Friday, when new testing and quarantine requirements were introduced for anyone returning to Canada from an international destination.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES It's tough to have sympathy for international travellers who have been caught in the crosshairs of Ottawa's latest travel restrictions.

The measures are severe, extensive and way overdue. As was the case with Manitoba's recent decision to mercifully put a 14-day quarantine requirement on travellers who come here from Western Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's new international travel restrictions come weeks, if not months, later than they should have.

Starting now, flights to and from Mexico and other Caribbean countries have been halted. The affected airlines will work with stranded customers to find other flights home to Canada. However, getting on any plane bound for Canada has also become more burdensome.

To get on a flight to Canada from an international destination, travellers need to provide proof of a negative, pre-departure test taken within three days of the date of travel. WIth the new restrictions, upon arrival in Canada at one of four designated airports (Toronto, Montreal, Calgary Vancouver), travellers will have to get a second test. While waiting for those results, they must quarantine in a hotel at their own expense for as many as three days.

Trudeau said the cost of the quarantine layover could be as much as $2,000 per traveller.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Since the pandemic took hold in this country just under a year ago, there have been far too few restrictions on travellers.

A second negative test result allows those passengers to board flights to get to other destinations within Canada. Right now, Manitoba will not require those travellers to have another COVID-19 test unless they are symptomatic. However, they will still have to complete the 14-day quarantine period.

Why weren't these measures introduced sooner?

Some of the reticence around enhanced travel restrictions may have originated with a rash of recent epidemiological studies on the effect of travellers on overall COVID-19 transmission.

In short, a handful of thorough and credible studies has shown that while international travellers were responsible for "importing" a high number of cases in the early days of the pandemic, as the virus took hold, travel in general played a much smaller role in overall COVID-19 case numbers.

On Jan. 1, The Lancet published a study that looked at imported COVID-19 cases in 132 countries as a percentage of total infections, in May and again in September. It found that travellers were responsible for a much higher percentage of cases in May; after COVID-19 had arrived, however, the incidence was much lower as community transmission easily overtook travel as the major cause of the growth of the pandemic.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Starting now, flights to and from Mexico and other Caribbean countries have been halted.

The authors concluded that "stringent travel restrictions might have little impact on epidemic dynamics" unless a country has a very low number of cases and a high number of international travellers arriving.

Of course, the variant strains of COVID-19 have changed the pandemic game, returning us to a scenario that, in epidemiological terms, looks more like the initial outbreak last winter. Not surprisingly, the world has developed a renewed interest in controlling the importation of these variants.

Although the studies are important, they do not make the argument that travel restrictions were not needed sooner. In fact, given the fact that the arrival of variant strains was thought to be a virtual certainty by epidemiologists, it would have made a lot of sense to make a more genuine effort to control non-essential travel well before now.

Although public health officials in Ottawa, and here in Manitoba, have strongly and consistently recommended that we do not travel for non-essential reasons, those officials were fully aware, even as they uttered those admonitions, that people were ignoring the advice and flying south for winter vacations, or east and west to visit family.

PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES To get on a flight to Canada from an international destination, travellers need to provide proof of a negative, pre-departure test taken within three days of the date of travel.

Ottawa publishes guidelines on "essential" and "non-essential" travel that are so vague, almost anyone can justify a trip anywhere for any reason. In fact, other than a trip to another city in Canada for a life-saving medical procedure that is not offered here, you could argue there is no such thing as essential travel during a pandemic.

Clearly, those guidelines had absolutely no impact on the amount of travel, as evidenced by the myriad politicians and other public officials who have been caught travelling to sunny destinations over the Christmas holidays. Those people are not stupid, per se; they took advantage of the opportunity to indulge in non-essential travel because no one was stopping them.

Measures to control travel in general, and non-essential travel in particular, are destined to join a long and growing list of things we really should have done sooner to control the spread of COVID-19, along with mandatory mask use and short, sharp interruptions in economic activity.

The good news, if you can call it that, is that the COVID-19 variants will no doubt create additional threats in the years to come. If nothing else, that is an opportunity to get it right. Next time.

dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca
Shelly, Manami and Gian with their fully stamped Wicklow Passport and Certificate

Gian Santiago and his friends Shelly and Manami are Wicklow's latest ambassadors after successfully filling their Wicklow Passports with all 17 stamps during the months of November and December.

The Wicklow Passport, which is loosely inspired by the Camino in Spain, is a initiative by Visit Wicklow which was launched last year.

The idea behind the passport is to encourage locals and visitors to get outside and discover what is around them, by collecting stamps in various different places all over the county.

The passport stamps can be found in tourist spots, bars, outdoors adventure companies, restaurants, hotels and lodges all around Wicklow.

Once you have 15 or more stamps, you receive an Ambassador Certificate, which is exactly what Gian, Shelly and Manami did. The first person to receive the certificate was Cllr Mary Kavanagh.

Gian, who moved to Ireland in 2006 from The Philippines said: 'I haven't really explored Ireland that much but after finishing our Wicklow Passport trip, it gave me more things to look forward to and visit when we're finally able to travel again around the country.'

They divided their Wicklow Passport mission into sections and started with Bray and Greystones, walking the cliff walk and collecting different stamps along the way.

On the second day they visited Blessington, Hollywood, Dunlavin, Baltinglass, Shillelagh, Tinahely, Aughrim.

On their last day they went to NewtownmountKennedy, Ashford, Wicklow Town, Avoca, Arklow.

Manami is from Japan and has been in Ireland since 2019 on a working holiday visa.

She said doing these day trips not only gave her the opportunity to see beautiful places but also to meet new people.

'If I hadn't known about the Wicklow Passport, I probably would have missed lots of sights,' Manami said.

Shelly, who has since returned to Taiwan along with her certificate, moved to Ireland to explore the rest of Europe.

Covid had coincided with Shelley's travel plans and her plans were suddenly changed-

'The main purpose I am in Ireland is that I want to travel to Europe, but because of covid, I could only travel deeply within Ireland, and it surprised me how beautiful the scenery was. It really is stunning.'
On his 73rd death anniversary, people are remembering Mahatma Gandhi and everything he did for India that led to our independence. Well, almost all people.

It's an important day and still, Bapu is getting disrespected by not only some Indians who are praising Nathuram Godse, the man who assassinated him, but also apparently foreigners who have vandalized his statue.

 Wikipedia

In an unfortunate incident in Central Park of the City of Davis in northern California, a group of unknown broke and ripped Mahatma Gandhi's statue from the base.



The 6-ft tall, 650-pound (294 kg) bronze statue appeared to have been sawed off at the ankles and half its face was severed and missing, local news firm Davis Enterprise reported.

The statue was found in the early hours of the morning of January 27, according to the police.

 Twitter

Reportedly, this particular statue was donated by the Indian government to the city of Davis, was installed by the city council four years ago amidst protests from anti-Gandhi and anti-India organizations.



Deputy Chief Paul Doroshov of the Davis Police Department said, "Seeing as its a cultural icon to a portion of the people in Davis, we are taking it very seriously."

 Twitter

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) California Advocacy Director Easan Katir said, "We condemn this cowardly desecration and call upon the Department of Homeland Security and FBI to investigate this hate crime, as it was likely done with the intention of intimidating the Indian American community."



#Gandhi statue decapitation in Davis CA should be investigated by @DHSgov @FBI as a hate crime. Make no mistake @GavinNewsom @CityofDavis this is not about legacy of Gandhi as a person, but about intimidating India & Indian Americans: https://t.co/8W7G3MBM61 pic.twitter.com/iwqq0OWLpu  Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) January 29, 2021

People are obviously angry but as we saw this morning, there are some people who are elated as well.

Modern Day Nathu Ram Godse :)

RSS's BJP producing such bigoted people.  Thanos: The ReCreator (@tweetsofthanos) January 30, 2021

Imagine calling Bapu 'fake'.



Fake people don't deserve to be carved in stones...  Komal Singh Chauhan (@thekomalchauhan) January 30, 2021

People have some hints about who did this.

This possibly is a hate crime perpetrated by Godse followers of the @RSSorg and @VHPDigital  Ahmed (@maali_ku) January 29, 2021

Good answer.



No. Would you dare tell the @kingcenter1968 that the same Gandhi statue displayed at the MLK Natl Historic Park, in honor of the profound influence Gandhi had on MLK and the US civil rights movement, was rammed down the American throat"? https://t.co/HZf6nJjm3z  Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) January 29, 2021

Racism, everywhere.

This is disgusting. And people say that anti-India and anti-Hindu sentiment don't exist in the U.S.  Sheenie Ambardar, M.D. (@DrAmbardar) January 29, 2021

The Indian government is obviously condemning it.

Flash: Indian govt strongly condems the vandalisation of statue of Mahatma Gandhi. Statue was gifted to City of Davis,California by Indian Govt in 2016. India's Consulate General of India in San Francisco @nagentv taken up the matter with the City of Davis. https://t.co/dUJlfn7pXq pic.twitter.com/MB8CoaoPjb  Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) January 30, 2021




Hazleton Area teachers tentatively will return to classrooms on March 15, and students will start to attend classes in person on April 12, Superintendent Brian Uplinger said Thursday.

Uplinger unveiled the return plan during a school board meeting when he also told the results of a survey. Most teachers surveyed said they would return to classes after receiving vaccinations against COVID-19. Slightly more than half of parents who took the survey said they want classes to restart.

In the survey, 2,750 parents said they want their children to return to classes, but 2,421 parents favor having children continue to study from home, Uplinger said. Hazleton Area had 11,387 students as of Jan. 21, so at least 6,226 parents didnt reply.

The boards meeting began an hour late after members discussed the plan to return, student safety, personnel and a tax appeal in private.

One parent, Lee Ann Matteo, attended to relay a message to board members from her son: Can you just tell them to bring us back to school as soon as you can? Thats what they promised us. Tell them not to break their promise, Matteo said.

Matteo said she is a little frustrated because the district previously announced plans to resume classes on Sept. 8, 2020 and Feb. 8 before pushing back the date again on Thursday.

Several schools within very close range and proximity to this school, Matteo said, have been back: some hybrid ... some five days a week. Those districts include Tamaqua Area, where Matteo works.

With the right protocols put in schools, it can be done, she said.

Uplinger said when he surveyed teachers 487 said they would not return if they didnt receive a vaccination, while 305 said they would return without vaccination.

After receiving the vaccination, 761 teachers said they would return to classes and 31 said they would not.

The return date of March 15 allows time for teachers to receive two doses of vaccine and for the vaccine to take effect.

Uplinger said school nurses and some teachers already have received vaccinations against COVID-19 because they are within Tier 1A, which qualified to receive shots already in the states plan.

People in Tier 1A include health workers, people 65 and older and people 16 and older with medical conditions.

Teachers are covered in Tier 1B that would be vaccinated next.

Ellen McBride, a board member and retired school nurse, said Hazleton Area is trying to arrange a vaccination clinic for teachers at a local site.

If teachers start working from schools before students return, their tasks would include ensuring that their classrooms meet standards for physical distancing and safety.

All buildings have been open during the pandemic, and teachers have the option to stream their lessons from their classrooms or from their homes.

On Thursday, the board recalled 14 security workers who had been furloughed while classes shut down.

The administration building has been fully staffed during the year, Uplinger said.

We do wear masks. We social distance when we can but we do move around. Weve been pretty successful, but we do want to come back safely, he said.

The dates for when teachers and students return could change again, depending on the vaccination rollout and rate at which the disease spreads.

That all depends on the severity of the infection, Uplinger said.

Since the pandemic began, no more than 400 students in Hazleton Area have attended classes in person. They included students in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and classes for early intervention, autistic support and life support programs as well as seniors in shop classes.

Even those students returned to virtual education after the Thanksgiving recess when COVID-19 started spreading faster in the community.

Using some of the $17.3 million that Hazleton Area will receive in federal pandemic relief, district officials plan to start a mental health program for students.

We know we have a number of students that are struggling, Uplinger said. He is also investigating evening tutoring programs to help students catch up and holding Kids Academy online or in person before and after class hours.

Next year, board President Linda DeCosmo wants to start an intervention program for elementary students who are lagging in subject work.

New York:

For their role in helping advance the US society, culture and economy, Indian-Americans, Adobe chief Shantanu Narayen and former US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, are among 38 immigrants to be honoured this year.

Narayen and Murthy will be honoured with the prestigious Great Immigrants annual award on USs independence day on July 4.

Murthy, 39, born in the UK and a Harvard and Yale alumnus, was appointed by former President Barack Obama in 2014, becoming the first-ever Indian-American to occupy the post and also the youngest ever surgeon general of the country.

However, Murthy was dismissed this year in April by the Trump administration.

Narayen, 54, a native of Hyderabad has an undergraduate degree in electronics engineering, a masters degree in computer science, and an MBA from UC Berkeley. He is a board member of Pfizer and US-India Business Council (USIBC). He was among a select group of CEOs who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington for a roundtable during the leaders visit for first bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump this week.

Among other honorees include Canadian-origin social entrepreneur Jeff Skoll, who has been awarded the 2017 Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy, PayPal cofounder of Ukrainian origin Max Levchin, Iranian-origin philanthropist and entrepreneur Hushang Ansary.

Each year since 2006, the corporation has recognised the contributions of naturalised citizens, and for 2017, the honorees represent more than 30 different countries of origin, a wide range of personal immigration stories, and a high-level of professional leadership in numerous fields.

Our annual tribute to Great Immigrants demonstrates the richness of talent, skills, and achievements that immigrants from around the world bring to every sphere of American society, said Vartan Gregorian, president of Carnegie Corporation of New York.

This campaign reminds us of the debt the United States owes to generations of immigrants who become citizens and contribute to the progress of this country. Today, we celebrate and thank them, he said.

The honorees will be recognised with a full-page public service announcement in The New York Times and an online public awareness initiative.

The Carnegie Corporation of New York was established in 1911 by Scottish immigrant Andrew Carnegie to promote the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding.

In keeping with this mandate, the corporations agenda focuses on the issues that Andrew Carnegie considered of paramount importance: international peace, the advancement of education and knowledge, and a strong democracy.

Also read: US: Kansas allows college students, teachers to carry guns

Also read: Linking Aadhaar with PAN mandatory from today: Here's how to do it



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COVID-19 Vaccination: All You Need To Know About the Consent Form

As the surge of nationwide coronavirus vaccination drive has begun this year, two approved vaccinations layout their three-page informed consent form.
Northern beaches residents face ongoing anxiety and fear about pandemic restrictions even as many people attempt to resume their lives following the lockdown over the Christmas-New Year period.

Sadness, frustration and disappointment were some of the emotions felt by Lisa Llewellyn when she discovered she would be forced into lockdown rather than celebrating the festive season with family and friends.

Lisa Llewellyn from North Narrabeen said the lockdown made her feel angry. Credit:James Brickwood

Ms Llewellyn, from North Narrabeen, said she was exhausted after a challenging year of adapting to COVID normal and running her own business.

The situation did make me anxious  and I was definitely short-tempered (my poor partner), she said. I had hung out for the holiday to just recharge and the lockdown just added to my fatigue. Of my three week break, all but one day was spent in lockdown.
The event saw the attendance of Special Representative of St. Petersburg Governor Sergey Katanandov and the vice chairman of the committee, Vyacheslav Kalganov, on the Russian side.

The Vietnamese side included Counsellor Minister at the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia Nguyen Quynh Mai and representatives from the Vietnamese associations in Russia, the Party Central Committees Commission for External Relations and the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Associations Central Committee.

In his opening remarks, Special Envoy of St. Petersburg Governor Sergey Katanandov conveyed the governors greetings to the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and wished that the congress will be a great success.

He highlighted several successful cooperation projects between St. Petersburg and Vietnam, notably celebrations of the 95th anniversary of late President Ho Chi Minhs first arrival in Russia and the 50-year implementation of his Testament.

The special envoy also suggested that the two sides ramp up cooperation in interpreter training, cultural and lingual exchange, and economic, trade and investment partnership.

Mai, for her part, offered thanks for the greetings, sharing that many major matters, including ways to bolster foreign relations, are being tabled at the 13th National Party Congress. I believe Russia is always on Vietnams foreign policy agenda, she said.

Kalganov, meanwhile, spoke highly of the strong friendship between Vietnam and Russia throughout history, saying that Vietnam is a priority in the St. Petersburg administrations foreign affairs.

He gave a brief introduction about St. Petersburgs work plan for cooperation with Vietnam between 2021 and 2023.

Pham The Vinh, a representative of the Party Central Committees Commission for External Relations, said Vietnam attaches importance to strengthening its comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia and views the country as one of the top partners in its foreign policy.

He further noted that the Commission for External Relations always supports and appreciates St. Petersburgs policies regarding cooperation with Vietnam as well as exchanges between the two sides.
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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.  The International Space Station bid adieu this month to 12 bottles of French Bordeaux wine and hundreds of snippets of grapevines that spent a year orbiting the world in the name of science.

SpaceXs Dragon cargo capsule undocked with the wine and vines  and thousands of pounds of other gear and research, including mice  and splashed down on Jan. 13 in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Tampa. The Atlantic had been targeted, but poor weather shifted the arrival to Floridas other side. SpaceXs supply ships previously parachuted into the Pacific.

The carefully packed wine  each bottle nestled inside a steel cylinder to prevent breakage  remained corked aboard the orbiting lab. Space Cargo Unlimited, a Luxembourg start-up behind the experiments, wanted the wine to age for an entire year up there.

None of the bottles will be opened until the end of February. Thats when the company will pop open a bottle or two for an out-of-this-world wine tasting in Bordeaux by some of Frances top connoisseurs and experts. Months of chemical testing will follow. Researchers are eager to see how space altered the sedimentation and bubbles.

Agricultural science is the primary objective, stresses Nicolas Gaume, the companys CEO and cofounder, although he admits it will be fun to sample the wine. Hell be among the lucky few taking a sip.

Our goal is to tackle the solution of how were going to have an agriculture tomorrow that is both organic and healthy and able to feed humanity, and we think space has the key, Gaume said from Bordeaux.

With climate change, Gaume said agricultural products like grapes will need to adapt to harsher conditions. Through a series of space experiments, Space Cargo Unlimited hopes to take whats learned by stressing the plants in weightlessness and turn that into more robust and resilient plants on Earth.

Theres another benefit. Gaume expects future explorers to the moon and Mars will want to enjoy some of Earths pleasures.

Being French, its part of life to have some good food and good wine, he told The Associated Press.

Gaume said private investors helped fund the experiments. He declined to provide the project cost.

The wine hitched a ride to the space station in November 2019 aboard a Northrop Grumman supply ship. The 320 Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon vine snippets, called canes in the grape-growing business, were launched by SpaceX last March.

SpaceX is the only shipper capable of returning space station experiments and other items intact. The other cargo capsules are filled with trash and burn up when reentering Earths atmosphere.

Former President George W. Bush plans to lend his support to Rep. Liz Cheney (WY-R) during a Saturday call with her father Dick Cheney, his former vice president.

Freddy Ford, Bush's chief of staff, said that the former president will thank the top House Republican for her service - just weeks after her vote to impeach then-President Donald Trump.

But he wouldn't be drawn on whether he would back her ahead of a tough 2022 Primary.

'We aren't thinking about the next election cycle yet,' Ford told CNN when asked , adding that they were a few months ahead of such a decision.

'But I do know that President Bush is planning to call VP Cheney tomorrow for two reasons: to wish him a happy 80th birthday, and to thank him for his daughter's service,' he added.

Bush will be calling Dick Cheney for his 80th birthday on Saturday and to lend his support to Liz Cheney

'I do know that President Bush is planning to call VP Cheney tomorrow for two reasons: to wish him a happy 80th birthday, and to thank him for his daughter's service,' said Freddy Ford, Bush's chief of staff

Liz Cheney is up for re-election in 2022, and is already facing the prospect of a challenge in a primary as she's endured intra-party criticism for her support of impeachment.

Matt Gaetz has declared war for the 'soul' of the Republican party, as he traveled to Cheney's home state of Wyoming to drum up support for her ouster.

Cheney's fate at home and in Washington will be one indicator of whether GOP traditionalists or Trump-aligned activists determine the direction of the party.

Her troubles have already served as a warning for Republicans in the Senate, most of whom signaled Tuesday they would vote to acquit Trump on the charge of inciting an insurrection.

Meanwhile, Trump's political action committee, Save America, is using a poll it commissioned on Cheney's popularity with Wyoming voters to taunt her  and show other Republicans what may lie ahead when they don't support Trump.

Cheney's defenders cast the blowback from her vote as ginned up by attention-seekers.

Liz Cheney is up for re-election in 2022, and is already facing the prospect of a challenge in a primary as she's endured intra-party criticism for her support of impeachment

'Wyoming doesn't like it when outsiders come into our state and try to tell us what to do,' said Amy Edmonds, a former Cheney staffer and past state legislator.

But there's little doubt the lawmaker in her third term is facing homegrown opposition in a state where the establishment's once-firm grip has been slipping.

Republican state Sen. Anthony Bouchard, a gun rights activist, announced his primary challenge against Cheney one week after her impeachment vote, making a clear effort to rally Trump fans.

'The swamp was after me,' Bouchard said of his recent reelection to the statehouse despite being badly outspent.

'I just don't think that works any more in Wyoming. I think the people have figured it out.'

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) (L) leaves the Wyoming State Capitol after speaking to a crowd during a rally against Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) on January 28

Whether pro-Trump Republicans can unite behind a single Cheney opponent remains a big question.

The call from Bush on Saturday will not mark the first time that he has outwardly opposed Trump. Bush chastised the 'reckless behavior of some political leaders' when commenting on the chaos that unfolded on Jan. 6.

'I am appalled by the reckless behavior of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions, and our law enforcement,' he added. 'The violent assault on the Capitol -- and disruption of a Constitutionally-mandated meeting of Congress -- was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes.'

Following the election, Bush called then President-elect Joe Biden and said that the election was 'fundamentally fair' and that 'its outcome is clear,' even though Trump had a right to pursue legal challenges.

He was also in attendance for the inauguration and released a statement of congratulations to President Biden.

'Though we have political differences, I know Joe Biden to be a good man, who has won his opportunity to lead and unify our country,' Bush said. 'The President-elect reiterated that while he ran as a Democrat, he will govern for all Americans. I offered him the same thing I offered Presidents Trump and Obama: my prayers for his success, and my pledge to help in any way I can.'
With last nights announcement by the European Union (EU) banning the export of vaccines to Northern Ireland, the nationalist conflict over access to vaccines has developed into a trade war between the EU and the UK.

Earlier this week, vaccine manufacturer AstraZeneca informed the EU that it could not fulfill its pledge of 100 million vaccine doses by March. It expects to provide only 31 million doses in this period, with further delays expected for 200 million more on order. The company cited problems in production at its manufacturing site in Belgium.

The AstraZeneca Corporate HQ in Cambridge UK [Source: Wikimedia Commons]

In response, the EU demanded that a portion of the vaccines produced at two UK-based plants in Oxford and Staffordshire be reallocated to replace the shortages from the Belgian plant. The Johnson government dismissed the EU request for vaccines, and cited the fact that the UK agreement with AstraZeneca was signed three months earlier than the EUs, arguing for first come first serve.

A frenzied nationalist campaign is underway in the British media and political establishment. Minister for Cabinet Office Michael Gove told Good Morning Britain that the really important thing is making sure that our own [UK] vaccination program proceeds precisely as planned.

Last night, the EU briefly announced a ban on vaccine exports to Northern Ireland, invoking Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol. While exports to the country are not supposed to be subject to checks, the EU has claimed it could be used as a backdoor for exporting vaccines from the EU to UK. It stated the invoking of Article 16 was necessary to avert serious societal difficulties due to a lack of supply threatening to disturb the orderly implementation of the vaccination campaigns in the member states.

The EU withdrew the move late last night, however, after UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson called EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to express his grave concerns over the attempt to block shipment of vaccines to Northern Ireland.

Earlier this week the EU Health Commission sent officials to the companys Belgian plant after EU officials accused AstraZeneca of diverting vaccines destined for the European market to other parts of the world where it had agreed higher purchasing prices. On Thursday, the German health minister announced that AstraZeneca vaccine would not be used on over 65-years-olds, claiming this was due to concerns over the lack of older participants in the drugs clinical trials.

AstraZeneca has claimed that its obligations to the EU in the deal were only an agreed best effort target. Earlier yesterday, the EU published a redacted version of the contract agreement with AstraZeneca. Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen stated that it was crystal clear that the company was contractually bound to deliver the doses.

The EU action has exposed the deep-going inter-imperialist conflicts between the major European powers that underlay Brexit and have only been intensified by the coronavirus pandemic. The working class across the continent has nothing to gain from either side in this reactionary conflict. It has only laid bare the bankruptcy of an economic order based on the private ownership of the productive forces and the nationalist division of the world economy, and the inability and refusal of capitalist governments to organize the most essential program of vaccination and combat against a deadly pandemic.

It is now clear that the vaccine companies agreed to contracts for hundreds of millions of doses that were far too large for them to meet, as part of a cutthroat struggle to secure contracts worth billions. In December, Pfizer announced that it would be unable to meet its promised outlay of 12.5 million vaccines to the EU for the end of the year. It pledged to increase production in Europe, but announced that this would be subject to its ongoing private negotiations with five to six manufacturers.

AstraZeneca was likewise aware of production shortfalls in early January, but only informed its customers this week. On Friday, Moderna announced that its supplies to Italy would be 20 percent lower than agreed upon, with a similar shortage expected for France.

Several European countries have already announced delays in their vaccination programs, which were already proceeding in a chaotic and incompetent manner, due to a lack of supplies. Reuters revealed on Thursday that French officials have delayed vaccines for at least one month in three regions, including in the densely populated Ile-de-France region surrounding Paris.

Portugal has confirmed that its vaccination schedule will be moved back to at least April. German officials have predicted that their schedule will be pushed back at least two months.

The worlds working population depends upon the rapid and coordinated distribution of a vaccine. But these needs are entirely subordinate under capitalism to the profit interests of pharmaceutical giants and their hedge fund backers. The need for a rational, scientific plan for the global distribution of a vaccine is hampered by the nationalist struggle among the major powers over who will be able to vaccinate and restart its economy the most rapidly.

This has a particularly grotesque expression in this weeks revelation that South Africa is paying more than double the price per dose for the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine compared to the EU, at 4.32 instead of 1.78 per dose. Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson and Curevac have all charged wildly varying prices for the vaccine, depending on the country making the purchase, highlighting the extent of vaccine profiteering.

Last October, India and South Africa asked the World Trade Organization to waive patents on vaccines, so that they could be manufactured generically. The request was rejected by the EU, UK, and US.

Many of the worlds poorest countries do not expect to receive vaccinations until 2022 or 2023. The US has ordered 1.1 billion vaccine doses, almost double what is required to vaccinate the US population. The EU, UK, Japan, Canada, and Australia have also ordered more doses than needed to protect their populations.

The straitjacketing of global vaccinations is only one expression of the criminal character of capitalist governments response to the coronavirus pandemic. It has not been conditioned by the desire to save as many lives as possible. The overriding concern has been to protect the wealth of the financial elite, first through massive corporate bailouts beginning in March last year, then through the drive to keep schools and non-essential workplaces open, despite the danger this poses to hundreds of thousands, to ensure that profits can continue to flow.

A scientific policy in response to the pandemic will only be secured through a unified movement of the working class on an international scale. The gigantic pharmaceutical corporations must be taken out of the hands of the financial speculators and transformed into public utilities under the democratic control of the working class. Vaccine production and distribution must be coordinated and organized on a global scale, not subordinate to private profits or the interest of national capitalist elites, to ensure that the entire worlds population can be freely and rapidly vaccinated.

This must be combined with keeping the population safe until vaccines can be administered. This includes the closure of all non-essential workplaces and schools, and the provision of a high living wage to the entire population, including sufficient resources to all small businesses. The resources for such a policy exist; they are simply monopolised by a corporate and financial elite. The alternative is the struggle for socialism, and the organization of the economy on an international scale according to social need, rather than private profit. In Europe, this means the fight against all forms of nationalism, and the struggle by the working class for the United Socialist States of Europe.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 30)  A Singapore-based Filipina healthcare worker with a heart disease who received the COVID-19 vaccine made by Pfizer with German partner BioNTech has a piece of advice for people who are planning to get an anti-coronavirus shot: Consult your doctor first.

Ako ire-recommend ko to get the vaccine, but magpa-check up ka muna prior to the vaccination day, Rebecca Quiambao, a dentist, told CNN Philippines Newsroom Weekend on Saturday.

[Translation: I would recommend to people to get a COVID-19 vaccine, but schedule a check-up prior to the vaccination day.]

Quiambao said that after getting inoculated she experienced temporary arm pain and fatigue that lasted for a week, side effects which she had expected to have.

She said she had sought the advice of her cardiologist before getting vaccinated. Her doctor told her it was safe for her to receive the Pfizer shot, so she went on to get immunized.

Prior to the vaccine, I checked with my cardiologist. I had a check up last December kung safe to get the vaccine. He actually said it is, Quiambao said.

Like 'yung sa akin I have cardiomyopathy. Sa akin safe siya kasi hindi naman siya ganoon ka-severe, she said. Cardiomyopathy is a chronic disease of the heart muscle.

[Translation: In my case, I have cardiomyopathy. The vaccine shot is safe for me because my health condition is not severe.]

The Filipina dentist got her first shot on Jan. 18 and is set to receive a follow-up dose on Feb. 9.

More than 113,000 individuals already have received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine as of Jan. 27, according to the countrys Ministry of Health. There were three reported cases of anaphylaxis or serious allergic reaction but they were quickly resolved by healthcare professionals, the health ministry said in a statement posted on Facebook.

Vaccines are being given to Singapores healthcare workers first. The country aims to start vaccinating elderly people beginning February, and then other Singaporeans and long-term residents.
Miyakojima in Okinawa Prefecture is facing a medical crisis due to a spike in coronavirus infections.

The small island in southern Japan confirmed a record 35 new cases on Thursday. It was the third straight day that the tally topped 30 on the island with a population of about 55,000.

On Friday, the prefecture asked the Ground Self-Defense Force to dispatch medical staff to the island until February 13. It wants GSDF nurses to help at an elderly care home where an infection cluster broke out.

The prefecture-run Miyako Hospital is scrambling to respond to those infected with the virus. It has stopped accepting all other outpatients. All 44 beds set aside for COVID-19 patients were occupied as of Thursday.

Okinawa Prefecture has sent doctors and nurses to offer assistance. They include Dr. Shiiki Soichi, who specializes in infectious diseases.

Shiiki told NHK on Friday that the coronavirus ward at Miyako Hospital is about to be inundated with patients, and the staff are trying to cope with the situation by using beds in other wards.

He said the situation has become critical, requiring all energy to be focused on COVID-19 even if it means sidelining regular medical care.

Shiiki said staff are being forced to ration equipment to monitor patients' conditions, because there is not enough equipment for elderly people with severe symptoms.

He added the community-wide system must be bolstered so that clinics and a local medical association can handle PCR tests and monitor people recuperating at home.

Sadoyama Masaki is a resident of the island. His 4-year-old son, Ramon, usually visits Miyako Hospital about once a month for follow-up checks for the oral surgery he had received when he was one.

Sadoyama says he was told by the hospital that Ramon's next appointment on February 12 may need to be cancelled.

Sadoyama says it's been a great relief just to hear the doctor describe his son's condition as good, and not having the chance to hear it makes him terribly worried.

He says he wants the hospital to at least partially restart its regular outpatient care.
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NEW DELHI: Israeli ambassador Ron Malka on Saturday (January 30) said that there might be a connection between Friday's blast near the Israeli Embassy and the 2012 attack targeting the country's diplomats in Delhi. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent, Sidhant Sibal, Malka said it's too early to say who is standing behind this evil attack.

"It is a terrorist attack, the target being the Israel embassy," Malka said. She pointed out, "this kind of events only strengthen us, give us more strength to go ahead, grow progress" and "Israel, India ties will grow and thrive, and no one will be able to stop this." The incident happened as both countries celebrate 29 years of the formal establishment of diplomatic ties.

The minor blast near the Israeli mission in the high-security zone of India's national capital came even as the Beating Retreat ceremony was underway just 20 minutes away from the location.

WION: If you can give us the details of the Friday blast that happened near your mission?

Ron Malka: Yesterday around 5 pm, there was a blast, an explosion just outside the Israeli embassy in Delhi. Once it happened, we raised an alert, and fortunately, nobody was hurt, and all the diplomats and families of diplomats are safe. We have our guidelines in these kinds of situations, and we follow them. We are safe now.

WION: What kind of conversations were you having with your Indian counterpart?

Ron Malka: Yesterday when this evil attack happened, we celebrated the 29th anniversary of the establishment of full diplomatic relations between India and Israel. Very fruitful and rewarding 29 years of diplomatic relations, so it might not be a coincidence. The collaboration between India and Israel is a shining example for the world, how two countries should collaborate and cooperate. Yesterday, EAM Jaishankar called our minister of foreign affairs. The foreign secretary called our DG, your NSA called our NSA, they know each other very well. On a continuous basis we share, we collaborate, we joint effort in many aspects, and in this investigation, Israeli and Indian authorities' agencies are working together. Putting all the parts together, pieces together, and building the puzzle to understand what happened here as we get full support and assistance.

WION: Do you think Iran has been responsible for the incident near the Israeli embassy?

Ron Malka: Investigation still in its early stages. Too early to say who is standing behind this evil attack. Our assumption, yes, it is a terrorist attack, the target being the Israel embassy. It will take some more time to bring all the pieces together and who is standing behind this attack. All the options on the table and will take some time. Will find those responsible for the attack and will bring them to justice.

WION: You said, it's a terror attack. What is the evidence which makes you believe that it's a terror attack?

Ron Malka: There is some evidence from the scene. We know what kind of bomb is used in this kind of event and other pieces. I don't want to get into the details of the investigation. Its still ongoing, but can share with you, Israeli diplomats all over the world, we are considered as a target in the eyes of our enemies. We are very well prepared. There was an attack in 1992 at the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires, there was a terror attack against Israeli diplomats in 2012. So we are very well prepared. In the last few weeks, due to some incidents that happened all over the world, some of them are related to Israel, we raised the level of alert. So we are not surprised, we are very well prepared and those who think they might stop us, or threaten us, this kind of events only strengthen us, give us more strength to go ahead, grow progress and Israel, India ties will grow and thrive and no one will be able to stop this.

WION: Since its anniversary year, how do you see ties between India and Israel

Ron Malka: Even under the pandemic, we collaborated and whatever happened under the pandemic will shape what will happen in the future. Israel and India are shining examples of how countries, friend countries should collaborate and work together. After the pandemic, we did join research on a rapid test for covid, a scientist from India and Israel joined forces and conducted a very high research effort. We supported and helped each other in exchange of shared practices, medicines, and all over achievements, medical supplies, and medical equipment for tackling the pandemic. This kind of collaboration is based on mutual respect and trust is a shining example of countries that should collaborate and even under the pandemic, we signed new agreements on water projects, innovation, health care, culture. Even under the pandemic, new centers of excellence for agriculture were established. That is what is going on between India and Israel. Ties are growing and expanding.

WION: How has been the counter-terror collaboration between the two countries

Ron Malka: As I always say, Israel and India, not only share the same values and interests, we also have similar hostilities and threats. As far as counter-terrorism is concerned, we collaborate, share information and knowledge, and practices. This is a shining example for our countries, to get united, collaborate, and work together. If the world will get united against terror, we are going to win against terrorism. Because terrorism is a global disease, the world should internalize that and get united and once this happens, we will defeat terror.

Live TV

Consumer rights are "important rights" and non-manning of posts and inadequate infrastructure in district and state consumer commissions across the country would deprive the citizens of redressal of their grievances, the Supreme Court has said.

The apex court said this while hearing a plea that has raised the issue of alleged inaction by governments in appointing the president, members and staff in the district and state consumer disputes redressal commissions and the lack of adequate infrastructure to run these fora.

A bench of justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Hrishikesh Roy said the issue raised in the plea is important but the petitioner, a law student, has filed a "very sketchy petition" and it does not show proper ground work.

"We have given a thought to the matter and consider it too important an issue to be thrown out because of the laxity in collection of material and placing the same before us and thus, consider it appropriate that the same should be converted into a suo motu proceeding to enquire into the issue placed before us," the bench said.

The top court appointed senior advocate Gopal Shankaranarayan and lawyer Aaditya Narain as amicus curiae to assist it in the matter.

"We expect them to obtain the requisite material, analyse the same and facilitate the data to be placed before us and thus, consider it appropriate to issue notices to all the respondents before us, who would be able to show as to how many posts are occupied, how many are vacant and what is the nature of infrastructure which has been made available as consumer rights are important rights and non-manning of posts and inadequate infrastructure would deprive citizens of a redressal of the grievances," the bench said in its order passed earlier this week.

The apex court has posted the matter for hearing on February 22.

The plea filed before the top court has sought directions to the Centre, states and Union territories to fill up the vacant posts of presidents and members in the consumer commissions, saying the "inaction" in making the appointments is causing pendency of cases and has led to violation of the right to a speedy disposal of cases.

The petition, while alleging that directions passed by various high courts regarding filling up of vacancies in district and state consumer commissions have been "ignored" by the authorities concerned, has said there is a lack of proper infrastructure to run these commissions smoothly.

It has also sought a direction to the authorities concerned to provide proper infrastructure and staff to the consumer commissions and file a detailed report regarding this before the top court.

Also read: Israeli investigators to arrive in Delhi; Iranian hand suspected behind explosion
It has been a year since India reported its first COVID-19 case in Kerala. On January 30, 2020, a medical student, who returned to Thrissur from the Chinese province of Wuhan - the epicentre of the virus, tested positive for coronavirus.

Soon after, the second and third cases in the country were reported on February 2 and 3, both of whom had also returned from Wuhan.

AP

From the first COVID-19 case in Kerala to over 1 crore cases a year later. Here's a timeline of how the virus progressed in India:

January 30, 2020: India's reports first COVID-19 case in Kerala.

March 2, 2020: Delhi-NCR reports the first case outside Kerala in India. Total cases rise to 5.

International flights, visas suspended

March 3, 2020: India suspends visas of foreign nationals who travelled to China, Iran, Italy, South Korea and Japan on and after March 1.

March 4, 2020: As many as 22 cases recorded in India of which 14 got infected among a group of Italian tourists.

March 12, 2020: India reports first death due to coronavirus. A 76-year-old man from Kalaburagi in Karnataka dies.

Reuters

March 14, 2020: With the increasing number of confirmed cases, coronavirus was declared a notified disaster.



March 20, 2020: India suspends all scheduled international flights.

March 25, 2020: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces nationwide lockdown. The first phase of lockdown came into effect on March 25. Scheduled domestic flights were also suspended.



AFP

April 2020: The number of cases in April increased nearly 23 times as compared to March. According to the graph shared by NDTV, on April 14 more than 1463 coronavirus cases were found in the country, who reached by April 30. By the end of April, the total deaths had risen to 1075.



TOI

Millions of migrant labourers walked home

May 2020: Despite lockdown, the number of cases continued to grow and on an average 6-7 thousand COVID-19 numbers were reported daily. For the first time on May 5, more than 194 patients succumbed to the infection. On May 19, 110 days after the first case of coronavirus, the number of patients crossed one lakh. Images of millions of Indian migrant labourers trudging across hundreds of kilometressome even losing their lives in the attemptback home brought forth the severity of the ruthless lockdown.



BCCL

June 2020: Unlocking of the nationwide clampdown was announced and it was expected that the economic activity will increase rapidly. From 8392 cases on June 1 the COVID-19 caseload rose sharply to 18,522 on June 30. The number of deaths also rose from 230 to 418 daily in June. The economic impact of Indians being forced to return from abroad amidst collapsing economies and a widening health scare was only beginning to surface.



Clinical trials of vaccine begins

July 2020: With the onset of rainy season, the total cases in the country crossed 1 million on July 17 which includes 2.75 lakh cases in Maharashtra and 11.6 lakh from Delhi. India becomes the third worst-affected country in the world due to rising COVID-19 cases. Phase-1 clinical trials of Bharat Biotechs Covaxin begin.

August 2020: Serum Institute of India (SII) starts clinical trials of Covishield  the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca. 19 lakh 87 thousand 705 cases of COVID were found in India and 28,859 deaths had been reported. On August 1, as many as 54,735 cases were recorded while by August 31 around 78,761 cases were registered with an average of 800900 deaths every day.

Reuters

September 2020: September was the worst as the daily caseload increased from 70,000 to nearly 1 lakh. On September 16, the highest number of 1290 deaths were recorded. India reports the highest single-day rise of 97,894 coronavirus cases.

October 2020: India COVID-19 death toll crosses 1 lakh.

December 2, 2020: The UK became the first country to formally approve a COVID-19 vaccine for public use as it granted emergency use authorisation to Pfizer-BioNTech's candidate. Many countries followed the suit.



Reuters

Caseload shot up amidst predicted decline

December 18, 2020: In the midst of a decline in coronavirus cases, the total caseload exceeded one crore. The shocking information was that about 50 per cent of the cases were from only 47 districts of the country while about 50 per cent of the total deaths were found in 24 districts.

December 19, 2020: Confirmed cases of COVID-19 crossed the 1-crore mark in India.

December 28, 2020: First dry run held across four states  Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat and Punjab  to test the preparedness of vaccinators and assess mechanisms.

india-vaccination-drive photos

January 3, 2021: DCGI grants restricted emergency use authorisation for SIIs Covishield and Bharat Biotechs Covaxin.

January 16, 2021: Indias first phase of COVID-19 vaccination begins.

January 30, 2021: With 13,083 fresh cases, India's COVID-19 tally rises to 1,07,33,131. As many as 1,04,09,160 patients have recuperated so far. There are 1,69,824 active coronavirus cases in the country currently.





Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-30 15:20:46|Editor: huaxia

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China's Hunan Province has held its "two sessions" with strict pandemic prevention and control measures. The local "two sessions," annual meetings of provincial-level lawmakers and political advisors, discuss local economic and social development in the past year and make plans for the year to come. All attendees must have negative COVID-19 test results, and wear masks all the time during the "two sessions." They should show their health QR codes and have their temperatures taken before meetings. Conference halls, hotel rooms, and dining places are disinfected and ventilated regularly.
At a meeting conducted with education department authorities, Sabitha Indra Reddy directed the officials of government and private institutions to follow the guidelines set out for the control of Covid-19 and to inspect all institutions on a regular basis. (Representational Photo: DC/N_Sampath)

HYDERABAD: Only 50 per cent of students will be able to attend physical classes in degree and PG courses starting on Monday, education minister Sabitha Indra Reddy said here on Friday.

At a meeting conducted with education department authorities, she directed the officials of government and private institutions to follow the guidelines set out for the control of Covid-19 and to inspect all institutions on a regular basis.

She instructed Prof. T. Papi Reddy, Chairman of the TS Council for Higher Education (TSCHE), to provide immediate assistance of Rs 20 lakh to each university to enable them to carry out the sanitation process on a daily basis. She said that the authorities should instil confidence among students and parents that the institutions are safe and secure.

The meeting was attended by Prof. Papi Reddy, Higher education commissioner Naveen Mittal, and TSCHE secretary Srinivasa Rao, among others.
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Former minister Rajib Banerjee, who recently quit the Trinamool Congress, joined the BJP in the national capital on Saturday along with a few other leaders of the state's ruling party after meeting senior BJP leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Banerjee and MLAs Prabir Ghosal and Baishali Dalmiya, who was recently expelled from the TMC, and former Howrah Mayor Rathin Chakraborty, flew to the national capital on a special plane, and met central BJP leaders.

"They have joined the BJP," party general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya told PTI following the meeting.

Former TMC MLA Parthasarathi Chattopadhyay and actor Rudranil Ghosh had also accompanied them on their visit to meet BJP leaders in the national capital.

BJP national vice-president Mukul Roy and Vijayvargiya arrived in Delhi with them.

The TMC, which has been facing dissent from a number of leaders ahead of the assembly election due in April-May, said that those who are leaving do not have long political history.

Earlier in the day, Banerjee said he had a word with Union Home Minister Amit Shah who called him to the national capital.

"After I resigned from the TMC, I received a call from the BJP leadership.... Amit Shah ji told me to come over to Delhi. He also requested me to pass on the information to five other important public figures who wanted to serve people in a better way to accompany me.

"If I get an assurance on the state's development, if I get an assurance that I can work for the betterment of people, I will join the BJP," he told reporters at the Kolkata airport.

When asked what role does he expect to play in the BJP, Banerjee said it is for the party to decide.

"I want to work for the people. So whatever role is assigned to me, I will accept," he said. Instead of mudslinging at each other, the Centre and the government should work together for the people of the state.

Actor Rudranil Ghosh, who has recently been voicing his discontent over the issue of governance in Bengal and alleged corruption in the distribution of monetary compensation to Cyclone Amphan-affected people last year, said he wants to work for people and play an important role in the state in future.

Uttarpara MLA Prabir Ghosal, who recently alleged that repair of a road in his constituency was not being allowed by a faction of the party to harm his poll prospects, told reporters that he would join the BJP.

According to BJP sources, these TMC leaders were supposed to join the saffron party during Union Home Minister Amit Shah's rally at Dumurjula in Howrah on Sunday. However, Shah's two-day visit to was cancelled at the last minute.

The ruling TMC in West Bengal was rocked by a fresh bout of desertions on Friday with Banerjee quitting the party and several other leaders rallying behind him.

Reacting to the development, senior TMC MP and party spokesperson Sougata Ray said, "Those who left don't have a long political history and most of them were inducted into the party by (Chief Minister and party supremo) Mamata Banerjee. In future, the TMC will be careful."



Another senior TMC leader and minister Subrata Mukherjee said, "What can we do if anyone wants to go? Ours is a big party. We cannot prevent dissenters by deploying military.

(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.)
Admin gears up as Hisar farmers get set to protest today

Punjab MLA Navjot Singh Sidhu hoists black flag at his residence in support of protesting farmers

Farmers protests: Internet suspended at Delhi borders

India

oi-Briti Roy Barman

New Delhi, Jan 30: The Union Home Ministry has on Saturday temporarily suspended internet services at Singhu, Ghazipur, Tikri borders and its adjoining areas from 11 pm of January 29 to 11 pm of January 31.

The order stated that it is to "maintain public safety and averting public emergency".

The services have been suspended as the crowd supporting the protesting farmers continued to swell at the Ghazipur border.

Meanwhile, thousands of farmers from Muzaffarnagar are likely to march towards Ghazipur border to extend their support to the farmers.

Meanwhile, all India Kisan Sabha is observing a day's fast beginning at 10:30 am at Delhi's ITO, even as Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh appealed to the protesting farmers to attend the meeting with the Centre and resolve the issue as soon as possible.

Farmer outfits start mobilising peasants in Punjab, Haryana to join protest sites on Delhi borders

Heavy security deployment, including personnel of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), Rapid Action Force (RAF) in anti-riot gears and civil police, was made at the Ghazipur border protest site.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Traffic Police said to and fro movement on the National Highway 24 (Delhi-Meerut Expressway) has been closed.

A day earlier, the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) supporters stayed put on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, notwithstanding the Ghaziabad administration's ultimatum to vacate the UP Gate protest site where security force in large numbers was re-deployed.

Moradabad-Agra highway accident | Gandhi statue vandalised in US | Oneindia News

On a call of the BKU, more farmers from western Uttar Pradesh districts such as Meerut, Baghpat, Bijnor, Muzaffarnagar, Moradabad and Bulandshahr reached the UP Gate by early morning to join the stir, even as the security forces at the protest site thinned out overnight.
The government's top infectious disease expert said Friday he hopes to see some kids starting to get vaccinated for COVID-19 in the next few months. It's a needed step to securing widespread immunity to the virus.

Vaccines are not yet approved for children, but testing already is underway for those as young as 12.

If those trials are successful, Dr Anthony Fauci said they would be followed by another round of testing down to those 9 years old.

"Hopefully by the time we get to the late spring and early summer we will have children being able to be vaccinated," Fauci said at a White House coronavirus briefing.

Fauci was looking ahead to a time vaccines will be plentiful. Even older adults are having difficulty getting shots at the moment. As of Thursday, only about 1.3% of Americans had been fully vaccinated with the required two doses of the currently available vaccines.

Children represent about one-fourth of the population, and for the U.S. to reach "herd immunity," or widespread resistance, about 70% to 85% of the population must be vaccinated.

"Children tend to not become as severely ill as adults but they can still become ill and some have tragically died," said Dr. Leana Wen, a public health expert and emergency room physician, who supports Fauci's goal. "Children can also be vectors of transmission, and getting children vaccinated is important as we strive for herd immunity."

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has emergency approval for use in people 16 and older. Moderna's vaccine is for those 18 and older.

Pfizer's clinical trial for children 12 to 15 is fully enrolled, and the drugmaker could seek emergency authorization from the Food and Drug Administration for children 12 and up sometime in the first half of this year. Moderna's trial for ages 12-17 is still recruiting.

Since the initial tests to validate the safety and effectiveness of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines involved tens of thousands of people, the age-related testing on children can be done using smaller groups.

"You don't want to have to ... go through an efficacy trial, where you're involving tens of thousands of children," Fauci explained. "What you can do, is in a much smaller trial, measured in hundreds to a couple of thousands ... what we call safety and ... immunogenicity." That's a term for whether the vaccine successfully triggers an immune system response.

After a frustratingly slow start, the U.S. is now administering about 1 million shots a day to adults, although that pace is still seen as insufficient. President Joe Biden has talked about 1.5 million shots a day, if it can be done. His administration has set a goal of 100 million shots in its first 100 days.

Two more vaccines from American companies are nearing the stage where the FDA can evaluate them for approval. One from Johnson & Johnson requires only a single shot.

Biden has also set a goal of reopening most schools by the summer, and directed government agencies to work with communities to advance it.

His American Rescue Plan legislation in Congress calls for $50 billion to finance a major expansion of testing, which is seen as necessary for the safe reopening of schools and businesses. That's because robust testing can detect early outbreaks before they spread through a community and trigger shutdowns. Testing in the U.S. had a chaotic start, and experts say in many parts of the country it's still subpar.

Also read: WHO team visits Wuhan hospital that had early coronavirus patients
There is no long-term academic advantage gained from holding a child back from starting school, a study has found.

Children who began kindergarten later were slightly ahead in reading and numeracy after three years, but their advantage diminished in years 5 and 7 and had disappeared completely by year 9, University of New England researcher Sally Larsen found.

Anna Serelas daughters Jaime, Elisabeth and Bianka Polatoglou play at home before they start school. Jaime and Elisabeth started school at 4 and a half Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

Ms Larsen said the results showed schooling itself played a more significant role in literacy and numeracy progress than age discrepancy.

Earlwood mother Anna Sarelas, who sent her first daughter to school at four and a half  her birthday is July 27, four days before the kindy cut off  and is about to send her second at a similar age, said the results were happy news.


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Seoul, Jan 30 : The number of 5G subscribers in South Korea approached nearly 12 million last year since the launch of the latest mobile network in April 2019, data showed.

South Korea's 5G users stood at 11.85 million as of end-December last year, up over 900,000 from the previous month, according to the data from the Ministry of Science and ICT.

The figure accounted for 16.8 per cent of the total 70.5 million mobile network subscriptions in the country.

The number of 5G users picked up in the second half of last year, thanks to launches of new 5G phones, including Apple Inc.'s iPhone 12 series and Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Note 20 models.

The country's migration to the high-speed network is expected to accelerate further with the launches of Samsung's new flagship Galaxy S21 models and cheaper data plans from mobile carriers sold through online retail channels, reports Yonhap news agency.

With the growing number of 5G users, local mobile carriers are focusing on adopting new technology, such as standalone 5G, to improve network quality.

South Korean telecom operators currently support non-standalone 5G, which requires support from the previous 4G LTE network.

Users on the 4G network accounted for the majority of mobile subscriptions last year at 52.5 million, or 74.5 per cent of the total.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
The vaccination drive is already easing the UK's Covid-19 pandemic and is reducing cases as well as protecting recipients from symptoms, early data has shown.

Professor Anthony Harnden, the deputy chairman of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), said preliminary research suggested the first dose of the vaccine is helping to protect young adults and over-80s.

He added that the data, which is set to be published in the next few days, also indicates Britons may benefit in the long-term from a delayed second dose.

The research, accessed through Public Health England (PHE) vaccination records, is mostly based on the Pfizer/BioNTech jab and represents around three to four weeks of the programme.

A total of 445,941 Covid vaccines were administered on Thursday, official figures show, of which 443,985 were given to people receiving their first dose.

The NHS data shows that 344,464 vaccinations were administered across England on January 28 and the total number of people vaccinated rose to 7,891,184.

A woman pictured arriving at an NHS vaccination centre in Wembley, London, yesterday. Professor Anthony Harnden said preliminary research suggested the first dose of the vaccine is helping to protect young adults and over-80s

Professor Harnden told The Times: 'The preliminary data indicate a vaccine effect from the first dose in both younger adults and in older adults over 80. The effect seems to increase over time.

'It is possible that we may get stronger and better long-term protection by a delayed second dose.'

He also said that, in exceptional circumstances, people may be able to receive a jab from a different manufacturer for their second dose.

Professor Harden added: 'There arent results from studies on mixing vaccines at the moment, so we havent got evidence but theres no theoretical evidence why you shouldnt mix vaccines.'

The comments follow politicians in London, Dublin and Belfast rounding on Brussels for announcing controls to stop vaccine exports reaching the UK through Northern Ireland by effectively create a hard border on the island of Ireland.

Anger over the move forced a late night U-turn from the European Commission, which first triggered Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol amid a row with AstraZeneca over slow supplies of its jab to the bloc.

French President Emmanuel Macron poured petrol on the rift yesterday when he baselessly claimed there was no evidence the Oxford-AstraZeneca shot worked in over-65s, despite it gaining approval from the EU regulator.

Meanwhile, scientists welcomed the 'extremely encouraging' results of Janssen's new single-shot Covid-19 vaccine trial announced less than 24 hours after the Novavax jab also appeared effective.

The vaccine, developed by the Johnson & Johnson-owned pharmaceutical firm, is 66 per cent effective overall at preventing moderate to severe coronavirus 28 days after vaccination, trial results show.

Sir Simon Stevens (centre) observes a member of the vaccine team during a visit to the Centre for Life in Newcastle on Friday

Pharmacists administer a dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid vaccination during a clinic held in Derby on Thursday

Novavax announced late on Thursday that its jab was 89 per cent effective following a clinical trial run in the UK.

The results came as yesterday marked the anniversary of the first known death involving Covid-19 in the UK, that of 84-year-old Peter Attwood, from Chatham in Kent.

One year on, the Government on Friday said the death total now stands at 104,371 after reporting a further 1,245 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19.

Separate figures published by the UK's statistics agencies for deaths where Covid-19 has been mentioned on the death certificate, together with additional data on deaths that have occurred in recent days, show there have now been 121,000 deaths involving Covid-19 in the UK.

Experts say the latest vaccine data is another positive sign, with three jabs already approved for use in the UK - Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and Oxford/AstraZeneca.

Professor Kevin Marsh, co-lead of the Covid-19 team at the African Academy of Sciences, and Professor of Tropical Medicine at the University of Oxford, said the results from the Janssen jab trials were 'extremely encouraging'.

He said: 'It is possible that some people will look at the overall reported efficacy of 66 per cent in preventing moderate to severe Covid-19 and focus on comparisons with potentially higher 'top line' efficacy reported for some other vaccines.

'This would be a mistake. The real headline result is that a single-shot vaccine, capable of easy long-term storage and administration, provided complete protection against hospitalisation and death.'

Late-stage trials of the Janssen coronavirus vaccine, taken from a still of an undated video issued by Johnson and Johnson

The UK has ordered 30million doses of the vaccine, with the option of 22million more, with deliveries expected in the second half of this year if the jab is approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Some 60million doses of the Novavax jab, to be produced on Teesside, have also been secured, with the hope that the MHRA could approve it within weeks.

Janssen is continuing trials into two doses of its vaccine to see whether this produces an even higher efficacy.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock tweeted: 'This is yet more good news from Janssen on vaccines.

'If this jab is approved this could significantly bolster our vaccination programme, especially as a single-dose vaccine.'

Johnson & Johnson plans to file for regulatory approval in the US next week, followed shortly by applying for approval in Europe and the UK.

However, the latest Government figures suggest the growth rate, which estimates how quickly the number of infections is changing day by day, is between -5 per cent and zero for the UK as a whole.

It means the number of new infections in the UK is broadly flat or shrinking by up to 5 per cent every day.

The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) said the estimates are based on the latest data, available up to January 25, including hospital admissions and deaths as well as symptomatic testing and prevalence studies.

But it warned that cases 'continue to be dangerously high and the public must remain vigilant to keep this virus under control, to protect the NHS and save lives'.

Based on recent figures, an average of 418,166 first doses of vaccine would be needed each day in order to meet the Government's target of 15million first doses by February 15.
 Flash

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday that with joint efforts of China and Hungary, vaccine cooperation will definitely become an upgraded version of anti-COVID-19 cooperation between the two countries.

Wang made the remarks during a phone conversation with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto.

Wang said he is glad to know that Hungary has approved import of a Chinese COVID-19 vaccine, adding that China attaches great importance to Hungary's urgent desire to strengthen vaccine cooperation with China.

Hungary's approval of the Chinese vaccine demonstrates its recognition of and trust in the safety and effectiveness of the Chinese vaccine, and attests to the fine tradition of the two countries helping each other in times of difficulty, he said.

China will, based on China-Hungary comprehensive strategic partnership, facilitate Chinese enterprises' export of the first batch of vaccines to Hungary, he added.

Wang said China will, as always, support bilateral cooperation in various fields, and is pleased to see more Chinese enterprises invest and develop businesses in Hungary.

China also hopes that Hungary will continue playing a constructive role in pushing forward China-Central and Eastern European Countries cooperation and relations between China and the European Union, he said.

For his part, Szijjarto said Hungary thanks China for its strong support in vaccine cooperation, and hopes that China will speed up the approval process to facilitate Hungary's purchase of vaccines in China.
In December 2020 Russia conducted a multiple missile launch from one of its new SSBNs (ballistic missile nuclear subs). For the second time since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, a submerged Borei class SSBN fired multiple SLBMs (sea launched ballistic missile) in rapid succession. This time the SSBN was off the Pacific Coast in the Sea of Okhotsk and the four Bulava SLBM warheads landed 5,500 kilometers to the west to the Chizha test range, a large body of water in northwest Russia near Archangel and long used as a landing zone for SLBMs fired from off the Pacific coast. The last such multiple missile test was in 2018 when another Borei in the White Sea (north of Murmansk) fired four Bulava SLBMs eastward for 6,000 kilometers and the warheads landed off the east coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Kura test range, a body of water used as a landing zone for ICBMs as well as SLBMs.

As impressive as these two tests were, they did not match the last multiple SLBM launch carried out in 1991 just before the Soviet Union was dissolved. That test involved a Delta IV SSBN launching all sixteen of its R29 SLBMs. While the solid fuel Bulavas could be launched every 3-4 seconds, the liquid fueled R29s required 14 seconds between launches. It took nearly four minutes for the Delta IV to launch 650 tons worth of missiles. The largest launch of SLBMs took place in 1998 when a Typhoon class SSBN launched all twenty of its R-39 SLBMs not as a test, but to destroy them in a public manner as part of the post-Cold War START disarmament agreement. The twenty R-39s did not travel far as they were programmed to self-destruct shortly after launch, which they did.

As of early 2021 Russia had four Borei SSBNs in service. There are four more under construction and two more on order for delivery by the end of the 2020s. The Boreis were the first post-Cold War Russian SSBN and the first one began construction in 1996 but took 17 years to complete. The problem was that the capabilities of Russian shipyards had declined during the 1990s because skilled engineers and workers were free to find better paying jobs and did so on a large scale. As a result, the Boreis currently being built will take about eight years to get into service. The last Soviet era-SSBNs, the Delta IV class took three or four years to complete. The seven Delta IVs entered service between 1984 and 1990 and six of them were refurbished a decade ago so they could remain in service until enough Boreis were ready.

Delays getting the new Borei SSBNs into service were made worse because problems with their new SLBMs these boats continued after the first Borei was ready for service. There were so many missile delays that the older Delta class SSBNs had to stay in service longer than they were designed for. That meant these Deltas were unable to go to sea as often, a problem that was partially solved by refurbishing six of them. As a result, Russia has had few SSBNs at sea during the last decade. The four Boreis now in service and at sea just about compensates for the growing inability of the Deltas to stay out for long periods.

The fourth Borei was also the first improved Borei, or Borei A design, and construction took longer, and cost more, than planned. One feature, adding four more SLBM launch tubes, was deleted. Borei A includes improved electronics and changes to the hull and propulsion system to make the boat quieter and more maneuverable. There are now additional sonar arrays on the sides of the boat in addition to the usual one in the bow (front). There were significant changes to the propulsion system to improve maneuverability at low speeds. The hull now has a sleeker form without the noticeable bump behind the sail (small superstructure on top of subs). One morale-enhancing new feature is a small (four-seat) sauna. There are also larger and more comfortable crew quarters. These changes made the Borei-A look more like Western SSBN as well as perform like one. These changes made to create Borei A were so expensive that the navy can only afford to build ten Boreis.

The Boreis are essential to replace the aging Delta IVs. In many ways the Delta IVs were a superior design compared to the Boreis. There were 43 Deltas put into service between 1972 and 1990. There were actually four distinct models (Delta I, II, III and IV) that varied in size (7,800 to 13,500 tons) and capabilities. Russia had already built a class of subs to replace the Deltas and these were the enormous (24,000 ton) Typhoon/Akula class SSBNs. These proved too expensive to build and operate. Six of them entered service between 1981 and 1989, and to save money, all were retired or scrapped by 2009. One Typhoon is still around to test new SLBM designs. Thats because the missile tubes on the Typhoon are so large that they can easily be modified to handle any new SLBM design. The problems with the Typhoons were a foretaste of worse problems with the Borei and other large subs and surface ships planned. The shipyards could not get it done. Part of the problem was growing corruption, which played a role in destroying the Soviet Union, as well as a shortage of qualified managers, engineers and construction workers to design, develop and build these new ships. Because of all that Russia has had to cope and adjust its plans. In the 1990s it was decided that subs were more important than surface vessels and that meant, once all the budget and construction management problems manifested themselves after the 1990s, the subs always had priority. This led to the cancellation of several large surface ship construction plans and many modifications for submarine construction and use. More subs were retired as they became too old and expensive to operate. Money was always found to keep construction of new subs, especially SSBNs, going. There was also more patience for dealing with the seemingly endless flaws found in the new subs and their weapons. Priorities took priority.

The first three new Borei Class boats were supposed to be based in the Pacific but was changed with only two in the Pacific. One reason for that was the lack of money to refurbish and reactivate the Chizha Test Range near Archangel. This facility was used to monitor ballistic missile or SLBMs test-fired from east to west. The test range on the Pacific coast has been upgraded so that ballistic missiles and SLBM testing could continue and be accurately monitored to measure success, and accuracy, of test warheads. To continue testing the Bulava one of the Boreis had to be assigned to the Northern Fleet.

During the Cold War, most of Russias SSBNs were based in the north, at several bases east of the Norwegian border and facing the Arctic Ocean. But now Russia is spending over $350 million to expand and improve its submarine base on the Kamchatka Peninsula on its Pacific coast. This will enable its new SSBNs to threaten China, as well as the United States.

The Boreis are the first new Russian boomers (naval slang for SSBNs) to enter service since 1990 when the last Delta IV entered service. Borei is the first new Russian sub design since the end of the Cold War. The other two Boreis (Alexander Nevsky and Vladimir Monomakh) benefited from all those delays with the first Borei and were built much more quickly.

The Boreis are closer in design to the Delta IVs and American Cold War SSBNs.. The Boreis are 170 meters (558 feet) long and 13 meters (42 feet) in diameter. Surface displacement is 15,000 tons, and 16 Bulava SLBMs are carried. Work on the Yuri Dolgoruky was delayed for several years because the first missile being designed for it did not work out. A successful land-based missile, the Topol-M, was quickly modified for submarine use. That should have worked but it didnt and failed in many frustrating ways. This "Bulava" (also known as R-30 3M30 and SS-NX-30) SLBM was a larger missile, cutting the Boreis original capacity from 20 to 16 missiles. The boat also has four torpedo tubes and twelve torpedoes or torpedo tube-launched missiles. There are also tubes for launching smaller countermeasure devices that look like torpedoes. The Bulava has a max range of 10,000 kilometers with six warheads and 8,000 kilometers with ten warheads.

The Boreis have a crew of 107, with half of them being officers. This is a common Russian practice when it comes to high tech ships like nuclear subs. Each of these Borei A boats cost at least two billion dollars, in part because money was spent on improved crew quarters. That was necessary to attract enough skilled, and volunteer, sailors to run these boats. The high cost of Boreis, by Russian standards, is partly because many factories that supplied parts for Russian subs were in parts of the Soviet Union that are not now within the borders of post 1991 Russia. New factories had to be built. All components of the Boreis and their missiles are to be built in Russia.

Without the Bulava, the only alternative was to redesign the Boreis to use the existing R-29 Sineva SLBM. Sineva is the last liquid fuel Russian SLBM in service and is used in the older Delta class SSBNs. This redesign would cost billions of dollars, and delay the Boreis entering service by several years. To many, switching to the older, but more reliable, Sineva missiles seemed like a reasonable move. Liquid fuel missiles are more complex than solid-fuel missiles, even though they use fuel that can be stored for long periods inside the missile. Unable, for a long time, to develop the technology for solid-fuel rockets, Russia made the most of this and developed some very effective "storable liquid fuel" rockets. It was only near the end of the Cold War that Russia finally mastered the solid-fuel rocket construction techniques. But only one solid fuel SLBM entered service, the huge 90 ton R-39 for the massive Typhoon SSBNs.

Borei boats have missile tubes designed to hold the Bulava (which is 12.1 meters long and two meters in diameter). The Sineva is 14.8 meters long and 1.8 meters in diameter. The additional length of the Sineva would require substantial revisions in the existing Borei design and the two still under construction in 2018. The only existing solid fuel SLBM that works, and is carried in the larger Typhoon, is the R-39, and it is huge (16 meters long and 2.4 meters in diameter). Much too large even for a rebuilt Borei.

These delays in getting Bulava to work reliably resulted in a lot of embarrassing changes. Thats because, in early 2012, Russia announced that its SSBNs would resume long-range "combat patrols" within a year. On schedule, the Russian Navy finally accepted its first Borei (Yury Dolgoruky) for service on December 30th, 2012. Thus, it appeared that the newly commissioned Yury Dolgoruky would be the first Russian SSBN in many years to make a long-range cruise, as soon as it had a working SLBM to arm it. Mass production of Bulava began in 2013, with the goal of producing at least 124 of them. Yury Dolgoruky finally made its first combat patrol in 2015, although it was understood that only about half of the 16 Bulava SLBMs carried would work if launched. Since then, the Bulava SLBM is considered combat ready but only if you accept that about half of them may not work.

The Russian Navy has made a mess of its SSBN force and has done slightly better developing new SLBMs. This is all about what kind of SSBN force Russia will have in the future and what those SSBNs will be capable of. At the moment the answers seem to be diminished and not much.

The Delta IV refurb included the SLBM tubes and launch equipment so the Delta IV can handle the latest (MU2) version of the R-29 missile. Most of the improvements in the R-29MU2 include the third stage, which can now carry 12 warheads, each able to hit a different target. Alternatively, the R-29MU2 can carry eight warheads and numerous decoys and penetration devices to assist in deceiving anti-missile systems. The upgrade extends the life of the Delta IV 3-4 years which means that by the late 2020s only one Delta IV will still be in (limited) service and, depending on how much money is available, as many as ten Borei's.
A five-day trip to the East Coast for a San Antonio man and his son, who was celebrating his 24th birthday, included a visit to Washington D.C. and a Jan. 6 rally for President Donald Trump.

A souvenir that James Sonny Uptmore and son Chance unintentionally picked up came in the form of four federal indictments accusing them of being violent insurrectionists and a memory book  or statement of facts  of their trek through the U.S. Capitol courtesy of the FBI.

The federal charges against them include knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; as well as violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. The first charge, a class A misdemeanor, carries a punishment of up to one year imprisonment with a maximum fine of up to $100,000. The other is a class B misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $5,000.

EXPRESS-NEWS APP: Breaking news, Spurs scores, COVID updates and more  at your fingertips.

The FBI pieced together how the Uptmores some of the time they spent while in the Capitol, starting with a social media post.

On Jan. 8, FBI agents received a tip from the public that Chance Uptmore was talking about his visit to the Capitol on social media and disputing news coverage of the incident. He also uploaded a photo of himself standing outside the building.

From there, agents matched the photo with Chance Uptmores drivers license and found more photos of him inside the Capitol captured via other news outlets.

On Jan. 17, agents searched the Uptmores home, combing through electronic devices and other property.

On Tuesday, officials confirmed the Uptmores turned themselves in at FBI headquarters in San Antonio to face the charges, which are federal Class A and B misdemeanors. James Uptmore was released that day on a $15,000 bond, while his son was released on a $25,000 bond.

On Jan. 6 after Trumps rally, protesters broke through barricades and entered the Capitol as members of Congress were meeting to certify the Electoral College vote count for the 2020 presidential election.

James Uptmore said Friday he could not comment on his case because of a gag order issued by the judge. Chance Uptmore could not be reached for comment.

According to court records, Chance Uptmore admitted to FBI agents that he and his father were on Capitol grounds when the breach of the building occurred.

The photo Chance Uptmore posted on Facebook shows shows him standing outside the Capitol building, wearing a black winter cap, a brown cloth jacket with breast pockets, and a zip-up gray hoodie underneath. A mob can be seen occupying the steps of the Capitol behind him.

Chance Uptmore told FBI agents that he entered the Capitol building because he was caught up in the crowd, and because it was a once-in-a-lifetime event.

His father followed him into the building after advising him not to enter, court records state. In the photos FBI agents used to track the pair, the two can be seen standing among both Trump supporters and Capitol police.

Chance Uptmore was captured in a top-down photo carrying a dark-colored sling, surrounded by police officers and Trump supporters. He told agents that he lost the sling while he was in the building.

On ExpressNews.com: A new 'MAGA Patriot Party' launched from a San Antonio address. Trump disavowed the group.

In another photo, Sonny Uptmore is seen walking just ahead of his son while carrying a cup in one hand and a phone in the other. They were flanked by several others, including some who appeared to have their Trump flags rolled up.

Chance Uptmore said in the Facebook post submitted by the tipster that he and several others helped Capitol police retrieve a painting that was being stolen by another person.

When a painting was grabbed off the wall we helped the cops recover it, his comment states. The cops were saying stuff like: We stand with you; Thanks for being here; You made your point now leave calmly. I have it all on tape.

Sonny Uptmore also told agents he recorded their experience inside the capitol.

On Thursday, special agent Michelle Lee, an FBI spokeswoman, said she could not comment specifically on what evidence the agency has or what investigative steps have been taken locally.

In general, we are supporting Washington Field Offices investigation by conducting all logical investigation, she said.

As per the conditions of their release, the father and son are allowed to stay in their home together, but they cannot discuss the case with each other.

The Utmores next appearance before a judge is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, the FBI said.
Cultural Revolution 2.0 Is on Americas Doorstep

Commentary

I still remember that beautiful spring afternoon a few years ago when my friend Rosemary and I sat on her porch next to a blooming azalea bush, chatting and waving to her neighbors. All of a sudden, Rosemary said, You know, I really dont care for Trumps idea of building that border wall. What do you say?

I thought for five minutes and said: Well, lets see. How long have you lived in this neighborhood? Fifteen, 20 years? And you know most of your neighbors, right? Why do you still have locks on the doors and security cameras on the walls? Cant you just let them come in your house, eat in your kitchen, bathe in your shower, and sleep in your bed whenever they want to?

I guess I cant.

Then whats wrong with building a wall along the border?

She looked at me and said, You have a point there.

Its rare for the two of us to accidentally touch on a sensitive issue and not argue fiercely. We decided to continue with this friendship-saving approach to deal with issues on which we couldnt see eye to eye: raising questions to probe, rather than making statements.

And it has proven its effectiveness, especially since the onset of 2020.

A few days ago, Rosemary and I were sitting by the fireplace in my living room after dinner. I turned to her and said: You know, Rose, your president just ordered a pause on the border wall. But didnt he call thousands of the National Guard to D.C. to safeguard his own inauguration inside the barbed wire fence? Do you think its odd?

Rosemary shrugged and said: Dont want to talk about him now. Im more upset about the Big Tech censorship. You know, as much as I dont like to listen to Trump, banning him from social media and going after his supporters dont sit well with me. When you told me last spring that a Cultural Revolution 2.0 is coming to America, and that you were frightened, I didnt take your words seriously. What was the biggest warning sign that you saw back then?

Hatred. Hatred on peoples faces, in peoples words, in peoples actions. I know them too well.

I grew up during the Cultural Revolution in China. Most of the people in China are of the same ethnic background, so there is no race card to play. In order to solidify his grip on power and push for his political agenda, Mao Zedong and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) decided to label people in different categories to pit them against each other.

There were five red categories, including CCP members, poor farmers, and low-class workers, and there were five black categories: landlords, rich farmers, counterrevolutionaries, bad-influencers, and rightists. The red side was encouraged to launch a class struggle against the people of the black categories. The harder you crushed them, the more glorified you were.

One of my neighbors, a high school student who joined the Red Guardsa massive student-led social movement on the red sidedecided to show her loyalty to Mao and the CCP by turning in her parents. She claimed that she overheard her parents criticizing Maos motivation and that her mother had hidden a pair of high heels, a symbol of Chinas pre-communist past (The Four Olds), up in the attics. Her mother was taken away by authorities with the pair of high heels hanging around her neck. Her father was taken away directly from work. We never saw them again.

I paused my story and turned to Rosemary: Remember the video you showed me last spring where a kid secretly taped her conversation with her father and uploaded it on social media, calling her dad a racist? I saw another one just recently where an 18-year-old turned her mother in by uploading a video of her mother at the Capitol Hill on Jan. 6, causing her mother to lose her job.

Yet, the kid was hailed as a hero on social media. Did you see a bit of repeating history there?

Rosemary shook her head in disbelief.

Ill add a personal story, I said.

My maternal grandfather, who inherited a small piece of land from his parents, was labeled a rich farmer and overnight, our lives were turned upside down.

I was quite young then and was living with my grandparents so they could take care of me while my parents worked full time. The village head, who used to be the poorest woman in the village, came with a group of poor farmers and announced that they were taking two-thirds of my grandparents farmhouse for revolutionary purposes. The farmhouse had a barn in the middle and living quarters on each end. My grandparents, two of my aunts, and I were forced to live in the west quarter. The east quarter became the villages warehouse and the barn a day care center.

Several months later, my grandfathers nephew came and asked if he could get some wood from my grandparents so he could make some furniture for his upcoming wedding. My grandfather decided to cut down the poplar tree he had planted on the edge of the property when the house was built and give it to his nephew.

I guess someone told the village head that we were cutting down the tree. She came with several poor farmers again and began yelling at my grandfather. The tree now belonged to the village and my grandfather had committed something counter-revolutionary by cutting it down without the villages permission. There was lots of shouting and fist-pounding, and one of the farmers tried to twist my grandfathers arm behind his back and take him away. In the end, my grandfather had to pay a fine and read a self-criticism letter in front of the whole village.

Rose, it seemed so long ago, so far away, and now its looming on the horizon, right here.

Han Zhou was born in China and has lived in the United States for more than 30 years. She uses a pen name to protect her family in China from possible consequences of her speaking the truth.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
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Suppose a month ago someone were to tap you on the shoulder and tell you that stock in Gamestop might change how America's financial institutions operate forever while minting brand new millionaires from a random subreddit and bringing major hedge fund investment firms to their knees. In that case, you'd probably tell that person to get the fuck away from you because "don't you know we're still in a pandemic, dammit!" But, one month later, while you still might shout the same thing and run screaming out of ShopRite, that nosy stranger would be absolutely right.

It's a story as emblematic of our current surreality as any other. Gamestop was/is a struggling business with seemingly few to no avenues for future success. It's a retail chain that sells used games in an era in which hard-copies of games are being phased out of existence. So, naturally, hedgefund investors looked to capitalize on this and "shorted" Gamestop's stock (essentially betting that it would fail) and did so to such a degree that they had small fortunes riding on this outcome.

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But then, hilariously, users on the subreddit r/wallstreetbets noticed how aggressively GameStop stocks were being shorted and banned together (though not officially) to buy the stock in an effort to send its price shooting through the moon. "Can't stop, won't stop, Gamestop!" the denizens of r/wallstreetbets cried, and pretty soon, GME's (Gamestop) price per share grew by the hundreds. It looked like in the battle between Reddit and the Wallstreet fat cats, Reddit was daddy.

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But now the situation has shifted. Many trading platforms, such as Robinhood, have banned the buying of GME, effectively jamming a big ole middle finger in the cogs of r/wallstreetbets. The stock has dropped to under $200 per share as of this writing, and there's no telling if it can get back to its former height of $350+ and beyond. Still, it's all pretty impressive when you consider that it's still way more than the stock of Apple.

It's only Thursday as I write this story. By Saturday, GME could have shot off to Mars. By Sunday, it could be resting somewhere in the center of the Earth. We don't know, and neither do the financial institutions that are scrambling to stop this. But we do know this has forever scared the heeby-jeebies out of some very rich people who own some very many boats.

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Someday, colleges will teach courses about r/wallstreetbets and the forces at work that tried to stop them. Well, that's assuming college is still even a thing that exists in the future. Judging by how insane the past week has been, the one thing we've learned is that there are no sure bets.

Follow Dan on Twitter to learn more about his upcoming projects and find him on his podcast The Bachelor Zone to hear hot takes about all things in Bachelor Nation.

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There has been an essential step forward in the project to declare the Sierra de las Nieves a National Park, and it is one which has been keenly-awaited for months. This week the Cabinet of Ministers in Madrid gave approval to the proposal at its first reading.

This is, however, not the end of this process, which has taken over five years so far. There needs to be approval at a second reading, which is expected next Tuesday, and if this is given the draft law will then be sent to parliament for ratification. No unpleasant surprises are expected from that vote: the two main parties (PP and PSOE) have already said they are in favour of it.

Once the process is completed the Sierra de las Nieves, which is already a Natural Park and Unesco Biosphere Reserve, will become Spain's 16th National Park and the first in Malaga province.

This is particularly important because it will provide maximum protection for the area, especially the pinsapo fir trees which are its emblem. The pinsapo is an ancient endemic species which is unique in the world and is in danger of extinction. The Sierra de las Nieves is also famous for its peridotite rocks, which are very rare in the world, and its flora and fauna.

The process to declare these 23,000 hectares of stunning countryside in Malaga province a National Park began in 2015. The wheels turned slowly, but in 2018 there was some progress when preliminary agreement was given by the Cabinet in Madrid and the Andalusian government. Then, however, things slowed down again, partly because the bill needed to go through the parliamentary process and also because there have been several elections since the project began.

Fourteen municipalities will reap the benefits of the Sierra de las Nieves being classified as a National Park. Yunquera, Benahavis, El Burgo, Istan, Monda, Parauta, Ronda and Tolox are at the heart of the park, while Alozaina, Casarabonela, Guaro, Igualeja, Ojen and Serrato are on the periphery of the area of protection and economic influence. These 14 towns and villages have a combined population of 63,893.

The classification as a National Park will have an important effect on their economies and will also help their battle against depopulation, because of the predicted increase in visitors and the need for accommodation, leisure activities, places to eat, shops etc.

The president of the Junta de Andalucia, Juanma Moreno, welcomed this further step, saying it is essential in order to boost the area economically and to continue progressing towards the "Green Revolution" for the environment.

The Malayalam television audiences are now eagerly waiting for Bigg Boss Malayalam 3, the highly celebrated reality show. As reported, the Mohanlal-hosted show is all set to back with season 3, this February. As per the latest reports, Dhanya Nath, Noby Marcose, and Kidilam Firoz are on the confirmed contestants list of Bigg Boss Malayalam 3.

According to the latest video published by the popular Malayalam YouTube channel Moopans Vlog, actors Noby Marcose, Kidilam Firoz, and social media influencer Dhanya Nath have been confirmed to participate in Bigg Boss Malayalam 3. Sharath Parameshwaran, the vlogger, has also stated that the news is confirmed by his sources in the Malayalam television industry.

In his video, Sharath has also revealed the major changes Bigg Boss Malayalam 3 has been undergoing. According to the vlogger, the Bigg Boss house is situated in Chennai this time. Unlike the last season, where 20 contestants had entered the Bigg Boss house together, this season will have its contestants entering in different batches.

The video also hints that the Bigg Boss Malayalam 3 will premiere before February 20, 2021. Reportedly, the first batch of contestants who are supposed to enter the show with its premiere is currently on the mandatory quarantine that is a part of the safety measurements. In the video, Sharath has also confirmed that Noby Marcose and Kidilam Firoz have already flown to Chennai to participate in Bigg Boss.

Coming to the Mohanlal-hosted show, the format is expected to undergo a complete change this season. If the reports are to be true, the third season of Bigg Boss Malayalam will be highly inspired by Bigg Boss 14, which is hosted by Salman Khan. This time, the interference from the channel is expected to be less. Mohanlal, the host is expected to get the chance to make his own decisions, without relying much on the channel's priorities.

Also Read:

Bigg Boss Malayalam 3: Rimi Tomy To Suchithra Nair, Celebs Who Have Denied Participating In The Show



Bigg Boss Malayalam 3: Is Dain Davis A Part Of The Reality Show?
The cemetery clause stated only remains of white human beings can be accepted

A Louisiana officer who recently passed away was denied access to be buried with fellow officers because he was Black.

When Darrell Semiens family went to pick out a plot at Oaklin Springs Cemetery in Oberlin, LA, they were told he could not be buried there. According to the cemeterys contract, its plots are reserved for whites only, per CBS Lafayette KLFY-TV.

It was just so much a slap in the face, a punch in the gut. It was just belittling him. You know that we cant bury him because hes black, said Karla Semien, Darrells widow.

Read More: Louisiana congressman Luke Letlow dead from COVID-19

Karla took to Facebook to explain what happened after an employee denied her a plot. She wrote, I met with the lady out there and she said she could NOT sell me a plot because the cemetery is a WHITES ONLY cemetery. She even had paperwork on a clipboard showing me that only white human beings can be buried there.

Photo: Karla Semiems Facebook

The cemetery claimed they had not noticed the clause that stated, only remains of white human beings can be accepted. They admitted the contract had not been updated since the 1950s.

On Thursday, the cemetery updated its racist policy.

Darrell Semien Image: Ardoin funeral home

Read More: Denzel Washington on policing, military: I have the utmost respect for what they do

Im sorry. I have no better explanation for it than that, said the cemetery board president, Creig Vizena. I cant answer a question that I dont know the answer to. I refuse to speculate on it. I just know that it was wrong and now its right.

Semien will now be buried at Sonnier Cemetery in Oberlin. He was 55-years-old when he passed away on Sunday of colon cancer.

My dad wasnt any man, he was a phenomenal man, his daughter, Shayla Semien, told KATC-TV. He was a police officer in this same community for 15 years. He was denied a place to lay because of the color of his skin.

According to his obituary, the former officer enjoyed fishing and fixing old cars. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Story continues

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The post Black deputy not allowed to be buried in Louisiana cemetery due to race appeared first on TheGrio.
David George Moore

Its been my privilege to be in the personal spaces of several writers. Among others, Pulitzer winner Tony Horwitz warmly welcomed me at his home on Marthas Vineyard as did William F. Buckley at his place on Long Island Sound.

I have interviewed close to 200 authors. Everyone has their own style with reading, capturing what they have read, research, and then writing. As I writer myself, I have settled on an approach I feel comfortable with.

Professor Barr told me that Yes, I have an office. But I really like to write in coffee shops and outside. So here is a picture of my favorite outdoor space, my office, and a collage of places I wrote making of biblical womanhood.

Beth Allison Barr is Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Associate Professor of History at Baylor University. She is a scholar of European women, Medieval & Early Modern England, and Church History. Her most recent book is The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth

The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth: Barr, Beth Allison: 9781587434709: Amazon.com: Books

Moore: Do you still acquire books as you get older or have you slowed down a bit?

Barr: Not a bit. I love searching in used bookstores and online rare books sellers for early editions of my favorite authors, as well as printings of medieval manuscripts.

Moore: What are the best time(s) and place(s) for you to write?

Barr: Anytime, except between 4-7 am. My second baby screamed every day between 4 and 7 for weeks, and even now (10 years later) I cant focus on writing during those hours. My best writing time is mid-morning.

Moore: How do you capture your research? Old school with note cards etc., or new school with computer programs?

Barr: Both. I keep excel files for my manuscript research as well as journals for my archival work. I use a different journal for every research trip, and that helps me remember which journal to look in for different manuscripts.

Moore: Do you immediately start writing on the computer (perhaps typewriter) or by longhand?

Barr: I write on computer. I open a new word file and put it in a folder for each writing project.

Moore: Do you put marginalia in your physical books?

Barr: Of course.

Moore: Do you read digital books?

Barr: Yes! My iPad becomes my secondary source library when I travel to British archives, so I usually have digital copies as well as hard copies of books.

Moore: What is some good advice you received on writing?

Barr: My undergrad history professor told me to annotate every book I read in graduate school. Best advice I ever received, and I still keep up with it.

Moore: What do you think is your best book?

Barr: Depends on best. The most important book I have written is The Making of Biblical Womanhood.

Moore: Please name a few of your favorite authors from your own field of study

Barr: Too many possibilities, as my fields are medieval, women, and religion! Dorothy L. Sayers is hands down my favorite author and fellow medieval scholar. Katherine French, Judith Bennett, Caroline Muessig, and Lisa Bitel are my favorite womens history authors/scholars. John Mirk is the medieval author of my favorite sermon collection (15th century). Margery Kempe and Christine de Pizan (also 15th century) are my favorite medieval women authors, although Jacobus de Voragine wrote my favorite medieval religious text. Elizabeth Gaskell is my favorite fiction author, after Sayers.

Moore: What is a book you should have read by now, but haven't? This will make all of us sleep better!

Barr: Johan Huizinga, The Waning of the Middle Ages. John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men. Please dont make me read either.

David George Moore is the author of the forthcoming Stuck in the Present: How History Frees and Forms Christians (Leafwood/Abilene Christian University Press). Stuck in the Present: David George Moore: 9781684264605: Amazon.com: Books
An American study published in 2020 shows striking similarities in the methods adopted by the Peoples Republic to target both the United States and India as part of its global political warfare to further its superpower ambitions. (PTI file Photo)

The year 2021 has begun with a bad omen as the Peoples Liberation Army, the military force run by and serving the interests of the Communist Party of China (CPC), repeated its traditional violation of Indian territory, and brutally reminded us of the 1962 invasion, with a renewed thrust into India on Wednesday, January 20, at Naku la in Sikkim, on the Line of Actual Control. This is virtually the same spot where a major clash had taken place on May 9, 2020. If morning shows the day, 2021 could be worse than the 2020 Ladakh, Galwan, Pangong Tso and Chushul-Demchok axis.

We must remember 2021 is the CPCs centenary year and it will be foolhardy to presume the CPC will allow India, or for that matter any of its target enemy countries, any respite from trouble, or that it will leave New Delhi to live in peace. Xi Jinping, the CPCs dictator boss and his countrys President for life, must show self-styled narcissism of being a superpower in the making. The flexing of muscles, suppressing his own people, playing to the Hans gallery its all a part of the wider gameplan.

On the eve of Republic Day earlier this week, it was clear the Dragons aim and design was to devastate Delhi, to bleed India white and to humiliate the nation. It was also to compel the government to incur an exorbitantly high expenditure in the Himalayas. China well remembers how the once-mighty Soviet Union fell apart with the collapse of its economy in December 1991. If a strong, united Communist Russia could become history in one stroke, what would be Indias fate?

Way back in August 2009, Zhan Lue published an article in a publication of the CPC-sponsored China International Institute for Strategic Studies: If China takes a little action, the so-called Great Indian Federation can be broken up. A large section of influential Indians prefer to ignore this because they still regard China as a source of lucrative business, this despite the death of 20 soldiers and grievous injuries to many in Galwan in June 2020. Chinas shenanigans have little meaning for some of Indias urban elite given their supreme indifference to these matters. They simply cant see or choose to be blind to the nefarious games China plays with India, and in India.

The extraordinary gullibility of the Indian State is equally unfortunate. More unfortunate is the constant attempt to underplay, or even cover up, the reality at Naku la, Sikkim. Indias forces, at least, must not allow such trust deficit between the State and its citizens regarding China, which ceaselessly targets this country on every front: from foreign policy to defence preparedness to economics, trade, commerce and banking. It unleashes criminals to penetrate deep inside India, entering through the open India-Nepal border.

An American study published in 2020 shows striking similarities in the methods adopted by the Peoples Republic to target both the United States and India as part of its global political warfare to further its superpower ambitions. The study noted the decline of US understanding to assess the irreversible damage Beijing has been inflicting on Washington in the last 30 years. This is equally applicable to India too, perhaps on a smaller canvas.

Just see the headlines about China on a single day in Indias newspapers:

Chinese using Indian roads for trespass: Nomads asked to vacate traditional grazing areas; Uttar Pradesh ATS arrests two Chinese nationals for fraud and money-laundering; Chinese troops in Indian territory; China trying to undermine India in every international forum.

But despite all that, we continue to keep talking at the military level and otherwise, in Ladakh and elsewhere, but to what purpose? The PLA has dug in its heels in eastern Ladakh nearly nine months ago and shows no signs of retreating. Indias traditional weak-kneed China policy is too well-known and too well-documented. Yet, the fear psychosis born after the 1962 disaster, due to political ineptitude and militarys professional incompetence, linger. It is in fact strengthened by the added lure of financial benefit to a section of Indias trading class. That constitutes the gravest potential danger.

The Chinese have not only sized up Indians but succeeded in what former US President Barack Obama couldnt do: to fulfil his emphatic desire to prise open Indias markets. China has done what Mr Obama couldnt do. The CPC succeeded in opening up Indias markets to its advantage. The one-way traffic of goods is profit CPC and loss India in bilateral trade.

Can the eyes of Indians be opened by seeing how the United States has fallen due to its own collective folly, failure, ignorance, and complacency of the past. The US now belatedly acknowledges that the Chinese resorted to long-term political warfare, in which they are devilishly good, to achieve their mission, as a result of which America faces an existential threat. The CPC doesnt bother to hide its disdain for democracy, the rule of law, freedom of speech and human rights, and is determined to create a new Chinese world order based on its totalitarian model.

The CPC is moving ahead viciously to divide and disintegrate the USA and other foreign nations. The US had so far failed to recognise that China was the real threat. The US had always thought that after the Soviet collapse in 1991, it was living in a unipolar, non-threatening world, that led to the closure of its cornerstone political warfare institutions and capabilities; having dropped their guard for nearly three decades. The offensive and defensive political warfare skills of the US thus simply atrophied.

Today, at many American universities, students are generally taught that the Peoples Republic is a partner and not the real existential threat to the US itself. Theres also a rampant feeling, cutting across departments, that while China is important, but its not my job. An extraordinarily perceptive book, Stealth War: How China took over while Americas Elite Slept, by Robert Spalding III, narrates the agonising experience of dealing with its not my job syndrome which today has brought the US to the brink. Its America today will it be India tomorrow? Or will India precede America? Will Indias elite, which identifies itself with the United States in so many ways, succeed or precede the US in this respect too? Indias future may depend on that.

Post-script: On Thursday, January 28, external affairs minister S. Jaishankar publicly conceded that India-China ties are under exceptional stress. What then is the way out?
The European Commission will issue two letters to the UK government

Irish premier Micheal Martin has welcomed the European Commissions decision not to invoke Article 16 of the Northern Ireland protocol on Brexit.

In an extraordinary move that blindsided both the UK and Ireland, the EU invoked Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol to stop the unimpeded flow of vaccines from the bloc into the region.

Late on Friday night, Brussels U-turned on the move, following condemnation from London, Dublin and Belfast.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke with European Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen to express his grave concern at the development.

Welcome decision by the European Commission tonight not to invoke the safeguard clause of the Ireland / Northern Ireland Protocol following constructive discussions with @vonderleyen



This is a positive development given the many challenges we face in tackling COVID-19.  MicheAl Martin (@MichealMartinTD) January 29, 2021

Taoiseach Micheal Martin held multiple phone calls with Ms von der Leyen on Friday night in a bid to resolve the issue.

He tweeted: Welcome decision by the European Commission tonight not to invoke the safeguard clause of the Ireland / Northern Ireland Protocol following constructive discussions with @vonderleyen

This is a positive development given the many challenges we face in tackling Covid-19.

The move was universally condemned by politicians in London, Dublin and Belfast, forcing an embarrassing U-turn from the European Commission, which claimed the incident had been an oversight.

In a statement late on Friday, the Commission said it is not triggering the safeguard clause to ensure the Northern Ireland Protocol is unaffected after widespread condemnation of its move as part of its export controls on coronavirus vaccines.

The statement read: To tackle the current lack of transparency of vaccine exports outside the EU, the Commission is putting in place a measure requiring that such exports are subject to authorisation by Member States.

In the process of finalisation of this measure, the Commission will ensure that the Ireland/Northern Ireland protocol is unaffected. The Commission is not triggering the safeguard clause.

Should transits of vaccines and active substances toward third countries to be abused to circumvent the effects of the authorisation system, the EU will consider all using all the instruments at its disposal.

EU Com statement tonight confirming NI Protocol Art 16, safeguard clause, will not be triggered.

Welcome news, but lessons should be learned; the Protocol is not something to be tampered with lightly, itas an essential, hard won compromise, protecting peace & trade for many. pic.twitter.com/QLKpfhR9Yt  Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) January 29, 2021

Responding, Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney tweeted: Welcome news, but lessons should be learned; the Protocol is not something to be tampered with lightly, its an essential, hard won compromise, protecting peace & trade for many.

Former DUP MP, Lord Nigel Dodds slammed the EU for what he called a hostile act, which exposes the entire hypocrisy of the Northern Ireland Protocol.

He told BBC Newsnight: Im not surprised the EU is scrambling around having made a complete mess of the situation throughout this week.

It's outrageous. It is a hostile act, as the DUP leader has said, and it exposes the entire hypocrisy of the Northern Ireland Protocol. Nigel Dodds, DUP

What the EU did, in implementing Article 16 and overriding parts of the protocol, this whole approach to Northern Ireland has been based on a hypocrisy and a falsehood over a number of years.

They were prepared, and they still are, to reserve the position that they will in the future if necessary, invoke Article 16 in order to create a hard border in the island of Ireland, for vaccines to help people get through a pandemic.

Its outrageous. It is a hostile act, as the DUP leader has said, and it exposes the entire hypocrisy of the Northern Ireland Protocol.

A chaotic Friday night saw diplomatic channels lighting up between London and Brussels in a bid to resolve the issue.

Neither the UK PM or the Irish Taoiseach was informed of Brussels intention to invoke Article 16 of the protocol ahead of time, the PA news agency understands.

The protocol, which is part of the Withdrawal Agreement, is designed to allow the free movement of goods from the EU into Northern Ireland, and prevent the need for a hard border on the island of Ireland.

Over the coming days Ireland will lie between colder air to the N & an active zonal Atlantic pattern to the S that will feed in several lows bringing rain sleet & snow at times as well as blustery E winds.



Read more here in our meteorologists commentary: https://t.co/ktXtWjbfIg pic.twitter.com/0342vRazOo  Met Eireann (@MetEireann) January 29, 2021

MET EIREANN National forecast issued at 1.27pm on Saturday, January 30.

Saturday: Cold and windy this afternoon with outbreaks of rain, possibly turning wintry over higher ground in the east. However, northern counties will stay fully dry with more scattered falls of rain across Munster. Feeling raw with an added wind chill factor; highest temperatures of 3 to 8 degrees Celsius, in fresh to strong and gusty easterly winds.

Largely dry this evening and for much of tonight with clear spells. However, some frost and ice will set in across more sheltered areas. Later tonight, rain will move into the west and southwest, proceeded by falls of sleet and snow, especially over Connacht. Rather breezy with moderate to fresh easterly winds. Cold with lowest temperatures of -1 to +3 degrees Celsius.

Sunday: Wintry outbreaks of rain, sleet and snow will become widespread on Sunday morning. Some temporary accumulations are possible across the northern half of the country, before precipitation mainly reverts back to rainfall later in the day. However, wintry falls will persist across the far northwest into the evening hours. A very cold day generally with highest temperatures of 1 to 5 degrees Celsius, in fresh southeast winds. It will though be little less cold across the southwest with lighter winds here too.

The rain and sleet will continue for much of the night but becoming patchier with drier conditions developing in places. Lowest temperatures of 0 to 4 degrees generally, but around 6 or 7 degrees in the southwest. Easterly winds will ease during the night.



Monday: Another cold day with rain and sleet becoming mostly confined to the western half of the country by the afternoon. Drier elsewhere with some sunny spells developing. Staying cold throughout the day in the northern half of the country with highest temperatures of just 0 to 4 degrees with further falls of sleet or snow over Ulster. Warmer elsewhere with outbreaks of rain and highest temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees, continuing mildest in the southwest in moderate to fresh east to southeast breezes.



A band of heavy and persistent rain will move into the southwest early in the night, spread northeastwards across the country, with a clearance to scattered showers following. Lowest temperatures of 0 to 5 degrees, but milder in Munster with lows of 5 to 7 degrees. Moderate east to southeast winds will increase fresh and gusty in Ulster with some further falls of sleet or snow there.



Tuesday: Rain will continue to clear through Ulster in the morning with widespread showers elsewhere, merging to longer spells of rain during the day and night along with a risk of hail. A milder day generally with highest temperatures of 7 to 10 degrees in light to moderate southeasterly winds but staying quite cold over Ulster with highest temperatures of just 3 to 6 degrees with fresh and gusty easterly winds. Overnight lowest temperatures of 2 to 6 degrees with clear spells. Mist patches will develop in light to moderate southerly breezes but fresher on southern coasts.



Wednesday: Further showers or longer spells of rain, with a risk of hail, but some sunny spells too. Highest temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees in moderate to fresh and gusty southeasterly winds. Showers or spells of rain continuing overnight but some clear spells will develop. Lowest temperatures of 4 to 7 degrees.



Further outlook: Remaining unsettled with further showers or spells of rain. Highest temperatures of 5 to 10 degrees.
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Northern Irelands First Minister has pressed British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to replace the NI Protocol after the EU sparked a dispute over vaccine controls.

The EU caused outrage on Friday evening when it invoked Article 16 of the post-Brexit mechanism, to stop the unimpeded flow of vaccines from the European bloc into the region.

Brussels subsequently reversed the move following condemnation from London, Dublin and Belfast.

Arlene Foster said it was an absolutely incredible act of hostility towards those of us in Northern Ireland.

Its absolutely disgraceful, and I have to say the Prime Minister now needs to act very quickly to deal with the real trade flows that are being disrupted between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, she told BBC Radio 4s Today programme on Saturday morning.

The DUP leader reiterated calls for Mr Johnson to enact Article 16 of the protocol over delays being face by hauliers.

Weve been asking the PM to deal with the flow problems and indeed, since January 1, weve been trying to manage along with the Government the many, many difficulties that have arisen between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and there are actions he could take immediately, she said.

There is great unrest and great tension within the community here in Northern Ireland so this protocol that was meant to bring about peace and harmony in Northern Ireland is doing quite the reverse.

The protocol is unworkable, lets be very clear about that, and we need to see it replaced because otherwise there is going to be real difficulties here in Northern Ireland.

Pressed on whether that would be in breach of an international treaty, she said: Well it didnt seem to bother the European Union yesterday when they breached the treaty in terms of their embarrassment around their vaccine procurement.

A former politician in Micheal Martins Fianna Fail party said the Taoiseach was furious at the EUs abandoned move to override part of the Brexit deal on Northern Ireland.

Micheal Martin (Brian Lawless/PA)

The action doesnt make any sense at all and it has clearly embarrassed the Irish Government which was blindsided, former European minister Dick Roche said.

I understand that Micheal Martin was very annoyed at it, that he made very strong representations to the commission.

In a statement late on Friday, the European Commission said it was not triggering the safeguard clause to ensure the protocol was unaffected after widespread condemnation of its move as part of its export controls on coronavirus vaccines.

The protocol has already proved unpopular with unionists in Northern Ireland who complain of a border down the Irish Sea.

New Irish Sea shipping arrangements mean the armed forces need to give 15 days notice, complete customs declarations and even inform Nato in order to take materials from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, according to the Ulster Unionist Party.

UUP MLA Doug Beattie, a decorated Army veteran, said the restrictions were a consequence of the protocol, which governs the movement of goods across the Irish Sea since the Brexit transition period ended.

Mrs Foster said a restriction on the movement of military equipment was among hundreds of problems created by the protocol.

Under the terms of the protocol, Northern Ireland remains in the single market for goods and continues to apply EU customs rules at its ports and airports.


Owaisi said in a thread on Twitter that it's not acceptable to say Chinese occupation is a sensitive matter and no discussion can happen. (Photo:PTI)

HYDERABAD: AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, the Hyderabad MP, demanded at the all-party meeting convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in Delhi on Friday, ahead of the Parliament Budget session, that a discussion be held on the continuous Chinese intrusions in Sikkim, Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, apart from the three farm laws and minority affairs.

He said in a thread on Twitter that it's not acceptable to say Chinese occupation is a sensitive matter and no discussion can happen.

There are adequate protections in parliamentary procedure to allow a discussion. We've seen many images and reports in the media. As members of Parliament, we have a right to seek answers from the government, it read.

Owaisi said, From the time I have been elected, there has been only one discussion on minority affairs. I demanded a discussion in this session. I'll submit a notice for calling attention motion or under 193."

He said that he had pointed out the harm being caused to parliamentary sanctity because of the behaviour of BJP members. This has become a pattern with BJP. It uses brute majority to pass laws without any respect for the democratic process and when it faces justifiable opposition on the streets, it backtracks. He said that when the farm laws were proposed his party AIMIM, had demanded that they be sent to the standing committee.

Owaisi said that, "If BJP had followed these processes, it would not have been so surprised by the backlash. Now looking at the opposition, it has decided to suspend the laws by 18 months. This attitude of acting in haste and repenting in leisure not only harms citizens but also damages the sanctity of Parliament," he said.

"Steamrolling Parliament first and then suspending laws is not good for any democracy's health," he added.

A joint Turkish and Russian observation center to monitor a cease-fire between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region started operations after an opening ceremony with senior defense officials in attendance on January 30.



Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov and deputy defense ministers from regional powers Turkey and Russia were there to launch the center, in the Agdam region, according to Azerbaijan's state news agency Azertac.



Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar announced on January 29 that one Turkish general and 38 personnel would be stationed at the center.



Turkish officials had already said the observation center would be located in Agdam, which was captured from ethnic Armenian forces occupying it for decades during a six-week flare-up of the conflict. Monitoring of the cease-fire will be aided by drones.



"Our activities will intensify with the work of this joint Turkish-Russian center and we will fulfill our duty to defend the rights of our Azerbaijani brothers," Akar said in a statement posted on the Defense Ministrys website.



Turkey and Russia agreed to form a joint observation center shortly after Moscow in November brokered a cease-fire agreement that ended fierce fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Turkey was a major backer of Azerbaijan in the conflict.



Turkish Major General Abdullah Katirci and Russian Major General Viktor Fyodorenko will reportedly command their respective contingents at the center.



Under the cease-fire agreement, a chunk of the Azerbaijani territory of Nagorno-Karabakh and all seven districts around it were placed under Azerbaijani administration after almost 30 years under the control of ethnic Armenians.



Around 2,000 Russian peacekeepers are also deployed along frontline areas and to protect a land link connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Armenian Service, Azertag, and dpa
The International Year of Peace and Trust was officially launched at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

The ceremony was attended by the leaders of the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan, members of the Mejlis (parliament), heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Ashgabat, rectors of the country's higher education establishments, representatives of the national and foreign mass media. Representatives of the UN, the Organization for Economic Cooperation, the CIS and other international and regional structures took part in the ceremony via videoconference.

Opening the ceremony, acting UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Christine Weigand emphasized the importance of the Turkmenistan-initiated International Year of Peace and Trust in maintaining peace, stability and mutual understanding between peoples.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov noted that the unanimous adoption at the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly of the resolution declaring 2021 the International Year of Peace and Trust was the result of Turkmenistan's efforts aimed at strengthening the culture of peace and trust in international relationship.

"Putting forward this idea, the head of the Turkmen state emphasized that it is very practical in nature, calling on the international community to back up the adopted document with practical measures and fill it with specific content, Meredov said.

The ceremony was attended by head of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia Natalya German; Chairperson of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly Volkan Bozkyr, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the UN Aksoltan Atayeva; Chairperson of the Executive Committee - CIS Executive Secretary Sergei Lebedev and others. They noted the effectiveness of the peace-making initiatives of Turkmenistan, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as strengthening of global peace and stability.

During the ceremony, the participants discussed the prospects of holding joint events within the framework of the International Year of Peace and Trust. They exchanged views on the development of cooperation between countries, including the activities on the platforms of regional and international organizations in the name of peace, stability and sustainable development. The meeting resulted in the adoption of the Roadmap for the International Year of Peace and Trust.

 TURKMENISTAN.RU, 2021

When we first warned, in November, about the devastating impact of hospital-acquired Covid during the first wave  as thousands of patients who were being treated on wards for other conditions caught Covid and then died  we were shouted down, most notably by NHS England itself.

Its spin doctors first obfuscated and then tried desperately to play down the situation. But it was soon undeniable, with report after report confirming what we had exposed.

I also called for all healthcare workers, including carers, to be vaccinated as a priority, in order to protect them, protect the NHS from collapse due to staff absence, and, most importantly, to protect vulnerable patients.

And if those staff members can't, or choose not to have the vaccine, I said they should be redeployed to non-patient-facing roles.

I believe that, if necessary, having the jab should be written into their contracts.

Saying this didn't make me popular in some quarters. In fact, I received death threats.

Israel, which like the UK has been incredibly proactive in getting its population vaccinated, last week began jabbing teenagers aged 16 and up. Pictured: A teenager is administered the vaccine in Tel Aviv

But earlier this month, Covid-19 Genomics UK Consortium  a body made up of NHS Trusts, universities, research institutes and public health groups which tracks how the virus spreads  confirmed that 80 per cent of community outbreaks have at least one healthcare worker involved. It's proof that hospital infections don't just affect people who go into hospital.

I'm a case in point: my husband and I caught Covid in December from my sister, who'd most likely picked it up while in hospital for routine scans on her back.

With the vaccine rollout steaming ahead, there are signs the tide is already turning  some NHS Trusts are reporting a halving in outbreaks of hospital-acquired Covid.

But it's vital there's no slack in the system  every single staff member, from medics to cleaners, has to have the jab for it to work.

And then who next? Teachers? Police officers? I have another suggestion: teenagers.

OK, at the moment, with the ongoing row between the UK and EU over stocks of vaccines, the big focus is on supply. And, of course, there are worries about this South African variant.

But beyond that, it's vital we begin to think more carefully about exactly how the virus spreads, rather than who is most directly at risk from it.

And that's why, I believe, vaccinating teenagers and then perhaps even children could be the key.

It's true that younger people don't tend to get ill with Covid. At first this was so striking that experts wondered whether children and teens were somehow unable to catch it at all.

But it's become clear that this isn't the case. Teenagers, in particular, are a vector for this disease.

According to the Office for National Statistics, in the first week of January, among all age groups the highest rate of coronavirus infection was in 11-to-16-year-olds.

The second highest was 17-to-24-year-olds.

And you can bet that for every symptomatic case, there are more who are carrying the virus but displaying no symptoms at all  happily going about their lives and spreading it.

Israel, which like the UK has been incredibly proactive in getting its population vaccinated, last week began jabbing teenagers aged 16 and up. Why? There, ten-to- 19-year-olds currently make up 21 per cent of known infections.

When we first warned, in November, about the devastating impact of hospital-acquired Covid during the first wave  as thousands of patients who were being treated on wards for other conditions caught Covid and then died  we were shouted down, most notably by NHS England itself, writes VIVIENNE PARRY. Pictured: Stock image

Israel has already vaccinated a third of its entire nine million population, and moving on to teens is a bid to further halt the spread of infection.

'They are the megaspreaders,' said Israeli government adviser Ido Hadari.

And what of younger kids? In the UK, children aged two to ten were  in official figures  among the least likely to have the infection.

But this is based on positive tests, and schoolchildren are not being tested routinely  it generally happens only when they or someone in their family get symptoms.

Could it be that they carry the virus totally asymptomatically?

Well, that's what we see with flu. As with Covid, younger people are fairly unscathed by flu, but we know they do pass it on.

That's why we started giving two-to-17-year-olds the flu vaccine back in 2014. And it's been a stonking success. In studies, thanks to the programme there was astonishing 85 per cent drop-off in hospital admissions of older people for flu, and a 63 per cent reduction in GP consultations.

Of course, there's that question: does the Covid vaccine prevent transmission? We know for sure it stops people getting ill, but could those who've had the jab still carry the virus and give it to others without realising?

Well, the answer is yes, they probably do. That's why those who have had the jab still need to stick to social-distancing rules for the time being  for their own protection but also for everyone else's.

But ultimately this won't matter as much as people might think.

On Thursday, deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam went on record to say the Covid vaccine 'couldn't fail' to slow the spread of infections, as well as preventing disease, and that research was under way to assess this.

Pictured: A person enters a coronavirus vaccination centre at Westfield Stratford, London

Studies already show that among those vaccinated the virus is around for a much shorter period  a couple of days versus a week or more. In addition, someone will not get seriously ill and be taken into hospital, where we know a huge amount of transmission takes place.

On the most basic level, if you don't have symptoms you'll cough less and so spread less virus. What's more, there is a Covid jab in the offing that may halt transmission as well as illness.

On Friday, the American makers of the Novavax vaccine announced interim results showing it offered almost 90 per cent protection against illness. It works against the new Kent variant, too.

But most importantly, it looks from animal studies that it also stops people from even carrying the virus  so-called sterilising immunity.

If approved by regulators, it'll be going into arms by April.

Of course, no Covid jab is licensed in the UK for under-18s, and it's right for regulators to be cautious.

But in Israel, the Pfizer vaccine has been approved for ages 16 and up. If we followed suit, it could be a game-changer  perhaps more so than giving it to teachers.

As with healthcare workers, success will rely on enough youngsters actually having the jab (nasal-spray versions are on the horizon, too).

Parents will need to consent. Some will have reservations. But today, most think nothing of the flu vaccine  it's just something that kids get.

And undoubtedly the Covid vaccine will quickly be seen in the same way. Simple, painless, and an absolute lifesaver.


The New South Wales government has been accused of favouring Sydney's wealthy elite by preserving the Lane Cove ferry route used by students at one of Sydney's most exclusive schools - all so they don't have to catch the bus.

The decision to preserve the ferry route has been made despite widespread outcry over the government's plan to replace the world-famous Manly ferries.

Transport Minister Andrew Constance last year announced plans to scrap the four double-ended ferries that take 1,000 passengers at a time between Circular Quay and Manly on a half-hour scenic trip across the Harbour.

Taking a Manly ferry from Circular Quay is not only one of Sydney's premier tourist attractions, but has been a right of passage for kids from Sydney's sprawling western suburbs seeking access to the beach for generations.

The boats - known as Freshwater ferries - also generate millions in revenue for the Northern Beaches economy.

The New South Wales government has been accused of a 'shocking double standard' as it plans to cut the iconic Manly ferry service (pictured)

The boats - known as Freshwater ferries - also generate millions in revenue for the Northern Beaches economy

However, the Liberal-National state government now says they are too expensive to run and bad for the environment and wants to replace them with faster 400-seater commuter ferries made in China.

After the decision provoked outrage, Mr Constance agreed to keep two of ferries running at weekends and public holidays only - but campaigners say that's not good enough.

At the same time, the government has reversed its decision to scrap the Lane Cove ferry on the Parramatta River after wealthy private school parents kicked up a fuss.

Two-thirds of passengers on the route are students at $34,000-a-year Saint Ignatius' College Riverview who faced a bus ride to school when Captain Cook Cruises said in December the service was being scrapped.

Wealthy parents and local Liberal member Anthony Roberts complained until NSW Transport said the service would be kept following 'community and stakeholder feedback'.

Labor's Shadow transport minister Chris Minns, who wants the Freshwater ferries continued, slammed the government over the apparent inconsistency.

'I think its a shocking double standard,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

The government has reversed its decision to scrap the Lane Cove ferry (pictured) on the Parramatta River

Two-thirds of passengers on the Lane Cove route are students at $34,000-a-year Saint Ignatius' College Riverview (pictured)

'The government's decision to kill off half the services on the Freshwater ferries will have a big impact on the Northern Beaches tourism economy and keeping Lane Cove will have next to no flow-on effects.

'I feel like they are protecting the services that certain communities need but refusing to do the heavy lifting for the Northern Beaches that have gone through the toughest lockdown and most difficult economic circumstances of anyone in Sydney.'

Mr Minns said lobbying from Mr Roberts and complaints from parents pressured the government to keep the Lane Cove service.

'Fair enough, I'm not knocking the parents - they've got every right to fight for services to their community - but when you're looking at the dumping of a ferry service that carries thousands and thousands of people, you would think that the same standard would apply.'

Mr Minns said lobbying from Mr Roberts and complaints from parents pressured the government to keep the Lane Cove service

Mr Minns said the Freshwater ferries competed with New York's Staten Island ferry and Hong Kong's Star Ferry as the most iconic public transport tourism attractions in the world.

'To just sort of recklessly one day in the bureaucratic flick of the pen destroy what is an iconic service, I think it's so short-sighted and really indicative of a government that's not thinking about where they're going to take the state in the next ten years.

'I would be focussing on keeping these community services alive to make sure the economy stays strong, particularly in this environment,' he added.

Candy Bingham, deputy mayor of Northern Beaches Council, has started a petition to keep all four Freshwater ferries going every day.

The government wants to replace the iconic ferries with faster 400-seater commuter ferries (pictured) made in China

'The main issue is that tourists come to Sydney seven days a week, they don't just come on the weekend. And two ferries on the weekend isn't going to do the job anyway,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

Tourism to the Northern Beaches is worth $500million a year and accounts for 12 per cent of jobs in the area.

Ms Bingham said in 2019 4.4million passengers took the ferries and described them as the 'lifeblood of our area'.

She said large ferries have been running from Circular Quay to Manly since the 1850s and are 'part of our heritage'.

'People don't want to get on little fast ferries, they want that experience. If you Google ''things to do in Sydney'' riding on the Manly ferry is one of the first things that comes up. It's just so frustrating,' she said.

The deputy mayor said converting the ferries to use electric engines or run on biofuels, or only running them from 10am to 10pm instead of 5.30am to midnight should be considered to make them cheaper and cleaner.

'We have had it confirmed that these will run on biofuels, but the replacement - the piddly littler Emerald class from China - are still running on diesel,' she said.

Ms Bingham also said similar ferries in Norway had been revamped with electric engines 'but none of these things are being looked at'.

'It's really frustrating, it seems to be a decision made by the minister and it's all about the privatisation of our ferries generally,' she said.

Candy Bingham (left), deputy mayor of Northern Beaches Council, has started a petition to keep all four Manly ferries going every day. Right: Shadow transport Chris Minns, who wants the Manly ferries continued, slammed the government over the apparent inconsistency

The government has said the MV Freshwater will join the MV Collaroy in transporting passengers between Circular Quay and Manly on weekends from mid-year, when sister vessels MV Narrabeen and MV Queenscliff are retired.

New Emerald-class ferries will replace the Freshwater-class ferries on weekdays, which the NSW government says will be faster and more energy-efficient.

A spokesman for Minister Constance told Daily Mail Australia: 'Sydneysiders and tourists will be able to enjoy trips on the famous Freshwater ferries with the NSW Government confirming two of the four vessels will be retained.

'This decision is about balancing the needs of weekday commuters, tourism and NSW taxpayers, while also acknowledging the community's strong attachment to the Freshwater class ferries.

'Weekday commuters want faster and more frequent services which is exactly why we will be providing them with the new Emerald class vessels.'

We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

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Cadiz Couple Arrested in Princeton on Drug Charges

By West Kentucky Star Staff, WKDZ

PRINCETON - A drug investigation in Princeton resulted in the arrest of a Cadiz pair on Thursday.The Pennyrile Narcotics Task Force and officers with the Princeton Police Department responded to the parking lot of a grocery store where they spoke with 36-year-old Tiffany Tyler Herndon and 30-year-old Nicholas Herndon.Authorities reportedly learned that the couple had been trafficking methamphetamine. A search of the pair allegedly uncovered approximately 20 grams of meth and a small amount of synthetic marijuana.They were both arrested and lodged in the Caldwell County Jail.Tyler Herndon was charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia, driving with a suspended license, no registration plate, and no insurance.Tiffany Herndon was charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine), and possession of synthetic drugs. Additionally, she was served with a Christian County Bench Warrant charging her with failure to appear.
Press Release

January 29, 2021 POE TO ECON MANAGERS: FIND MONEY FOR PEOPLE TO SPEND BEFORE TELLING THEM TO SPEND Sen. Grace Poe asked administration officials to address the problem on unemployment if it intends to gear the economy towards a recovery instead of luring kids to go out of their homes. "They've been telling people to go out and spend to prop up the economy. But before they can spend, they need to have the money to do so. Allowing kids to go out doesn't address that problem," said Poe, a child advocate. The Philippine economy plunged to its lowest last year since 1946 when government first started coming out with the data, contracting by 9.5 percent. On the production side, agriculture, industry, and services all suffered declines. On the expenditure side, only government spending grew as consumer spending, investments, exports and imports fell. "Economists and businessmen have been calling for a stronger fiscal stimulus since last year to prevent the closure of companies and prevent the loss of jobs. If we are to heal as one, we need to listen to all stakeholders. Wage subsidies would have put money in people's pockets so they can spend," Poe said. The Philippines has among the longest quarantine restrictions in the world. Government's special amelioration was only provided during the strictest lockdown, or the two months of the enhanced community quarantine. Ten months after the imposition of quarantine, the National Economic and Development Authority said it will now monitor the employment situation monthly. "Why are we acknowledging the issue only now when businesses have been very vocal about the problem since last year? Sa dinami-dami na ng kanilang inambag, hindi man lang makuhang pakinggan at isama ang kanilang mungkahi sa solusyon? The Philippines is a democracy and constructive discourse should be its strength," Poe said. Consumer spending is just one variable in the expenditure side of the gross domestic product equation that includes investments, exports, imports, and government spending. "If economic planners are looking at consumer spending as the key to economic recovery, what they need to address is how people will have money to spend. I am no economist but they seem to be hyperfocusing on boosting consumer spending as if it was a just a simple solution," Poe said. "Malupit at manhid namang sabihan sa mga taong lumabas sila at gumastos kung nawalan na nga sila ng trabaho at ang mahal pa ng bilihin ngayon, lalo na ang pagkain," Poe said.
Why North Star felt it was key to keep in-person education amid COVID
(TNS)  California officials in charge of the states unemployment benefits system failed for months to heed warnings of widespread claims fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in billions of dollars paid out on fraudulent claims, a state audit said Thursday.The report by State Auditor Elaine Howle said at least $10.4 billion in fraud has been identified on the first $112 billion in benefits paid since the pandemic began. But more claims have been paid since the audit was finalized  the number is now $114 billion  so officials of the state Employment Development Department said earlier this week they now have confirmed more than $11 billion in fraud, and are investigating $19 billion in other, suspicious claims for potential fraud.EDD did not take substantive action to bolster its fraud detection efforts for its [unemployment insurance] program until months into the pandemic, Howle wrote to the governor and Legislature. Specifically, EDD waited about four months to automate a key anti-fraud measure, took incomplete action against claims filed from suspicious addresses, and removed a key safeguard against improper payments without fully understanding the significance of the safeguard.The audit notes that in May 2020, the EDD was warned by the Department of Labors Office of the Inspector General that California was likely to see at least $1.2 billion in potential fraud based on the 2.9 million new claims that the EDD had received in March and April 2020.But some key anti-fraud systems were not put in place until September and October, months after the warning was issued.The audit said it mishandled a problem that arose in September when Bank of America, which contracts to issue debit cards for the state, froze 344,000 debit cards on which unemployment benefits were paid out to claimants.EDD did not have a plan in place to ensure that it could unfreeze those accounts found to belong to legitimate claimants, and it has been slow to acknowledge its role in freezing these accounts, Howle wrote to the governor.The audit said the EDD put its unemployment program at higher risk for fraud by relying on uninformed and disjointed techniques to detect and prevent fraud by those posing as legitimate claimants. It also faulted the agency for failing to establish a centralized unit responsible for managing fraud prevention and detection efforts.A review by the EDD found many addresses with multiple claims: The most egregious example from this analysis was a case of more than 1,700 claims going to a single address, the report said.Lawmakers including Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, D-Laguna Beach, voiced concern Thursday about the audit findings.This audit makes it clear that EDD lost billions of taxpayer dollars not because they were outwitted by criminal masterminds, but because of basic failures and downright inexcusable mistakes, said Petrie-Norris, chairwoman of the Assembly Accountability and Administrative Review Committee.Last year, state officials said they had paid $400 million on fraudulent claims in the names of prison inmates, but the new audit more than doubles that total and puts it at $810 million, attributing it to the EDD failing to cross match the names of unemployment benefit claimants with lists of incarcerated people. That cross matching did not begin for months after the first case of jail fraud was discovered.The audit released Thursday was the second scathing report issued this week from the state auditor about the EDD. On Tuesday, the auditor said poor planning had resulted in the agency failing to pay benefits to jobless Californians in a timely way.EDD director Rita Saenz, who assumed control of the agency earlier this month after the retirement of former director Sharon Hilliard, said in a letter released Thursday that she would take action on all of the recommendations in the audit and noted steps had already been taken in recent months to stem the tide of fraud.Widespread fraud organizations, criminal enterprises, decided to take advantage of the economic stimulus created for those hit hardest by the recession, Saenz told lawmakers at a hearing on Tuesday. These sophisticated fraud schemes targeted unemployment insurance agencies across the nation and honed in on the susceptibilities inherent in the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program created by the CARES Act.Security experts working for the state said crime rings based in Russia, China, Nigeria and other countries have used stolen identities to file fraud claims in the names of unsuspecting people, while other schemes have involved claims filed in the names of prison inmates.Saenz said the state Employment Development froze payments on 1.4 million claims suspected of possible fraud in December to verify the identities of claimants before payments resume, although legislators noted that some unemployed people with legitimate claims have been caught up in the freeze.The EDD also hired the company ID.me to verify new claims starting in October, and the firm estimates it has blocked about 30 percent of claims with a value of up to $9 billion.Saenz said the anti-fraud efforts are being coupled with improvements to get benefits to unemployed people.We intend to restore the publics faith in this department and state governance, she told the legislators.
BYRON, Minn. - Byron City Council members continue to come up with ways to help local businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year the council waived a portion of the city's liquor license fees. Now, nearly 20,000 dollars of revenue for the city of Byron is being put on hold due to the city councils decision to extend last year's waiver of liquor license fees.

Those fees range anywhere from 2 to 3 thousand dollars for each of the seven on-sale liquor license holders in town.

The city of Byron had a limited number of resources to provide assistance to businesses that are struggling during the pandemic.

City Council member Dan Mesenburg says the Economic Development Authority had the ability to to cover funds for the city for a year.

We know it's gonna be a long road for our businesses in Byron. We want to see them all survive through the pandemic so we just thought as an economic development group that this would be a good thing to do for our businesses, he tells KIMT.

Mesenburg says the struggle is not over.

Most of them are only open 50 percent right now, and until we get back to a hundred percent and start cash flowing better, I think even the smallest amounts that can be forgiven, or that they don't have to pay are going to enable them to get back to being whole and making money again."

The Byron Economic Development Authority has also put together a grant for small businesses to apply for financial help of anywhere from 1,000 to 10,000 dollars -- depending on how many applicants there are.

The council is pushing for businesses to take advantage of relief programs through Rochester Area Economic Development and the state of Minnesota, including Olmsted County COVID -relief grant program for local businesses and nonprofits.
An encounter broke out at Lelhar area of Pulwama after which the security forces made the two terrorists surrender.

"Both terrorists surrendered along with two AK 47 rifles before senior officers of police and security forces," Kashmir Zone Police tweeted.

"One terrorist who was injured in the encounter has been shifted to hospital for medical treatment," it added.

Further details are awaited.

(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.)
Renowned Brazilian street artist Eduardo Kobra gave the final touches on Friday to a mural at a school in the city of Sorocaba, in Sao Paulo State, where he hopes to inspire children to read. The mural shows a boy climbing a ladder to pick up a book from a shelf full of Brazilian literature.

Kobra, who considers himself self-taught, said he wanted to tell people they can reach a better place through books. According to a recent survey by the independent Instituto Pro-Livro, an NGO which promotes reading, Brazil has lost 4.6 million active readers in the last four years, with half of the population consistently reading books.

The mural by Kobra takes up the entire side of a building, is 22 meters (72 feet) high and depicts about 200 books. The titles were chosen with the help of Kobra's social media followers, who sent him about 4,000 messages with suggestions. Kobra also said he wanted to recommend reading as a way to feel free while people are coping with the coronavirus restrictions.

(Image Credit: AP)

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Northern Irelands joint heads of government are divided over the Brexit protocol in the aftermath of an EU attempt to slam on the brakes over Covid-19 vaccination supply routes.

First Minister Arlene Foster has urged the UK Government to intervene, while deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill has insisted the protocol must stay.

However both leaders criticised the EU over its short-lived move to override the protocol over export controls on coronavirus vaccines on Friday evening.

Mrs Foster said it was an absolutely incredible act of hostility while Ms ONeill said it was clearly unwise, ill-judged and totally unnecessary.

After invoking Article 16 to stop the unimpeded flow of vaccines from the European bloc into Northern Ireland, the EU later backtracked, following condemnation from London, Dublin and Belfast.

In a statement late on Friday, the European Commission said it was not triggering the safeguard clause to ensure the protocol was unaffected after widespread condemnation of its move as part of its export controls on coronavirus vaccines.

Northern Irelands health minister Robin Swann spoke to the UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Saturday to seek reassurance on vaccine supplies.

Its essential confidence and trust is rebuilt after yesterdays actions by the EU, he tweeted.

We need certainty that essential vaccine supplies will always be able to travel freely to NI, both now and in the future.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: The Health Secretary and minister of health for Northern Ireland had a constructive discussion on the supply of Covid-19 vaccines.

Mrs Foster has pressed Prime Minister Boris Johnson to act, describing the protocol as unworkable and saying it should be replaced,

Its absolutely disgraceful, and I have to say the Prime Minister now needs to act very quickly to deal with the real trade flows that are being disrupted between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, she told BBC Radio 4s Today programme on Saturday.

The protocol is unworkable, lets be very clear about that, and we need to see it replaced because otherwise there is going to be real difficulties here in Northern Ireland.

Ulster Unionist Party leader, Steve Aiken (Brian Lawless/PA)

Ulster Unionist Party leader Steve Aiken also urged London to intervene.

Friday was a tipping point. The EU cynically and deliberately used Northern Ireland in an attempt to cover up their vaccine omnishambles with a political one, he said.

Its long past time for the UK Government to step in to protect Northern Irelands interests.

But Ms ONeill has said the protocol must stay, and that both the EU and British Government need to honour and implement their agreements.

She said the EUs actions have regrettably caused political harm.

The Irish Protocol, while imperfect, must be preserved, she said.

The protocol exists as a solution to avoid a hard border on the island, thereby enabling the all-island economy and Good Friday Agreement to be protected.

Our citizens need timely access to lifesaving vaccines, not trade disputes between the EU and the British government.

The Withdrawal Agreement and Irish Protocol were negotiated and agreed by the EU and British Government, and the onus is on them to honour and implement both.

The protocol has already proved unpopular with unionists in Northern Ireland, who complain of a border down the Irish Sea.

Earlier on Friday, there were calls for Government intervention amid claims that Brexit red tape could hinder the movement of military equipment within the UK.

New Irish Sea shipping arrangements mean the armed forces need to give 15 days notice, complete customs declarations and even inform Nato in order to take materials from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, according to the Ulster Unionist Party.

UUP MLA Doug Beattie, a decorated Army veteran, said the restrictions were a consequence of the protocol, which governs the movement of goods across the Irish Sea since the Brexit transition period ended.

Mrs Foster said a restriction on the movement of military equipment was among hundreds of problems created by the protocol.

Under the terms of the protocol, Northern Ireland remains in the single market for goods and continues to apply EU customs rules at its ports and airports.
Editorials represent the institutional view of the newspaper. They are written and edited by the editorial staff, which operates separately from the news department. Editorial writers are not involved in newsroom operations.
Heres a question: Should we hold police officers to a higher standard than others in our Right to be Forgotten efforts?

Its not an academic question. Our team struggled with it in an actual case this week, and I dont know if we arrived at the right answer.

Before I get to the facts of that case, I have some updates on the Right to be Forgotten. Thats our policy of accepting requests from people who want their names removed from dated stories about minor crimes they committed or mistakes they made. I wrote about it at the end of last year because we received $200,000 in funding from Google to expand it and proactively identify stories that qualify, without waiting for requests.

We started this policy a few years ago and have been at the forefront of what has become a social justice movement ever since. Ive talked to so many newsrooms, lawyers and students about it I cannot keep track. Ive been interviewed repeatedly for stories about it. I always readily agree to talk because in our newsroom, weve often said we wished our industry would embrace the Right to be Forgotten effort and work together on best practices.

Over the past week, that wish took a giant step to coming true. The Boston Globe announced it was starting a similar effort, called Fresh Start. The Globes announcement set off a new round of news stories and persuaded other newsrooms to get serious about it. I talked to newsrooms in Maine and Pennsylvania just in the past two weeks.

I was glad to see that the Globe adopted in its policy a practice I suggested when they called me last year  declining to accept requests from companies on behalf of people. Since we began our effort, some reputation-cleansing companies have popped up, collecting fees to ask media outlets about cleaning the archives. This policy should not be about who can afford it. It cant devolve into another issue that separates the haves from the have nots. Our policy is for all, without cost.

The Globes announcement of its Fresh Start policy is nothing short of huge. I suspect it will spark action by any newsroom that has been on the fence. It will help make this movement even more mainstream. I cant wait to see how it goes in Boston, what they learn and how that might help refine the best practices.

That brings me back to the police question. As Ive been interviewed of late about how things have been going and what we have learned, I have mentioned our struggle with applying the policy to police.

If a police officer is accused of wrongdoing on the job, whether convicted or not, should the stories stay up for people who are arrested by those officers in the future? Police have the ability to deprive you of your liberty. If they are accused of abusing that power, should that stay in the public sphere?

In the case we considered, an officer did something wrong in the line of duty. The officer pleaded guilty to a crime and served a sentence. And after the case was over, the officer took the steps available to anyone and petitioned the court to seal the case file. A judge granted the request. Revealing the name here would be a cruel response to the officers request for name-clearing, so Im not, but if you had the name, you could find no public record of the court case.

If you search the name on Google, though, our stories on the case are at the top of the search results. Even though the public record is officially cleared, the officers crime is available for all to see.

The officer petitioned us under our Right to be Forgotten policy to be removed from the stories.

Normally, if someone has their court record sealed, we grant the request. But this is a police officer. Do people who might get arrested by this officer in the future have a right to know of the abuse of authority the case involved?

Weve struggled with police requests. Weve granted some and declined others. We decided with this case that we needed to come up with a policy.

We declined the request.

After much debate and struggle, we reached a consensus that police officers are a form of public official, and because of the power we give them to remove our liberties in the pursuit of their jobs, the community has a right to know when they are accused of wrongdoing.

Our operating principle from day one was to answer this question: Is the value to someone of having their name removed from a story greater than the value to the community in preserving it? Almost always, the value is greater to the person making the Right to be Forgotten request. With police, we have concluded, the value to the community in preserving the stories is greater.

Im not saying were right. This is hard stuff. But I am saying that a team of people trying to do the right thing came to this conclusion.

Im glad the Boston Globe and so many others are going down this path now. Ill be interested to see how they deal with issues like this. I hope we can learn from them.

ADVERTISEMENT

President Mohammadu Buhari has appointed Yusuf Dodo, a lieutenant colonel, as his Aid-de-camp (ADC).

The new ADC replaces Mohammed Abubakar, a lieutenant colonel, who is due for the rank of brigadier general.

Mr Abubakar is to proceed on a course in February.

Until his appointment, Mr Dodo was the Academy Adjutant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna.

Presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, could not be reached to comment on the development.

Mr Shehu did not respond to an SMS by PREMIUM TIMES seeking to confirm the appointment of the new ADC.

However, The Nation newspaper reported the development have been confirmed by sources in the Presidential Villa.

The new ADCs appointment is coming less than a week after the president rejigged named new service chiefs.

In a statement by presidential spokesperson, Femi Adesina on Tuesday, the President appointed Lucky Irabor, a Major General as the Chief of Defence Staff.

Others are Ibrahim Attahiru, a major general as chief of army staff; Auwal Gambo, a rear admiral as chief of naval staff and Isyaka Amao, an air vce marshal as chief of air staff.

They replaced the immediate past service chiefs led by Gabriel Olonisakin, the chief of defence staff.




NEW YORK and TORONTO, Jan. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - iAnthus Capital Holdings, Inc. ("iAnthus" or the "Company") (CSE: IAN) (OTCPK: ITHUF), which owns, operates and partners with regulated cannabis operations across the United States, announces that earlier today, in a unanimous decision, the British Columbia Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal of Walmer Capital Limited, Island Investments Holdings Limited and Alastair Crawford of the order of the Supreme Court of British Columbia made October 5, 2020 approving a plan of arrangement to implement the Company's previously announced recapitalization transaction (the "Recapitalization Transaction"). The Company announced the initiation of the appeal in a news release dated November 5, 2020.

Randy Maslow, Interim Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company stated: "We are very pleased with the Court's decision to uphold approval of the Company's plan of arrangement. The Recapitalization Transaction will improve iAnthus' capital structure and liquidity by reducing the Company's indebtedness and annual interest costs, placing the Company in a stronger position to capitalize on our national licensure footprint and continue to build out our expanding business."

For further details on the Supreme Court of British Columbia's approval of the Recapitalization Transaction, see the Company's news release dated October 6, 2020, a copy of which is available under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.

About iAnthus

iAnthus owns and operates licensed cannabis cultivation, processing and dispensary facilities throughout the United States. For more information, visit www.iAnthus.com.

COVID-19 Risk Factor

The Company may be impacted by business interruptions resulting from pandemics and public health emergencies, including those related to COVID-19. An outbreak of infectious disease, a pandemic, or a similar public health threat, such as the recent outbreak of COVID-19, or a fear of any of the foregoing could adversely impact the Company by causing operating, manufacturing, supply chain, and project development delays and disruptions, labor shortages, travel, and shipping disruption and shutdowns (including as a result of government regulation and prevention measures). It is unknown whether and how the Company may be affected if such a pandemic persists for an extended period of time, including as a result of the waiver of regulatory requirements or the implementation of emergency regulations to which the Company is subject. Although the Company has been deemed essential and/or has been permitted to continue operating its facilities in the states in which it cultivates, processes, manufactures, and sells cannabis during the pendency of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no assurance that the Company's operations will continue to be deemed essential and/or will continue to be permitted to operate. The Company may incur expenses or delays relating to such events outside of its control, which could have a material adverse impact on its business, operating results, financial condition, and the trading price of the Company's common shares.

Forward Looking Statements

Statements in this news release that are forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including concerning COVID-19 and the specific factors disclosed here and elsewhere in iAnthus' periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. When used in this news release, words such as "will", "hope", "could", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "potential", "believe", "should", "our vision" and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements related to: the Company's financial performance, business development and results of operations, the implementation and completion of the Recapitalization Transaction.

Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date of this release. iAnthus disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise such information, except as required by applicable law, and iAnthus does not assume any liability for disclosure relating to any other company mentioned herein.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this news release.

The securities to be issued pursuant to the Restructuring Transaction have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration is available. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. "United States" and "U.S. person" are as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act.

SOURCE iAnthus Capital Holdings, Inc.

Related Links

https://www.ianthus.com/


Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has recently released a notification for IOCL recruitment 2021 which is being conducted for 505 Technical Apprentice and Non-Technical Trade Apprentice in Eastern India. The engineers and technicians can apply online by visiting the official website iocl.com before 26 February 2021.

The vacancies are available in West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Assam locations. The candidates who get selected for IOCL Apprentice jobs will have to give a written test which will take place from 14 March 2021.

IOCL Recruitment 2021: Vacancy Details

There are a total of 505 vacancies for which the candidate can apply.

State Trade/ Discipline No. of Posts West Bengal Technician Apprentice 123 Bihar Technician Apprentice 40 Odisha Technician Apprentice 32 Jharkhand Technician Apprentice 17 Assam Technician Apprentice 46 West Bengal Trade Apprentice 90 Bihar Trade Apprentice 30 Odisha Trade Apprentice 30 Jharkhand Trade Apprentice 20 Assam Trade Apprentice 30

Note: The candidates are advised to go through the official IOCL notification PDF to know the full vacancy details.

IOCL Recruitment 2021: Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification: The candidates with the following qualifications can apply for the posts.

Trade Apprentice: The candidate should be Matric pass with regular full-time ITI recognised by NCVT/SCVT.

Technician Apprentice: The candidates with 3 years Engineering Diploma in relevant field from a recognised institute with minimum 50% aggregate for General and OBC, and 45% aggregate in case of SC/ST candidates can apply.

Trade Apprentice Accountant: Candidates with a regular full-time graduate certificate with a minimum of 50% marks for General/OBC and 45% marks in case of SC/ST candidates from a recognised institute can apply.

Trade Apprentice Data Entry Operator: For Fresher Apprentices the highest qualification is the 12th pass. And the candidates with Skilled Certificate Holder in 'Domestic Data Entry Operator' are eligible.

Trade Apprentice- Retail Sales Associate: Fresher with 12th pass qualification can apply for the position. And for Skilled Certificate Holders, the candidate should possess a certificate of 'Retail Trainee Associate' for the training of less than one year with a minimum 12th pass degree.

Age Limit: The candidates applying for IOCL Technical and Non-Technical Apprentice Vacancies must be between 18 to 24 years of age.

Training Period: The candidates will be having at least 12 months of training for all disciplines except Data Entry Operator (Fresher Apprentices) and Retail Sales Associate (Fresher) under Trade Apprentice.

CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Posts Technical and Non-Technical Trade Apprentice in IOCL Organisation Indian Oil Corporation Limited Educational Qualification 3 years Engineering Diploma or 12th pass with a minimum 50% marks Experience Freshers may apply Job Responsibilities null Skills Required null Job Location West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Assam Salary Scale null Industry Oil/ Govt. of India PSE Application Start Date January 28, 2021 Application End Date February 26, 2021

Also Read: CDAC Recruitment 2021: 100 Project Engineer And Project Technician Posts, Apply Online Before Feb 15

IOCL Recruitment 2021: Selection Procedure

The candidates will be selected on the basis of their educational qualification and the performance in the written test which will be conducted by IOCL.

IOCL Recruitment 2021: How To Apply

Interested and willing candidates can apply to the post by visiting the official website of IOCL that is iocl.com before 26 February 2021.

Download IOCL Recruitment 2021 Notification PDF for Technical and Non-Technical Apprentice vacancies here
The USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) is pictured as it enters the port in Da Nang, Vietnam, on March 5, 2020. (Kham/File Photo/Reuters)

US Military Slams Chinese Flights Over South China Sea But Says They Posed No Threat

The U.S. military said on Jan. 29 that Chinese military flights in the past week in the South China Sea fit a pattern of destabilizing and aggressive behavior by Beijing but posed no threat to a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier strike group in the region.

The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group closely monitored all Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and Air Force (PLAAF) activity, and at no time did they pose a threat to U.S. Navy ships, aircraft, or sailors, the U.S. militarys Pacific Command said in a statement.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Chinese aircraft did not come within 250 nautical miles (460 km) of the U.S. Navy vessels.

Taiwan reported that several Chinese air force aircraft flew into the southwestern corner of its air defense identification zone last weekend, near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands, including fighter jets and nuclear-capable H-6 bombers.

Regional security and diplomatic sources familiar with the situation said Chinas air force was dispatched on missions beginning mid-morning on Jan. 23, coinciding with the U.S. carrier group passing south of the Pratas.

The Chinese regime, which has long geared its military towards defending itself against the United States, was conducting exercises that would simulate an operation against an aircraft carrier, the sources said.

They purposely conducted the drills when the U.S. carrier was passing through the Bashi Channel, one source said, referring to the waterway between southern Taiwan and the northern Philippines.

That was not just meant for Taiwan. Most importantly, China is trying to tackle the issue of the South China Sea: it wants to stop the U.S. military from entering the South China Sea. China wants to diminish the United States weight in the western Pacific.

The sources spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to the media.

Chinas Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

On Thursday, the ministry toughened its language towards Taiwan, warning after last weekends stepped-up military activity near the island that independence means war and that its armed forces were acting in response to provocation and foreign interference.

The regime claims almost all the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea, where it has established military outposts on artificial islands. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims to parts of the sea.

The waters have become a flashpoint in the Sino-U.S. relationship. Washington has regularly criticized Beijing for militarizing the South China Sea and trying to intimidate Asian neighbors who might want to exploit its extensive oil and gas reserves.

The regime, in turn, bristles at U.S. military activity in the region, saying on Monday that such actions are not conducive to peace and stability in the region.

The U.S. Navy regularly conducts freedom of navigation operations by ships close to some of the islands China occupies, asserting freedom of access to international waterways.

The U.S. Pacific Command renewed its pledge to continue operations in the region.

The United States will continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows, demonstrating resolve through our operational presence throughout the region, Pacific Command said.

By Phil Stewart and Yimou Lee
Optima Tax Relief, 2021 Top Workplaces USA winner This honor is a tribute our staffs remarkable commitment and passion.

Optima Tax Relief, the nations leading tax resolution firm, is proud to announce it has earned a 2021 Top Workplaces USA award. Bestowed by Energage, a research firm specializing in workplace culture, the award recognizes the highest-rated companies in a nationwide survey of corporate workplaces.

Our amazing employees deserve the credit for this prestigious recognition, said Optima CEO David King. Their enthusiastic embrace of Optimas people-first culture is foundational to our success. And its been especially critical this year, enabling us to overcome the extraordinary challenges presented by pandemic. This honor is a tribute our staffs remarkable commitment and passion.

In addition to the Top Workplaces USA award, Optima earned Energages Financial Service Industry Award as well as Culture Excellence awards for Clued-In Leaders, Top Leaders, Communication, and Innovation.

Were dedicated to fostering a positive and inspiring work environment, where people can grow personally and professionally, said Jasmine Thomas, Optimas Associate VP of Human Resources. To achieve this, were continually developing new initiatives that support and nurture our staff. We want every employee to know that their voice matters, and they can count on the company to be responsive to their feedback.

This is the inaugural year for Top Workplaces USA, built on the program's 14-year history surveying more than 20 million employees across 54 markets for the regional Top Workplaces awards. Employees are independently surveyed, with the results calculated by comparing the survey's research-based statements, including 15 culture drivers identified by Energage as key indicators of employee satisfaction and healthy workplace culture.

Optimas Top Workplaces USA recognition comes just a month after the Orange County Register awarded the company Top Workplaces honors for the sixth consecutive year.

An event  held online, due to the pandemic  was hosted by Energage on Wednesday to celebrate the 2021 Top Workplaces USA winners. A complete listing of this years winners has been published on the Top Workplaces website.

About Optima Tax Relief

Optima Tax Relief is the nations leading tax resolution firm providing assistance to individuals and businesses struggling with unmanageable IRS and state tax debts. Optimas commitment to delivering unparalleled service and results has transformed the tax resolution industry and earned the company numerous honors, including the Torch Award for Ethics from the Better Business Bureau of San Diego, Orange and Imperial Counties, and OneOCs Civic 50. Offering full-service tax resolution and employing over 600 professionals, Optima has resolved over a billion dollars in tax debts for their clients, helping their clients achieve a better financial future by making their tax issues a thing of the past.
The Party and State always attach great importance to and pay attention to agricultural development, improving people's lives. The application of new technologies and high technologies is one of the important solutions for agricultural development in the coming time. Also, this January, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 70/QD-TTg on the establishment and issuance of operational regulations of the Thai Nguyen high-tech agricultural zone.

Previously, a number of high-tech agricultural zones were approved by the Government in the provinces of Hau Giang, Phu Yen, and Bac Lieu. In addition, there are many high-tech agricultural zones established by the Provincial People's Committee. Currently, 46 enterprises were granted the certificate of agricultural enterprises applying high technology, meanwhile nine agricultural areas applying high technology were recognised. This is the right direction for agricultural production, especially in the context of the fourth Industrial Revolution taking place strongly. At the same time, it is also a key and central solution to restructure the agricultural sector, creating the outstanding development of the whole industry.

In recent years, high-tech agricultural development has been focused and promoted in almost all localities. For example, in Lam Dong, there are nearly 55,000 hectares of high-tech applications, such as applying a synchronous management system to automatically control humidity, temperature, irrigation water, and nutrition through a sensor system connected to computers, smartphones; and the application of GIS (geographic information system) technology for management and prediction of plant pests and diseases. Thereby, the operator receives the most accurate information on production conditions to monitor and control irrigation, opening the glass roof, to help plants grow optimally, for high productivity and quality, reducing the amount of plant protection drugs and fertilisers in cultivation and reducing labour force for enterprises, and cooperatives. As a result, labour productivity and economic value increase many times compared to traditional production.

The application of high technology has created many high-quality agricultural, forestry and fishery products, meeting the most stringent requirements of many markets in the world.

In order to step by step bring Vietnam into the list of countries with leading agricultural development in the world, in the coming time, it is necessary to continue planning high-tech agricultural production zones; concentrating resources to build essential infrastructure according to planning, prioritising investment in upgrading works with urgent need for production such as traffic, irrigation, and electricity; formulating and effectively implementing mechanisms and policies to support investment in hi-tech agriculture.

In addition, it is necessary to further promote the training of young staff, who are capable and enthusiastic, in order to build a force of scientific, technical and managerial cadres suitable to the requirements of high-tech agricultural production. At the same time, it is necessary to renovate vocational training for grassroots workers towards the application of smart agriculture to meet the production reality of each locality across the country.

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A former director of legal affairs for INTERPOL, Rutsel Martha, has alleged illegality in the arrest of a Venezuelan diplomat, Alex Saab, in Cape Verde.

Mr Saab, an ally of Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro, was reportedly arrested in Cape Verde following a Red Notice issued by INTERPOL at the request of the United States.

The Red Notice is an instrument issued to law enforcement agencies by INTERPOL at the request of a member state to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action.

INTERPOL cannot force authorities in any country to arrest someone who is the subject of a Red Notice.

Arguments

Mr Martha, in an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES, alleged the conditions for the issuance of Red Notice were breached in Mr Saabs case.

When a country asks for a Red Notice, it must first ratify the person. Second, it must provide the case summary and then file its request with the INTERPOL General Secretary in Lyon, France.

According to the rules, before a Red Notice is issued, there needs to be a legal notice issued by the INTERPOL legal department. That is something that definitely takes time. The issuance period for red notice is not instantaneous, it can take at least half a day or longer before you get Red Notice, more often than not, it takes much longer than that, Mr Martha, an author, noted.

His comment was validated by checks on the organisations official website. Mr Martha raised suspicion of the timing in the issuance of arrest warrant for the detained diplomat.

Police Reports on Saabs detention Police Reports on Saabs detention Police Reports on Saabs detention

In his argument based on documents shared via-a-vis the statements submitted by the Cape Verdean law enforcement authority before the court, he said it was established that there was no arrest warrant before Mr Saab was detained.

In this particular case, the arrest took place on 12th of June, in the evening. With the Red Notice that was issued, it states 13th of June. What you must know is that, probably what happened is that when he arrived, America sent a request to INTERPOL when they received information that he is having a stop over in Cape Verde.

At the moment that he arrived, there was no red notice. Because they knew its going to take a long time, they delayed his departure and they did that in three steps.

First, they took time to refuel his private jet. Second, they made him exit the plane which was not necessary since it was a stopover and third they made him buy a visa he didnt need since he was not planning to enter Cape Verde.

Those steps were designed to buy little time for INTERPOL to revert on (use) the Red Notice. I believe that before the Red Notice arrived, he had been detained for five to six hours.

From a legal point of view, you were detained from the moment authority controls your freedom of movement. For that detention, they needed a legal backing which they didnt have.

Without doubt, as at the time they arrested him, there was no Red Notice from INTERPOL nor arrest warrant from Cape Verde. This makes his arrest arbitrary and illegal, he explained.

This reporter shared some of the issues raised by Mr Martha with INTERPOL through its official channel but is yet to receive any feedback.

Existing legal battles

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Mr Saabs legal teams are fighting his extradition to the U.S. in three countries across the world.

His case, challenging his detention in Cape Verde has gotten to the countrys Supreme Court and has continued to generate uproar among citizens in the country.

The detained Venezuelan diplomat has lost twice in Cape Verdean courts but found reprieve in a December 3, 2020, ECOWAS Court ruling which had aided his removal from prison to house arrest.

A Femi Falana-led legal team for ECOWAS court case, recently wrote a petition calling out Cape Verdean authority to suspend all extradition proceedings against the official until its main hearing, scheduled for February 2, in Abuja.

His other legal team also filed an application in a U.S. court planning to hear Mr Saabs case on alleged money laundering.
Russia on Saturday said it will resume issuing visas for all categories of Indians planning to travel to the country by air and to those possessing residence permits.

"In this regard, issuing of visas of all categories (including student visa) to enter Russia via air checkpoints is resumed for the Indian citizens, as well as for persons who have a residence permit," a release from the Russian government said.

The Russian embassy in the national capital said in a statement that the move was in line with a decision made by the Russian Covid-19 Emergency Response Centre on 16 January.

The Government of Russia has issued a directive on 25 January to restore "international air traffic on a reciprocal basis with a number of foreign states, including India".

The flight between New Delhi and Moscow is expected to be operated twice a week.

The issuance of e-visas is temporarily suspended "until an appropriate directive of the Russian government", the statement added.

Further, it also advised travellers to come with a valid medical document confirming negative results of the laboratory PCR test for coronavirus.





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Since the early days of the pandemic, there has been much debate about how to ensure that Congress can do its job, most notably when it comes to voting, in the event that the coronavirus makes it impossible for lawmakers to gather safely. Over the past year, members from both chambers and from both parties have expressed growing support for remote voting. Multiple bills have been introduced on the issue.

For a variety of reasons, neither the House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, nor Mitch McConnell, then the Senate majority leader, were initially keen on the idea. Many people, on and off Capitol Hill, have concerns about any measures that could erode lawmakers duty to meet face to face to deliberate and negotiate  which is a key reason that pre-pandemic proposals to move toward online voting have met resistance.

But extenuating circumstances call for extenuating measures. In May, the House acknowledged the realities of the pandemic and made provisions for proxy voting. Mr. McConnell, by contrast, continued to insist that his chamber could navigate the crisis without such disruptive changes.

The current majority leader, Chuck Schumer, should take a more pragmatic approach. If anything, the Senates new 50-50 split, which makes every members vote that much more critical, makes the need for a fallback plan for voting that much greater. Concerns about the effects on tradition and deliberation can be ameliorated by making any plan explicitly temporary and contingent on specific conditions being met. Mr. Schumers office acknowledged that this is a serious issue and told the editorial board that it is looking into it.

Already, the announcement of Mr. Warners quarantine has prompted speculation about whether his absence could delay Democrats attempts to move ahead with a coronavirus relief package using the process of reconciliation, which allows for budget-related measures to pass with a simple majority.

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 29)  President Rodrigo Duterte signed the measure amending the Anti-Money Laundering Act on Friday, just days before an international financial watchdog reviews the country's policies and decide on possible sanctions.

The new law, Republic Act No. 11521, expands the coverage of activities and persons subject to scrutiny by the Anti-Money Laundering Council.

It now covers Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, particularly transactions exceeding 500,000, as well as real estate developers and brokers engaging in single cash transactions worth more than 7.5 million.

The AMLC is also granted the authority to investigate, and in doing so apply for a search and seizure order or subpoena with any competent court. It also has the power to preserve, manage, or dispose assets pursuant to a freeze order, preservation order, or judgment of forfeiture.

The law states no court can issue temporary restraining orders or writs of injunction against any asset preservation order, with the exemption of the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court.

In 2019, the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force found that the Philippines has not conducted any prosecutions related to terrorist financing due to "deficiencies," noting a low number of asset freezes due to the lack of terrorist designations.

Under the new law, the AMLC can also freeze assets and funds from individuals in the UN Security Council's list of terrorists and their financiers. The AMLC earlier said the enactment of the Anti-Terrorism Act will also help the country avoid being graylisted by the FATF.

Returning to the gray list will merit higher costs for transactions with Philippine banks and other institutions, like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. There could be adverse effects on trade and even remittances, which involves billions of dollars sent home by overseas Filipino workers to their families.
With Republican opposition growing to the size of his $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief proposal, President Joe Biden on Friday expressed his clearest support yet for Senate Democrats to use a fast-track budgetary tool that would allow the legislation to pass with a simple majority.

Asked by reporters as he left the White House, "Do you support passing COVID relief through budget reconciliation?," Biden answered, "I support passing COVID relief with support from Republicans if we can get it. But COVID relief has to pass. Theres no ifs, ands or buts."

Biden has repeatedly called for a bipartisan approach, reaching across the aisle to try to rally support only to be stonewalled by opposition. A few Republicans have expressed a willingness to consider a far smaller, "targeted" package, but none has come close to supporting the level of spending advocated by Biden and congressional Democrats.

PHOTO: President Joe Biden meets with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellenin the Oval Office of the White House on Jan. 29, 2021 in Washington. (Getty Images)

But Biden, who met with newly-installed Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen Friday morning, said he's focused on providing broader relief than most Republicans can stomach.

"We have learned from past crises; the risk is not doing too much, the risk is not doing enough," Biden said.

MORE: Biden's COVID relief package presents 1st test of his deal-making skills

Earlier this week, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer signaled that Democrats are preparing to move forward with budget reconciliation: a complex, fast-track process that requires just a simple majority to pass legislation rather than the usual 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster and move forward. In a Senate now split 50-50, the procedure could allow Democrats to pass legislation without a single Republican in favor, with Vice President Kamala Harris able to cast a tie-breaking vote.

PHOTO: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) arrives during a news conference in the Capitol, Jan. 26, 2021. (Al Drago/Reuters)

"If our Republican colleagues decide to oppose this urgent and necessary legislation, we will have to move forward without them," Schumer said Thursday. "We have a responsibility to help the American people fast."

Story continues

A vote on a Senate budget resolution, which is the first step in beginning the reconciliation process, is expected next week in the Senate. It would then go to the House for consideration.

Republicans are calling foul, warning Democrats that using reconciliation to pass COVID relief will diminish Biden's calls for unity throughout his campaign and in his inaugural address.

"If reconciliation is chosen as the COVID legislative vehicle, it will make the Inaugural speech by President @JoeBiden ring very hollow," Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-SC., tweeted Friday.

Graham urged the administration to pursue a bipartisan path forward.

PHOTO: Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., leaves the chamber after taking an oath and voting on how to proceed on the impeachment against Trump, at the Capitol, Jan. 26, 2021. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

"It would take effort, but apparently very little effort is being shown by the Biden Administration when it comes to bipartisanship on COVID relief."

MORE: Biden to expand Affordable Care Act enrollment amid COVID-19 in new executive order

Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., echoed Graham, telling reporters Thursday that pursuing reconciliation is "going to send a signal to America, and to the Republicans throughout Congress, that this President's message of unity was rhetoric as opposed to substance."

Reconciliation has been used by both parties to pass controversial priorities in the past. According to the Congressional Research Service, the process has been used 25 times since its first use in 1980.

As Republicans continue to sour on the Biden plan, Democrats are left with few options but to go it alone to deliver on Biden's key campaign promise, despite early consensus building efforts from the bipartisan congressional group that helped craft the last COVID-19 relief bill.

That group spoke with White House National Economic Council head Brian Deese last weekend, and some have had additional private conversations. Republicans left urging the administration to tailor their approach more narrowly.

Discussions about reconciliation are "certainly not helpful" to the group's efforts, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, who is part of the bipartisan effort, said Thursday.

Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, was also part of the bipartisan conversations and said he's been working on "trying to convince the administration that they ought to work with us rather than jam something through the Congress with a strictly partisan vote."

PHOTO: Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, arrives as the first impeachment trial of President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., Jan. 31, 2020. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP, FILE)

There is an appetite among some GOP senators for targeted legislation that includes funding for vaccine development and distribution.

"The most appealing thing I've heard so far would be to break out the vaccine healthcare implementation part and have a bill that probably would be almost universally passed," Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., said. "But I dont have any particular reason to believe that that idea, which came from one of our friends on the Democratic side, will move forward."

Many in the GOP conference feel that the $920 billion allocated in the last COVID relief package should be more fully disbursed before another large aid measure is passed. That legislation extended protections for renters, jobless benefits, and other key provisions. Those extensions don't begin expiring for another few weeks.

"I'm not sure I understand why there's a grave emergency right now," Portman said Thursday.

But Democrats counter that time is of the essence, and administration officials made clear this week that the relief package would not be split in two.

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., cited the March 14 deadline when federally-enhanced unemployment insurance benefits - provided in last month's aid package - expire as reason for the rush. The Biden plan would increase those weekly benefits from $300 to $400 and extend the aid through September.

Some Democrats, like Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., have urged Republicans to focus on the priorities in the budget bill that will appeal to them.

And Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., noted that reconciliation does not have to be a purely partisan approach, though history shows that the procedure rarely attracts bipartisan support.

"Reconciliation doesn't require that you only get 50 votes, so there is no reason that Republican's couldn't vote for the package, even if we use reconciliation."

Reconciliation has a long way to go to get across the finish line, though. Democrats are looking to get measures such as a more than doubled federal minimum wage - to $15 per hour - through reconciliation, a feat that even House Budget Committee Chairman John Yarmuth, D-Ky., recently called "a stretch." The budgetary tool is designed to be used in these three areas: direct spending (entitlements, food stamps, other mandatory spending), revenue (taxes), and deficit reduction.

And the wage hike is sure to be challenged by Republicans who say that businesses crippled by the pandemic could not afford the increase.

Still, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., the incoming Senate Budget Committee chairman, insisted that he and his budget experts intend to show that a $15-per-hour minimum wage increase would result in "dramatic deficit reduction."

"I think the argument is that raising the minimum wage is going to have a profound impact on the budget, all across the budget. ... If you're making 15 bucks an hour, you're less likely to have to go on to one form or another of public assistance."

ABC News' Molly Nagle, Sarah Kolinovsky and Ben Gittleson contributed to this report

Biden signals support for Senate Democrats moving on COVID relief without GOP backing originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Loading Mr Druery has fought the FOI release of the travel records since 2018 including through an appeal to the federal Information Commissioner. The documents were finally released in late 2020. They show Mr Druery flew to Melbourne from Sydney on July 31, 2018. The following day he ran a candidates forum where he told a group of micro party parliamentary hopefuls they needed his help to win seats at that years state election. Mr Druery, who lives on a 55-foot yacht at Clontarf marina, flew back to Sydney the following day. The trip including fares, travel allowances and cabs cost taxpayers $1742. Among other notable expenses was a publicly-funded flight to Maroochydore in Queensland on December 15, 2017. A post on the exercise website Strava shows Mr Druery sailed a yacht from Maroochydore down the coast for several days and then caught another flight back to Coffs Harbour. The trip cost taxpayers more than $1100.

An image from Druerys yacht trip to Coffs Harbour. In 2018 Mr Druery helped a record number of parties win seats in the Victorian upper house and in a later media interview he declared the 2018 Victorian poll his best ever election result after more than 20 years of preference harvesting at federal and state level. His method is to bring micro-parties together as a preferencing bloc able to leapfrog larger, more substantial parties. In 2018 the Greens for instance were left with just one upper house seat, down from five. The method relies on group tickets and electors voting above the line for the upper house, resulting in preferences being allocated according to deals struck by Mr Druery and party bosses. In a recent submission to the Victorian government, prominent Tasmanian election expert Kevin Bonham described the Victorian upper housing voting system as farcically broken, resulting in preference flows that did not represent voters intentions.

Glenn Druerys yacht Aphelion. The federal government and some state governments have legislated to curb group voting. Victoria and Western Australia are the only jurisdictions left where group voting allows Mr Druerys strategy to work. Many in Victorian politics anticipated reform after Mr Druerys clear influence on the 2018 poll. But after two years of successful horse-trading with the disparate crossbench, the Andrews government has shown little appetite for change. In 2020 the Labor-chaired Electoral Matters Committee considered the upper house and group voting problem in its review of the 2018 election but found the issues so serious and complex they needed a separate inquiry.

Committee member and Greens MP Tim Read said Labor had kicked the can down the road on upper house voting reform. The government must ensure an inquiry is completed in time for reform before the next election, he said. Meanwhile, Reason Party leader Fiona Patten has pushed for her own version of reform. She and Mr Druery had worked together in the past but in 2018 the two fell out and Ms Patten lodged a formal complaint about him which Victoria Police followed up but then dropped. At the time, Ms Patten said Mr Druery had asked her team for a $5000 upfront fee to join his family of minor parties and a success fee of $50,000 for each candidate elected. In 2020 Ms Patten tabled her own bill aimed squarely at Mr Druery which would outlaw profiteering from elections. The bill has not yet been voted on.

Victorian upper house MP Fiona Patten Credit:James Brickwood This week Ms Patten said Victorians were appalled by the idea that someone like Mr Druery could profit from manipulating group voting tickets. You dont want people making tens of thousands of dollars by setting up preference deals that dont reflect the platforms of those parties and, therefore, that dont reflect the intention of the person who voted for those parties. Mr Druery worked for former radio personality Derryn Hinch and his Justice Party, at the time when Hinch was elected to the Senate in 2016 with a primary vote of 5.6 per cent. Mr Hinch then employed Mr Druery until his loss at the 2019 election. An analysis of Mr Druerys travel records shows that in 2017 he made 16 round trips to Melbourne costing $9406, but in the 2018 election year the figure rose to 31 round trips costing $25,785.

Through this period he held multiple meetings with micro party officials and candidates for the state election. There was also a big increase in his use of taxis in Victoria, from 18 trips in 2017 to 78 the following year, ahead of the state election. Many of the trips were around suburban Melbourne. The travel expenses incurred by Mr Druery  worth $154,929 between mid 2016 and the end of 2018  were part of a pattern of high spending by Hinchs staff. Parliamentary expenses data shows that in 2018, Mr Hinchs staff spent $234,000 on travel expenses, far in excess of fellow senate crossbencher Stirling Griff from South Australia who spent $70,967 while Rex Patrick, also from South Australia, spent $97,654 on staff travel. Mr Hinch spent nearly five times more than fellow Victorian senators Kimberley Kitching and Jacinta Collins (Labor) and Janet Rice (Greens) who spent just over $50,000 on staff travel. Liberal Senator James Paterson spent just under $70,000.

Other publicly funded trips by Mr Druery include attending Mr Hinchs political party AGM in late August 2018 and Mr Druery charging taxpayers $1099 in motor vehicle allowance for a three-day 1746 kilometre round trip to Melbourne from Sydney in early 2017. In a written response, Mr Hinch said the then-president of the senate Scott Ryan had approved Mr Druery living in Sydney while working for the Victorian senator. All expenses were approved by IPEA (Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority). When Mr Druery did private business he paid his own expenses. I have no idea what other cross-benchers applied for or were granted. All Hinch expenses are out there as they should be, he said. In 2018 then-senator Hinch said he believed Mr Druery kept his business dealings separate from his work as an adviser.

HAMILTON, Bermuda, Jan. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Reference is made to the announcements by Seadrill Limited ("Seadrill" or the "Company") (OSE:SDRL,OTCQX:SDRLF) on 30 December 2020 regarding forbearance agreements entered into by the Company with certain creditors in respect of the group's senior secured credit facility agreements.

The term of the forbearance agreements expired on 29 January 2021, and, accordingly, the creditors with whom forbearance agreements were entered into are no longer prevented from taking actions in respect of events of default that may arise under the senior secured credit facility agreements as a result of the group not making interest payments under the group's senior secured credit agreements.

The Company continues to maintain its readiness to carry out a comprehensive restructuring of its balance sheet. Such a restructuring may involve the use of a court-supervised process. The Company continues to engage in constructive discussions in relation to potential further forbearances and to finalise the heads of terms of a comprehensive restructuring of its balance sheet; whilst no agreement has been reached at this point it is expected that potential solutions will lead to significant equitization of debt which is likely to result in minimal or no recovery for current shareholders.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release includes forward looking statements. Such statements are generally not historical in nature, and specifically include statements about the Company's plans, strategies, business prospects, changes and trends in its business, the markets in which it operates and its restructuring efforts. These statements are made based upon management's current plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs concerning future events impacting the Company and therefore involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risks described from time to time in the Company's regulatory filings and periodical reporting. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of these factors. Further, the Company cannot assess the impact of each such factor on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to be materially different from those contained in any forward looking statement.

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

CONTACT:

[email protected]

020 3745 4960

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/seadrill-limited/r/sdrl---seadrill-announces-expiry-of-forbearance-agreements,c3276669

SOURCE Seadrill Limited

By Keith Burbank

Bay City News Service

BERKELEY (BCN)

A horse died Thursday at Golden Gate Fields in Berkeley, the first death this year, according to the California Horse Racing Board.

Three-year-old thoroughbred Staredown died in training at the track at 1100 Eastshore Highway.

Last year, 27 horses died at Golden Gate Fields, according to the state board for horse racing.

"These deaths are a painful reminder of how humans have taken a kind and beautiful creature and instead of creating a relationship that is in the animal's best interest, we've created a profit-driven industry that routinely puts horses in dangerous and inadvisable conditions," veterinarian Dr. Crystal Heath said.

Heath was speaking on behalf of Our Honor, an organization of veterinarians who advocate for creating more compassionate systems for all species including humans via collaboration with industry, government, and educational institutions.

She added that many racehorses end up in slaughterhouses across U.S. borders after their race career, which is 3 to 4 years on average.

Horses live 25 to 30 years, she said.

"I hope we will shift away from this exploitive relationship with the horse to more of a family, guardian and caretaker relationship," Heath said. "These interspecies bonds are very important for the benefit of everyone."

One and a quarter inches of rain fell Thursday at the track, which Heath said may have contributed to Staredown's death.

Activists with Direct Action Everywhere, who advocate for and rescue sick and injured animals at farms, slaughterhouses and other agricultural facilities, are urging city and county officials to do something on behalf of the horses.

"Horse racing has no place in our community," said Almira Tanner, lead organizer for Direct Action Everywhere, in a statement. "It does not align with our cultural identity and degrades the value we put on nonhuman life."

Tanner called for the permanent closure of Golden Gate Fields.

"It's such an amazing piece of property," said activist and Berkeley resident Paul Picklesimer.

He suggested the property, if closed to horse racing, could be used for permanent assisted housing for people without a home, such as the many under the nearby freeway.

Others have suggested that the University of California at Berkeley buy it to house students, he said.

Like Tanner, Picklesimer said that horse racing doesn't seem to be in alignment with Berkeley values, such as compassion.

"I hope the outfit's days are numbered," he said.

A spokesperson for Golden Gate Fields did not respond Friday to a request for comment.

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They were days local nursing home residents and staff will never forget as Valentia Nursing Home in Camolin and Middletown House Nursing Home in Ardamine received their first vaccine dose last week.

After a challenging ten months, the atmosphere was excellent in Middletown when a team from the HSE and public health nurses arrived on site early on morning.

Carmel Conroy Jennings, Middletown's longest staying resident, got her jab with the help of Nursing Director Deepa George.

'I wasn't nervous about getting it done. They gave my arm a good jab and that was it. It was about mind over matter.

'There's a lot of controversy about what people think of this virus and what the best cure is, but a lot of people in the population say that this vaccine is good and I believe it. The way I see it, if it's for good, do take it.

'The nursing home staff here are doing their very best; they are very good and consistent and I can't complain but I look forward to better times and seeing my family, I would be quite insane if I didn't want that!'

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Describing herself as an 'antique', Carmel said that she remembers being told about the last pandemic to hit the world.

'Before I was born, we knew of a whole family that was wiped out by the Spanish flu. My mother adopted one of the children from that family and we looked after them. My mother was County Limerick and my father was County Roscommon, I lived in Booterstown in Dublin and raised my two children. We used to go Wexford in the summer time and I found the Wexford people very nice'.

Carmel's best friend Noel (89), said that getting the vaccine was much easier than he expected.

'I felt lucky to be one of the first to get it. I wasn't nervous before I got it but I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was, it was no problem at all. I was looking for the hole in my arm afterwards and I was happy to see there was no hole'.

Noel said that he found the isolation difficult but, with Carmel as his best friend, he's always laughing in her company.

'Things have got to get better and I would expect they would, as they can't possibly ever be worse.

'Isolation was tough when we were all confined to our rooms for about five weeks or so, but really I was quite happy in my room but I was glad to get out of it. I'm 89 now and I'm not sure whether I want to keep going to 100, I'll make up my mind later on that'.

Finally, resident Mary Johnson said that she read up on the vaccine before taking it.

'I didn't have any reaction to it and I hardly felt it, I'm glad I got it. It went very smoothly and I'd say that was on account of the preparation that was made for us and those who were administering and planning.

'I thought about getting it for a quite a while and I read the material on it. I decided it was the best thing to do and once I decided, I didn't have any problem with it. People have the same ability to find out the for and against. Any questions they're not happy with, they could try and sort it out and make up their own minds because they can consent or not, there's nothing to be afraid of'.

Ms Johnson is looking forward to seeing her grandchildren again this year.

'I didn't find the pandemic very difficult. I spend quite a bit of time in my room anyway, and I've no problem with my own company. I look forward to seeing my son who is in England and my grandchildren but I realise we've a bit to go now before that'.

Over at Valentia, owner Billy James explained that all staff got the vaccine and just one resident decided against it.

'The residents were very philosophical about it and happy, and it was great to see 100 per cent take up from staff.

'We've too far to go still for celebrating but we're just relieved and we have to keep going with what we're doing for the next while. One resident chose not to take it and I was disappointed for him that he didn't see the benefits of it but I suppose it's up to himself, it's not mandatory.

'But it was a great day, all the HSE staff and public health nurses were really efficient, there was a great atmosphere with them as they were all very helpful and positive'.

Getting this first dose was something Mr James described as a relief.

'The experience is fine, you just sit down and it's a little prick in your arm. Some staff's arms were sore and it was a little bit uncomfortable but apart from that, it's a very straight forward process. We didn't have any side effects or reactions, residents or staff.

'Everybody has been working so hard and not every nursing home is escaping Covid-19. When community transmission is so high, especially around us, there's always a risk so this is the first step for us. It's just relief more than anything else as we've a pathway now.

'All the evidence suggests that our only way out of the pandemic is through vaccine, and I've read all the literature and I would encourage people if they are hesitant, to look at the information from the HSE and from trusted sources'.

Mr James said that he and his team will still approach the future with caution.

'We're going to keep doing what we're doing as much as we can, for the next few weeks anyway until we get the second shot. We don't want to let our guard down and that's the advice we've been given. We're all looking forward to getting visitors back, myself included and the spring time is ahead.

'As much as we're keeping up the activities, it's not quite the same. The pandemic has shown the benefit of when people and staff come together for a common goal. The large majority are so compliant and are working really hard for old people especially. It has shown us here in the Valentia the benefits of team work'.

Middletown's activities coordinator Patricia Carroll said that this year has put front line staff to the test.

'At the moment we cannot plan any more activities than before, as there's still the distancing, the masks and everything else. We have to change with the times, and I constantly had to think on my feet to help the residents as individuals. There are a lot of one-to-one activities now, and it'll be like that for a while.

'What I would say to people now is not to let your guard down, it's too dangerous. Although we've all had the vaccine, it doesn't mean we're immune so we have to take it very slowly.

'Since October, it has been dreadful with the winter months, so we're looking forward to the spring and the summer. I want to be able to bring these people outside in the fresh air. It's a long way down the road, but I'm looking forward to seeing my family that I haven't seen'.

Tara Sheridan, a nurse at Middletown, said that the pandemic pushed everyone to the limit.

'It was unprecedented times and none of us were used to this. No matter how prepared you think you are, really until you're in it you're not prepared. But it brought us all together in a way; that we went through it together and we got out the other side, we all supported each other. It was brilliant that we were all there together and got the vaccine together.

'It's very much a family run place here and it's like one big family rather than just a work place. We've learned skills along the way, and having worked through a Covid outbreak as a team here, we've come through it stronger'.

Describing that difficult time, Ms Sheridan said the virus itself is a horrible thing.

'You have to be positive without panicking but still being careful. Anyone who doesn't believe that the virus is as serious as it is, I don't know what world they're living in. This virus is devastating, not just to older people but anyone with underlying conditions. It's a horrible thing and everybody should take it seriously. We need to all pull together and act responsibly'.

She said that the vaccine was a step in the right direction.

'It's not a fix-all solution but at the same time you just feel that our vulnerable people here are getting protected and it was a day we were all looking forward to so much. I had no fears whatsoever getting it. We did our research and our message now would be that everyone needs to get this vaccine to protect each other. If everyone doesn't buy into this, it's not going to be effective'.

Health care assistance Jackie McAssey said that throughout the pandemic, the residents have played their part.

'It was brilliant getting the vaccine, a good step forward hopefully. I feel like we still have to keep doing what we're doing because it's only the first dose, we have to keep going.

'Over the last year, I've learnt that I'm a bit stronger than I thought and it has changed our lives but we have to keep going. The staff here are very good and we all stick together, and that is what mainly kept us going.

'Anyone who is nervous about the vaccine, I'd tell them to go for it and get it, because it'll help us try change this and make it a better place. The last couple of months have been a shock to everyone as we've never been through anything like this before and we still don't know what the outcome will be, but we have the vaccine now so hopefully that'll make it easier for people to live a better life as it is the way forward. If anyone is worried about it, I'd suggest they ask someone about it, someone they know or a family member'.

Finally, general assistant Sheila O'Sullivan said that the vaccine will allow residents to see their families again.

'That day, getting the vaccine, was the first time we laughed in a while. It was brilliant to get it and such a relief. Everything went very smoothly and if you were afraid you were reassured that it was going to be okay. When you got it you were wondering what you had been worried about.

'Back at the start, we wondered if we'd ever get a vaccine but when we did get word, that was a lift in itself. Here in Middletown, we all relied on one another, that was the backbone of the whole thing and we held each other up'.

She said that there is nothing to getting the vaccine and it has given her something to look forward to.

'For those who are nervous about it I'd tell them to sit down at their own table and think about their own family. If everybody thinks about their own, everybody would get the vaccine. You have to think about the vulnerable people who are around you, a neighbour around the corner or whoever it is. It is essential so we can protect as many people as we can.

'What I'm looking forward to personally is just having my family around the table for dinner the way we used to maybe once a month and having a chat and a laugh. At the moment we speak through windows, doors and outside while keeping our distance'.

Deepa George thanked all of the staff at Middletown as well as the team at the HSE for their professionalism.

After Delhi schools reopened for Classes 10 and 12 from January 18, Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has said that all schools for students of Classes 9 and 11 and degree diploma institutions-polytechnics and ITIs will reopen from February 5.

The terms and conditions to reopen schools will be similar to those announced when schools were reopened for students of Classes 10 and 12. As per these conditions, students can attend classes only with their parents' consent, physical attendance will not be mandatory and it is compulsory for all schools and colleges to follow COVID-19 specific guidelines.

Schools in containment zones will, however, not be allowed to reopen and teachers, staff members and students living in these zones will not be allowed to attend.

Sisodia said, "Schools for Classes 9 and 11 students, as well as colleges and degree diploma institutions will reopen in Delhi from February 5, following COVID protocols. The students will attend classes in a staggered manner and with the permission of parents."

Also read: NITI Aayog lauds 'landmark transformation' in Delhi govt schools; awards top NAS score of 44.73

He added while it was not possible to make up for the loss in learning due to the pandemic, reopening of schools and colleges was to ensure that students can prepare better for their internal and practical assessments. As per the Directorate of Education's (DOE) examination instructions, projects and internal assessments for Class 11 practicals will be conducted at school level from March 1.

For Class 9, the DOE said schools may conduct the first and second periodic assessments in the fourth week of February and third week of March respectively while maintaining COVID-19 appropriate behavior.

Manish Sisodia had earlier stated the schools in the national capital will be allowed to reopen only once the COVID-19 vaccine is made available. This decision was taken to ensure safety of students, teachers and staff members.

Also read: Delhi schools to reopen for Class 10, 12 from Jan 18
File image: Policemen stand guard near the Israeli Embassy after a blast in the area in New Delhi, India on January 29, 2021. (Image: AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

The low-intensity blast near the Israeli embassy in New Delhi on January 29 may be a trial of some bigger conspiracy, news agency ANI reported, citing sources in the Delhi Police.

The police in the national capital, who are on high alert, reportedly confirmed that ammonium nitrate was used in the explosion that damaged some vehicles but did not injure anyone.

Police recovered CCTV footage, a burnt pink scarf and an envelope addressed to the Israeli ambassador from the blast site, the news report said. The envelope was found 12 yards away from the blast site. Fingerprints were being traced and contents examined.

The Delhi Police said that the improvised explosive device (IED) went off at 5.05 pm.

On January 29, news agency Reuters reported citing an Israeli official that they were treating it as a terrorist incident.

The blast took place when President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were present a few kilometres away at the annual Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said he had spoken to his Israeli counterpart Gabi Ashkenazi.

"We take this very seriously," he said on Twitter. "Assured him (Ashkenazi) of the fullest protection for the embassy and Israeli diplomats. Matter is under investigation and no effort will be spared to find the culprits," Jaishankar added.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) issued an alert for all airports following the incident. A separate "high alert" was issued by the Mumbai Police, with security being tightened in the city.

(With inputs from PTI)
Tom Cruise's Mission Impossible crew have branded production a 'nightmare' as they fear being stranded abroad after the UK government closed the nation's borders.

Sources claim staff are terrified they'll be unable to travel home after filming for the action blockbuster relocated to the United Arab Emirates earlier this month.

The seventh film in the Mission Impossible has been hit with multiple delays after filming was halted last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Worry: Tom Cruise's Mission Impossible crew have branded production a 'nightmare' as they fear being stranded abroad after the UK government closed the nation's borders

A source told The Sun: 'But the hope was that after the pre-Christmas rows and delays, filming out in the UAE could give the crew more freedom to make headway without hold-ups.

'Sadly that has come at a price after the UK shut its borders, and now many of the production team  especially the more junior staff who aren't on big salaries  are up in arms and just want to go home.'

Another source said that star Tom, 58, is adamant filming will be completed in time for Mission Impossible's planned release date of November 2021.

They said: 'He's the most determined person. It's impressive, but a nightmare.'

Concerns: Sources claim staff are terrified they'll be unable to travel home after filming for the action blockbuster relocated to the United Arab Emirates (pictured filming in Rome in 2020)

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Tom Cruise and Paramount for comment.

Earlier this week Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that travel bans would be introduced for counties with high-rates or COVID-19 cases or new strains of the virus.

Among them was the UAE, which has seen much attention after a slew of influencers and reality TV stars faced backlash for travelling there.

As of Friday all arrivals who have been in one of the 'red list' countries will have to self-isolate immediately for 10 days, and will not be able to reduce their quarantine with a negative test.

Since then all flights to the UK from Dubai have been suspended, though indirect routes will continue to operate.

It comes amid reports that Tom has built a COVID-19 secure studio to complete his upcoming blockbuster.

According to The Sun, the actor is spending millions to adapt a former military base for filming to ensure the rest of the production goes off without a hitch.

Production was thought to be moving to a former tank design base in Longcross in Surrey from Leavesden in Hertfordshire.

It will happen! Another source said that star Tom is adamant filming will be completed in time for Mission Impossible's planned release date of November 2021

It comes after claims that five crew members 'quit' after the actor 'launched into a second rant' following his fury about staff breaking COVID rules.

The actor is said to have given staff a dressing down after he caught them breaking UK COVID-19 rules at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden.

A source claimed after news of the first outburst was made public that there has been 'more anger' at the already 'tense' production.

MailOnline contacted Tom Cruise's representatives for a comment at the time.

It was also previously reported that the star scolded workers who flouted social distancing rules while filming at Warner Bros. Studios.

Controversy: It comes after claims that five crew members 'quit' after the actor 'launched into a second rant' following his fury about staff breaking COVID rules

Invoking the no-nonsense attitude of his character, Ethan Hunt, the actor is said to have told them 'If I see you doing it again, you're f***ing gone'.

The paper said the dressing down was recorded on an audio tape, in which he is heard to add: 'And if anyone in this crew does it, that's it  and you too and you too.

'And you, don't you ever f***ing do it again. We are not shutting this f***ing movie down.'

The American actor was reportedly angered after seeing the pair stood less than a metre away from each other at a computer screen.
YSRC MP V. Vijaya Sai Reddy, who attended the Parliament session, said that YSRC has decided to propose amendments to the presidential address during his motion of thanks to the presidential address.  PTI

VIJAYAWADA: While majority of opposition parties have boycotted the presidential address demanding cancellation of the three new agriculture laws ahead of Parliaments budget session on Friday, ruling YSR Congress and principle opposition Telugu Desam did not do so, though they supported protests of farmers in AP against the three new laws.

Earlier, ruling YSRC and opposition had supported the farm bills in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. But subsequently, they staged protests in Andhra Pradesh against the farm laws. TD supported farmers unions and associations protests and agitations against the three new laws terming them as black acts. YSRC also expressed its sympathy towards the agitators.

Interestingly, ruling YSRC, which had supported the new laws in Parliament, went on to support Bharat Bandh called by opposition parties on December 8 in support of farmers demanding cancellation of three new agriculture laws.

TD criticised the action of YSRC of supporting agriculture laws in Parliament and objecting to the same outside the Parliament. TD leaders at the time claimed that they had proposed amendments to the new agriculture laws in support of farmers and they would continue their fight for the rights of farmers.

Meanwhile, YSRC MP V. Vijaya Sai Reddy, who attended the Parliament session, said that YSRC has decided to propose amendments to the presidential address during his motion of thanks to the presidential address. He said YSRC has proposed a private bill for establishment of a National Commission for Farmers and increase of budgetary allocations to agriculture.

The ruling party MP further said that in the parliaments budget session, YSRC members are going to demand a special railway zone at Visakhapatnam, national status for Polavaram, special category status to AP in accordance with AP Reorganisation Act, and minimum support price for all agriculture produce.

Tottenham's players were left stunned at an angry dressing-room outburst by defender Serge Aurier during the defeat by Liverpool, with sources claiming he is now fighting to save his career at the club.

Sportsmail revealed on Thursday that the Ivory Coast international had stormed out of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at half-time after he was substituted by Jose Mourinho during the interval.

Team-mates were said to be shocked at his reaction to being taken off by the Portuguese, who was fuming at the defending for Liverpool's goal just before the break.

Serge Aurier was replaced at half-time in Tottenham's 3-1 defeat by Liverpool on Thursday before storming out the ground following a dressing room outburst

And there are now major question marks over the right back's prospects for next season, particularly given he has entered the final 18 months of his contract.

There was fury at the poor defensive errors that led to Roberto Firmino's opener just before the break in Tottenham's 3-1 loss which sparked angry exchanges between players.

Speaking before Sportsmail learned of Aurier's exit, Jose Mourinho said of the half-time team talk: 'It was the mood of team that was difficult to accept you are losing.

'It's difficult to accept the nature of the goal because the goal is in some aspects a replica of the chance they had in the first minute. So it's, of course, a mood where people is not happy.'

Sources claim it 'kicked off' in the home dressing room at half-time.

Aurier and the rest of the Spurs defence were heavily criticised for poor defending in the defeat by Liverpool at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Roberto Firmino poked home the opening goal on the cusp of half-time for Liverpool as Aurier and Eric Dier look among the home side's defence

Meanwhile, star striker Harry Kane is facing a 'few weeks' on the sidelines after suffering blows to both ankles in the loss.

Kane limped off at half-time after taking blows to each ankle. The striker's joints were both swollen as he left the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium sparking major concern of a lengthy lay off.

The striker will undergo assessments and scans over the next 48 hours - but Mourinho said: 'Two ankles, the first was a bad tackle, it was Thiago, the second one I didn't know well.

'But two injuries in both ankles, the second one worst than the first one - a few weeks, I don't know.

'For Harry to leave a game when he wants to play - it's not a nothing injury. How long we have to wait and see.'
Residents undergo Covid-19 tests at a makeshift testing center inside a residential compound in Shijiazhuang, in northern Hebei Province on Jan. 16, 2021.(STR/CNS/AFP via Getty Images)

Current Virus Hotspot in China Was Once Praised by Regime for Successful Prevention Work

Gaocheng district of Shijiazhuang city, Hebei Province, is one of the hardest-hit regions in the latest resurgence of the CCP virus in China.

The entire district was designated by authorities as an area at high-risk for virus spread.

Despite lockdown measures, the outbreak continued to worsen.

In recent weeks, officials were dismissed for failing to contain the outbreak effectively.

On Jan. 6, Feng Zhiqiang, deputy district head of Gaocheng district and three others were questioned by the Party for their ineffective epidemic prevention. Feng was also given an administrative warning.

On Jan. 21, the official website of Gaocheng district announced that the local Party Secretary Zhang Juhua and district mayor Yuan Lihua were dismissed.

Since Jan. 25, all residents in Shijiazhuangs medium and high-risk regions were required to take COVID-19 nucleic acid tests once every two days.

The Epoch Times has recently obtained two internal documents issued by the Hebei provincial government last year, whereby it described Gaocheng district was praised as a model for fighting the epidemic and getting businesses to reopen.

One document contained notes from the Shijiazhuang Party Secretary Xing Guohuis speech on March 5, 2020. During the speech, he praised Gaocheng districts virus prevention efforts.

The work done in the counties, urban areas, and this section is good, especially in Gaocheng. The resumption rate of companies has reached 100 percent. The resumption of operations for small and medium-sized businesses has also topped other areas. The production rate is also very high.

Xing also said that Hebeis rural areas were doing well. I have been to many places in rural areas, and the Party organizations arrangements are very powerful, Xing said, according to the document.

However, the outbreak in Gaocheng district this time has been concentrated in rural areas, such as in Xiaoguozhuang village.

The Epoch Times also obtained an internal briefing, dated Feb. 25, 2020, issued by the Gaocheng district economic development zone.

An internal briefing about Gaocheng districts efforts to reopen businesses during the pandemic. (Provided to The Epoch Times)

The briefing was about reopening businesses and resuming production. The document boasted that Gaocheng district grasped economic and social development.

The briefing stated that as of Feb 25, all 14 companies of a designated size that were located at a local industrial park had started production, 7 enterprises of smaller sizes resumed production, and construction sites also partially started

In March last year, Chinese media reported that though some workplaces in the country reopened, production could not resume normal capacity right away.

As countries around the world were also hit by the pandemic, factories that primarily manufactured products for export did not receive enough orders and struggled to remain open.
MASON CITY, Iowa  Full-time in-person classes are scheduled to resume February 15 in the Mason City Community School District.

That follows Governor Kim Reynolds signing legislature on Friday requiring school districts to provide full-time in-class learning to parents who request it. Mason City schools will still offer continuous online learning for parents who prefer that option.

The school district says it will communicate with all families by February 5 on specific student schedules and how to request online learning. In-person classes will follow the approved school calendar, with includes early dismissal on Wednesdays to allow school staff time to prepare online learning materials.

Good morning, New Jersey.

Got the bread and milk? Theres a winter storm coming that could give us our first real snow of the year, and temperatures may not get above freezing for days. But dont panic, weve always got you covered with the latest weather forecasts and the information you need.

I promised myself (and my editor) not to spend another week bitching about the slapdash process of vaccine distribution in New Jersey. Its almost too frustrating, on too many levels, to explain unless youre in the thick of it, trying to track down appointments.

Certainly, some vaccines are getting out, and the Biden administration says more are on the way, so there are signs this mess may unravel itself. Gov. Murphys tour-de-megasites continues, and his Twitter feed is always stocked with folks raving about how easily their shots went. So well give them a break on that topic, for the moment.

Instead, lets talk about Ajila Nelson, and the bravery she showed this week.

Nelson, 30, is serving a sentence at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility in Clinton, the states only prison for women. She is one of several prisoners who are the latest to report being stomped, beaten, sexually assaulted and humiliated by guards.

Inmates reported black eyes, broken limbs and a cracked eye socket, beatings so bad they needed wheelchairs, beatings so brazen a victims uncle heard about it in a different prison. Its a sickening and too-familiar menu of misery visited upon one of the states most vulnerable populations.

About 30 officers and other staff are now on paid leave, and the Hunterdon County Prosecutors Office is looking into the allegations.

Nelson talked to our Joe Atmonavage and Blake Nelson this week, in the latest example of our coverage of abuses inside the prison that our reporters have been doing for ... well, too long.

Exactly four years ago this week, our Sean Sullivan published Locked Up, Fighting Back, detailing sickening allegations of violence, abuse and sexual exploitation by corrections officers against at least a dozen people incarcerated at Edna Mahan. He later reported on a U.S. Department of Justice report that described physical and mental abuses against inmates as an open secret.

At that time, the Department of Corrections bragged about measures like an all-female board of trustees to oversee conditions at the prison, which also now has a female administrator. But simply putting women on top at Mahan is meaningless if they cant -- or wont -- stop men from abusing the women inside.

Since the most recent stories ran, Gov. Murphy has called the situation extremely disturbing, and lawmakers joined our Editorial Board in rightly calling for the removal of Department of Corrections Commissioner Marcus Hicks.

But lets not dwell too much on words. Action is long overdue. Ajila Nelson and other women at Edna Mahan have been too brave for too long. Its time for officials to be brave enough to treat the sickness plaguing that institution.

Every person in our state is put at risk by a mindset that says incarcerated people are unworthy of dignity. And every corrections officer who abuses his or her power over the bodies of incarcerated women is a danger to us all. Which of our public officials will show as much strength as any one of the inmates who has come forward to tell her story?

In other news this week, Chris Christie puts in work, Tony Soprano grows up, and all things being equal, Ill take the nasal swab:

Finally this week, the Rutgers research professor Dr. Andrew Brooks, whose work included included a rapid-read saliva test for COVID, died this week at the shockingly young age of 51. May his memory be a blessing for all of us.

Until next week, stay warm and keep it Jersey, dear friends.

P.S.: Dont forget: A subscription to NJ.com means you support the meaningful work we do. Heres a reminder of some of the best of what we did last year. Join us and be part of something important.

Amy Z. Quinn is NJ.coms Audience Editor, Newsletters and Briefings. To get a Letter From Your Editor every Saturday, add your email here.
80% of the population in the UAE is made up of foreigners. The offer of citizenship is to investors, skilled people, professionals who can support the economy. Dual citizenship will also be allowed.

Dubai (AsiaNews) - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have decided to offer citizenship to selected groups of foreigners. The reason, as explained by Prime Minister and Vice-President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum (see photo), is to "attract talents that contribute to our development journey: in practice, to give foreigners the opportunity to participate and support the economy of the Emirates.

A 1972 law very rarely granted citizenship to foreigners, who nevertheless constitute a pillar for the economy: 80% of the population in the UAE is made up of foreigners. Many of them are engaged in domestic work and services, others in international companies and in positions of responsibility.

In a tweet, Al-Maktoum explained that the 1972 amendment to the law will allow citizenship to be given to "investors, talented people and professionals, including scientists, doctors, engineers, artists, authors and their families." Another amendment allows candidates to retain dual citizenship, which was previously not allowed.

The choice of facilitating the granting of citizenship is somewhat forced. Due to the decline in oil prices and the pandemic, many foreigners have been forced to leave the emirates, mainly salaried. The move aims to attract more foreign investment and seek new ways to diversify the economy so that it is not only dependent on oil.
#GoLokal and feel the summer sunshine in the tropics as 2GO Travel, the Philippines largest premier sea travel provider, takes you and your barkada to memorable getaways to the best white sand beaches in the world, Boracay and Palawan. Book your tickets for only P 299 a ticket, inclusive of 50-kg baggage allowance to travel to the hottest places in the planet, plus other domestic destinations.

Boracay and Palawan topped Conde Nast Travelers list of the best island beaches in the world. We at 2GO are proud of this recognition, and we are so excited to bring our passengers to the islands to have fun under the sun, while enjoying the fine white sand beaches and its pristine waters, AssistantVice President for Marketing Blessie Cruz said.

Recently, the Department of Tourism celebrated the inclusion of the Philippines bestWhite Beach, Boracay and El Nido, Palawan in Conde Nast Travelers 25 Best Island Beaches in the World: 2020 Readers Choice Awards list, ranking 2nd and 9th, respectively.

Aside from Batangas to Caticlan and Roxas routes for P 299, 2GO Travel is also offering Manila to Bacolod, Cebu, Coron, Iloilo, Dumaguete, and Puerto Princesa for as low as P 399. In addition, sailing from Manila to Butuan, Iligan, Ozamiz, Zamboanga, and Cagayan de Oro is sold for .499 only. All destinations are inclusive of 50kg baggage allowance, and exclusive of meals, and other fees. The four-day sea sale starts today, and ends on February 1, 2021, to sail on April 1 to July 31, 2021.

Meanwhile, 2GO Travel maintains health and safety protocols from check-in, boarding, and disembarkation of passengers as well as the strict implementation of wearing personal protective equipment and the practice of social distancing at the ports and onboard the vessels.

Were also encouraging our passengers to avail the governments subsidized COVID-19 RT-PCR tests before their trips, and to use the Traze Contact Tracing App before onboarding for safe travel purposes. Were excited to #GoLokal with you! Cruz exclaimed.

To book your tickets, please visit 2GO Travels website travel.2go.com.ph. The online platform has expanded its payment options to include credit and debit cards, BPI Online, GCash, Online Bills Payments, BancNet, Coins, and UBP Online. You may also call our hotline (02) 8 528 7000, email travel@2GO.com.ph, or visit any 2GO outlet, SM Business Center, and Authorized Agent near you!










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Kerrville, TX (78028)

Today

Thunderstorms, some strong this morning, then partly cloudy during the afternoon hours. Damaging winds with some storms. High 82F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 68F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.
Brian Williams apologized to viewers of his MSNBC show The 11th Hour Thursday night after he introduced a video clip and a scene from a movie played in its place.

But those very same viewers quickly recognized the move was intentional: a form of commentary on House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy meeting with former President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago.

For the first time, we have what Im told is exclusive video out of this meeting today between McCarthy and Trump, said Williams introducing the clip.

What played instead was the famous scene from the 1996 movie Jerry Maguire in which Tom Cruises Jerry tells Renee Zellwegers Dorothy, You complete me.

You had me at hello, Dorothy tearfully replies.

Obviously we have rolled the wrong clip, Williams said, claiming that someone was going to be in big trouble for playing the movie scene.

The audience immediately recognized the gag.

Give Brian Williams and his producers at the @11thHour an Emmy.... pic.twitter.com/36FjWPqAyI  Icculus The Brave (@FirenzeMike) January 29, 2021

Williams, 61 (or his producers), drew praise on Twitter for the move from viewers including Supermarket Sweep host and former SNL star Leslie Jones.

Oh thats petty, Brian, she said in a video narrating the moment. ... Your pettiness is spectacular.

This DID NOT just happen!! Billy Baldwin tweeted. Brian Williams... legend.

Im choking after Brian Williams just went rogue with the Jerry McGuire clip as actual video of the Kevin McCarthy trump meeting. @11thHour pic.twitter.com/Ioctl24bUT  Tracy Jedi Mind Trick Master of the House Snark (@tracypac) January 29, 2021

The most epic trolling of Trump and McCarthy by Brian Williams, tweeted Mike Sington, a former NBCUniversal executive.

Williams may be scoring points with his audience now, but in 2015 his career took a nosedive when he was suspended from his lead anchor and managing editor position at NBC Nightly News.

Williams was booted from the job after he recanted a story he told on an NBC News broadcast, among other places, about riding in a helicopter that was forced down after taking fire from a rocket-propelled grenades during the Iraq War.

This DID NOT just happen!!

Brian Williams... legend.  https://t.co/1D9B4eC4gh  Billy Baldwin (@BillyBaldwin) January 29, 2021

In reality, Williams had been in a following helicopter. He said he had conflated memories of the different helicopters, somehow misremembering the incident.

After the truth came to light, NBC conducted a review of Williams reporting at large. He ultimately lost post at the helm of Nightly News and was replaced by Lester Holt, but was given a second chance to work again at MSNBC (where he had worked before coming to NBC), eventually getting his own show in 11th Hour.

The most epic trolling of Trump and McCarthy by Brian Williams. pic.twitter.com/uwS9vVadGH  Mike Sington (@MikeSington) January 29, 2021

LOLLL Brian Williams didnt come to play. pic.twitter.com/4LhYTLlm1b  Rebekah Marine (@rebekahmarine) January 29, 2021
Our company is ready to offer your needs a systematic supply of bottled sunflower oil from the best producers in Ukraine.

All products shipped by our company comply with international sanitary and epidemiological standards and have all the necessary certificates for export.

If you are interested in cooperation, please send an official request for the product you need, specifying the desired technical characteristics, annual purchase volume, form of packaging and label, country of delivery and mode of transportation
Syracuse, N.Y.  Two people were taken to the hospital with burns and smoke inhalation as the result of a fire at an apartment building on Syracuses South Side early this morning.

Firefighters were called to 125 W. Beard Ave. around 2:18 a.m. When they arrived, the found heavy smoke and fire coming from the second floor.

According to the Syracuse Fire Department, most residents of the four-unit building were able to get out uninjured, but two people suffered burns and smoke inhalation and were taken by AMR Ambulance to Upstate University Hospital.

Their conditions are not yet known, the fire department said.

Two of the four apartments sustained damage in the fire. The American Red Cross is providing aid to the three peoplean adult and two children, ages 2 and 10who were forced from their homes.

It took firefighters around 50 minutes to extinguish the flames.

A few hours later, at 6:02 a.m., firefighters were called to 559 Buckingham Ave. for a fire on the first floor of the single-family home.

Firefighters put out that fire in under 20 minutes. No injuries were reported.

Crews battled not only fire and smoke, but frigid temperatures early this morning. The outside temperature during both fires was around 12 degrees, which can cause pumps, hoses and other equipment to freeze, ladders to become coated in ice and other hazards, the fire department said.

The causes of both fires remain under investigation.

Contact Jacob Pucci at jpucci@syracuse.com or find him on Twitter at @JacobPucci.
Councils in Laois an Offaly should avail of a scheme make use of nearly 5,000 homes across the two counties according to Government TD Charlie Flanagan.

The Laois/Offaly TD wants the two county councils to make more use of the Repair and Leasing Scheme to supply more housing.

Dep Flanagan was speaking as figures show a low uptake of the Repair and Leasing scheme in some local authority areas and suggested that it could be promoted better.

This scheme under the Governments housing plan, Rebuilding Ireland, assists owners in bringing vacant properties back into use as social homes. The last census showed a significant high level of vacant properties across the constituency with 2,583 vacant properties in Laois & 2,252 vacant properties in Offaly.

Where a property requires repairs to bring it up to the standard for required for rented properties, the Repair and Leasing Scheme will pay for the repairs up-front in return for the property being made available to be used as social housing for a period of at least 5 years under either a direct lease or Rental Availability Arrangement with the local authority.

Figures show that last year, Offaly was one of 19 local authorities that did not avail of any capital funding under the Repair and Leasing scheme while take-up of the Scheme in Laois was relatively low.

An analysis of the figures shows that some councils performed well under the scheme. Among them was Waterford City and County Council which availed of 1,199,054 in total funding in 2020 for repairs and other work to properties so they could be used for social housing. This amounts to 45% of the total funding drawn down from the scheme for 2020.

There is definitely scope here for County Councils to utilise the scheme more to avail of funding to bring more social homes into operation," said the TD.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 30)  Agriculture Secretary William Dar says he is confident about the sector's recovery in 2021, as it remains a vital factor in the countrys recovery from the global health crisis.

We have sound fundamentals  with systems and policies already in place that would allow us to bounce back strong in 2021 and beyond, Dar said in a statement.

Last year, Philippine agriculture was challenged by the perfect storm -- the Taal volcano eruption, the continued spread of African Swine Fever, and the series of typhoons that devastated the country in the latter part of the year.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the agriculture sector contracted by 3.8% in the last quarter of 2020 due to lower production of livestock, fish, and crops. This brought the full-year growth to -1.2%, from a slight growth of 0.3% reported in 2019.

READ: Farm output shrinks 3.8% in Q4, bringing 2020 production down by 1.2%

Its contribution to gross domestic product was also logged at -0.2% for the whole year, the lowest negative growth among sectors.

RELATED: PH economy plunges by record -9.5% in 2020 as Q4 GDP maintains slump

Dar described it as negligible, saying measures are already in place, like the recently implemented One DA program, that will further modernize and boost the countrys farming and fishery sectors.

This setback does not negate the fact that the agri-fishery sector remains a key pillar for the countrys economic recovery, and can positively contribute to achieving NEDAs 6.5% to 7.5% growth target for 2021, he said.

For 2021, the DA targets to achieve full-year growth of 2.5% through further integration of technology that will improve production, connectivity, and delivery of service to its beneficiaries.
In 2019, on the campaign trail during the federal election, the Liberals promised to develop distinctions-based health-care legislation for First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities in Canada.

In 2019, on the campaign trail during the federal election, the Liberals promised to develop "distinctions-based" health-care legislation for First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities in Canada.

This journey began Thursday, when federal officials announced nearly $16 million will be spent over two years for an "engagement process" to develop the legislation, designed to deliver "high quality" health care for these communities.

While the promise was years coming, the legislation has been sped up following the death of 37-year-old Atikamekw woman Joyce Echaquan in a Quebec hospital, and other ongoing evidence of racism in Canadas health-care system.

Proof was in the fact Echaquan and her community were mentioned several times throughout the announcement. The first words were: "Systemic racism remains embedded in our countrys health-care systems, with catastrophic effects for First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities. Indigenous peoples are entitled to receive first-class medical care, without fear of discrimination or maltreatment."

The solution, the government suggests, is to develop "distinctions-based" policy.

"Distinctions-based" has become the federal government motto for all things Indigenous, emerging from the 10 principles the Liberals adopted in 2018, framing its "new" relationship with Indigenous peoples.

"The Government of Canada recognizes that a distinctions-based approach is needed to ensure that the unique rights, interests and circumstances of the First Nations, the Metis Nation and Inuit are acknowledged, affirmed, and implemented," the 10th principle states.

Since then, the Liberals have promised "distinctions-based community infrastructure plans by 2030," a "distinctions-based approach to Indigenous language revitalization," even making all funding for COVID-19 responses "distinctions-based."

While the term "distinctions-based" is a Liberal catch-all phrase, definitions are harder to come by.

The best definition the Liberals have provided is in the 10th principle that states: "First Nations, the Metis Nation and Inuit" are "distinct, rights-bearing communities with their own histories," and the federal governments "work of forming renewed relationships based on the recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership must reflect the unique interests, priorities and circumstances of each people."

If "distinctions-based" means that First Nations, Inuit and Metis must be considered differently (never mind the fact that there are thousands of political, cultural and social differences in those groups), the problem is the federal government has never worked this way. The constitution doesnt operate this way either, and neither does much of federal law.

The Indian Act, for instance, is a one-size, single set of rules for all Indigenous peoples and its as firmly entrenched as ever. And while the federal government seeks to replace it with an "Indigenous rights framework" based on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, anything that replaces it will definitively be generalized, national and certainly not localized, specific or "distinctions-based."

This means the government is working almost backwards, trying to hammer a sense of diversity and complexity into a singular model of governing Indigenous peoples.

Its like trying to make a set of rules for a house with exceptions for every room  one wonders whats the point of singular rules if theyre always changing.

What this "new" Indigenous health-care legislation will no doubt resemble (yes, Im predicting it now), is Bill C-92, the federal governments approach to Indigenous child welfare.

Beginning this year, First Nations can agree to administrate their own child-welfare systems and make certain culturally specific changes, as long as they follow guidelines set by Canada and in aligning with standards set by provinces, which previously governed the majority of Indigenous child welfare.

Time will tell if C-92 will change the egregious proportion of Indigenous children removed from their families, but the bill basically turns First Nations, Inuit and Metis into fourth levels of Canadian government. The bill also hasnt come with increased funding to support changes, potentially leaving some First Nations to repeat a broken system because they have no means to overhaul it.

Without a major constitutional discussion about the way Canada frames Indigenous jurisdiction (are those screams I hear?), its like trying to hammer thousands of round pegs in a single, square hole. While this path has never been tried, it certainly appears frustrating.

Is Indigenous independence so threatening that this country is going to waste years on a backwards, barely incremental and frustrating process that is sure to prove naysayers right?

What if the jurisdictions of Indigenous communities to establish their own health-care systems were recognized without strings and demands? What if land, governing and funding agreements were put in place where First Nations, Inuit and Metis governments established their own laws and facilities, and Canada operated in a (gasp) co-governing capacity?

What if there was no need for a "distinctions-based approach" because distinctions were inherent in Canadas relationship with Indigenous peoples?

Sounds like a cure for racism to me.

niigaan.sinclair@freepress.mb.ca
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo supported Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 despite being aware that he knows next to nothing, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, the former governor of Osun State, has said.

Mr Oyinlola explained that Mr Obasanjo took the decision to support Mr Buhari because he was disappointed in the administration of Goodluck Jonathan.

Even when he (Obasanjo) was convinced that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) would not deliver, he still threw his weight behind him, following pressure from some chieftains, the former governor said.

Mr Oyinlola, who was once the National Secretary of PDP, disclosed this in an interview with Punch Newspaper.

The last person to accept Buharis candidature was Obasanjo and I say that one with every emphasis because I was involved. Yes, Baba (Obasanjo) had fallen out with Jonathan. His projection then was any option but Jonathan. That was his stand.

Taking a look at those candidates from other parties, there was no other person we felt could handle the delicate governance of Nigeria better than Buhari, among the contenders that time. That was why the choice of Buhari became the order.

That, coupled with the fact that he had been at the helm of affairs in the country before under the military, so he has that edge over all others. But Baba (Obasanjo) was the last to subscribe to the idea.

I can tell you that it took a team of Saraki, Amosun, Bola Tinubu, Kashim, Imam and myself, that went and bombarded Baba (Obasanjo) at Ota, around 7 a.m., before he succumbed to our pressure.

Mr Oyinlola said the former president later agreed to support Mr Buhari even when he knew that the former military ruler would not perform.

That day, he said Buhari that he knew would try in the area of military matters, but outside that, Buhari knows next to nothing; not economy, not foreign affairs and he has been proven right, Mr Oyinlola was quoted.

Mr Obasanjos spokesperson, Kehinde Akinyemi, could not be reached for reaction as of the time of filing this report and he is yet to respond to text message.

PREMIUM TIMES recalls that before 2015 presidential election, over 30 chieftains of the APC went to MrObasanjo to solicit his support for Mr Buhari.

Those present at the meeting then include Bola Tinubu, Ibikunle Amosun, Yemi Osinbajo, John Odigie-Oyegun, Bukola Saraki and Bisi Akande among others.

Obasanjo ruined Tinubus ambition

He also said that Mr Obasanjo ruined that ambition of former Lagos governor, Mr Tinubu to be a vice president, adding that the APC would have presented Muslim-Muslim ticket.

The agreement was concealed from a good number of the party leaders until it surfaced after Buhari had got the ticket. Then the rumour came out and some us felt danger was looming with the idea of Muslim-Muslim ticket.

To further add to our fears, General Buhari on one occasion said there was nothing wrong in the Muslim-Muslim presidential arrangement, saying after all he governed with Tunde Idiagbon.

That statement made us to know it (the Muslim-Muslim idea) was a fact. On two occasions, Bola (Tinubu) mentioned it in my presence that they agreed. If you recall one trending video back then, where it was said that Buhari had jettisoned what they agreed on, that is the room he was sleeping when Buhari was looking for the post.

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We then told Baba (Obasanjo). We told him that taking power from an incumbent government was a tough task and we must not give room for excuse and miss the target. We told him they (Buhari and Tinubu) were thinking of a Muslim-Muslim ticket. That was when Baba (Obasanjo) said people should not take the sensibilities of Nigerians for granted.

After that (Obasanjos intervention), they started saying it in my presence that Obasanjo frustrated the plan to get Tinubu on the ticket for 2015 but I always acted as if I didnt hear them. We then had a stakeholders meeting where the issue of the running mate was discussed again.

Mr Tinubu had long ago denied this during the 7th annual Bola Tinubu colloquium at Eko Hotel in Lagos on March 25, 2015, two days before the election, that he purposely pulled out of the race.

They said I connived and conspired my way into the VP seat. They lied so easily that it was the price I extracted from General Buhari to support his bid. If not, I would destroy the party on the altar of my ambitions. They were wrong. I pulled myself out of contention. The very brilliant and capable Prof Yemi Osinbajo became our VP candidate. A man of integrity and impeccable character, Mr Tinubu said at the time.

Mr Obasanjo on February 16, 2015, endorsed Mr Buhari for president and the later won the election.

But Mr Obasanjo has since been a critic of Mr Buharis administration, following security challenges and other irregularities that have marred this administration.

In addition, the current administration has, on several occasions, blamed previous governments, which include Mr Obasanjos administration, as the architects of Nigerias current predicament.
Childrens program Bluey may have been Australias runaway global phenomenon in recent years but if the latest ratings are an indication of whats to come, the famous Blue Heeler might need to make room.

A Boxing Day preview episode of the new ABC Kids show Kangaroo Beach beat Bluey in viewership, netting an audience of 142,000 people over seven days, according to consolidated figures from ratings provider OzTam. In comparison, the Boxing Day episode of Blueynetted 123,000 viewers over the same period. (Consolidated figures take into account catch-up TV.)

New kids show Kangaroo Beach is the brainchild of Tim Bain, who has written for the likes of Bluey and Fireman Sam. Credit:Cheeky Little Media / ABC Kids

Kangaroo Beach creator Tim Bain, who wrote a 2019 episode of Bluey and worked on the long-running British childrens series Fireman Sam, said he was chuffed with the early results.

I rate Bluey as the best preschool show ever made, he said. Its full of such comedy and heart. In terms of Kangaroo Beach, Id love just a sliver of that audience.


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.

MARYVILLE  A new digital billboard near the Poplar Street Bridge is being used to promote members of the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce.

Motorists crossing from Missouri into Illinois are now able to see promotions for the four communities represented by the Chamber. The sign is located just before the Interstate 55/64 split.

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Indian Ambassador Piyush Srivastava yesterday encouraged Indian community members to get vaccinated and support Bahrains battle against the deadly pandemic and for their safety.

Srivastava also informed community members about the supply of Made in India COVISHIELD-AstraZeneca vaccine to Bahrain as part of the continued close collaboration between the two countries in fighting the pandemic.

The ambassador was speaking during the Embassys virtual Open House for redressing urgent, non-routine consular and labour issues of Indian community members.

The ambassador thanked the leadership of Bahrain for their successful vaccination drive.

Bahrain is providing free vaccination to all citizens and residents above 18 years of age.

Ambassador also thanked the Indian associations and community members for virtual participation in the Republic Day celebrations.

Indian community members reached out to needy Indian nationals and provided 1000 food kits and sanitisation kits on Republic Day, 2021.

Srivastava encouraged all community members to regularly follow the Embassys website and social media accounts for updates regarding pressing common issues such as COVID-19 related SOPs and travel-related information.
Even as California inched closer to the sobering milestone of 40,000 deaths from COVID-19, signs of hope continued to emerge.

Case rates, positive test rates and hospitalizations kept dropping, or at least holding steady, across the state on Friday. Over the past seven days, the state has averaged 22,200 cases per day, roughly half the number from two weeks ago.

Nationwide, hospitalizations due to COVID-19 fell to their lowest level since Dec. 7.

We are clearly on a downslope, said Dr. George Rutherford, an infectious disease expert with UCSF, speaking during a forum hosted by the school on Thursday.

Despite the promising trends, Santa Clara County hit a grim marker with more than 100,000 cumulative COVID-19 cases and more than 1,300 deaths since the first Bay Area case of the illness was discovered on Jan. 31 in a Santa Clara resident who flew in from Wuhan, China, a week earlier.

Deaths, reflecting people who got infected or hospitalized in December or earlier this month, remained high.

Across California, more than one-third of deaths throughout the entire pandemic were reported in January  and the 13,594 deaths recorded statewide in January are twice as many as the 6,772 reported in December.

More vaccine doses are on the way, albeit far more slowly than health officials would like as the federal government and the state move to iron out distribution problems.

California says that nearly two-thirds of the vaccine doses shipped have been administered. Some providers held back doses for second shots, accounting for part of the one-third not yet administered.

With vaccinations, we will hopefully see an end to this pandemic soon, said Dr. Marty Fenstersheib, Santa Clara County COVID-19 testing and vaccine officer, during a news briefing on Friday.

But the struggle to get enough doses continued.

We are doing a little bit of praying, Dr. Kathleen Clanon, director of Alameda County Health Care Services Agency, said at a community forum on Friday. She said the county is receiving 10,000 to 15,000 doses of vaccine a week but needs far more  since nearly 1.7 million people live in the county.

Even if the federal government is able to significantly increase vaccine supply to the Bay Area, Alameda County officials believe it will be a few months before K-12 teachers and school staff can be vaccinated.

We need a miracle here to get more vaccine to more people, Clanon said.

The county hopes to add high-volume vaccination sites at Oakland Coliseum and the Alameda County Fairgrounds by mid-February, with hopes of delivering 5,000 vaccine doses per day at each site.

We are crossing our fingers that we get enough supply to run them, Clanon said.

At least three more vaccine contenders likely will be authorized for use in the U.S. this summer, including products from AstraZeneca, Novavax and Johnson & Johnson, Rutherford said.

Johnson & Johnson announced Friday its single-dose coronavirus vaccine proved 66% effective in trials. The company is seeking emergency-use authorization from the FDA.

European regulators on Friday also approved AstraZenecas COVID-19 vaccine for people over the age of 18 after it demonstrated efficacy of around 60% in the trials.

Both vaccines are cheaper and easier to store than the currently available vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, but fall well below the 94-95% rate of efficacy of those two vaccines, which are already approved for use in the U.S.

Novavax Inc. said Thursday that its COVID-19 vaccine appears to be 89% effective based on early findings from a British study and that it also seems to work  though not as well  against new mutated versions of the virus circulating in that country and South Africa.

The variants remain a big question mark in the pandemic.

At UCSF, researchers are still analyzing data from a virus variant discovered in the state in December to determine whether it is more infectious than the common virus. They also hope to learn if the currently authorized vaccines will be effective against it and expect to have more information on that next week.

A highly transmissible coronavirus variant first identified in South Africa was detected in South Carolina on Thursday  the first time it was found in the U.S.  in two people without a history of travel, indicating that it is spreading in the community.

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said that Americans should assume the variants are widespread in the country, beyond the few cases identified.

I do believe we should be treating every case as it if its a variant during this pandemic right now, Walensky said during a White House coronavirus briefing on Friday.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the governments top infectious disease expert, echoed that sentiment, saying the U.S. needs to brace for the emergence and increasing spread of coronavirus mutations. That includes variants first identified in the United Kingdom and Brazil.

This is a wake-up call to all of us, Fauci said. We have to be nimble in order to adjust readily to make versions of the vaccine that are actually specifically directed to whatever mutation is actually present at any given time.

Aidin Vaziri is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: avaziri@sfchronicle.com
HHS investigating whether Illinois is violating employers civil rights by mandating abortion coverage

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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is investigating whether an Illinois law that legalizes late-term abortion and requires employers' health insurance plans to pay for elective abortions violates residents' rights.

The Chicago-based Thomas More Society sent a complaint letter to the HHS in 2019 in response to the then-newly passed Illinois Reproductive Health Act, arguing that the law forces the law firm to choose between two undesirable options: forgo providing insurance for their employees or purchase health insurance plans that cover abortion.

On Jan. 19, the last full day of the Trump administration, Luis E. Perez, deputy director of the Conscience and Religious Freedom Division at the Office for Civil Rights at HHS, replied, explaining that they would investigate the Act.

OCR is investigating whether the state of Illinois, through its Department of Insurance and Department of Central Management Services, is discriminating against health plan issuers and plans that would offer health coverage that limited or excluded abortion coverage but for the Reproductive Health Act, wrote Perez. A copy of his response available for download here.

Michael McHale, attorney with the Society, said in a statement that he and his organization were pleased that the Office for Civil Rights has taken our complaint seriously.

Federal law clearly prohibits this brazen attempt to encroach upon our conscience rights. We await federal intervention to halt this illegal mandate, he added.

The Christian Post reached out to the Thomas More Society on Thursday which confirmed that the HHS said it will continue its investigation under the Biden administration.

In June 2019, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the Reproductive Health Act into law, which among other things legalized late-term abortion and broadened the definition of health of the patient to include physical, emotional, psychological and familial health and age.

Other provisions in the act include requiring private insurance companies to cover abortion without an explicit religious exemption and allowing non-physicians to perform abortions.

In a statement released at the time, Pritzker described the Act as a giant step forward for womens health, claiming that it ensures that women's rights in Illinois do not hinge on the fate of Roe v. Wade, or the whims of an increasingly conservative Supreme Court.

Months later in October 2019, the Thomas More Society sent a complaint to the HHS Office for Civil Rights against the Act, also known as the Illinois Public Act 101-13.

At specific issue was Section 910-30, which mandated that state-based health insurance programs cover all contraceptive drugs, devices, and other products approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration and Section 5/356z.4a, which mandated coverage for so-called abortion care.

McHale, counsel with the Society, wrote in the complaint letter that the Act made it impossible for us to avoid paying for insurance coverage for abortions.

Either we purchase health insurance plans that cover abortion and violate our deeply held religious and moral principles, or we abide by our principles and forgo providing insurance, thereby violating our conscientious duties to offer appropriate benefits to our employees and severely undermining our ability to provide a suitable place of employment, wrote McHale.

The complaint was also submitted on behalf of an Illinois-based dental practice that likewise refused on religious grounds to provide insurance coverage for abortion.
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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.

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Covid virus fragments have been found in wastewater at three more Victorian locations, including the popular holiday destinations of Cowes and Castlemaine.

The fragments were found at Castlemaine, Cowes and Pakenham on January 27.

The department of health is urging residents and anyone who has visited these areas from January 25 to 27 to get tested if they have symptoms of the virus.

It says the virus detections at each of the locations were weak, and could be due to people who have recovered from COVID-19 continuing to shed the virus.

There are now six locations across the state where virus remnants have been detected in recent days.

Covid fragments have been discovered recently in Castlemaine, Cowes and Pakenham (stock image)

Fragments were also detected in wastewater in Gisborne, Hamilton and Leongatha.

The department says people who were in Gisborne from January 24 to 26, in Hamilton from January 25 to 27 or in Leongatha from January 17 to 19 should also get tested if they have symptoms.

On Saturday Victoria notched up 24 days since the last locally acquired case of the coronavirus.

But one new case has been detected in Melbourne's hotel quarantine system in the past 24 hours, making 23 cases in hotel quarantine.

The new case is an international airline crew member aged in her twenties.

There are currently almost two thousand people in hotel quarantine in Melbourne.

Anyone who visited those locations are advised to get tested if they are displaying any Covid symptoms (stock image)

Also on Saturday, the WA government announced Victorians can travel to Western Australia quarantine-free from next week.

Victorians will not have to self-isolate on arriving in WA from 12.01am on Friday February 5, with the state designated 'very low risk' from that time.

Travellers must be prepared to take a COVID test and undergo health screening, as well as complete a declaration about where they have come from.

But West Australian Premier Mark McGowan said the changes could be reversed if there are any further outbreaks.

'We won't hesitate to reinstate more stringent measures if we need to,' he said.

On Saturday Victoria notched up 24 days since the last locally acquired case of the coronavirus (pictured, people exercising at St Kilda Beach)

Victoria will reach the milestone of 28 days with no local cases on Tuesday, but Mr McGowan defended waiting until Friday to relax restrictions.

'Sometimes just adding that little bit of precaution is very wise,' he said.

Meanwhile Victoria's chief health officer will allow up to 30,000 people to attend the Australian Open in Melbourne, about half the usual attendance numbers.

Players and participants are continuing to leave the hotel quarantine system ahead of the tournament, which starts on February 8.
(Natural News) A group of freshmen RINOs in the U.S. House issued a letter to President-imposed Joe Biden begging him to work with them over the next four years.

(Article by Shane Trejo republished from BigLeaguePolitics.com)

After two impeachments, lengthy inter-branch investigations, and most recently, the horrific attack on our nations capital, it is clear that the partisan divide between Democrats and Republicans does not serve a single American, the turncoats wrote in their notice of unconditional surrender to Biden.

The lawmakers make it abundantly clear that they are willing to sweep massive election fraud under the rug in order to move forward and paper over their special interest masters.

We hope to work with you to extend targeted, meaningful coronavirus relief for families and businesses, protect Americans with pre-existing conditions, strengthen and modernize our infrastructure, enforce our anti-trust laws against emboldened technology monopolies, and restore our economy struggling in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, they wrote.

Signatories of the letter include Rep. Nicole Malliotakis of New York, Rep. Burgess Owens of Utah, Rep. Barry Moore of Alabama, Rep. Scott Franklin of Florida, Rep. Carlos Gimenez of Florida, Rep. Jerry Carl of Alabama, Rep. Yvette Herrell of New Mexico, Rep. Stephanie Bice of Oklahoma, Rep. Madison Cawthorn of North Carolina, and Rep. Jay Obernolte of California. Two Republicans who voted with Democrats to impeach President Trump  Rep. David Valadao of California and Rep. Peter Meijer of Michigan  also signed their names on the letter.

It should come as no surprise that Meijer signed his name on the letter because of his emergence as the leading RINO coward in the U.S. House, as Big League Politics has reported:

Its been two weeks since newly elected House member Peter Meijer (MI-03) took office, yet he has already managed to shoot himself in the foot and upset many of his constituents. So much so that one could arguably start writing the epitaph on his political career right now. Stephen Kokx, a writer and lifelong resident of Meijers district, recently spoke with Big League Politics about Meijer and his perception among the people who elected him. Peter Meijer ran on the fact that hes a veteran. Lots of patriots voted for him. Even though many conservatives in the 3rd district had suspicions he was a moderate, they bit their lip and supported him, trusting that hed do the right thing in Washington, Kokx said. Fact is, Peters gone AWOL. Hes abandoned his unit. He backstabbed the everyday, hard-working Americans who voted for him. According to Kokx, who is highly involved in West Michigan politics, some of Meijers constituents are already calling him a traitor and a Benedict Arnold after he voted to impeach President Donald Trump and blamed him for inciting the breach of the US Capitol earlier this month. In fact, Meijer just publicly acknowledged that his vote to impeach the president may have cost him reelection. Speaking with George Stephanopoulos on ABCs This Week, Meijer said that despite this possibility, he thinks its important to have elected leaders who are not thinking solely about whats in their individual self-interest, not what is going to be politically expedient, but what we actually need for the country. To many, Meijers actions do not come as a surprise. They bear out the perception of him as an insufficient supporter of the president and his agenda at best, and as a Never Trumper at worst. It was a concern that more than a few conservatives shared when he first announced his candidacy, and it was even highlighted in the local media during the primaries. [The claim that Meijer is a Never Trumper has been] repeatedly raised in debates, TV advertisements and on social media. It popped again this week, when rival candidate state Rep. Lynn Afendoulis, R-Grand Rapids Township, accused Meijer of lying about his past support of a veterans group that opposes Trump, an MLive article from July 2020 said.

America is falling, and freshmen Republicans are groveling to the interests who have destroyed the nation begging for scraps. Western Civilization is about to collapse, and the GOP will be to blame for the fall out.

Read more at: BigLeaguePolitics.com and JoeBiden.news
DECORAH, Iowa  A Howard County man is pleading not guilty in a northeast Iowa collision that seriously injured three people.

Gannon Willie, 22 of Cresco, is now set to stand trial starting June 23 on two counts of serious injury by vehicle.

Law enforcement says Willie was driving an SUV west on 210th Street, west of Winneshiek County Road W14, on July 5, 2020, when he hit the side of a haybine being hauled east by a tractor. Authorities say a male passenger in Willies vehicle suffered multiple injuries, including two skull fractures, and was hospitalized for about five days. Court records say a female passenger in the SUV was taken to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, for surgery to repair damage to the tendons and ligaments in her left arm.

Investigators say a third passenger in the SUV suffered internal bruising on the chest and hips from the seat belt and Willie had to be extricated from the vehicle and flown to Gundersen Hospital in La Crosse, Wisconsin, for treatment of his injuries.

Law enforcement says an open bottle of whiskey was seen in the wreckage of the SUV and a test of Willies urine confirmed the presence of methamphetamine.
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Once-Homeless Orphan Lived in His Car as a Teen, but Joining the Army Changed His Life Forever

As a boy orphaned at a young age, Matthew Mickey was homeless when he witnessed on television the twin towers collapse during 9/11. It was a scene of wreckage to match the story of his own early life.

That event changed many peoples lives forever, including Matthews. But for him, some good came of it: He joined the U.S. Army to fight in the war on terror, and that turned his life around completely.

Now, Lieutenant Mickey, from North Carolina, told The Epoch Times he hopes his lifes story will be an inspiration to those facing difficulties in life.

All I want is to give hope to others, he shared.

Going from foster home to foster home to foster home, growing up was rough enough, according to U.S. Army Recruiting Command. Between being tortured by the older kids, a looming sense of being alone in the world, and eventually being kicked out of his foster home at age 16, Mickey learned he had to rely on himself.

To support himself, the teen took on any work he could find, from odd jobs at the grocery store to working as a janitor at McDonalds; he eventually took a job in construction and commercial plumbing. He sometimes couch-surfed but mostly slept in an old Isuzu Trooper, catching a few hours of sleep each morning before school.

With very little money in pocket for gas, Mickey made it through the winters by lining his car windows with newspaper. I stayed cold, Mickey said. I didnt really have much money for gas. It was still cold, but it helped.

Yet, he wasnt stingy with his money. When other homeless people in the area needed help, he gave them spare change without hesitation.

Christopher Buster Brown was one of the few who encouraged Mickey during high school.

He had a heart of gold, Buster said. He would take the shirt off his back and give it to you. He had leadership. He just needed someone to believe in him.

But on 9/11, Mickeys heart of gold broke. When he realized that thousands of children had just lost one or both parents and many of them would go into foster care if extended family members couldnt take them in, he descended into a haze of anger and depression.

They were going to have to live my life, Mickey said, a prospect that horrified him.

Mickeys life had been a doldrum of letdowns and despondency, which as he had been told would end in failure no matter what he tried. With a poor GPA, he wouldnt make it into college. Just to make ends meet, he often worked well past midnight, a reality that seemed like it would never end.

He wouldnt have wished that on anyone, he said. So, he decided to do something about it.

On Sept. 12, 2001, Mickey walked into a recruiting station, ready to join whatever branch would take him.

My nation needed me, he recalled. That part of it is true. But the whole truth isnt as patriotic. It really was a cry for help. I know that sounds dramatic, but my life was very dramatic at the time. I couldnt fathom moving on alone, and I didnt want to try.

Breathing a sigh of relief, he was accepted in. Sgt. Smith, Mickeys recruiter, explained how the infantry was a band of brothers, a family. It was the kind of environment Mickey had always wanted.

His friend Buster encouraged him to go through with the process.

You and me both know you can do it, Buster said, sensing Mickeys hesitation. Make a life for yourself.

Now, almost two decades later, Mickey has risen through the ranks to reach first lieutenant. He now works as an executive officer at the Armys Bronx Recruiting Battalion in New York, where he lives with his wife, Denise, and their 9-year-old daughter, Lily.

After obtaining a masters degree, a dream that had for so long seemed farfetched when he was younger, Mickey says he feels like hes made it in life.

It makes me feel great when he says that he feels complete now, Denise said, that he feels like he is part of a team.

Soon, Mickey will be retiring from the Army, and hes started thinking about a future teaching financial education.

I want to change lives in teaching people how to use the stock market to reach financial freedom, he told The Epoch Times. It is scary to transition out of the Army  [but] as long as I am helping people and or a team for a greater cause  I will be thrilled to see what comes next.

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

Strict visitation rules in hospitals such as Sligo University Hospital means that patients are unable to see loved ones for the duration of their stay.

It is equally as difficult for those loved ones who cannot get into the hospital, and have to make do with video and phone calls, all the while worrying.

Betty Honan's family felt like they needed to do something to cheer their mother up, as she's been in Sligo University Hospital for over three weeks.

She needs surgery, but can't undergo the procedure as she is too ill. Her three children wanted her to know that she is in their thoughts, so they hatched a plan.

Betty's daughter Bridget Doherty told The Sligo Champion: "So we've been coming to the car park in snow and sleet and rain for three weeks. We told her 'go to the window, what do you see?' and she said houses and cars so we followed around and there she was on the sixth floor, a little speck.

"It was pitch black, all the windows were empty except the one of the sixth floor where my mother was. She had her hands on the glass and then we rang her and she couldn't talk, she just sobbed and sobbed. It was the first time she had seen us in three weeks. That day it was me and my sister, she came from Waterford just to stand in the car park."

The gesture meant so much to Betty that Bridget and her siblings have continued to do so. But last week, they decided to brighten up the car park at the hospital, in the hope that it would not only cheer up their mother, but also other patients at the hospital. Maybe even those working there.

"Last week I decided to tie a yellow ribbon around the tree because all the trees are bare and then we tied yellow balloons. I then decided that no matter which window a patient in the hospital looks out, they're going to see a yellow ribbon or a yellow balloon or something to let them know that their community is aware of their plight.

"They can't have visitors, and they are heartbroken. And some of them are not going to get better. I noticed after a few weeks my mother's mood came straight up and instead of sobbing she was laughing on the phone."

Bridget and her siblings saw the impact that their gesture had on patients at the hospital when they decided to let off streamers and dance to music in the car park.

"All the nurses and doctors and patients were all at the windows waving out, they all had their thumbs up. People are just so desperate for human contact.

"We got more thumbs up and hearts and kisses out the window, it really encouraged me. I'm going to do it on every side of the hospital, I hope management doesn't stop me! It's given us a great boost and I know it's helped them."

Bridget wants others to show their support by leaving something nearby for those in the hospital, not just in Sligo but countrywide.

"Maybe other people will come and leave something on the railings as well.

"I think a lot of people would identify with this, you can't get into your loved ones. It's very difficult. I'd like if every hospital in Ireland could do this, anyone living near a hospital could tie a yellow balloon to a lamppost or a railing just to let people know that their community is thinking of them."
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Courtesy /Laredo College

Laredo College and BBVA USA have a longtime relationship based on their common goal of improving the lives of people in the community. Their latest collaboration comes in the form of a $5,000 donation from the BBVA Foundation to support the efforts of the Laredo College Economic Development Center.

The Laredo College Economic Development Center has a long legacy of leading the economic growth and recovery of our region through strategic partnerships and educational opportunities for our business community. BBVA has recognized this with their overall support of the centers various projects and initiatives that aim to strengthen and diversify workforce opportunities across South Texas.
A top scientist with Oxford's vaccine team has accused Emmanuel Macron of demand management' after casting doubt on the AstraZeneca jab's efficacy.

Professor Sir John Bell today shot down the French President's baseless claims that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is 'quasi-ineffective' for the over-65s.

He said: 'I suspect this is a bit of demand management from Mr Macron... if he didn't have any vaccine the best thing you could do is reduce demand.'

While Britain has already inoculated 11 per cent of its population, the rollout on the Continent has been sluggish and blighted by supply issues.

The EU is currently tangled in a row with AstraZeneca over supply shortfalls and has demanded UK doses are diverted to the bloc.

Macron stoked tensions further yesterday by questioning the efficacy of the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab in older patients, despite it being approved by the EU regulator.

Sir John today told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I'm not sure where he got that from.'

France's president Emmanuel Macron (pictured Thursday) has astonishingly claimed the AstraZeneca vaccine is 'almost ineffective' on people who are over 65 years of age

Professor Sir John Bell today slapped down the French President's baseless claims that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is 'quasi-ineffective' for the over-65s

He acknowledged its original study only had small numbers of elderly people, with many shielding themselves from the pandemic, but added: 'The numbers still pointed toward a very highly effective vaccine but the numbers were small, in fairness, we always accepted that.'

He said other studies proved 'elderly people responded just as well in other age groups' and that 'there's really persuasive evidence that this is a protective vaccine in those populations'.

Macron yesterday said there was 'very little information' available for the vaccine developed by the British-Swedish company and Oxford University.

'Today we think that it is quasi-ineffective for people over 65,' he told the reporters, his office confirmed to AFP news agency.

'What I can tell you officially today is that the early results we have are not encouraging for 60 to 65-year-old people concerning AstraZeneca,' he said.

Macron said he was awaiting the EMA's verdict - which came later Friday - and also that of France's own health authority 'because they have the numbers'.

The French expert decision on the vaccine is expected at the start of next week, according to sources close to the health authority.

'I don't have any data, and I don't have a scientific team of my own to look at the numbers,' Macron acknowledged.

Meanwhile, Germany's vaccine commission on Friday maintained its advice against using AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccines on older people, saying it was only 6.5 per cent effective for the age group.

'The reason is because there is currently insufficient data on the effectiveness of the vaccines on people above 65 years old,' said the commission known as STIKO.

The advice by the panel of medical experts will be taken into account by the government as it officially draws up its decree on usage of the vaccine.

Contrary to Macron's claims, British scientists have insisted that Oxford University's Covid vaccine will work on over-65s.

Doctors in England say elderly patients are already turning up worried that they will get a jab that won't work for them because of 'misleading' news reports.

But the developers of the vaccine, Britain's regulator and independent scientists say there is 'really good evidence' that the jab will work.

Even though it was only trialled on a small number of people over 65 - just 660 - before it was approved, lab tests showed that the immune response was strong, it was safe for people to take and appeared to affect elderly people as well as it did young people, for whom there is data proving it prevents Covid-19.

Brussels is furious with AstraZeneca after it warned that it would only be able to deliver a fraction of the doses the EU had been expecting once the vaccine is approved for use

Pictured: A man in Paris receives the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against Covid-19 during the vaccination campaign for people over 75 years old in Paris at a vaccination centre

Following the German report, Professor Anthony Harnden, the deputy chairman of the UK's committee that decided the jabs priority list, vowed there was 'really good evidence' that it is 'safe and effective'.

He added advisors in Berlin had made their decision because they have 'lots of' the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine that they can prioritise for older patients, but fewer doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab.

Other scientists have warned the German figure is 'misleading' because of the uncertainty around their estimates due to a lack of data in the age group.

But doctors have called for 'clear messaging' to the public to reassure them that the second jab approved is effective amid a barrage of queries from elderly Britons.

Dr Jess Harvey, a GP in Shropshire, says she's already had several patients come in worried about the jab and fears the situation will only 'get worse'.

The comments come after Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday waded into the row, insisting that the vaccine will work and he was flanked by public health chiefs from PHE and the MHRA, the regulator that approved the jab.

The EU's health commissioner, Stella Kyriakides, (left) said today that vaccine export controls are not targeting any specific country, while Ursula von der Leyen, (right) the German president of the European Commission, said the EU's deal with the pharmaceutical giant is 'crystal clear'

EU vaccine export ban could cut UK supplies The EU's decision to introduce what amounts to an export ban on vaccines could affect the UK's orders of millions of jabs made abroad. Brussels is currently trying to save face after its desire to introduce jabs across the 27 members states simultaneously left it lagging far behind the UK and other nations like Israel. Today's decision to require companies to have exports to certain countries approved before they are sent contains exemptions for many nations, but the United Kingdom is not on the list. Britain is expecting to receive approximately nine million more jabs over the next three weeks from Oxford/AstraZeneca's factories in Wrexham and Oxford and Pfizer/BioNTech's production centre in Puurs, Belgium. If European leaders decide to blockade vaccine exports across the English Channel, the American drugs company Pfizer could be left unable to ship supplies bound for the UK. This would mean some of the 3.5million doses reportedly set to arrive by mid-February could get stuck inside the EU. AstraZeneca's boss pledged earlier this year that the company would start supplying the UK with two million doses per week from the third week of January. These supplies from the two firms alone would be just enough to cover all of the 8.6million people outstanding in the top vaccine priority groups, but if deliveries are stopped or fall short, the target could be in jeopardy. Boris Johnson has repeatedly this week played down any threat to the UK's vaccine supplies. And his spokesman, asked about the threat by the EU today, said: ''AstraZeneca has clearly stated that it will be able to provide two million doses a week and we have stated we will get them out to people as quickly as possible.' He added: 'The deals we have in place with the seven vaccine developers will ensure our supplies continue to grow.' It is not clear how many doses are already sitting in Britain's warehouses, with ministers refusing to reveal numbers because of security concerns. But No 10 has confirmed that they are distributing vaccines out as soon as they can after they are delivered from the manufacturers. Additionally the Pfizer vaccine has to be kept at -70C in order to work. What this means is that there are unlikely to be large stocks of vaccines sitting in reserve in UK warehouses, ready to take up the slack if there is any cut in deliveries. Last night it was revealed the Novavax jab, which will be manufactured in Stockton-on-Tees, appears to be effective against both the original strain of coronavirus and a mutant strain first identified in Kent. The UK has secured access to 60 million doses of the new vaccine, but it has yet to be approved by the regulator. This means it will be available in the second half of this year at the earliest. Advertisement

Politicians in the EU have this week been scathing of AstraZeneca after the company said it wouldn't be able to meet supply targets it had agreed to because of low yields in its factories on the continent, while Britain's supply continues uninterrupted.

Brussels today stepped up its Covid-19 vaccine war with AstraZeneca by insisting their contract allows them to grab millions of doses made in the UK as the bloc unveiled new powers that could stop Pfizer jabs destined for British arms crossing the Channel from Europe.

The European Commission Friday published a redacted version of its contract with the drugs giant, hoping to prove the company had breached a commitment on vaccine deliveries.

Brussels is furious with the pharmaceuticals company after it warned that it would only be able to deliver a fraction of the doses the EU had been expecting once the vaccine is approved for use in the bloc.

Britain on Friday expressed 'concern' over the EU's vaccine export control scheme, which sees Brussels partially suspend terms of the Brexit deal allowing goods to flow across the Irish border.

British minister Michael Gove called European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic to 'express the UK's concern over a lack of notification from the EU about its actions', said a spokesman for the prime minister's office.

The UK was 'carefully considering its next steps', he added.

The Northern Ireland protocol in the Brexit deal allows goods to flow between EU member Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland without the need for customs checks at the border.

But there is a provision under Article 16 of the protocol for either party to unilaterally suspend the terms for specific goods if the agreement leads 'to serious economic, societal or environmental difficulties that are liable to persist'.

Brussels on Friday invoked the article as part of a scheme to monitor and in some cases bar exports of vaccines produced in EU plants, amid a row with British-Swedish drugs giant AstraZeneca over supply.

Arlene Foster, leader of Northern Ireland's loyalist Democratic Unionist Party, called the move to invoke Article 16 an 'incredible act of hostility'.

She accused the EU of using Northern Ireland in 'the most despicable manner - over the provision of a vaccine which is designed to save lives'.

Colum Eastwood, leader of the republican SDLP party, said the move was a 'disproportionate and grave error' by the EU.

Ireland's foreign minister Simon Coveney said on Twitter that the government was 'working with the EU Commission to try resolve this issue'.

The EU said the measures were 'justified as a safeguard measure... in order to avert serious societal difficulties due to a lack of supply threatening to disturb the orderly implementation of the vaccination campaigns in the Member States', according to the BBC.

There is little or no physical infrastructure on the border due to processes put in place by the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which brought to an end decades of violence between those who want Northern Ireland to remain British and those who want it to be part of the Irish republic.

Maintaining a 'soft' border was integral to negotiations between the two, with local leaders warning of a return to violence.

Brussels has been in a furious dispute with AstraZeneca this week, accusing it of breaching its contract by delaying deliveries to EU governments while maintaining those under a deal it signed earlier with the UK.

But Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides insisted: 'We are not protecting ourselves against any specific country. And we're not in competition or in a race against any country.'

The escalating row came as France said it was closing its borders to people arriving from outside the European Union starting Sunday to try to stop the growing spread of new variants of the virus and avoid a third lockdown.

French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced the new measure Friday night after an emergency government health security meeting at the presidential palace, warning of a 'great risk' from the new variants.

All those arriving from other EU countries will be required to produce a negative virus test, he said.

France already had limits on cross-border travel because of the virus, and imposed tougher checks in airports and ports last week. International tourism to France has slowed to a trickle because of the pandemic, and restaurants and tourist sites have been closed since October along with many hotels.

France will also close all large shopping centers starting Sunday and limit travel to, and from, its overseas territories.

Castex ordered stepped-up police checks of those who violate France's 12-hour-a-day curfew, hold secret parties or reopen restaurants in defiance of a closure order in place since October.

Virus infections, hospitalizations and deaths have been rising steadily but not sharply in France in recent weeks, and many doctors have been urging a new nationwide shutdown like those imposed in several other European countries.

Citing the economic devastation of such measures, Castex said: 'Our duty is to put everything in place to avoid a new lockdown, and the coming days will be decisive.'

France has reported among the world's highest virus death tolls, at 75,620, and more than 60% of its intensive care beds are occupied by virus patients.

'More than ever we should do everything to respect the rules,' Castex said.

With a presidential race coming up next year, Macron is facing criticism over the government's handling of the pandemic, as well as its slow start to France's vaccination campaign, which has seen just 1.81 vaccine doses administered per 100 people (as of January 26). The UK by comparison has vaccinated 11.25 per 100 people.

A curfew runs from 6 p.m until 6 a.m. every night but Macron is under pressure to impose a third national lockdown since the crisis began almost a year ago as data shows another increase in hospitalisations and deaths.

'The data shows that at this time the curfew is not putting enough of a brake on the spread of the virus,' Attal told a news conference after Macron chaired a cabinet meeting.

Scenarios being discussed range from a very strict lockdown to maintaining the status quo, Attal said. It was unlikely no action would be taken, he said.

Restaurants, bars, museums and ski resorts are closed in France but schools are still open. Shops remain open but with restrictions on the numbers allowed inside.

Macron is likely to wait until Saturday, two weeks after the curfew was lengthened, before deciding on the next step. Public opinion is split. An opinion poll on Wednesday showed 52 percent of French people opposed another tough lockdown.

Macron is wary of the rapid spread of a new strain of Covid-19 and resulting deaths as seen in the UK - that would require stricter measures to halt - but is also concerned that more curbs on public freedoms may trigger acts of civil disobedience, a government official said, pointing to riots seen in the Netherlands.

'I know there is a fatigue,' Gabriel Attal said during the press conference, before adding that the decision on whether to tighten measures or not would come down to health indicators.

During its first lockdown last spring, France closed all schools and universities and prohibited citizens from leaving their homes other than to buy groceries, carry out essential work, seek medical attention or exercise. Schools remained open during a less stringent confinement in the autumn.

The government's top scientific adviser, Jean-Francois Delfraissy, said on Sunday a new lockdown was necessary but that it was for politicians to decide how tough to make it.

Failure to impose another lockdown would result in a very difficult March as a more contagious variant first detected in Britain becomes increasingly prevalent in France, Delfraissy said.
Montana Brown looked happier than ever as she enjoyed dinner with her new ex-rugby player beau Mark O'Connor after their secret romance was revealed earlier this week.

The Love Island star, 25, shared a laugh with the hunky real estate executive as they headed into the Sea Shed Restaurant on the sand during her never-ending sunny getaway.

Montana's relationship with Mark was revealed earlier this week when the pair were seen strolling on the beach together, with pals telling MailOnline he's 'very wild on a night out' and 'a lot of fun to be with.'

Together: Montana Brown enjoyed dinner with her new ex-rugby player beau Mark O'Connor on Friday after their secret romance was revealed earlier this week

Montana covered up her bikini in an oversized white shirt dress as she headed into the restaurant with Mark.

The star opted for a wide-brimmed straw hat as she laughed with Mark on their way into the dinner.

Montana donned a face mask as she arrived at the restaurant for the romantic sunset meal with Mark after their romance was revealed.

Cute: The Love Island star shared a laugh with the hunky real estate executive as they headed into the Sea Shed Restaurant on the sand during her never-ending sunny getaway

Time for dinner! Montana covered up her bikini in an oversized white shirt dress as she headed into the restaurant with Mark

Happy: The star opted for a wide-brimmed straw hat as she headed out for the romantic meal

Sweet: Montana and Mark were seen making their way into the restaurant together after their romance was revealed by MailOnline earlier this week

Cheeky: The couple shared a laugh as they enjoyed the romantic dinner together

Last week Montana was pictured strolling along the beach with her new man and MailOnline revealed the identity of her beau on Wednesday..

Mark is a real estate executive, having attended Cardiff University and Henly Business School, according to a pal.

The source said: 'He played rugby for Chiswick and Wales 1st Teams as a prop, and has a proprietary interest in Forge Gym London. That's likely how he met Montana.

'He used to be out of shape and is now very much in shape. He's a very wild bloke to go on a night out with, drinks a lot. Very good fun to be with.'

Revealed: Last week Montana was pictured strolling along the beach with her new man and MailOnline revealed the identity of her beau on Wednesday.

Gorgeous: Montana opted for the flowing white shirt dress during her never-ending break to Barbados

The source added: 'His father owns a huge development/construction firm which he will inherit.'

MailOnline approached Montana's representatives for comment.

Montana, 25, put on a cosy display with her companion as they were seen wrapping their arms around each other on the beach over the weekend.

After their stroll on the sands, the pair were seen arriving at the posh Lone Star Restaurant in St. James Parish.

Jovial: The star couldn't hide her grin as she headed into the restaurant with her new man

Living it up! Reality personality Montana has been in the Caribbean since before Christmas after jetting out to spend the festive period with her family

Former sportsman: Mark is a real estate executive, having attended Cardiff University and Henly Business School, according to a pal

Reality personality Montana has been in the Caribbean since before Christmas after jetting out to spend the festive period with her family.

Prior to jetting to Barbados, Montana spent time in the Maldives shooting a campaign for her swimwear line, Swim Society.

Back in June, Montana revealed she was planning to meet up with her potential date for a walk as she chatted to pal Joanna Chimonides on FUBAR Radio.

Montana, who split from Elliott Reeder in January 2020 after two years together, said: 'We have a light at the end of the tunnel okay.

Revealed: The source said: 'He played rugby for Chiswick and Wales 1st Teams as a prop, and has a proprietary interest in Forge Gym London. That's likely how he met Montana'

Not single anymore: 'He used to be out of shape and is now very much in shape. He's a very wild bloke to go on a night out with, drinks a lot. Very good fun to be with,' the source added

'This guy, we're going to go on a walk, and he was like, "I'm gonna come pick you up". He lives like quite far from me and where we're going is not near me either.

'He's like, "no I'm gonna pick you up. I'm gonna swing by, pick you up. Do you have any allergies? Because I'm gonna grab some food on the way for our walk".

'I was like," would you like to marry me?!"

And Montana said she doesn't want a high profile romance as she is 'craving normality'.

Jetting away: Prior to jetting to Barbados, Montana spent time in the Maldives shooting a campaign for her swimwear line, Swim Society

Dating? Back in June, Montana revealed she was planning to meet up with her potential date for a walk as she chatted to pal Joanna Chimonides on FUBAR Radio

At last: Montana, who split from Elliott Reeder in January 2020 after two years together, said: 'We have a light at the end of the tunnel okay'

Candid: She added: 'This guy, we're going to go on a walk, and he was like, "I'm gonna come pick you up". He lives like quite far from me and where we're going is not near me either'

The television personality revealed: 'He's not famous which is actually ideal for me because I'm craving normality.

'I just want someone who only wants me and not a million other girls I just want to find a doctor in Sheffield that no one knows, who lives with his grandma or something, got a farm maybe, and that's me sorted.'

When asked about the attention she's received since being on the show three years ago, Montana explained: 'You do get boys talking to you but they're just so odd.

'This boy right, I was like, "oh you know, he's attractive, I'll match him on whatever". So I match with him  "do you have snap?" 'No I don't have snap!' I don't want your What?! I was like, "are you taking the p**s"?!'

Elliott and Montana dated for two years and went Instagram official back in February 2018, just eight weeks into their relationship.

'Normality': And Montana said she doesn't want a high profile romance as she is 'craving normality'
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Brussels, Jan 30 : The European Commission has granted conditional marketing authorization for the Covid-19 vaccine developed by British company AstraZeneca and Oxford University, although the bloc seems unlikely to get the amount of doses as agreed at the moment.

"Securing safe vaccines for Europeans is our utmost priority. With the AstraZeneca vaccine now authorized, 400 million additional doses will be available in Europe," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday.

Von der Leyen said that she expected AstraZeneca to deliver the doses as agreed so that Europeans can be vaccinated as soon as possible, reports Xinhua news agency.

"We will continue doing all we can to secure more vaccines for Europeans, our neighbors and our partners worldwide." The European Union has been squabbling with the British company over the latter's announcement that it may deliver considerably fewer doses than promised for the first quarter.

The bloc published the contract with AstraZeneca on Friday, and meanwhile launched a transparency measure to regulate vaccines export from the union.

This is the third Covid-19 vaccine authorized in the EU, after Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines were given the greenlights in late December and early January.

The authorization on Friday was granted hours after the European Medicines Agency (EMA) issued a positive scientific recommendation based on a thorough assessment of the safety, effectiveness and quality of the vaccine.

Combined results from four clinical trials in the UK, Brazil and South Africa, involving around 24,000 people, showed that the vaccine was safe and effective in preventing Covid-19 in people from 18 years of age, according to the EMA.

Based on data relating to patients who received standard doses followed by second standard doses, the conclusion was drawn that the vaccine demonstrated nearly 60 percent efficacy in the clinical trials, it added.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
As the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened, families and inexperienced hikers have fled large metropolitan areas they would usually spend their free time in and have literally ran for the hills. As state park visitation skyrocketed at some Texas parks over 2020, rescues of hikers also increased.

At Big Bend State Park, the largest park in the state, staff reported 23 rescues last year, more than double the 11 recorded in 2019 before the pandemic, as reported by Texas Monthly Magazine. Their story opens with the rescue of a 45-year-old San Antonio man, whose rescue called for four hours from 13 crew members and lots of equipment.
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An online petition has been filed on the Cheong Wa Dae website, calling for harsh punishment of a kindergarten teacher who allegedly put harmful substances in children's meals.



The petitioner, who identified himself as the parent of a child at the kindergarten in Seoul, said the teacher put unidentified liquid and powder in children's meals, water and snacks, and the substances turned out to be mosquito repellent and detergent.



"A total of 17 children were confirmed to have ingested the substances so far, and they are only between five and seven years old," he wrote.





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The course will take place online via Zoom

The Irish creative screen industry has experienced unprecedented growth in the last 10 years, with its contribution to the economy growing from 164 million in 2010 to 357 million in 2019.

And against all expectation, the Covid-19 pandemic has increased the demand for screen content, proving the industry remains incredibly resilient.

Now Screen Wexford, the agency for film development in the county, is partnering with Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Wexford to offer a three week 'Start Your Own Business Programme' specifically designed for those working in film, television and animation.

Starting in March and running for three weeks, course topics will include: validating your business idea, generating a business plan, legal structures, marketing, finance, funding, industry specific tax breaks. building your portfolio and case studies with an industry professional.

Following successful completion of the course, graduates can avail of a business mentor.

The course will take place online via Zoom and costs 25 per participant. It will run for three weeks from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. (Tuesdays and Thursdays) from March 9.

Spaces are limited, so people can register their interest on www.screen-wexford.com/training.
Lackawanna College plans to launch a second round of its popular Rally for Restaurants initiative next month.

Last year, the college teamed up with Scranton Tomorrow and the city of Scranton to raise money to help local restaurant owners and workers make ends meet during the pandemic.

Using the kitchen and dining space at the colleges student-run restaurant, 409 on Adams, Lackawanna School of Hospitality students worked alongside expert chefs from eight local restaurants, serving a total of 684 meals, according to the college.

The effort raised more than $30,000, which went directly to participating restaurants, and more than $7,000 for the Lackawanna College School of Hospitality scholarship fund. A combination of sponsorships and in-kind donations helped offset the operating costs for the events, along with funds raised from private donations and T-shirt sales.

For details, visit www.lackawanna.edu/rally-for-restaurants.
A DIY-wiz decided to build her own walk-in pantry after being quoted 600 for one from Ikea.

Natalie Evans, from Bryn, Wales, revealed on the DIY on a Budget Facebook group that she researched the project online, and spent only 80 on materials.

She added storage bins bought from Home Bargains and Poundland to help keep the space organised.

People were impressed with the pantry, even though it cost almost ten times less than the price she had been quoted initially.

Natalie Evans, from Bryn, Wales, revealed she only paid 80 for a walk-in pantry (pictured) after being quoted 600 to have one installed by Ikea

Natalie furnished the pantry with storage she bought at Home Bargains (pictured) all stacked neatly behind a folding door

The pantry is located in the family's garage, behind a folding door. It contains several shelves with storage and a secondary fridge.

Natalie told Femail: 'We had a one hour online planning meeting with IKEA, when we later had the quote through it was nearly 600 (including vat) so that evening I spent hours online looking at other possibilities.'

She eventually realised she could build it with cheaper materials, and enlisted the help of a team of builders who were already working on her garage conversion.

'We got some contiboards from Travis Perkins, brackets from Screwfix and it cost us approx 80 in materials,' she wrote on the Facebook group.

She added the storage she had used in the pantry had been bought from Home Bargains, ahead of the conversion project in September and October.

Natalie explained the 600 quote was above her budget, so she researched other ways to have it made

While she could not remember who much she had spent on the storage, Natalie said she bought a spice/tin shelf for only 2 at Poundland after seeing being sold for much more online (picturedL some of the storage in the pantry)

She was happy about a spice/tin shelf, which she had bought for 2 at Poudland, explaining she had seen similar shelf sold for much more online.

People were left with 'pantry envy' after Natalie shared a video of her well-stocked walk-in pantry on Facebook.

'Come do mine next please,' one person said. 'Excellent. Well done. Looks amazing,' said another. 'Omg I love it..... my dream for ages,' one wrote.
Bombay High Court judge Pushpa Virendra Ganediwala has been at the end of receiving public flak for her controversial POCSO rulings recently.

The Supreme Court has reportedly withdrawn its recommendation to make Justice Pushpa V Ganediwala a permanent judge of the Bombay High Court in light of her controversial orders on two sexual assault cases in the recent past.

The Bombay High Court verdict regarding a case of groping of a minor girl sent shockwaves for its controversial statement. The case involved a 12-year-old girl who had reportedly been groped by a 39-year-old man in December 2016.

After four years, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court headed by Justice Pushpa Ganediwala found that the accused did grope the child but it did not constitute sexual assault punishable with POCSO but instead constituted the offence of outraging a woman's modesty under IPC section 354. The reason? The girl reportedly had her top on and since there was no "skin to skin contact", the groping could not be ruled as an assault.

Justice Pushpa Ganediwala of the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court, in a judgment passed on January 19, held that there must be "skin to skin contact with sexual intent" for an act to be considered sexual assault. She said in her verdict that mere groping will not fall under the definition of sexual assault.

The POCSO Act defines sexual assault as when someone "with sexual intent touches the vagina, penis, anus or breast of the child or makes the child touch the vagina, penis, anus or breast of such person or any other person, or does any other act with sexual intent which involves physical contact without penetration is said to commit sexual assault". The court, in its verdict, held that this "physical contact" mentioned in the definition of sexual assault must be "skin to skin" or direct physical contact.

The Bombay HC verdict has come as a shock not only to survivors but also to child safety and protection experts who feel that the move sets a "dangerous" precedent for defining sexual assault in court.

Also Read: Good or Bad Touch? Bombay HC Order on 'Skin to Skin' Groping in POCSO Case Raises Questions

The Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed the Bombay High Court's controversial order acquitting an accused, which had stated 'skin-to-skin' contact necessary to be classified as sexual assault under the POCSO Act. Attorney General KK Venugopal said the order would set a dangerous precedent.

Following the first incident, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has held that the act of holding a girl's hands and opening the zip of pants will not come under the definition of sexual assault under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012. The act instead comes under the ambit of sexual harassment under Section 354-A (1) (i) of the Indian Penal Code, observed the bench.

The ruling was pronounced by a single bench of Justice Pushpa Ganediwala in a criminal appeal against the conviction and sentence awarded to a 50-year-old man for molesting a five-year-old girl.

The Session Court had convicted the man and ruled it to be "aggravated sexual assault" punishable under Section 10 of POCSO and sentenced him to five years of rigorous imprisonment and fine of Rs 25,000 with a default simple imprisonment for six months.

However, Justice Ganediwala set aside his conviction under Sections 8, 10 and 12 of POCSO Act, but held him guilty under Section 354A (1) (i) IPC, which carries a maximum imprisonment of three years.

The Nagpur bench observed that the case comes under the gambit of sexual harassment and not sexual assault. The offence of sexual harassment under Section 354A (1) (i), which deals with physical contact and advances involving unwelcome and explicit sexual overtures, is attracted in the case, it said.

Before being shot to 'controversial' fame in 2021, Ganediwala has presided over some other important judgments in the recent past.

Ganediwala was born in 1969 in Paratwada in Amravati District in Maharashtra. She has B.Com, LL.B, and LL.M degrees. Ganediwala was appointed as a District Judge in 2007, and served on the City Civil Court in Mumbai and the District and Family Courts in Nagpur. She later became the Principal District and Sessions Judge in Nagpur, and subsequently was appointed as the Registrar-General of the Bombay High Court.

In 2018, Ganediwala was one of several judges who were considered for appointment to the Bombay High Court, but was not appointed after the Bombay High Court recommended against it. The Supreme Court of India accepted the Bombay High Court's adverse recommendations and decided to defer consideration of her appointment. In 2019, Ganediwala's appointment was reconsidered, and she was appointed as an additional judge in the Bombay High Court.

In 2019, Ganediwala was part of a bench which headed a significant ruling, that highlighted that parole is limited right available to prisoners, and not merely an administrative decision. Notably, the Court has also struck down a provision that had barred convicts in Maharashtra from seeking multiple paroles in a year. In this regard, a Full Bench comprising Justices P N Deshmukh, Manish Pitale and Pushpa V Ganediwala struck down a proviso introduced to Rule 19 (2) of the Prisons Rules, 1959 under Section 59(5) of the Prisons Act, 1894.

Ganediwala has, along with two other judges, commuted death penalty sentences to life imprisonment in two cases while sitting on the Bombay High Court, in 2019. Both cases concerned the offence of murder.

In September 2020, Ganediwala and along with a fellow judge heard a case concerning the shortage of available hospital beds and treatment facilities for patients with Covid-19 in Nagpur, Maharashtra, and directed the State Government of Maharashtra to make available sufficient staff and facilities for treatment.

Ganediwala also rejected a plea to have the Joint Entrance Examination postponed (a national assessment examination held for admission to engineering courses) in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as widespread flooding in parts of Maharashtra, but directed examining authorities to facilitate re-examinations for those who could not attend the scheduled examination date because of these difficulties.

In October 2020, Ganediwala and another judge directed government-run hospitals to constitute a panel and provide treatment to a pregnant woman who had been denied hospital consultations on the grounds that she had tested positive for Covid-19, and compared the treatment of patients with Covid-19 to the generational, social, and public discrimination caused by the practice of untouchability against Dalit communities.

Ganediwala has spoken publicly about the need to reduce pending cases in the family courts in Mumbai, and has criticised Maharashtra Police for failing to conduct investigations sufficiently, linking this to acquittals in criminal cases.

CHARLOTTE, NC / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2021 / One of the nontraditional retirement assets available to retirement investors through a Self-Directed IRA is that of private company stock. Private company stock affords investors the opportunity to build a lot of growth in a retirement account-and with the tax protections that come with a retirement account, this can be a powerful way to invest wealth efficiently. However, as a recent post at American IRA notes, using a Self-Directed IRA means that the investor is in the driver's seat. And when investing in a private company, the investor makes the calls. That means taking on risk.

The post detailed how investing in a private company with a Self-Directed IRA will work in a practical sense. American IRA routinely posts information about how Self-Directed IRAs work, informing potential investors who are researching alternative ways of investing for retirement. As American IRA often notes, it is a Self-Directed IRA administration firm that does not make specific investing recommendations. However, it does post information on the nontraditional retirement asset classes available to investors who use a Self-Directed IRA.

"Private company investment can be a powerful way to invest," said Jim Hitt, CEO of American IRA. Hitt noted how private company stock does not necessarily correlate to the state of the stock market, which may also give investors some degree of independence. However, this is no guarantee of where investments may head. "As a Self-Directed IRA administration firm, we at American IRA don't make specific investment recommendations. But for investors who invest in private companies and make sound decisions, it can be a unique way to diversify one's assets."

The post digs into the nitty-gritty details on how private company investing works with a Self-Directed IRA administration firm. This includes how the paperwork works. The article likens it to the process of buying stock through a broker-with some obvious differences.

For more information, visit the article at www.AmericanIRA.com. Interested parties may also contact American IRA by dialing 866-7500-IRA.

About:

"American IRA, LLC was established in 2004 by Jim Hitt, CEO in Asheville, NC.

The mission of American IRA is to provide the highest level of customer service in the self-directed retirement industry. Jim Hitt and his team have grown the company to over $400 million in assets under administration by educating the public that their Self-Directed IRA account can invest in a variety of assets such as real estate, private lending, limited liability companies, precious metals, and much more.

As a Self-Directed IRA administrator, they are a neutral third party. They do not make any recommendations to any person or entity associated with investments of any type (including financial representatives, investment promoters or companies, or employees, agents, or representatives associated with these firms). They are not responsible for and are not bound by any statements, representations, warranties, or agreements made by any such person or entity and do not provide any recommendation on the quality, profitability, or reputability of any investment, individual, or company. The term "they" refers to American IRA, located in Asheville and Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA."

SOURCE: American IRA, LLC

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/621245/American-IRA-Discusses-How-Investing-in-a-Private-Company-in-a-Self-Directed-IRA-Works
With poor historical spends on healthcare, there is an urgent need to raise the allocation substantially for health as a proportion of GDP

In the wake of the pandemic that struck in 2020 paralysing businesses and lives of people, the expectations from Budget 2021 centre around the allocation of higher spending towards healthcare. The pandemic brought home the need for a strong healthcare infrastructure to ensure a sustainable economy. Experts in the sector, pharmaceutical firms and startups share their expectations from Budget 2021 with Firstpost.

Nikhil Chopra, CEO and Whole Time Director, JB Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals

Budget 2021 is expected to focus on proposals that revive demand and boost economic activity. To give the necessary fillip to the Indian pharma and healthcare sector, we expect the government to form enabling policies that will empower the industry to establish India as the pharmaceutical hub for the world. While the Budget should continue to ensure wider implementation of schemes like Ayushman Bharat, as against the marginal increase in budget allocation for healthcare every year, Budget 2021 should put health on top priority and increase spends on public health substantially from previous years.

Azad Moopen, Founder, Chairman and MD, Aster DM Healthcare

It is important to at least double the healthcare budget from last year's meagre allocation. This would help to improve access to affordable care for the masses. The Budget should also be able to create capacities for vaccinating Indias large population against COVID-19 which is key to end the pandemic and revive the economy. Allocation of sufficient funds to cover about 40 percent of the low-income population who fall under the Ayushman Bharat scheme through free vaccination should help in addressing this.

Sanjiv Navangul, MD and CEO, Bharat Serums and Vaccines Ltd

The need of the hour for the industry is the availability and affordability of life-saving drugs for our billion-plus populace. The Union Budget should address long-standing special incentives and subsidies to encourage indigenous drugs and API production in line with Atmanirbharta. There should be tax cuts on life-saving drugs to make them affordable. We must also provide full medical cover to proactively help indisposed and senior citizens. Grants to Indian companies that make novel drugs should be made available to speed up patents and inventions. Flexible pricing policies that can encourage up to 7 percent MRP increase year-on-year and giving 300 percent deduction for R and D expenses will be beneficial for the industry.

RB Smarta, Managing Director, Interlink

Budget 2021 needs to bring strategic and implementable ideas on board to make them real in India. The central government can play a crucial role in terms of enabling health policies, programmes and resources to health. Understanding it is a state issue, policy, procedures and SOPs need to be formed by the centre to evaluate the participation of states. India must get its coveted position in API in the world and PLI-like schemes and allocation will reduce imports and increase exports. Pharma entrenchment in Artificial intelligence and machine learning needs to be promoted and special allocation for pharma startups with time-bound progress should be established.

Suresh Raju Founder, Fitday.in

Post-pandemic, India is going to be the country of choice for the healthcare sector. The current imports of $2.7 billion worth of nutraceuticals have significantly primed India to attract foreign investments. The government should invest in clinical trials, fund universities and decipher hidden Ayurvedic treatments and ancient texts. The FSSAI licensing should have a more stringent and streamlined department just for nutraceuticals.

DS Negi, CEO Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre

Ayushman Bharat is no doubt a highly positive step towards attaining the objective of universal healthcare. However, more allocation needs to be apportioned for its continued success. We expect the government to apportion larger funds towards preventive health and wellness segments. India woefully lacks in hospital beds required for its populace. Higher tax incentives to the private sector towards modernising medical facilities will go a long way in ensuring better healthcare, more investments and thereby generate more employment.

G Surender Rao, MD, Yashoda Hospitals

I expect the government to continue to strengthen health reforms from the previous years to boost domestic health infrastructure, provide jobs, and increase health insurance penetration with additional tax benefits. Health insurance should be made a mandatory subscription for every voter in the country and by virtue of this, compliance will help reduce the burden and out-of-pocket expense for all voters. With access to the countrys  COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System established by the GoI, we now need to adopt an extensive, multifarious allocation and investments plan. While building a strong infrastructure, it is essential that additional funds be specially allocated towards training medical staff, establishing and improving the supply chain of vaccines, medicines and accessibility.

Sanjay Joshi, Regional Managing Principal and Head  Asia, ZS Associates

The year 2020 was a whirlwind for the healthcare sector and has brought everyones attention to the problem areas. It has made everyone realise the importance of prioritising the public healthcare requirements and hence it is anticipated that Budget 2021 will bring policies that will bridge the gaps in the current healthcare landscape.

Saurabh Kochhar, Founder and CEO, Meddo

Last year, the Budget allocated only 1.29 percent of the GDP to healthcare which should now increase substantially. We have to have enough funding to achieve our goal of affordable and accessible healthcare. It is time that out-patient care be mandatorily put under the aegis of health insurance cover including Ayushman Bharat to make it more accessible. Reduction of GST rates on life-saving drugs can pave the way for affordable medicine, and adequate tax holidays and concessions for health entrepreneurs, R&D, etc. can usher a golden era of innovation-driven healthcare in our country.

Vivek Desai, Founder and MD, Hosmac India

There is an urgent need for more medical colleges as there is a massive deficit of doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff. The authorities might have to give incentives to the private sector to set up nursing and paramedical educational institutions. The private sector needs a structured financing scheme like the housing finance sector's softer interest regime. Hospital loans are usually given a 5-10 year bandwidth, and that's not enough. Healthcare sector needs structured finance schemes and a more extended moratorium, as unlike sectors like IT, the healthcare sector takes a more extended period to attain break-even. Some rebates on property tax and electricity tariff should also be given for hospitals, as they spend around 3 percent of their income to pay these taxes.

Yogesh Mudras, MD, Informa Markets

We are expecting a healthcare-focused budget which is the need of the hour. We expect the government to especially focus on primary healthcare infrastructure that needs huge improvement in terms of improved access to healthcare for low-income households.

Dipali Mathur Dayal, Co-Founder and CEO, Super Smelly

The year 2020 was tough and a good, strong Budget will come as a relief. We hope it is consumption-friendly, leaving more money in the hands of people to catalyse demand in the economy. Moreover, for startups, we look forward to the simplification of GST and tax relaxation in ESOPs. MSME and startups would need government support to revive businesses and to continue to generate employment. Therefore, easy and cheaper access to credit would certainly bring relief. The personal care sector, in particular, needs steady budgetary support. There is a nationwide movement to transcend from large-scale toxin-based products from international brands to natural, homegrown, and toxin-free brands. Therefore it is important to emphasize the importance of Make in India and vocal for local to strengthen the countrys economy.

Vishal Kaushik, Co-Founder and MD, Upakarma Ayurveda

We are expecting the GST to be brought down from the current 12 percent which is levied on products that have the license to sell as branded Ayurvedic medicines. This will further help cost reduction and easy accessibility of products. The government can also look at providing funds for Ayurvedic practitioners and centres, which will further encourage the domestic and offshore investors to put faith in India for new product developments.

RN Mohanty, CEO, Sightsavers India

With the pandemic raging on, we expect higher spending on healthcare in Budget 2021. The healthcare sector needs immediate attention, especially because most people do not have access to it. Preventive health check-ups can bring down the disease burden substantially with early detection and treatment. Apart from vaccination, government funding will strengthen the healthcare system at different levels which have been stretched in the recent pandemic.

Ameera Shah, Managing Director, Metropolis Healthcare

The lack of adequate public health infrastructure in India combined with a high out-of-pocket expenditure imposes a high financial burden on Indian households and therefore increasing the healthcare budget allocation in the coming decade is of utmost importance. The need of the hour is to strengthen the provisioning of healthcare services through public-private partnerships. This will not only ensure quality healthcare for all citizens but also encourage much-needed private investments into the industry. The government should also allocate funds towards universal vaccine coverage for all citizens and increased testing in order to combat a further surge in infections.

RB Smarta, Managing Director, Interlink consultancy

Strategically, as planned in National Health Policy-2017, India has an intent of allocating 2.5 percent of GDP by 2025 from existing 1.3 percent of GDP inclusive of public health is very minuscule compared to OECD countries average of 7.6 percent of GDP. A lot needs to be done in an evolving manner to implement long-term strategic intent of a healthy India. The government can play a crucial role in terms of enabling health policies, programmes and resources to health. Understanding it is a state issue, policy, procedures and SOPs need to be formed by central to evaluate the participation of states. Pharma entrenchment in artificial intelligence and machine learning needs to be promoted and special allocation for pharma start-ups with time-bound progress should be established.

Jitendra Chouksey, Founder, FITTR

It is imperative that the upcoming Union Budget 2021-22 gives more thrust to investment in technology. This will help create a conducive environment for emerging technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence. It is equally important that there is a focus on reforms and policies that are favourable for the entire startup ecosystem. We believe that the Fit India Movement, which was introduced in August 2019, should be aligned with tech-driven SMEs and MSMEs. This step will not just benefit the businesses but can also take the scheme up a notch. The Government of India should also look at expanding the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) that was launched earlier last year. A proper focus and dedicated framework comprising the public and private players can strengthen the mission.

Sanjaya Mariwala, Founder President Association of Herbal and Nutraceutical Manufacturers of India; Executive Chairman and MD OmniActive Health Technologies

We expect the government to primarily focus on R&D and innovation in this Union Budget 2021. Our ask from the government is based on four pillars, which will empower the nutraceuticals industry in India: Establish a cross-ministerial task force under a Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry that creates a plan and sets a goal to make nutraceuticals into a $25 billion industry by 2030 and leverage the huge domestic and export potential that the AYUSH, herbal and nutraceutical industry offers; institutionalise a PPP model to contribute monetarily and non-monetarily towards R and D and innovation needed at all levels of research, technology and manufacturing in AYUSH and herbal sector; funding support for MSMEs either at a zero percent or low rate of interest and tax incentives for investments made in R&D and innovation; and initiate Bulk Drug Parks and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme specifically for the herbal and nutraceutical industry.

Carlos Montiel, Vice President, Latin America and South Asia, Asia, ResMed

Considering the vulnerabilities, the Government of India should focus on the expansion and strengthening of the digital healthcare ecosystem in India while prioritising policies for patients data privacy. Investment in infrastructure for the development of additional and advanced medical colleges along with mandatory inclusion of telemedicine in the course details should be a priority to enable and prepare the next generation of health professionals this digital phase.

Dharminder Nagar, MD, Paras Healthcare

The Budget should focus on increasing public spending on healthcare. Other than that, there is a significant need for reviving the local demand. There is an urgent need to provide the viability gap funding by the government for investors who set up hospitals in smaller cities to increase the provider base for Ayushman Bharat. It can be coupled with an increase of package rates of Ayushman Bharat for more hospitals.

Amritah Sandhu, Founder and Director, CareIndia Health

It is crucial that the government plans on how to improve primary healthcare infrastructure in tier II and III cities. It may be advantageous to work alongside private players, to ensure doctors are actually present in these facilities. Private players can be incentivised, both financially and in terms of easier regulations to take up this challenge. The government should tighten the licensing norms for both existing and new pharmacies, where they inspect that all staff selling medicines are certified pharmacists and keep records of prescription and schedule X drugs.

Gurpreet Sandhu, President, Council for Healthcare and Pharma

With poor historical spends on healthcare, there is an urgent need to raise the allocation substantially for health as a proportion of GDP with particular attention to R and D in biotech, epidemiology and pharma including vaccines while ramping up of healthcare infrastructure. Keeping in mind the abysmal doctor-patient ratio, we need to scale up our medical education infrastructure, both quantitatively and qualitatively. There must also be added focus on preventing infections in the hospital environment while also addressing the creeping problem of antibiotic and antimicrobial resistance.

Neha Motwani, CEO and Founder, Fitternity

There is a critical need to invest in preventive care and fitness. Offer tax incentives to organisations committed to ensuring the health and fitness of people.
He says a mere 39% are ready to get vaccinated with a free vaccine.

Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov has explained why Ukrainians are afraid of getting vaccinated with a free COVID-19 vaccine.

He said this on the air of Shuster Online.

Read alsoUkraine publishes COVID-19 vaccination schedule

The minister says this is due to comments on vaccination issues by people without special education.

"Because everyone, including politicians, thinks that they must comment on the issue of vaccination  what kind of a vaccine should be used, whether it is good or not. Excuse me, please. I am a doctor by education and I do not allow myself to comment on such issues. We have experts. I could say for sure that we will use a safe vaccine, which will be allowed on the Ukrainian market when they say it is effective and safe," he said.

According to him, a mere 39% are ready to get vaccinated.

"These are 38% of healthcare workers in hospitals who provide care for COVID-19, as well as ambulance teams, including drivers, and mobile [vaccination] teams that are to be vaccinated and enter the first phase," he said.

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 at the third, last stage.

Reporting by UNIAN
Apart from the three borders of Delhi, internet services will remain suspended in their adjoining areas too effective from 11 pm of 29 January to 11 pm of 31 January, officials said

New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has temporarily suspended internet services at the Singhu, Ghazipur, and Tikri borders, where farmers have been protesting against the new agri laws, an official said on Saturday.

Apart from the three borders of Delhi, internet services will remain suspended in their adjoining areas too effective from 11 pm of 29 January to 11 pm of 31 January, the official said.

The decision has been taken to "maintain public safety and averting public emergency" under Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules 2017, the official said.

On 26 January, when large scale violence was reported during the farmers' tractor rally, internet services were temporary suspended in some parts of Delhi.

The Haryana government had on Friday suspended mobile internet services in 17 districts till 5 pm.

Lakhs of farmers across India have spent the last several weeks demanding the Centre to repeal farm reforms they say will leave them at the mercy of large corporate firms.

The tense situation exploded on Republic Day when groups of farmers and others clashed with police during a tractor rally that turned violent. Police had to resort to firing tear gas and lathi charges to control the situation. One farmer died and hundreds of cops were injured.
Meghan Markle has erased her first names from Archie's birth certificate in favour of Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex 'in a nod to Princess Diana'.

The first names 'Rachel Meghan' were removed from the mother section of the birth certificate to bring it in alliance with Diana's preferred name, 'Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales'.

Archie's birth was registered on May 17, 2019, after he was born on May 6. A month later, on June 6, the name was changed, reported The Sun.

The Queen's ex-press secretary Dickie Arbiter said: 'Maybe this was an early part of their plan.'

Lady Colin Campbell, who spotted the amendment, said: 'It is extraordinary and raises all kinds of questions about what the Sussexes were thinking.'

Months after the name change the couple had quit the royal family.

MailOnline has contacted a representative of Harry and Meghan for comment.

Lady Colin Campbell, who spotted the amendment to Archie's birth certificate, said: 'It is extraordinary and raises all kinds of questions about what the Sussexes were thinking.' Pictured, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex

Archie's birth was registered on May 17, 2019, after his birth on May 6. A month later, on June 6, the name was changed on the certificate (pictured before the change)

Yesterday, it was revealed the Duchess of Sussex is 'unlikely' to accompany her husband when he returns to the UK in early summer.

The sixth in line to the throne will almost certainly travel to see his family for the first time since the couple acrimoniously quit as working royals alone, multiple sources have told the Daily Mail.

Insiders stress that the couple's plans have yet to be finalised and much depends on the pandemic and whether travel restrictions remain in place at the time.

But their understanding, at this time, is that Harry, 36, will fly to the UK to see the Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William  along with his niece and nephews  without Meghan and, probably, their son Archie.

'Rachel Meghan' was removed from the mother section of the birth certificate to bring it in alliance with Diana's (pictured) preferred name, 'Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales'

Sources were at pains to stress that Meghan's tentative decision not to accompany her husband is for 'personal and practical' reasons and is not in any way being construed as a 'snub'.

Prince Harry helps to launch new online mental health service for first responders in Australia set up by Invictus Games co-founder Prince Harry has helped to launch a 'critical' new mental health tool in Australia for frontline workers. The Duke of Sussex, 36, joined Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, to assist in launching the Peak Fortem, which is based on a successful UK model, and is an online resource for first responders and their families to help work through stress and trauma. In a statement released to support to tool, which was set up by Invictus Games co-founder David Wiseman, Prince Harry referenced his experience in the military, and said: 'Our mental fitness is one and the same as our physical fitness. 'Serving in the military, I saw first hand how critical it is to train your mind as a muscle - not only to endure challenges and stresses but to excel, grow and build resilience in all aspects of life. 'Peak Fortem is the product of teamwork, dedication and a commitment to supporting and strengthening communities of all kinds - values upheld by Australia's first responders.' It comes after the royal worked alongside the U.K.s Ministry of Defence and spearheaded a mental fitness tool aimed at helping the military with their well-being in April last year. Advertisement

But if she decides not to travel it will save royal officials something of a diplomatic headache.

The couple had been expected to attend key royal events in June, including Prince Philip's 100th birthday celebrations and Trooping The Colour, the official celebration of the Queen's 95th birthday.

Harry is also due in the UK in July for the long-awaited unveiling of the statue that he and William commissioned in memory of Diana at Kensington Palace.

But there has been widespread, quiet concern that the couple's involvement in the larger family events  and the inevitable public and media furore that would surround their appearance  could detract from the significance of such key occasions.

A source said: 'It should be strongly stressed that there is still an element of uncertainty about this because of the unpredictable Covid situation, but the understanding is the duke is more than likely to come back on his own.

'This is a personal and practical decision by the couple, but it would certainly help officials navigate what is likely to be a fairly tricky situation.'

Another added: 'Her Majesty made very clear when they left the UK that Harry and Meghan were still much loved members of her own family and would be very welcome to attend family events. That still holds true.

'Practically, however, it comes with the need for a certain amount of diplomacy. There is still a great deal of distance between Harry and many family members, particularly his brother. No one wants a repeat of the Commonwealth Service.'

This refers to the Sussexes' final official engagement at Westminster Abbey last March, which saw Harry and William barely acknowledge each other, such was the depth of their rift, which is far from healed.

It will be the first time Harry has seen any of his family since quitting royal duties to pursue lucrative business deals abroad.

Harry, Meghan and Archie have been living in North America, first Canada and then California, since November 2019.

While the couple returned to the UK in early March for a last round of official engagements and meetings, Archie  who will turn two in May  did not accompany them.

He has not seen any of his British relatives since he was six months old.

Meghan, pictured here with her husband and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, may miss the Duke of Edinburgh's 100th birthday, Trooping of the Colour and the unveiling of a memorial to Princess Diana

Sources were at pains to stress that Meghan's tentative decision not to accompany her husband is for 'personal and practical' reasons and is not in any way being construed as a 'snub'. But if she decides not to travel it will save royal officials something of a diplomatic headache

Harry and Meghan have since made clear they have no plans to return to the UK in any meaningful way  as revealed a year ago by the Mail.

They have bought an 11million mansion in Montecito in California, bagged multi-million-pound deals with companies including Netflix and Spotify and set up an office and non-profit foundation, Archewell.

A third source confirmed they had also been told Harry was likely to return home alone.

'Harry wants to come back for The Queen and Prince Philip's big birthdays. But it looks likely it will be just him,' they said. 'If Meghan comes back, the feeling is that it would overshadow the occasion. People would only be looking at the 'drama' of it all.

'Of course she would be welcome, but a decision not to come would postpone that headache for a while at least.'

The prince is expected to stay at Frogmore Cottage at Windsor, the home he and Meghan decided to keep as a UK base.

The prince is expected to stay at Frogmore Cottage (pictured) at Windsor, the home he and Meghan decided to keep as a UK base

Meghan's mother Doria Ragland was pictured in California this week

The couple have temporarily lent it to Princess Eugenie and husband Jack Brooksbank.

A spokesman for the Sussexes did not respond to a request for comment.

The pair are said to have had a 'painful' year since Megxit after the couple's nanny moved back to the UK and the pandemic left them feeling 'alone,' the authors of Finding Freedom claimed earlier this month.

Carolyn Durand and Omid Scobie, who co-wrote the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's bombshell biography, alleged that moving to LA brought difficult changes for the couple who stepped back as senior royals in March last year.

To be at the point they are at now, having set up an empire and a charity in just over nine months, shows just how hard they have worked to make this transition a success, said Omid Scobie, writing in Grazia. 'But its taken a lot of work to get here. The journey has been painful.

Omid Scobie added that since making the move to LA the couple have been 'eager to contribute to the community,' particularly in regards to the Covid-19 response, and are keen to put the 'focus back on what mattered'.

Writing in Grazia, Caroyln Durand said a friend of the couple told her the couple felt 'alone' after their nanny left

It comes after it was reported that Prince Harry was refused permission for a wreath to be laid at the Cenotaph for Remembrance Sunday on his behalf, in another possible sign of a family rift.

The Duke of Sussex, who spent ten years in the armed forces, made the personal request to Buckingham Palace, but was refused due to the fact he had left royal duties in March, The Times reported last November.

The Queen was not thought to have been informed of the request or its refusal, which is said to have 'deeply saddened' the Duke of Sussex, the publication reported.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment on whether Prince Harry's request had been refused.

Last month it was reported that the couple want a 12-month extension to the Megxit deal that would see them keep their royal patronages and head back to the UK to seal the deal in person.

However, sources told Omid that the couple have no such plans, adding: 'They really haven't looked back'.
Saturday, January 30, 2021

Overall Perspective

Trump has prepared for the 2020 election with seven phone calls to his dictatorship mentor Putin from March to July 2020. Then he planned to take advantage of the pandemic and Democratic "weakness" to prefer vote by mail, using state legislative allies to stop early processing of mail-in ballots, so he could declare early landslide victory from election day votes being counted first. Then he says "everybody knows we won" before these ballots came out of nowhere overnight to steal the election for Biden. His foolish followers believe him in this charade, thinking he is an honest man unlike the 30,000 lies documented by the "fake" mainstream media. And of course, the pandemic is a hoax and Russian interference is a hoax, and his job growth was weaker than Obama's second term as he declares he has the "best economy of all time" (one of the lower growth records since 1945). Trump supporters have been trained to ignore the mainstream news in favor of his propaganda echoed by right wing radio and television and repeated on social media by his followers to the less informed followers. Cutting Trump off Twitter after storming of the capitol January 6th has led to a 73% reduction of disinformation, but the damage has been done as Trump's hold on the masses of Republicans remains high, though drifting slightly lower as many states show thousands leaving the Republican party voter registration.

Sedition Caucus

Most Republican office holders, terrified by the murderous mob, initially looked to abandon Trump but now fearing being primaried by Trump supporters in their next re-election are rallying to acquit Trump of impeachment charges. Now most Republicans repeat the "big lies" instilled in Trump supporters in the Twitter days when Trump heretics were mercilessly attacked. He has learned well from his Russian puppet master. Trump has learned to never attack Putin personally when he is forced to criticize Russia, especially Helsinki where he showed loyalty to Putin over his own CIA. Very strange "law and order" candidate who constantly commits crimes to stay in power. Trump claimed to be against the unfortunate "Defund the police" cry of some Black Lives Matter protesters, even as he and McConnell resist the "Blue state bailout" funds for state and local government that inevitably forces state and local budget cuts in the police force and other first responders and health care workers. Red states are equally suffering with the blue states as red governors go along with the cuts to their states. The big lie worked again as 13 congressional seats went from Democrat to Republican thanks to the defund police false narrative. Draining the swamp is another Trump false narrative as his cabinet is at record highs in corruption, compared to no corrupt resignations under Obama.

White Power Terrorism

The capital now has 10,000 national guard troops to protect from right wing terrorists like the Proud Boys, Oath Takers, and Three Percenters that planned and executed the storming the capitol on January 6th beginning plans right after the election. Trump put flunkies in charge of the pentagon in December so he could delay response to the mob at the capitol by an hour and a half, as he smiled watching the invasion on television. FBI violence reports indicate domestic violence in 2019 was about 98% by white supremacy type groups and 2% antifa type groups. There is no domestic terrorism law against whites, only Islamic terror laws, but the FBI has definitions and laws to work with and has shown ties between congresspersons and the plotters of the capitol invasion. Treason charges could include such attacks against the US. Congresspeople allowed plotters to view the capitol the day before the attack despite tourism being banned under the pandemic since March. Some congress persons were twittering locations of AOC and other Democrats, aiding, and abetting the invasion. Legal charges should follow. Photos of the crowd show many ex-servicemen in the invasion, with 20% veterans among those charged, triple US average 7%.

Personal Threats and Gains

I discovered the key to Peace Economics by Ruth Leger Sivard on a brochure from Ada Sanchez of the Fellowship of Reconciliation at a meeting held at the famous Dorothy Patch's house in March 1983. Dorothy Patch was United Nations Association power behind the throne of Peace Republican US Senator Mark Hatfield Chair of Appropriations. Hatfield was the only "no" vote in the 1981 largest peacetime increase in military spending in American history, Dorothy and Mark both of Salem Oregon. Dorothy got the City of Salem to fly the United Nations flag equally with the federal and state flags. I made copies of the Sivard chart and plastered them all over the state legislative offices. Then I realized going through my papers two years later that the world did not believe military spending was disastrous for any economy. So I began testing the Sivard concept for reality and found a near perfect (-1.00 is perfect) -0.997 correlation and a sixty-year fit in the US economy of 0.999. So I wrote the book Peace Economics in February March 1986. The popular paperback edition was released that Hiroshima Day to rave reviews. While thrilling most people with my results, including Jesse Jackson, I began getting negative feedback from leftists like Colman McCarthy's brother and socialists like Alexander Cockburn who thought economics dominated the arms race, contrary to even Marx. A state legislator in 1991 warned me to watch my back because powerful people would want to stop me. But the SANE Freeze Congress adopted Peace Economy as a top priority in 1988 and had balloons with my 1989 book title Strength Through Peace behind every chair in 1990. It has been up and down ever since. One County Commissioner wanted to submit me for Pulitzer consideration, and another thought I had proven my point to a ridiculous extent. Still denial was strong despite more quotes (five) in the book Planethood than Kennedy or Reagan after sharing a workshop with Ken Keyes Jr. in 1989 at the UN University of Peace in Costa Rica. Fast forward to the present. The pentagon (global warming) and CIA (military spending) noticed my work in 2013 and a strange visitor (police? FBI? Military? Intelligence?) appeared at my last public speech at the Peregrine Forum just as the pandemic shut things down March 13, 2020. The World Federalists have always treated me better than peace people, because they think "big picture" structures better. In my Gary Gygax days (1964-1974) we wargamers all figured we had extensive FBI files. I can always use an extra Nobel Peace Prize nomination just before the deadline:

Deadline January 31 midnight CET (Norway time) for Nobel Peace Prize nominations by national legislators, cabinets, and leaders or certain associate professors or higher academics and many other peace related orgs:

https://www.nobelpeaceprize.org/Nomination/Nominator-application-form

Seventeen Key Findings About Military Spending, Empire, and the Long Cycle:

https://www.academia.edu/37217512/Findings_and_Special_Claims_November_2017_2_pages

Please cite this work as follows: Reuschlein, Robert. (2021, January 30), "Dangerous Times For America" Madison, WI, Real Economy Institute. Retrieved from: https://www.expertclick.com/NewsRelease/Dangerous-Times-For-America,2021241810.aspx

Dr. Peace, Professor Robert Reuschlein, Real Economy Institute, Nobel Peace Prize nominee 2016-2020 with accelerating interest from the deciding Norwegians. A consistently growing pattern shows intense interest in my work on my expertclick.com website; daily "hard looks" per year have gone from 2 to 3 to 48 to 128 to 200 to double last year's pace (93/48) so far, this 113 days.

Contact: bobreuschlein@gmail.com Info: www.realeconomy.com
In an open letter to the university community, the Penn State Black Caucus detailed an ambush of one of its Zoom meetings recently by 51 people who used white supremacist language, hurled racial and homophobic slurs, and exposed themselves to the cameras.

In the letter, which was posted on Twitter and Instagram on Friday, the Black Caucus called on Penn State to use its full resources in holding these attackers accountable.

The letter says that during the Black Caucus Jan. 27 Zoom recruitment meeting as part of the universitys virtual Spring Involvement Fair, 51 unwanted users ambushed the call and directed racial and homophobic slurs against three caucus executive board members. They also flooded the chat section with anti-Semitic and white supremacist language and symbols, the letter said.

Additionally, some of the intruders screamed, played loud music, and exposed themselves to the camera in a sexual manner during the video call, according to the letter.

Members of the Black Caucus removed the unwanted users and immediately contacted school administration, the letter said.

The Black Caucus mission is to promote and protect the safety and well-being of Black students and to educate and serve the universitys minority community.

In a message to the members of the Black Caucus and the Penn State community that was posted on the universitys website Saturday, Penn State president Eric J. Barron said Zoom bombings of various lectures and meetings in which hate-filled, racist and antisemitic language was spewed and specifically targeted at people of color and other populations have been reported, though he did not go into detail about any of the calls or indicate which other groups aside from the Black Caucus have been targeted.

Barron said Penn State has alerted police as well as Zoom to these cases to investigate and hold the perpetrators accountable.

The vile language, images and vulgar content that are characteristics of these coordinated online attacks reflect broader social challenges and ongoing problems within our community and our nation at large, Barron wrote. For me, these types of troubling activities serve to strengthen my goal of creating a more inclusive community and certainly underscore the need for continued work together on initiatives like the recent revisions to our Student Code of Conduct.

In its letter, the Black Caucus called the incident traumatic but stressed that it was not an isolated event, citing three cases of white supremacist attacks and threats against Black students at the school in 1987, 1990, and 2001.

This country has consistently failed us systemically, resulting in racial injustices in every sector of life, the letter said. Throughout the nation and here in Central Pennsylvania, we have seen a rise in recent years of hate crimes and hate-driven radicalization that have resulted in hostility, harm and violence towards Black and brown people.

The letter acknowledges that Penn State has taken some steps to combat hate, but the authors said it was not enough and called on university officials to investigate this incident and invest in opportunities to comprehensively combat anti-Blackness.

This incident begs the question: If we are not safe in our classrooms, on our campus, in our homes, in an online meeting, then where are we supposed to go?

The group issued a statement Saturday night saying it has received a lot of support from faculty, staff, students, and alumni, including assurances the attackers will be held accountable.

We are asking that people share our message and continue to support us and those who are working towards eliminating anti-Blackness in Central Pennsylvania.
A New Orleans man with leukemia left the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola this week after more than two decades of a life sentence for robbery, thanks to an agreement with the Orleans Parish District Attorneys Office.

While he was the first, 55-year-old Herbert Estes likely wont be the last person to have a court cut his sentence as new District Attorney Jason Williams begins a larger project to determine whether long prison terms still make sense.

But there were specific circumstances that made Estes, convicted of first-degree robbery in 1998, an outlier among the prisoners clamoring for a pair of fresh eyes on their case. Estes already had a request in for a lower sentence, and it had been pending in court for more than two years under former District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro. Meanwhile, his cancer diagnosis gave the case added urgency, said Williams' civil rights division chief, Emily Maw.

It is neither good policy to keep a terminally ill person in prison, nor is it good fiscal policy, Maw said. The priority treatment was because of his significant medical condition.

Estes path to 24 years behind bars began with another mans alcohol-fueled night out on May 8, 1996, according to court records. The man told police hed had six or seven beers over as many hours at a bar then he decided to head to his car.

He described a strange series of events that followed: a woman striking up a conversation with him, a man stealing a gun from his car and another man offering to drive him around on a hunt for the weapon.

After an unsuccessful search and more drinks, the victim said he woke up the next morning without his keys. He said the man and woman returned, held a knife on him and ransacked his home.

Gov. John Bel Edwards commuted 36 prison sentences in 2020. Here's the story of one freed inmate. Duong "Calvin" Cao had served 17 years in prison on an attempted murder conviction when he went before the Louisiana pardon board in 2015 and 

The victim identified Estes and a woman named Beverly Chisolm as his assailants from a photo line-up.

Estes was charged with armed robbery in July 1996. At trial, defense lawyers attacked the victims memory, pointing to his drinking and decision to let strangers pilot his car. But the mans account was enough to convince 10 of 12 jurors of Estes' guilt on the lesser count of first-degree robbery.

Louisiana voters did away with the states unusual practice of split-jury verdicts going forward in a 2018 referendum. Then the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the practice for cases that were still on appeal as of April 2020. But the changes to the law came too late for Estes, who had long since run out of appeals.

After the jury convicted Estes, then-District Attorney Harry Connick Sr.s office invoked his prior felony convictions, including at least one for possession of cocaine, to increase his sentence to a mandatory minimum of life without parole.

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Such sentences were typical then, but they've come under increasing scrutiny in the years since as voters soured on mass incarceration. In 2018, the Louisiana Supreme Court retroactively lowered the sentencing range for many people convicted in the late 1990s and early 2000s as habitual offenders.

Citing the state Supreme Court's decision, Chisolm was released from prison in 2019. But Estes case lingered. Even under the lower sentencing range, he still faced a minimum of 40 years in prison.

John Esteen, inmate behind landmark La. Supreme Court decision, wins parole from 100-year sentence John Esteen, a state prisoner whose legal fight over his 100-year sentence for nonviolent drug crimes led to a landmark state Supreme Court de

His luck changed after Williams took office Jan. 11. Maw said Estes attorneys, Stanislav Moroz and Annick Jordan, approached the office to discuss his case, which was set for a court hearing this month. Given Estes' poor health, Maw agreed that the 40-year baseline was extreme."

On Wednesday, Maw, former director of the Innocence Project New Orleans, made her first appearance in court as an assistant district attorney. The defense attorneys joined her in a motion for what they called a "negotiated settlement" to release Estes on the time he had already served. They cited his cancer diagnosis, support from his family and social workers and a letter of acceptance from a transitional housing program for people with substance abuse problems.

Criminal District Court Judge Nandi Campbell approved the request, and Angola freed Estes on Thursday.

His prior crimes were a result of his substance abuse, which is not uncommon. He has made significant efforts since being in prison to address the underlying cause of his criminal behavior back in the 1990s, Maw said. And hes very ill.

Maw said it was the office's understanding that the victim is dead.

Estes release might be a sign of things to come under Williams. The civil rights divisions duties include examining potential wrongful convictions and the raft of cases overturned by the Supreme Court's decision on split-jury verdicts. In Estes' case, the nonunanimous verdict didn't factor into the office's decision, Maw said.

Another agenda item for the unit  reviewing old, potentially excessive sentences  could be just as consequential. Nationally, Louisiana is a dramatic outlier in the number of people it sentences to life without parole.

The District Attorneys Office would not discuss its larger plans for the sentence review project, but it won't be an outlier among "progressive prosecutors" in the U.S. Last month, Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby launched a sentencing review unit, joining other prosecutors in San Francisco; Boston; Philadelphia; and Brooklyn, New York.
Berger said when he read the findings of the first probe, "it was pretty clear to me we needed to do a follow-on...
East Baton Rouge Parish officials are scrambling to establish a program to give out rental assistance funds Congress approved in the latest coronavirus relief package.

But the city-parish wont be able to get the money to those struggling to pay rent as quickly as New Orleans or Jefferson Parish. Officials said Friday it will likely be around early to mid-March before they have the infrastructure in place to allocate the first round of approximately $13.1 million in rental assistance the city-parish is set to receive.

Cities like New Orleans and Jefferson Parish already have programs set up for rapid housing, so theyre moving faster, said Courtney Scott, an assistant chief administrative officer with the city-parish. Right now were working to get the full parish allocation.

There was a slight setback with the city-parishs allocation. So far, Scott said theyve only received $6 million in earmarked funds, which is just the portion calculated for the city of Baton Rouge. Scott said the parishs portion, $7 million, was somehow sent to the states housing corporation instead of the city-parish.

(The U.S. Dept of Treasury) is trying to figure out if they can give it to us or the state, Scott said. I dont know why they gave it to them and not us.

In the meantime, the Metro Council is set to hold a public hearing Feb. 10 to consider giving the Mayors Office the permission to accept the grant from the U.S. Department of Treasurys Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The amount listed with the agenda item says that allocation from the federal government is not to exceed nearly $30 million.

The city-parish could eventually receive $29.1 million, the maximum amount in rental assistance for which it's eligible. But the state is withholding 55% of the parishs designated funds for rental assistance.

Gov. John Bel Edwards, in a letter this week, said the state will provide the remaining 55% once the local programs share data to ensure there is no duplication of benefits and that guidelines are being met. They must also establish that they are giving priority to those in their parish who applied through the state's previous program, according to a letter.

The money comes from a $25 billion program funded through the U.S. Treasury Department. While it has been praised by fair housing experts as the most significant aid for renters and landlords to date, they say it remains only a fraction of what is needed.

Louisiana got $308 million. Seven parishes  Orleans, Jefferson, St. Tammany, East Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Caddo and Calcasieu  are large enough to apply to distribute the funds themselves, and are being granted allotments based on population.

The initial funding each qualifying parish received is only 45% of its allotment based on population.

Scott said the rental assistance will be paid directly to landlords with tenants who are behind on their rent.

Tenants currently in eviction status or behind six months or more will be priority, she said.

Scott said the city-parish is already starting a database of landlords who email ocd@brla.gov to start pre-qualifying if they have tenants who meet the criteria for assistance.

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Were stating a waiting list; we want to start those relationships and contacts with landlords, he said.

Scott the city-parishs primary objectives with the funds will be keeping people housed during the ongoing pandemic by preventing evictions for failure to pay. They want to help as many households as possible by prioritizing the neediest first and ensuring there is equitable distribution of the funds.

We are rapidly identifying partners to ensure we are capable of meeting the demand, she said.

Some of the partners theyve already locked in include Habitat for Humanity, Mid-City Redevelopment Authority and the Urban Restoration Enhancement Corporation.

Baton Rouge rental assistance program overwhelmed with more requests than it can pay for Officials with a Baton Rouge rental assistance program say they don't have enough money to help the more than 3,000 people who have applied, a

New Orleans, with an initial allocation of $11.6 million, will begin doling out aid on Feb. 15 and is taking applications through its ready.nola.gov website, Mayor LaToya Cantrells office said.

Under federal guidelines, the money can cover up to 12 months of back rent and three months of future rent payments, with an option for an additional three months if needed, and is available to cover the rent for those making 80% of the area's average median income, with an emphasis on those making just 50%.

But the program was designed to be flexible and allow the state and any qualifying parish to make adjustments based on local need as long as they meet those guidelines.

The Louisiana Housing Corp. will handle the dispersal of funds to parishes not large enough to run their own programs.

Executive Director Keith Cunningham said LHC is working to get the money out as quickly as possible, but he said the legislation, which has been praised for the flexibility it allows for, also leaves a lot of gray areas and questions that need to be answered.

He said that the change in presidential administrations has slowed the process. The $25 billion was allocated under President Donald Trump but the program is now being run by President Joe Biden's administration.

Cunningham said his office will disburse the money as quickly as possible, but declined to say when that will happen.

While we anticipate we will be launching shortly, I cant define shortly, he said. There is still a lot being done behind the scenes.

According to the Treasury Department, any rent payments go to the landlord, and proof the rent is paid is provided to the tenant. In instances where the landlord is not participating, however, there isn't any guidance provided yet, according to the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center, which has been tracking the program since the bill was passed.

AIDS has claimed more than 33million lives and its causative agent, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), has thus far proved impossible to find a vaccine for.

Drugs which prevent transmission of the virus and squash symptoms are now readily available in many countries, but 1.7 million people became infected with HIV in 2019.

Professor Jacques Pepin, an epidemiologist at Universite de Sherbrooke in Canada, has been trying to discover the origin of HIV for decades, since his time as a GP in Zaire (today the Democratic Republic of Congo) in the 1980s.

Previous studies found the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) in chimps first crossed over into humans in South-East Cameroon at the start of the 20th century.

Simian immunodeficiency virus can be fatal to chimps and is exactly the same as HIV, the only difference between the two is the host it lives inside.

HIV is an example of zoonotic transmission, where a pathogen can cross from one species to another, like Covid-19, bird flu and cowpox.

In the acclaimed first edition of his book 'Origin of AIDS', published in 2011, Dr Pepin concluded HIV likely infected a hunter in Cameroon at the start of the 20th century, before spreading to Leopoldville, now known as Kinshasa in the Congo.

Now, a revised version of this 'cut hunter' hypothesis has been published which states the original 'Patient Zero' was not a native hunter, but instead a starving World War One soldier forced to hunt chimps for food when stuck in the remote forest around Moloundou, Cameroon in 1916  giving rise to the 'cut soldier' theory.

In an exclusive interview with MailOnline, Professor Pepin reveals how colonialism, starvation and prostitution helped create the ongoing AIDS epidemic.

Scroll down for video

Professor Jacques Pepin believes a hungry World War One soldier forced to hunt chimps for food when stuck in the remote forest around Moloundou, Cameroon in 1916 - the 'cut soldier' theory. Eventually, the soldier, after the war, came back all the way to Leopoldville and probably started the very first train of transmission in Leopoldville itself. From here, the virus spread and eventually was exported to the US, where it later went global

In an exclusive interview with MailOnline, Professor Pepin reveals how colonialism, starvation and prostitution helped create the ongoing AIDS pandemic.

'During World War One, Germany had a number of colonies in Africa and the Allied forces decided to invade these colonies, one of which was Cameroon,' said Professor Pepin.

'Cameroon was invaded by a combination of British, Belgian and French soldiers from five directions.'

One of the invasion routes saw 1,600 soldiers venture from Leopoldville up the River Congo and its tributary the Sanger River before reaching the final destination in Cameroon on foot.

This path took them to the remote town on Moloundou, the location which previous studies had speculated was the site of the very first HIV infection.

'The soldiers spent three or four months in Moloundou before moving forward. When they were there, the main problem was not bullets from the enemy, but starvation,' Professor Pepin said.

The normal population of the entire South-East region of Cameroon in the 1920s was around 4,000, living off cassava, other crops and bushmeat.

These people fled when the soldiers arrived due to their brutal reputation for slaughtering towns and ruthlessly raping women.

As a result, the soldiers soon ran out of food and were reliant on supplies sent by river from Brazzaville and Leopoldville.

However, the river only went so far and 'bearers', poorly-paid locals, were employed to manually carry food, wine, ammunition and weapons to Moloundou.

HIV TRANSMISSION AND PREVENTION You can get or transmit HIV only through specific activities, most commonly through sexual behaviors and needle or syringe use. The FDA has approved more than two dozen antiretroviral drugs to treat HIV infection. They're often broken into six groups because they work in different ways. Doctors recommend taking a combination or 'cocktail' of at least two of them. Called antiretroviral therapy, or ART, it can't cure HIV, but the medications can extend lifespans and reduce the risk of transmission. 1) Nucleoside/Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs) NRTIs force the virus to use faulty versions of building blocks so infected cells can't make more HIV. 2) Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs) NNRTIs bind to a specific protein so the virus can't make copies of itself. 3) Protease Inhibitors (PIs) These drugs block a protein that infected cells need to put together new copies of the virus. 4) Fusion Inhibitors These drugs help block HIV from getting inside healthy cells in the first place. 5) CCR5 Antagonist This stops HIV before it gets inside a healthy cell, but in a different way than fusion inhibitors. It blocks a specific kind of 'hook' on the outside of certain cells so the virus can't plug in. 6) Integrase Inhibitors These stop HIV from making copies of itself by blocking a key protein that allows the virus to put its DNA into the healthy cell's DNA. Advertisement

Daily treks of up to 25 miles carrying a 25kg (55lbs) payload and insufficient nutrition led to half of these souls perishing, Professor Pepin estimates.

The logistical issues led to mass starvation and forced soldiers to venture into the forest to hunt for any animal that could be eaten.

'All of a sudden you have 1,600 soldiers with rifles and plenty of ammunition, so the level of hunting in that area went up dramatically over these few months,' he told MailOnline.

'My hypothesis is that one of the soldiers got infected while hunting in the forest. A chimpanzee was killed and when cutting the animal to bring it back, there was an injury which got infected with the virus.

'Eventually, the soldier, after the war, came back all the way to Leopoldville and probably started the very first train of transmission in Leopoldville itself.'

Professor Pepin believes that once the virus had this foothold in the human population, it initially spread slowly, confined to what was the then capital of the Belgian colony.

He estimates that this one case of zoonotic transmission in 1916 led to around 500 infected people in the early 1950s.

The spread of HIV at this point was primarily driven by the reuse of dirty needles in hospitals, the result of resource shortages and limited disinfection capabilities.

In 1960, the Congo shed the shackles of European colonialism, triggering an influx of refugees and migrants to the city.

The population of Leopoldville was about 14,000 at the start of the 20th century and now Kinshasa, the name given to Leopoldville in 1966, is home to 14 million people  a 1,000-fold increase in a century.

However, the newly named city proved the perfect breeding ground for HIV as it created a lopsided sex divide, with ten men living there for every woman.

This led to poverty and rife prostitution, which helped the sexually transmitted virus spread among the city's population.

'Every year prostitutes would have up to 1,500 clients. That was perfect for the sexual amplification of HIV between these high volume sex workers and their clients,' says Professor Pepin.

'That's when really sexual transmission became accelerated in the 1960s.'

The hub of Leopoldville was integral in the spread of HIV globally, Professor Pepin adds, saying by the 1960s a handful of cases were seen in other parts of the former Belgian Congo.

A Haitian technical assistant that came to the country after the nation's independence caught the virus in this region, and eventually took it home where it then spread among gay men.

'Within a few years it was re-exported to the US and in the US it spread among gay men and IV drug users and from the US it went to Western Europe,' Dr Pepin says.

Dr Jacques Pepin's book 'The Origins of AIDS', published by Cambridge University Press, is available to buy now for 19.99 RRP.
Uh-oh! It could be you, or it could be us, but there's no page here.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-30 09:53:43|Editor: huaxia

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ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) on Friday expressed its keen intention to deepen Africa's trade integration and effectively implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement.

"The number of members that have ratified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement is approaching 40 with the continent's leadership showing immense political will towards achieving its aspirations," the UN agency said in a statement on Friday.

The UNECA is working closely with the International Trade Center (ITC), the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and a selection of independent trade experts with the financial support of the European Union (EU) to support the implementation of the AfCFTA across the continent, it said.

The statement came shortly after AU Commissioner for Trade and Industry Albert Muchanga said during an Invest in Africa webinar on Wednesday that five members, namely Zambia, Tanzania, Somalia, Algeria and Morocco, had indicated their intention to ratify the agreement soon, joining the 35 members that have already ratified and deposited their instruments.

The agreement entered into force on May 30, 2019, a year and one month after the treaty was signed, after having been ratified by 22 members -- the minimum number required for the treaty to take effect.

Trading under the AfCFTA began on Jan. 1, 2021 following a postponement last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The treaty has been signed by 54 out of the 55 members, leaving Eritrea as the sole outsider to date.

Muchanga also attributed the achievement to "a lot of very high political commitment from the heads of state and government."

According to figures from the UNECA, the continental free trade pact aims to create the world's largest free trade area with the potential that brings together more than 1.2 billion people with a combined GDP worth more than 2.5 trillion U.S. dollars. Enditem
Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, hits from the 10th tee of the North Course during the second round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines, Friday, Jan. 29, 2021, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Rory McIlroy finished with a late birdie to move into the weekend three off the lead at the Farmers Insurance Open.

McIlroy entered the day on -4, but only picked up one shot in what was an up-and-down day for him at Torrey Pines. Starting at the par 5 9th, the four-time Major champion fired an early birdie and picked up another shot at the par 3 12th.

However, midway through his front nine, McIlroy hit a rough patch, carding back-to-back bogeys at the par 4 14th and the par 3 15th. Another birdie followed at the 17th, which was also a par 5, before he followed that with another bogey at 18.

Moving onto the front nine, McIlroy made eight consecutive pars before ending his round with his fourth birdie of the day, to go into the clubhouse with a round of 71.

McIlroy's one-under-par round leaves him on -5 heading into the weekend, with Jon Rahm, Patrick Reed and Patrick Malnati currently sharing the lead on -8 with players still out on the course.
The US Capitol Police officer killed during an insurrection at the US Capitol on 6 January will lie in honour inside the buildings rotunda.

Officer Brian Sicknick joined the Capitol Police in 2008 after his six-year service in the New Jersey Air National Guard. He died on 7 January.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer have confirmed his ceremony and interment at Arlington National Cemetery.

The US Congress is united in grief, gratitude and solemn appreciation for the service and sacrifice of Officer Brian Sicknick, the Democratic leaders said in a shared statement on Friday. The heroism of Officer Sicknick and the Capitol Police force during the violent insurrection against our Capitol helped save lives, defend the temple of our democracy and ensure that the Congress was not diverted from our duty to the Constitution. His sacrifice reminds us every day of our obligation to our country and to the people we serve.

A ceremonial arrival is scheduled for 2 February at 9.30pm in front of the Capitol building. A viewing period will follow at 10pm for Capitol Police officers.

Recommended Police union slams chiefs over failure to prepare for Capitol riot

A viewing for members of Congress begins on Wednesday morning, followed by a congressional tribute and departure before Officer Sicknicks interment at Arlington National Cemetery.

Officer Sicknick died after he was struck in the head with a fire extinguisher by a mob supporting former president Donald Trumps false claims of election fraud.

Nearly 140 officers from Capitol Police and Washington DCs Metropolitan Police Department were injured, according to Capitol Police union Chairman Gus Papathanasiou.

At least eight people who were at the Capitol on 6 January have died, including Officer Sicknick, two officers who died by suicide in the wake of the riot, a woman fatally shot by an officer, three rioters who died from medical emergencies, and a man who died by suicide following his arrest for his role in the riots.

Lying in state inside the Capitol Rotunda is typically reserved for government officials.

In 1998, Congress granted the use of the Rotunda for two Capitol Police officers who were fatally shot to lie in honour.

The last person to lie in state in the Rotunda was Georgia Congressman and civil rights advocate John Lewis, who died in 2020.

Scientists in Japan reveal how optimizing the structure of porphyrin derivatives can help improve drug delivery to cancer cells

Porphyrins are interesting drug delivery vehicles that can specifically accumulate in cancer cells. However, how the structure of the drug-conjugated porphyrin affects its ability to penetrate and accumulate within cancer cells is not well understood. Researchers from Tokyo University of Science now investigate the correlation between the structure and tumor accumulation of porphyrin derivatives. Their findings can help to optimize drug delivery, possibly advancing cancer treatment.

The main culprit in cancer is healthy cells that have gone rogue and acquire the ability to divide uncontrollably. These cells acquire growth advantages over normal cells and manipulate their environment by altering the cellular pathways involved in growth and metabolism. Over the past few decades, various altered pathways and proteins have been identified as targets for therapeutic interventions. However, what remains challenging is selectively targeting cancer cells and ensuring that the drug reaches the tumor in adequate amounts, without severely affecting normal cells. And in this regard, biocompatible delivery vehicles (which are non-toxic to normal cells) can be useful.

One such potential candidate is "porphyrins," a group of organic cyclic compounds that form the functional center of several proteins in the human body. Porphyrins are known for their "photosensitizing" effects, that is, their ability to release reactive oxygen species upon light stimulation. These reactive species are what gives porphyrins their anticancer activity. Porphyrins have another advantage: structurally, they are composed of four subunits called "pyrrole subunits," which give them specific electronic properties. These electronic properties, in combination with receptors on cancer cells, facilitate the selective accumulation of porphyrins in cancer cells, thereby serving as an effective drug delivery system. But how the steric position (atomic arrangement) of the functional groups bound to porphyrins favors maximum accumulation and distribution of porphyrin-conjugated drugs in cancer cells hasn't been well studied.

To answer this question, researchers at Tokyo University of Science, including Asst. Prof. Toshifumi Tojo, Mr. Koshi Nishida, Assoc. Prof. Takeshi Kondo, and Prof. Makoto Yuasa, dug deeper into how the structure of porphyrin derivatives can affect tumor accumulation. Their findings are published in the journal Scientific Reports. Explaining their motivation, Dr.Tojo, who led the study, says, "Porphyrins are used as the basic skeleton of new drugs for cancer treatment due to their ability to accumulate in cancer cells. They possess different functional group modification positions for drug conjugation. Whether these positions confer different physical properties and membrane permeability remains unclear. Our aim was to investigate how these differences impact drug delivery."

In their study, the researchers explored the (third) and meso (middle) position of functional groups in porphyrins. First, using a breast cancer cell line, they looked into how these functional positions affect the time-dependent accumulation in cancer cells, ranging from 2-to 24-hour time points. They found that meso-derivatives accumulated in cells at 3-fold higher amounts than -derivatives and that derivatives with smaller functional groups allowed better aggregation than the larger ones.

Next, they investigated how these functional group positions influence the pathway by which porphyrins enter cancer calls. They found that porphyrin conjugates form complexes with plasma proteins that facilitate their transport via endocytic vesicles. Additionally, the compounds could also diffuse into the cytoplasm through the cell membrane.

Moreover, considering their electron-rich nature, porphyrins likely interact with serum proteins that transport them to the cells. The researchers, therefore, measured how different positions influence the affinity of these porphyrin conjugates with serum proteins and how increased affinity may enhance tumor accumulation. They found that while the meso-position improves intracellular accumulation of porphyrin conjugates, it did not have a major effect on the movement of small functional groups into the cell.

Concluding their findings, Dr.Tojo remarks, "Our study reveals that the functional group modification position of porphyrin greatly affects the membrane permeability and intra-cellular tumor accumulation. We are hopeful that our findings can help inform guidelines for the structural design of novel porphyrin drugs."

Overall, their study gives insight into how the structure of drug delivery systems like porphyrins must be considered to achieve maximum efficacy, hopefully paving the way for advancements in cancer drug delivery.

Reference

Title of original paper : Evaluation of the correlation between porphyrin accumulation in cancer cells and functional positions for application as a drug carrier Journal : Scientific Reports DOI : 10.1038/s41598-021-81725-3

Tokyo University of Science (TUS) is a well-known and respected university, and the largest science-specialized private research university in Japan, with four campuses in central Tokyo and its suburbs and in Hokkaido. Established in 1881, the university has continually contributed to Japan's development in science through inculcating the love for science in researchers, technicians, and educators.

With a mission of "Creating science and technology for the harmonious development of nature, human beings, and society", TUS has undertaken a wide range of research from basic to applied science. TUS has embraced a multidisciplinary approach to research and undertaken intensive study in some of today's most vital fields. TUS is a meritocracy where the best in science is recognized and nurtured. It is the only private university in Japan that has produced a Nobel Prize winner and the only private university in Asia to produce Nobel Prize winners within the natural sciences field.

Tokyo University of Science(About US) : https://www.tus.ac.jp/en/about/
Former first lady Melania Trump at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida. ZAK BENNETT/AFP via Getty Images

Former first lady Melania Trump is looking for office space in Palm Beach, Florida, according to CNN.

Currently, Trump is working out of Mar-a-Lago and remotely.

Her post-White House office will focus on continuing the work of her 'Be Best' iniaitive.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Related: Highlights from President Joe Biden's history-making inauguration

Former first lady Melania Trump is setting up a post-White House office in Palm Beach, Florida, according to CNN.

Her focus will be to continue working on the 'Be Best' initiative, a source told the media outlet.

The 'Be Best' campaign, launched in 2018, was Trump's signature initiative during her husband's presidency. It had a broad scope, focusing on cyberbullying, opioid addiction, and children's wellbeing.

Trump faced criticism for promoting the anti-bullying campaign, while her husband used Twitter to unleash no-holds-barred attacks on his critics.

She was also challenged by her own staff about the choice of name. Her senior advisor, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, said that 'Be Best' sounded "illiterate," according to Vanity Fair.

Read more: Mike and Karen Pence are homeless and appear to be couch surfing their way through Indiana

Trump will be joined in the post-White House office by three former advisers, CNN reported.

Hayley D'Antuno, Mary Finzer, and Marcia Kelly will help "maintain" the 'Be Best' initiative, the media outlet said.

Trump is currently working out of the Mar-a-Lago resort and remotely. She is, however, on the lookout for a separate office space nearby, CNN reported.

Former President Donald Trump has also opened an office in Florida to announce his post-presidency plans.

The office has said it will "carry on the agenda of the Trump administration."

Read the original article on Business Insider
A report from Iran indicate that authorities have "dismantled" a Christian group for allegedly "creating moral deviations" and "promoting religious conversion."

According to the Revolutionary Guard Corps-linked Fars News Agency, a "Zionist" group was "dismantled" in a coordinated operation. The authorities reportedly disbanded a "network" of Christians in several provinces because they were "creating moral deviations" and "promoting [religious] conversion."

There was no report on the specific number of Christians arrested, as well as the date and place where they were allegedly arrested, according to Article 18.

The report accuses "Christian-affiliated networks" of taking "extensive" efforts to undermine the national security of Iran over the past 2 years.

The Iranian government uses terms like "Zionists," "cult," "sect," and even "enemy groups" when referring to Christian house churches. Those of Armenian and Assyrian decent, however, are afforded the more "friendly" and letient terms, such as "Christian Compatriots."

Using these terms, Iran is able to openly and blatantly deny persecuting Christians while maintaining a crackdown on house churches.

Previous reports indicate that experts from the U.N. recently wrote to the Iranian government to discuss "serious concerns" on the report about the "systematic persecution" of Christians in Iran.

Currently, there are at least 24 Christians who are in prison in Iran for engaging in alleged "actions against national security" because of their membership or leadership in house churches that the authorities do not consider legal.

The U.N. experts also asked Iran to provide details on the following:

"Grounds for the arrest, detention and conviction of all the individuals mentioned, and updated information about their cases." A detailed explanation of how the national courts interpret the terms "acting against national security" and "propaganda against the state'" and "how these interpretations are compatible with the international norms and standards on freedom of religion or belief, freedom of expression, and freedom of peaceful assembly and association." What measures and policies are being followed in order to "ensure that persons belonging to the Christian minority, including those converting from Islam, are not discriminated against in all walks of life, and fully enjoy their human rights, including freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, freedom of expression and freedom peaceful assembly and association."

Iran, of course, later denied the accusations and responded by firstly saying that all religious minorities in country are "entitled to all freedoms and civil rights, as stipulated in the Constitution."

It then added that "nobody is prosecuted on religious grounds" and that legal actions are taken only against members of "enemy groups" and "private churches" (house-churches) belonging to a "Zionist Christian cult" with "anti-security purposes." As mentioned, these is how the Iranian government hides its persecution of Christians.

After denying that they have persecuted people based on religious grounds, the letter also claimed that the said individuals mentioned who are in prison are "under cover of promoting Christianity, were in fact communicating with evangelical Zionism with a view to enmity and confrontation with the Islamic Establishment and subversive act against it through organized cults and holding illegal and secret meetings to deceive citizens and exploit the deceived persons, particularly children".

These kinds of news just go to show yet another example of how Iran wants to portray house-church members as distinct from mainstream Christianity which is known to be one of the three smaller religions in Iran.

The U.N. reported tackled the "reported persecution of members of the Christian minority in Iran, including converts from Islam, as well as the detention of dozens of Christians, most of whom have been convicted for exercising their right to freely observe and worship their religion."

The U.N. report also showed that Iran failed to provide fair legal proceedings which include legal harassment, lack of due process, and formulated charges.
Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene speaks to a GOP women's group in Rome, Ga., on March 3, 2020. (John Bailey/Rome News-Tribune via AP)

Yes, There Is an Enemy Within: Rep. Marjorie Greene

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) said Jan. 30 that America is facing an enemy within.

She singled out what she called socialists America Last policies, apparently referring to those that oppose former President Donald Trumps America First agenda, in a string of Twitter posts.

Yes there is an enemy within, she wrote. And that enemy is a poisonous rot of socialist policies and America last sell outs who are pompous hypocrites that believe they are untouchable elites.

By using the term enemy within, Greene seemed to be responding to recent remarks made by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).

Pelosi told reporters that the House needs more money for security because of an enemy within the House.

I have said this all along, that we will probably need a supplemental for more security for members when the enemy is within the House of Representatives, a threat that members are concerned about, in addition to what is happening outside, Pelosi said Jan. 28 during a press conference.

She later elaborated that she was referring to House members who want to bring firearms on the chamber floor.

It means that we have members of Congress who want to bring guns on the floor and have threatened violence on other members of Congress, she said.

Pelosis office didnt immediately respond to a request for comment from The Epoch Times.

The authorities enhanced security measures at the Capitol after some protesters and rioters breached the building on Jan. 6. The new measures include metal detectors near the entrance of the House Chambers, controversial fences around the Capitol, and the continued presence of National Guard troops.

Lawmakers are permitted to carry firearms within the Capitol complex, with proper permits, but are not permitted to do so on the House or Senate floors.

At least one House member set off a metal detector near the entrance of the House chamber after its installation.

Earlier this month, Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.) reportedly set off a newly installed metal detector while trying to enter the House chamber and was found to be carrying a concealed weapon, ABC News reported.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-30 14:18:27|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The following are the updates on the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

- - - -

NEW DELHI -- India's COVID-19 tally rose to 10,733,131 on Saturday as 13,083 new cases were registered during the past 24 hours, said the latest data from the federal health ministry.

According to the official data, the death toll mounted to 154,147 as 137 COVID-19 patients died since Friday morning.

- - - -

PHNOM PENH -- One Cambodian returnee tested positive for the COVID-19 after having been in a quarantine facility for two weeks since her arrival in the country, said a Ministry of Health (MoH) statement on Saturday.

The new patient is a 37-year-old woman returning from Thailand on Jan. 15 via land border, the statement said, noting that upon her arrival, she tested negative for the virus and had been placed under a 14-day quarantine at a quarantine center along the border.

- - - -

TASHKENT -- Uzbekistan has again extended the suspension of all inbound, outbound and transit flights with eight countries until March 1 after new coronavirus variants were detected in some of these countries, Uzbekistan's special anti-COVID-19 commission said Saturday.

Having cut off its air links with Britain, Italy, Denmark, Austria, Australia, the Netherlands and South Africa in December, the Central Asian country extended the flight restrictions till Feb. 1 earlier this month. And this time the commission added Germany to the list.

- - - -

GENEVA -- Multilateral and scientific cooperation in the global battle against COVID-19 topped the agenda of the virtual World Economic Forum (WEF) Davos Agenda meeting as it was wrapping up Friday, while Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga reiterated the Tokyo Olympic Games would go ahead.

In his special address on Friday, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong highlighted that multilateral cooperation has been strengthened thanks to a united global front against the pandemic.

- - - -

BEIJING -- The Chinese mainland on Friday reported 52 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 36 locally transmitted and 16 arriving from outside the mainland, the National Health Commission said Saturday.

Of the locally transmitted cases, 27 were reported in Heilongjiang, five in Jilin, two in Shanghai and one each in Beijing and Hebei, the commission said in its daily report.

One suspected case was reported in Jilin. Enditem
Comedian Munawar Faruqui and his aide Nalin Yadav were arrested on January as they were alleged to have hurt Hindu sentiments by making a joke on Hindu Gods.



BREAKING : Madhya Pradesh High Court dismisses bail applications of comedian Munawar Faruqui & his aide Nalin Yadav in case for alleged hurting of religious sentiments.



They were arrested on January 2 for allegedly hurting religious sentiments during their show.#MunawarFaruqui pic.twitter.com/LcBL6i9KlW  Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) January 28, 2021





And now the latest update is that the Madhya Pradesh High Court has dismissed their bail application.

Twitter

Dismissing the bail application, the MP High Court observed, There is also a specific assertion by the learned counsel for the complainant that the applicant along with other co-accused persons allegedly making outraging filthy jokes in social media deliberately against Hindu Gods, Lord Shriram and Goddess Seeta hurting religious sentiments of Hindus for the last 18 months despite, protest on various social media platforms. There is nothing on record to the contrary.

Twitter

The High court also observed, In the light of the statements of the complainant and the witnesses referred above, the seized articles, viz., video footage of the show and the seizure memos detailed above, at this stage, it is difficult to countenance to the submissions of the learned counsel for the applicant as complacency of the applicant cannot be ruled out, besides vulnerability of his acts in the public domain.





"States must endeavour that ecosystem and sustenance of coexistence in our welfare society is not polluted by negative forces and must strive for achievement of goals enshrined under Article 51A(e) and (f) of Constitution", HC said in #MunawarFaruqui bail order. pic.twitter.com/eAdtuN5gMF  Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) January 28, 2021

Twitter

A single bench of justice Rohit Arya observed that there should be mutual respect, faith and trust amongst all citizens of India as these are basic tenets of co-existence in a welfare society governed by rule of law the judge remarked in parting.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky believes that vaccination against coronavirus (COVID-19) should be free, the presidential press service said.

He and Health Minister Maksym Stepanov discussed this aspect of immunization in detail, which is scheduled to start in February.

"Vaccination against COVID-19 in Ukraine will be free. This is exactly the concern, this is the protection that the government should provide to a citizen during the pandemic, from which the whole world is suffering. I do not know how much the vaccine will cost in private hospitals, but for most Ukrainians this prevention can strain the wallet. And the vaccine against COVID-19 is not something the government should make money on," the president said.

The head of the Health Ministry said the vaccination plan provides for the provision of services free of charge to everyone, and vulnerable categories of the population will be the first to get vaccinated.

"Soon we will present and explain in detail a plan on how to get a vaccine against coronavirus. We will be the first to vaccinate doctors, mobile groups. Among the priority populations, of course, are the elderly. We are also actively and effectively working within the COVAX initiative. Given the capacity, how many people are there. We will be able to vaccinate within a month, we have an even distribution of public funds. And they will be enough to cover all the needs for vaccination," Stepanov said.

At the same time, the head of state supports the development of the market so that Ukrainians who have funds can self-vaccinate against COVID-19. Immunization will be voluntary. However, both the president and the Health Ministry believe that Ukrainians are health conscious, understand the challenges and stick to the vaccination plan.

"We always have disputes over even already known vaccines. But this time we are talking not only about national programs, but about a global program to protect the population in every corner of the planet. Getting a vaccine against coronavirus is not just to protect yourself and get rid of annoying It is also a concern for the entire population, it is a contribution to the fact that we will all return to our usual life and restore world communications," the president said.

Stepanov said the vaccines will be tested many times, the Ukrainians will be offered high-quality vaccines, which will be stored in proper conditions.

THE HAGUE: A former Central African Republic Seleka faction commander suspected of war crimes intends to contest allegations brought at the International Criminal Court, his lawyer said on Friday.

Mahamat Said Abdel Kain, who was detained and transferred to The Hague last week, faces accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in 2013.

The Central African Republic has been mired in violence since a coalition of mostly northern and predominantly Muslim rebels known as Seleka, or alliance in the Sango language, seized power in March 2013. Their brutal rule gave rise to the opposing anti-balaka Christian militias, several of whose former leaders also face charges at the ICC.

The arrest comes against the backdrop of fighting between the Central African Republics army, backed by U.N., Russian and Rwandan troops, and rebels from both militia groups who have now formed an alliance with the aim of seizing the capital and overturning a Dec. 27 vote in which President Faustin-Archange Touadera was declared the winner.

Defense lawyer Jean Pierre Madoukou told judges at his clients first court appearance that Said intends to prove his innocence in court.

I can say clearly that (the) truth will come out in favour of mister Said based on everything we have at our disposal," Madoukou said.

Said, speaking via video-link from the ICC detention centre due to COVID-19 restrictions, did not comment on the accusations against him.

I will be silent for now and I will express myself when the time comes," Said, told the presiding judge.

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 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.


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A federal review has found widespread fraud and incidents of vote-buying in the 2017 election at a Manitoba First Nation.

A federal review has found widespread fraud and incidents of vote-buying in the 2017 election at a Manitoba First Nation.

But the lawyer who represents the mayor and council of Pinaymootang, formerly known as Fairford, said Friday the scope of the issue was limited and not linked to his clients.

A federal order-in-council states the Indigenous services minister found fraud "may have affected the results of the election" on Oct. 28, 2017.

The findings dont blame a specific individual or group, nor do they establish the effect on election results for the community located about 225 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg.

"The findings have been inconclusive in assigning or associating responsibility for voting fraud and corrupt practice to a person, individual, faction or group of candidates and supporters," the document notes.

In an email, Manitoba RCMP Cpl. Julie Courchaine said officers are "assisting Indigenous Services Canada with the investigation."

Clarence Sumner, who lost his bid to become a councillor in the 2017 election, launched the appeal of the election results. On Friday, he said the federal findings validate his position.

"I was very surprised and glad because this means we werent crying wolf in 2017," said Sumner.

Sumner, who also appealed the results of the communitys 2011 and 2019 elections, and assisted an appeal of the 2009 vote, said he believes his efforts were worthwhile.

By contrast, the lawyer who represented Pinaymootang Chief Garnet Woodhouse and council in the matter shares a different view of events. Harley Schachter claims the federal findings dont match the facts of the case.

"We are at a loss to understand why the order-in-council identifies widespread vote-buying when in fact all the minister ever investigated was three allegations of vote buying for three votes," he said.

The lawyer said the allegations are linked to a single employee and none of the candidates elected in 2017 was implicated in any wrongdoing, nor were those elected in 2019.

"The claims of any vote-buying against my clients are false," said Schachter. "My clients certainly deny it and no allegations against them have ever been proven."

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga
New Delhi:

To support its claim that Indian troops trespassed into its territory in Sikkim sector, China on Friday posted a map showing the territory claimed by India and Bhutan as its own land.

The map posted on Chinas foreign ministry website differs from Indian perception of Line of Actual Control. China has have claimed areas far south of what both India and Bhutan claim  New Delhis claim is till Batang La, while Beijing has laid claim to the territory till Mount Gipmochi, reported the Hindustan Times.

The entire controversy surrounds near the tri-junction of India, Bhutan and China. The Bhutan has long been claiming the Donglang or Doklam region in the Sikkim sector and the similar claims are made by China as well.

The territorial dispute between China and Bhutan over Donglang has further complicated the situation. The current standoff between India and China began on June 16 after China claimed that Indian troops entered into its territory.

India defended its move and Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said that the construction work near the tri-junction in Sikkim centre has serious security implications and Indian troops had worked in coordination with Bhutan government to ask Chinese construction party to desist from changing the status quo.

Suggested Read: Sikkim Standoff: Arun Jaitley throws it back to China, says India of 2017 different from 1962

India also has also said any move to unilaterally determine tri-junction points violates the India-China agreement signed in 2012 to finalise the boundary in this region in consultation with all concerned countries.

There is solid legal evidence to support the delimitation of the Sikkim section of the China-India boundary. It is stated in article one of the Convention Between Great Britain and China Relating to Sikkim and Tibet (1890) that the boundary of Sikkim and Tibet shall be the crest of the mountain range separating the waters flowing into the Sikkim Teesta and its affluents from the waters flowing into the Tibetan Mochu and northwards into other rivers of Tibet, Chinese state media reported after the standoff began.

The line commences at Mount Gipmochi on the Bhutan frontier, and follows the above-mentioned water-parting to the point where it meets Nepal territory, the report added.

China had also snubbed India in an oblique reference to the war the two countries had fought 55 years ago and said India should "learn from historical lessons" and stop clamouring for war. In reply, Indian defence minister said the India of 2017 is different from 1962 and current standoff between Indian and Chinese troops was triggered by Beijing.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Saudi Arabia has announced the extension of a travel ban till May 17, as part of the Kingdom's precautionary measures against the Covid-19 pandemic.

The ban on citizens departing the Kingdom and the opening of all sea, land and air borders was scheduled to be lifted on March 31, reports Xinhua news agency.

The Ministry of Interior said on Friday that the extending decision was based on the delayed delivery of the Covid-19 vaccine.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry on Friday registered 267 new coronavirus cases, bringing the accumulated cases to 367,543.

The death toll rose to 6,368 with two new fatalities.
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Julie Payettes abrupt resignation after an external review found Rideau Hall was a toxic workplace is an opportunity to transform the role of Canadas Governor General.

Opinion

Julie Payettes abrupt resignation after an external review found Rideau Hall was a toxic workplace is an opportunity to transform the role of Canadas Governor General.

The patriation of the Constitution 40 years ago under Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau gave Canada complete sovereignty as an independent country. However, it left the Queens role as monarch of Canada untouched. The Governor General represents the monarch in Canada and the duties of the office include giving royal assent to legislation  the final step that makes acts of Parliament into law.

Adrian Wyld / The Canadian Press FILE The abrupt resignation of Governor General Julie Payette creates an opportunity to reassess the vice-regal's role.

The position also has a large ceremonial role, both domestically and internationally, and the ambassadorial part of the job was apparently one of Payettes problems. While some may argue that the position should be eliminated, a reimagined, non-colonial Governor General could play an important role for Canadians.

A touchy subject

Eliminating the office of the monarch from the Constitution has been, and continues to be, a touchy subject given Canadas political culture. Unlike their neighbours to the south, Canadians historically have sought gradual and evolutionary reforms to how their nation is governed  thereby avoiding revolution and civil war.

Many Canadians want politicians to ensure that state institutions are respectful and representative of all citizens  and specifically to take action on systemic anti-Black racism and to continue reconciliation efforts with the countrys Indigenous peoples.

Beyond rhetorical gestures

Yet, at best, politicians respond with rhetorical gestures to these issues, such as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau taking a knee during a Black Lives Matter demonstration. Although the words "unacceptable" and "reform" are bantered about, little, if anything, seems to change.

Establishing a unique Canadian head of state that is not the office of the British monarch is a step that all governments across the country could take to foster reconciliation. It would be a bold gesture to acknowledge the need to move on from Canadas colonial legacy. Taking this final step to attain independence from Britain would allow Canada to start a new phase of its nationhood  a phase when different faces grace the portraits hung in government buildings throughout the land and embassies across the world.

Not an impossible change

Although constitutionally difficult, such a change is by no means impossible. What is needed is the consent of all the provinces plus the House of Commons and Senate. That would require political horse trading, but thats the nature of parliamentary democracy and federalism. Most in Quebec would likely welcome the proposal, and eliminating ties to the monarchy would undermine some of the issues that animate the Bloc Quebecois and the separatist movement.

A homegrown head of state is the gentlest kind of evolution because simultaneously nothing would change and yet much could change.

Creating a Canadian head of state with no ties to the British crown would require only the elimination of a few words from the Constitution. Governments would operate as before. All powers presently entrusted to the monarch would be conferred to the new role of Governor General. Barbados recently dropped the Queen as its head of state without upheaval of any kind.

A more representative symbol

However, at the same time, Canada would still have a head of state who reflects the nation  a symbol of unity and integrity, and a reminder to the government in power that its rule is only temporary. This new Governor General could be an individual who was born in the Far North, or in an inner city, or in a Prairie town or in an Atlantic Coast fishing village. It could be someone who can speak English, French and perhaps even some Inuktitut.

By patriating the office of Governor General, politicians across the nation could agree that Canadas head of state should not be a representative of a colonial power that lives in a palace. Taking this step would by no means diminish the role of British traditions and heritage in Canada. The countrys political institutions, common law, one of its official languages and much more would continue pay tribute to the British colonists and Britain itself.

A homegrown office

Creating a homegrown office of the Governor General leaves open the question of how to fill the post. The most frequent proposal for a mechanism is to have members of the Companions of the Order of Canada  individuals recognized to their contributions to Canada and humanity on the national or international scene  make the selection.

Of course, it may be that most politicians prefer the current arrangement: a hereditary head of state who reflects yesteryears nation, rather than the Canada of today and tomorrow. In this arrangement, it matters little who the Governor General is because that person is merely a representative of the monarch fulfilling the duties of the sovereign in their absence.

But this unprecedented resignation by a Governor General is a perfect opportunity for those who lead in Ottawa to shake the dust from Rideau Hall and set a new course for Canadas head of state.

Thomas Klassen is a professor in the school of public policy and administration at York University.

This article was first published at The Conversation Canada: theconversation.com/ca.
GOP Senators Introduce Bill to Stop Illegal Immigrants From Getting Drivers Licenses

Republican senators have introduced legislation that would block certain federal funds flowing to states that allow illegal aliens to obtain drivers licenses.

Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) said on Jan. 28 that she and a number of other GOP senators, including Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), and Mike Braun (R-Ind.), have introduced the Stop Greenlighting Driver Licenses for Illegal Immigrants Act. The bill targets sanctuary states that allow immigrants to get drivers licenses without proof that they legally reside in the United States.

No town in America is secure from criminals and terrorists if our borders arent policed and federal immigration laws arent fully enforced, Blackburn said in a statement. This country is governed by the rule of law. We should not reward illegal aliens with driver licenses when they fail to follow the proper legal process.

Similar legislation was introduced in both chambers by Blackburn and Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) in February 2020, but it died in the Democrat-controlled Congress after it didnt receive a vote. Buck said in a Jan. 28 statement that he plans to reintroduce the bill on Feb. 1.

My home state of Colorado has its own green-light sanctuary laws on the books, which led to the senseless death of Sean Buchanan, Buck said in a statement. Sean was a loving father of five from Colorado Springs who was struck and killed by an illegal immigrant who was driving under a suspended state-issued driver license. Seans death was completely preventable, and we cannot reward criminal behavior by allowing states to provide sanctuary to illegal immigrants.

The act halts Department of Justice grant funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program to states that defy federal immigration law.

Blackburn said that in the fiscal year 2020, states that issued driver licenses to illegal aliens received more than $53 million from the JAG program.

This law will require states that issue driver licenses to illegal aliens or states that fail to share immigration enforcement information with the DHS to return unallocated funds to the JAG program within 30 days, she said.

It would also make states that dont comply with the driver license and federal information-sharing provisions ineligible to receive future JAG funds.

One sanctuary state that the bill would target is Oregon, whose legislature passed the Driver License for All law that took effect on Jan. 1, 2021. The law makes it no longer necessary for people to provide proof of legal presence in the United States to obtain an Oregon drivers license.

Individuals must still provide proof of full legal name and identity, date of birth, Oregon residency, and a Social Security Number, the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles said, KPIC reports. If an individual has not been assigned a Social Security number, they must sign and submit a written statement with their application.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 15 states and the District of Columbia have passed laws to allow illegal aliens to obtain drivers licenses: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Washington.

21 runners killed during mountain race in northwestern province of Gansu; Indian variant of Covid-19 found in Guangzhou; Beijing willing to arrange for vaccines to be sent to Taiwan

May 28, 2021 08:15 PM
Goose Creek, SC (29445)

Today

Cloudy early, then thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 83F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 61F. SW winds shifting to NW at 10 to 15 mph.
She wowed millions of fans as Daphne Bridgerton, who fell in love with and married the Duke of Hastings in the Netflix drama.

And Bridgerton star Phoebe Dynevor has claimed that dating in the 19th century was easier than modern times as men in the past were more romantic and not distracted with dating apps or social media.

In a new interview, the actress, 25, remarked that men in the past were more likely to make grand romantic gestures to declare how they felt, adding: 'The problem today is there's no social etiquette.'

Comparisons: Bridgerton star Phoebe Dynevor has claimed that dating in the 19th century was easier than modern times as men in the past were more romantic and not distracted with dating apps or social media (pictured in 2019)

She told Conan O'Brien: 'The problem today is there's no social etiquette. If someone was into you in those days they'd come around with a big bouquet of flowers, so you knew where you stood.'

The beauty, whose mother is Coronation Street star Sally Dynevor, added that boys in Bridgerton times 'had to work for it'.

However, Phoebe did note that there were advantages to courting in modern times as she noted her character's one-time suitor Nigel Berbrooker.

She added: 'If there's a Nigel of today I do not have to pander. I can just say: "I am good thank you."'

Romance: In a new interview, the actress, 25, remarked that men in the past were more likely to make grand romantic gestures to declare how they felt, adding: 'The problem today is there's no social etiquette' (pictured in show still with her co-star)

Meanwhile, Phoebe, who plays the lead character in the hugely popular Regency drama, recently said the 'hardest scene to shoot' was a solo sex act where she had to perform having an orgasm.

The show explores the fiery relationship between Phoebe's character and the dashing Duke of Hastings (played by Rege-Jean Page), with their honeymoon sex scenes dominating the middle episodes of the show.

Speaking in a new interview with Glamour, Phoebe candidly revealed the difficulties the actors faced when shooting the more racy scenes, especially when it came to exploring her character's emerging sexuality.

Observations: The problem today is there's no social etiquette. If someone was into you in those days they'd come around with a big bouquet of flowers, so you knew where you stood' (pictured in 2020)

'There's not much sexuality there. It's very much the male gaze,' Phoebe told Glamour. 'I wanted to make [my character] feel modern and have sexual desires, as women do, and have a lot going on that isn't surface level.'

She recalls one specific scene which required her character to masturbate, saying it was 'the hardest scene' to shoot.

'The stage directions are very specific: You have to [perform having] an orgasm. It's a difficult thing to rehearse, which means you don't. You just do it,' she said.

Confident: She added: 'If there's a Nigel of today I do not have to pander. I can just say: "I am good thank you."'

'Tough to rehearse!' Meanwhile, Phoebe, who plays the lead character in the hugely popular Regency drama, recently said the 'hardest scene to shoot' was a solo sex act where she had to perform having an orgasm

'That's saying something because there were a lot of difficult scenes to shoot. You feel very vulnerable in those scenes.'

Bridgerton has been watched by a whopping 82million households worldwide in just a month, making it Netflix's biggest show ever.

The eight-part series, which was launched on Christmas Day, is now the streaming giant's most watched show in 83 countries including the UK, France and US.

Screen romance: The show explores the fiery relationship between Phoebe's character and the dashing Duke of Hastings (played by Rege-Jean Page)

Although recently released, Bridgerton has easily overtaken the previous top spot holder, The Witcher, which received 76million streams in its first 28 days.

Netflixs head of drama Jinny Howe announced the impressive streaming numbers during an interview with Variety, adding that Bridgerton has made it into the top 10 list in every country except Japan.

Bridgerton had been expected to hit 63million households in its initial four-week projections, meaning it has smashed the target by an impressive 19m.
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New research from Adobe has found that young people are driving the growth in digital document use and e-signatures, while increases were seen across all generations as many people e-signed for the first time in 2020.

As businesses, governments and consumers around the world embrace digital productivity, Adobe Digital Insights surveyed 4,000 consumers, including over 1,000 from Asia Pacific (APAC), about how they used e-signatures following the onset of COVID-19. The key takeaways: e-signatures are having a big moment, especially among young consumers; document security important to all generations; and theres no going back in the year ahead.

Pandemic turbo-charges e-signature adoption, especially amongst Millennials

Prior to 2020, e-signatures had started to gain some traction in APAC, but this grew exponentially last year.

Over three quarters of APAC respondents (76 percent) said they e-signed more documents in the last six months of 2020 compared to late 2019 and early 2020, with adoption highest among Millennials (61 percent). More than half of APAC respondents (53 percent) said they signed for the first time last year, mostly because they had not been offered the option in the past. India had the highest proportion of respondents (62 percent) who said they e-signed for the first time in 2020.

Insurance policies (43 percent) and healthcare registration (38 percent) were among the most common documents to be e-signed in APAC. While business contracts were the most popular type of document to be e-signed in India (77 percent), it was less common to e-sign them in Singapore (57 percent). In Australia, legal agreements had the highest instance of e-signing (76 percent) whereas it was the least popular type of document to e-sign in India (49 percent). Insurance policies and renewal contracts were by far the most popular document to sign digitally in Singapore (81 percent).

The global pandemic changed what it means to be productive, said Girish Balachandran, Director, Digital Media, Adobe India. While the shift from paper to digital has been underway since PDF was introduced more than 30 years ago, 2020 was a tipping point. Digital documents have become the currency of business productivity  the centerpiece for how businesses, governments and consumers communicate, collaborate and transact, thereby setting the agenda for the future economy.

Girish further added, COVID-19 has brought new urgency to keeping businesses afloat, and we have made it our mission to support their resilience and reimagine how work gets done in the future.

Methods of e-signing vary but security key to all generations

The way respondents e-sign varies between APAC markets. In Australia, the most common method of e-signing consists of typing a name or initials (58 percent) whereas in India (58 percent) and Singapore (54 percent) most respondents uploaded a signature image they had saved on their computer. Across the region, the markets agreed that checking a box was not deemed an acceptable method for e-signing. In Australia, accepting an e-signature created for you also has lower acceptability and is infrequently used.

The pandemic pushed one third of APAC respondents (34 percent) to exclusively store their data digitally. Additionally, just as many (36 percent) saved documents both digitally and physically, and indicated feeling safer for having a digital backup of physical documents. Most digital documents were stored on computer or cloud, with cloud storage being most common among Generation Z (65 percent).

While signing and storage methods vary, security features are important to APAC participants across all generations. More than two thirds (71 percent) expect documents to be password protected and over half (57 percent) think documents require 2-factor authorisation.

Digital documents and e-signatures are here to stay

The vast majority of APAC respondents agreed that e-signatures are convenient (92 percent), secure (80 percent) and legally binding (86 percent) and that they intend to continue using them post-pandemic (84 percent). Millennials in particular are most satisfied with the options currently offered and would like to see e-sign used more widely.

With around four fifths of APAC respondents reporting their wish for companies (82 percent) and governments (78 percent) to offer more documents with digital signatures, there is an opportunity for the public and private sector to improve citizen and customer experience through adoption of digital workflows.

As the pandemic fades into history, many of the digital changes it introduced and accelerated will remain. Nonetheless, there are opportunities to innovate how companies manage and sign documents. Majority of APAC respondents (73 percent) believe that companies lacking e-signature options are behind in the times. And globally, fewer than 47 percent of survey respondents believe that e-signature technology is advanced today.

With e-signatures rising to become the standard, theres now a big expectation that this technology is here to stay, and it is now up to organisations to keep up.
A row has broken out between the family of IRA man Eamon 'Peggy' McCourt and Sinn Fein over whether his name should be added to the republican 'Roll of Honour' in Londonderry.

In a post on Facebook, the late Mr McCourt's son, also called Eamon, wrote: "Today the Fisher and McCourt family have had to cut all ties with the republican movement and Sinn Fein.

"We really wished it didn't have to come to this - in fact we never thought this would've ever been a situation - but we will always be certain that they have made a mistake today in not honouring Oglach Peggy McCourt to the roll of honour here in Derry the town he fought and made a better place," the Facebook post read.

Eamon 'Peggy' McCourt, a 62-year-old former IRA member from Creggan in the city, died in hospital at the weekend having reportedly contracted Covid-19. Images that emerged online following his funeral on Monday showed a large crowd behind a hearse, which was flanked by two lines of mourners in white shirts and black ties. The footage is being reviewed by police to identify any potential breaches of the regulations. Police said the scenes were "likely" to be in breach of Covid regulations. Police have confirmed that officers used body-worn cameras to record video at the funeral of the former IRA man in the city earlier this week. Sinn Fein has confirmed a number of party representatives were present in the vicinity of the funeral. However, MLA Gerry Kelly - who sits on the Northern Ireland Policing Board - said that the party did not have a role in organising the event. "It was arranged by the family," the North Belfast MLA told BBC Radio Ulster earlier this week. Political parties held meetings with PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne on Thursday to discuss the funeral and other policing matters. A PSNI spokesperson confirmed a number of uniformed officers were in attendance at Mr McCourt's funeral. "Uniformed police officers monitored a funeral in Derry/Londonderry on Monday, 25 January," the spokesperson said. "All officers deployed were dressed in full uniform, as they would be on normal patrol, and had the capability to record Body Worn Video, which is standard practice. "Additionally, one officer had a hand-held video camera. "At no time were there any plain clothes officers deployed." Sinn Fein has been contacted for comment.

Recent weeks have featured much speculation about a possible federal election sometime this spring, perhaps following the delivery of a budget in early March. Most Canadians probably think an election during a pandemic and a troubled vaccine rollout would be dangerous and inconvenient. I would also argue that it would be unnecessary.

Opinion

Recent weeks have featured much speculation about a possible federal election sometime this spring, perhaps following the delivery of a budget in early March. Most Canadians probably think an election during a pandemic and a troubled vaccine rollout would be dangerous and inconvenient. I would also argue that it would be unnecessary.

Lets remember that after the last election in October 2019, the Trudeau Liberals went from majority-government status to a minority position in the House of Commons, with just 157 seats, based on obtaining the lowest percentage of the national popular vote (35 per cent) of a governing party in Canadian history.

The Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) won the popular vote and formed the official opposition with 121 seats. The NDP won just 24 seats, its lowest total since 2008, the separatist Bloc Quebecois won 32 seats, and the Greens won three seats.

As I have argued previously on these pages, minority governments are not aberrations or necessarily dysfunctional. How effectively they operate and how long they last depend on a number of factors, such as the distribution of seats among the parties, the types of issues that arise on the government agenda, and the skills and motivations of the party leaders, especially of the prime minister.

Surprising critics who claimed he was a political lightweight, Trudeau has wielded power shrewdly. He did this in part by daring the opposition parties to defeat his government  for example, when he labelled the creation of a special committee to study the WE Charity scandal a matter of confidence. He then prorogued Parliament to blunt opposition attacks. Both actions were constitutionally problematic but politically effective.

The circumstances of the opposition parties aided the prime minister in ducking accountability. The CPC was in disarray over leadership, with Erin OToole replacing Andrew Scheer in August 2020, and over its ideological orientation, with "Trumpian"-type ideas and individuals gravitating to the party despite the new leaders insistence that the CPC would remain moderate and pragmatic.

The NDP has proven to be a reliable ally of the Liberals, which is a familiar pattern with past minority Liberal governments. Party leader Jagmeet Singh claims more generous relief cheques and greater assistance to students have been among the gains obtained in return for propping up the government. Even though the NDP claimed the Liberal government lacked integrity and expressed doubt that it would fulfil promises to create national daycare, pharmacare and standards in long-term care, the party refused to combine with other opposition parties to defeat the government.

Hard-headed political calculations that an election would not go well for the party were behind this strategy, and predictably, political opponents and some media commentators alleged hypocrisy.

Liberals were happy to take credit for popular economic-relief measures proposed by the NDP. On pandemic issues, the national government provided money and obtained vaccines, but it was the provincial governments who were forced to face the unprecedented public health challenges on the ground.

Based on the relatively high approval of Trudeaus national leadership role, the Liberals are sufficiently ahead in the polls that a majority government seems within reach. A cabinet shuffle, a cabinet retreat, and a prime ministerial message warning the national board of the Liberal party to be prepared for an election, all contributed to media speculation.

There is a big difference, however, between planning to force an election (say, by using a "poison pill" in a spring budget that the NDP would have to reject) and being ready for an election if the opposition parties should become intransigent within Parliament in ways that would block Liberal plans.

The Liberals have been skilful and opportunistic in managing past minority-government situations. In the current Parliament, they have not been blocked or unduly constrained by their minority status. None of the opposition parties has been ready for an election. The pandemic has dominated the political agenda, so other issues have been crowded out.

The Liberals have been allowed to spend freely. A truncated and hybrid House of Commons has limited opportunities to challenge the government.

No doubt, there are political gladiators in the Liberal back rooms who insist the primary goal of a minority prime minister is to obtain a majority and, given the current favourable circumstances, insist that Trudeau should "arrange" an early election. A smart prime minister, however, would not send the country to the polls when the pandemic still rages, especially in Ontario and Quebec where national elections are decided.

There is great uncertainty about when mass vaccinations will be completed. The amendments to the Canada Elections Act authorizing special pandemic voting arrangements have not been approved by Parliament.

The next fixed-date election set by law is on or before Oct. 16, 2023, unless Trudeau calls a snap contest or the opposition parties combine to defeat the Liberal government on a confidence matter. There is no good reason for a spring election; even a fall contest could be problematic. Better to make the minority government work than to stage an unnecessary election.

Paul G. Thomas is professor emeritus of political studies at the University of Manitoba.
On Friday, NFI Group officially launched North Americas first fully operational automated transit bus, once again staking its claim as the industry leader.

On Friday, NFI Group officially launched North Americas first fully operational automated transit bus, once again staking its claim as the industry leader.

The bus maker has been working for more than a year with Maryland-based Robotic Research LLC to fit out its Xcelsior battery-electric model with all the technology that allows it to navigate autonomously through city streets as well as expertly dock three inches from the curb and deploy accessibility ramps for passengers.

The bus is currently operating in a pilot project with the Connecticut Department of Transportation on the CTFastrak, a dedicated nine-mile-long bus rapid transit corridor that runs between downtown Hartford and downtown New Britain.

The bus uses sensors, radar, LIDAR (sometime referred to as laser radar) and cameras to create a 360-degree digital 3D modelling of the environment. It can digitally communicate with other vehicles and infrastructure like traffic lights and the technology will work day or night and with or without satellite GPS.

It has integrated so-called advanced driver-assistance systems achieving level four certification with the Society of Automotive Engineers.

In a virtual presentation on Friday, Chris Stoddart, president of New Flyer, referenced recent comments made by General Motors CEO Mary Barra, about creating a world with zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion.

"I could not have said it better myself," he said. "What we are unveiling today will help fulfil that vision."

Industry proponents believe autonomous vehicles will reduce accidents  94 per cent of the most serious ones are caused by human error  reduce travel time and be more efficient because of reduced maintenance.

While New Flyer currently has its hands full managing delayed orders and a disrupted order book caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the company hopes to be fully on top of automated bus technology when the time comes.

Company officials were clear that regulations are a long way from catching up to autonomous technology which is not currently able to be deployed in public transit on shared roadways except in controlled environments like the one in Connecticut.

But Stoddart said, "In the coming decades we anticipate fleets of automated buses improving road safety and potentially improving commute times, increasing energy efficiency and reducing congestion."

But before that becomes a reality, North American cities have to make some significant commitments to getting people out of their cars and redesigning streets.

"First of all, cities need to dedicate resources to urban redesign," said Jennifer McNeill, New Flyers vice-president of sales and marketing. "Cities have to dedicate laneways for buses. Transit buses have to be privileged over, or in tandem with, vehicles. Once that starts to happen, AV (autonomous vehicles) can happen."

In a panel discussion with industry experts at NFI Groups virtual investor day held earlier this month, Josipa Petrunic, the president and CEO of the Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium, said although there has been plenty of talk and development of autonomous vehicle technology, it wont happen until a couple of things take place.

"Cities (need to) dedicate time and effort to urban redesign," she said. "And the second thing that has to happen is that cities have to set a gold standard or target for why theyre deploying AV shuttles or buses. And the target has to be: move more people and kill cars. It has to be that. If its anything else, theres no point in deploying AV technology."

New Flyer has already started the process of encouraging cities in that direction. In March its holding a free virtual session on workforce development and training related to the Xcelsior autonomous vehicle.

martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca

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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has appointed the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Seth Amoama, to act as Chief of Defence Staff.



The appointment according to a press release signed by Eugene Arhin, Acting Director of Communication at the presidency is effective from February 5, 2021, pending consultation with the yet-to-be-constituted Council of State.



This appointment has been made following the completion of the tour of duty and subsequent retirement from the Ghana Armed Forces, on 5th February 2021, of the current Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. O.B Akwa. The President has expressed his gratitude to him for his dedicated and meritorious service to the Ghana Armed Forces and to the nation, the statement said.



Below is his profile culled from the Ghana Armed Forces website;



Rear Admiral Seth Amoama, the Chief of the Naval Staff, was enlisted into the Ghana Armed Forces as a Naval Cadet in 1981 and had his initial training at the Ghana Military Academy (GMA). While at GMA, he was sent to the Pakistan Naval Academy on 1 August 1982, to continue with his training and was commissioned into the Executive Branch of the Ghana Navy in December 1984. He was a proud winner of the sword of honour on graduation in Pakistan.



Rear Admiral Amoamas military training and qualifications include; International Sub-Lieutenant Course at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, UK. He attended the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff Courses both Junior and Senior Divisions at Teshie, Accra and was the best all-round graduate on both courses. He was a member of the Naval Staff Course, Class 53 at US Naval War College, Newport Rhode Island graduating with distinction. He graduated from the Nigerian Defence College in August 2013 as the best all-round graduate.



The Chief of the Naval Staff is an alumnus of the Galilee Institute of Management in Israel and holds a Master of Science Degree in Strategic Studies from the Political Science Department of University of Ibadan, Nigeria.



He has held numerous appointments in the Ghana Armed Forces both afloat and ashore. He was the Watch Keeping Officer onboard GHANA NAVY SHIPS SEBO, ACHIMOTA and YOGAGA at different times in his career. He also served as Commanding Officer onboard GHANA NAVY SHIPS DZATA (Oct 91  Feb 94) and ACHIMOTA (Jul 08  Mar 09).



Between March 2002 and March 2003, the Chief of the Naval Staff served as Directing Staff at the Junior and later Senior Division of the Ghana Armed Forces Command & Staff College. He was later seconded to the United Nations Headquarters as Military Planning Officer at the Department of Peacekeeping Operations from February 2005 to May 2008. Admiral Amoama was the Director of Administration at the Naval Headquarters (1 Apr 09  31 Jul 13), Military Assistant to the Chief of the Defence Staff (1 Aug 13  31 Jul 14) and later the Chief Staff Officer at the Naval Headquarters (1 August 14  28 February 16). He also served as the Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command from 1 Mar 16 to Jun 16. Until his appointment as the Chief of the Naval Staff, he was the Commandant of the Ghana Armed Forces Command & Staff College from 1 July 2016 to 3 January 2019.



Admiral Amoama has some peacekeeping experience, having served as UN Military Observer in Rwanda (1995-1996), UN Liaison Officer in Lebanon (1997-1998), and UN Staff Officer in Sierra Leone (2001-2002).



He is married to Victoria with three children. He likes music and flowers.







Source: peacefmonline.com









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FBN Holdings Plc has announced the appointments of Seni Adetu and Juliet Anammah as Independent Non-Executive Directors.

The company also appointed Otu Hughes as a Non-Executive Director.

Oba Otudeko, Group Chairman of FBN Holdings, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Lagos, the News Agency of Nigeria reported.

Mr Otudeko said the appointments were subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

He said: On behalf of the board, management and staff of FBN Holdings, I am delighted to welcome the trio of Seni Adetu, Mrs Juliet Anammah and Otu Hughes to the board.

The chairman said the trio would bring on board their combined professional experience and expertise cutting across various industries and institutions of global repute.

I am certain that these rich experiences will have immediate and long-term impact on the group and its subsidiaries across Africa and beyond, he said.

Mr Otudeko said that Mr Adetu, a former Managing Director/CEO, Guinness Nigeria Plc, has 35 years of private sector experience garnered at the highest levels primarily with John Holt, Coca-Cola International and Diageo in various countries within and outside Africa.

He holds a first degree in Chemical Engineering and Masters in Business Administration (with specialisation in Marketing), both from the University of Lagos.

While Anammah is Chairwoman Jumia Nigeria & Head of Institutional Affairs Jumia Group.

She is an experienced executive with over 28 years of professional experience including over seven years at Partner/Chief Executive level.

Before her current role, she was the CEO of Jumia Nigeria. Prior to joining Jumia, she spent 16 years at Accenture and was the Partner managing Accentures Consumer Goods Practice in West Africa.

She is a Pharmacist by training, she started her career in Sales & Marketing with May and Baker (Sanofi-Aventis) in 1991 before joining Accenture as a Senior Strategy Consultant in 1999, he said.

Mr Otudeko added that Hughes has over 25 years experience in operations and strategy, principal investment, mergers and acquisition as well as capital raising in both the US and sub-Saharan Africa. (NAN)

Wilkes-Barre, PA (18701)

Today

Cloudy with occasional rain...mainly in the morning. High 54F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Cloudy. Low near 45F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.
(CNN)  The United Arab Emirates' first mission to Mars is almost ready for a rendezvous with the red planet.

The Emirates Mars Mission, known as the Hope Probe, will go into orbit around Mars on February 9.

The mission was one of three that launched to Mars from Earth in July, including NASA's Perseverance rover and China's Tianwen-1 mission. Hope will orbit the planet, Tianwen-1 will orbit the planet and land on it and Perseverance will land on Mars.

All three missions launched around the same time due to an alignment between Mars and the Earth on the same side of the sun, making for a more efficient journey to Mars.

The Hope Probe will be the first of these missions to arrive at Mars. The UAE Space Agency will share live coverage of Hope's arrival on February 9 beginning at 10:30 a.m. ET on its website.

When the spacecraft arrives, the Hope Probe will mark the UAE as only the fifth country in history to reach the red planet. The ambitions of the mission don't stop there.

The probe, along with its three scientific instruments, is expected to create the first complete portrait of the Martian atmosphere. The instruments will collect different data points on the atmosphere to also gauge seasonal and daily changes.

This information will provide scientists with an idea of what climate dynamics and weather are like in different layers of the Martian atmosphere. Together, this will shed light on how energy and particles, like oxygen and hydrogen, are moved through the atmosphere and how they even escape Mars.

"We've learned from past missions that the loss of the atmosphere over time over Martian history is important," said David Brain, deputy principal investigator for MAVEN orbiter, or the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, at the University of Colorado Boulder's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics.

"We need to do more to quantify that loss and to understand how the rest of the atmosphere influences that loss from a global perspective."

The mission team said the spacecraft is very healthy and behaving exactly as it's supposed to in the days before arrival during a press conference Thursday.

Ramping up for the mission's arrival at Mars has been an emotional roller coaster, said Her Excellency Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, chairperson at the UAE Space Agency and minister of state for advanced sciences in the UAE.

"Every point of celebration is followed by several points of worry waiting for the next points of celebration," she said.

"On the other hand, one of our mission objectives was to stimulate a lot of students and an entire society within STEM. And we've seen a large shift with the mindset of students, first and foremost, within the Emirates. But we've also seen a lot of keen engagement within the region, a region that is typically known to be unstable, and that has triggered a lot of thoughts with regards to what is possible."

Arrival at Mars

The Hope Probe is moving with such speed toward Mars that if it doesn't slow down appropriately upon arrival, the spacecraft will literally use Mars' gravity to slingshot it through deep space.

Almost half of the spacecraft's fuel will be used to slow it down enough for the spacecraft to be captured by Mars' gravity and go into orbit.

By firing its thrusters for 30 minutes before reaching Mars, it will slow down from a speed of more than 75,185 miles per hour to 11,184 miles per hour.

For reference, when the Perseverance rover arrives to land on Mars on February 18, it will hit the top of the Martian atmosphere at more than 12,000 miles per hour and only has seven minutes to decelerate for a soft landing on the surface.

The Hope Probe's team considers this phase of the spacecraft's arrival at Mars, called the Mars Orbit Insertion phase, just as critical and risky as launching the spacecraft. And much like Perseverance will essentially land itself on Mars without any interference from NASA, Hope will be able to react to any issues and take care of itself, to some degree.

Once Hope has established an orbit around Mars, it will make contact with Earth through a ground station in Spain. One-way light time between Mars and the Earth takes between 10 and 11 minutes, so the signal will be slightly delayed.

"Less than half of the spacecraft that have been sent to Mars have actually made it successfully," said Pete Withnell, program manager for the mission at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics. "But this is a highly practiced, highly simulated and highly analyzed event. I cannot imagine being better prepared than we are right now."

Capturing a new view

After the gravity of Mars captures Hope, it will enter an elliptical orbit around the planet, coming as close as 621 miles above the Martian surface and as distant as 30,683 miles from it. It will take Hope about 40 hours to complete one orbit.

The probe will send back its first image of Mars during this time.

Hope will stay in this phase, called the capture orbit, between February and mid-May during the transition stage of the mission, according to Brain.

During this transition, the ground teams will send some commands to the spacecraft to test the instruments and make observations of Mars to see if any of the instruments need tweaking.

Then, it will be time to maneuver Hope into the science orbit which will allow the probe's instruments to begin capturing scientific data of Mars.

Hope will complete one scientific orbit of the planet every 55 hours. This orbit will provide the first global picture of weather and atmospheric dynamics on Mars, which will be shared with the scientific community via the mission's data center.

The mission is expected to last for two years, with the possibility of being extended for a third year.

The probe will be in a different orbit from past spacecraft that have visited Mars.

"It's a very high altitude orbit, much higher than any other Mars science missions," Brain said. "In that high altitude orbit, where our instruments observe Mars from the global perspective, will always be seeing roughly half of Mars no matter where we are in the orbit when we look at the planet."

The orbit will take the probe fairly close to parallel with the Martian equator, which will enable the spacecraft to capture different times of day on the planet. And the fact that it's an elliptical, or oval-shaped, orbit means that observations will be captured close to as well as distant from Mars.

"It can observe many geographic regions at a single time of day when the whole probe gets close to Mars and speeds up, and it can match the speed at which Mars is spinning on its axis," Brain said. "It can hover above a single geographic region like the big volcano, Olympus Mons, and study the atmosphere there at many times of day."

Every nine days of the mission, the probe will have completely captured a picture of the Martian atmosphere.

"We will have observed every geographic region at every time of day, every nine days," Brain said.

This story was first published on CNN.com The UAE's Hope Probe will be the first of 3 missions to arrive at Mars next month
Farmers' Protest: Naresh Tikait may join brother Rakesh Tikait in protest on Delhi border

India

oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P

New Delhi, Jan 30: Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) president Naresh Tikait is expected to join the farmers' protest on Delhi borders in a few days. On being asked whether he has plans to join the protest being spearheaded by his union, he said after attending a mahapanchayat at Baghpat, he will head to Delhi.

On Friday, Naresh Tikait called a mahapanchayat at Muzaffarnagar which saw massive participation of farmers. The panchayat has decided to throw its weight behind the protest.

US B-1B Long-Range Heavy Bomber to perform at Aero India

After Ghaziabad administration asked the protesters at Ghazipur site to vacate the place, Naresh Tikait initially decided to yield to the pressure. Earlier, he announced that the Ghazipur site will be vacated. His brother and union spokesperson Rakesh Tikait, held the fort and said he will commit suicide but not vacate the protest site.

Though the difference of opinion between the two brothers came across as a discord, Nareh Tikait later said that his brother's tears will not go in vain.

Moradabad-Agra highway accident | Gandhi statue vandalised in US | Oneindia News

However, Uttar Pradesh Police has said that there was additional security at the site on Thursday to keep an eye on outsiders entering the protest site to create disruption.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, January 30, 2021, 15:12 [IST]
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  A large Minnesota school district has been forced to return to distance learning after an outbreak of COVID-19 among its transportation workers.

Bloomington Public Schools brought back preschoolers through second graders on Jan. 19, and had planned to bring back third to fifth graders on Monday. But the district informed parents Thursday evening that the plan is on pause until February 12.

Bloomingtons retreat underscores the unique challenges of protecting bus drivers, many of whom are older and at higher risk of severe illness stemming from the virus. Drivers are often retirees working for supplemental income.
Low dose cannabis oil can be bought over the counter at pharmacies from Monday for the first time, but dont expect to find any for at least six months as none has been approved for sale yet.

Manufacturers are working at a lightning rate to get products approved for sale in pharmacies, the former president of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Kos Sclavos, said.

A worker on the first farm licenced in NSW to produce medicinal cannabis prunes a plant. Credit:Janie Barrett

FreshLeaf Analytics, specialists in the Australian medicinal cannabis industry, said the first company to get its product on chemists shelves will have a significant advantage in a market estimated to exceed $200 million a year.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) announced in December that it would down-schedule some low dose cannabidiol (CBD) preparations of up to 150 mg a day to allow pharmacists to dispense this medicine without a prescription.
The National Guards deployment of thousands of troops to protect the inauguration of President Joe Biden was prompted by the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by right-wing radicals. But its removal of 12 of its own soldiers from that duty underscored a rising concern: How far has radicalization permeated the armed forces?

None of the guardsmen had ties to extremists, but two of them made inappropriate comments and texts, the National Guard Bureau said.

It was enough to chill those already worried about domestic terrorism. The armed forces have rules to weed out extremism in the ranks. The question now is whether commanders will be paying closer attention, some observers said.

Military leaders at every level are supposed to remain alert for signs of future prohibited activities and are encouraged to quickly intervene, preferably through counseling.

All military personnel, including members of the National Guard, have undergone a background investigation, are subject to continuous evaluation and are enrolled in an insider threat program, said Gary Reid, the Pentagons director for defense intelligence. Simply put, we will not tolerate extremism of any sort.

The crowd that attacked the Capitol, though holding a common belief that then-President Donald Trump, not Biden, was the rightful winner of the Nov. 3 election, came from a variety of right-wing tendencies and groups, including white supremacist and anti-government paramilitaries and QAnon conspiracy adherents. Some were affiliated with no group at all.

As a group, a substantial number had something else in common. Almost 1 out of 5 of those facing charges stemming from the riot are military veterans, news organizations have found.

Actual data on how far extremist ideology has permeated the armed forces is in short supply. The FBI investigated 68 cases of domestic extremism in all branches of the military last year, but beyond that, the Pentagon is unable to say how many service members have been disciplined or kicked out for that reason in any recent year.

The vast majority of those in the military serve with honor and dont espouse these sorts of dangerous beliefs, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said. But that doesnt mean  that we dont think that there might be a problem. The problem is, we dont understand the full scope of it.

The Air Force did point to a decision in August in which Master Sgt. Corey Reeves was reduced to technical sergeant and administratively discharged for activity in a supremacist organization. The 17-year veteran was assigned to Shriever AFB near Colorado Springs, Colo.

I think its been an open secret for a while that theres a lot of white power stuff in the cops and the military, said war correspondent, author and documentary filmmaker Sebastian Junger. Obviously its hard to know how deliberately Trump tapped into that. The armed rally at the Michigan Statehouse (on April 30) did seem like a trial run for Jan. 6, though. People have always used violence to achieve ends that they couldnt otherwise. None of it surprises me except how disorganized and inept the whole thing was.

An unscientific Military Times poll of readers last year found that more than one-third of all active-duty troops and more than half of minority service members said they had recently witnessed white nationalism or ideologically driven racism among other service members.

Mark Pitcavage, a specialist on far-right groups with the Anti-Defamation League and a 1988 Trinity University graduate who has studied extremism since the mid-1990s, cautioned against reading too much into the poll because the magazine didnt define the term white nationalist. The new National Defense Authorization Act has ordered a survey on the issue, he said.

But theres no question that extremists can be found in uniform, said Pitcavage, who testified about the subject last year before a House Armed Services Committee panel on military personnel.

This is nothing new, either, he said. It does exist. Its been going on for decades. Were not talking about a large number of people total, but its well documented that it doesnt take very many people  either outside the military or inside the military  with those extreme views to cause serious problems.

Scrutiny and backlash

Tasos Katopodis /Getty Images

The FBI scrutiny of National Guard soldiers came amid concerns that Trumps supporters would attack Bidens inauguration Jan. 20 in a repeat of their attempt to stop the certification of his election at the Capitol. But it sparked a backlash, with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott expressing outrage on Twitter.

This is the most offensive thing Ive ever heard. No one should ever question the loyalty or professionalism of the Texas National Guard, he wrote Jan. 18. I authorized more than 1,000 to go to DC. Ill never do it again if they are disrespected like this.

The FBI provided the names of suspect guardsmen to the Guard Bureau, which sent the troops back to their home states  but it would not say which states. It also wasnt clear how the FBI was able to vet 25,000 troops in a matter of a week or less.

It all seemed reasonable enough, and legal, to Geoffrey Corn, a professor at South Texas College of Law in Houston.

I dont know how they did it, but the suggestion there is something improper or illegal about a federal agency responsible for ensuring security at the inauguration harvesting information from social media accounts that are in the public domain, I think it would be unreasonable not to do that, said Corn, a retired Army lawyer.

My response to the governor would be, why would you be upset about learning this? he added. You should be thanking the FBI.

Texas Take: Get the latest news on Texas politics sent directly to your inbox every weekday

Troops can join political parties, participate in rallies and protests (but not in uniform), sign petitions and contribute to political campaigns. They cant join criminal gangs or wear gang clothing and prohibited insignias. And they cant actively advocate racial supremacist, extremist or criminal gang doctrine, ideology or causes.

Defense Department policy says those in the military cant support causes that encourage or advocate illegal discrimination based on race, creed, color, sex, religion, ethnicity or national origin or those that advance, encourage or advocate the use of force, violence or criminal activity or otherwise advance efforts to deprive individuals of their civil rights.

The Army updated its guidance in September with a lengthy chapter on extremism. It forbids soldiers from participating in activities advocating or teaching the overthrow of the government by force or violence, or seeking to alter the form of government by unconstitutional means, which it defines as sedition.

The most prominent example of domestic terrorism committed by a U.S. military veteran was former Army Sgt. Timothy McVeighs 1995 bombing of a federal office building in Oklahoma City that killed 168 people, including children in a day care center, and wounded more than 680. His motivation: an anti-government desire to avenge federal law enforcement action at Ruby Ridge in Idaho and at the Branch Davidian compound near Waco.

The bombing came on the second anniversary of the fire that ended the Davidian siege, killing 76 people, 25 of them children, as officers closed in. A decorated Gulf War veteran, McVeigh had been honorably discharged after psychological testing deemed him unfit for Green Beret training.

On ExpressNews.com: Push to purge Confederate names gets minimal traction around Fort Hood, but military is paying attention

Active-duty service members who committed insider attacks on fellow soldiers in more recent decades were motivated by personal grudges and in some cases Muslim religious fanaticism, the deadliest being Maj. Nidal Hasan, an Army psychiatrist who killed 13 and wounded 31 at Fort Hood in 2009.

Hasan and two others, Sgt. Hasan Akbar and Sgt. William Kreutzer Jr., are on death row. Akbar killed two men in a camp in Kuwait in 2003, while Kreutzer killed one GI and wounded 18 others in 1995 at Fort Bragg, N.C.

Spc. Ivan Lopez killed himself after gunning down three others and wounding 14 at Fort Hood in 2014.

Some argue that rigorous vetting of service members, including the surveillance of social media posts as the FBI did with the guardsmen in Washington, is overdue.

One of them, retired Army Col. Mike Jason, a veteran of Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo and Kuwait, said those in active duty whom he talks to, with few exceptions, have tried harder to stay apolitical even as America has gotten so polarized and so partisan.

On ExpressNews.com: Hasans victims, saluted in memorial, struggle to carry on

Ive watched social media, Im in contact with former soldiers that are now NCOs, a lot of officers, and most of them that are still in, really seem to have embraced the professionalism of being apolitical, he said.  In private conversations, especially with peers, they were very disturbed by a lot of things they were seeing, very frustrated, but they kind of kept their head down and tried to maintain the shared values in the formations they had control over.

Those incidents, which have included racist posts from Marines and soldiers, and an Army lieutenant who made jokes on social media about the Nazis killing Jews, were dealt with severely, Jason said.

Diversity a firewall

Even if radical politics follow soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines from their hometowns into the service, the militarys diversity remains a hedge against the problem, some say.

J. Scott Applewhite /Associated Press

Those joining the armed forces come from too many places to be unified in their beliefs or identities while serving, said Ross Ritchell, an author and Army special operations forces veteran.

The difference these days, he said, is the nations supercharged politics.

People may be scared or angry or misinformed and manipulated, so agitators might latch on to anyone vulnerable to persuasion or incitement/persecution, Ritchell said in an email. What is unique to the (presidential election and its aftermath) was the nature of trying to weaponize service and patriotism with delusion, partisan politics and conspiracies.

On ExpressNews.com: Former CIA chief: Russians behind Texas furor over Jade Helm exercise

Concern over the potential that radicalized troops could strike at Bidens inauguration was so strong, the Joint Chiefs of Staff signed a letter reminding troops of their duty.

As service members, we must embody the values and ideals of the nation, the chiefs wrote. We support and defend the Constitution. Any act to disrupt the constitutional process is not only against our traditions, values and oath, it is against the law.

Enforcing that isnt so simple. Retired Army Col. David Maxwell, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said countering extremism and insider attacks is probably one of the most complex and difficult issues the military must address.

On the one hand, extremism in the ranks absolutely cannot be tolerated. On the other hand, the appearance of witch hunts and purges and unfounded and mistaken allegations will undermine good order and discipline of military units, he said in an email. This issue is a leadership issue, a law enforcement investigation issue and even a counterintelligence issue.

Leaders must be able to identify and deal with extremists while recognizing legitimate political views that might be distasteful to some, Maxwell said.

Theres a balance between McCarthyist behavior and letting Nidal Hasan get to the point where he executes a mass shooting, agreed Texas National Guard Maj. Travis Pendleton, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. I think it was pretty well documented that there were multiple red flags with Hasans interactions with other personnel  public statements, written statements, email traffic, things like that. He was on everybodys radar.

Corn, the law professor, said the military doesnt have to justify scrutinizing social media because those posting on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have no privacy protections.

But unlike social media, email messages are protected by the Fourth Amendment unless its an official government account. Troops with security clearances submit to background investigations, he said, so theres no legal impediment to screening them.

Theres no rampant extremism in the military, but the military is like the rest of our society where youre inevitably going to have a small percentage of individuals to either covertly sympathize with these groups or more directly become involved with them, Corn said.

But its complicated because theres a fine line between constitutionally protected freedom of expression and association, even in the military, and conduct that compromises your fitness to continue to serve in the armed forces.

Maxwell, a 30-year Army veteran, said ideology and beliefs cant be blocked by gates and checkpoints, especially in the information age. If the Pentagon tries to actively monitor online activity, he argued, it would play into extremist propaganda and offer a way for enemies overseas to tap into domestic discontent.

If I was advising a foreign intelligence organization, I would start creating and providing false information about service members beliefs, Maxwell said. I would create deep fakes to implicate service members in extremist activity to cause overreactions by unit chains of command. This would be one of the most subversive actions that could be taken against modern military organizations in Western democracies.

sigc@express-news.net

Would you trust Boris Johnson as far as you could throw him? Among those who would most likely answer in the negative - Arlene and the DUP, for starters - would also be Nicola Sturgeon.

This week, Boris travelled northwards to Scotland for another of his predictable photo shoots, where he gets kitted out in a plastic apron, mask and shower cap and engages in jolly repartee with key workers who have little option but to be civil with him.

Not so civil was Nicola, who made clear she had no intention of rolling out the tartan carpet for the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

She did not accept his trip was "essential travel". Boris was about as welcome as a haggis at a vegan convention.

Her snub plays well to Scots Nats. The conjoined impact of Brexit and Covid has boosted Ms Sturgeon's drive to secure Scottish independence.

It's maybe not quite a case of seeing England's difficulty as Scotland's opportunity. But Nicola has capitalised on her growing public approval rating (largely as a result of her handling of the Covid crisis) to push for a new independence vote.

If Boris won't consent to a referendum - or indyref2, as it's snappily called in Scotland - some of her SNP colleagues want the Scottish Parliament hold its own poll.

The First Minister insists that for now she's focusing on the pandemic.

While she admits herself that mistakes were made early on in how Scottish care homes were dealt with, she puts this down to an "underdeveloped knowledge" of the coronavirus.

Boris Johnson could presumably use the same defence with regard to his early handling (some would say mishandling) of the Covid emergency.

This week, for a brief moment, I felt sorry for the man. On Tuesday, as the UK reached the grim toll of over 100,000 deaths attributed to the virus he held a press conference at which he spoke with real emotion.

He expressed his deep sorrow at the loss of life. He said he took full responsibility for the decisions his Government had taken (and let's be honest, it's rare for a political leader these days to acknowledge that the buck might stop anywhere near them). To have to take crucial decisions that could result in loss of life has to be an awful job.

But this is what political leaders sign up for. The public judge them on performance.

On the restrictions front, Nicola has consistently out-toughed Boris. This has worked very much in her favour. Plus, the fact that she has the ability to convey her message succinctly and firmly.

Boris is all euphemisms and U-turns. But times change, events come at us that we haven't planned for, or even imagined (Covid-19 being the ultimate example).

When (hopefully) the pandemic is brought under control, the UK - including Scotland - still won't be out of the woods. The economic tsunami coming our way isn't going to be pleasant.

And the question of how a small, independent Republic of Scotland would pay for its keep could cause some of those currently keen on breaking free to think twice.

Ironically, Boris is a key asset in Nicola Sturgeon's independence campaign. The Eton toff is not to Scottish taste. He's deeply unpopular in Scotland.

But Ms Sturgeon needs to be careful not to overplay her hand. Her interference this week in the row between the UK and the EU over vaccines (she threatens to reveal details of supplies to the EU against the Government's wishes) will get backs up, even among her own support base.

Nicola needs to rein it in a bit. Who does she think she is? Maybe Queen of Scots?

Wholl pick up penguin?

The Government has issued some advice on how to walk on slippy pavements now that chillier days are here.

Apparently, the trick is to walk like a penguin. They've even issued an illustrated leaflet showing how to do this. Obviously, penguins have a head start on us as they have flippers and very wee legs. And if you do cowp, who will rush to your aid? In these social-distancing days, there's probably another Government leaflet on why pedestrians should not p-p-p pick up a penguin.

A bad influence on us all

What do influencers do? The clue would be in the name. They influence people.

But who? And what do they influence them to do? To travel to Dubai to lie on a beach in a bikini?

This week, "influencers" - many of them former reality TV stars - came under attack for relocating to that Middle Eastern hub of bad taste and wealth-flaunting to send gloating snaps back to their followers.

Nice work if you can get it. Just not terribly essential, though.

Swab test hits a bum note

Unsettling news from China, which has been at the forefront, so to speak, of Covid testing. It now seems that the up-your-nostrils and back-of-the-throat swabbing is not as effective as another form of investigative technique.

According to researchers and scientists, the anal swab is more accurate. We do not need to go into details here. According to the Washington Post, in an online poll in China, 80% of people said they could not accept this intrusive new measure. Only 80%?
Founder and Leader of the Alive Chapel International, Bishop Elisha Salifu Amoako has advised the Akufo-Addo government against those medical professionals calling for a lockdown due to recent hike of Covid-19 infection rate.



Pleading with President Nana Akufo-Addo, Bishop Salifu Amoako strongly believes that locking down the country will spell doom for the country as the economy will hugely be affected eventually.



In an interview with the media in a press conference, the leader of Alive Chapel International feared that the economy will crush should the President listen to the call of those medical officers to lock down the country.



Acknowledging that President Akufo-Addo being a listening president, Bishop Salifu Amoako pleaded with him to consider the effect the lockdown might have on the economy and the wellbeing of Ghanaians in general, taking a clue from the partial lockdown the nation experienced at the early stage of the pandemic last year.



I will plead with the President as I know him to be a listening President and that is the reason why I like him. He is someone who does not rush into taking a decision because he is matured. He should not listen to those who are calling for a lockdown due to the rising of Covid-19 infection rate; if he does not take care and locks down the country, we will be in trouble, he pleaded.



He added that locking down country as proposed by some group of people will at the end of the day go against the promise of God to better the countrys economy this year; asserting that the government alone cannot feed all the 30 million people.



We had a partial lockdown and we saw what happened in the country. We are 30 million people and government alone cannot feed all the 30 million people. This year, God has promised us that the economy of the country will boost and so we should not do anything that will destroy the economy, he noted.



If the government listens to the call of some of the medical professionals to lockdown the country, economically the country will shrink because everybody will sit at home and no goods and services will take place and the people will become a burden and the same people will complain, he stressed.



He indicated that Ghanaians cannot even stay at home for only three days without going about their duties to provide their daily bread; thus, the 30 million Ghanaians cannot cope the situation and the government will lose more revenue.



Can you imagine 30 million Ghanaians staying at home for only three days? Do you know the revenue that Ghana government will lose for the three days of no business activities? If we stay at home for only three days, Ghana government will lose more revenue than anything, he wondered.



He was of the opinion that the call for lockdown will not help the country and the government itself, reminding that America with the record of over 30,000 deaths to Covid-19 being more than the total recorded cases and death rate in the country has not lockdown the country again, knowing the effect of lockdown on America.



"My advice to the government is that the lockdown will not help us because even America that has recorded over 30,000 deaths to Covid-19 which is more than our total recorded cases and the number of death cases in the country has not locked down the country. This is because they have realised that the lockdown destroyed their economy. They had system in place to buy food and other items online but in this country, how many people even know how to operate the internet?", he stated.



He cautioned that the same people will turn the heat on the government if President Akufo-Addo heed to the call of the medical officers to lock down the country; reiterating that Ghanaians will even rise up to break the laws the more as they may have to go find something to eat.



Do you know that 75 per cent of Ghanaian population are very poor? So, if you tell the poor person to for a lockdown and not go to the market to sell their food stuffs and engage in petty trading to get some income and even stay at home for only two days, at the end of the day the same people will come out and complain; they will bombard the government, he pinpointed.



He, however, implored the Akufo-Addo government to enforce the strength of the safety protocols in place for everyone to adhere to them as the wearing of nose mask, regular washing of hands under running water and the practice of social distancing should be enforced.



The doctors who are shouting and calling for a lockdown should check the percentage of the infection rate and the death rate relating to Covid-19 and compare these records to that of London and other parts of the world and they will know that we are better off than them and yet they have not lock down their countries, he stated.



We should not crush the economy; let things go smoothly by allowing the people go for their daily bread but ensure strict adherence to the Covid-19 preventive etiquettes through the police. The only thing they can do is to enforce the safety protocols, he advised.

Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com









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Russia's President Vladimir Putin attends a video conference during the World Economic Forum of the Davos Agenda, in Moscow on Jan. 27, 2021. (Sputnik/Mikhail Klimentyev/Kremlin via Reuters)

Russias Putin Signs Law Extending Nuclear Arms Control Treaty With US by 5 Years

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday signed a law extending the New START nuclear arms control treaty, the last major pact of its kind between Russia and the United States, by five years, the Kremlin said in a statement.

Russias lower and upper houses of parliament voted unanimously to ratify the extension on Wednesday.

Russia said the extension will come into effect once the two sides have exchanged diplomatic notes after each completes their domestic procedures.

The Kremlins statement said that renewing the treaty meets the national interests of the Russian Federation, makes it possible to maintain the transparency and predictability of strategic relations between Russia and the United States and to support global strategic stability.

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) speaks as part of the livestream of the 2020 Republican National Convention on Aug. 27, 2020. (Committee on Arrangements for the 2020 RNC/Getty Images)

Senate Armed Services Committee member Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) told Fox News on Monday that the existing New START treaty favors Russia.

It does not cover the vast arsenal of tactical nuclear weapons that Russia has or some of its novel delivery systems like undersea delivery systems or nuclear powered cruise missiles and hypersonic glide vehicles, Cotton said, thats why Vladimir Putin wanted it extended without condition.

Cotton also raised concern that New START is a bilateral treaty when Chinas growing nuclear arms threatened to overmatch the United States when combined with Russia and their nuclear arms.

Cotton said it is very disappointing that President Joe Biden on his first full day in office granted Putin an unconditional extension of a one-sided arms treaty without demanding significant concessions in return, and it will endanger our national security in the long run, he said.

Russian RS-24 Yars ballistic missiles roll in Red Square during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow on June 24, 2020. (Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP Photo)

Russia and the United States together possessed more than 90 percent of the worlds total nuclear warheads in 2020, according to the Federation of American Scientists, which tallied 6,372 warheads for Russia and 5,800 for the United States. It counted China as having 320 nuclear warheads, but the actual number held by the communist regime isnt known.

China was invited to join nuclear disarmament talks held by the United States and Russia in June 2020 but the Chinese regime declined the invitation.

The New START treaty was signed in 2010 by then-U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. The pact limits each country to no more than 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads, 700 deployed ballistic missiles and bombers, and 800 deployed and non-deployed launchers and bombers. It also envisaged sweeping on-site inspections to verify compliance.

The treaty however always counts each bomber with nuclear warheads as one warhead, according to the Kremlins statement.

Patty-Jane Geller, the policy analyst for nuclear deterrence and missile defense at the conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation pointed out in her report that this provision enables Russia to surpass New START limits legally if a bomber can carry multiple warheads.

After both Moscow and Washington withdrew from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 2019, New START is the only remaining nuclear arms control deal between the two countries.

Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Queensland park rangers have freed a young dingo from a fishing lure near a popular campsite on Fraser Islands north-west coast, sparking a call for visitors to take care as they return in the wake of recent fires.

The pup was tracked down near a campsite at Wathumba Creek by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers, with help from Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation members, after a report from the public.

The young female wongari, as the wild dingoes are known by the Butchulla people, before the lure was removed. Credit:Queensland Department of Environment and Science

One of a litter of five known to live in the area, the young female wongari, as wild dingoes are known in the Butchullas language, was found with two of the four barbed hooks of a metal lure in its bottom lip.

Concerned the wound could become infected, QPWS rangers, with the assistance of the BACs communication and engagement officer, tranquillised and captured the wongari and assessed her injury, a Department of Environment and Science spokesperson said.
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A total of 27 bypolls have been held in Rajasthan between 2000 to 2019 while four bypolls are scheduled in the month of March this year after the death of four sitting MLAs of the desert state which makes it 31 by-elections in last 20 years.

Alleging that "all is not well with the Rajasthan Assembly since it shifted its premises to a new building in 2001", former BJP MLA Gyanchand Ahuja has asked Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot to conduct "hawan, kirtan and poojan" in House premises to put a check on the ever rising number of bypolls in the state that have been quite frequent.

The Ramgarh MLA also confirmed that at least 200 MLAs never got to complete their tenure of five years in the past 20 years. Either a few died, or were jailed, however, some others' fate was better and they became Parliamentarians and the seats were left vacant.

In the last four months, four sitting MLAs have died in Rajasthan.

In October last year, Congress MLA Kailash Trivedi passed away. In November, BJP MLA Kiran Maheshwari also passed away. In December, Congress MLA Master Bhanwarlal Meghwal passed away and in January, Gajendra Singh Shaktawat passed away.

According to Ahuja, "Since the time the assembly has been shifted in the new building in 2001, never ever have all 200 MLAs been able to complete their tenure which was not the case earlier.

"This is not normal. Pooja and kirtan are important for purification of the Rajasthan Assembly. There is a crematorium right adjacent to the Assembly which has brought in a 'vastu dosh' here," he added.

The BJP MLA further said that earlier the Assembly was running inside the walled city before 2001 and all 200 MLAs had completed their terms "in the pink of their health".

He also urged Gehlot that the AC gas should not pass towards the crematorium.

Earlier, a Kalash was kept here under the BJP rule and no deaths were reported, however, under the Congress' regime that Kalash was removed and the death chain has again started.

He also accused the Chief Minister for all the wrong decisions taken in this matter and not putting proper emphasis on the step to be taken to manage the vastu.

"The CM starts assembly sessions mid-week, especially on Tuesday, which is not an auspicious day to make fresh beginnings," he added.

The issue of the Rajasthan Assembly being "haunted" was raised earlier in 2018 too, when lawmakers discussed the presence of "ghosts" in the complex. A few lawmakers had even requested the Speaker to complete the proceedings before 12 noon, while others called for a "purification ritual" fearing the worst.

At that time, the then Speaker Kailash Meghwal had said that a separate debate should be held on this issue.

When IANS contacted Meghwal on the matter, he, however, said, "No comments."

Although, he did not altogether deny the presence of supernatural elements.

"Christians call it Ghosts, Muslims call it saya and we call it bhoot. So there must be some reality in its presence," he said, adding, "I follow Arya Samaj principles and hence stay away from all such discussions."

A renowned astrologer from Rajasthan, Deepak Joshi said, "There is a serious Vaastu dosh in the building. Its northeast part is cut off from the building which consists of a cremation ground.

"Also there are gates at the southeast, which is not a good sign.

"The building is constructed on a cremation ground which indicates that the king can never have a stable life. Hence a stable tenure of 200 is never completed since the time construction of this building started here.

"If a seat is increased or decreased, this phenomenon can stop as per numerology 2 denotes instability."

In 2017-18 also, two MLAs, including Nathdwara MLA Kalyan Singh Chauhan and Kirti Kumari, who represented the Mandalgarh constituency, died within six months.

In 2001, the then MLAs Bhimsen Chaudhary and Bhikha Bhai passed away. In 2002, Congress MLA Kishan Motwani and BJP MLA Jagat Singh Daima too passed away.

Then, MLA Rooplal Meena passed away in 2003, while the following year Ram Singh Vishnoi, a Minister in the then Gehlot government, passed away. In 2006, MLAs Arun Singh and Nathuram Ahari died.

The terms from 2008-2013 and 2013-2018 were difficult times for sitting MLAs. Mundawar legislator Dharmapal Chaudhary died in April 2018.

Even during the Rajasthan Assembly election campaign back in 2018, Bahujan Samaj Party candidate Laxman Singh from Ramgarh died, as a result of which polls were conducted for only 199 constituencies.

An Election Commission official meanwhile confirmed that frequent bypolls have been held in state since the assembly shifted here.

Five bypolls were held between 2001 and 2002 out of which four bypolls were held in 2002.

Again from 2003 to 2008, five bypolls were held out of which one were held in 2004 while one was held in 2005 and two in 2009.

From 2008-2013, two bypolls were held while 2013-18 saw six bypolls out of which four bypolls were held in 2014 and two in 2013.

In fact, seven bypolls were held in 2000, when construction of the new assembly was going on in full swing.

He also confirmed that many MLAs in the state are conducting pooja, hawan etc on personal level to safeguard themselves from ghost affect.
White House COVID-19 adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci on Friday raised an alarm over the latest trial results from Janssen and Novavax, who said their vaccines proved to be less effective against the new variant of the virus. Fauci, while speaking during an NIH vaccine data discussion, said that it is a "wake up call" for everyone because the new variants will continue to evolve until it is blocked from replicating, which he suggested could only be achieved by vaccinating more people.

Read: US: Anthony Fauci 'concerned' About Deadliness Of New UK COVID-19 Strain

"It's really a wake-up call for us to be nimble and to be able to adjust as this virus will continue for certain to evolve and to mutate. The best way to prevent further evolution of a virus is to prevent it from replicating, and you do that by vaccinating people as quickly as you possibly can," Fauci said.

Read: Fauci Says He Was 'skunk At The Picnic' In Trump Administration's COVID-19 Task Force

Vaccines less effective against South Africa strain

Janssen, which is owned by American firm Johnson & Johnson, published the trial results on Friday which showed that its vaccine is 66% effective against moderate and severe COVID-19 virus. However, Janssen added that the vaccine proved less effective against the new South African strain. Novavax, whose vaccine has proved to be 89% effective, also said that its vaccine was less effective against the South African variant. The new variant from South Africa has also been detected in the United States, which prompted Fauci to call for quick vaccination of people.

Read: Coronavirus: Fauci Explains Biden's Plan, Says Vaccine Goal Would Cover 67 Million People

The new UK and South African variants reportedly spread faster than all other previous strains identified since the start of the pandemic. Scientists have noted that the new variant also contributes to higher viral loads in COVID-19 patients. The United States is the worst affected country by the COVID-19 pandemic as it has reported more than 25 million cases and over 4,33,000 deaths so far, more than any other nation in the world.

Read: Trump Administration's 'lack Of Truthfulness' In Handling COVID 'very Likely' Cost Lives

(Inputs, Image: AP)
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"On My Block" has been renewed for Season 4, which will also mark the finale of the hit Netflix comedey series.

On Friday, the streaming giant announced the return of the comedy flick after its Season 3 premiered in March 2020. The final season will have 10 episodes in total, with the original "On My Block" cast set to return.

Among the returnees include Sierra Capri (Monse Finnie), Jason Genao (Ruben Martinez Jr.), Brett Gray (Jamal Turner), Diego Tinoco (Cesar Diaz), Jessica Marie Garcia (Jasmine Flores) and Julio Macias (Oscar Diaz).

"On My Block" Season 4 will see Cesar Diaz become a gang leader. No other new castings have been announced as of writing.

The said Netflix comedy series follows the story of four childhood friends, whose friendship is being tested as they strived hard in high school.

No Season 5 for 'On My Block'

Initially, Netflix planned to end the script of the original series after three or four seasons due to the skyrocketing cost of the show.

The renewal news also came after the central cast members demanded a massive salary increase for the fourth and supposed fifth season.

According to Forbes, the main cast negotiated to make their $20,000 pay jump to $80,000 per episode for Season 3.

The deal also includes making their $650,000 pay for the fourth season to $850,000, then $1.05 million for a potential fifth.

Despite such demand, it is worth noting that the series has been named as the streaming giant's No.1 most-binged show in 2018.

It even kicked out "Making a Murderer," "13 Reasons Why," and "The Haunting of Hill House" off the list.

"Viewership grew pretty steadily from the launch of season one, and then we saw a big bump in new viewers coming in and discovering the show in season two, as well as people who loved it before coming back for season two," Netflix VP for Content Cindy Holland told The Hollywood Reporter.

The series currently has a 95 percent rating from Rotten Tomatoes' critics and 91 percent viewers score.

The "On My Block" Season 4 will join a list of Netflix originals for this year, including "The Kominsky Method," "Lost in Space," "Grace and Frankie," "Dead To Me," "Atypical," and "Ozark," among others.

The release date for the fourth and final season is yet to be finalized, though it should be revealed sooner rather than later.

See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles
BROOKLYN, N.Y. Carmen Vasquez, who spent much of her adult life working to gain full rights for sexual minorities, died this past Wednesday, January 27, at her home of COVID-related illness. She was 72 years old.

The Puerto Rican-born Vasquez, oldest of seven children, was raised in Harlem and attended City University of New York (CCNY), where she earned a Bachelor's degree in English and a Master's in Education before moving to San Francisco in 1974, where she co-founded The Women's Building, became the Executive Director of the National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights and later became the Coordinator of Lesbian and Gay Health Services for the San Francisco Department of Public Health. After spending two decades in the City by the Bay, Vasquez moved back to New York City in 1994 to continue her activism as Director of Public Policy for the LGBT Community Center (1994-2003), and as Deputy Director for Empire State Pride Agenda (2003-2007). Her last position before she retired in 2019 was as Coordinator of the LGBT Health and Human Services Unit of the AIDS Institute, New York Department of Health, though she continued to serve as Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for the Woodhull Freedom Foundation until her death.

At the 2011 Vicki Awards with (l-r) Ajamu Baraka, Ricci Levy, Pamala Stanley, Carmen Vazquez and Robert Corn-Revere

"We at the Woodhull Freedom Foundation are heartbroken to announce the death of Carmen Vazquez, long-time sexual freedom fighter, Vicki Sexual Freedom award winner, and co-chair of our Board of Directors," the foundation said in a press release. "Carmen died on Wednesday, January 27th of COVID. Carmen supported Woodhull from its founding. She brought with her a wealth of knowledge, a command of our issues and a network of advocates dedicated to the advancement of sexual freedom as a fundamental human right. Woodhull would not be where it is today without her energy, effort, and dedication."

The loss of Carmen tears open a hole in the heart of the LGBTQ+, social justice, immigration, reproductive justice, and sexual freedom movements. And in mine, said Rae Carey, executive director of the National LGBTQ Task Force. Im deeply sad that one of our movements most brilliant activists is no longer with us. Ive never known this movement without Carmen in it. A fierce, Puerto Rican butch, who spoke, wrote, organized, mobilized, and willed with her small but powerful body justice and liberation into this world.

Vasquez started to come to grips with her sexuality early on, telling an interviewer for Outwords magazine that, "The person I first fell in love with sort ofI was 15 by then, in my sophomore year and she was a friend of the family, Eva, whom I just couldn't keep my eyes off of her. I mean, I totally didn't understand it, but I sort of did because a couple of years earlier, I had been in some camp and had a kiss with a girl and I'm going, no, that was good. That felt really good. So, Eva was a friend of the family and I had this huge attraction to her. My mother became aware of it and basically said I needed to get myself together and that I had no shame. There is this word in Spanish, sin verguenza. It means 'without shame' and I said, 'fuck you.' So, I left home but not too far. I went to live with my grandmother and my father."

Vasquez went on to have several more relationships with both women and men, all made a bit more difficult because she was attending the religious Cathedral High School at the time, but after her graduation and attendance at CCNY, she decided she needed a change, so she bought a plane ticket to San Franciscobut it was actually at the airport that she discovered what would become her life's mission.

"I did not have an LGBT community in New York," she told Outwords, "but at the airport, I stopped to pick up a book, and the book was Patricia Nell Warren's The Front Runner. I knew nothing about Patricia Nell Warren, knew nothing about the gay scene, the gay Mecca in San Francisco. But I sat on the plane and I read this book and I went really, 'Oh my God, the Castro gay thing, gay Mecca, that's where I'm going.' I was thrilled and blessed, really. My life is blessed like that. Things like that happen, right?"

The full text of Vasquez's Outwords interview may be found here.

Over the course of her career, Vasquez received several awards, including the SAGE Award for Excellence in Leadership on Aging Issues.

"One of my proudest moments as an activist was presenting Carmen with the annual SAGE Award at Creating Change 2020, in recognition of her lifetime of courage, fierceness and struggle," said Michael Adams, CEO of SAGE, after hearing of her death. "It's unimaginable that Carmen has passed, but the spirit of someone as fierce as Carmen lives forever and continues to inspire us. Honoring her legacy, it's fitting that we re-name the award Carmen received last year with the name it will carry from this day forward: the Carmen Vasquez SAGE Award for Leadership in Aging. Rest in power Carmen."

Vasquez also contributed to several publications, including the books Transcultural Leadership: Empowering the Diverse Workforce (1993), with George F. Simons and Philip R. Harris, and Employment Deconcentration in European Metropolitan Areas (2007), with Eran Razin and Martin Dijst, as well as an article in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, "Spousal Abuse and Violence against Women: The Significance of Understanding Attachment" (1996).

No information has yet been released regarding any memorials planned to honor Carmen Vasquez, but when such announcements are made, AVN will incorporate them into this article.
3 1 of 3 Billy Calzada /Staff file photo Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Ron Cortes /Contributor Show More Show Less 3 of 3





San Antonio-headquartered Rackspace was named among the best places to work for LGBTQ equality in 2021 by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation this month in their Corporate Equality Index.

To earn top ratings, the employers that made the list had to take steps to establish and implement policies, benefits and practices that ensure greater equity for LGBTQ workers and their families. Texas-based Toyota Motor North America Inc., Southwest Airlines Co, and Oracle Inc. also landed among the 767 companies to make the list.
Brittany Galvin has denied allegations she is an escort, after she was accused of being one by contestant Anna Redman on The Bachelor.

Galvin set the record straight on her Instagram stories, where she shut down the allegations with a lengthy statement addressing the controversy that blew up on the last episode of the show.

'To make it clear I am NOT an escort,' Galvin wrote. 'And for the people who are, don't let others tear you down.'

'I am NOT an escort': Brittany Galvin has denied allegations she is an escort, after she was accused of being one by contestant Anna Redman on The Bachelor

Galvin also addressed a YouTube video questioning why she cared so much about the allegations if they were untrue.

'If this happened to me in the real world I'd brush it off because I know my truth. But how would you react when someone tries to exploit you to the world with an accusation that could affect your career, reputation, and future relationships,' she wrote.

Despite the rumor, Galvin struck an positive note as she finished off her thoughts.

'Lastly, yes it was a s****y thing to do, but let's not destroy someone's life over it. Bringing others down is exactly what I don't want. We are bigger and better than that. Love you all.'

Clearing the air: Galvin set the record straight on her Instagram stories, where she shut down the allegations with a lengthy statement addressing the controversy

Positive note: Despite the rumor, Galvin ended the note positively

The rumor all started on this week's episode of The Bachelor.

Brittany was among five new women joining the show, riling up the original remaining contestants who had already been getting to know Matt for weeks.

They were further incensed after spying on their arrival and watching Brittany boldly make up for lost time by immediately kissing Matt.

New addition: Show newcomer Brittany was accused of being an escort by Anna Redman on Monday's episode of The Bachelor

'She's not welcome. She's not welcome!,' Victoria Larson, 27, of Los Angeles, said as Brittany joined the group.

During a later group date, Brittany interrupted Anna, 24, while she was having some one-on-one time with Matt.

Anna acquiesced after Brittany's second interruption and immediately vented with Victoria.

Nasty rumor: Anna spread a rumor that Brittany was an 'escort' in Chicago

'Being from Chicago, where she is, I'd heard rumors, and ...People have gone out of their way to tell me, 'Oh, my God. Watch out for this girl'',' Anna said referencing Brittany.

'In what regard? Like, watch out with her, how?,' Victoria asked.

'That she is entertaining men for money,' Anna claimed.

Show villain: 'In what regard? Like, watch out with her, how?,' Victoria Larson asked Anna

'That's insane,' Victoria said.

'There is a rumor because she knows all the rich men in Chicago that Brittany may be an escort,' Anna said smiling in a confessional.

'She may be having a transactional relationship with wealthy women,' she added.

Rich men: 'There is a rumor because she knows all the rich men in Chicago that Brittany may be an escort,' Anna said smiling in a confessional

'I can see her playing Matt if that's what she's used to doing with men to get what she wants,' Victoria told Anna.

Brittany meanwhile was shown making out again with Matt.

The group date ended with Matt snubbing both Brittany and Anna and handing the date rose to Bri Springs, 24, of Texas.

Group rose: The group date ended with Matt snubbing both Brittany and Anna and handing the date rose to Bri Springs, 24, of Texas

Anna was crushed and blamed Brittany for hurting her relationship with Matt.

Matt left and Anna in front of the other women told Brittany that she really wanted to talk to her.

'We're all fighting for the same man, so I just want to make sure that your intentions are pure coming here,' Anna said.

Date rose: Matt left and Anna in front of the other women told Brittany that she really wanted to talk to her

'Coming into this I was actually getting messages from people in Chicago, and just kind of them saying ''watch out for this girl'', that you're an escort and all this stuff,' Anna said.

'Wait, you were telling people in the house that?,' Brittany asked.

'I think that's an awful thing to say about someone, and I want to apologize, but also kind of give you the space if you wanted to talk about why people were sending warnings about you when I literally have never met you,' Anna said.

Spreading rumor: 'Wait, you were telling people in the house that?,' Brittany asked Anna about the escort rumor

'No, I'm not an escort. Like, it's just so ridiculous to even say that, to have that come out of my mouth,' Brittany said.

She added that she had a boyfriend since age 16 and sniffled while criticizing Anna for making conclusions about her without getting to know her.

'That's bulls***,' Brittany said.

Strong denial: 'No, I'm not an escort. Like, it's just so ridiculous to even say that, to have that come out of my mouth,' Brittany said

Brittany said it felt like everyone was against her and emotionally said it was 'really hard'.

'Okay. Then get out of the house,' Victoria chimed in laughing.

'It's extremely awkward. Anna's intention was to, you know, start up stuff because Brittany's a new face, and it's untrue. ...And it's disgusting, honestly. Moving forward, Brittany is gonna have to carry that with her and defend it. She shouldn't be put in that position,' Ryan Claytor, 26, of Brooklyn, said in a confessional.

Get out: 'Okay. Then get out of the house,' Victoria chimed in laughing after Brittany said being targeted was hard on her

Still around: Matt has kept Victoria around despite her being mean to other women

Katie Thurston, 29, was the only one of the original women who stood up for the newcomers who were being targeted by the others.

She decided to tell Matt about the bullying and pulled him away to tell him about the 'mob mentality' and toxic environment.

'There are some pretty bad rumors that are starting about the new girls that literally could ruin their lives. I'm not even exaggerating,' Katie told him.

Moral conscience: Katie Thurston, 29, was the only one of the original women who stood up for the newcomers who were being targeted by the others

Matt promised Katie that he would address it.

'When Katie mentioned that the bullying rumors could potentially ruin this woman's life, I had to take a step back. Now it's bigger than our relationship, it's their family, it's their career and I don't want that for anybody,' Matt said in a confessional.

'Who is spreading these rumors and why? And the fact that somebody in the house thinks they are gonna be able to bully their way into my heart, that's not how it works. That's not something that I want to be a part of this journey and I need to get to the bottom of it. So better believe that I'm going to bring it up,' Matt added.

Step back: 'When Katie mentioned that the bullying rumors could potentially ruin this woman's life, I had to take a step back. Now it's bigger than our relationship, it's their family, it's their career and I don't want that for anybody,' Matt said in a confessional

The episode also featured a guest appearance by Ben Higgins, 31, who helped Matt ahead of a group date with both the newcomers and the original women.

'You've got to continue to be just your realest to them and you have to give as much of yourself as you possibly can,' Ben advised him.

Ben then explained the rules for the Fall In Love Fest obstacle course set up for the women.

Special guest: The episode also featured a guest appearance by Ben Higgins, 31, who helped Matt ahead of a group date with both the newcomers and the original women

Sage advice: 'You've got to continue to be just your realest to them and you have to give as much of yourself as you possibly can,' Ben advised Matt

They raced on kayaks and wore squirrel costumes and searched for acorns as Anna tried to sabotage Brittany's chances to win.

Mari Pepin, 24, won the competition.

Matt also went on a one-on-one date with show newcomer Michelle Young, 27, of Minnesota, that featured a romantic ride on a hot-air balloon.

Obstacle course: Ben explained the rules for the Fall In Love Fest obstacle course set up for the women

Acorn sabotage: They raced on kayaks and wore squirrel costumes and searched for acorns as Anna tried to sabotage Brittany's chances to win

Solo date: Matt also went on a one-on-one date with show newcomer Michelle Young, 27, of Minnesota

Romantic ride: Michelle and Matt went on a romantic hot-air balloon ride together

'The more time I'm spending with Michelle, I realize that we can have fun literally doing anything,' Matt said.

Michelle and Matt instantly bonded and kissed and she received a date rose from him.

The Bachelor will return next week on ABC.

Instant connection: Matt and Michelle instantly bonded and kissed during their date
Executives at Hyundai are divided over a potential tie-up with Apple, with some raising concerns about becoming a contract manufacturer for the US tech giant, dimming the outlook for a deal.

Hyundai said earlier this month it was in preliminary talks with Apple, but gave no details. Local media said the firms were discussing an electric car and battery tie-up, while both companies declined to comment.

Tim Cooks's Apple has never acknowledged talks with the carmaker about building vehicles, and it was unclear whether any such talks are still active. The iPhone maker typically insists on strict secrecy from its potential partners and suppliers about future plans or unreleased products.

In an earnings call earlier this week, in which it reported its best quarterly profit in more than three years, Hyundai did not give any updates on talks with Apple or indicate whether they remain active.

We are agonising over how to do it, whether it is good to do it or not, said a Hyundai executive aware of the internal discussions on the tie-up with Apple.

We are not a company which manufactures cars for others. It is not like working with Apple would always produce great results.

Few details are known about the talks between the two companies. But people close to the discussions say the options considered included Hyundai or Kia acting as a manufacturer for vehicles designed by Apple and sold under its powerful, ubiquitous brand.

Hyundai is traditionally known for its reluctance to work with outsiders, making engines, transmissions, and even its own steel in-house under its vertically integrated supply chain as South Koreas second-largest conglomerate.

Although shares in Kia and Hyundai have surged because of the talks, there is considerable opposition to becoming an Apple contract manufacturer, which could hold up any deal with the American giant, these sources said.

Apple and Hyundai first started talks over a car partnership in 2018, when Apples effort, known as Project Titan, was headed by Alexander Hitzinger, who is now a Volkswagen executive, said a person familiar with the matter. But progress was hampered by the South Korean automakers reluctance to work with outsiders, the person said.

It is really difficult [for Hyundai] to open up, this person said, adding that the South Korean company would likely to have to replace some executives to avoid a culture clash under any partnership with Apple.

 Bloomberg
Entropy Law, Sustainability, and Third Industrial Revolution by Ramprasad Sengupta, Oxford University Press, 2020; pp 296 , 1,295 (hardcover).

Since the Club of Rome famously warned, half a century ago in The Limits to Growth, that humankinds unfettered consumption of finite resources is an invitation to catastrophe, there has been a remarkable commitment of thought and ingenuity, across many disciplines, to gainsay that prophecy.

And indeed, there have been impressive successes, as is evident in even the most cursory examination of human development in the last five decades. Not least is the rescue of hundreds of millions of Chinese from the mire of poverty, and the global democratisation of knowledge, ingenuity, and transformative approaches enabled by the digital age, a direct product of the third industrial revolution.
In a case that will go down in history as a first, an Indian-American student has Randeep Hothi managed to win round one of his legal battles with millionaire Elon Musk.

The Tesla CEO was recently unable to stay a defamation lawsuit filed by Hothi, an ardent critic of Tesla, against Musk after a California judge dismissed his pleas that the case was baseless and an attempt to silence the millionaire's free speech, Bloomberg reported.

Who is Randeep Hothi?

Randeep Hothi is a former student of the University of California in Berkeley and currently a doctoral candidate in Asian languages at the University of Michigan. Hothi is also a vocal critic of Tesla. The graduate student who tweets under the Twitter handle of 'skabooshka', describes himself as "Investigating/Reporting on corporate fraud," in his Twitter bio. He also says that he is "Currently focusing on Tesla". Hothi is known to be part of a global anonymous group of Tesla critics who are collectively called '$TSLAQ'. The group consists of former Tesla employees and graduate students like Hothi, many of whom often take to social media and other platforms to criticise Tesla and Musk. His parents live in Fremont, the city where Tesla's auto plant is located. Though other $TSLAQ members post under anonymous pseudonyms, Hothi and his brother's identity was revealed to the world by another anon Twitter handle that has since remained inactive. Hothi's brother worked at Volkswagon but has since stopped working with the Tesla rival.

When did Elon Musk notice Hothi?

Though a critic of Tesla for years, Hothi's struggles with Elon Musk at a personal level began two years ago when he tried to visit Tesla's Fremont sales centre in California in February 2019 and was stopped by the security guard. Hothi claimed he had come to do research and was sent away by security guards.

In April the same year, Hothi uploaded a photo of a Tesla car on social media and claimed that he was being followed by the electronic vehicle company. The incidents drew the attention (read ire) of Musk who then went on to call Hothi a "liar" and accused him of nearly killing Tesla employees while he was driving away from the Fremont facility in February.

Why did Hothi file a defamation lawsuit against Musk?

In August, Hothi filed a case of defamation against Musk in Alameda County Superior Court. In his lawsuit, Hothi has contended that Musk was instrumental in spurring an online hate campaign against him. After the revelation of Hothi and his brother's identity in 2018, Musk posted a tweet in 2019 in which he tagged Volkswagen, asking about Hothi's connections to the company. Following the tweet, Hothi was on the receiving end of a viral hate campaign and racial abuse online, which culminated in Hothi taking to Twitter and stating, "This is my promise. Tesla is a zero. Elon Musk will go to prison". He filed the lawsuit in August.

How did Hothi win first round of the battle?

In her verdict, California state judge Julia Spain of Alameda County Superior Court stated that Hothi's lawsuit had merit and even said that he could win. The judge dismissed Musk's claims that the lawsuit was baseless or an attempt to throttle his free speech, deeming that the case was not worthy of the Anti-SLAPP statute in US that allows for speedy dismissals of defamation lawsuits in cases where it is seen to impinge upon the right to free speech.

Is Hothi's the only lawsuit against Tesla?

No. According to reports, there are more than 1,000 lawsuits against Musk and Tesla, many of which are defamation lawsuits. One of them is a case in which Musk referred to one of his critics - a rescue diver - a "pedo" and "child rapist" in an email to a news editor without substantiating the claim with any evidence. Tesla also faces a defamation suit from former employee Cristina Balan who claims she was fired and called a criminal after she raised objections about certain practices at the organization.




Israel has refused an informal request from the World Health Organisation (WHO) to immediately make Covid-19 vaccines available to Palestinian medical workers to avert a health disaster, citing shortages of the jabs for their own citizens.

The refusal comes amid growing criticism from rights groups of the massive discrepancy between the vaccine rollout in Israel and the occupied West Bank and Gaza, given Israels legal obligations as an occupying power. The Israeli government has said it is not aware of any request either formal or informal about the subject.

Israel has broken global records for the speediness of its inoculation programme, which started on 20 December and up to Friday has seen 1.7 million Israelis  or over 18 percent of the total population  vaccinated.

While Israel has provided vaccines for Palestinians living in east Jerusalem, by contrast no citizen or medic has received jabs among the nearly 5 million Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza, where the battered and impoverished healthcare systems are struggling to cope with the soaring caseload.

Citing the Fourth Geneva Convention, rights groups including Amnesty have accused Israel of institutionalised discrimination and of ignoring its international obligations to immediately ensure Covid-19 vaccines are equally and fairly distributed to Palestinians living under occupation. Israel has denied it is discriminating against the Palestinians.

Gerald Rockenschaub, the head of the WHOs mission to the Palestinians, told The Independent the UN body had requested that Israel help provide Covid-19 jabs to cover Palestininan health workers; nearly 8,000 Palestinian medics have reportedly been infected by the virus, impacting their coronavirus response.

He said that Israel had declined the request for now, citing issues with shortages for their own population.

After publication, the WHO clarified that this had taken place during informal discussions with the Israeli Ministry of health about whether vaccine supplies could be allocated to vaccinate the Palestinian health workforce as an immediate priority target group.

"The Israeli Ministry of health indicated they would explore this option but were currently not in a position to supply vaccines because of a shortage of vaccines in Israel.

Health officials within the cash-strapped Palestinian Authority (PA) told The Independent they had lodged a similar request, asking Israel to sell them 10,000 jabs for their medics in order to avert a health disaster during the month-long wait for vaccines from the WHOs Covax programme and vaccine companies.

We have tried to explore whether an unusual batch of vaccines could be made available from the Israeli side in light of the substantial discrepancy [in inoculations], Mr Rockenschaub told The Independent.

We have a substantial number of health workers that are infected. It would make a big difference to have the 10,000 jabs to ensure that the healthcare system doesnt collapse and can operate, he added.

The feedback is that [Israel] have shortages of their own and they cant provide any until a later stage, he said.

He added that it should be in the interest of Israel to put every effort into ensuring the Palestinian population is adequately vaccinated and that the discrepancy does not continue. In particular, he cited the daily movement of at least 140,000 Palestinian workers between the territories and Israel as one reason why the inoculation of the Palestinian population was an Israeli public health concern.

Over 1.5 million Israelis have received their vaccines, while on the other side zero have, except for those Palestinians living in east Jerusalem, he said.

We see people dying from coronavirus every day on both sides. It is essential to ensure global solidarity and access to vaccines for everybody because no one is safe until everyone is protected.

More than 146,000 Palestinians have been infected with the coronavirus and more than 1,550 have died. On 31 December, 15 Covid-related deaths were reported in Gaza, the highest daily death toll since the start of the pandemic, according to the WHO.

Meanwhile, there have been more than 470,000 cases recorded in Israel, with over 3,500 deaths.

Israel has received worldwide praise for the efficiency of its vaccination programme and is on track to becoming the first country to completely inoculate its population.

The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, announced on Thursday that with the latest procurement of Pfizer vaccines they would be able to inoculate all their citizens over the age of 16 by the end of March.

People await vaccination at a centre in Israel, where there has been a surge in cases (AP)

The Israelis have vehemently denied accusations of discrimination and Israeli officials have blamed the PA for not seeking cooperation with the Israeli government to procure and distribute the vaccines. The Israeli health ministry officials later denied they had received a request from the WHO for vaccines for Palestinians.

Israels health minister, Yuli Edelstein, reportedly said last week that while it was in their interest to ensure that the spread of the virus was halted among the Palestinians, Israels first responsibility was to its own citizens.

The countrys deputy health minister, Yoav Kisch, said on Thursday that they may consider offering any vaccine surplus to the PA at a later stage.

Israeli commentators, meanwhile, have argued that Israel has no obligation to vaccinate the Palestinians and have even dismissed media reports on the discrepancy as antisemitic attacks.

The Israelis cite the Oslo Accords, the interim peace agreements signed by the Israelis and Palestinians in the 1990s, as the reason why the Palestinians are responsible for their own health response. Under the agreement, the PA is required to maintain international vaccination standards and for both sides to exchange information and cooperate in combating epidemics.

But 18 Israeli, Palestinian and international health and human rights organisations penned a statement last month highlighting Israels legal and moral obligations.

The communique cites Article 56 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which provides that the occupier has the duty of ensuring the adoption and application of the prophylactic and preventive measures necessary to combat the spread of contagious diseases and epidemics.

It is both a legal and a moral obligation Hadas Ziv, director of ethics and content at Physicians for Human Rights Israel

They said this duty for Israel includes providing support for the purchase and distribution of quality vaccines to the Palestinian population under its control.

Israel has occupied the Palestinian territories since 1967 and has imposed a crippling 13-year long blockade on Gaza, after the Hamas militant group violently seized control of the tiny strip that is home to nearly 2 million people.

In Gaza, the ravaged healthcare system is suffering from chronic shortages of electricity and all medicines because of those restrictions. Mr Rockenschaub, of the WHO, said the agency had provided an additional 50 intensive care unit beds but that the Gazans were struggling amid medical staff shortages and ancient oxygen supplies systems that urgently needed replacing.

Except for the Egypt-Gaza crossing, Israel controls all the borders  and consequently all imports  into the Palestinian territories. The Palestinians also lack sufficient refrigeration facilities to store the vaccines.

A woman receives the Pfizer vaccine at a drive-in vaccination centre in the northern Israeli city of Haifa (AP)

All of this means the Palestinian vaccine programme is inextricably tied to coordination with and assistance from the Israelis.

Mr Rockenschaub said that they were already in talks with the Israeli ministry of health and Cogat  the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, the Israeli military unit that deals with civilian needs in the West Bank and Gaza  to ensure the smooth delivery and distribution of vaccines when they do arrive.

Medical and rights groups have gone a step further, urging Israel to immediately ensure quality vaccines be provided to Palestinians living under Israeli occupation and control, saying failure to do so was part of systemic abuses.

Israel's responsibility stems from its prolonged occupation and control of almost all aspects of lives in the occupied Palestinian territories, said Hadas Ziv, director of ethics and content at Physicians for Human Rights Israel.

It cannot expect a weakened and impoverished PA to handle with its limited resources a public health crisis that challenges even developed countries. It is both a legal and a moral obligation.

Amnesty International called the denial of vaccines to Palestinians institutionalised discrimination, saying the unfair distribution of vaccines could hardly be a better illustration of how Israeli lives are valued above Palestinian ones.

It goes deeper than this, Amnestys Middle East and north Africa deputy director, Saleh Higazi, told The Independent.

This the structural denial of rights for the Palestinians. We want that structure to be dismantled, he added.

Palestinian health officials told The Independent that the PA had verbally asked Israel to sell it 10,000 doses of vaccines to cover its frontline workers as it scrambled to get enough doses for the entire population.

The WHO-led Covax global initiative, to ensure eventual Covid-19 vaccines reach those in greatest need, will provide 2 million doses of vaccines free of charge to the PA to cover 20 percent of the Palestinian population.

A health worker takes a swab sample to test for Covid-19 in the West Bank village of Dura (AFP via Getty)

Two PA health officials told The Independent they have confirmed the purchase of an additional 2 million doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, but the initial delivery of the first batch of any of these vaccines is not expected before the end of February, possibly even the beginning of March.

The officials said the PA needs an additional 2 million doses on top of this to ensure sufficient immunity, and added that they are still in negotiations with multiple companies.

It is important to have coordination between Israel and Palestine. There are no proper borders, people move between the two, it is problematic, said Ali Abed Rabbo, director-general of the Palestinian health ministry.

The principle of vaccination and herd immunity is needed to stop this pandemic that requires all parts of the world to work together.

This article was updated on January 10, 2021, to include responses from the WHO and the Israeli embassy in London.
Hublot reasserts its expertise in cutting-edge materials by housing its MP-11 calibre in two new cases, showcasing its scratch-resistant Magic Gold alloy and the transparency of its Blue Sapphire. The brand is offering two new versions of its Big Bang MP-11 watch, an instrument with a spectacular look which reveals its seven in-line barrels  which guarantee an unrivalled power reserve of 14 days  through the open dial.

Big Bang MP-11 Blue Sapphire  Hublot

By marrying its famous MP-11 manufacture movement, characterised by its atypical and highly visual construction, with two materials developed by our engineers, Magic Gold and Blue Sapphire, Hublot once again brilliantly illustrates its  Art of Fusion , says Ricardo Guadalupe, Hublot CEO. The art of being avant-garde, different and unique.



The master of fusion, Hublot has always stood out by seeking to achieve perfect alliances between movements and cases, between the mechanical hearts of its watches and their settings on the wrist. The concept of the MP-11 calibre, developed and manufactured entirely in Hublots workshops, must therefore forge an alliance with brand new cases distinguished by their unique design and innovative materials. This challenge has already been brilliantly met in the Big Bang MP-11 in ultra-light 3D carbon, using King Gold alloy paired with a 3D carbon bezel, in transparent sapphire, in high-tech Red Magic ceramic and most recently in green SAXEM, which is a new composite rivalling the most beautiful emeralds in colour and matching diamonds in its hardness. Today, Hublot's story of the MP-11 calibre continues with the unveiling of two new models.



The Big Bang MP-11 14-day power reserve Magic Gold, available as a limited edition of just 50 pieces, reinterprets the ultra-technical and contemporary design of the Big Bang case in the world's first ever version of scratch-resistant 18-carat gold, an alloy invented and patented by Hublot. To achieve this unprecedented resistance in the traditional world of precious metals, the brand's engineers have combined pure gold with boron carbide, an extremely hard high-tech ceramic. The exclusive colour of the Magic Gold case is enhanced on the bezel of the watch, by the contrast with the six H-shaped black-coated titanium screws. The marriage of an 18-carat gold case and a black rubber strap serves as a reminder that Hublot was the first brand to boldly combine these two materials on the same watch, at a time when these two materials were considered to be incompatible!

Big Bang MP-11 Magic Gold  Hublot

Playing on transparency, the Big Bang MP-11 14-day power reserve Blue Sapphire, also released as a limited edition of 50 pieces, takes its radiance and inimitable colour from one of the manufactured sapphires that Hublot has developed in house. With unique knowledge and complete mastery of the industrialisation process, Hublot is able to offer sapphire in a range of innovative colours (transparent, black, blue, red, yellow and orange). The extreme hardness of the sapphire requires specific machining methods. The lined and structured blue rubber strap echoes the innovative colour of the sapphire case.

Big Bang MP-11 Blue Sapphire  Hublot

Seven in-line barrels for a 14-day power reserve

Magic Gold and Blue Sapphire; the two new Big Bang MP-11 models offer exclusive staging of the calibre HUB9011 manual-winding skeletonised movement, one of the jewels of the 100% Hublot collection. To achieve a power reserve of two weeks, the brand has developed an original movement architecture integrating seven series-coupled barrels. The power reserve appears directly on a cylinder located to the left of the seven barrels, opposite the DAY POWER RESERVE indication in blue or gold on the anti-reflective sapphire crystal. By adopting the shape of barrels, the sapphire crystal creates a magnifying effect on this important indication.

Big Bang MP-11 Magic Gold  Hublot

To enable energy to be transmitted between the horizontal barrel arbor and the vertical gears controlling the hour and minute display at 12 o'clock, the engineers made use of a system rarely employed in watchmaking: a 90-degree helical worm gear. To create an aesthetic balance with this helical gear, which is visible at 10 o'clock, the balance was moved on the dial side in a symmetrical position at two o'clock. Composed of 270 pieces, giving a very reasonable thickness of 10.92 mm, the HUB9011 calibre also stands out due to its patented index-assembly system, its black platinum bridges and its silicon escapement combining traditional and innovative elements. The two new Big Bang MP-11 Magic Gold and Blue Sapphire movements are wound manually using the large fluted crown with worm screw type relief that echoes the helical gear, or an electric Torx stylus inspired by the world of motor racing.
President Joe Biden signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, on Jan. 28, 2021. (Doug Mills-Pool/Getty Images)

Half of GOP Senators Back Bill to Block Biden Energy Ban

Dozens of Senate Republicans are supporting a bill introduced by Sen. Cyntha Lummis (R-Wyo.) that would prohibit the president and certain other federal departments from blocking energy or mineral leasing permits on federal lands without congressional scrutiny.

The Protecting our Wealth of Energy Resources (POWER) Act of 2021 (pdf), supported by at least half of Senate Republicans, would stop the president or the secretaries of the interior, agriculture, and energy departments from blocking energy or mineral leasing and permitting on federal lands and waters without congressional approval.

As America continues to recover from a global pandemic, our energy industry desperately needs the Biden administrations support, not its scorn. We must work to prevent any administration from crippling our energy industry without approval from Congress, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said in a statement.

I am proud to support this legislation that will fight back against the Biden administrations radical environmental agenda and help our energy industry thrive by supporting hundreds of thousands of blue-collar jobs, keeping household energy costs low for American families, and maintaining our energy independence.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) speaks to media in the Capitol in Washington on Jan. 28, 2020. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

Another 23 GOP Republicans backed the measure, which comes after President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Wednesday that, in part, puts a halt on new mining and energy leasing on federal lands.

The Department of the Interior had on Jan. 21, just a day after Biden assumed office, moved to suspend new leases for oil and gas drilling on federal lands for 60 days, but Bidens Wednesday executive order means the suspension will remain until a review is completed by the secretary of agriculture, the secretary of commerce, through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the secretary of energy.

That review will consider whether to adjust royalties associated with coal, oil, and gas resources extracted from public lands and offshore waters, or take other appropriate action, to account for corresponding climate costs, the order states.

Lummis, prior to releasing the bill in response to Bidens order, had criticized the presidents action as destructive for jobs and the economy in her home state and in the nation. In a statement Friday, she reiterated her message.

Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) meets with the media in Washington on Nov. 9, 2020. (Stefani Reynolds-Pool/Getty Images)

The Biden Ban would be nothing short of catastrophic for western states that are already reeling from the decline in energy usage brought on by the pandemic and continued volatility in energy markets, she said in a statement. Its a one-two punch that means disaster for energy jobs, families, and communities. Through the POWER Act, Congress would reiterate that federal lands should serve not the whims of a radical progressive minority, but the needs of all Americans.

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) said in a statement that the proposed POWER Act of 2021 creates a needed check on the Executive Branch, and makes certain that decisions like this are subject to debate in Congress and not rashly signed into action.

We must continue to advocate for the families across America who are at risk of losing their livelihood and income in the middle of a pandemic, she added.

Biden said on Wednesday that his administration has a concrete plan to address the impending job losses looming for the industry by creating more than a quarter million jobs to do things like plug the millions of abandoned oil and gas wells that pose a health and safety threat to communities.

Theyre abandoned wells that are open now, and were going to put people to work. Theyre not going to lose jobs in these areas; theyre going to create jobs, Biden said. It is unclear from his remarks how the government plans to pay for the proposed health and safety works.

While both Republicans and Democrats from fossil fuel-dependent states have been critical of Bidens pledges to limit or halt the use of fossil fuels, other mostly Democratic lawmakers and progressives have praised the presidents actions, which they believe are in the name of helping save the planet from an impending crisis posed by climate change.

John Kerry, former secretary of state under the Obama-Biden administration and now Bidens top environmental policy adviser, said on Wednesday that Biden wants to make sure workers in the energy industry have better choices in jobs that pay better and are cleaner, giving the example of being a solar power technician instead of being a miner.

Kerry also asserted that its a false notion that dealing with climate comes at the expense of energy workers. He added that there is a lot of money to be made in the creation of new healthier jobs in sectors such as green hydrogen, geothermal heat, and other renewables.

But Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) noted on Thursday that a study (pdf) by energy consulting firm OnLocation concluded that a leasing and development ban on federal land and waters would mean the loss of nearly 1 million jobs by 2022. The decision could also mean that U.S. households could spend a cumulative $19 billion more on energy by 2030, according to the study.

Bidens decision on halt oil and natural gas development on public lands has received other forms of backlash since Wednesday.

The administration has been sued by Western Energy Alliance, a group representing fossil fuel producers on federal lands. The group said that the president has exceeded his authority in signing the order.

Top House Republican leaders as well as four House Democrats from Texas have called on the Biden administration to revoke his order.

Since assuming office, Biden has also suspended the Keystone XL oil pipeline and rejoined the Paris Climate Accord, decisions he says are in the best interest of the nation to care for the environment and tackle climate change.

Masooma Haq and Melanie Sun contributed to this report.


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HAMDEN  Hamdens former mayor is coming home.

Current Mayor Curt Balzano Leng announced in a release Thursday that he had appointed his predecessor, Scott B. Jackson, as Hamdens new finance director.

Jackson, who was born and raised in Hamden and served as the towns top official from 2009-15, said Thursday he only recently found out he would join the team.

I went and got some paperwork today, and driving back home I took sort of a series of detours, and having a story on every block that I drove, I couldnt help but smile, he said. It happened to be that half an hour when the sun is out, and it was nice to be home.

Jackson most recently served as New Havens chief administrative officer, but left the post earlier this month after resigning due to personal reasons, according to Mayor Justin Elicker.

Jackson had been appointed CAO by Elicker after serving as commissioner of the state Department of Revenue Services under Gov. Ned Lamont. He previously was undersecretary of intergovernmental policy for the Office of Policy and Management, commissioner of the Labor Department and chairman of the Sandy Hook Advisory Commission in the administration of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.

As finance director, Jackson will replace Curtis Eatman, who held the post for roughly a year.

Its not the first leadership shakeup Hamdens finance team has seen in recent years.

The town last year rehired Rick Galarza as deputy finance director. Galarza became Hamdens acting finance director after Salvatore DeCola retired in July 2018, serving in both roles until Leng appointed Myron Hul as interim finance director.

With Jacksons arrival, Eatman will move his focus to serve as acting economic development director, as well as providing for a mutually helpful transition for these cornerstone town roles, Leng said in a statement.

Dale Kroop, who previously headed economic development for the town, retired in November.

Overall, Im excited about the new opportunity, Eatman said. Though I wanted to stay in finance because I think thats my strong suit, I do understand the mayor needed some help in economic development.

Eatman is the former deputy commissioner of finance for Schenectady, N.Y., and a former senior fiscal analyst for the New York state Senate. He said he also directed economic development for a time while working for Schenectady.

This somewhat unique senior staffing change allows Hamden the opportunity to put the proper chess pieces in the best spots on the board for success, Leng said in the release, which also noted mayoral appointments must be submitted to the Hamden Legislative Council for review and approval.

Eatman said Jacksons availability gave the town an opportunity it couldnt pass up, allowing Hamden to bring on someone with valuable experience at the state level.

The mayor asked me, Eatman said of his job change. Its a mayoral appointment. I serve at the pleasure of the mayor.

As acting director of economic development, Eatman will seek to build up the department, which he said has one part-time staffer. His priorities will include building up the grand list and to really promote and market the town of Hamden to the state and to a wider audience, he said.

Eatman also plans to learn everything he can about what Kroop worked on so he can pick up where Kroop left off, he said.

He was proud of the progress he has made since coming to work for the town.

We have done a lot of great things here in finance, he said. The town of Hamden is blessed to have some great public servants working in finance who really care about this town, he said.

Lengs statement said Eatman served as finance director during unprecedented times, with major challenges posed by the pandemic and budget, with professionalism and commitment. In addition to his efforts as Acting Economic Development Director, he will be able to assist in the completion of projects as needed and ensure a proper transition, something always beneficial and which demonstrates stability for local governments.

The mayor said Jackson brings an enormous amount of experience interacting, negotiating, and cooperating with local, Federal, and State financial, non-profit and service agencies to the role.

Eatman also praised his succesors qualifications.

I know Scotts got what it takes to do the job, and to come in and hit the ground running, Eatman said.

Jackson top priority is working with the state to maximize the revenue opportunities for the town like the Payment in Lieu of Property Taxes program, he said. PILOT offers reimbursement to municipalities for tax-exempt properties.

He also wants to focus on team-building efforts to break down any silos, he said.

I want to make sure that we know that were all on the same team  and that we can all be helpful to each other, and even though government center is closed to the public were not closed to the people, he said.

After leaving New Haven, Jackson wanted to spend the summer sitting in the backyard, he said.

But Mayor Leng gave me the exact speech I needed to hear, Jackson continued, and I said yes.

Given the towns financial crisis  Hamdens liabilities exceeded $1 billion in 2019  Jackson knows there are challenges ahead.

But my kids are young teenagers now, and I want them to be here, Jackson said, noting that his two children attend Hamden Public Schools. If I can do something to get them to stay here, thats exactly what I want to do.

When asked why he left his New Haven post, he said the pandemic hit him a little hard  especially because of the remote work style.

To me government is a dance, Jackson said  if you dont practice with each other, it wont work.

It wasnt working for me, because I think I didnt know enough people in New Haven, or I didnt know them well enough, he said I just didnt feel like I was being productive, or as productive as I could be.

Already familiar with many of the players in Hamden, Jackson thinks hell have a better chance of being successful there.

But he acknowledged COVID will still pose a challenge, especially as the finance team will be new to him.

This is gonna be a difficult one, because the finance team, I havent worked with. The people that Ive worked with have left, he said. Getting folks on the same page in the pandemic is not necessarily the easiest thing in the world.

meghan.friedmann@hearstmediact.com

.
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Novavax (NVAX) stock soared high this friday shortly after announcing that its coronavirus vaccine was nearly 90% effective. The NVAX stock catapulted to about 65% which was roughly a 6-year high for the company. The experimental vaccine has currently surpassed its final phase test. It also claims to be effective against the U.K and South African variant of the virus, which puts it at the spotlight among investors.

According to Investors, the experimental vaccine was effective at precisely 89.3% and was to be completed with two shots. The results were published in a U.K study according to a press release by Novavax last thursday. Investors swiftly compared this to Johnson & Johnson's which was only 66% effective against the Coronavirus and was to be completed at one shot. Furthermore, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was not tested agianst the U.K and South African mutation of the virus.

Novavax Claims Also Effective Against U.K and South African Variant, Causing NVAX stocks to Surge

The clinical test also revealed that Novavax was effective against the South African and U.K variant of the coronavirus. Novavax claims that they have been the first among others to provide protection from these variants.

Novavax Chief Executive Stanley Erck said in a released statement that the Novavax vaccine "has the potential to play an important role in solving this global health crisis."

Consequently, NVAX stock soared at 64.9% which is almost 220.94 on the stock market record.

Read more: American Airlines Stock Shoots Up Following GameStop Stock Spike

Novavax had two kinds of study conducted both for the U.K and South Africa. The U.K test revealed that more than 50% of the respondents who were COVID positive had the new U.K Variant. On the other hand, more than 90% of those who were tested in South Africa had the South African variant of the virus.

Further analysis showed the Novavax vaccine was 95.6% effective at blocking the original strain of the virus that causes Covid-19. It was also 85.6% effective against the U.K. mutation. In an earlier-stage test, the vaccine was 60% effective against the South Africa variant.

NVAX stock Ranks Among Top 1% in Stock Market

As MarketSmith reports, shares of NVAX stock easily overtook a buy point at 150.60 in total. Its relative strength rating, which is the measure of the stock's performance in a span of 12 months on the other hand has a perfect 99. Out of all stocks, the NVAX stock ranked in the top 1%.

The Novavax vaccine uses a different method for their vaccines as compared to that of already authorized vaccines from Pfizer BioNTech and from Moderna. Both utilize the messenger RNA technology where the body's protein mechanism is being hijacked. On the other hand, Novavax's vaccine is protein-based.

Related Article: GameStop and 'King Maker' Elon Musk Push Robinhood and Reddit Up the App Store charts

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Written by Nikki D

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

Fans have been eagerly waiting to see Shah Rukh Khan's return to the screen and seems like the actor is leaving no stone unturned to impress them again. The Internet is abuzz with pictures and videos of SRK doing an action sequence for his upcoming release, Pathan.

Reportedly, the actor is in Dubai to shoot the action sequence and was seen performing some stunts on a heavy motor vehicle. Take a look at pictures and videoes from the shooting location:

Team Pathan with the camera guys reached UAE yesterday, they have started shooting plates at 4am in downtown, Dubai. Some more snaps of the King @iamsrk from #Pathan shooting place... Enjoy guys...  pic.twitter.com/GhlxlJXxhV  Deb The King Of Hearts (@I_AM_DEBESH) January 27, 2021

Directed by Siddharth Anand Pathan also stars Deepika Padukone and John Abraham. Pathan is Shah Rukhs first starring role after the 2018 movie Zero. He is said to be essaying a negative character in the film. In a recent interview with Femina, Deepika had spilled the beans on her upcoming projects and in the process, confirmed that SRK will indeed be returning to the big screen with Pathan.

Read: Pathan: Scuffle Breaks Out Between Siddharth Anand, AD; Shah Rukh 'Worried' About Women on Set

As per reports last year, SRK is also scheduled to feature in South director Atlee's next film. Rumours suggest he has a double role in the film.

Pirates attacked the Stevia cargo vessel off the coast of Nigeria.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says six Ukrainian sailors who were captured by Nigerian pirates in the Gulf of Guinea on December 16, 2020, have been released from captivity.

Read alsoPirates attack container ship off Benin, kidnap Ukrainian crewman  MFAThe Ukrainian nationals, all part of the crew of the Stevia cargo vessel, had been held captive for month and a half, the president wrote on Instagram on Saturday, January 30.

"Our citizens are safe, and we are waiting for their return home as soon as possible. Thanks to Ukrainian diplomats and all those who were involved in the release of our compatriots," he said.

Background

On December 16, 2020, pirates attacked the Stevia cargo vessel off the coast of Nigeria and captured eight crew members, including six Ukrainian nationals.

The shipowner is an Albanian company.

According to Seafarers Journal, there were 15 crew members on board of the Stevia vessel that was attacked in the Gulf of Guinea. Armed pirates took eight crew members hostage and fled in an unknown direction.

The daughter of one of the captured sailors told Seafarers Journal that her father was the chief mate of the vessel and he was definitely among the hostages.

She then said six Ukrainians out of eight hostages were captain, chief mate, second mate, chief engineer, electro-technical officer, and wiper. There were seven crew members left on the board.

Reporting by UNIAN
PLEASANT GROVE TOWNSHIP, Minn.  Two vehicles have crashed into each other in southern Olmsted County.

The Minnesota State Patrol says Bryce Kristopher Rindels, 17 of Stewartville, was going west on Highway 30 and Yanet Lillehei, 37 of Mendota Heights, was heading north on County Road 1 when they collided in the intersection. Lillehei suffered a non-life threatening injury and was taken to St. Marys Hospital in Rochseter for treatment.

Rindels and a passenger, Dawson Aaron Brinkman, 18 of Stewartville, were not injured.

The State Patrol says this crash happened around 7:15 pm Friday and did result in injuries. Airbags deployed in both vehicles. All involved were wearing their seat belts.

The Olmsted County Sheriffs Office, Stewartville Fire Department, and Stewartville Ambulance assisted at the scene.
This is about equity and fairness to ensure that every road user pays for their use of the road, he told The Sunday Age. Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas says the planned tax on electric vehicles is modest. Credit:Penny Stephens The Treasurer, who is confident of securing support for the tax, said the government was working with car manufacturers to determine how to send a message to the community that the government supports EVs. He emphasised a government pledge to spend $45 million on charging stations and said EVs would begin to dominate the market some time after they lowered in cost over the next decade. Polling conducted by consultancy Redbridge, commissioned by industry association the Electric Vehicle Council, shows more than 70 per cent of Labor and Greens voters in the seats of Richmond and Albert Park would be more likely to support the Andrews government if it helped make EVs cheaper through incentives and subsidies. The phone survey of about 2100 people showed about 40 per cent of voters in the two seats believed the tax was motivated by a desire to raise revenue rather than balancing the burden of funding road maintenance between all drivers. More than 20 per cent said the government was acting to enshrine profits for petrol companies.

However, a survey of 4500 people conducted by the Australian Automobile Association, which represents motoring groups like the RACV, found 80 per cent believed EV drivers should be contributing to the cost of road maintenance. Sam Hibbins, the Greens member for Prahran, said his party had already started campaigning against the tax and aimed to win inner-city seats including Richmond, which Labor holds by a slim margin. Transport is the largest source of growing emissions in Victoria and taxing EVs is completely out of step with what we need to be doing, he said. Mathew McCrum bought one of the first batch of Teslas in Australia. Credit:Simon Schluter Mathew McCrum, a funds manager from Richmond who bought one of the first batch of Teslas in Australia, said he would ordinarily be more likely to vote for Labor but is set to vote for the Greens over the proposed tax.

This is like taxing non-smokers  Its so short-sighted, he said. Mr Hibbins said the tax was designed to boost the value of VicRoads licencing and registration arm, which the Andrews government has signalled it may partly privatise. By potentially using the division as the body to collect the tax revenue, the government could attract a higher price when it sells the asset, he argued. Infrastructure Partnerships Australia, the industry group representing major infrastructure firms, has pushed for the tax in recent years and argues it will not stymie uptake of EVs. Electric Vehicle Council chief executive Behyad Jafari said voters would contrast the state tax with the Biden administrations decision to swap the governments 645,000-strong vehicle fleet to EVs and the UKs ban on the sale of petrol engine vehicles by 2030. Victorian voters dont want a tax on electric vehicles, they want their politicians to be driving policies that will allow them to be able to go to a dealership and pick up the keys to an electric vehicle, he said.

Victoria offers stamp duty exemptions for some EVs and a $100 discount on registration and the ACT and Queensland have similar policies. The NSW government has signalled it may pursue an EV tax and the Board of Treasurers, a forum of all state and territory treasurers, has been considering models to tax EV users. There are no federal incentives or subsidies to make EVs cheaper and the lowest-priced EV on the market is the Hyundai Ioniq Electric Elite at $48,970, meaning the comparatively high cost of the vehicles is hindering mass uptake. Industry sources, who were not authorised to speak publicly, said major automakers including Tesla were not opposed to the levy on EV drivers if the reform was part of a broader set of changes that included greater incentives to purchase the vehicles. Nissan Australia managing director Stephen Lester said EV take-up would not increase if taxes are added to the cost of ownership and called for the Victorian government to consult with the industry. More than half of the vehicles in Norway, which heavily subsidises EVs, are electric and the average EV penetration rate in Europe is 10 per cent. More than 6 per cent of vehicles in China are electric compared with about 8 per cent in California, where people receive about $20,000 in combined federal and state subsidies. Japan, Canada and the US all offer incentives worth more than $5000. Research by Dr Jake Whitehead of the University of Queensland, a specialist in road user taxes who works with the International Electric Vehicle Policy Council at the University of California, shows the Victorian tax could inhibit the state from reaching its climate targets.
When someone like the mayor says its really important to actually stabilize and nurture a community and have education in school for kids, then it means you have to have the wherewithal to do that, Weingarten said. This is not an either-or. This is your city. This is your lives. This means that if there is in-school learning, we need to make it safe.
Delivery of vaccines in doubt

BANGKOK: The government now appears reluctant to confirm if a second batch of COVID-10 vaccines will arrive in Thailand in June as expected, after the European Commission said it will seek to impose a mechanism allowing members to block exports if the EUs own purchase orders have yet to be fulfilled.

COVID-19Coronavirus

By Bangkok Post

Saturday 30 January 2021, 09:33AM

Photo: AFP

The government is concerned about the possibility of the EU limiting exports of COVID-19 vaccines and has begun negotiating with European vaccine suppliers over the prospect, said Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Friday (Jan 29).

"We have already done everything we can on our part. So if any problems arise after this, they will be beyond our control," he said, reports the Bangkok Post.

The first batch of 50,000 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, expected to arrive in Thailand in February, will be given to frontline healthcare workers and people with underlying health conditions in provinces with a high number of infections, said Dr Sophon Mekthon, chairman of the governments sub-committee on COVID-19 vaccine management.

The provinces are Samut Sakhon, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani and Tak, he said.

Then, in June, the government will begin administering the vaccine to more groups, he said.

The number who will receive the vaccine first is actually more than 50,000; hence supplies will be administered as the first of the two shots needed to give immunity, he said.

The first round is planned to begin around the third week of next month and the second one will follow 12 weeks later, or some time between May and June, he said.

And in the event that the second batch of the AstraZeneca vaccine fails to arrive on time, Thailand will likely use a locally produced variant of the same drug instead, said the doctor.

And as the government intends to administer a COVID-19 vaccine to all people living in Thailand on a voluntary basis, vaccinations for migrant workers will have to involve co-payment plans, in which their employers will be required to contribute, said Dr Sopon.

Asked about the European Commissions move to limit the exports of COVID-19 vaccines from the EU, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha admitted that although the government had tried its best, supply remains in the hands of the countries and companies producing the vaccine.

He said he could only hope that everything will go according to plan.

Talks have been conducted about the orders of the vaccine we made and we have been assured that we will get the supply that was agreed on. However, we will still have to wait and see what the country owning the vaccine will do next, he said.

Negotiations to ensure everything goes to plan and enough doses are procured will continue for the time being, he said.

The government will continue to negotiate with other suppliers of Covid-19 vaccines as well, while speeding up the transfer of knowledge necessary for domestic production to begin, he said.

The capacity for local production is necessary both in terms of the short term need for COVID-19 jabs, but also to make Thailand more agile and unable to respond to similar outbreaks in the future, he said.

Mr Anutin confirmed the government is in talks with other suppliers of the COVID-19 vaccine that may be able to ship the vaccine to Thailand before June.

Meanwhile, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) spokesman Taweesilp Visanuyothin said Gen Prayut has stressed the need to implement a policy to ensure universal access to the COVID-19 vaccine among all groups of people.

He had already ordered the sub-committee on vaccine management to come up with a vaccine distribution plan by next week to ensure equal access to the resource, said Dr Taweesilp.

Gen Prayut has said he will personally take charge of overseeing preparations for the initial round of vaccinations himself, said Dr Taweesilp.

The prime minister was told at Fridays meeting of the CCSA that it will be about a year before Thailand can produce enough vaccine domestically to meet demand, said Dr Taweesilp.

The government on Friday reported 802 new Covid-19 cases, 781 local infections and 21 imported, raising the total to 17,023.

Dr Taweesilp said active case finding in communities had identified 692 cases and hospitals confirmed 89 cases over the past 24 hours.

Of the 89 new cases confirmed at hospitals, 79 were in Samut Sakhon, seven in Bangkok, two in Ayutthaya and one in Ang Thong.
A 27-year-old Winnipeg man is wanted for second-degree murder in the death of a man police believe he had just met.

A 27-year-old Winnipeg man is wanted for second-degree murder in the death of a man police believe he had just met.

Police issued a Canada-wide arrest warrant Friday for Issa Musa in the death of 44-year-old Wendell John Boulanger.

Wendell John Boulanger, 44, of Winnipeg. (FACEBOOK)

Boulanger was found seriously hurt in a home on the 500 block of Craig Street Thursday afternoon. He later died.

About 24 hours after the assault, the Winnipeg Police Service announced homicide investigators were looking for Musa. He's described as a Black man with a medium build, about 5-10 and 162 pounds, with brown eyes, black hair, and tattoos on both forearms.

Police are warning the public not to approach him, but to call the homicide unit at 204-986-6508 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-8477 if they have any information on his whereabouts.

SUPPLIED Issa Musa, a 27-year-old male from Winnipeg, is wanted in the homicide of Wendell John Boulanger, 44, of Winnipeg.

Police spokesman Const. Jay Murray said the investigation is still in the early stages and police can't release more details about what happened, especially while the suspect is at large.

"We do not believe the two men knew each other directly  rather, they were recently introduced to each other through another person," Murray wrote in an email to the Free Press.

In social media posts expressing grief, sadness and shock, Boulanger's friends and relatives identified him as a father with a big family.

His death is the second homicide in the city this month.
A south Alabama child abducted late Friday was returned to police early Saturday, and authorities say his biological father is now on the run.

Prichard police Det. Bart Andrews, head of the departments Special Victims Unit, said 11-month-old Kamel Karter Antone was forcibly kidnapped about 11 p.m. Friday at the home of the boys mother, who has custody of him.

The boys father, Jakobie Rashid Antone, 30, went to the mothers home in the area of Dial Street where Andrews said he smashed several windows, pried open the burglar door and then kicked in the front door. Once he gained entry, he assaulted the boys mother and then took Kamel.

The mother was not seriously injured.

Andrews said at some point after he and other officers arrived on the scene, Antone called the boys mother. Police heard the conversation and were alarmed. He made a very specific threat, the detective said, adding he couldnt yet elaborate on the nature of that threat.

At that point, the decision was made to issue an Amber Alert, which went out about 3:45 a.m. The State Bureau of Investigation, the FBI, Mobile police, as well as investigators with Prichards Special Victims Unit and the Major Crimes Unit, all responded to the scene.

About 4:30 a.m., Andrews said, Antones family members called Prichard police and said they had spoken with Antone. He planned to meet his mother in Pensacola to turn over Kamel to her. The grandmother got back to the Prichard Police Department about 5:50 a.m. with Kamel, who was unharmed.

Hes a healthy chubby little boy and he had no bruises or anything else where we would need to have him treated,' Andrews said.

Antone, a long-haul truck driver, is on the run, Andrews said. He is being charged with two felony crimes  burglary and domestic violence.

The city of Prichard, he said, will never forget the 2014 disappearance and death 8-year-old of Hiawayi Robinson, who disappeared on Sept. 16 of that year and whose body was found 10 days later behind an abandoned building near her home. Her father, Hiawatha Robinson, was convicted in his daughters murder and sentenced to 100 years in prison.

Andrews said he and the other officers are thankful this mornings incident ended with Kamel safe and reunited with his mother. You could never forgive yourself, he said, if a child died on your watch.'
Several hundred joined the protest at the site of the planned warehouse at Fournes

Hundreds rallied in several French towns on Saturday in protests against Amazon called by anti-capitalist and environmental groups, including at one site where the US e-commerce giant plans a massive warehouse.

Amazon plans to set up a 38,000-square-metre (400,000-square-feet) facility in the small southern town of Fournes near the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct bridge that is a World Heritage site.

While police said around 800 protesters took part in the protest there, organisers said 1,400 turned up. The protesters planted shrubs in front of huge banners reading "Stop Amazon" and "Not here or anywhere".

They formed a human chain to show the size of the project, floating multi-coloured balloons 18 metres (60 feet) up to indicate the height of the planned five-storey facility.

"It's two years that the citizens of Fournes and its surroundings have fought against the installation of a giant Amazon warehouse," said Raphael Pradeau, spokesman for French citizens' activist group Attac.

"At the start they were a bit alone against everyone, but they have succeeded in slowing the project thanks to legal recourse," he added.

"We want to show that these are not small isolated fights and that we can mobilise hundreds of people who are ready to return to stop the work", said Pradeau.

Demonstrators also gathered in the southern city of Perpignan

'Precarious jobs'

Sarah Latour, 38, came with her two sons aged eight and six, and the family planted a shrub in waste ground, where vines had once grown.

"These plants, these shrubs that we are planting today are a symbol of life that contrasts with the concreting that Amazon practises," she said.

"I came with my children because I don't want this destructive model for them."

About 200 people also rallied outside an Amazon facility in Carquefou, a suburb of the western city of Nantes, organisers said.

"We condemn Amazon for destroying more jobs than they create, and that these are insecure jobs," said Sophie Jallier, a spokeswoman for the organisers in Carquefou.

In the eastern town of Ensisheim, about 100 people gathered to protest a plan to build a giant warehouse on a 15-hectare site of former agricultural land.

Some protesters planted shrubs in the waste ground at the Fournes site

Banners read "Amazon, Fiscal Vampire" and "No mega warehouse."

"Today, we condemn an economic system that is at the end of its rope and which is using the planet," said Isabelle Schaeffer, a member of an environmental group in the Sud Alsace region.

Other protests were held in Augny, in the eastern Moselle region, and in Perpignan in the south.

Amazon practices "unfair competition with regard to businesses that pay their taxes in France", Eric Barbier of the environmental group Alteratiba said in Perpignan.

In addition, "most workers are on precarious contracts, hired during peak periods such as Black Friday or Christmas and are then thrown out".

Amazon France issued a statement saying it had "become the target of certain organisations that want to make the causes they represent known".

More than 11,000 French entrepreneurs relied on Amazon to develop their activities and create jobs, it added, and the company itself employed 9,300 people on competitive salaries with excellent career opportunities, it added.

Explore further Amazon to expand tech hub in Boston with 3,000 new jobs

 2021 AFP
(CNN)  A new COVID-19 vaccine from Novavax was 89% effective and appeared to offer protection against some variants of the coronavirus in a clinical trial conducted in the UK, the American biotech firm has announced.

Novavax said Thursday that its vaccine was found to have been 95.6% effective against the original novel coronavirus, and 85.6% effective against the variant first identified in the UK, known as B.1.1.7, based on results from a Phase 3 trial conducted in the UK. The study included efficacy estimates by strain based on PCR tests performed on variants from 56 Covid-19 cases in the trial.

But the vaccine appeared to be less effective against a variant first identified in South Africa. The shot showed 60% efficacy among those without HIV in a separate Phase 2b study conducted in that country, the company said.

The company's vaccine, known as NVX-CoV2373, "is the first vaccine to demonstrate not only high clinical efficacy against COVID-19 but also significant clinical efficacy against both the rapidly emerging UK and South Africa variants," Stanley Erck, Novavax president and CEO, said in the announcement. "NVX-CoV2373 has the potential to play an important role in solving this global public health crisis."

Regarding the trial in South Africa, "the 60% reduced risk against COVID-19 illness in vaccinated individuals in South Africans underscores the value of this vaccine to prevent illness from the highly worrisome variant currently circulating in South Africa, and which is spreading globally," Shabir Maddi, principal investigator in the Novavax Covid-19 vaccine trial in South Africa, said in the announcement.

"This is the first COVID-19 vaccine for which we now have objective evidence that it protects against the variant dominating in South Africa," Maddi said.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson welcomed the results of the British trial, hailing the "good news" that the vaccine candidate had proved effective and expressed his gratitude to "all the volunteers who made these results possible" in a tweet.

"Our medicines regulator will now assess the vaccine, which will be made in Teesside. If approved, we have 60m doses on order," he tweeted.

The UK's inoculation program has seen over 7.4 million people receive the first dose of a coronavirus vaccine so far, the latest government figures show. Two vaccines, from Pfizer/BioNTech and Oxford/AstraZeneca, are already in use in the phased nationwide rollout. The Moderna jab has received the green light too.

Novavax is also currently conducting a Phase 3 clinical study in the United States and Mexico and a Phase 1/2 continuation in the US and Australia, data from which are expected as soon as early first quarter 2021.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Novavax says COVID-19 vaccine is 89% effective in UK trial, but less so in South Africa."
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Hundreds have taken part in a rally in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, calling for an easing of coronavirus restrictions. The January 30 protest outside the main government building was organized by owners of gyms, restaurants, and hospitality businesses. These sectors are not included in a partial lifting of measures set for February 1.

The Telegraph

The daughter of Radovan Karadzic, the former Bosnian Serb leader serving life for genocide and crimes against humanity during the 1990s Yugoslav wars, has claimed her father is living in unhealthy and uncivilised conditions in a British prison. Karadzic, 75, who was convicted in 2016, was transferred from a detention unit in Holland to a UK jail earlier this month following an agreement struck between the UN and the Home Office. But his daughter, Sonja Karadzic-Jovicevic, has complained about the conditions at her fathers new prison after speaking to him on the phone. "As for the physical condition in which he is accommodated, it is unacceptable, she told SRNA, a news agency based in the Republika Srpska, the Serb enclave of Bosnia. If we add to that the fact that he is in a building full of carcinogenic asbestos that is banned around the world, it is clear in what condition he will be in. Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic also claimed that moving her father to the UK was a deliberate act of spite against his family. "My father is in a very uncivilised situation, and as far as his family is concerned, his relocation to the south of England was deliberately made to keep him far away, outside the rules of the United Nations Resolution adopted by the Security Council, she said. It will be very difficult for us physically, financially and procedurally, because of visas, and immunisation during the pandemic, and even after that, to ever go there and visit him," she continued. She added that he had been deprived of his books and his computer, and will be completely removed from his language and his culture. A spokesman for the Justice Ministry said: "UK prisons meet health and safety standards." Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic, who has a political career in Bosnia, has fought to defend her fathers name despite his brutal role in the wars as the Yugoslavian federation separated in the 1990s. Known as the Butcher of Bosnia, Karadzic went down in infamy, in particular for ordering the Srebrenica Massacre in July 1995. Some 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were rounded up by the Bosnian Serb army in and around the town of Srebrenica and then killed in the worst single massacre in Europe since the end of the Second World War. Karadzics lawyers had objected to his clients transfer to the UK, arguing that his life would be in danger owing to Muslim inmates in British prisons. They also argued that owing to possible threats to Karadzics life he would be kept in conditions resembling solitary confinement, but the UN court dismissed the objections. Given his role in the slaughter of Muslims, the experience of another Serb convicted of war crimes may also weigh upon the Karadzic family. In 2010 Radislav Krstic, a former Bosnian-Serb general, was stabbed by three Muslim prisoners while serving a sentence in Wakefield prison, in apparent retaliation for Srebrenica.

Following the sudden death of a family member several years ago, Baer decided to make plans that align with what makes her happy, she said. For her, thats traveling, and she said she wants to be able to do it while shes young enough and healthy enough to enjoy it.

Let's Talk Equine Webinar - Movement of horses between Ireland and UK (including as landbridge)

Event Time 8:30pm

Venue Online



A series of webinars, offering an opportunity to hear from industry professionals discussing topics of relevance to horse breeders.

Join Wendy Conlon, Teagasc Equine Specialist on Tuesday, 2nd February, for the latest webinar in the Let's Talk Equine Webinar Series.

Topic: Movement of horses between Ireland and UK (including as landbridge)

Panellists:

Catherine Lawler,

Superintending Veterinary Officer, Live Trade Animal Health Division, DAFM

Superintending Veterinary Officer, Live Trade Animal Health Division, DAFM Celine ONeill,

Principal Officer, Customs Division, Revenue

Principal Officer, Customs Division, Revenue Humphry OSullivan

Assistant Principal Officer, Indirect Taxes Policy & Legislation Division, Revenue

Find out more about the series or register for future webinars here
The surveillance of the former aide, Carter Page, in 2016 and 2017 was a minor part of the overall Russia investigation. But it has become a political flash point because the Justice Departments inspector general uncovered numerous errors and omissions in its four court applications, flaws that President Donald J. Trump and his allies used as fodder in portraying the Russia inquiry as a plot by the so-called deep state.

Mr. Clinesmiths misdeed was the most egregious of the problems uncovered by the inspector general. In June 2017, as the F.B.I. was preparing to seek the final renewal of the order, an F.B.I. official who was going to sign a sworn description of the facts asked Mr. Clinesmith to seek clarity from the C.I.A. about whether Mr. Page was a source for the agency, as he had claimed.

In fact, Mr. Page had spoken to the C.I.A. in the past about his interactions with Russian intelligence agents  a material fact that all four wiretap applications omitted, and that might have made him look less suspicious had the court been told about it. But Mr. Clinesmith inserted the words and not a source into a C.I.A. email and showed it to his colleague, which satisfied him and prevented the problem from coming to light internally.

The inspector general referred Mr. Clinesmith for a criminal investigation, and the matter was assigned to Mr. Durham, a United States attorney from Connecticut whom the attorney general at the time, William P. Barr, had assigned to investigate the Russia investigation. The Clinesmith case is the only criminal prosecution Mr. Durhams team has brought.

When Mr. Clinesmith pleaded guilty last year to making a false statement, he acknowledged that he had intentionally altered the email and created a false record. But he also claimed that he did not intentionally mislead his colleague because at the time he believed the words he inserted were accurate. He had separately told his colleague by text that Mr. Page was not a C.I.A. source, but rather a subsource of someone else who had talked to the agency.
After initiating a strike on Monday to demand a bonus of 10,157 pesos ($514) and a 15 percent wage increase, hundreds of maquiladora factory workers in Matamoros, Mexico, on the border with Brownsville, Texas, have been fired or subjected to other reprisals once their movement fizzled out.

Striking Matamoros workers in January 2019 with banner declaring, "The union and companies kill the working class"

Based on local news and workers social media posts, strikes broke out at eleven plants. The strikers constituted small minorities of the workforce in all but one plant, Batory. While some companies agreed to pay the bonus and wage increases from 6 to 12 percent, none achieved the 15 percent.

On Monday and Tuesday, workers were harassed by Tamaulipas state police with antiriot gear, as well as Navy troops with rifles and National Guard patrols. Meanwhile, managers and trade union officials stood outside plants threatening workers with firings.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, as strikers returned to work, hundreds were denied entrance. The strikers at the auto-parts factories Trico Componentes, Dura Automotive Systems, Robertshaw and Novalink (also makes electronics and clothes) have reported being fired.

Here at Dura, the guards wont let us in. They have a list of names of each of us who demanded our rights, wrote one worker on social media.

At the furniture factory Kwalu, about 70 workers were summarily fired after they briefly downed their tools to approach managers and inquire about the 10/15 demand. One worker explained to MV Noticias: Everyone came over approached [the managers] because they were curious as well. The union [said] it would deal with the company to pay us our bonus and raise. The union then left us alone. Today we arrived to work, and they wont let us in and say we were fired.

At Konsberg Automotive, management agreed to the bonus, but has reportedly refused to pay it to the 34 strikers.

The strike was called by the Independent Union for Industry and Service Workers (SNITIS) and its founder, labor lawyer Susana Prieto, as an attempt to contain growing unrest among workers, who have been forced to work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, while facing sweatshop conditions and low wages.

Without any democratic discussion on their demands, the SNITIS called on workers to strike and simply hope for the corporations and the corrupt unions of the Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM) that still control the contracts to agree to the 10/15 demand.

Now, the SNITIS not only refuses to organize a struggle in defense of the fired strikers but blames strikers for their fate. In a live feed on Wednesday night, Prieto rebuked the strikers for being few and taking the risk.

As the strikes petered out, she encouraged workers to remain outside and even approach the CTM union offices to pressure its rotten leaders to fight. Prieto has since quietly erased the Facebook profile that she used to convoke the strike and make these statements.

On Monday evening, SNITIS and Prieto used the strike as a prop to announce that they would form a coalition with the Morena party of Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO) to run candidates in the state of Tamaulipas, where Matamoros is located.

Now we go with Morena, said Prieto to reporters, adding that the government has made history. Simultaneously, this government was deploying troops against a strike that she convoked.

Ever since Prieto gained prominence during the 2019 wildcat strikes in Matamoros, she has told workers that she had no ties to any parties and that workers should remain apolitical, while feeding illusions that AMLO is their ally and arguing that workers cannot break immediately from the CTM.

Within days of her arrival at Matamoros in January 2019, the World Socialist Web Site reported that Prieto had campaigned for a right-wing Morena candidate a few months earlier, writing, Prieto has close political ties to Lopez Obradors National Regeneration Movement (Morena) All offers of help and aid by pro-capitalist politicians or parties will prove to be traps for the workers.

On January 26, Morena Senator Ricardo Monreal called Prieto on behalf of our friend Andres Manuel asking her to shut down the strike. He had clearly not understood when she said that he was on speaker in front of strikers. Realizing her mistake, Prieto immediately began crying and yelling, I believed in Lopez Obrador but I was naive!

The open coalition with Morena is now a desperate attempt to keep the growing unrest among workers from breaking free from the trade unions and bourgeois politics and acquiring a socialist and international direction.

In her live feed on Wednesday, she repeatedly attacked the Socialists, arguing that they dont know the 20/32 [Matamoros] movement and speak from outside. This was a cynical attack directed at the World Socialist Web Site, which is the only publication that has consistently exposed Prietos reactionary role and provided an actual socialist alternative.

Immediately after her live feed, Prieto held an interview with Izquierda Socialista, the Mexican section of the so-called International Marxist Tendency, to provide her alliance with Morena a left cover. Prieto denounced any division between Trotskyists and Stalinists and argued that the entire left has to support Morena or have no place at all.

In general agreement, the IMT interviewer denounced sectarianism and argued, Who is the enemy that we must defeat? Si por Mexico [Morenas rivals], its the right and well support the process of the working-class candidacies in Matamoros and make an international campaign to support the new measures of the 20/32 workers movement.

Its worth mentioning that Prieto also claimed that she is joining Morena to protect herself against threats by the right-wing Tamaulipas government, which imprisoned her for three weeks last year until the Trump administration demanded her release fearing further unrest. Show me another solution? Prieto said, denouncing the Socialists for not coming to her defense.

In fact, the World Socialist Web Site wrote that it unequivocally opposes her arrest and detention and demands her immediate release. As the only solution, the WSWS explained: Workers in Mexico and around the world must demand Prietos release by forming rank-and-file factory and workplace committees independent of the trade unions and the political establishment.

Currently, the most urgent issue facing workers is the deadly threat of the pandemic, which is being ignored by the SNITIS and Prieto. Wildcat strikes broke out in April across Matamoros demanding the shutdown of nonessential production with full compensation. As soon as AMLO bowed to demands by Trump and Wall Street to reopen production at the maquiladoras, especially those supplying US plants, the SNITIS demanded that workers submit to AMLOs murderous decree.

Matamoros, whose half a million inhabitants are largely composed of the 90,000 maquiladora workers, their families and those working in associated services, has reported 7,259 coronavirus cases, and 590 deaths, but the toll is believed to be much greater.

Since the year began, active cases have more than doubled to 369. The general IMSS public hospital at Matamoros reported Wednesday that its ICU beds with ventilators have reached full capacity, while the local public ISSTE clinic has reached 100 percent general capacity.

The first Mexican case of the deadlier and more transmissible B.1.1.7 coronavirus variant was found in Matamoros, where the patient arrived on December 29.

At the same time, the criminal response of the ruling class to the pandemic has only highlighted the enormous power of the working class, in whose hands lies the global supply chains upon which the ruling class depends for profits.

Moreover, the 2019, 2020 and 2021 strikes in Matamoros and their remarkable bravery have inspired millions of workers and youth across Mexico and abroad. In response, while it seeks to make an example of the Matamoros workers through mass firings, the ruling class is promoting the SNITIS and Susana Prieto as the public face of the Matamoros workers struggles to channel opposition behind Morena, whose main political role is suppressing the class struggle.

However, the capitalist and reactionary character of Morena and the AMLO administration has been thoroughly exposed. Without any opposition within Morena, the AMLO administration let the coronavirus spread through the population, assisted Trumps efforts to establish a presidential dictatorship in Washington and deployed troops against strikes, immigrant workers and protests by students and farmers.

In its document  Lessons of the Matamoros workers rebellion , the WSWS wrote that the threat of mass firings must be answered with the nationalization of the factories under workers control, as part of a socialist reorganization of the economy and added:

The working class cannot secure its social rights without fusing the growing resistance of workers with the international revolutionary perspective for which only the International Committee of the Fourth International, the world Trotskyist movement, fights In Mexico, the fight for this perspective means an irreconcilable struggle against the AMLO government and all the petty-bourgeois and pseudo-left defenders of this capitalist regime.
Unknown miscreants have vandalised, broken and ripped from the base a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in a park in the US state of California, evoking a strong response from India which sought a thorough investigation and appropriate action against those responsible for the "despicable act". The incident has also shocked and outraged Indian-Americans across the country, who have demanded that the officials investigate it as an incident of hate crime.

The 6-ft tall, 650-pound (294 kg) bronze statue of Gandhi, in the Central Park of the City of Davis in Northern California, appeared to have been sawed off at the ankles and half its face was severed and missing, local Davis Enterprise daily reported.

The statue is being removed and will be stored in a safe place until it can be evaluated, said Davis City councilman Lucas Frerichs. Investigators are still unsure of when exactly the statue was torn down or what the motive may have been, The Sacramento Bee reported.

Seeing as it's a cultural icon to a portion of the people in Davis, we are taking it very seriously, Deputy Chief Paul Doroshov of the Davis Police Department was quoted as saying by the daily.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the US Department of State has conveyed that the act of vandalism is unacceptable and expressed the hope that the perpetrators will be brought to justice as quickly as possible.

"The government of India strongly condemns this malicious and despicable act against a universally respected icon of peace and justice," the MEA said in a statement. It said the Indian embassy in Washington has taken up the matter with the US Department of State for a thorough investigation into the incident and appropriate action against those responsible for it.

The MEA said the Mayor of Davis has deeply regretted the incident and informed them that they have initiated an investigation. "Local Indian community organisations have condemned the act of vandalism," the ministry said.

In a statement, the MEA said the US Department of State has conveyed that the act of vandalism is unacceptable and expressed the hope that the perpetrators will be brought to justice as quickly as possible.

"The Consulate General of India in San Francisco has separately taken up the matter with the city of Davis and local law enforcement authorities, which have initiated the investigations," it said.

Reacting to the incident, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said, "A statue of Mahatma Gandhi was vandalised in the US. This is a huge insult. The prime minister has strongly condemned it."

The vandalised statue of Mahatma Gandhi was found by a park employee in the early hours of morning of January 27, the police said.

The statue of Gandhi, which was donated by the Indian government to the city of Davis, was installed by the city council four years ago amidst protests from anti-Gandhi and anti-India organisations.

Organisation for Minorities in India (OFMI), which spearheaded these protests and opposed the installation of the statue. The City of Davis had however voted to go ahead with the installation. Since then OFMI had launched a campaign to remove the Gandhi statue.

Indian-Americans have expressed deep anguish and shock at the incident. An atmosphere of hatred was being created by many anti-India and hinduphobic radical organisations like OFMI and other Khalistani separatists for many years now, said Guarang Desai of Friends of India Society International (FISI).

They have not only run hate campaigns against Indian icons but have been at the forefront of attempts to push hinduphobia and erase India from California school textbooks, Desai said. In 2016, the OFMI was part of a campaign to remove the mentions of 'India' from the sixth and seventh grade California school textbooks and replace them with South Asia'. After massive protests from parents and students, the California Department of Education had dropped the controversial changes.

Appalled at the desecration, the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has demanded that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigate the incident as a hate crime. We condemn this cowardly desecration and call upon the Department of Homeland Security and FBI to investigate this hate crime, as it was likely done with the intention of intimidating the Indian American community, said HAF California Advocacy Director Easan Katir, a former member of the Davis Business and Finance Commission.

We urge local police to apprehend the perpetrators and call upon the city council to resurrect the statue as a statement that such destructive acts are not in harmony with our community standards, Katir said. Make no mistake HAF said in a tweet this is not about legacy of Gandhi as a person, but about intimating India and Indian Americans..

The Vandalism Was Praised On Twitter Group In California, Who Shared Photos Of The Destroyed Statue, And Others Who Stated Today Is A Good Day. This is not the first time a statue of Gandhi has been desecrated. In December 2020, Khalistani-supporters had desecrated a Mahatma Gandhi statue in Washington, DC in front of the Indian Embassy.
The pandemic has led to a fall in property-related crimes such as burglaries and thefts in the Cork North and Cork West policing division compared to 2019. Stock image

Figures contained in a report given to the Cork County Joint Policing Committee (JPC) have offered a comprehensive insight into the impact the COVID pandemic had on crime levels across the city and county during 2020.

While the report detailed reductions in most crime categories across the three Cork Garda divisions over the course of the year, it did contain some alarming statistics in relation to reported instances of domestic abuse and drug driving.

Outlining the contents of the report, Chief Superintendent Barry McPolin of the Cork City division noted that property-related crimes such as burglaries and thefts were down in his division, Cork North and Cork West when compared to 2019.

"The figures are quite indicative of the travel restrictions that have impacted across our whole society. Not only do they inconvenience the public, they also inconvenience burglars and those committing crime, as these figures show," he said.

Chief Supt McPolin went on to point out reductions in crimes against the person, assaults, and public-order offences across all three divisions, again pointing to the COVID restrictions as a key driver behind this.

"This is a reflection of the fact that pubs restaurants, nightclubs and locations where people gather and socialise have been closed, for the most part, since last March. There are less people milling around premises and less opportunities for people to be assaulted, so its a positive in that respect," he said.

Expand Close Detective Sergeants Danny Holland and Deirdre Twohey of the Cork North Division Protected Services Unit / Facebook

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"Figures for public order and drunkenness, while not hugely down, are going in the right direction, a reflection of the fact that people are not out and about with drink in them."

He said the lack of a night-time economy and socialising opportunities had also been a contributory factor in the overall reduction in crimes of a sexual nature. However, Supt McPolin urged anyone impacted by this type of crime to contact the dedicated Protected Services Units in each division, where they will be treated "in the strictest confidence".

One area of serious concern was the increase in the number of reported incidents of domestic abuse, which were up by 12 per cent in both City and Cork North Divisions and by 26 per cent in Cork West when compared to 2019.

"The lockdown and pandemic restrictions have caused difficulties among some families. People are confined to home, and that can lead to increased levels of stress and friction," said Chief Supt McPolin.

He was keen to stress that the 5km travel limit does not apply to victims of domestic abuse if they are fleeing or seeking refuge from domestic abuse, reporting an incident or seeing a counsellor.

"Its an area that we are keeping a very close eye on under Operation Faoiseamh, and there is a mechanism in place to support all victims of domestic violence. I would encourage all victims to contact An Garda Siochana."

While drink-driving detections were roughly in line with 2019, Chief Supt McPolin did say there had been a "substantial increase" in drug-driving detections across all three divisions from 163 in 2019 to 246 in 2020.

He said the most common drugs detected were cannabis, cocaine and amphetamines. Chief Supt McPolin revealed that Gardai also "ramped up" inspections of premises with liquor licences during 2020, undertaking 13,999 inspections across Cork compared to 4,388 in 2019.

Gardai invoked the COVID-19-related powers under the Health Act (1947) on 159 occasions for offences including houses parties, incidents at checkpoints and liquor-licensing and retail infractions.

A further 312 COVID-19-related incidents were also reported in relation to a variety of offences including for assaults where a person spat at a Garda, security worker or retail worker.

"It should be said that the majority of people are adhering to the restrictions, something that is very evident through the reduction in road traffic, which was down by 43 per cent nationally in 2020 compared to 2019," said chief Sup McPolin.
There has been a significant increase in the number of calls to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's Prayer Line, a service created to offers God's hope to people after the COVID pandemic began, from citizens asking for prayers after the riot that happened in The U.S. Capitol Building last Jan. 6.

American citizens were shaken in fear by the recent disturbances that happened at the U.S. Capitol, which also makes COVID-19 threats and worries more vicious, a report from The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association said.

"I think what we have seen is there are just a lot of people with fear still," claimed Jonathan Edwards, manager of the prayer line for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. "People are hurting and just scared."

Edwards also acknowledged that the recent spike in coronavirus cases is behind the citizens' fear and people going into lockdown again.

The Billy Graham Prayer Line opened their lines in March 2020 and just recently had an outburst of incoming callers since early Jan..

"We're at least several hundred calls above what we are used to on a normal prayer line day." Edwards explained.

The hotline is being answered by trained prayer volunteers who have already received and answered more than 300 thousand calls and thousands of them have made spiritual decisions for Christ.

Many of the recent calls have expressed dismay, frustrations, anger, and hopelessness at the condition of America's political disclosure. Other callers even asked for reassurance and questioned if God really is still in control.

A caller named Jennifer indicated how angry and confused she is about the U.S. Capitol riot. She said that the normal peace she had in the Lord was missing as her family turned their backs on her because of their differences in beliefs. The hotline prayer volunteer then tried to lift Jennifer's spirits up with a reminder of God's power and that He can do all things.

Another caller, named Gary, also called to pray for America because of all the disturbances that are happening especially in Washington, D.C. A volunteer joined him in praying that people would become peacemakers in lieu of the opposite.

Ines, also a believer like Gary, called the hotline to express her concern about the disruption at the U.S. Capitol. Ines' family left Cuba when she was a kid during a time where there were riots happening. The incident brought her fear after seeing what is continuously happening in America. A volunteer encouraged her to focus on Jesus and assured her that God sees everything that is going on in the world right now.

Lastly, Roman, who describes himself as 'agnostic' and intellectual, called the hotline to question why he should restore his faith in God.The volunteer did a good job at taking her time to share different scriptures from the Bible about receiving salvation through Christ. These scriptures helped Roman understand Christ's love for humankind and in the end, he accepted Christ and asked for his forgiveness.
The biggest telecommunications company in Ireland Eir left many damaged road and footpath covers in a state of disrepair in Portarlington last year and declined to engage with Laois County Council, despite acknowledging repairs were needed.

The situation was highlighted recently when Cllr Aidan Mullins called on Laois County Council to engage with Eir to repair damaged and unsafe manhole covers on footpaths and roads around Portarlington and other areas of the county.

Philip McVeigh, Senior Executive Engineer, replied in writing about what the council has tried to do to get the firm to act.

Laois County Council has attempted to engage with Eir on several occasions over the last year. A meeting with eir was held in Portarlington at the beginning of March this year to identify the defects.

We have since received no schedule or programme of works from eir to repair the defects that were identified, he said.

Mr McVeigh gave more details about what progress had been made last March. He said an eir supervisor was given evidence following a council survey of 22 eir street covers.

We had photographs and co-ordinates of every hazard, he told the Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District meeting.

Cllr Mullins was annoyed with eir adding that if there are 22 in Portarlington there could be 100 damaged covers around the county.

Somebody didnt do their job, he told the meeting.

I think this is absolutely disgraceful, he said comparing the company to the ESBs delays in completing work in Portarlington. Eir, many months later have not come back following a meeting with the local authority about serious safety issues, he said.

He said he himself is aware of several damaged manholes in the town. All are serious safety hazards, said the Sinn Fein Councillor.

Cllr Mullins said big chunks of concrete have broken away from the surrounds of the covers on paths. He believed the council must be more forceful with the firm.

To think they are refusing to take action here. I just dont get their attitude. We should have been hammering them long before this. We are walking away saying it is their problem. I dont think we should let them off the hook on this, he said.

He questioned why Eir management was as he put it turning a blind eye to it.

I dont get the mentality. They are not accountable to anybody, he said.

Cllr Mullins felt it is up to the council to tackle the problem and force action

I just want to get someone in the council to write to their counterpart in eir above the level of the person who met them in March. There is no point in going back to that well. We need to go above that level and get them to act, he demanded.

The Leinster Express contacted the company which was formerly in State ownership.

Eir committed to a new meeting with Laois County Council officials with a view to carrying out the repairs highlighted in Portarlington.

The company issued a statement in response to a number of queries.

The infrastructure in question has been surveyed by the open eir team and a meeting has been arranged with the Council Engineer to agree on a programme of works, said a spokesperson.

The company declined to say when the infrastructure was surveyed and what eir has found and needs to be addressed.

It did not say when the meeting will take place with the council.
(@FahadShabbir)

CHISINAU (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 31st January, 2021) Moldova will receive the first shipments of the vaccines against the coronavirus disease in mid-February, the country's health ministry said on Saturday.

"The first shipment of the vaccines against the coronavirus will arrive in Moldova in the middle of February.

We are talking about 24,570 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, as well as 264,000 doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. The health ministry received the confirmation on January 30 via the COVAX platform," the ministry said in a statement.

The World Health Organization-led COVAX Facility will provide Moldova for free with enough vaccines to inoculate 20 percent of the population. After that, Chisinau will purchase them from COVAX at a discount price. The country joined COVAX in August and filed its request for vaccines in early December.


The Lowe Art Museum and Human Resource's Workplace Equity and Inclusion

Tuesday, Feb. 9 and Wednesday, Feb. 24



The University community is invited to connect with the Lowe Art Museum for a guided conversation that will engage your mind, stimulate your vision, and enhance your skills to support an inclusive workplace and community. In support and recognition of Black History Month, Connect and Create will showcase works from Black artists Kara Walker on Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 5 p.m, and Romare Howard Bearden, Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 12 p.m. Hosted in partnership with HRs Workplace Equity and Inclusion, participants will have an opportunity to engage in enriching dialogue to support an inclusive culture of belonging. Space is limited; registration is required.

Miami Herbert Business School

Tuesday, Feb. 9 and Wednesday, Feb. 10



Faculty, staff, and students are invited to join the Department of Management at the Miami Herbert Business School for a two-day series about the importance of inclusive leadership and awareness in cultivating a culture of anti-racism in the workplace. This is a two-part event taking place on Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 9 a.m. and Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 9 a.m. Learn more about the program and register here.

School of Nursing and Health Studies

Tuesday, Feb. 16, at noon



The University community is invited to attend Diversity in the Workplace, a panel discussion moderated by Cindy L. Munro, dean and professor at the School of Nursing and Health Studies. Panelists include Deborah Jones, senior vice president and dean of the University of Texas Medical Branch School of Nursing; Miami Law professor and Osamudia James, the Universitys associate provost for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and Roderick K. King, senior associate dean for Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement and director of the MD/MPH program at the Miller School of Medicine. Register to attend.

Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement

Events throughout February



In partnership with the Miller School of Medicines Chapter of the Student National Medical Association and the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement, University faculty, staff, and students are invited to a variety of virtual events to celebrate Black History Month. On Tuesday, Feb. 2, the Global Surgery Student Alliance and Dr. Stephen Symes will host a discussion on Overcoming Global Health Voluntourism. Join MedicOut and the Latino Medical Student Association on Monday, Feb. 8 at 6 p.m., as they cover the rights, history, and patient advocacy of black and brown-identifying transgender patients. Dr. Roderick King hosts a discussion on Wed. Feb 17 at 5:30 p.m., about the potential racial microaggressions in clinic. Guests are invited on Thursday, Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. to attend a screening of Black Men in White Coats, a documentary that brings awareness to the lack of black men in medicine.

Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA)

Events throughout February



United Black Students (UBS), a student-led organization, is proud to present Black Awareness Month (BAM) filled with comprehensive events that combine both in-person and virtual happenings. This year, BAMs special events will commemorate the historical achievements and contributions of the African American Diaspora. Specifically, the committee has chosen the theme Black HERStory Month to highlight the impact of Black female figures.

Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to join the committee on Friday, Feb. 5 at 6:00 p.m. for the BAM Cookout being held on the Foote Green. In partnership with Unity Roundtable, the BAM group will be hosting Culture Pop Up: Buying Black/Black Art on Tuesday, Feb. 9 at noon on the Lakeside Patio. On Thursday, Feb. 11 at 6:00 p.m., all are welcome to participate in the virtual Black Student and Faculty Mixer/Panel. Attend a BAM church service on Sunday, Feb. 14 at 11:00 a.m. at the Lakeside Patio. Give back to the community on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 11:00 a.m. by attending the BAM Day of Service. Conclude the month of celebration with Black Women in Health (Black Women Appreciation Day) on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 6:00 p.m. on the Intramural Field.

School of Education and Human Development

Monday, Feb. 8



In partnership with the Woodson-Williams-Marshall Association and Africana Studies, the University community is invited to join a Zoom panel discussion on COVID-19, Vaccinations and the Black Community, on Feb. 8, at 6:30 p.m.

Butler Center for Service and Leadership

Events throughout February

Social Justice Week is a series of socially-conscious events centered around programming that will foster awareness of the issues impacting our campus and surrounding communities. The week is led by a committee of faculty, staff, and student leaders and will kick off on Monday, Feb. 15, with an art exhibition by Nadine Hall, a candidate for a Master of Fine Arts at the University. The installation will be housed at the University Center Lower Level all day. Click on this link at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 15, to attend the video premiere of the What is Social Justice? From Words to Action. On Tuesday, Feb. 16 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., take part in Justice and Health, a socially distanced conversation that covers the science of the COVID vaccine, why minoritized populations feel distrust towards vaccines, and information on sexual health and PrEP. It will be held at the University Center Canopy.

Hosted by the Undocumented Migration Project, students are invited to remotely join The Hostile Terrain 94 Exhibit on campus as they raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis at the southern border on Wed., Feb. 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This experience requires registration, but attendance is limited. Once registered, students will pick up materials from the Butler Center prior to the event. Join Repair the World and the University of Miami Hillels Beyond the U: a glance into the surrounding Miami community, a conversational journey, on Thursday, Feb. 18 at 1:00 p.m. Wrap up Social Justice Week with Where Do I Go From Here? an all-day event hosted on the Butler Centers social media accounts. Review their infographics to find exciting new ways to take the next step in being instrumental in the University of Miami and the greater Miami community.

Black Alumni Society

Thursday - Saturday, Feb. 18, 19, and 20

The University's Black Alumni Society invites you to celebrate "Our Story: Black Excellence" on February 18, 19, and 20 to learn more about building, teaching, and strengthening our village. The three days of activities will feature, forums on financial literacy and wealth development, education and advocacy within the current climate, health topics impacting our community's growth and longevity, and more. Learn more about the events and register here.

Human Resource's Office of Workplace Equity and Inclusion

Tuesday, Feb. 23, at 9 a.m.

Leaders from the University of Miami and South Florida will gather virtually for Leadership Insights: Authenticity and Professional Development, a panel discussion on leadership and career development. Moderated by Ryan Holmes, associate vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students at the University of Miami, will be joined by University leaders Kysha Harriell, clinical professor and executive director of the Office of Academic Enhancement; Henri R. Ford, dean and chief academic officer for the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine; and Renee Dickens Callan, executive director of Student Life. The panel will also include Ebony Smith, a local leader and executive coach and president for Ebenum Equation, and Rueben Stokes, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion subject matter expert and trusted advisor to many corporate leadership teams. Register here
by Thanh Thao

Congress session reduced by one day. Quang Ninh International Airport closed for 15 days. The city of Chi Linh in lockdown. Concern about the spread of the virus through "foreign workers" and factory workers. Premier Nguyen Xuan Phuc has promised that Vietnam will have the vaccine by the first quarter of 2021. AstraZeneca vaccine approved today.

Hanoi (AsiaNews) - A new wave of infections in the north of the country, in the Ha Noi - Hai Phong - Quang Ninh triangle, has forced the leadership of the Communist Party to reduce the Congress session, which is taking place in the capital, by one day.

Until a few days ago, the containment of the coronavirus had been successful in Vietnam. Thanks to mass testing and quarantine programs (photo 1), the toll has reached 1739 cases in one year and 35 deaths. But in recent days there have been 105 new cases, all in the Northern Triangle, which prompted the authorities to close the Quang Ninh international airport (photo 2) and the city of Chi Linh (Hai Duong province). The airport will be closed for two weeks; the city of Chi Linh (photo 3), with 146,752 inhabitants, will suffer the lockdown: people are only allowed to leave their homes to buy food, medicine, other emergency materials, or to go to work.

On December 27, the Peoples Committee of the Hai Duong province asked the provinces Health Department to stop the entry of all "foreign workers" and to force them to quarantine in hotels in the province.

Since the virus is feared to spread very quickly, the Ministry of Health has asked the province to start building "field hospitals" to accommodate a probable growing number of patients.

In Chi Linh, the source of the virus was traced to the Poyun electronics factory (photo 4). According to Nguyen Thanh Long, Minister of Health, from the factory the virus can easily spread everywhere because "the workers work in shifts and when they finish, they return to their dormitories or to their homes in the province".

The Minister of Health reports that today there were still 32 new infections in Hai Duong and 2 in the province of Quang Ninh.

At the Party Congress, Premier Nguyen Xuan Phuc promised that Vietnam will have the vaccine by the first quarter of 2021. Following these claims, the Ministry of Health approved the AstraZeneca vaccine today. The government plans to procure at least 30 million doses.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-31 00:10:05|Editor: huaxia

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BEIRUT, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron vowed on Saturday to maintain his country's support for Lebanon in various fields, the National News Agency reported.

"France will stand by Lebanon during its current difficult circumstances and will support it in various fields, namely in cabinet formation," Macron told his Lebanese counterpart Michel Aoun in a phone call.

Aoun thanked Macron for his support for Lebanon and his keenness to bolster Lebanese-French ties on all levels.

Macron announced a day earlier that France's road map for easing the crisis in Lebanon was still on the table and he plans to make a third visit to the country. Enditem

A fire that ripped through a building on the Ocean City boardwalk Saturday morning caused extensive damage to Playlands Castaway Cove, an outdoor amusement park.

The Ocean City Fire Department responded to the multi-alarm fire, first reported at 7:40 a.m., on the 1000 block of the boardwalk.

The arcade and offices of Playlands Castaway Cove, as well as Hamburger Construction Company and Dairy Queen, suffered extensive damage from the west wind-fueled fire. Required structural firewalls between properties also worked effectively, according to a press release, sparing neighboring buildings.

Firefighters battle at fire at Playland's Castaway Cove on the Ocean City Boardwalk, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. Tim Hawk | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Smoke from the fire could be seen from as far away as Atlantic City. At one point, from the 9th Street bridge, smoke appeared to engulf the entire amusement park. The decorative pirate ship  which was located above the boardwalk entrance of the arcade  was reduced to a skeletal frame.

To our family and loyal guests, we thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time, a message on Playlands Castaway Cove Facebook page stated. We would like to thank all of the first responders for their hard work and pray for their continued safety throughout todays events.

To our family and loyal guests, we thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We would... Posted by Playland Castaway Cove on Saturday, January 30, 2021

The post also said the amusement facility will rebuild and anticipated being open in the spring.

The fire was deemed under control as of late Saturday morning, but firefighters remained on scene to fully extinguish the blaze. Numerous local fire departments, as well police and rescue squads, responded to the scene.

Firefighters battle at fire at Playland's Castaway Cove on the Ocean City Boardwalk, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. Tim Hawk | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

There were no occupants in the building at the time of the fire, and no fire-related injuries were reported, however first responders were still being assessed for injuries related to the extreme cold.

While there appears to be no structural damage to the boardwalk, further inspection will be required. The cause of the fire at this time is unknown and remains under investigation.

The public is asked to remain clear of the area until the response is over, and full access to the 1000 block of the boardwalk will be restored once conditions allow.

Firefighters battle at fire at Playland's Castaway Cove on the Ocean City Boardwalk, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. Tim Hawk | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Firefighters battle at fire at Playland's Castaway Cove on the Ocean City Boardwalk, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. Tim Hawk | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Firefighters battle at fire at Playland's Castaway Cove on the Ocean City Boardwalk, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. Tim Hawk | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Firefighters battle at fire at Playland's Castaway Cove on the Ocean City Boardwalk, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. Tim Hawk | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Firefighters battle at fire at Playland's Castaway Cove on the Ocean City Boardwalk, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. Tim Hawk | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Firefighters battle at fire at Playland's Castaway Cove on the Ocean City Boardwalk, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. Tim Hawk | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Firefighters battle at fire at Playland's Castaway Cove on the Ocean City Boardwalk, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. Tim Hawk | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Firefighters battle a fire on the Ocean City Boardwalk at Playland's Castaway Cove, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. Tim Hawk | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Firefighters battle at fire at Playland's Castaway Cove on the Ocean City Boardwalk, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. Tim Hawk | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Tim Hawk may be reached at thawk@njadvancemedia.com.

This month, the city of Keller agreed to a $200,000 settlement with Marco Puente in a suit alleging excessive use of force that was caught on camera. Puente was arrested after filming police interacting with his son, Dillon, who was pulled over for making a wide turn. Dillon became one of 64,100 Texans arrested in 2019 for a Class C misdemeanor.

Class C misdemeanors, which are primarily traffic violations, cannot result in a jail sentence, and arresting people solely for such infractions is unjust. In 2015, Sandra Bland was arrested and ultimately died in jail after being pulled over for failure to signal. The real failure is that this affront to liberty persists, especially as many lockups struggle with capacity and COVID-19.

While the Texas House advanced legislation last session to preclude arrest for Class C offenses unless there is a breach of the peace, the Senate declined to act. Fortunately, there is strong bipartisan interest in remedying this and broadly addressing alternatives to arrest and pretrial justice.

Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, has refiled legislation giving officers discretion to issue a citation and notice to appear in trespass cases. Rep. Ina Minjarez, D-San Antonio, proposes to include other offenses in existing cite-and-summons law, such as low-level drug possession. Also, HB718 would allow police to divert individuals arrested for other Class B misdemeanors if guidelines are adopted by local judges. This could facilitate off-ramps from jail, such as sobering and mental health crisis centers.

Now an individual taken into custody must appear within 24 hours before a magistrate, but by allowing virtual appearances, HB689 could facilitate greater use of treatment alternatives to jail. Such avenues for police diversion were recently recommended by the National Commission on COVID-19 and Criminal Justice, a diverse panel of experts that included Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson and former U.S. Attorney General Al Gonzales.

The most complex issue is bail. Currently, money often drives decisions, rather than due process and public safety. This means many low-risk defendants languish in jail because they cannot afford bail for minor offenses, while wealthy but dangerous defendants can buy their way out. Chief Justice Nathan Hecht has wisely warned lawmakers that costly federal litigation may ensue if lawmakers dont act.

In 2017, New Jersey implemented a comprehensive solution that included a statewide validated risk-assessment instrument to evaluate the flight and safety risk of each defendant, a presumption against money bail, a constitutional amendment to give judges more discretion to deny bail, and the rollout of the training, technology and pretrial services needed to make better judicial decisions and safely supervise defendants in the community. The results have been positive in terms of both crime and jail costs.

The Texas Constitution prohibits denial of bail for murder absent prior convictions, though it is allowed for capital murder. This leaves judges who seek detention in serious cases involving high-risk defendants aiming to set unaffordable bail. It enables dangerous but wealthy defendants to purchase release.

To be sure, Texans are innocent until proven guilty and the vast majority of defendants should be released prior to trial with the least-restrictive conditions necessary for public safety and reappearance, including highly effective text reminders of court dates. A 2017 Texas A&M study found that utilizing actuarial instruments to inform judicial decision-making coupled with pretrial supervision when warranted resulted in lower rearrest and detention rates.

These risk assessments draw on objective data, such as whether the defendant previously absconded or had prior violent convictions, and the instrument piloted by the Texas Supreme Court excludes socioeconomic factors, such as employment status, that overlap with race. Similar iterations in other jurisdictions have been proven to reduce racial disparities while protecting public safety.

The litigation faced by counties also includes not only the Puente case and federal felony bail litigation in Harris County but also a case filed by the family of Fernando Macias in December over his death in the Bexar County jail. Macias, a defendant with serious mental illness, passed away after losing 104 pounds and developing bed sores.

There is no panacea for striking the difficult balance between protecting the public and avoiding the disruption and dangers associated with incarceration. But instead of deferring to the unpredictable results of litigation, Texas lawmakers should take the lead in making the front-end of the system both fairer and more effective.

Marc Levin is chief policy counsel for the Council on Criminal Justice. mlevin@counciloncj.org.
When the mortgaged property is attached for alleged violation of these laws, the banks become the unintended victims of crime exposing them to the perils of irrecoverable loans

Legislations dealing with economic offences like the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (Money Laundering Law) and the Prohibition of Benami Property Transaction Act, 1988 (Benami Property Law) have remained dormant for many years in the past. In fact, the latter legislation got its teeth only in the year 2016, when it was amended to its current form.

These legislations are being used post-2014 and 2016 quite vociferously to bring defaulting persons to justice. The provisions of the two legislations provide the authorities concerned the power to attach properties, which are either proceeds of crime or are involved in a benami transaction.

Attachment of property is an interim measure, which primarily puts a bar on further transfer of property. Attachment is resorted to by the government to ensure that it is not deprived of the opportunity to eventually confiscate/ recover the proceeds of crime or benami property, which has either been ill-gotten by violating laws or has been concealed to avoid payment of taxes, etc.

Though the purpose behind introducing the power of attachment under money laundering and benami property law is for the above-mentioned purposes, such extraordinary power is being increasingly used by the authorities concerned in an arbitrary manner, and such use is creating additional problems for the banking sector which is already grappling with the problem of ever-increasing Non-Performing Assets.

The arbitrariness in the exercise of power is evident wherein the properties mortgaged with banks are attached as the property of the mortgagor on the alleged ground that they are proceeds of crime or benami property. Whilst, in reality, neither the banks nor the attached properties have any nexus with the alleged offence, and the property is attached on a protective basis to ensure recovery.

It is important to understand that loans are provided by banks as part of their business and to secure repayment of such loan, an immovable property is mortgaged. Banks carry out proper due diligence about ownership of the property and about any preexisting charges/ encumbrances upon it. Despite ensuring the above, when the mortgaged property is attached for alleged violation of these laws, the banks become the unintended victims of crime exposing them to the perils of irrecoverable loans.

Once attached, the banks are left with no option but to contest and wait for the outcome of the proceedings. If the proceedings are decided in favour of the mortgagor, the banks stand a chance to recover their dues. In case the proceedings lead to an adverse decision, the same would result in confiscation of the mortgaged property. Effectively, general public, who have deposited/ invested money with the banks, eventually become the victims of these attachments proceedings under the economic offences laws and pay for the crimes committed by someone else.

In the first place, there is lack of clarity that whether a property, mortgaged with banks, can at all be attached by authorities concerned under the Money Laundering and the Benami Property Law for alleged offences committed by the mortgagor, independent of the mortgaged property. Secondly, where a mortgagor is not able to make repayment of loan amount and such loan is secured by way of mortgage, whether the banks can approach the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT), in terms of the Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act (RDBA) and the SARFAESI law, for the recovery of the loan amount. However, owing to the lack of clarity on the first point, will it mean that even if proceedings are instituted in DRT, the interests of banks takes a secondary place vis-a-vis that of the government under these laws.

From a legal standpoint, the Supreme Court answered the question and held that a law which comes later in time shall have primacy over the pre-existing law because while bringing into existence a new legislation, the legislature was conscious of the existing legislation. Accordingly, basis the above it could have been said that legislations like the SARFAESI and RDBA will prevail over the money laundering and the benami transaction law as the former came into existence post the coming into effect of the latter. Therefore, any attachment made under the Money Laundering and Benami Property law will be subject to the bona fide interest of the banks protected under the later legislations.

However, the Delhi High Court while deciding whether SARFAESI, RDBA and Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) laws will prevail over the money laundering law, ruled that the objects and reasons of bringing into existence the four legislations are distinct and each law operating in a different field and therefore, it cannot be said the former legislation will prevail over the latter legislation.

However, the Appellate Tribunal for Forfeited Properties has taken a view that if a bank is an innocent party, the mortgaged properties cannot be attached inasmuch as the same would go on to destroy the banking system.

The government has tried to ameliorate the situation to some extent by amending the IBC. The amendment provides that the property of a corporate debtor cannot be attached where an alleged offence has been committed prior to the commencement of Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process and which is part of an approved resolution plan.

Similar to the above amendment in IBC, it is the need of the hour that the government provides a solution to ease the pain of the banking sector from the scourge of attachments made by the authorities, which not only goes to substantially reduces the chances of recoveries by the banks from the defaulting parties, but also burdens them and the judicial system with unnecessary and avoidable litigation.

S Vasudevan is executive partner and Shashank Sharma is principal associate at Lakshmikumaran and Sridharan Attorneys
I am one of the primary regulators of energy in the largest energy producing state in America. I have a duty to the people of Texas to ensure oil and gas production is done responsibly. It is a role I take very seriously.

Part of my job is staying informed on current events, industry and environmental news, technological innovation, and the new data and various studies released about the industry I regulate. For a policy issue as broad and far-reaching as energy there is a lot of information to evaluate daily.

Complicating this task is that most studies are not impartial and are conducted with the intention of proving a point for the person or group financing the report. Unfortunately, these studies are often released and touted as evidence to advance one agenda or another in an endless battle to use government force to pick winners and losers in our energy markets.

For example, this week making the rounds is a report by Rystad Energy stating that oil and gas companies could reduce flaring and venting of natural gas by 40 percent without costing them a single penny. According to the report, oil and gas companies could, in fact, increase their revenues by $440 million by 2025 if they captured and sold 98 percent of the casinghead gas they produce.

If this is true it would be great news for both the environment and our state's ability to produce cheap, plentiful energy for its citizens. However, I have a feeling the report is too good to be true.

If an oil and gas company could make money by selling casinghead gas after accounting for its expenses, why wouldnt it? Many of these oil and gas companies are publicly traded, which means they have a legal obligation to increase shareholder value. So, if they could make money selling casinghead gas then they would. The fact that they do not, says quite a bit.

When you dig into the media coverage, the angle becomes much clearer. The report was commissioned by the Environmental Defense Fund with the intention of encouraging my agency, The Railroad Commission of Texas, to adopt a 98 percent gas-capture policy.

As the first commissioner in recent history to vote against flaring exceptions and the commissioner who established a task force to propose solutions to flaring, this is an issue I am working hard to solve. That being said, with the industry on its knees financially due to the demand drop associated with COVID-19, I realize that any changes we make must be done in a way that is thoughtful and deliberate.

In the meantime, there has been a dramatic decrease in the volume of flaring over the last year. In August, our agency announced that less than a half percent of the gas produced in Texas was flared or vented, meaning 99.5 percent went to beneficial use.

Last fall, our agency took an important first step in ensuring we have the data necessary to get an accurate view of the scope of the problem by updating and improving the information we collect when operators apply for a flaring exception.

Over the next several months our staff will be able to take this information and evaluate the best way forward to address this issue without destroying the economics of energy production and putting small independent operators out of business.

Maybe the answer is, as the Environmental Defense Fund suggests, a 98 percent gas-capture policy. Maybe it is something else we haven't even seen proposed yet. But whatever the answer may be, our agency will rely on sound-science and an objective look at the data before deciding what that solution is.
NEW YORK  Cardinal Timothy Dolan is quarantining himself after being in close contact last week with someone who has since tested positive for the coronavirus, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York said Friday.

The 70-year-old cardinal has no symptoms and hasnt tested positive himself, the archdiocese said in a statement. For now, he is canceling all public appearances  including celebrating Sundays 10:15 a.m. Mass at St. Patricks Cathedral  while his quarantine continues.

Some staff members also had contact with the same person and are quarantining, the archdiocese said.

Serving over 2.8 million Catholics in the Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island in New York City and six counties north of it, the archdiocese is the nations second-largest, after Los Angeles.

Dolan has been its leader since 2009.
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Hon Thien Village in Ninh Thuan Province has become more popular with tourists thanks to a mural project.

The village is on the foot of a mountain and looks to the sea. Nguyen Thai Lai, head of the project, was a local and a tour guide. He was aware of the natural beauty of the village but knew that it lacked a highlight to attract visitors. He then decided to hire painters to make murals around the village, with the intention of making it a must-visit check-in location for tourists.



"I love travelling and have seen many places with beautiful murals. When I went home, I realised that my village also has beautiful scenery and so I want to improve tour businesses here and help improve local people's incomes," he said.



He invested money into over 30 murals around the village. Most of the murals focus on the village's history and scenery. Sometimes there are simple slogans or inspirational quotes.



In January, the murals were completed and the village was ready to welcome people wanting to see the murals or experience life in the village with an entrance fee of VND20,000.



"We had over 100 visitors on the first day. The whole village became livelier. Tourists can also stroll around the village or visit the mountain and the Dam Nai Lake," he said. "In the future, we'll open for free for everyone, so that more people will know about Hon Thien Village."

Some photos of the village:

Dtinews

Murals beautifying ancient capital The Hoa Lu District Womens Union introduced a mural painting project last year in a bid to promote the traditions and beauty of Ninh Binh province in Vietnams north.
Why North Star felt it was key to keep in-person education amid COVID
File image: The AstraZeneca office building in Brussels on January 29, 2021. (Image: AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

The European Union introduced tighter rules on January 29 on exports of COVID-19 vaccines that could hit shipments to nations like the United Kingdom, deepening a dispute with London over scarce supplies of potentially lifesaving shots.

But amid an outcry in Northern Ireland and the UK, the European Commission made clear the new measure will not trigger controls on vaccines shipments produced in the 27-nation bloc to the small territory that is part of United Kingdom bordering EU member Ireland.

Under the post-Brexit deal, EU products should still be able to travel unhindered from the bloc to Northern Ireland.

In the process of finalization of this measure, the Commission will ensure that the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol is unaffected," the EU's executive arm said in a statement late Friday.

Amid a dispute with Anglo-Swedish drugmaker AstraZeneca, EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and British leader Boris Johnson had an unexpected phone call, during which the UK prime minister expressed his grave concerns about the potential impact which the steps the EU has taken today on vaccine exports could have," a statement from the British government read.

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 EU unveiled its plans to tighten rules on exports of coronavirus vaccines produced inside the bloc amid fears some of the doses it secured from AstraZeneca could be diverted elsewhere. The measure could be used to block shipments to many non-EU countries and ensure that any exporting company based in the EU will first have to submit their plans to national authorities.

The UK and Northern Ireland governments immediately lashed out at the move, saying the bloc invoked an emergency clause in its divorce deal with Britain to introducing controls on exports to Northern Ireland. Goods are supposed to flow freely between the EU and Northern Ireland under special arrangements for the U.K. region designed to protect the peace process on the island of Ireland.

Follow our LIVE blog for the latest updates of the coronavirus pandemic

But the EU later said it was not invoking Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol allowing either side to override parts of their deal.

The Commission is not triggering the safeguard clause, it said in its statement, adding that the restricting regulations have yet to be finalized and won't be adopted before Saturday.

The phone call between von der Leyen and Johnson somewhat eased what was quickly becoming a diplomatic flashpoint.

We agreed on the principle that there should not be restrictions on the export of vaccines by companies where they are fulfilling contractual responsibilities," von der Leyen said in a statement.

The EU hit out at AstraZeneca this week after the company said it would only supply 31 million doses of vaccine in initial shipments, instead of the 80 million doses it had hoped to deliver. Brussels claimed AstraZeneca would supply even less than that, just one-quarter of the doses due between January and March  and member countries began to complain.

The European Commission is concerned that doses meant for Europe might have been diverted from an AstraZeneca plant on the continent to the U.K., where two other company sites are located. The EU also wants doses at two sites in Britain to be made available to European citizens.

The UK has legally-binding agreements with vaccine suppliers and it would not expect the EU, as a friend and ally, to do anything to disrupt the fulfilment of these contracts, the UK said.

AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot told Germanys Die Welt newspaper this week that the U.K. government helped create the vaccine developed with Oxford University and signed its contract three months before the EU did. Soriot said that under the British contract, vaccines produced at U.K. sites must go to the U.K. first.

To head off similar disputes and allay fears that vaccines might be diverted, the Commission introduced the measures to tighten rules on the exports of shots produced in EU countries. The vaccine export transparency mechanism will be used at least until the end of March to control shipments to non-EU countries.

COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker: All you need to know about manufacturing and pricing

The EU insisted thats not an export ban, although it could be used to block shipments to the UK or many other non-EU countries. Many poorer nations and close neighbors are exempt.

Officials said it is intended to ensure EU member nations get the shots they bought from producers. The World Health Organization criticized the new EU export rules as not helpful.

Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and other WHO officials warned of supply-chain disruptions that could ripple through the world and potentially stall the fight against COVID-19.

The advanced purchasing agreement with the EU was signed in August, before the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine had been properly tested. The European Medicines Agency approved the vaccine on Friday, making it the third authorized for use by EU nations.

Earlier, the 27-nation bloc and AstraZeneca made public a heavily redacted version of their vaccine deal thats at the heart of a dispute over the delivery schedule.

The contract, agreed to last year by the European Commission and the drugmaker, allows the EUs member countries to buy 300 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, with an option for a further 100 million doses. Its one of several contracts the EUs executive branch has with vaccine makers to secure a total of more than 2 billion shots.

As part of an advanced purchase agreement with companies, the EU said it has invested 2.7 billion euros ($3.8 billion), including 336 million ($408 million) to finance the production of AstraZenecas serum at four factories.

Much of the 41-page document made public was blacked out, making it very difficult to establish which side is in the right. Details about the price of the vaccine were notably redacted. The U.K. is thought to be paying far more for the vaccine than EU countries.
Protesters clash with police at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Julio Cortez/AP Photo)

Two Proud Boys Members Charged With Conspiracy in Capitol Riot

Two members of the Proud Boys group were indicted Friday on a number of charges in connection with the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, including conspiring to obstruct law enforcement, the Justice Department said.

Dominic Pezzola, 43, of Rochester, New York, and William Pepe, 31, of Beacon, New York, were indicted in federal court in the District of Columbia on charges that include civil disorder, unlawfully entering restricted buildings or grounds, and disorderly and disruptive conduct, the Justice Department said in a statement.

Pezzola also faces charges of robbery of personal property of the United States; assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers; destruction of government property; and engaging in physical violence in a restricted buildings or grounds, prosecutors said.

Pepe and Pezzola were originally charged by criminal complaint and arrested on Jan. 12 and 15, respectively, according to Justice Department records.

According to the charging documents, Pezzola and Pepe are members of the Proud Boys, which the Justice Department notes describes itself as a pro-Western fraternal organization for men who refuse to apologize for creating the modern world; aka Western Chauvinists.

Prosecutors said that, on Jan. 6, Pezzola confronted a Capitol Police officer trying to control the crowd and ripped away the officers riot shield, which he is alleged to have later used to smash a window at the Capitol.

Pezzola was later featured in a video posted to social media showing him smoking a cigar inside the Capitol building, according to the criminal complaint filed against him (pdf).

In the video, the individual states words to the effect of, Victory smoke in the Capitol, boys. This is [expletive] awesome. I knew we could take this [expletive] over [if we] just tried hard enough,' the criminal complaint states.

A criminal complaint filed against Pepe (pdf) indicates that he was photographed inside the Capitol on Jan. 6, when a mob breached the building while Congress was in session certifying the results of the presidential election. Based on the photograph, which was displayed to the public in various media, Pepe was identified as an employee of the Metro Transit Authority (MTA) in New York, who used sick leave to travel to Washington to take part in the Jan. 6 events. After the FBI confirmed Pepes identity with the MTA, he was suspended from work.

The case against Pepe and Pezzola is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Divisions Counterterrorism Section.

Founded in 2016, the Proud Boys began as a group protesting political correctness and perceived constraints on masculinity. Their profile soared in September when then-candidate and now President Joe Biden mentioned the group during a debate with then-President Donald Trump, who told them to stand back and stand by.
Rob Lowe and Melissa Gilbert dated for about six years before the Oxford Blues actor got down on one knee and proposed. In that time, the young Hollywood couple had their fair share of ups and downs. Both busy with their own projects, Lowe and the Little House on the Prairie actor were rarely in the same place at the same time. Their relationship was fraught with infidelity. On one of the first occasions Gilbert caught Lowe cheating, she asked him why he did it. His answer elicited an unexpected reaction.

Rob Lowe and Melissa Gilbert | Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Melissa Gilbert once said she thought Rob Lowe fooled around whenever possible

When Gilbert and Lowe first started dating, they were madly in love with each other and attached at the hip. But things changed after Lowe starred in The Outsiders.

No matter where we went, [women] stuffed their phone numbers into Robs pockets, Gilbert wrote in her memoir, Prairie Tale. These were not girls my age with a crush on him. Grown women, including major celebrities, hit on him. They were very direct and frequently very graphic about what they wanted and were willing to do for him.

RELATED: Melissa Gilbert Was Worried Rob Lowe Would Be Attracted to This Oxford Blues Co-Star  Its Freaking Me Out

Gilbert believes it was at this point when Lowe started to stray. She received confirmation of his infidelity when he was filming The Hotel New Hampshire. One night, Gilbert tried to reach Lowe via his hotel telephone (the film shot in Montreal, Canada). The hotel operator picked up and informed Gilbert that her boyfriend was staying in his co-stars room. So she flew to Montreal to confront him and say: You dont f*ck with Americas sweetheart.

Why Rob Lowe cheated on Melissa Gilbert, according to the Little House on the Prairie star

After Lowes affair with Nastassja Kinski ran its course, he begged Gilbert to forgive him. After fifteen hours of crying, screaming, talking, making love, carrying on, and laughing, we got very quiet, wrote Gilbert. She asked him why he cheated on her.

Nastassja Kinski | GARCIA/URLI/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

RELATED: The Wild Night Melissa Gilbert and Rob Lowe Spent With Sammy Davis Jr., Liza Minelli, and Andrew McCarthy

Its like when you walk down the beach and you see a beautiful shell in the sand, he said. You either pick it up and listen to it. Or you walk by. I had to listen to the shell.

Gilbert found the explanation ridiculous and they laughed [their] little a*ses off.

Just like that, they were back together.

Melissa Gilbert cheated on Rob Lowe, too

Lowe wasnt the only one guilty of cheating in the relationship. After he was caught with his co-star, Gilbert had a fling with one of his good friends, John Cusack, when she was working in Chicago, Illinois.

We ended up having a little fling, which I kept from Rob, she wrote. It was my own private screw you. Only John and I ever knew about it. He was very sweetand funny. Funny was a problem for me.

Melissa Gilbert and Michael Schoeffling in Sylvester| Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

RELATED: About Last Night: The Real Reason Demi Moore Played Rob Lowes Romantic Interest Instead of Melissa Gilbert

Gilbert cheated on Lowe again when she was away filming the movie, Sylvester. She struck up a relationship with the third AD, Frank Capra III.

I was lonely, scared, and by myself, which was, I discovered, not a good place for me, she wrote. I didnt do alone well. Performing stunts, risking my safety, knowing the director disliked me, and just living every day on the edge got to me, and I spiraled downward quickly. I had no clue how needy I was, how I needed a man to fill me up.

Gilbert and Lowe got engaged in 1986 but broke up about a year later. They never did make it down the aisle.
PARIS  The sprawling campus of the Ecole Polytechnique, one of the worlds finest engineering schools, has long been a magnet for major French industrial and energy companies, eager to attract some of Frances brightest minds.

So when it was announced last year that the oil and gas giant Total would establish a research center on campus, located southeast of Paris, it seemed like a natural fit.

Instead, it sparked an uproar. Hundreds of students voted against the research center. At a time when engineers and scientists should be leading the way to a newly sustainable world, they argued, among other things, the project gave undue influence to a company that remains a world leader in fossil fuels.

I find it disturbing to be influenced by Total, which has a rather biased vision of the energy transition, said Benoit Halgand, 22, who is in his final year at the school. He added the company will always want to use oil and gas for many years to come.
Homebuyers can now view properties virtually before they are even built.

A Ballyclare homebuilder's partnership with a software firm is allowing it to offer house hunters a virtual viewing experience off plan, in what it says is a first for Northern Ireland.

Local property company Simpson Developments has invested in software to enable the viewings, including properties at its new 4m Ballyclare development.

The company says it is the first here to use new Computer Generated Illustration (CGI) software to offer potential buyers an insight into residential builds set to go on the market even before the foundations are laid.

The service has been made possible by a link-up between Simpson Developments, Belfast based BLOCK CPM Limited and a European VR specialist firm.

Simpson Developments has adapted the software to add several unique features too, including interactive brochures and videos on the TV screens, all of which provide a customer house viewing experience yet to be seen here.

It will mean that house viewers can now soak up the interiors of Simpson Properties on a bespoke VR tour that uses a model of the interior built from architect plans and virtually furnished and decorated by their interior designers.

It is a service that had been in the development pipeline for the company but was fast-tracked due the coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns.

A team dedicated to the project took six months to design and develop the software.

Speaking about the service, David Simpson said: "Our new VR tours accompany Simpson Developments' brand-new website and both launches signal the completion of a rebranding process of the firm.

"Some of our plans for the future have been pushed forward given the pandemic we are operating in, including the need to social distance and, in some instances, the complete halt of viewings. So this allows us and our home buyers to continue house hunting from the safety of their own homes in what is a very unique experience.

"Given that we are in another lockdown I think it's important we offer an even better service, one that allows our image galleries and viewing processes to be as close to reality as possible because while the world may be at some sort of a standstill, there is opportunity to adapt and operate during these challenging times."

Among the company's upcoming developments is a Ballyclare site which is set to feature 20 residential properties in the heart of the town. The 4m project has created 50 jobs.

"We are in the market to purchase more land this year than we ever have and with that will come major growth. We are very much looking forward to what 2021 brings," Mr Simpson added.
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Care Agency Holds Online Training Workshop with UK Expert

The Care Agency held a one-off voluntary training exercise for frontline staff this week which was conducted online by UK independent social work consultant Deirdre Mahon.

The objective of the session was to bring key workers together during this difficult period to discuss the continuing problems faced by professionals of the sector in the current COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

The session was attended by members of staff from the different departments of the Care Agency, the Children, Adults and Learning Disability Services as well as admin staff. Those who participated were able to exchange views with Mrs Mahon as well as analyse the ongoing challenges and how to cope with them.

Care Agency Chief Executive Officer Carlos Banderas also took part in the seminar, highlighting the need for these type of workshops which provide opportunities for staff to keep motivated and focused on the responsibilities at hand.

Mr Banderas said: It is always a pleasure to attend such workshops. Voluntarily, Deirdre our valued social work consultant, has expertly delivered a COVID-19 debriefing which has been very well received. As an organisation this has given us the chance to reboot and journey on.

For her part Mrs Mahon said: The Care Agency is a compassionate organisation, doing its utmost to keep itself and the community physically and emotionally safe during these testing times. This takes great leadership and empathy, which the Care Agency has in abundance. It has been my pleasure and privilege to help them to take some time out to recharge their batteries so they can continue giving 100%.

Director for Services Safety and Standards, Angelo Cerisola, commented This shows our commitment to staff welfare and ongoing CPD. Going forward Care Agency managers will also be providing debriefing sessions in keeping with the policy of looking out for the welfare of its employees.
A military helicopter crashed in Cuba killing five people.

The crash occurred "against a hill", says the Ministry of the Armed Forces, between the province of Holguin and Guantanamo, in the eastern part of the island.

A special commission is investigating the incident.

The last similar serious episode in Cuba occurred in May 2018: shortly after taking off from Havana airport, an aircraft crashed to the ground, killing 112 people. Only one woman had survived.

The investigation had made it clear that at the basis of what happened there were errors in the calculations of the weight and "balance" of the device. Eight Cuban soldiers were killed in April 2017 by the crash of a Russian-made plane in the mountainous region of Artemisa.

(Unioneonline / ss)
New Delhi, Jan 30 : State-run Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) will install 2.34 million smart prepaid meters in Bihar, under its "Smart Meter National Programme".

Accordingly, the joint venture under Union Power Ministry signed agreements with South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (SBPDCL) and North Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd (NBPDCL).

"The smart prepaid meters will optimise the Discom operational performance by increasing the billing and collection efficiency, reduce the operation and maintenance cost; and enhance the quality of service, along with providing the consumers with demand side management (DSM) options," the company said in a statement .

"The smart prepaid meters are connected through a web-based monitoring system, which will help to reduce commercial losses of utilities, enhance revenues and serve as an important tool in power sector reforms." As per the statement, EESL's smart metering initiative is revamping the current manual system of revenue collection, which currently suffers from low billing and poor collection efficiencies.

"The implementation of these meters will also enable considerable energy and monetary savings for consumers, who will have an avenue to track their power usage in real time." "The prepaid functionality of the smart meters is also an added advantage, as it provide the Discoms with an option to switch to prepaid mode, wherein the consumers pay upfront for the electricity." According to the statement, the utility of this feature was quite apparent during the lockdown, as Discoms in Bihar were able to generate a daily revenue collection of Rs 500,000, with consumers on an average recharging their prepaid smart meters with a credit balance of Rs 20 daily.

"The immediate generation of working capital for the Discoms is also highly advantageous, as the revenue is generated at the point of sale, which otherwise takes couple of months." "Some other key benefits of smart prepaid metering include, a marked reduction in peak power purchase cost, the ability to conduct power quality analysis in near-real time such as power factor, maximum demand, voltage etc., and a sharp reduction in carbon footprint, chiefly due to the reduced patrolling for meter reading, disconnection or reconnection, outage detection etc." The 'Smart Meter National Programme' aims to replace 250 million conventional meters with smart meters in India.

Under the smart meter national programme, EESL and Intellismart have installed over 1.6 million smart meters in the country.

As West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt dropped a box of food into the back of an SUV Saturday morning, the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation had formally distributed its one-millionth pound of food from its Western Mass Farmers to Families Food Drive.

Thats a lot of food, Reichelt said just after loading up the car inside the Better Living Center at the Big E. It really shows the veterans community and how it comes together. During the time of the pandemic when there are food insecurity issues across the region to see these folks come together to get donations and distribute them like this is really awesome.

Reichelt said that while it is good that programs such as the Farmers to Families program are available, the fact that so many people are depending on it is disturbing.

What does it tell you about the population we have that so many people are coming out here for free food  he said. It just goes to show that food insecurity is an issue that a lot of people face, especially now in the pandemic and resulting job losses. Its a problem we know we have but we dont usually see. It means in the future we need to take a harder look as to how we are supporting people.

Site Manager Ken Melanson said the program started in October when the Cape Cod based-Massachusetts Military Support Foundation received a contract from the federal Department of Agriculture to distribute food from its Farmer to Families program in what is called Patriot Farm Food boxes.

The drive originally set up shop behind the Eastfield Mall, where lines of hundreds of cars would come each Saturday to receive the food boxes.

Earlier this month, the operation was moved into the enclosed Better Living Center at the Eastern States Exposition where it is more comfortable and safer for recipients and the volunteers who load vehicles.

The Food Drive started when the COVID-19 pandemic created two distinct problems: Huge unemployment and farmers and related industries sitting on stockpiles of product.

Farmers and food distributors across the country were suddenly faced with overstocks of good quality food due to supply chain disruptions. The food was there but restaurants, schools and other bulk users had closed. The solution was to get those millions of pounds of food into the hands of those people hungry because they lost jobs.

Each weekend, thousands of cars line up at sites much like the Eastern States Exposition distribution center and Melansons crews of volunteers swing 32-pound Patriot Farm Food boxes of fruit, vegetables, dairy products and meat into each car.

Phil Levy is one of Melansons volunteers. He drives to the site from Holyoke each Saturday, rain, snow or frigid temperatures.

Im retired, so this is my new occupation, he said with a grin.

Levy said the people he sees coming through the line seem to have nice cars, but are accepting free food. He hears about that a lot.

You see a lot of people with nice cars but they may have lost their job or they could be struggling. You know when you dont have money in hand you got to eat.

Melanson said the program accepts all comers, anyone who registers online at www.mmsfi.org for the distribution gets the food, with no questions asked or income verification necessary.

Saturday saw some 4,000 boxes of food packed into recipients cars thanks to volunteers from the Hampden County Sheriffs Department, led by Sheriff Nick Cocci himself, along with West Springfield Police Chief Paul Connor and some of his officers, more than a dozen Springfield police officers and rotating crews from the American Legion, the Springfield DAV, the New Black Association of Springfield and the Longmeadow Veterans Council, among other organizations.
BENGALURU : The rental arm of DLF Ltd , Indias largest real estate firm, has appointed consultants as it prepares for a real estate investment trust, that could provide a significant leg-up to the countrys emerging Reit market.

It has appointed Morgan Stanley as banker, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co as legal advisor and KPMG as financial and tax advisor, the firm said in an analyst presentation.

Deliberations are on regarding the proposed Reit's corporate and capital structure as well as asset perimeters, the firm said.

DLF Cyber City Developers Ltd (DCCDL), a joint venture between DLF and Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC Pte Ltd, owns and operates a 35 million sq ft ready rental portfolio, of which around 3 million sq ft is retail space and the rest is office.

The first set of bankers and tax advisors has been hired as we prepare for a Reit-ready portfolio in the next 12 months. However, the timing of the listing will depend on the two shareholders," Sriram Khattar, managing director of DLF Rental Business said in an analyst call on Saturday evening.

Canadas Brookfield Asset Management-backed Brookfield India Real Estate Trust plans to raise 3,800 crore through a public issue of its Reit in the coming week. The issue is priced between 274 and 275 and opens for subscription on 3 February and closes on 5 February.

Property consultants believe given the positive investor sentiment in Indias commercial office sector, DLFs REIT could be a game-changer due to its sheer size and quality of assets.

Embassy REITs (33.3 million sq ft) listing in 2019 and the Mindspace Business Parks REIT (29.5 million sq ft) listing amid the pandemic, both backed by Blackstone Group Lp, as majority and minority shareholder respectively, have given investors huge confidence in the office sector.

DLF in a regulatory filing on Friday said it has posted a 9% rise in quarterly net profit helped by a continuing recovery in demand in the residential segment.

Profit in the three months ended 31 December rose to 449 crore from 413.10 crore a year earlier. Revenue grew 9% to 1,668.22 crore from 1,533.34 crore.

The firm also said that Rajeev Talwar, its chief executive since 2015, has decided to retire after a long association with the company.

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The so-called "forum" in Donetsk creates obstacles for the peaceful reintegration of the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, Kyiv will inform its partners about this, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Oleh Nikolenko said.

"The Russian leadership does not abandon the idea of reshaping Ukraine to fit its own patterns. 'Forum' in Donetsk is creating obstacles for the peaceful reintegration of the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. We will inform our partners about another example of Russia's subversive activities in Donbas," he wrote on Twitter.

New Delhi: Russia announced on Saturday (January 30) that it will resume issuing visas to all categories of Indian citizens for those travelling by air as well as the ones with residence permits.

In this regard, issuing of visas of all categories (including student visa) to enter Russia via air checkpoints is resumed for the Indian citizens, as well as for persons who have a residence permit, the Russian embassy in New Delhi said in a statement.

The embassy said that this move comes in the wake of the decision made by the Russian Covid-19 Emergency Response Centre on January 16. On January 25, the Russian government had ordered to restore international air traffic on a reciprocal basis with a number of foreign states, including India.

The flights between Moscow and New Delhi are likely to operate twice a week, the embassy added. However, the granting of e-visas is temporarily banned until an appropriate directive of the Russian government, the statement further said.

People applying for visas will have to provide the necessary documents listed on website of the Russian embassy, along with a valid medical document stating a negative Covid-19 PCR test result.

Meanwhile, the Indian government extended the ban on international commercial flights till February 28 on Thursday. It was supposed to end on January 31 earlier.

Live TV
Vermont teacher Jen Ellis, 42, has received thousands of emails about Sen. Bernie Sanders Inauguration Day mittens.

During President Joe Bidens inauguration, photographer Brendan Smialowski captured a now-viral image of the Vermont lawmaker bundled up in his coat, the mittens Ellis made for him, and a slightly crooked medical mask. The image has become a meme sensation, with people photoshopping Sanders into funny settings and historical photos.

Sanders told CNN he was happy the photo went viral, because it makes people aware that we make good mittens in Vermont ... we have some good coats, as well.

Image: Sen. Bernie Sanders sits in the bleachers at the Capitol before the inauguration on Jan. 20, 2021. (Brendan Smialowski / AFP - Getty Images file)

Ellis made the mittens for Sanders in 2016, after he lost the Democratic presidential nomination to Hillary Clinton. She asked Sanders daughter-in-law, who owns the preschool Ellis daughter attended at the time, to deliver them to the senator.

I was making mittens for all of the preschool teachers for holiday gifts, and I made an extra pair for Bernie, Ellis, who teaches second grade, told NBC News. I put a little note in that just said something like, I really support you, and I like you, and I hope you run again.

The mittens first started to make headlines early last year when Sanders wore them on the presidential campaign trail, Ellis said. She shared on Twitter at the time that she had made the mittens from repurposed wool sweaters and recycled plastic bottles. Then, in February, she tweeted that she had a few extra pairs for sale and shared her email address.

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I lead a really quiet life up here in Vermont, and only a few people contacted me, and I was able to coordinate with them to get them the mittens that they wanted, Ellis said. My email sort of disappeared in the annals of Twitter  until it was found again.

Since the inauguration, Ellis  who lives in Essex Junction with her wife, Liz, and their 5-year-old daughter  said shes been cast into the international spotlight in a way for which she wasnt ready. She said shes received at least 16,000 emails from people who want to buy mittens.

Story continues

The media was calling me in my classroom, she said. We had to shut off my classroom phone, and everybody wanted to talk to me all at once. I'm a people person; I want to please people, and I wanted to talk to them, too, and I wanted to make mittens for everybody, but I knew that I couldn't.

Sharing the mittens warmth

Ellis used to sell her mittens at craft fairs. Crafting has healing properties for her, she said.

There have been times when I've just been really down in the dumps, and I'll go into my craft room, and I'll do some sewing, or watch some trashy TV, she said. It helps me clear my head.

But she doesnt make mittens to sell anymore, so when thousands of people reached out after the inauguration, she said she really struggled because she wanted to make mittens for everyone. She tweeted on Inauguration Day that she was so flattered that Bernie wore them to the inauguration, but she didnt have any more mittens for sale.

After a few days, she decided to make three more pairs, two of which shes donated to charities. She donated one pair to Outright Vermont, an LGBTQ youth organization, and another to Passion 4 Paws, a dog rescue in Vermont. Ellis is auctioning off the third pair on eBay, and the proceeds will go toward her daughters college fund.

Because Jen Ellis doesn't make mittens anymore, she decided to make three more pairs specifically to auction off for charity. (Jen Ellis)

She said a neighbor suggested Passion 4 Paws, and she chose Outright Vermont, because she wanted to support LGBTQ youth. Though she didnt come out until 19, she said she was aware of Portland Outright, a nonprofit near where she grew up in Maine that has a similar mission.

I had seen Outright and the people who were in Outright speak on a number of occasions, and I felt an affinity with them, she said. I don't know that I identified exactly what that affinity was, but just knowing that they were there and they were out ... was supportive to me as a not out, high school student.

Ellis said she also wanted to show LGBTQ youth that she sees them during the pandemic.

I recognize that this is hard for them, she said. I just wanted to give them a shoutout, you know, like, Hang in there. This is not going to last forever, and when it's over, you can go out and hug all your friends and be your awesome selves, out in public.

Though she doesnt plan to sell anymore mittens herself, Ellis is partnering with Darn Tough Vermont to make socks inspired by Sanders mittens. She said 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the Vermont Foodbank.

Shes also partnering with Vermont Teddy Bear for some amazing things in the future, and she's currently raising money to start a "movement of generosity" to benefit Vermont charities.

Generosity brings joy

After Inauguration Day, Sanders took advantage of his fame and sold merchandise with the image on it to benefit Vermont charities like Meals on Wheels. Ellis said Sanders called her Sunday to tell her that the merchandise had raised nearly $2 million.

It was so cool to talk to him, because hes sort of like one of my heroes, she said.

What shes taken away from the experience is that one simple act of generosity can have incredible ripple effects, she said.

We don't all have material things to give away, but we all have so many other gifts, Ellis said. When we give them away in what capacity we can, what we get back is astounding. You know, I didn't get rich quick off this, but what I have got back has been so much longer lasting and more profoundly contributed to who I am, and I feel like Vermont will benefit from this.

Jen Ellis is partnering with Darn Tough Vermont to make socks inspired by Sanders' mittens, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Vermont Foodbank. (Charity Clark Photography)

She said she hopes others take away and remember more from this than just the meme and the mittens.

Because of a random gift and act of kindness that I did years ago and forgot about, something else totally random happens, Ellis said. That guy, you know, captured that shot of Bernie looking like he was, and then it got picked up by the world, and in the middle of the pandemic everybody just had a chance to laugh about something together  not at each other and not anyone's expense, because Bernie thinks it's funny, too.

I'm starting to talk a lot about how generosity brings joy  not just generosity with your material things, but generosity with your time, with your spirit, with your goodwill, she concluded.

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Tanzania President John Magufuli on Wednesday warned the Health ministry against rushing to embrace Covid-19 vaccinations that were being promoted by foreign nations.

Speaking during the launch of a public forest, President Magufuli said any decision to adopt COVID-19 vaccinations should not be taken lightly.



He said: You should stand firm. Vaccinations are dangerous. If the White man was able to come up with vaccinations, he should have found a vaccination for Aids by now; he would have found a vaccination of tuberculosis by now; he would have found a vaccination for malaria by now; he would have found a vaccination for cancer by now.



He said Tanzanians must be cautious of things that were being brought to them by foreign nations.



Lets not think that they love us very much. This country is rich. Africa is rich, and everyone is jealous of our vast wealth. We must be very careful, President Magufuli said.



He directed the Health Ministry to only adopt vaccinations after they had been certified by Tanzanias own experts, citing an example of a country (which he did not name) where girl children were vaccinated against what was purported to be cervical cancer but ended up being infertile.



In a certain country, its girl children  aged below 14 years  were vaccinated against what was said to be cervical cancer, but it later emerged that the vaccination was meant to make them infertile, Dr Magufuli said.



The Health ministry must know that not every vaccination is meaningful to our nation. Tanzanians must be mindful so that we are not used for trials of some doubtful vaccinations which can have serious repercussions on our health.



DEVTRACO THE PELICAN

President Magufuli reiterated that Tanzanians should continue putting trust in God while taking all the necessary health precautions.



We have lived for over one year without the virus because our God is able and Satan will always fail. The Health ministry should be cautious, and avoid the temptation turn us into a country where vaccination trials are conducted freely, he said.



He reiterated that he will never impose a lockdown, insisting that Tanzanians will always be free to conduct their daily undertakings, including farming, which, he said, was part of physical exercises that ultimately drive the virus away.



Dr Magufuli said he was aware that some Tanzanians had gone out of the country where they received coronavirus vaccinations, which, he added, had simply introduced a dangerous virus into their bodies.





Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz









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Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-29 20:21:14|Editor: huaxia

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BUCHAREST, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) --The police found one more dead body in the hospital ward that caught fire early Friday in Bucharest, capital of Romania, increasing the death toll to five.

"I have this confirmation for the fifth victim. I can confirm that the charred body was found in the bathroom," Minister of Internal Affairs Lucian Bode was quoted as saying by the official news agency Agerpres.

Thus, the death toll rose to five, after three people were found charred and another was declared dead after being resuscitated.

The fire broke out in a ward of some 30 square meters on the ground floor of a ward building in the National Institute for Infectious Diseases Matei Bals, the most important COVID-19 designated hospital in the country. A total of four wards were affected before the fire was extinguished.

"The only thing I heard was 'stay in the room' when the smoke started to spread. Then I heard the explosion, the light went out, the oxygen I was inhaling stopped, and there was silence. Only the firefighters could be heard on the ground floor," a patient told local media.

As many as 102 patients in and near the ward ablaze have been evacuated quickly, 53 of whom were transferred to other medical units in the capital, said Raed Arafat, secretary of state who heads the Emergency Situations Department at Ministry of Internal Affairs.

"There are no other people who suffered serious problems," and the ward that caught fire "was not an Intensive Care Unit," he said.

According to reports from local TV stations, the fire may have been caused by an electric heater, a claim that has not been confirmed by the hospital or any officials. The cause of the fire is now being investigated.

This is the second hospital fire that caused casualties in the country in less than three months. On Nov. 14, 2020, over ten COVID-19 patients were killed in a fire that broke out in the intensive care unit of the Piatra Neamt County Hospital in northeastern Romania. Enditem
Digital

In November 2009, Steve Jobs was named CEO of the decade by Fortune magazine. Slowly but surely, information technology had changed the world, and day-to-day life was truly going digital, perhaps more especially in 2009. The reasons for that were legion. Although the famous App Store had officially opened in 2008, at the start of 2009 there were a mere 15,000 applications available on the site, and some 500 million downloads. By December, those figures had skyrocketed to 100,000 apps and over 2 billion downloads. Digital was making inroads on all fronts, even into money. A mysterious individual invented a new means of payment: Bitcoin.



And down in California, a company named Uber took on yet another real-life tradition: taxis. Some made fun of the startup  but not for long. On the East Coast, there was another tectonic shift in the works. Kickstarter had just invented crowdfunding, aimed at micro-innovators. The watchmaking industry seemed very remote from these goings-on in New York, but was soon to be hit head on by this new wave. What could be more real than books? Yet 2009 saw the arrival of the Nook, Barnes & Nobles e-book. Even the bricksand- mortar book retail giant now had a digital option. That sent a strong message. Living a digital life did of course require a smartphone. While Apple launched an improved iPhone 3, Motorola and Palm persisted with the good old-fashioned keyboard as the right way to enter data, launching the Droid and the Palm Treo Pro. The future would soon reveal who had made the right choice

Zeitwerk  A. Lange & Sohne

Over in cinema, a wholly virtual film, Avatar, brought the house down. James Cameron brilliantly demonstrated that a film based on new technology could win audiences over; the movie was to remain the most-watched in history for an entire decade. And a digital year naturally calls for a digital watch. Initially, I toyed with the Casio Pathfinder PAW 1300 watch worn by Avatar hero Jake Sully. But in the end, Ive chosen a mechanical-digital wonder to stand as the watch for 2009: A. Lange & Sohnes Zeitwerk.

Why A. Lange & Sohne?

Im sure nobody was expecting A. Lange & Sohne in a piece on digital technology. Its story began a long time ago, but picked up speed when the Berlin Wall came down. Very quickly, the former East German company recovered  and boldly targeted fine watchmaking. The Lange 1 was released in 1994. And word got round, placing A. Lange & Sohne in the spotlight. The gamble had paid off. A. Lange & Sohne went on to consolidate its image as a firm that struck just the right tone for fine watchmaking, delivering the required blend of good taste and classicism. All this meant that when, in 2009, the brand unveiled a watch with a refreshing new concept combining the two entirely opposing worlds of digital and mechanical technology, nobody saw it coming.

Lange & Sohnes zeitwerk  A watchmaking chaotianmen!

Chaotianmen is the name of the longest arch bridge in the world, inaugurated in China in 2009. And in its own way, the Zeitwerk is a bridge between the world of digital display and the age-old techniques used in fine watchmaking. With this piece, A. Lange & Sohne offers a digital display powered by an outstanding manual-winding mechanical movement. It features the firms own distinctive font, a 12-hour power reserve, and a seconds hand at 6 oclock. The 42mm watch comes in gold or platinum, on an alligator strap. Although digital mechanical watches had been done before (Cartier, Genta, and IWC had all produced their own), the Lange & Sohne Zeitwerk is probably the finest example of this type of complication. And whats more, it arrived at just the right time!

The Take from The Devils Advocate

The devil doesnt feel like saying anything at this point. Hes sulking because his favourite series, Reaper, was axed in May 2009. For me, the Zeitwerk is another Holy Grail among watches, right up there with Richard Mille. Theres very little to criticise, but if I really must perform my duty as devils advocate, I think the balance of the dial could have been improved by enlarging the two digital screens and making the small seconds hand and power-reserve indicator smaller. Then again, perhaps its just that my eyes arent as good as they used to be.

*On the occasion of GMT Magazine and WorldTempus' 20th anniversary, we have embarked on the ambitious project of summarising the last 20 years in watchmaking in The Millennium Watch Book, a big, beautifully laid out coffee table book. This article is an extract. The Millennium Watch Book is available on www.the-watch-book.com, in French and English.

Order now
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WARSAW, Poland  Some carried placards reading, "I'm afraid to live here." Others sang Aretha Franklin's "Think." But all were determined to express their outrage at Poland's near-total ban on abortions.

For the third night in a row, thousands poured onto the streets of Poland's capital, Warsaw, and other cities across the country Friday to protest against a Constitutional Tribunal ruling on abortion.

The ruling, which became law on Wednesday, makes terminating pregnancies with fetal defects unconstitutional and eliminates the most frequently used legal reason for abortion in the eastern European nation.

Demonstrations, led by rights group Women's Strike, erupted almost immediately after it came into effect.

Image: Protest against the verdict restricting abortion rights, in Warsaw (Aleksandra Szmigiel / Reuters)

Among the protesters was Ola Bakowska, 31, who told NBC News by telephone Saturday that she took to the streets Wednesday to "vent her emotions" and "show my disagreement" with the new law.

She added that she had been encouraged by the number of people who had turned out to all the protests.

While abortion was the main focus, climate change activists and members of the LGBTQ communities were among those that took to the streets, amid fears of a wider erosion of civil liberties.

Among them Marek Elas, 36, an environmental activist working with the World Wide Fund for Nature in Poland, said Thursday that the Polish government was "working towards limiting human rights."

He added that the "government thought women were the easiest to hit, which turned out to be untrue."

Bakowska, a project manager, agreed that many of the protesters wanted to express their broader anger at the government, which she said was "targeting many people's rights, and not just women's rights" with its "traditional but outdated values."

The LGBTQ communities were among those suffering, she said. "It's like they're invisible," she added.

Story continues

Poland's ruling Law and Justice party, aka PiS, promised a return to more conservative social norms before it came to power in 2015. Abortion has since become a highly divisive issue in the predominantly Catholic country.

It supported the abortion law ruling in October, which was also followed by nationwide protests.

Under the new rules, abortion can be performed only in the case of rape or incest or when the mother's health or life is at risk, putting Poland outside the European mainstream. Doctors defying the law could face jail time.

Download the NBC News app for breaking news and politics

Krzysztof Sobolewski, a senior PiS official, told the state PAP news agency Saturday that the protests were illegal and defied social distancing rules in place to curb the coronavirus pandemic, as 14 arrests were made across the country Thursday and more on Friday night.

Lawyer Eliza Rutynowska told NBC News on Friday that some protesters had been detained in police stations as far as 25 miles outside of the city. NBC News could not independently verify this.

Many of her clients, for whom she was acting on a pro-bono basis, had told her they were angry "at how disregarded human rights are in Poland today," she said.

"It may seem that Poland is moving to the right, but on the inside, we are seeing a strong move for freedom," she added. "This is essentially a fight for our rights and our lives."

Image: Poland protest (Czarek Sokolowski / AP)

Reproductive and human rights groups have condemned the restrictive abortion law and warned of a broader erosion of civil liberties and rightward lurch by the government.

"This move is an outrageous violation of authorities' basic duty to protect the life and health of their citizens," said Irene Donadio of the International Planned Parenthood Federation European Network.

But for Beata Jedynak, 60, who supports the government, watching the protests has left her feeling "devastated and disgusted," she told NBC News.

"I just don't know what this fight is about, whether to overthrow the government or to introduce entirely leftist views," she said.

But Bakowska said they were "not giving up," adding, "We will continue to protest."

Liza Galica reported from Warsaw and Adela Suliman from London.

Reuters contributed to this report.
In new TN assembly DMK has most MLAs with pending criminal background, crorepatis

MK Stalin sworn in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister for first time

In Tamil Nadu, Gandhi will handle Khadi ministry, while Nehru gets Urban Development

Tamil Nadu elections 2021: Nadda offers prayers at Madurai Meenakshi Temple

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

Chennai, Jan 30: As part of his two day poll bound visit to Tamil Nadu, BJP president, J P Nadda offered prayers at the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai.

Nadda was accompanied by party leaders and supporters. The BJP's national president reached Madurai on Friday night and will attend a meeting at Thamarai Thidal at Mashtanpatti in the city at 6.15 pm today.

Unlike other parties, we have 'neta', 'niyat' to take BJP forward: BJP chief Nadda

Nadda will also review the party's poll preparedness for the upcoming assembly elections in the state. This is his second visit to the state this month. Nadda had visited the state on January 15.

Moradabad-Agra highway accident | Gandhi statue vandalised in US | Oneindia News

Elections in Tamil Nadu are expected to be held in the state in April-May this year. During his visit, the BJP president will also visit the poll bound Puducherry.
5 1 of 5 File / Evan Agostini / AP Show More Show Less 2 of 5 File / Ilya S. Savenok / Getty Images for Skinnygirl Show More Show Less 3 of 5 4 of 5 Craig Hartley / For the Chronicle Show More Show Less 5 of 5









Scene Bethenny Frankel, former star of the reality TV show the Real Housewives of New York, has bought a home in Greenwich. The 50-year-old founder of the Skinny Girl cocktail line was seen last summer on a boating excursion in Greenwich with her then-boyfriend, businessman Paul Bernon, and former RHONY housewife Dorinda Medley.

Scene Marianaccis on Sherman Street in nearby Port Chester, N.Y., a favorite of many Greenwich residents, reopened last week for dinner after it has been closed since November due to New York States coronavirus restrictions. Jim Marianacci, owner of the 70-year-old landmark Italian restaurant, noted that the dining room is operating at a safe capacity. Notables who have dined at the popular eatery in the past include former New York Gov. George Pataki, famed lawyer Alan Dershowitz, the late Greek heiress Christina Onassis, actor Tommy Lee Jones, the late Italian-American singer Jimmy Roselli, the late MLB great Phil Rizzuto, former New York Yankees manager Joe Torre and actors from The Sopranos. Open Mondays through Saturdays, the restaurant also offers special menus, a takeout menu, curbside orders, delivery via DoorDash and weekday lunches. For more info and reservations, call 914-939-3450.

The Allahabad High Court on Friday stayed the arrest of Mirzapur' web series producers Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar while asking them to join the investigation by the police in the case lodged against them. A bench of justices Manoj Kumar Gupta and Subhash Chand gave the relief to the two on a plea by them challenging the FIR registered at the Kotwali Dehat police station in Mirzapur on a complaint accusing them of wrongly depicting the eastern UP district, sullying its image.

The complaint also accused them of committing offences under sections 295 A, 504, 505, and 34 of the IPC for allegedly outraging religious sentiment by their deliberate acts, insulting somebody to provoke breach of peace, committing public mischief, and committing a criminal act with joint liability respectively. The FIR also listed section 67 A of the Information Technology Act against them accusing them of publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form.

The court after saying arrests of Sidhwani and Akhtar adjourned the hearing of their pleas to the first week of March. The court also issued notices to the state government and the complainant on the duo's plea for the annulment of the FIR against them.

The counsel for Sidhwani and Akhtar argued in the court that even if all the allegations in the FIR were accepted as true, no case was made out against the petitioners. There is no allegation that this web series was created with an intention to hurt the religious and social sentiments of citizens.

The court, after hearing arguments of the parties concerned, stayed their arrest and asked police to take no coercive action against them. Mirzapur is an action crime thriller web series being screened on OTT Amazon Prime Video.

The script of this web series was written by Karan Anshuman along with Puneet Krishna and Vineet Krishna and it was produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar.
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Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-30 23:01:15|Editor: huaxia

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- NASA and SpaceX are targeting April 20 at the earliest for launch of the second crew rotation mission with astronauts on an American rocket and spacecraft from the United States to the International Space Station (ISS), said NASA on Friday.

The mission, dubbed Crew-2, will launch four astronauts aboard a Crew Dragon spacecraft on a Falcon 9 rocket to the ISS.

NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur will serve as spacecraft commander and pilot, respectively. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, and European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet will join as mission specialists, according to NASA.

The mission will lift off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew is scheduled for a long-duration stay aboard the orbiting laboratory, living and working as part of a seven-member crew.

Crew-2 astronauts are set to return in fall 2021, said NASA. Enditem
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Court Lets US Border Agents Resume Removing Unaccompanied Minors Without Court Hearings

A federal appeals court on Friday blocked a ruling that prevented U.S. border agents from removing illegal immigrants under the age of 18 who travel without an adult to the country.

A three-judge panel on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit stayed a lower court ruling as the case is adjudicated. The panel consisted of Judges Gregory Katsas, Neomi Rao, and Justin Walker, all Trump nominees.

The stay was requested by the Trump administration last year after District Judge Emmet Sullivan, a Clinton appointee, said officials were not acting within the bounds set by Congress when they suspended the entry of people from Canada and Mexico, regardless of their country of origin, into the United States.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at the time cited the COVID-19 pandemic. Then-Director Robert Redfield said the order was necessary to continue to protect the public health from an increase in the serious danger of the introduction of COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus. He cited the Public Health Service Act as legal justification for the order.

The policy has led to the expulsion of over 300,000 migrants as of December, according to federal data.

A 16-year-old boy from Guatemala who lawyers say fled to the United States to reunite with his father is the plaintiff. He was detained around the border in Texas and was slated to be expelled from the country.

Lawyers said the government should have given shelter to the boy and ultimately released him to his father or another suitable sponsor in America as he awaited a hearing to determine whether he was allowed to stay in the United States.

The Department of Homeland Security declined to comment, referring The Epoch Times to the Department of Justice. That department didnt respond to an inquiry.

Stephen Miller, a former immigration adviser to former President Donald Trump, said in a tweet that the ruling will put coyotes out of business & save lives on both sides of the border  as long as @POTUS follows the science and implements CDCs order.

American Civil Liberties Union lawyer Lee Gelernt said in a statement that the group will continue to litigate this case on behalf of these vulnerable unaccompanied children, who are in need of protection and legally entitled to apply for asylum.

But we hope the Biden administration will not make ongoing litigation necessary by rescinding this illegal policy created by the Trump administration, he added.
WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden warned Friday of a steep and growing cost of inaction on his $1.9 trillion COVID relief plan as the White House searched for creative ways to win public support for a package that is getting a cold shoulder from Senate Republicans.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen listens during a meeting with President Joe Biden in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, Jan. 29, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden warned Friday of a steep and growing cost of inaction on his $1.9 trillion COVID relief plan as the White House searched for creative ways to win public support for a package that is getting a cold shoulder from Senate Republicans.

In the age of COVID, its not as simple as jumping on a plane to travel the country and try to gin up a groundswell. And at a time of deep polarization, Biden may struggle to convince Republican voters of the urgency when Congress already has approved $4 trillion in aid, including $900 billion last month.

Biden signalled on Friday for the first time that he's willing to move ahead without Republicans.

I support passing COVID relief with support from Republicans if we can get it," he told reporters. "But the COVID relief has to pass. No ifs, ands or buts.

His message so far has been that a fresh $1.9 trillion in aid would be a bargain compared to the potential damage to the world's largest economy if it doesn't pass. An aggressive push for vaccinations and generous aid to individuals would help put parents back to work and let children return to school and improve their lifetime earnings, Biden said at a Friday meeting with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. They met in the Oval Office, where the fireplace was lit to protect against the chill in Washington.

We have learned from past crises that the risk is not doing too much, he said. The risk is not doing enough.

Only a week into his presidency, Biden is confronting the challenge of selling his first major piece of legislation to a country he has pledged to unite. Private calls with Republican lawmakers have yet to produce any progress on reaching a deal, while Senate Democrats are now preparing to pass the measure strictly on partisan lines as soon as next week.

Some Biden allies have expressed frustration that the administration has not more clearly defined what the massive legislation would actually accomplish. The new president instead has largely focused his first nine days in office on signing executive orders rolling back his predecessors policies.

In particular, Biden, for whom the widespread distribution of coronavirus vaccines will be a defining test, has not explained what the increased money for testing and vaccination would achieve -- including how much quicker the White House believes it would help bring about an end to the pandemic.

Biden's outreach to senators has largely brought criticism that the plan should be more targeted and that the country can afford to wait to see the effects of the stimulus dollars that were approved in December.

Republican lawmakers see a need for speeding vaccinations, but one Senate aide said their offices are not being bombarded with calls for an additional aid package. Constituents are more focused on the looming impeachment trial, said the aide, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations.

This has left the Biden team trying to expand its outreach beyond Capitol Hill.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden recognizes the importance of speaking directly to the American people about his plan for vaccinations and supporting the economy, but the pandemic has limited his ability to safely travel to drum up support. The administration is relying on TV interviews by White House officials and allies with local media and national shows like The View, as well as calls with governors, local officials and progressive and civic groups.

Were taking a number of creative steps, a little outside of the box, Psaki said. Certainly, his preference would be to get on a plane and fly around the country.

Part of the challenge is that Biden must convince the public how different components of his proposal would work together. His plan allots $400 billion to spearhead a national vaccination program and the reopening of schools. It also includes $1,400 in direct payments to individuals, which critics say should be more targeted. And it includes a raise in the the minimum wage to $15 and aid for state and local governments, a nonstarter for most Republicans.

Many Republicans are under more political pressure from donors and activists back home to rein in spending than to approve more. Some Republicans particularly object to what are still seen by many as bailouts for cash-strapped state and local governments.

Some do support a deal, just not what Biden is offering. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, a member of a bipartisan group of legislators contacted by the administration, said he supports funds for vaccine distribution and even potentially extra jobless benefits, but he wants a full accounting of what funding remains from previous aid packages.

Unemployment insurance, they think its an emergency, well we have unemployment insurance in place until mid March. Wheres the emergency? Portman said. Am I against extending it, no Im not. I think we should, based on some economic factors. But it just doesnt make sense.

Recent economic reports show the economy is still under severe strain, yet there is also the potential for the strongest growth in more than two decades once the coronavirus is contained.

The Commerce Department said Thursday the U.S. economy shrank 3.5% last year, and on Friday it reported that consumer spending  the main driver of growth  had slumped 0.2% in December. But the consumer spending report also suggested that the expanded unemployment benefits from the $900 billion aid package passed that same month had managed to boost incomes.

Gregory Daco, an economist at Oxford Economics, said, "The COVID relief bill of December essentially addressed the past, the dwindling aid at the end of 2020, Now the administration must sell the public on what lies ahead.

He said, The American Rescue Plan  its a plan geared toward the future, bridging the gap between January and September, when people will be able to spend more freely.
The development of a new airport is hoped to facilitate tourism and hinterland logistics in Rayalaseema region.  Representational image

Anantapur: IndiGo airlines will fly between Kurnool (Orvakal airport) and Bengaluru, Visakhapatnam, and Chennai cities from March 28. The flights would be operated under the Udan regional connectivity scheme.

IndiGo chief strategy and revenue officer Sanjay Kumar said this project will strategically enhance regional connectivity in southern states. He proposed operations from one of the three capitals in Andhra Pradesh, which could also be node for the upcoming Hyderabad-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor."

Flights on all three routes -- Bengaluru-Kurnool, Visakhapatnam-Kurnool and Chennai-Kurnool  will be operated four times a week under the regional connectivity scheme.

Under the Udan scheme, financial incentives are extended from the Centre, the state governments and airport operators to selected airlines to encourage operations from unserved and underserved airports, and also to keep airfares affordable.

In the view of Kurnool being proposed as the judicial capital of Andhra Pradesh and as there are more chances of increased accessibility for travellers, not only tourists but also government officials would engage in air travel, he said.

The director of civil aviation (DGCA) has granted licence to the Andhra Pradesh airports development corporation ltd(APDCL) to open Kurnool airport (Orvakal) for public use following an inspection of the site by an official team a few days ago. Nod has been given for commencement of commercial operations of aircraft from Kurnool.

Indigo Airlines has been selected as the private operator under Udan-4 scheme and it has finalised plans to operate flights from there to Chennai, Visakhapatnam and Bengaluru from March 28. The airport is 350km away from Vijayawada and 360km from Bengaluru. The nearest major international airport is Hyderabad, some 200km away.

The development of a new airport is hoped to facilitate tourism and hinterland logistics in Rayalaseema region.

BIACL is tasked with the development, operation and maintenance of a greenfield airport at Orvakal in Kurnool district through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) on design, build, finance, operate and transfer (DBFOT) basis.

As Kurnool is situated in the west-central portion of the state and bound by Mahabubnagar district of Telangana, Raichur district, Bellary district of Karnataka, Anantapur and Kadapa districts in the south east and Prakasam district in the east, air traffic from there is expected to increase.

The service sector in Kurnool district has shown steady boom over the years as compared to other sectors, the report revealed.

The first phase is proposed to be constructed to accommodate the traffic projected for up to year 2030. The expansion plan for 2045 is proposed to be implemented in phases. It is proposed to develop the airport for operations of ATR-72 type aircraft in first phase till 2030 to economize the project cost. The ultimate development objective for the airport shall be for operation of Boeing 737-900 or equivalent aircraft till 2045.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Gov. Andrew Cuomo is permitting indoor dining go forward in New York City again.

But, true to form, Cuomo just cant relinquish control of how its going to go down.

Cuomo on Friday announced that city restaurants would be allowed to reopen at 25 percent capacity on Valentines Day, which is Sunday, Feb. 14.

Valentines Day? Why wait so long?

Cuomo said that restaurants wanted time to properly gear up, including getting staff back and ordering supplies.

Whos he talking to?

Restaurant owners we hear from on Staten Island, whove been hanging on by their fingernails these last few months, are ready to get back to business yesterday. They need to start making money as soon as possible.

Why not give them the option? Let eateries open on Monday if theyre able. That would give restaurants a fighting chance to salvage something out of this cruel winter. Every day back in business counts.

Restaurants that have continued to do outdoor dining these last few months are likely able enough to get indoor dining off the ground on short notice. Let them!

And why does Cuomo continue to cling to the 25 percent capacity limit for city restaurants when eateries in other state regions are at 50 percent?

By Cuomos own count, restaurants were responsible for just 1.4 percent of infections from September to November of last year.

If Cuomo refuses to relent on the 25 percent cap, he at least needs to give some kind of timeline regarding when the capacity will be increased.

Its not a huge risk. Cuomo on Friday not only said that the holiday COVID spike is over, but that experts say that test positivity numbers should continue to drop.

New York City test positivity stood at 5.27 on Friday, according to state statistics. The statewide number was 4.65.

Nationwide, CNN estimates that between 12 and 33 percent of Americans already have immunity from COVID-19. That takes into account the 26 million who have been vaccinated as well as those who acquired immunity after recovering from the virus.

Thats a lot of positive news and gives Cuomo plenty of leeway to play with.

So lets have some kind of framework for increasing capacity to 50 percent. Because, yes, of course, 25 percent is better than zero, but its not going to keep everybody in business.

This is something thats should already be happening. But Cuomo is utterly unwilling to relinquish any of the emergency authority that hes amassed as a result of the pandemic.

And Cuomo also continues to cling to the 10 p.m. curfew at restaurants. As if youre safe from COVID at 9:59 p.m. but suddenly at some kind of huge risk come 10:01. Its not science. Its not facts. Its Cuomo throwing his weight around.

Mayor Bill de Blasio doesnt get any plaudits in this whole thing either.

When reporters asked for his take on restarting indoor dining, de Blasio said that it was Cuomos decision to make. He said whatever Cuomo did, the city would work with it.

Way to go! Great leadership from the man who oversees one of the greatest restaurant cities in the history of civilization.

Happy as I am to see the comeback of indoor dining, Ill hold off popping any champagne corks for now. Because weve all seen this movie before, right?

Indoor dining was re-opened back in September after being suspended during the pandemic. But Cuomo shut it down again in December.

Given all the gloom and doom from Cuomo lately about virus mutations, dont be surprised to see indoor dining shut down again. Which would be the unkindest cut of all for business owners.
[January 29, 2021] Google Maps Ranking Guide by MAP SEO Experts KISS PR

Dallas, TX , Jan. 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- If you want your business listing to rank on top of Google and dominate your competition on local search results for your targeted keywords and geographic areas then you have arrived at the right destination. For any business, getting a good amount of qualified traffic from search engines is important. Finding the quick, effective, and easiest way for the target audience to reach your business may seem to be challenging. If you have a local business or organization and targeting local customers then Google has an effective solution for your Local marketing needs. Google Maps marketing is a great way for your business to reach your local target audience. The Google Maps Are Very Effective When it comes to Local SEO, Google Maps marketing is the fastest, easiest and effective way to promote your business online and to get easily found by your local audience when searched on your target keywords or your business name/title.

People Mostly Depend on Google to Search Businesses It's a very well known fact that the majority of people rely on Google Maps results to find any Local business services, organizations, professional services, goods or products, nearby stores, and many other businesses information in their local area. Also, its no wonder that, in the world of the Internet, Google Maps plays a major role in helping people discover accurate nearby local businesses information quickly and easily. Let Google Know Your Business Exists For the target audience to reach your business easily on local search, it is important to let Google know that your business exists as Google Maps helps your target audience reach your business quickly and easily. Get Your Business Listed On Google Maps  Its Important If you have a business, agency, or organization, and if it is not found on Google maps for your target keywords or at least when searched on your business name then, that doesn't seem to be good to the potential customer. There are high chances to lose your potential customers to your competitors. Expect High Sales Conversion from Google Maps Results The sales conversion rate is very high from Google Maps results. This helps the top-listed (on Google maps results) businesses to improve their sales performance and take their business to the next level, just with a FREE Google My Business listing! The Goal is To Rank on Google Maps 3 Pack Results! Rank your Google Business listing higher than that of your competitors on Google Maps to achieve the best results. Typically Google displays only 3 businesses on Page 1 Maps search results for General search queries; these results are known as Google Maps 3 Pack. Ranking the business listing on Google 3 pack for the target keywords should be the goal to get qualified traffic and boosted sales conversion rate. Image Source [1] Submit on Google Maps for FREE Fortunately, Google allows submitting any business information (that is accurate and real) to Google Maps by adding your information to Google My Business profile for FREE! User Friendly and Easily Accessible With Call-To-Action Buttons Google Maps results are compatible and easily accessible on all types of Smartphones, Mobile devices, Tabloids, desktops, and laptops. The Google Maps results are displayed when searched by typing text or by voice search on Google. Google Maps results provide call-to-action information of your business on the search results to help people to call or contact your business quickly and easily. Get a Google My Business Account Business owners should take advantage of the great opportunity offered by Google by submitting and verifying their business information to Google. The process is really simple; all that you need to have a Gmail account, using which you can create a Google My Business listing (also known as GMB). Google My Business is the way to create free business listings on Google Maps for Businesses and to get on Google directly. Verified GMB profile Displays on Google Maps Once Google My Business listing is verified by Google, the Business information will be displayed on Google Maps results. You can simply check it by searching your Business Name/ Title (that you have used while creating the GMB profile) on Google. Providing Your Business Information for People to Reach You Its not just the Business name and the Phone number, but Google provides options to include more information about your business. The information typically includes Business Name, Address, Phone number, Website, Directions, Office timings/ hours, Images, Customer ratings & reviews and other information that helps the Google visitor to know more about that Business. Right Way for the Customers to Reach Your Business Google My Business listing not only helps your customers find your business or organization information quickly and easily on local search results but also helps you respond to your customers' queries and reviews they post and improves customer interaction. If you are a business owner and looking for the fastest way to get your business on Google for your Company/ Agency title and for target search terms then, Google My Business is the right approach. Direct Access for Customers to Reach Your Business Most importantly, people can directly make a phone call from the GMB listing to the number that has been provided/ displayed on the listing. The insights are available to analyze the traffic and how the audience searched for your business. You can know how many people searched for your business, requested directions, and how many phone calls were made. Google My Business listing account is quite transparent. The insights help you discover how best your Google My Business listing is working for your business or organization. Google Maps - Organic (FREE) Listing and Paid Advertising Google offers both, Free Google My Business listing and Paid Local search ads. Google offers both, Free Google My Business listing and Paid Local search ads. Organic results are free listings and you dont have to spend a penny on Google for your business to get listed and ranked well on Google Maps. But to achieve the top results on Google Maps and to get ranked on Google Maps 3 pack, appropriate and effective Google Maps marketing of your GMB listing is necessary. Depending on the efforts you put and the marketing tactics you perform, the keyword rankings will improve and the business listing will be ranked on Google 3-pack. Google Local search ad is a paid advertising tool by which you can target your local area. Depending on the bidding, these local ads are displayed on top of the Google Maps 3 Pack Organic results. The charges are based on cost-per-click. You can set-up a budget as per your requirement and convenience. Local search ads are ideal for instant results. Are You Already Listed on Google Maps? Check for it. Make sure whether your Business is already listed on Google My Business Listing or not. In many cases, business owners dont find time to list their business information on Google My Business and sometimes they ignore it. There are chances these unlisted local businesses get listed on Google Maps by default. In this type of case; Google (by default) gets the address and other basic business information from the Websites Contact us page. When this listing is found by a business owner he/she should claim it and verify the business ownership. So, first, you need to search on Google with your Business Name, Title, or Phone number that is displayed on your website contact us page. If the listing is found then you can claim it. If you dont find your business listing then you have to set-up one. Google My Business Listing Check-list (an Overview) Before you set-up the Google My Business Listing, you have to make sure that you have the accurate and well-formatted NAP; NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone number. Use the same NAP that is displayed on your website contact page. Have this information ready before you move forward to set-up your Google My Business Listings: Business Name/ Title (Capitalize the first letter of each Word)

Business Address

Office timings/ Business hours

Business Description (short length around up to 30 words recommended)

Phone number

Website URL

Keywords/ Tags

Proile Picture

Cover Photo

Other Images/ Photos

Company short length video (if any)



Remember, the great profile not only attracts and engages the customers but also develops trust in your business. Make sure to fully load your profile with your business information and other assets (Your offerings, HD-photos, short length HD video, link to blog articles, etc...) and choose the relevant business category. Set-Up Your Google My Business Account:

To set up your Google My Business listing: Sign in to Gmail (that you want to associate your business listing with) and open the URL https://www.google.com/business/ . (If you dont have a Gmail account then create one for GMB listing) As per Google Support [1] Sign up for Google My Business Note: There might be a listing for an old business at the same location where youre registering a new business. Do not attempt to claim it. Instead, suggest an edit to have it marked as closed. Then, proceed with creating a new Google My Business listing for your business. On your computer, sign in to Google My Business. Sign in to your Google Account, or create one. Then, click Next. Sign up with your business email domain since this account will be for your chain. Enter the name of your business or chain. You can also select your chain from the suggestions that appear as you type (if applicable). Enter your business or chains address. You may also be asked to position a marker on the location of your chains branch on a map. If your business doesnt have a physical location but works in a service area, you can list the area instead. Then, click Next. Choose if you want your business location to appear on Google Maps. If you serve customers at your business address: Enter your business address. Click Next. Tip: If you also serve customers outside your business address, you'll have the option to list your service areas as well. If you don't serve customers at your business address: Enter your business address. At the bottom, click I deliver goods and services to my customers and then Next. List your service areas, then click Next. Search for and select a business category. You can also choose a more specific category as appropriate. Then, click Next. Enter a phone number or website URL for your chain, and click Finish. Tip: You'll also have the option to create a free website based on your information. Its recommended that you provide the individual phone number or store page for each location, rather than a single centralized call center. Select a verification option. To verify later, click Verify later and then Later. If youre not authorized to manage the Business Profile for the chain, find the person in your organization whos authorized and continue the process. Verify Your Google My Business Listing You can verify your Google My Business Listings by any of the following options: By Phone, By Email, By Postcard or Instant Verification Your GMB Listing Appears on Google Maps Once Its Verified by Google Once your business listing is verified by Google, it appears on Google Maps results. To view your listing, you can simply search on Google with your Business Name/ Title (that has been used while submitting your business listing). Make Sure to Optimize Your Google My Business Listing As per Aja Frost [2] How to Optimize Your GMB Listing Once you've verified your business, it's time to finish fleshing out your profile.

Go to the Google My Business dashboard, click the listing you'd like to work on, select "Info," and then choose a section to fill out or update.

Add as much information and media as you can, including a business profile photo, the area you serve, your hours, attributes (e.g. "wheelchair accessible," "free wifi"), the day and year you opened, and a public phone number and website URL.

Anyone can "suggest an edit" to your listing, so it's important to A) get everything right the first time (so you don't encourage random people to make their own changes) and B) periodically log into your GMB dashboard and make sure all the details look right.

At any point in time, you can edit your business profile by logging into your GMB dashboard, clicking on "Info," clicking the pencil next to the field you'd like to edit, making your change, and then choosing "Apply." Google My Business App Google My Business is also an available in-app form for both iOS and Android. You can use the app to: Update your business hours, location, contact information, and description

Post statuses and pictures

View search insights

You cannot use the app to:

Delete your business listing

Change its settings

Give ownership of the listing to another user You are Ready for Google Maps 3 Pack Marketing! The next steps are to market your Business Listings i.e. Google Maps Marketing. The end goal is to reach the top of Google Maps 3 pack results or at least within the 3 pack results. Google always wants to give the best to its visitors. So the question is, what are the best marketing tactics in the eyes of Google? To name just a few Google Maps Optimization (Provide as much information you can on your GMB Profile)

Do regular Activity

Provide accurate, relevant & latest information of your business on GMB

Post appealing and engaging assets (Content, HD Photos, Short Videos)

Get more reviews from customers

Respond to customer reviews and questions

Improve Interactions with customers

Publish blog content to your GMB

Perform content based Local SEO Google Maps Questions & Answers People have an option to post a question to get clarifications for their queries about your business services, products or some other information. Answer their questions without delay (as early as possible) as this would help them know and understand more about your services or products and get the information quickly that they are looking for. This process not only improves your activity on Google Maps but also develops trust among the people and increases the conversion rate. Acquire, Monitor and Respond to Google reviews This would be one of the great opportunities to prove your business's worth and attract more new customers. Many people read reviews and look at the ratings of businesses on Google Maps before they wanted to contact those businesses. Hereby, provide the best services or offer the best products to your customers and try to acquire good and honest reviews. Remember, a Happy customer brings more customers. Its not mandatory that every business will have positive reviews only. There are chances for negative reviews too. Make sure to respond to the negative reviews. For positive reviews: Make sure to respond by appreciating and thanking them for their extended support.

Make sure to respond by appreciating and thanking them for their extended support. For negative reviews: Do not ignore but respond to them. Try to address the issues in a polite manner. Post High-Quality Photos & Short Length Videos Profile Photo: Upload a profile photo (business logo, owners pic, or something that is relevant or fits for profile picture). This profile picture appears when you respond to the reviews, post new assets (pictures or videos) Post a cover photo that attracts the visitors. The cover photo is displayed on the top-front of your business listing. Post the latest high-quality photos of your work, before and after photos (if applicable), offerings, service area, location, social pictures, other info-graphics, products, or Goods as this would help visitors to know more information about you and your business. Post shorter videos (around 30 seconds or less) of your business, testimonials of happy customers, work done videos, your bio, your business services or products overview, latest happenings about your business, upcoming events, launchings, or about latest products. Remember, the more people know about you or your business, the more the chances for conversions. Publish your Blog Content to Google My Business Its a known fact that Informative and customer engaging content is the key to successful internet marketing. Fortunately, Google My Business listing allows you to publish your blog content (overview/ just a few lines) on GMB listing, and each posting links back to your website or blog page. This posting overview is displayed at the bottom area of your GMB listing. Post content on your blog (that has been integrated into your GMB listing) regularly (at least once a week); this helps visitors to view the latest news and updates of your business-related postings. Make sure to post the articles that are relevant to your business category. Add Your Social Media Profile Links Almost every business has social media accounts. Having social media presence is good for any business. Add your official business social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc...) to Google My Business listing. These social media site icons are displayed by Google at the bottom of your Google My Business listing. Adding social media to your Google My Business profile would gain good trust from Google. Create Local Citations Submit your business listing to high domain authority local directories. Also, try to acquire backlinks from the local directories of the areas you serve. Google My Business Insights  Track Results & Improve Customer Reach! Analytics helps you discover and track the traffic, user behavior, location metrics, bounce rate, business assets performance and helps you analyze more attributes. When you have Google My Business Listings its important to know how it is performing. The performance of your Google My Business listing can be tracked and analyzed using Insights present on your GMB account dashboard (it comes by default). The Google My Business Insights helps you in discovering how people find your business, Visitors' views, the number of clicks that your business listing has received, how many phone calls were made, how many people requested directions, and more. Pay Attention to Google Insights You will have to pay attention to the insights as it would help you track the overall results. Also, you can know how your business assets (Photos, videos, article links) are performing. You can delete non-performing assets and update the new/ latest assets to gain more attraction/ attention from the visitor. Quick View of Google Maps Marketing  Top 10 Create Google My Business Listing Optimize It Get reviews Manage GMB listing Update listing with latest assets (photos, videos, etc.) & Other Info Monitor and respond to reviews Answer to the Questions Keeping Posting content on Blog (that has been published on your GMB) Pay attention to Insights, track results (Know your customers' behavior) Get new and more positive reviews How Kiss PR Helps In Google Maps Marketing Though Google Maps Marketing is simple, it needs time and effort to perform activities, answering queries, responding to customer reviews, managing and maintaining the account on a regular basis. Being a busy business owner, you may not find time to do all this stuff. KissPR can help you rank your Google MAP using online press release distribution. helps your business grow by ranking your Google Business Listing on Google 3 pack results. Being a Google partner, KissPR introduced the latest integrations with Google My Business, allowing local businesses to efficiently manage listings and reviews. Take advantage of KissPRs content-based Google MAP SEO with a Google-approved best practice plan for quality conversion. KissPR helps you Secure Google 3 Pack Map Ranking and Rank Your Map through SEO Storytelling by writing and distributing of blogs, press releases and social media posts. All you have to do is answer the phone. Media Contact: KISS PR - az@kisspr.com >> Download Qamar Zaman Be the 1st on Google MAP Guide from Amazon<<

Googles Best Solution for Local SEO & Marketing

Source Links: [1] https://support.google.com/business/answer/6300717?hl=en [2] https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/google-my-business Image [1]: https://www.woorank.com/en/blog/ranking-google-maps-local-3-pack https://www.amazon.com/Qamar-Zaman/e/B081PB6TVN/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1

This news has been published for the above source. KISS PR Google MAP SEO Experts [ID=16550] Disclaimer: The information does not constitute advice or an offer to buy. Any purchase made from this story is made at your own risk. Consult an expert advisor/health professional before any such purchase. Any purchase made from this link is subject to the final terms and conditions of the website's selling. The content publisher and its distribution partners do not take any responsibility directly or indirectly. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the company this news is about.



Attachments Google Maps 3 Pack Marketing Guide

Qamar Zaman Book on Ranking GMB

The Google Maps Are Very Effective

The Goal is To Rank on Google Maps 3 Pack Results!



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[January 29, 2021] Global DC-DC Converter Market Leader EGTRONICS Wins the Korean SME Technology Innovation Award

EGTRONICS Co., Ltd. has recently been awarded with the "2020 Korean Small and Medium Venture Business Awards" in the technology innovation category by the South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS). This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210129005644/en/ EGTRONICS Dongtan R&D Center (Photo: Business Wire) Established in 2008, EGTRONICS is a Korean manufacturer of electric vehicle parts and communication power supplies and is a key partner of major domestic and overseas eco-friendly vehicle manufacturers and 5G mobile communication companies. It has been widely recognized for its competitiveness in the industry by developin high-efficiency, low-noise circuit technology for converter and inverter products, which are key parts of electric vehicles. The company was able to achieve an electrical energy conversion efficiency of 97% compared to the competitors' efficiency rating of 80 to 90%.



Company Technology Use Cases EGTRONICS supplied key components of hydrogen electric buses that operated during the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics. The company has been a supplier to Hyundai Motors since 2009 and became the sole supplier for fuel-cell electric trucks of Hyundai Motors.

Notable Products: DC-DC Converter and MCU The company's flagship product is the DC-DC converter which optimizes the battery capacity through its special algorithm. It is a core product for the eco-friendly vehicle and can be applicable from passenger use to commercial use such as buses and trucks. EGTRONICS is a global leader in DC-DC converter manufacturing as it is the only company in the world to produce converters that are specialized for 10kW capacity batteries. Through over two years of research, EGTRONICS had succeeded in developing the Motor Control Unit (MCU) which integrates power inverter and battery charger in a modular form. The MCU offers various benefits such as reducing the volume and weight of the parts as well as increasing the fuel efficiency of an EV. It also minimizes the electrical noise of the components which improves the stability of the system. Investments and Expansion The investors expect the company will be playing a big role in the growing EV market due to its technology and potential. EGTRONICS has already received investments of USD 7 million from major venture capital companies such as KB Investment, BNK Ventures, and Intervalue Partners. The investors' confidence in the company comes from the fact that it is the world's first company to commercialize both the converters and the inverters. The company exports its commercial vehicle parts to Europe and North America while supplying parts for small vehicles such as motorcycles to India. Turkey's Bozankaya and Poland's WB Group are some of the main partners. To accommodate the increase in demand, a new production facility will be in operation in 2021, which will double its production capacity to 300,000 units per year. In addition, its R&D center has recently completed the construction. "The 10 years of R&D of our company will give EGTRONICS the edge to compete with any company in the world," said Chan-Ho Kang, the CEO. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210129005644/en/

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With the Covid-19 pandemic gripping the world, your employees are likely to be spending significantly more time online.

But the overwhelming amount of news coverage surrounding the virus has created a new risk.

With large numbers of employees working from home, cyber criminals are taking advantage of the disruption, capitalising on the uncertainty to scam suspecting employees into handing over sensitive data and money.

Bogus callers, fake online stores and online and telephone frauds are just some of the scams that the general public should be wary of.

But what scams should each employee in your organisation be aware of?

We have pulled together information and resources to keep you up to speed on the types of scams out there during this uncertain period, examples of online scams (what has been in the news and what a scam looks like).

More importantly, we will provide you with tips on how to protect yourself and your employees.

Types of scams

1. Invoice Scams

A business may be contacted out of the blue by someone claiming to be from a regular supplier.

They state that their bank account details have changed and will ask you to change the payment details. Fraudsters are taking advantage of the current uncertainty, which is why this type of fraud is popular now.

Tip: Always call an existing supplier on a confirmed telephone number to make sure any demand of this nature is genuine.

2. CEO impersonation scams

A sophisticated scam that plays on the authority of company directors and senior managers.

An employee receives a phone call or email from someone claiming to be a senior member of staff  they ask for an urgent payment to a new account and instil a sense of panic.

Scammers may even hack a staff email account or use spoofing software to appear genuine.

Tip: Be wary and alert for any unexpected urgent requests for payment and always check the request in person if its possible.

3. Tech support scams

With more people working remotely and IT systems under pressure, criminals may impersonate well-known companies and offer to repair devices. Criminals are trying to gain computer access or get hold of passwords and login details. Once they have access, criminals can search the hard drive for valuable information.

Tip: Always be apprehensive of cold callers. Genuine companies would never call out of the blue and ask for financial information up front.

4. Coronavirus advice/ Government grant/tax refund scams

Criminals are pursuing new approaches to profiting from a global pandemic.

The number of phishing and smishing attempts have been on the rise as expected recently, as cybercriminals target an already uncertain and vulnerable society.

A business is contacted by phone, email or post by imposters claiming to be from a government or medical organisation.

For example, the scammer will suggest the business might qualify for a special Covid-19 government grant or a tax refund. Variations on the scheme involve contacts through text messages, social media posts and messages.

They will in some cases request the receiver to click on a link or download an attachment. You may also be asked to provide bank account or login details.

Tip: Organisations should be vigilant about unexpected urgent communications offering financial assistance. Check that the information is genuine and from a trustful source by using official government websites.

5. Fake Invoices/Suppliers

Cyber security criminals are mindful of the massive demand for health products during the Covid-19 crisis. Many companies will search for new suppliers to meet the current demand.

Fake websites and social media accounts are being created by cyber criminals, promoting face masks, ventilators, hand sanitisers, home cleaning products and more.

Cyber criminals will capitalise on this and offer bulk buying of the product, at a very hefty cost. These scammers will take the money, your personal details and fail to deliver the products.

Tip: Only work with a reputable supplier and purchase based on previous experience with the supplier.

Investigate any new suppliers by carrying out as much research as possible. This can be online reviews for example. Call their numbers provided if necessary and use business registration sites for proof of legitimacy.

Examples of online scams

A recent RTE story reported that a European business seeking to buy alcohol gels and protection masks transferred 6.6m to a company in Singapore after being conned by a fraudulent email. The goods never arrived.

BBC reported in April 2020, about a multi-million-euro coronavirus mask scam.

The alleged scam began after a German company tried to buy 10m masks, valued at about 15m (13m), from online suppliers.

The German buyer placed an online order on a fake Dutch website. Fraudsters put the buyer in touch with an Irish "intermediary", police say.

The German firm then made a down payment of 1.5m into an Irish companys bank account, based in County Roscommon, for masks that were not delivered.

A story published by the Irish Examiner recently reported that recently a businessman was attending a medical appointment.

While he was there, his wife received an email from him requesting her to transfer 30,000 to a bank account in Germany.

His wife carried out the transfer believing this email from her husband was genuine. Later that evening she made her husband aware the transfer had been successful.

They then realised they had been scammed and defrauded of 30,000.

How to protect yourself and your employees against scams

Do

l Wherever you access your online information, keep your software updated, including your browser, antivirus and operating system.

l Beware of unsolicited requests, especially if they are requesting sensitive information such as your online banking account password or credit or debit card PIN number.

l If its a telephone request, take the callers number and advise them that you will call them back. Look up the organisations phone number and contact them directly.

l When in doubt, double-check the website or give the company a call.

l Look at emails closely: compare the address with previous real messages and check for bad spelling and grammar.

l If you think you might have responded to a fraudulent email, text or call and provided your bank details, contact your bank immediately.

Don't

l Do not use the number they give you.

l Dont share your credit or debit card PIN number or your online banking password. Your bank will never ask for such details.

l Fraudsters can find your basic information online (e.g. social media). Dont assume a caller is genuine just because they have such details.

l Dont transfer money to another account on their request.

l Dont reply to suspicious emails or texts.

l Dont click on their links or download their attachments.

l Dont be rushed. Take your time and make the appropriate checks before responding.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-30 22:28:35|Editor: huaxia

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-- The Hualong One reactor, with all of its core components produced domestically, has a design life of 60 years and meets the strictest safety standards in the world, according to the CNNC.

-- "With Hualong One online, China is now at the forefront of third-generation nuclear technology in the world, alongside countries like the United States, France and Russia," said CNNC Chairman Yu Jianfeng.

-- Commercial use of the reactor will help optimize China's energy structure in favor of low-carbon development.

by Xinhua writers Liu Yinglun, Gao Jing and Zhang Huaying

BEIJING, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- China's first nuclear power unit using Hualong One, a domestically designed third-generation reactor, entered commercial operations, paving the way for mass construction and export.

The No. 5 unit in the city of Fuqing in east China's Fujian Province began generating electricity for sale after a seven-day trial run, said the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) on Saturday.

"With Hualong One online, China is now at the forefront of third-generation nuclear technology in the world, alongside countries like the United States, France and Russia," said CNNC Chairman Yu Jianfeng.

Commercial use of the reactor would help optimize China's energy structure in favor of low-carbon development, said Yu.

SAFETY FIRST

Safety is usually a massive concern for nuclear plants, only sharpened by Japan's 2011 Fukushima disaster. The Hualong One reactor has a design life of 60 years and meets the strictest safety standards in the world.

The reactor is complete with a combination of active and passive safety systems, double containment structure, as well as resistance against damage by the equivalent of a 9-magnitude earthquake, said Ye Qizhen, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

The passive safety system, which relies on natural forces like gravity, provides an extra safety net for the reactor when all power supplies shut down in emergencies, said Ye. The double containment structure can defend aircraft impact from outside and seal radioactive substances inside, he added.

Hualong One units can avoid nuclear leakages and quickly restart operations, even in the extreme Fukushima circumstances where an earthquake coupled with a tsunami, said Yu.

Staff members work at the control room of the No. 5 nuclear power unit in the city of Fuqing, southeast China's Fujian Province, Jan. 30, 2021. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan)

Hualong One's refined safety mechanisms call for delicate day-to-day maintenance. Protocols for safety tests at Mao Yuankai's department of the No. 5 unit amount to around 500 booklets, up from roughly 400 for Fuqing's previous units.



Mao, 36, is one of the 44 control room operators at the No. 5 unit. Rotating three eight-hour shifts every day, they are the constant guardians against even the tiniest chance of jeopardy.

Clad in dark navy uniforms, Mao heads a team of six in the control room above the reactor, gazing into a few dozen semi-circle screens showing the unit's status. To defuse safety risks in daily operations, they are familiar with about 5,000 booklets of protocols and thousands of different alarms.

"I need to keep studying for as long as I live to handle possible emergencies better," said Mao.

HOMEGROWN TECH

Boasting 716 national patents and 65 international ones, over 200 overseas trademarks, and 125 software copyrights, Hualong One is China's homegrown model of the safer and more efficient third-generation reactor.

Hualong One's reactor core contains 177 fuel assemblies. The idea, first conceived in the late 1990s, remains the reactor's signature innovation.

The design can increase the unit's power by 5 percent to 10 percent while making it safer, said Liu Changwen, one of Hualong One's designers.

Hualong One also extended the refueling interval to 18 months, making it more cost-effective, according to Wu Lin, former vice president of the Nuclear Power Institute of China (NPIC).

Photo taken on Jan. 30, 2021 shows the No. 5 nuclear power unit in the city of Fuqing, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan)

To ensure all core components were produced domestically, 17 universities and research institutions, as well as 58 state-owned enterprises and over 140 private firms across China participated in Hualong One's development. The number of suppliers for the No. 5 unit topped 5,300 nationwide.

The steam generator, for example, is among the 411 core components domesticated for Hualong One. While they were mostly imported from countries like France and the United States before 2007, China's first patented model was created within 27 months by a team led by NPIC experts. It works as well as those in other third-generation power plants worldwide, if not better, said Wu.

Domestic steam generators have been adopted in Fuqing's No. 5 and No. 6 units, as well as the two Hualong One units under construction in Pakistan. A total of 12 are installed and another 12 are in the making.

Self-reliant core-component production will nurture China's high-tech manufacturing industry and make Hualong One reactors less prone to export restrictions, said Wu.

NUCLEAR FUTURE

Nuclear power is considered a clean energy source, promoted for global low-carbon development. Could Hualong One's step forward in commercial operations mean a step forward for China and the world in nuclear energy?

According to the CNNC, mass construction of the Hualong One reactor is in motion in China. In September 2020, China approved two new projects in Hainan and Zhejiang Provinces using Hualong One technology.

Hualong One reactor exports are supported by its comprehensive and self-reliant product standards that cover the reactor's full life cycle, said the CNNC.

With the largest nuclear power market globally, China is capable of providing services throughout the nuclear industry chain, said Yu.

"On the back of the commercial use and mass construction of Hualong One, China's nuclear industry will take up a larger share in the global market," said Yu.

Aerial photo taken on Jan. 30, 2021 shows a view of Fujian Fuqing Nuclear Power Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), in Fuqing, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan)

China vowed to peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Experts say that the goals call for much more reliance on low-carbon alternatives like nuclear power.



Nuclear power can potentially take up as much as 20 percent of the country's energy structure, said Yu.

China had 49 working nuclear reactor units at the end of 2020. Nuclear power plants generated 366.24 billion kWh of electricity last year, accounting for 4.94 percent of the total power output, data from the China Nuclear Energy Association showed.

The No. 5 unit will likely generate nearly 10 billion kWh of electricity each year, potentially reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 8.16 million tonnes in annual terms, according to CNNC data. Enditem

(Video reporter: Lin Kai; Video editor: Zhang Yucheng)

Hong Kong: Govt mourns Lam Ka-tai

Chief Executive Carrie Lam has led tributes to Deputy Director of Social Welfare (Services) Lam Ka-tai who passed away today.

She said: I worked with Ka-tai while I was the Director of Social Welfare from 2000 to 2003. I was deeply impressed by his enthusiasm for work, care for senior citizens and the disadvantaged groups and upholding of the profession of social workers.

Modest and dedicated, he was willing to listen and resolved problems proactively, earning him the respect of the social welfare sector and the love of colleagues of the department.

Ka-tai dearly loved his mother and was sincere to people, showing respect and care to senior citizens as if they were his own family members.

Mrs Lam also noted that during her tenure as Director of Social Welfare, she joined forces with him to handle an urgent request for assistance from an elderly man, Uncle Fook.

In the past decade or so, Ka-tai would accompany me to visit Uncle Fook during the Lunar New Year holidays and he also showed care for Uncle Fook's daily life in other times until he passed away not long ago.

A role model for civil servants, Ka-tai continued to serve with his full passion and enthusiasm in the social welfare sector over the past 30 years or so.

The Chief Executive said she is deeply shocked and saddened by his passing, adding that it is a tremendous loss for the government.

She extended her deepest condolences to Mr Lam's family, saying the Government will provide all necessary assistance for his funeral arrangements.

Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung also expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mr Lam.

Mr Cheung said he worked closely with him from 2007 to 2017 on poverty alleviation, enhancement of social welfare planning and building a caring, compassionate and cohesive society when he served as Secretary for Labour & Welfare.

He also highlighted Mr Lam's strong passion for helping the poor and the disadvantaged.

He was a highly committed and conscientious civil servant. He was a real gentleman, always courteous, helpful and sincere.

KT was highly and widely respected by all in the Social Welfare Department and in the welfare sector.

We have lost an outstanding social welfare policymaker and practitioner with a strong sense of professionalism.

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Dr Law Chi-kwong said colleagues in the Labour & Welfare Bureau are saddened by Mr Lams passing and that it is a great loss to their team.

In serving the Social Welfare Department for 33 years, his strong commitment to serve, hard work and quality performance earned respect from colleagues across disciplines as well as stakeholders, organisations and frontline personnel in the welfare sector.

Regardless of positions, he was a good listener and communicator. He led his teams in implementing people-oriented welfare initiatives with a mission to help those in need and he fully demonstrated the professionalism of a social worker.

Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip lauded Mr Lam as a conscientious and dedicated colleague who showed empathy and had served with strong commitment in his more than 30 years of public service.

He would always be a role model for civil servants. On behalf of the civil service, I offer my deepest condolences to his family.

Director of Social Welfare Gordon Leung also said he was deeply saddened to learn of Mr Lam's passing, adding that the department will make every effort to provide assistance for his family as appropriate.

Mr Lam joined the department in July 1987. He served as Assistant Director (Subventions) from September 2010 to June 2012 and Assistant Director (Rehabilitation & Medical Social Services) from June 2012 to September 2013.

He had served as Deputy Director of Social Welfare (Services) since September 2013.

Mr Lam was found unconscious at the office and sent to the hospital on January 20. He passed away today.

This story has been published on: 2021-01-30. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
A sinister death threat painted on a wall in east Belfast which warned Tanaiste Leo Varadkar hed be killed if he set foot in Ulster is been treated as hate crime.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed they were investigating the graffiti which was discovered on the side of a shop on Drumart Square in the Belvior estate overnight.

Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster condemned the graffiti saying violence has no place in democracy.

Violence or the threat of violence has no place in democracy. I condemn those behind this. The Northern Ireland Protocol needs replaced but violence will not achieve it," Ms Foster said.

SDLP MP Claire Hanna compared the threats which have since been painted over to statements used by the Klu Klux Klan.

Actions like this will persist until we treat backward elements as the societal threats they are. Words on walls and words from politicians have consequences - time for leadership and calm.

She said those who are intent on relighting sectarian and racist fires need to be tackled "swiftly and completely.

A PSNI spokesperson said: "Police in south Belfast received a report of criminal damage at Drumart Square in Belvoir Estate on Saturday, January 30.

"It was reported that graffiti had been written on a wall in the area sometime between 6pm on Friday and 10am on Saturday morning. The matter is being treated as a hate crime by police.

Fine Gael TD Fergus ODowd, Chair of the Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, said: The language of hate and lynch mobs is not the language of the vast majority of the people of Northern Ireland and we should not give credence to the racist ranting of a few disturbed individuals.
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Highly anticipated: Hyundai has been in talks with Apple about a possible partnership for developing an autonomous electric car. However, while a deal previously seemed to be on the horizon, a new report claims that Hyundai executives are divided over the prospect of joining forces with Apple for its long-anticipated Project Titan.

Earlier this month, Hyundai confirmed that it was in talks with Apple concerning the future production of an autonomous electric car. The newswhich claimed that a deal could be inked as early as Marchsent Hyundai stock skyward.

A new report from Reuters claims that a deal between the two companies is far from confirmed. Instead, executives at the South Korean car maker are said to be concerned about Hyundai manufacturing for another brand. We are agonizing over how to do it, whether it is good to do it or not, one Hyundai executive told the publication. We are not a company which manufactures cars for others. It is not like working with Apple would always produce great results.

To avoid a culture clash between the two, the report adds that Hyundai could end up replacing some executives. Despite Hyundais reservations, the company is also said to have excess capacity, meaning that contract manufacturing could be a sensible option.

Apples electric vehicle plans are no secret. The company has been developing autonomous driving software while making a series of key acquisitions for years now. It is believed that hundreds of Apple employees are actively working on a self-driving car. Moving its anticipated Project Titan to production may well be the next stage in Apples electric transportation ambitions.

Whether Hyundai agrees to be Apple's manufacturing partner, however, remains to be seen.
Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor's Advisor Farooq Khan on Saturday said the administration would give priority to resolving problems faced by veterans and families of slain soldiers.

He was speaking at a function organised by Jammu and Kashmir's Sainik Welfare Department to mark the Golden Jubilee of India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war on Martyrs' Day at Balidan Stambh here.

Khan also laid a wreath at the memorial.

"There is a requirement for the citizens/NGOs to keep in touch with the veterans and martyrs' families to draw lessons from their rich experience," he said.

Students can draw motivation from stories of valour and sacrifice of soldiers, he added.

Veterans and war widows of the 1971 campaign were the special invitees at the event. They were felicitated at the event.

Besides, prominent citizens, NGOs, NCC cadets and students attended the event, a defence spokesperson said.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
A New York judge on Friday increased pressure on former President Donald J. Trumps family business and several associates, ordering them to give state investigators documents in a civil inquiry into whether the company misstated assets to get bank loans and tax benefits.

It was the second blow that the judge, Arthur F. Engoron of State Supreme Court in Manhattan, had dealt to Mr. Trumps company in recent weeks.

In December, he ordered the company, the Trump Organization, to produce records that its lawyers had tried to shield, including some related to a Westchester County, N.Y., property that is among those being scrutinized by the New York State attorney general, Letitia James.

On Friday, Justice Engoron went further, saying that even more documents, as well as communications with a law firm hired by the Trump Organization, had to be handed over to Ms. Jamess office. In doing so, he rejected the lawyers claim that the documents at issue were covered by attorney-client privilege.
An anti-drug exhibit is seen at the Drug Elimination museum in Yangon, Myanmar.

Loyalty to the Heavens, read the banner; beneath it, a man cried in pain as a blowtorch was held to his feet, hammer-blow jolts from an electric cattle-prod occasionally thrown in to punctuate his agony. It wasnt personal: The man had dumped three hundred kilograms of high-grade crystal meth into the sea, claiming to have mistaken an approaching speedboat for law-enforcement. The cartels human-resources department had been asked to make be sure the man hadnt helped himself to the cargo and made up the story; their clinically precise work was then circulated for the edification of other potentially careless employees.

Earlier this month, at the end of a years-long hunt involving at least twenty police forces and intelligence services, police at Amsterdams Schipol airport held the man who had that video made. Tse se Chi Lopknown to his rank-and-file as Sam Gor, Cantonese for Brother Number 3, and chief executive of what is simply called The Companyis alleged to have run networks that made upwards of $20 billion each year from its methamphetamine sales alone.

Tse has been called Asias own Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, a metaphor thats fitting in more ways than one: Like in Mexico, the elimination of a high-profile cartel head is, more likely than not, just the beginning of a new, even uglier story. The stage for this particular story, though, lies just next-door to India.

WATCHED over by his sixteen grandchildren, four daughters, four sons, and wife, the Emperor of Poppies was laid to rest in a glass coffin in the summer of 2013. As monks prayed to ease the passage of his soul into heaven, a procession of top government officials and business leaders lined up to pay their respects. From his infamous days as Southeast Asias biggest heroin trafficker, Lo was brought into the system, emerging at the head of one of Myanmars biggest industrial conglomerates.

The surreal history of East Asias narco-kingdoms, as dark as any opium nightmare, teaches us what happens when authoritarianism, corruption and underdevelopment collude to bring about the implosion of polities.

In the 1950s, Olive Yang, the convent-educated daughter of a notable from Kokangon the borders of Myanmars Shan state and Yunnan, in Chinaset up militia with some 1,000 members. Her militia was part of a tapestry of warlord fiefdoms with emerged in wake of independence. The new organisation was backed by the Kuomintang, which had been thrown out of China by Mao Zedongs Peoples Liberation Army, Yang funded her militia by running truckloads of opium to the Thai border.

In 1962, Yang was arrested, only to be released two years later. In the 1980s, she was to emerge as a key broker of peace accords with insurgents, working with Myanmar intelligence chief General Khin Nyunt.

Following an extraordinary colourful life, which included bisexual relationships with some of Myanmars top movie artistes, Yang eventually renounced the world and became a nun. Her story, however, became a template for warlordism in Kokang. Yang was succeeded by her brother Jimmy Yang, co-founder of the East Burma Bank. In turn, Jimmy Yang gave way to Lo.

Los ascendance was built on striking a deal with Myanmars army, giving him the right to run opium convoys on major roads without hindrance in return for making his troops available to fight ethnic insurgents. His brother, Lo Hsing Ko, was  conveniently  appointed police chief for Kokang.

From the mid-1970s, Pheung Kya-shin emerged as a competitor  backing the Communist Party of Burma, instead of the government, in return for support for his heroin-running operations. In the 1980s, when the Communist Party of Burma split, its remnants signed a ceasefire deal with the government. In return, it was allowed a free run of the heroin trade. Feud followed feud, until Pheung was forced out of the region in 2009  only to strike back in February.

From 2015, till his death in December, Pheungs intermittently waged war against Myanmars armed forces through the eastern Kokang . Fighting, at its peak, involved artillery and combat jets, forcing tens of thousands of local people out of their homes.

His successors were, by then, already in place. Tse, according to a profile by the journalist Tom Allard, had been born in Guangzhou in 1963, growing up in a landscape shaped by Maos forced labor camps, massacres of political opponents and mass starvation. He is believed, as a teenager, to have joined a crime cartel set up by formerly imprisoned Red Guards, jailed after the fall of the despot, called the Like many other members of the Big Circle Gang, Tse first moved to Hong Kong; later, in 1988, he immigrated to Canada.

Through the 1990s, Tse shuttled between North America, Australia and East Asia, working as mid-ranking operator sourcing heroin from the Golden Triangle, the largely lawless opium-producing region at the intersection of Myanmar, Thailand, China and Laos.

In 1998, Tse was convicted with drug-trafficking in New York, and faced a potential life sentence. His lawyer pleaded for clemency. Tses ageing parents, his petition claimed, needed care; his son, then 12, had a lung condition. He expressed great sorrow for his crimes. Nine years later, Tse was out of prison. His great sorrow, event show, soon waned.

At his peak, Allard has said, Tse was protected by a guard of Thai kickboxers. He flies by private jet. And, police say, he once lost $66 million in a single night at a Macau casino.

TSEs rise coincided with a significant turn in the structure of the narcotics business in East Asia: From a single-point reliance on opium, began to shift increasingly to synthetics, often manufactured from chemicals sourced from Yunnan. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Organised Crime has documented a gradual reduction in opium acreage in Myanmar, as well as farm-gate prices for the crop. However, it noted, cartels significantly scaled up the production of methamphetamine and other synthetic drugs for the regional market.

Acting against the cartels, necessarily, need the warlords of the Golden Triangle to be displaced with viable State structures. That is, however, easier said than done. Ever since 2011, Myanmar has entered into ceasefires with over 15 ethnic insurgent groups, working towards a negotiated political settlement. In practice, however, many of the groups have used the ceasefire periods to expand narcotics fiefdoms.

Law enforcement agencies in Myanmar have told UNODOC that they were restricted in their ability to undertake interventions in the special regions because of the inaccessibility of the areas controlled by the ceasefire groups. The military and political elite, hollowed out by drug revenues, has little reason to seek a transformation in the status quo. In essence, the poppy empires are stupefying Myanmars state, addicting powerful elements in its polity to the cash from drugs.

In 2015, journalist Salai Thant Zin visited the village of Kanzam on Myanmars border with Manipur on New Years Eve. He came back with a grim vision of the future. The chapel, the heart of the village community, was locked; the priest had long fled. The village, he reported, had just three men, the rest having died because of their opium addiction. There were also just three children in the local school, whose mothers busied themselves tending to poppy fields and brewing rice beer.

Local police chief Myint Lwin told Salai that dealers from Moreh, in India, regularly arrived across the Sagaing divisions mountains to buy raw opium, to be processed into heroin for tens of thousands of addicts in the Northeast.

Further complicating counter-narcotics efforts is the fact that Asias drug cartelsunlike their Latin American counterpartsare remarkably resilient. The scholar Bertil Lintner has noted that most are run by loosely and informally organized networks, and not by an over-arching, all-powerful kingpin. As one alleged kingpin falls, others are left still standing and conveniently in place to take on the misnomer mantle.

The druglord is not a modern invention. The great financial house of Jardine Matheson was, after all, founded by the opium-traders William Jardine and James Mathesonmen, who author Richard Harris has wryly observed, both Calvinist in the stiff religious way, both scrupulous in financial and personal matters, both indifferent to moralistic reflections on contraband and drugs.

Indias steadily rising substance-abuse rates should tell us the threat isnt virtual: Ever since 1842, when Imperial Britain bombarded China to assert its right to sell Indian-grown opium there, engendering a century of social devastation and war, weve known drugs can, quite literally, shape the course of history. Tses story might seem like a good weekend Netflix watch in the making; it should be something, though, that New Delhi takes deadly seriously.
Angry at what they see as laws benefiting large private buyers at the expense of producers, thousands of farmers have been camped at protest sites on the outskirts of New Delhi for over two months.

A tractor parade on Republic Day turned violent when some protesters deviated from pre-agreed routes, tore down barricades and clashed with police, who used teargas to try and restrain them.

Sporadic clashes between protesters, police and groups shouting anti-farmer slogans have broken out on multiple occasions since then.

Farmer leaders said Saturdays hunger strike, to coincide with the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, would show people that the protesters were overwhelmingly peaceful.
3 1 of 3 H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 2 of 3 H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 3 of 3





A winter storm watch has been issued for southern Connecticut, the National Weather Service warning that as much as 10 inches of snow is possible for the region.

The National Weather Service said Saturday morning that heavy snow is possible, with as much as 10 inches possible between Sunday evening and Monday evening, when the snow is expected to taper off.
Fastmarkets price assessment for pig iron, import, cfr Gulf of Mexico, US was at $500-510 per tonne on Friday, down by $65-75 from $575 per tonne the previous week.After several weeks of a quiet market, information started to circulate about a major US steelmaker purchasing Brazil-origin pig iron at around $500-510 per tonne cfr.

The batch,...
The ballet dancer daughter of one of Vladimir Putin's closest cronies has earned almost 20million a year from a mysterious second money source.

Maria Shuvalova, 22, a dancer at the world famous Bolshoi Ballet, is raking in 75,000 a day for her other role in 'capital asset management'.

This is more than the bosses of Russian giants like energy behemoth Gazprom and largest financial institution Sberbank, news outlet BAZA reported in their investigation into her earnings.

It is also nine times her annual salary at the world famous theatre, alleges the media investigation which claimed to obtain her leaked tax records covering 2018.

'Maria may well claim to be the richest ballerina in Russia,' BAZA reported.

Maria is the daughter of Igor Shuvalov, 54, the boss of Russia's powerful state development corporation VEB.RF.

Maria Shuvalova, 22, a dancer at the world-famous Bolshoi Ballet and daughter of one of Putin's closest allies, earned 22million in the year 2018. The earnings came from 'capital asset management'

Maria's father Igor is a close Putin ally and worked as Russia's deputy prime minister in 2018

As a dancer for Bolshoi, Maria has travelled across the world in the past two years. Performances featuring the 22-year-old have been held in Cyprus, Portugal, Amsterdam, among other locations

Earlier in 2018 - he was Putin's deputy prime minister, and remains close to the Kremlin leader.

As a dancer at the world-famous Bolshoi, she's danced across the world over the past two years, including in Cyprus, Portugal, Amsterdam, Italy, Bali and Tenerife.

This month, she's been sunning herself at her family's luxury village in Dubai.

'Maria is obviously doing well with time management - she manages to rehearse even with her busy travel schedule,' said Russian Tatler.

'Data on her income for this period was provided to us by a source with access to the databases of the Federal Tax Service,' explained BAZA.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is pictured with then Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov, Maria's father

Maria is pictured with father Igor Shuvalov.

'There is no doubt about the reliability of the information. The most interesting thing is where Maria Shuvalova got her cosmic salary.'

The report came as the 22-year-old danced as Little Red Riding Hood in The Sleeping Beauty at the NOVAT opera house in Novosibirsk, a city in Siberia.

The media investigation - the latest tax leak concerning elite Russians in Putin's circle - said the payment was made by KSP Capital Asset Management, a company linked to Sergei Kotlyarenko, previously believed to be her father's lawyer.

The company manages the assets of more than 600 individuals and 19 legal entities, say reports, but Maria is not listed as an employee.

Her father's current employer VEB.RF - Russian's state development corporation - insisted he has always strictly complied with rules for government servants, and referred BAZA's queries to the KSP.

The Russian 'capital asset management' firm Maria has been receiving the sum from does not have her listed as an employee

Maria's father was seen as one of the wealthiest members of Putin's cabinet when he served as deputy prime minister in 2018

The company denied KSP was a nominal owner of its wealthy clients' property, and that Maria held no position with the outfit.

'It is difficult to imagine what competencies the woman should have in order for her to receive an income of two billion roubles,' said Ilya Shumanov, deputy general director of Transparency International Russia.

'And considering that the relationship between Kotlyarenko and Shuvalov has long been reported, it all looks like withdrawal of money from the company.'

As a minister, Shuvalov was long seen as the wealthiest member of Putin's government.

Reports in the past said he owns property in central London overlooking the Thames.

The BAZA report speculated on whether Shuvalov might face questions under Britain's unexplained wealth laws.

'Whether the British authorities checked him is unknown,' said the report.

The dancer has not spoken on her alleged wealth, but changed her social media settings to bar comments.

In abpost she said earlier: 'I truly am very tired of justifying myself, of trying to fit in and of being shy..

'I had been trying to run at all my might, not having time to think what I need [or] if people who belittle me are right.'

The report follows claims from jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny that Putin owns a 1 billion Black Sea palace, which the Kremlin denies.

Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-30 23:05:12|Editor: huaxia

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YANGON, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's Ministry of Transport and Communications has further extended the suspension of international commercial flights until the end of February.

The ministry on Saturday announced the extension of the restriction over COVID-19 due to end on Sunday.

Under the management of the national-level Central Committee on Prevention, Control and Treatment of COVID-19, the anti-coronavirus measure will continue as COVID-19 cases remain increasing in most of the countries and regions around the world, and the new coronavirus variant found in Britain has spread to other countries including those in Asia, the announcement said.

Official data released on Saturday showed that Myanmar recorded 349 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 10 more deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing its total tally to 139,864 with 3,125 deaths. Enditem
The campus and city news desks have compiled a list of events going on throughout the upcoming week that are open to the public. The list features the University of Georgias annual hackathon, movies at the Tate Student Center, events highlighting experiences within Athens Black community and more.

COURTESY NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

At the rate the coronavirus pandemic is heading in Texas, we're looking at another summer spent at home. Looking to get away? Guadalupe Mountains National Park has an opportunity for you.

The national park posted on its Facebook page Wednesday that it is looking for volunteers who can camp on its Pine Springs Campground throughout July, August and September. Applicants must have their own RV or trailer, work 32 hours per week and be willing to spend the entire three months at the camp, the post said.
The supplemental order from Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engoron was issued Friday

A New York State judge has ordered a tax firm that worked for the Trump Organization to hand over documents to New York Attorney General Letitia James related to her ongoing investigation into the business - even though the company had tried to keep them 'privileged'.

The Friday supplemental order from Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engoron is one of the first to come since Trump's time as president officially came to a close, ending some of the legal protections he had.

In the court order, Engoron said he reviewed the documents from the firm Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP ('Morgan Lewis') and determined that there were some that needed to be sent to James's office.

The attorney general's office had subpoenaed Trump and his son Eric Trump, along with the organization.

'The Court finds that many of the communications Morgan Lewis marked as privileged were communications addressing business tasks and decisions, not exchanges soliciting or rendering legal advice,' the judge wrote in his order to the firm.

Letitia James's office had subpoenaed Trump and his son Eric Trump, along with the organization

Morgan Lewis has been ordered to hand over 'all documents marked "not privileged"' by Feb. 4

Morgan Lewis has been ordered to hand over 'all documents marked "not privileged"' by Feb. 4.

James began investigating potential fraud in Donald Trump's business dealings in March 2019 after the president's longtime personal lawyer Michael Cohen told Congress that Trump had repeatedly inflated the value of his assets to obtain more favorable terms for loans and insurance coverage.

After Donald Trump was elected president in November 2016, he announced that he would not be involved in day-to-day operations of the Trump Organization but would leave the responsibilities to his adult sons, Eric and Donald Trump Jr.

James began investigating potential fraud in Donald Trump's business dealings in March 2019 after the president's longtime personal lawyer Michael Cohen told Congress that Trump had repeatedly inflated the value of his assets to obtain more favorable terms for loans and insurance coverage

Eric Trump was deposed in October as part of the ongoing civil probe into whether the value of Trump Organization assets were inflated to gain tax benefits.

The inquiry is a civil investigation, which could result in financial penalties but not jail time, according to CNN.

Trump has accused James and New York's Governor Andrew Cuomo, both Democrats, of 'harassing all of my New York businesses in search of anything at all they can find to make me look as bad as possible.'
BAGHDAD  Iraqs prime minister announced Jan. 28 that a military operation launched after a double suicide bombing claimed by the Islamic State (IS) a week before had killed the top-ranked IS commander in the country.

IS "wali" for Iraq, known as Abu Yasser al-Issawi, was shot in the head. Photos of his dead body circulated shortly after the announcement in WhatsApp groups, blurred on a tweet by the Counterterrorism Services (CTS), which was responsible for the operation in coordination with the national intelligence services.

Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, who was sworn in last May, has led the intelligence services since June 2016, the year the monthslong battle against IS for Mosul began. Iraq declared victory over IS in Mosul in July 2017 and at the country-wide level in December 2017.

Abu Yasser al-Issawi was reportedly the nom de guerre of Jabbar Salman Ali al-Issawi, a 39-year-old native of Fallujah in Anbar province. The city, some 60 kilometers (37 miles) west of Baghdad, has long been known for its large number of mosques, religious conservatism and tough insurgency following the 2003 US invasion of Iraq.

Ramadi, the regional capital further west, is known instead for tribe-based ties and was at the center of what became known as the Sahwa, or Sunni tribal awakening, that was key to the defeat of IS predecessor, al-Qaeda in Iraq, beginning in 2006.

Al-Monitor was told by an Iraqi security official that Issawi had been put in charge of the northern Baghdad area prior to becoming country-wide IS commander and that security forces had tracked down 17 of his associates in the Kirkuk and adjacent Salahuddin provinces over the previous five months.

He was killed in the Wadi al-Shay area of southern Kirkuk province. In reporting from the southern and western areas of Kirkuk province over the past few years, the western border that is marked by the Hamrin Mountains stretching east to the Iranian border, this journalist was repeatedly told that this particular valley was insurgent-infested.

In May 2020, Sunni tribal fighters in southern Kirkuk put on a show of unity with other Iraqi forces including Shiite-led Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) after a spate of attacks on them by IS cells operating in the area.

A mullah who later turned to fighting IS  previously interviewed in his native area near Hawija by Al-Monitor  told Al-Monitor more recently that Wadi al-Shay was still problematic for its presence of IS fighters.

The valleys, mountains and vast desert areas of the country have long been difficult for Iraqi security forces to fully secure.

The cultivating of local sources, as well as intelligence and airstrikes provided by the international coalition, have played a key role in many major operations against IS in this area.

Questioned about whether he could confirm the news of Issawis killing, a coalition source who asked not to be named told Al-Monitor that it was probably true. We were on his trail for a long time. The source noted that the US-led body had been tracking his movements and capturing his associates, getting them to provide information.

In response to a request for comment, international anti-IS coalition spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto told Al-Monitor in a Jan. 28 WhatsApp message, Yesterday the CTS and CJTF-OIR conducted an operation near Kirkuk resulting in the deaths of 9 Daesh terrorists and the arrest of 1 Daesh terrorist, using a term frequently employed to refer to IS. I dont have information on the identity of the dead terrorists.

The spokesman confirmed in a Jan. 29 tweet that Issawi had been killed on Jan. 27.

The CTS were trained by the United States. Collaboration between them and the US forces against IS in such key areas as the Hamrin Mountains continued in early 2020, even after other cooperation was temporarily officially suspended following the US killing by drone strike of Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi former PMU deputy commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis on Jan. 3, 2020.

This part of the armed forces, which answer directly to the prime minister, have taken on an ever greater role in key operations since Kadhimi took office. They were the ones tasked with a somewhat controversial arrest of members of Kataib Hezbollah in June 2020. Though proximity in any form to US forces often leads to backlash from Shiite-led militias operating in the country, the reputation gained by the CTS in the 2014-17 war against IS has largely spared them direct targeting.

The operation that killed Issawi was declaredly one in revenge for the martyrs of a Jan. 21 attack in a central, working-class market of Baghdad that killed 32 people and injured over 100 others. The attack was later claimed by IS.

Serious concerns were voiced about the apparent ability for some to enter the capital with explosives and conduct such a major attack, leading Iraqs prime minister to swiftly dismiss several high-ranking Interior Ministry and intelligence officials from their positions.

The head of the federal police was replaced by Lt. Gen. Raed Jawdat Shaker, who had been federal police commander during the battle for Mosul in 2017. Abu Ali al-Basri, head of the Interior Ministrys Falcon Intelligence Cell, was also initially removed from his position.

Gaps in security in the territory disputed between the Iraqi central government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) are also often seen as problematic, giving space for insurgents to move and potentially reorganize.

Kirkuk province, in which the operation that killed Issawi was conducted, is one of the disputed areas. Parts of it were under the control of peshmerga forces until a referendum on KRG independence was held and Iraq sent in troops to forcibly take over the oil-rich province in October 2017.

This led to major grievances among the Kurdish population. Disputes continue between the KRG and the central government over both territory and oil, resulting in a lack of trust and what many see as insufficient sharing of intelligence.
[January 29, 2021] BOSTON SCIENTIFIC 96 HOUR DEADLINE ALERT: Former Louisiana Attorney General and Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Remind Investors With Losses in Excess of $100,000 of Deadline in Class Action Lawsuit Against Boston Scientific Corporation - BSX

Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, the former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have only until February 2, 2021 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX), if they purchased the Company's securities between April 24, 2019 and November 16, 2020, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. What You May Do If you purchased securities of Boston Scientific 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-bsx/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action by overseeing lead counsel with the goal of obtaining a fair and just resolution, you must request this position by application to the Court by February 2, 2021.



About the Lawsuit Boston Scientific and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On November 17, 2020, the Company announced a global recall of all unused inventory of its LOTUS Edge Aortic Valve System, due to "complexities associated with the product delivery system," and that "[g]iven the additional time and investment required to develop and reintroduce an enhanced delivery system, the company has chosen to retire the entire LOTUS product platform immediately." On this news, the price of Boston Scientific's shares fell $3.00 per share, or 7.89%, to close at $35.03 per share on November 17, 2020. The case is Jevons v. Boston Scientific Corporation et al., 20-cv-5894. 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/20210129005663/en/

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Kids at summer camps can skip wearing masks outdoors, with some exceptions: CDC new mask guidance

Govt busts myths on vaccines, says adequacy of manufacturing capacity not an issue

Production of Covaxin to hit 6 crore by July/August says Centre

Over 1.82 crore COVID-19 vaccines still available with states: Centre

Over 4 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses to be given to states, UTs: Centre

Sri-Lanka says no adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines sent by India

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 30: No adverse reactions or side-effects have so far been reported by 5,286 people who were vaccinated in Sri Lanka on Friday with Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine Covishield, provided by India, health officials said on Saturday.

Sri Lanka on Friday launched its national coronavirus immunisation campaign by administering the first shots to frontline health workers, soldiers and security personnel, a day after India gifted 500,000 doses of Covishield vaccine to the island nation.

As many as 5,286 people were administered the jabs at nine hospitals, including two military hospitals, on the first day.

Serum Institute applies for trials of another Covid-19 vaccine; hopes to launch Covavax by June 2021

No adverse reactions or side-effects have so far been reported from anywhere, the health officials said.

The Oxford-Astrazeneca's Covishield vaccine, manufactured by Serum Institute of India, was approved for emergency use by the Sri Lankan government.

Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, who is in the ICU after being tested positive for COVID-19, issued a statement on Saturday from her hospital bed, thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government for making the vaccine available free to Sri Lanka.

The gift from India is in line with India's continued support to Sri Lanka in fighting the COVID pandemic. Four consignments of medical supplies weighing around 25 tonnes were donated by India, which also organised online experience-sharing programmes for Sri Lankan medical professionals.

The two nations have also put up a joint front in the COVID-19 battle with India and Sri Lanka being the largest contributors to the COVID-19 Emergency Fund for SAARC. Prime Minister Modi had complimented Sri Lanka's leadership on containing the pandemic.

On Thursday, Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa thanked India for its generosity after he received 500,000 doses of the Covishield vaccine. The president was personally present at the airport to receive the vaccines.

A total of 250,000 people, mostly health frontline workers, members of the security forces and police and the vulnerable aged, will get the vaccine on a priority basis.

COVID-19 vaccine: India fastest to reach the 3 million beneficiary mark in the world

The Sri Lankan health authorities said the immunisation programme is ongoing in nine hospitals across the country.

Sri Lanka has recorded over 300 deaths so far due to COVID-19.

Moradabad-Agra highway accident | Gandhi statue vandalised in US | Oneindia News

Sri Lanka witnessed a fresh outbreak of the disease in October last year when two clusters - one centered on a garment factory and the other on the main fish market - emerged in Colombo and its suburbs.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, January 30, 2021, 17:04 [IST]

ROCHESTER, Minn.  A church is asking for the publics help in finding a burglary.

Hope Summit Christian Church says it was broken into on January 21 and then again on January 22 and a man took cash, laptops, and other electronics that could be easily sold. The church says it has a security video of the man, who was in the building for about an hour each time.

Hope Summit Christian Church says the person is described as around 58 tall.

The church asks anyone who recognizes this man or has any information on these crimes to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Help India!

The trajectory of the Peoples Alliance in J&K is somewhat similar to that of the Plebiscite Front in terms of the circumstances in which both were formed. Ironically, the Peoples Alliance is fighting for what the Plebiscite Front received after 20 years of fighting for something else  Article 370.

By Hamaad Habibullah

Support TwoCircles



The coming up of the major mainstream parties under the umbrella of the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Deceleration (PADG) was a major political development in Jammu & Kashmir post centres August 5, 2019 decision to revoke J&Ks special status. The members of this alliance have vowed to fight till the August 5 decision is reversed. Certain sharp statements also came out from this camp which led to controversies. But the alliance faced a major setback when one of its constituent parties, Peoples Conference led by separatist turned mainstream leader Sajjad Lone pulled out of the alliance. Lone, the former BJP ally in the valley said that there had been a breach of trust among the partners. This may or may not be the actual reason behind his decision but such a move by an important member of the alliance might not have surprised people acquainted with the politics of Kashmir. The reason being the very nature of the alliance in the political landscape of Kashmir.

While the alliance initially hinted at boycotting the District Development Elections saying they never accepted the August 5 decision, they ultimately participated in the election and secured the most number of seats. Their proper course is not clear even yet, but one gets an idea as to how such a front is going to move forward in Kashmir. The very basic nature of the alliance and what it has vowed to achieve makes it very vulnerable especially in the political atmosphere of Kashmir. This became evident when one of its constituent members announced to exit the alliance.

While understanding this alliance and aforementioned problems surrounding it, one has to look into the history of Jammu and Kashmir Plebiscite Front, which was something similar and equally important in the history of the former state might be helpful to a great extent. Jammu and Kashmir Plebiscite Front, which was formed following the ouster of then Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, demanded a plebiscite in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Both the J&K Plebiscite Front and Peoples Alliance for the Gupkar declaration have a lot in common, especially the situations and circumstances in which they were formed and how they operated and would operate amid the political realities of the region.

Following Sheikh Abdullahs ouster as Prime Minister of J&K in 1953, with the Centre beginning to interfere in the internal matters of the then more autonomous state, major political players under the patronage of Sheikh Abdullah formed the Jammu and Kashmir Plebiscite Front.

As Sheikh Abdullah was in prison, the Plebiscite Front led by Afzal Beg led the opposition. Their stance led them to boycott the elections which in turn resulted in easy victories for the pro-Centre faction. It was with the help of these governments that all the changes in the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir and Article 370 were made. Most notable being the changing of nomenclatures of heads of state, bringing the state under the jurisdiction of the central election commission and the Supreme Court of India, etc.

The formation of the Plebiscite Front was a direct result of the increasing interference of the centre in the internal matters of the state and its reluctance in fulfilling its hard-pressed promise of conducting a plebiscite in J&K. It began with the ouster and subsequent arrest of Sheikh Abdullah, under whose leadership J&K rejected two-nation theory in the much-polarized sub-continent. Following his arrest as sweeping changes were being made in the state, Sheikh Abdullah now decided to fight for the plebiscite to decide the states future course. But this hard stance of the Plebiscite Front, which it carried for almost two decades, changed following the Indira-Sheikh accord. With this accord, Sheikh finally gave up his fight for the plebiscite and returned to power as Chief Minister of the State.

The Plebiscite Front had been raising the banner of Raai-Shumari (Plebiscite) for over two decades. But now plebiscite was not an easy task to achieve. It was not acceptable to anyone in the political corridors of India, even though it is a historic fact that India had itself promised the same to Kashmiris at different platforms. It was even more difficult in the post-1971 war situation as the political balance in the subcontinent heavily tilted towards India. And within India, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was ever powerful and bargaining with her was next to impossible. Finally, seeing no other option Sheikh Abdullah reached an agreement with the Centre on Centres terms and returned to power betraying his two decades-old fight for a plebiscite. It was a complete U-turn on Sheikhs part from the road he had been travelling on for almost 20 years. All he got was what had remained of Article 370 by then with Indra Gandhi famously saying the clock hands could not be reversed.

The trajectory of the Peoples Alliance is somewhat similar to that of the Plebiscite Front in terms of the circumstances in which both were formed. Ironically, the Peoples Alliance is fighting for what the Plebiscite Front received after 20 years of fighting for something else, Article 370. The Peoples Alliance, much like the Plebiscite Front, came into existence after a decision by the Centre against the will of the people of the state.

Following the August 5 decision of the Centre, the political room in Jammu & Kashmir is to a large extent left for either separatists or pro-centre politics. As such, the alliance seems to be in limbo. Even though the future course is not clear, it was anticipated that the alliance in the current situation might not contest elections. This, however, did not turn out to be the case as they ended up contesting the DDC elections, which was unlike Plebiscite Front which by boycotting the elections gave free road to the opposition. Its not just about elections but one has to understand what the Peoples Alliance has vowed to fight for is not coming and hence sticking to their stance in their framework is going to lead them nowhere.

What comes out of the Supreme Court is to be seen but it is very hard to expect the revocation of the August 5 decision. The hard truth for the alliance is that no government from now on will be willing to reinstate the special status to the former state, notwithstanding that many political parties were against the decision to revoke it in the first place. The probability of revoking the decision seems to be minimal given the increasing populist narrative built around it. Moreover, the alliance is currently dealing with very strong leadership at the centre which happens to be too firm on its stand and not even ready to entertain any dialogue on the matter. As such, laden with empty promises and wishful aspirations, the alliance seems to be walking towards a dead end. They will either crash at the end of the road or will have to make a U-turn to keep going just like the Plebiscite Front.

One can also not turn a blind eye to the fact that unlike the Plebiscite Front this alliance does not have much public support on the ground. Nonetheless, pretty much like the Plebiscite Front, the Peoples Alliance also happens to be on the same page with the Centre regarding the conflict-torn regions relation with India. The same concern has been expressed by the alliance leaders, lamenting that through thick and thin they had stuck with the union and this was not how they expected to be treated.

One will have to wait to see how things unfold for this gutsy alliance in the erstwhile state. While the separatist leaders might continue to remain under restrictions, it will be worth waiting to see how the future assembly of the former state will look like.

Hamaad Habibullah is currently pursuing masters in Development Communications from the Mass Communications department at Jamia Millia Islamia.


A former Elizabeth school board attorney acquitted on all charges in a case involving the districts school lunch program will receive more than $300,000 in lost wages and interest, the New Jersey Appellate Division has ruled.

Kirk C. Nelson was fired by the school board in December 2013 upon being indicted on six counts, including conspiracy and official misconduct, in connection with a fraud investigation that led to the conviction of the school boards former president.

Jurors deliberated for less than an hour in June 2016 before clearing Nelson on all charges brought by the state attorney generals office.

In a 25-page decision published Tuesday, the appeals court upheld a lower-court ruling that the school board had no basis to fire Nelson. The three-judge panel affirmed the decision awarding Nelson $260,026 in lost wages and also ordered the board to pay interest, which Nelsons attorney estimated would be at least $50,000.

Nelson had worked as the school boards attorney since 2003 and was about halfway through a 3-year contract, with a $175,000 starting salary, that stipulated he could be fired only for cause, such as a conviction on criminal charges.

It does not appear the Board conducted any investigation regarding Nelsons conduct before terminating him, instead basing its decision solely on the fact that he was indicted, the judges wrote in their ruling.

Although indicted, Nelson was not convicted of any crime, never materially breached his obligations, and did not commit gross negligence or intentional misconduct, the ruling stated.

While awaiting trial, Nelson could not find work as a lawyer. A job offer in management at a hospital was rescinded after a background check was conducted. He unsuccessfully sought employment with FedEx, UPS, Uber, and at various construction jobs.

In 2015, in the months leading up to his acquittal, Nelson finally got a job cleaning ventilation hoods and grease traps. He was paid $13 per hour.

The judges overruled the lower courts decision not to award any interest on Nelsons lost wages, writing, The fact that defendant was indicted for serious offenses is an insufficient basis to preclude an award of prejudgment interest as it effectively punishes Nelson for crimes he never committed and inequitably rewards the board for its breach of the agreement.

A spokesperson for the Elizabeth school board did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In the five years since his acquittal, Nelson has tried to rebuild his career, said his attorney, Tim Donohue.

He is working as a part-time municipal prosecutor in Union Township and wants to develop a private law practice, Donohue said, but continues to grapple with the stigma of having been arrested in connection with such a high-profile case. Stories about Nelsons arrest, and his mug shot, turn up whenever anyone does a Google search.

He has struggled for eight years to rebuild his life. They dont read the followup, that he was found innocent, Donohue said.

Kirk Nelson, left, in court in 2014 with his attorney, Tim Donohue.Patti Sapone / NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The Elizabeth school district came under scrutiny in 2011 after allegations of fraud within the school lunch program drew attention from state and federal investigators. The state attorney generals office charged the school board president at that time, and two other school officials spouses, with illegally obtaining discounts on their childrens lunches.

The board president was convicted and sentenced to probation and community service, while the charges against the two spouses were dismissed.

Prosecutors alleged that Nelson and a second school board attorney, who was also acquitted at a separate trial, sought to conceal a false application filed by a school officials wife.

Nelson maintained his innocence from the start, and a jury agreed.

Nelson testified that the arrest stemmed from his failure to produce single responsive document out of approximately one million documents requested in multiple subpoenas, stated the Appellate Division ruling.

Nelson stated that when he was notified that a document had not been produced, he consulted with outside counsel that handled the Boards subpoena compliance. After speaking with outside counsel, Nelson believed that the missing document was produced electronically, the judges wrote.

The verdict came nine months after the school district reached a settlement with then-U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman, in which Elizabeth agreed to pay $322,310 in costs and penalties to resolve allegations it used federal and state funds to supply meals and catering services for the school board and other school functions. The district did not admit to wrongdoing as part of the settlement and said a bookkeeping error was to blame.

Donohue said the charges were an unexpected, tragic turn in his clients career. Nelson worked at the Port Authority for 20 years, in roles ranging from toll collection to the janitorial services department, while attending Columbia University and New York University School of Law at night.

He said he was thrilled upon being hired to work as the school board attorney in Elizabeth.

Hes like an American success story  a young, African American guy, struggling to get ahead, who winds up with his dream job, Donohue said.

Donohue said he recommended Nelson for the part-time municipal prosecutors job in Union Township about three years ago. The perspective of having once been a defendant, he said, makes Nelson empathetic and effective as a prosecutor.

He understands how it impacts peoples lives, he said.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.

Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com.

Here what to do in Ocean City on rainy days
A lab technician with a swab at RocDoc's testing facility in the Blue Car Park of Dublin Airport for hauliers bound for France. The company have announced additional drive-thru testing services at Cork and Shannon Airports for hauliers arriving in cars. PA Photo

For almost a year, Covid-19 stayed beyond the walls of Greenpark Nursing Home in Tuam.

On March 6, 2020  long before the virus had begun to wreak havoc in care facilities across the country  the McNamara family who run the home moved to protect residents and staff.

We started our Keep it Out campaign on March 6 2020, Jane McNamara told the Irish Independent.

We asked families at that time to only visit if it was essential. We were one of the first nursing homes to do this. We were also one of the first to stop visits completely.

Then, during the summer, the easing of restrictions allowed for a local firm to install a marquee so residents could see family from a distance behind a Perspex screen. At Christmas, all visits stopped once again.

The strict policy on infection control worked. While dozens of nursing homes battled an invisible enemy, the residents and staff of Greenpark remained Covid-free.

Read More

Earlier this month, with the date for vaccinations confirmed, that all changed. A number of residents and staff fell ill, with tests confirming they had Covid-19.

There is no denying, it is a nightmare, said Ms McNamara. Since the outbreak took hold, several residents have died.

We have quite a few residents who have tested positive, said Ms McNamara. Many are doing well but unfortunately we have had some deaths. We also have a lot of staff who have tested positive.

Staffing shortages became so acute the home put a call out on social media for qualified nurses and carers, who might be able to help, to get in touch.

People have gone to extraordinary lengths to make this nightmare a little more bearable, said Ms McNamara.

We have had people from the community come to our aid in our time of need, people who have nothing to gain and so much to lose. Nurses and carers have put their hands up and said, We will help. Their contribution and bravery is beyond words.

While the HSE has provided support staff, the crisis continues to take its toll on the homes own employees.

The most taxing part has been staff members testing positive for Covid-19 on a near daily basis, said Ms McNamara.

This is very difficult to deal with psychologically. You wonder will it be me next? How bad will it be? This is when the volunteers give us that extra hand and lift our spirits.

A vaccination team visited last week, giving the first dose of inoculations to residents and staff who had not been affected by the current outbreak.

It is hoped those who did not receive their vaccines due to Covid-19 will be inoculated at a later date.

Ms McNamara paid tribute to the families who have residents under her care.

It is often hardest on those who cannot come in and do something, she said.

Families are worried and scared for their loved ones. They cant come in and sit with them or help to ease their fears, but they have given us nothing but complete support and understanding during what is an extremely difficult time for them also.

"Hopefully we will soon get through this and sometime in the future we will be able to thank everyone who supported us in so many ways at this difficult time.

Authorities in northwest Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) are severely restricting the Islamic tradition of circumcision, either by delinking its religious significance or banning it outright, according to officials.

A member of the Uyghur diaspora living in Europe recently informed RFAs Uyghur Service that Memet Ibrahima resident of his hometown Alaqagha, in Aksu (in Chinese, Akesu) prefectures Kuchar (Kuche) countywas placed in an internment camp during the week of Jan. 12 because he had his six-year-old son circumcised.

Circumcisions are a major life-cycle event for Muslim boys, usually between the ages of six and eight, that include a ceremony and reception similar to that of a wedding, with family, friends and neighbors invited to celebrate the event.

According to the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, Ibrahim had his sons circumcision performed and celebrated not as part of a traditionally large community event, but rather in a small, private ceremony with a few family members present.

Nonetheless, he said, the family was unable to escape the watchful eyes of the village cadres, and Ibrahim was later detained in one of the vast network of camps in which authorities in the XUAR are believed to have held up to 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities accused of religious extremism and separatism since early 2017.

RFA spoke with an officer at the Kuchar County Police Department who said he was unaware of Ibrahims situation or whether authorities had received any directives restricting the practice of circumcision.

However, in the process of investigating the claim, RFA was able to obtain information from other government offices around the XUAR suggesting that circumcision in the region has been heavily restricted, if not outright prohibited.

Religious rites prohibited

A stability officer in Suydung (Shuiding) township, in Ili Kazakh (Yili Hasake) Autonomous Prefectures Qorghas (Huocheng) county, told RFA that one of the points of education she and her colleagues give to residents is that they should not take part in religious circumcisions.

According to the woman, once they reach the age for circumcision, boys are taken to a designated hospital in nearby Ghulja (Yining) city, where the operation is performed. Family gatherings, prayers, and neighborhood celebrations, all part of the religious and social fabric, are reportedly prohibited on the day of the circumcision.

You are supposed to have it done at government-sanctioned hospitals, she said. It is prohibited to do the ritual at home with religious rites.

The officer said authorities have even put heavy restrictions on visits to those young boys who have been circumcised in government-approved hospitals.

Would-be visitors to their hospital rooms are required to first register themselves with the neighborhood community center. If there are more than 10 visitors to a single child, the parents will be punished, perhaps even with detention in a camp or other center.

They told us if relatives come, the number should not exceed 10, and we should report it to the government, she said.

We were told that if there are visitors to see the child, we should register them, otherwise there will be a problem  that they will be sent for re-education.

A civil servant in the seat of Kashgar (Kashi) prefecture confirmed that religious life-cycle ceremonies, including circumcisions and weddings, are also heavily restricted in her region of the XUAR.

When asked whether such events can be performed under the guidance of an akhun, or Muslim officiant, she confirmed that doing so is not allowed in Kashgar.

Other restrictions on rites

Earlier reporting by RFA has confirmed that religious wedding rites, nikah, have been heavily restricted in parts of Kashgar for at least the past two years.

Historically, Uyghur couples have performed nikah on the morning of their wedding, gathering with their immediate families, as well as their best man and maid of honor, in the presence of an akhun. Multiple wedding receptionscomplete with food, dancing, and merriment, and attended by extended family and members of the couples social circletypically follows during the same afternoon and evening, or over the course of subsequent days.

But sources told RFA in August last year that after the internment campaign began in 2017, authorities began pushing couples to wed solely by obtaining an official marriage license and without nikah, which they identified as a sign of religious extremism.

Earlier investigations by RFA have shown that other religiously inflected practices, including wearing beards and various styles of dresssuch as long tunics for womenhave been heavily restricted by authorities in the XUAR over the past several years.

In 2015 and 2016, regional authorities even restricted the giving of zakat, or almsthe act of which constitutes one of the five pillars of Islam. Restrictions on almsgiving have effectively prevented Uyghurs from being able to provide financial and social support to one another.

Reports of restrictions on circumcision and nikah provide the latest examples of what observers say is a bid by authorities to separate Uyghurs from even the most mundane expressions of religious practice and belief.

Reported by Shohret Hoshur for RFAs Uyghur Service. Translated by Elise Anderson. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
Absolutely Ascot star Mia Sully looked sensational as she flaunted her jaw-dropping figure during her trip to Dubai.

In sizzling snaps taken this week, the reality star, 22, showcased her figure in a tiny white and leopard print bikini as she enjoyed a dip by the pool.

Mia oozed confidence as she soaked up the sun in the UAE country, despite the growing backlash against influencers living it up in Dubai while Brits back at home are in a nationwide lockdown.

Water babe: Absolutely Ascot star Mia Sully looked sensational as she flaunted her jaw-dropping figure during her trip to Dubai

The TV star put on a sultry display as she waded in the water while showing off her ample assets and taut midriff in the skimpy two-piece.

Mia allowed her long, brunette tresses to cascade over her shoulders, while she kept things glam with a full face of make-up.

The make-up artist accessorised her pool look with a rounded silver pendant and delicate silver jewellery.

Mia later added a tiny leopard print sarong, sandals and a straw handbag to her look once she'd finished soaking up the sun by the pool.

Stunning: In sizzling snaps taken this week, the reality star, 22, showcased her figure in a tiny white and leopard print bikini as she enjoyed a dip by the pool

The stunner flashed a slight smile as she strutted her stuff before going about her day.

Mia shot to fame on Absolutely Ascot - a controversial reality show which followed the lives of the 'unique community' of people living in the Berkshire town of Ascot.

In 2018, the series caused drama with locals as they decided to launch a petition for the ITVBe show to change its name.

Fun times: Mia oozed confidence as she soaked up the sun in the UAE country, despite the growing backlash against influencers living it up in Dubai while Brits back at home are in a nationwide lockdown

Cheeky: The TV star put on a sultry display as she waded in the water while showing off her ample assets and taut midriff in the skimpy two-piece

A campaign was formed on the official parliament petitions website under the name: 'False Advertising- ITV to rename show, as 'stars' are not actually from Ascot'.

Her trip comes as dozens of influencers who found fame on reality shows such as Geordie Shore and Love Island have spent the previous weeks soaking up the sun in Dubai while Brits back in the UK are cooped up at home 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.

Busy day: Mia later added a tiny leopard print sarong, sandals and a straw handbag to her look once she'd finished soaking up the sun by the pool

Among those who have shared glimpses of their trips to Instagram are Love Island's Laura Anderson, Francesca Allen, Arabella Chi and twins Jess and Eve Gale.

Geordie Shore's Chloe Ferry was also in Dubai for 'work' while TOWIE's Yazmin Oukhellou and her beau James Lock have also been there for some time on 'business'.

Many stars have insisted their trips are for 'work' as the government currently asks UK residents to avoid unnecessary travel.
Loading Mr Druery has fought the FOI release of the travel records since 2018 including through an appeal to the federal Information Commissioner. The documents were finally released in late 2020. They show Mr Druery flew to Melbourne from Sydney on July 31, 2018. The following day he ran a candidates forum where he told a group of micro party parliamentary hopefuls they needed his help to win seats at that years state election. Mr Druery, who lives on a 55-foot yacht at Clontarf marina, flew back to Sydney the following day. The trip including fares, travel allowances and cabs cost taxpayers $1742. Among other notable expenses was a publicly-funded flight to Maroochydore in Queensland on December 15, 2017. A post on the exercise website Strava shows Mr Druery sailed a yacht from Maroochydore down the coast for several days and then caught another flight back to Coffs Harbour. The trip cost taxpayers more than $1100.

An image from Druerys yacht trip to Coffs Harbour. In 2018 Mr Druery helped a record number of parties win seats in the Victorian upper house and in a later media interview he declared the 2018 Victorian poll his best ever election result after more than 20 years of preference harvesting at federal and state level. His method is to bring micro-parties together as a preferencing bloc able to leapfrog larger, more substantial parties. In 2018 the Greens for instance were left with just one upper house seat, down from five. The method relies on group tickets and electors voting above the line for the upper house, resulting in preferences being allocated according to deals struck by Mr Druery and party bosses. In a recent submission to the Victorian government, prominent Tasmanian election expert Kevin Bonham described the Victorian upper housing voting system as farcically broken, resulting in preference flows that did not represent voters intentions.

Glenn Druerys yacht Aphelion. The federal government and some state governments have legislated to curb group voting. Victoria and Western Australia are the only jurisdictions left where group voting allows Mr Druerys strategy to work. Many in Victorian politics anticipated reform after Mr Druerys clear influence on the 2018 poll. But after two years of successful horse-trading with the disparate crossbench, the Andrews government has shown little appetite for change. In 2020 the Labor-chaired Electoral Matters Committee considered the upper house and group voting problem in its review of the 2018 election but found the issues so serious and complex they needed a separate inquiry.

Committee member and Greens MP Tim Read said Labor had kicked the can down the road on upper house voting reform. The government must ensure an inquiry is completed in time for reform before the next election, he said. Meanwhile, Reason Party leader Fiona Patten has pushed for her own version of reform. She and Mr Druery had worked together in the past but in 2018 the two fell out and Ms Patten lodged a formal complaint about him which Victoria Police followed up but then dropped. At the time, Ms Patten said Mr Druery had asked her team for a $5000 upfront fee to join his family of minor parties and a success fee of $50,000 for each candidate elected. In 2020 Ms Patten tabled her own bill aimed squarely at Mr Druery which would outlaw profiteering from elections. The bill has not yet been voted on.

Victorian upper house MP Fiona Patten Credit:James Brickwood This week Ms Patten said Victorians were appalled by the idea that someone like Mr Druery could profit from manipulating group voting tickets. You dont want people making tens of thousands of dollars by setting up preference deals that dont reflect the platforms of those parties and, therefore, that dont reflect the intention of the person who voted for those parties. Mr Druery worked for former radio personality Derryn Hinch and his Justice Party, at the time when Hinch was elected to the Senate in 2016 with a primary vote of 5.6 per cent. Mr Hinch then employed Mr Druery until his loss at the 2019 election. An analysis of Mr Druerys travel records shows that in 2017 he made 16 round trips to Melbourne costing $9406, but in the 2018 election year the figure rose to 31 round trips costing $25,785.

Through this period he held multiple meetings with micro party officials and candidates for the state election. There was also a big increase in his use of taxis in Victoria, from 18 trips in 2017 to 78 the following year, ahead of the state election. Many of the trips were around suburban Melbourne. The travel expenses incurred by Mr Druery  worth $154,929 between mid 2016 and the end of 2018  were part of a pattern of high spending by Hinchs staff. Parliamentary expenses data shows that in 2018, Mr Hinchs staff spent $234,000 on travel expenses, far in excess of fellow senate crossbencher Stirling Griff from South Australia who spent $70,967 while Rex Patrick, also from South Australia, spent $97,654 on staff travel. Mr Hinch spent nearly five times more than fellow Victorian senators Kimberley Kitching and Jacinta Collins (Labor) and Janet Rice (Greens) who spent just over $50,000 on staff travel. Liberal Senator James Paterson spent just under $70,000.

Other publicly funded trips by Mr Druery include attending Mr Hinchs political party AGM in late August 2018 and Mr Druery charging taxpayers $1099 in motor vehicle allowance for a three-day 1746 kilometre round trip to Melbourne from Sydney in early 2017. In a written response, Mr Hinch said the then-president of the senate Scott Ryan had approved Mr Druery living in Sydney while working for the Victorian senator. All expenses were approved by IPEA (Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority). When Mr Druery did private business he paid his own expenses. I have no idea what other cross-benchers applied for or were granted. All Hinch expenses are out there as they should be, he said. In 2018 then-senator Hinch said he believed Mr Druery kept his business dealings separate from his work as an adviser.
Drone footage has captured a massive landslide that washed away a significant portion of California's Highway One near Big Sur.

A large chunk of the road in Monterey County, about 15 miles south of the famous beach destination, collapsed on Thursday and Friday following heavy rains.

No one was injured as highway officials had closed the road in anticipation of mud slides that the area is prone to during bad weather and as a result of the Atmospheric River.

The road is closed indefinitely whilst highway engineers assess the damage and how to start repairs.

Washed out. Highway 1, south of Big Sur, shutdown to thru traffic after the road crumbled into the Pacific Ocean. This is at Mile Marker 30 near Big Creek Bridge.

The Central Coast took the biggest beating from this week's storm. https://t.co/7BWvoBEUwo @nbcbayarea pic.twitter.com/qNxECrnD8e  Janelle Wang (@janellewang) January 29, 2021

A massive section of Highway 1 in Big Sur California collapsed and washed away into the ocean Friday January 29, 2021 when the cliffside below gave way amid torrential rains and wind brought on by the Atmospheric River

Both the south and north bound roads were closed indefinitely following the collapse

Caltrans crews responded to a segment of road that collapsed near Mile Marker 30 near Big Creek Bridge and closed the highway indefinitely

Shocking drone footage showed the devastation of the mudslide

The footage captures how the road crumbled away, leaving jagged parts of the tarmac and highway markings still visible, hanging over the crater

The mudslide was brought on by torrential rain as well as the Atmospheric River

Shocking drone footage from highway patrol, Caltrans District 5 as well as NBC Bay Area, captured the sheer drop into the Pacific Ocean.

John Yerace, California Highway Patrol officer, said: 'Yesterday (Thursday) around 4 pm I was in the area, when I noticed this section of roadway, specifically the southbound lane, had fallen off into the ocean. I stayed in the area until I was relieved last evening. Around 6 p.m the roadway still consisted of a northbound lane. Some time overnight, prior to 6:30am in the morning, we responded back to the scene with the assistance of Caltrans access and realized that the roadway is now gone.'

The highway patrol posted photos of the mudslide to social media and encouraged Californians to avoid the area, as conditions were still dangerous.

The road remains closed with drivers encouraged to plan 'alternative roads'.

Yerace added: 'Please continue to exercise extreme caution on rural roads, especially at night.'

The area is prone to big mud slides in bad weather.

In 2017 the biggest landslide Big Sur had ever seen cut 30-miles of coastline off for nearly a year and made the area accessible only by helicopter.

The road near the aptly named Mud Creek in Monterey County collapsed into the ocean and took up to a year to repair and reopen.

The incident on May 20 meant it lost a quarter of a mile of Highway One to a terrifying torrent of rock and dirt.

But the area also gained a massive 13 acres of coastline - the equivalent of ten football fields, comprising an estimated 71 million cubic feet of collapsed earth - the US Geological Survey (USGS) revealed at the time.

In 2017 a mudslide in Big Sur at the aptly named Mud Creek cut off the road north of Ragged Point in Monterey County. Pictured is the aftermath on May 25, 2017

Caltrans contractors set up lidar units to monitor ground movement along Highway 1 where a landslide cut off the road north of Ragged Point in Monterey County in Big Sur, Calif., on May 25, 2017

Scientists were astonished that it was created at all, because the US usually loses coastline rather than gaining it.

'To witness the change of the coast in a constructional way - it's such a unique event,' landslide expert Kevin Schmidt of USGS in Menlo Park told the East Bay Times.

'Typically we are losing the battle to wave action,' said Schmidt, who wasn't involved in the USGS project. It has been a number of decades since something this large increased our land mass.'

In August 2018, just a month after the section of the road reopened, several cracks in the pavement measuring a foot or even more were reported along the coastal road.

The slide had taken 14 months to clear and $54 million of highway funds were required to make the road passable again.

Big Sur sits just south of Monterrey, where the Santa Lucia Mountains rise dramatically out of the Pacific Ocean.

In 1986 The New York Times called it the 'longest and most scenic stretch of undeveloped coastline in the country...a national treasure that demands extraordinary procedures to protect it from development' and 'one of the most beautiful coastlines anywhere in the world, an isolated stretch of road, mythic in reputation'.

The region serves as the stunning back drop to the HBC show Big Little Lies, starring Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman, with its famous Bixby Bridge in the opening credits.

In 2019 tourists who flooded the area to take selfies on the bridge and beaches were shamed by a banner on the bridge that claimed: 'Overtourism is killing Big Sur'.

An Instagram account under the handle 'Big Sur Hates You' cropped up and began publicly shaming tourists infiltrating the community of fewer than 2,000 year-round residents.
Two servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were wounded in the Maryinka area in Donbas as a result of shelling by Russian-occupation forces at Ukrainian positions, the Ukrainian delegation to participate in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) said.

"Today, on January 30, at about 13:00, two servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were wounded as a result of enemy shelling in the Maryinka area. They received medical assistance, their condition is stable," they said on the Facebook page.

The Ukrainian side of the JCCC, using the coordination mechanism, introduced a 'ceasefire regime,' sent a note to the OSCE SMM.
Turkish police detained four people after artwork depicting Islam's holiest site viewed as offensive by Ankara was hung at an Istanbul university at the centre of recent protests, officials said Saturday.

The four individuals were detained on suspicion of "openly denigrating the religious values adopted by a section of the public", the governor's office said.

The police were on the hunt for two others, it added, describing the artwork as an "ugly attack" on Islam.

Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said in a tweet Saturday that "four LGBT deviants" had been detained in comments which caused upset on social media.

The artwork, which according to the Istanbul governorate also included a rainbow flag, a symbol associated with the LGBT community, was hung opposite the rector's office Friday at Bogazici University, the governorate said, in a move swiftly condemned by Turkish officials.

The "disrespect" shown to the Kaaba was "neither freedom of expression nor the right to protest", Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's spokesman, Ibrahim Kalin, tweeted.

He vowed Saturday "this deviance will get the punishment it deserves before the law".

There have been weeks of protests at the university against what protesters claim is the politically motivated appointment of the new rector, Melih Bulu, by Erdogan.

The Turkish president earlier this month accused some of those taking part of being "terrorists".

While homosexuality has been legal throughout modern Turkey's history, gay people often face harassment and abuse.

LGBT events were blocked in recent years including Istanbul Pride.

Short link:


Jammu: The Pakistani army has violated the ceasefire again by resorting to unprovoked firing along the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, officials said on Saturday.

The firing from across the border started around 10.10 pm on Friday in the Bobiyaan border outpost area of Hiranagar sector, prompting an effective retaliation by the Border Security Force (BSF), the officials said.

Photo

They said the cross-border firing between the two sides continued till 3 am but there was no report of any damage on the Indian side.

The BSF detected two cross-border tunnels, one each in the Bobiyaan and Pansar areas of Hiranagar sector, on January 13 and 23 respectively, frustrating Pakistan's attempt to push terrorists into India.
Health practitioners and consumer advocates want every MRI to be covered fully by Medicare, with new figures showing more Australians are being sent for the scans as other imaging methods decline in use.

Department of Health figures show a 20 per cent rise in the number of MRIs conducted over the past three years, with more than 1.3 million performed in the 2019-20 financial year. But depending on which machine is used, some scans are eligible for only a partial rebate.

During the same three-year period, there was a 6 per cent fall in the number of X-rays, a 1 per cent fall in ultrasounds and a 4 per cent rise in CT scans.

Karen Phillip from Catherine Hill Bay is surprised by the high cost of MRI scans and says it was a significant cost she wasnt expecting. Credit:Darren Pateman

Doctors often order MRI scans because they can detect injuries that other scans dont see, but there are concerns that the high cost of MRIs is deterring some patients from going through with the scans. While MRIs are free at hospitals, many people are referred to clinics where the scans are only partially funded.

In a revealing statement issued last Sunday, the Stalinist Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) enthusiastically endorsed the right-wing Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny and the protests against the Putin government triggered by Navalnys return to Russia and arrest.

Alexei Navalny [Source: Wikimedia Commons]

Released by the CPPs chief information officer Marco Valbuena, the statement declared: All democracy-loving people must support and emulate the mass protest actions in Russia against the Putin fascist regime, particularly against the plans of the dictator to extend his power by seeking a third term.

The statement, while ferocious in its denunciations of Putin and his tyrannical, corrupt and criminal regime, is completely uncritical of critic and opposition leader Navalny, who is backed by US imperialism and its allies. Indeed, one of the first actions of the Biden administration has been to demand Navalnys release.

Whatever the criminality of the Putin regime, there is nothing remotely progressive about Navalny. In the final analysis, he articulates the same class intereststhose of the Russian bourgeoisie. His tirades against corruption and crooks and thieves at the top are simply attempts to mask his ruthless, pro-market agenda of imposing economic austerity, cutting taxes and red tape for corporations, and privatising semi-state-owned enterprises.

Navalnys differences with Putin are purely tactical. He speaks for a layer of the ruling class whose economic ambitions are blocked by Putin and his allies, and who look to a close alignment with Western imperialism. He has opposed Russias support for separatists in East Ukraine and criticised Putin for his ties to Chinas president.

Navalnys contempt for democratic rights and the working class is summed up in his links to extreme-right forces within Russia, where he has addressed far-right marches on numerous occasions. He used to be a member of the organisational council of the Russian March, an annual event organised by the countrys fascist and far-right forces.

In backing Navalny, the US and European powers are seeking to reprise the 2014 coup in the Ukraine that relied on far-right and openly fascist layers. Navalny participated in the World Fellowship program at Yale University in the US in 2010 and 2019, which has been instrumental in training other leaders of imperialist-backed colour revolutions in the former Soviet Union.

The fact that none of this is mentioned in the CPP statement is no accident. It supports Navalny precisely because it is lining up with sections of the ruling class most closely aligned with US imperialism, represented by Vice-President Leni Robredo and her Liberal Party.

The CPP makes no secret of its aims, appealing to all democracy-loving people to emulate the Russian protests. The Filipino masses must act in their numbers to fight all forms of repression and all attempts of Duterte to extend his power using different tactics such as cha-cha or having his ambitious daughter Sara sit in his throne in 2022, it declares. Cha-cha refers to Dutertes attempt to change the constitution to enable him to stand in the 2022 presidential election.

The CPPs denunciations of Duterte are utterly cynical. The Stalinists backed his election in 2016 and sought to form a political alliance with his administration, even supporting his murderous war on drugs directed against the working class. It was Duterte, under pressure from the military, not the CPP, that broke relations and then turned the armed forces against the CPPs rural guerrillas.

In an opportunist about-face, the CPP is now aligning with the bourgeois political opposition to Duterte, headed by Robredo and the Liberal Party. The CPP has repeatedly appealed to the disgruntled pro-US elements of the military to withdraw support from Duterte and install Robredo.

Like Navalny in Russia, the Liberal Party in the Philippines has only tactical differences with the current regime, primarily over foreign policy. It has repeatedly criticised Duterte for his ties with Beijing and branded him as a puppet of China.

Dutertes predecessor as president, Benigno Noynoy Aquino from the Liberal Party, was the leading advocate in South East Asia for the Obama administrations aggressive pivot to Asia against China. He signed a far-reaching military agreement with the US, allowing its military forces virtually unfettered access to Philippine military bases.

In league with Washington, Florin Hilbay, solicitor general under Aquino, was responsible for bringing the Philippine case against Chinese territorial claims in the South China Sea before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. He is now a Liberal Party senator.

Akbayan, a breakaway from the CPP and now part of the Liberal Party, is viciously anti-China. In her latest diatribe, Akbayan representative Risa Hontiveros, a Liberal Party senator, called on Duterte this week to denounce Chinas bullying after the alleged harassment of a Filipino fisherman by the Chinese coast guard. This is the arrogance of a country that still considers itself the Middle Kingdom and an empire. This is an unacceptable encounter, she declared.

Any new Liberal Party regime would be just as ruthless as Duterte in trampling on democratic rights and the working class. The Philippine bourgeoisie as a whole confronts a deep economic and social crisis as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The country has reported more than 500,000 cases and 10,000 coronavirus deathsthe second-highest toll in South East Asia after Indonesia.

The economy contracted in 2020 for the first time since 1998, and by a huge 9.5 percent, placing new intolerable burdens on workers, peasants and the poor. All factions of the ruling class are united in their determination to suppress any eruption of mass opposition.

The CPP is positioning itself as a key political instrument of the bourgeoisie to divert any opposition movement into the arms of Robredo and the Liberal Partyan outcome that would be as disastrous for working people as the Duterte regime.

The CPPs rotten opportunist manoeuvres are not simply mistakes. They flow directly from the reactionary Stalinist two-stage theory, which subordinates the working class and peasant masses to a non-existent progressive wing of the bourgeoisie and relegates any struggle for socialism to the distant future.

The only progressive alternative to Stalinism is Trotskyismthat is, genuine Marxism fought for today by the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI).

In his Theory of Permanent Revolution, Leon Trotsky insisted that the venal bourgeoisie in countries of a belated capitalist development such as the Philippines was organically incapable of meeting the democratic aspirations and social needs of the masses. Those tasks fell to the working class in a revolutionary struggle for a workers and peasants government that would begin the socialist transformation of society as part of the fight for socialism internationally.

To fight for this perspective, it is necessary to build a section of the ICFI in the Philippines. We urge workers and youth to contact us to discuss these issues.
Outgoing President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump exit Air Force One at the Palm Beach International Airport on the way to Mar-a-Lago in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Jan. 20, 2020. (Noam Galai/Getty Images)

Florida Town Reviewing Trumps Residency at Mar-a-Lago Resort

Palm Beach is reviewing whether its legal for former President Donald Trump to reside at his Mar-a-Lago resort.

Town Manager Kirk Blouin told The Epoch Times that the towns attorney, John Randolph, is conducting a legal review.

Our Town Attorney, John Randolph, is reviewing the Declaration of Use Agreement and our Code of Ordinances to determine if former President Trump can live at Mar-a-Lago, he said via email.

Randolph didnt return an inquiry.

The Trump Organization has said its legal for Trump to live at Mar-a-Lago.

Then-President Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago Club is shown in Palm Beach, Florida, on Aug. 31, 2019. (Joe Skipper/Reuters)

Trump changed his permanent residence from New York to Florida in 2019.

I cherish New York, and the people of New York, and always will, but unfortunately, despite the fact that I pay millions of dollars in city, state, and local taxes each year, I have been treated very badly by the political leaders of both the city and state. Few have been treated worse, he wrote at the time.

Trump left the White House in Washington on Jan. 20 and flew to Palm Beach as his successor Joe Biden was sworn in.

Built in 1924 and purchased by Trump in 1985, the resort sits on the coast. The 20-acre grounds is a private club that contains a pool, a spa, and a restaurant.
Why North Star felt it was key to keep in-person education amid COVID
Close

Scientists have long been baffled why wombats poo are square. But a recent international study has provided the answer to this unusual natural phenomenon.

In the past, people mostly believed that cube-shaped poo is formed because these marsupials have square sphincters. But the University of Tasmania wildlife ecologist Scott Carver said that the cube-shaped poo is formed much higher, in the wombat's intestine.

The research was published on January 28 in the scientific journal Soft Matter.

How Are the Cube-Shaped Poo of Wombats Formed

There have been various theories on how the wombats produce square feces. One of which is that they have a square sphincter, but experts said that the feces could get squeezed by the pelvis bones so that seems to be impossible. Another "nonsense" speculation is that wombats pat their feces into cubes after they defecate.

But a project that began four years ago had shed light on this unique poo. As Carver was dissecting a dead wombat that was hit by a car, he noticed that the poo inside the animal's last meter of the intestine is in the shape of a cube. He thought of it as odd so he decided to investigate further.

Together with a team of researchers in Australia, they created mathematical models that will simulate the cube-shaped poo production. They found big changes in the thickness of the intestines that vary in two stiff regions and two flexible regions.

The Guardian reported that rhythmical contractions inside the intestine help form the cubes inside the wombats. Then in 2018, the researchers conducted a CT scan on a live wombat and concluded that the distinct changes in the intestines and the drying of the stool in the distal colon help produce the bizarre shape of the poo.

ALSO READ: Poop Power? Honeybees Found A New Way to Defend Themselves Against Murder Hornets





Why Do Wombats Have Cube-Shaped Poo?

Now that the scientists know how wombats poo are formed, the next thing to do is find out its purpose. Why do wombats have square poo?

Scientists are not yet sure exactly why wombats have square poo but they think that it could be used by them to communicate with one another.

According to ScienceAlert, the wombats do not have good eyesight and so they use their poo to communicate with each other. They poop on logs, rocks, and other places to make their message visible, which suggests that the square shape of the poo might assist in the poo-stacking mechanism of the wombat. After all, round poo tends to roll away.

Another idea is that the cube-shaped poo allows for greater surface area to increase the dispersal rate of the wombat's scent to send social messages or let others know of their reproductive status.

On the other hand, some also said that it could just be a result of the poo being dehydrated in the gut. For instance, wombats poo in the zoo, which are more hydrated than those in the wild, tend to have poo that is less defined.





RELATED TOPIC: Penguins Can Shoot Their Poop Cannons with a Trajectory of Over Four Feet

Check out more news and information on Animals and Poop on Science Times.
The band Strangers With Guns, which includes Bray's Jeff Crosdale, have released a single to raise money for Pieta House.

The track is called 'Hold On' and will be available from January 29. It's a song about holding on through troubled times and how things can change.

'We though that because the music was so "Grunge", a genre linked with despair and depression and had lost so many of its leaders to suicide, we would go the opposite way and write a song in their style but with hope.'

'We are carving out our own space, playing with every genre that's open to us, from DIY Punk shows to Metal Shows, to Hard Rock Shows,' the band says in their bio.

Strangers with guns was formed in January 2019, that year gigging all over Ireland.

They were set to play UK dates this year but unfortunately have been grounded due to Covid.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Tara Studios has received approval for planning in principle by Wexford County Council for the construction of its film production studios at Borleagh Manor in Inch.

The application, lodged in November last year, sought permission for the construction of seven studio stages, ten workshops, two office buildings and a security building. It also requested landscaping on site that includes mature trees for visual screening, the creation of a car park for 430 spaces as well as 2.4 metre high security fencing, along with connection to the Coolgreany Waste Treatment Plant for its facilities.

The duo behind the development are Ivan Dunleavy, formerly of Pinewood Studios, and John Gleeson, accountant at Saffery Champness and one of the lead arrangers of finance for film productions in Ireland and the UK.

It is understood that two objections to planning application were received and a spokesperson for Wexford County Council said that a number of submissions were received.

'Wexford County Council has decided to grant planning permission for this proposed development. We received a number of submissions from people in relation to the proposed development, both in favour of and not in favour, but unfortunately I don't have details of these to hand at time of writing'.

Senator Malcolm Byrne, who had been engaging with Mr Gleeson and Mr Dunleavy, welcomed the decision but noted that there are still a number of steps before construction can commence.

'I am happy that planning has been granted and remain optimistic that the project will now progress and that construction can commence later this year. The global content creation industry is currently booming and there is a shortage of studio space. These studios could become one of the world's leading venues. Ireland has excellent creative talent as well as being an attractive tax and financial base for film and television production.

He added that up to 30 direct jobs could be created at the studios, while several hundred will be employed when the studios are operating at full capacity, and he thanked local groups and businesses that expressed support for the proposed development.

Councillor Anthony Donohoe also welcomed the decision described it as 'Fantastic news for north Wexford. It will put Kilanerin on the map now and have an impact for years to come'.

Cllr Fionntan O Suilleabhain said that the project has much potential.

'A project of this scale is not just great for the Kilanerin or Gorey area but indeed for County Wexford and Ireland in general. This has so much potential, especially in terms of local employment. Hopefully, there will also be lots of positive spin-offs for the local area as well as the obvious benefits for the arts.

'It has been a major objective of the council over recent years to have big films produced in the sunny south east and big names from the big screen, like Richard Greene, Richard Burton, Liz Taylor and Cary Grant have stayed in Borleagh Manor in the past. In the age of Netflix, Fire TV, Amazon TV etc who knows what could come of this. Exciting times and a bit of good news that we all need.

'There were many supportive local submissions to accompany this application, and the local community are well behind the project and wish it every success,' he said.

Chairman of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Cllr Joe Sullivan said that project would be a boost to tourism.

'This will be a huge boost to employment and improve the economic situation of so many in the Gorey area. People are entitled to have their concerns and I'm sure the appropriate authorities will have a look at those issues.

'The fact that a film studio is in the front line of media has to have a kick-back in relation to tourism, enhancement and profile for the north Wexford area. There aren't many studios in Ireland and a film studio like this is very much upfront and out there in public view and it's going to put Gorey firmly on the map. Had Paul Funge been alive at the moment, he would have hugely welcomed this.

'Not everybody is interested in the arts, but everybody is interested in a good thriving economy for north Wexford and that will contribute hugely and have a knock-on effect'.

Mr Dunleavy and Mr Gleeson spoke about their ambitions for Tara Studios in November.

'We're very focused on providing the kind of studio facility and the operations within the studio that will represent a world class offer for film and television producers and have the necessary scale to attract bigger projects from the international marketplace. Once operational, we expect to be active and trading with film and television projects up and running from the get-go. There will jobs within the facility itself with knock-on economic benefit to the local businesses but also a tourism boost'.
Delhi records 956 COVID-19 cases, 122 deaths 29 May 2021 | 3:58 PM New Delhi, May 29 (UNI) Delhi registered 956 cases of COVID-19 and 122 deaths from the virus in the past 24 hours, a health bulletin said here on Saturday. see more..

US pledges cooperation with India on vaccine, economic and security concerns 29 May 2021 | 2:43 PM New Delhi, May 29 (UNI) The United States has pledged to continue cooperating with India on shared healthcare, economic and regional security priorities and deepen the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between the two countries. see more..

CRPF DG to hold additional charge of NIA till further order 29 May 2021 | 1:36 PM New Delhi, May 29 (UNI) The Central Reserve Police Force(CRPF) DG Kuldiep Singh has been given the additional charge of the National Investigation Agency(NIA) after the superannuation of YC Modi on May 31. see more..

India confirms 1 73 lakh COVID-19 cases, 3,617 deaths 29 May 2021 | 12:06 PM New Delhi, May 29 (UNI) India has confirmed 1,73,790 new cases of the coronavirus over the past 24 hours, with the total number of those infected reaching 27,729,247, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Saturday. see more..
A race against time has begun to save for the nation a 2million watch made for George III.

Featuring a revolutionary mechanism for more accurate timekeeping, it represented cutting-edge technology in the early 19th century.

One of fewer than ten watches with a tourbillon mechanism made by Prussian master horologist Abraham-Louis Breguet known to exist, it was put up for sale by a private owner  and a foreign buyer wants it.

The watch that was made for George III in 1808 is one of fewer than ten watches with a tourbillon mechanism made by Prussian master horologist Abraham-Louis Breguet known to exist

But culture minister Caroline Dinenage has placed a temporary export bar on the gold watch.

She said: 'I hope that a [British] buyer can be found so that the public can continue to be inspired by this exciting period of our history.'

Valued at 2,000,000, plus VAT of 400,000, the watch was made in France in 1808 for George III.

The tourbillon mechanism stabilises and protects the hands from being disturbed by daily use and the effects of gravity.

The king was a keen watch collector, and The Royal Collection holds manuscripts written in his hand in which he details the procedure for assembling them.

Documents issued by the Breguet firm show the watch was issued to their agent in London, Recordon, for George III. Breguet sold 35 tourbillon watches between 1805 and 1823.

The gold watch comes with a tourbillon mechanism which stabilises and protects the hands from being disturbed by daily use

The export bar was imposed following guidance from an advisory committee on objects of cultural interest.

Member Pippa Shirley said: 'This watch is a tour-de-force of the art of horology. Its loss from Britain would be a misfortune.' The watch also includes a thermometer and a state of wind indicator.

The decision on the export licence application for the watch will be deferred until April 28 this year, and may be extended until September if a serious intention to raise funds to purchase it is made at the recommended price.
She recently insisted to her followers she had jetted to Mexico - not because her sister Demi had flown out, but because she had been presented with a work trip she 'couldn't turn down'.

And Chloe Sims appeared to take a break from her work duties as she and cousin Frankie Essex left a restaurant in Tulum, Mexico following lunch on Saturday.

The TOWIE star, 38, looked radiant in a loose-fitting white jumpsuit and a wide-brimmed hat, with Frankie, 33, echoing her laidback look in a flowing white dress and matching hat.

Family outing: Chloe Sims appeared to take a break from her work duties as she and cousin Frankie Essex left a restaurant in Tulum, Mexico following lunch on Saturday

Chloe finished off her holiday look with silver boots and a tasselled white handbag, while she added a chic white cardigan.

And despite being on a work trip to Mexico, she was sure to make it a family affair as in addition to Frankie, she was also joined by daughter Maddie, 15, and her nanny Linda, who have both made appearances on TOWIE recently.

The group appeared relaxed as they congregated outside the eatery before making their way down the street.

Style: The TOWIE star, 38, looked radiant in a loose-fitting white jumpsuit and a wide-brimmed hat, with Frankie, 33, echoing her laidback look in a flowing white dress and matching hat

Since she landed in Tulum, reality star Chloe has posted an array of scantily clad snaps to social media from her trip.

Chloe has also given her Instagram followers a look at the comfy room she is staying in, as well as the breathtaking view of the beach she will wake to every morning.

The TOWIE star revealed she had travelled to Mexico on a 'work related trip' amid Britain's coronavirus lockdown.

Racy display: Since she landed in Tulum, the reality star has posted an array of scantily clad snaps to social media from her trip

Chloe took to Instagram and shared a series of bikini photos of herself after landing in celebrity hot spot Tulum.

After several reality stars have received criticism for travelling to Dubai for 'work' trips recently, Chloe insisted an opportunity presented itself in Mexico that she 'could not turn down'.

She wrote: 'I HAVE ARRIVED IN MEXICO.. SO I WANTED TO GET AHEAD OF ANY NEGATIVE STORIES TO MAKE IT CLEAR, THIS IS FIRST & FOREMOST A WORK RELATED TRIP.

This view! Chloe has also given her Instagram followers a look at the comfy room she is staying in, as well as the breathtaking view of the beach she will wake to every morning

'SOME OPPORTUNITIES HAVE PRESENTED THEMSELVES, THAT I FELT I COULD NOT TURN DOWN & SO AFTER FULLY CONSIDERING THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES. I DECIDED TO TRAVEL.'

Chloe added she would be quarantining at her home in Essex as soon as she returns from the trip.

She said: 'OBVIOUSLY I WILL BE QUARANTINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS UPON MY RETURN.'

Working hard: The TOWIE star revealed she had travelled to Mexico on a 'work related trip' amid Britain's coronavirus lockdown

Tulum is popular with stars including Drew Barrymore and Kristin Cavallari with Love Island's Eyal Booker and girlfriend Delilah Belle Hamlin also recently visiting the city.

Dozens of influencers who found fame on reality shows such as Geordie Shore and Love Island have spent the previous weeks soaking up the sun in Dubai while 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.

Among those who have shared glimpses of their trips to Instagram are Love Island's Laura Anderson, Francesca Allen, Arabella Chi and twins Jess and Eve Gale.

Geordie Shore's Chloe Ferry was also in Dubai for 'work' while TOWIE's Yazmin Oukhellou and her beau James Lock have also been there for some time on 'business'.

Many stars have insisted their trips are for 'work' as the government currently asks UK residents to avoid unnecessary travel.

"Hannahs passion, ethos, and commitment to a client first advisory experience makes her a natural fit to affiliate with Juncture. says Barry Rhonemus, Founder and Managing Partner of Juncture Wealth Strategies.

Juncture Wealth Strategies, a national financial planning and investment advisory firm, is proud to announce today that Hannah Chapman of X Wealth Planning will be affiliating as a Senior Wealth Advisor to serve individuals, families, professionals, and business owners in the Tri-State area.

Hannah joins Juncture Wealth Strategies from Ameriprise where she served as a Financial Advisor to high-net-worth families and business owners. Her extensive experience in financial planning will help serve clients in the communities of Cincinnati, Dayton, Northern Kentucky, and select other locations.

Additionally, Hannahs background and experience includes:



15 years of experience in the Financial Services industry

Passion about her clients financial success and the collaborative relationships she develops with each one of them

Particular expertise in and passion for serving women in executive positions and women business owners

I am thrilled to be part of such an experienced and multi-faceted team that works together to help clients reach their goals, says Hannah. Im also excited to bring my highly customized planning and investment philosophy and fiduciary standard to clients here in the Greater Cincinnati metropolitan area!

I am beyond excited to have Hannah join the Juncture team! Hannahs passion, ethos, and commitment to a client first advisory experience makes her a natural fit to affiliate with Juncture, says Barry Rhonemus, Founder and Managing Partner of Juncture Wealth Strategies. Hannahs dedication to holding the APMA and CRPC designations exemplifies her desire to address the complex issues that face clients in todays environment. As Juncture expands nationally, we are honored that Hannah and her firm will will be leading those efforts in the Greater Cincinnati area!

About Juncture Wealth Strategies: Juncture Wealth Strategies has been surrounding clients with experienced advisors focused on providing a customized experience. Over the years, weve expanded our services to offer support to advisors looking to grow their practice  and cater to the growing needs of high- and ultra-high-net-worth clients. Juncture is a boutique investment firm with institutional resources, offering intelligent investment management and wealth advocacy services.

Hannah Chapman is an Investment Advisor Representative of Juncture Wealth Strategies. Investment Advice offered through JUNCTURE WEALTH STRATEGIES, LLC a Registered Investment Advisor.

Juncture Wealth Strategies, LLC

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Barry Rhonemus at 480-253-4100 or Hannah Chapman at 513.783.2088 or through email at brhonemus@juncturewealth.com or hannah.chapman@x2wealthplanning.com.


Burstein's Overtime

Sheriff's Office Overtime

(TNS)  Erie County, N.Y., Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein collected $183,414 in overtime last year  or 91 percent of her base salary. Her total compensation of $385,726 reflected 1,266 hours of overtime. That makes her one of the highest paid employees in government.A new report by County Comptroller Stefan Mychajliw shows that Burstein was the largest single recipient of taxpayer-funded overtime. It also shows that top Sheriff's Office administrators continued to receive more Covid-19 related overtime than members of any other department in county government.Of the 26 non-union appointees who each received more than $10,000 in overtime covered by federal stimulus money last year, 42 percent were Sheriff's Office administrators who were paid $483,582, collectively.Among all county employees, 1,226 staffers received $5.9 million in overtime related to the new coronavirus health crisis last year and saw their paychecks grow thanks to federal CARES Act stimulus money awarded to Erie County. But of the nearly $6 million in Covid-19-related overtime paid out last year in federal funds, 54 political appointees received $1.3 million of it. In other words, those 4.4 percent of the workers got 22.1 percent of the money.These government administrators would not typically receive overtime pay. However, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz allowed all non-union, managerial confidential employees to accept overtime pay for their Covid-19 related work because he said his administration received explicit guidance that CARES Act federal stimulus money allows non-union managers to collect it."I think a lot of people are going to be very angry that the health commissioner makes more than the governor, the vice president of the United States, and has a salary that is comparable to Dr. Anthony Fauci," Mychajliw said, referring to the federal government's leading infectious disease physician.Administration spokesman Peter Anderson said in an email that Poloncarz was unavailable to comment on the report Thursday and that it was inappropriate to comment on the draft findings."What we've got here is a draft 'report' cobbled together by the comptroller's team with the usual inaccuracies and accusations to continue the comptroller's monotonous attacks on the people who are trying to keep the community safe," Anderson said. "Please bear in mind that the Health Commissioner not only leads the response to the pandemic, but also continues to oversee all the non-COVID responsibilities her department has, which are numerous."He also said it was ridiculous that Mychajliw is criticizing hard work done by other county employees when the comptroller has been repeatedly accused of not coming into work. Anderson did not cite any specific examples of report errors.County leaders have previously defended the overtime payments by providing time sheets, reports and verbal explanations showing how administrators devoted extra work time to the public health crisis since it broke in March. The additional hours listed far exceed how much money these employees would have been able to recover in the form of compensatory time off, they said.But the practice of allowing government appointees to collect so much federally funded overtime is out of step with what other counties in the state have done. According to research shared by the Comptroller's Office, other counties have either awarded much more limited amounts of overtime money to non-union employees, or none at all. In response to a FOIL request, New York City officials sent the Comptroller's Office an email indicating that no Covid-19-related overtime money was paid to any non-union appointees.Any overtime for county employees has long-term cost implications for taxpayers because state government pensions are based on an employee's highest compensation years.Dr. Burstein does not earn as much Dr. Fauci, whose pay exceeds $417,000, but according to See Through NY, which collects public payrolls from across the state, Burstein's compensation for last year would make her one of the highest paid employees in state, city or county government.Burstein has been the top administrator spearheading the county's Covid-19 response. Anderson has previously pointed out that Erie County is one of the few counties in the state with its own public health lab and is much more involved in the statewide response to Covid-19 than other communities.Burstein's hourly rate of pay is higher than other county employees. But she takes the top spot for both overtime hours  1,266  and compensation.While Burstein may have logged more Covid-19 related overtime hours and pay than any other individual employee, the Sheriff's Office has been the largest overtime recipient  by far  of any unit of county government.While 11 Sheriff's Office administrators received more than $10,000 in overtime totaling $483,582, seven of them ranked in the top 10, with amounts ranging from $45,353 to $79,329. The other overtime recipients listed in the comptroller's report were spread over eight different departments.The Democratic-led Erie County Legislature has previously taken the Sheriff's Office to task for its Covid-19 related overtime claims, noting that these claims are coming at a time when the county inmate population is falling to all-time lows due to bail reform laws.Meanwhile, Mychajliw, a Republican  as is Sheriff Timothy B. Howard  has focused his attention on criticizing overtime received by members of Poloncarz's Democratic administration.The most he would say about the high amount of overtime claimed by the Sheriff's Office is, "If you're a political employee and a managerial confidential employee, I don't care where you work, you should not get one dime in Covid-related overtime, or any overtime, because you're a salaried employee. Political appointees who sign up know the rules going in."Only elected officials in county government are actually salaried, which is why none of them claimed overtime, but while non-union administrators are considered hourly workers, they are normally only entitled to comp time for extra hours worked.Howard did not respond to a request for comment, but in an email, spokesman Scott Zylka defended the overtime claims, saying "... the Sheriff's Office needed to develop and implement new policies and procedures to react to the COVID-19 pandemic for both employees and inmates," as well as for other units, including "the road patrol platoons, Investigative Services, Narcotics and Intelligence Unit, and the Special Services Unit.""The agency also worked closely with the County's Department of Health for compliance and security for COVID-related activities, including testing sites, hospitals, and quarantine locations," he wrote, as well as in implementing "the mandates handed down from federal and state agencies."
Currently, the Phase I of the vaccination programme is reserved for medical professionals and hospital workers in the government and private sector across the country. (Representational Photo: AP)

Hyderabad: The Coronavirus pandemic has brought out the best, and worst, in people across the world. The Covid-19 vaccination drive, which has made India proud, has also sadly, yet again, demonstrated that we Indians do not hesitate when it comes to jumping the queue.

Queue jumpers, in their shameful attitude to get something ahead of their turn, are least mindful of others or about deserving what they take.

What makes it a shame for Telangana, which has been responsible for designing and manufacturing one of the two vaccines, is a complicit government machinery abetting and aiding such activities  condoning those who jump queues using wrong means to get what they, with utter lack of discipline or social conscientiousness.

Queue jumping for Covid vaccines is currently happening in Telangana, wherein some people are the vaccine shots clandestinely, in complete disregard for national guidelines that have placed as priority number one frontline warriors  medical professionals and hospital workers ones who faced the brunt of the pandemic for a year, several of them even fell sick while trying to save lives of the rest of Indians. In this category of people were some fallen heroes too, who died in line of duty.

In what is nothing less than a shocking revelation, it has emerged that some people, a chosen few with enough pull and leverage with powers that be, have been getting Covid vaccine shots in Telangana out of turn.

Deccan Chronicle could reliably learn and confirm that so far, several dozens of individuals have received Covid vaccines in the state in this manner.

These individuals are not healthcare professionals, but others who, otherwise, would have to wait for their turn for vaccine doses. Currently, the Phase I of the vaccination programme is reserved for medical professionals and hospital workers in the government and private sector across the country.

Phase II will cover staff and workers from other frontline departments such as the police, civic bodies staff and from other line departments directly involved in Covid-19 operations or exposed to Covid-19 treatment protocols, or in some manner with patient services and care.

Several amongst these are people, who otherwise would be among the last to get their shots as per protocols. It is noteworthy that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been urging everyone to follow the protocol as a national duty. But such folks are being provided with vaccination shots from stocks available with the Telangana state government.

It may be recalled that following PM Modis admonishment at the launch of the vaccination drive, on queue jumping requests, some politicians in Telangana grudgingly agreed to wait for their turn.

What is happening in Telangana currently, according to senior medical professionals, is a serious cause for concern as this is being done off the books, without the details of these ineligible beneficiaries being uploaded on CoWin website. Every Covid-19 vaccine takers information is to be loaded on the website but since the queue jumpers are not eligible for vaccine shots now, this is being given the go by.

More importantly, since these beneficiaries are off the books, any potential post-vaccination complication is expected to pose severe challenges. It is very likely that such vaccine recipients, if they do experience what are called the Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFIs), might be left to their own devices.

Interestingly, most of these recipients have been given shots of Covaxin, which is still technically under clinical trials, requiring recipients to sign an agreement with Bharat Biotech that they are taking the shots voluntarily.

Even more worrisome is double accounting methods deployed for these purloined vaccine vials. It is learnt that some underhand skullduggery is being called for to account for the doses being used. These secretly used doses are being adjusted against wastages expected to occur in the normal course of events. The empty vials used for secret vaccination programme are placed back for accounting the used vials.

There are also other serious issues that call for urgent attention over this secret second line Covid-19 vaccination programme, according to sources.

Will these queue jumpers get a second round of vaccination when their turn officially comes? What will it do to them, if that time, it is a different brand of vaccine than the one they have received now? What about an immunity certification for those who have received the vaccines as per the protocols? How will they get them?

But at this point of time, it is learnt that queue jumpers in Telangana are not really worried about these aspects as they rush to use their influence to get vaccinated in the hope that they will actually be able to withstand any potential Covid-19 infection.

Sadly, there will never be any vaccine to protect society from such people.


Last week, the Lone Star College system opened their facilities up to the Cypress community as a destination for COVID-19 vaccine delivery at its LSC-CyFair campus and continued their mantra to be good partners.

This is Americans helping Americans, said Stephen C. Head, LSC chancellor.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Elmcroft patients in Cypress receive first round dosage of vaccine

One of the issues facing public officials desperately trying to deliver the life-saving vaccine to the citizenry is the discovery and accessibility of locations like college-sized parking lots.

Lone Star College has worked with various governmental organizations and private businesses since this pandemic began to aid in the fight against this terrible epidemic, Head said.

We were proud to provide the resources of Lone Star College-CyFair to our community.

The vaccinations took place last week on the campus where the parking lot was divided into eight lanes and staffed by a host of health care professionals provided by Harris County Public Health.

Lone Star College-CyFair is grateful to have been able to offer this assistance, said Seelpa Keshvala, LSC-CyFair president. In addition to helping our community, Lone Star College is also using stimulus funds to purchase 6,000 computers for students needing assistance this academic year.

The chancellors role has become Consoler in Chief as he leads his staff and students through the most challenging times of his career.

Weve been telling students, Dont quit on us. Were going to help you get through this, he said.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Lone Star College's new Fallbrook campus offers many firsts

Hes been drawing the comparison to the toll from the hurricane.

This is part of life, so you ride it out. Dont give up. Theres always people who want to help you get through it especially in college. Thats just what we do, he said.

He said this has been one of the toughest lessons ever taught.

This is part of life. Theres going to be death, divorce, lose your job, always something.

He referred to a quote from a West Texas fellow, When you get knocked out of your saddle, youve got to get back up on your horse again and ride.

It seems simplistic, but difficult to do at times without help.

In my 37 years, Ive never seen anything like this. The message is were going to get through this. I dont know if we can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but we know its out there with the vaccine, he said with hope.

Head wanted to go further in their vaccination response, but didnt have the resources.

We would be willing to offer the shots ourselves, he said, but we just dont have the refrigeration capabilities particularly for the Pfizer vaccine because it has major storage necessities.

The willingness to help was a given.

We are a community college and were involved here. I live here too and Im a taxpayer and we want to help wherever we can. My general feeling about all of this is were not going to be healthy as a college institution unless the community is healthy. That applies not only to a health standpoint, but also to an economic one as well, he said.

When most colleges and universities traditionally have a down-swing in enrollment in the spring, Lone Star College is one of the few this semester who had an increase. Head believes its because theyre willing to help.

We know long-term we have to help get the community well as a whole.

Even in the midst of the pandemic, the chancellor is looking for future solutions.

On Wednesday of last week, his Chancellors Advisory Committee for Healthcare made up of hospital CEOs, CNOs, and representatives from hospitals in their region met in a conference call to discuss how the college could help them.

We have partnerships with all of them and we not only want to know what kind of students they need, but how can we help in the training they go through, and weve found that stress should be part of the curriculum and how to handle it, he said.

That included programs for EMTs, nursing, law enforcement, and firefighters.

Head has approached his staff in a similar fashion allowing them to make the decision on how they should handle their classes whether its online only, in-person only, or a hybrid of the two.

I told our faculty for them to work it out. They would know individually when it was best for them to return to the campus. I told them to just do their best right now, he said.

Before COVID hit, Lone Star College was the largest, stand-alone college with an online enrollment with more than 35,000 students.

He credits the federal government for intervening with the CARES Act funding of $30 million. The funds allowed the college system to help as many as 20,000 students and their families.

In the second round, Head said they anticipate receiving approximately $65 million, twice as much.

We had meetings on how to allocate that money and by that it appears we will be assisting about 40,000 students over the next year which is about half of our enrollment, he said.

Head pointed out that the money comes to the college, is then allocated to students, and then spent by them and their families into the local economy through apartment or housing payments, groceries and the funds recycle back into the economy.

All of us agree that with the stimulus we are only buying time until things get back to normal or everyone gets their shots by the end of the summer, he said.

Head was astounded with the recently reported numbers detailing the success rate of the students who remained in school during COVID (with As, Bs, Cs) finding it was higher than it was the year before without the disease.

Our drop rates were also less. We kept more students in school, and they were more successful, he said amazed at the result in such a challenging time.

Providing space for vaccinations is only one area of participation. The LSC system also loaned much-needed ventilators to assist health care workers at Houston Methodist-Baytown, CHI St. Lukes-Woodlands and HCA Houston Healthcare-Kingwood. They have also joined forces with the city of Houston to distribute masks, hand soap, and PPE as well as working with Harris County Pct. 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle to provide remote testing sites.

The chancellor is optimistic about the future and the successes to come.

In the meantime, the college has been the recipient of numerous grants to help get the unemployed back to work and Head said they will continue training. That includes expansion in cybersecurity and solar.

Were very aware of the workforce and the programs they need to get in and out to go to work, he said.

dtaylor@hcnonline.com
On Friday, Johnson & Johnson announced that phase III trial results in the U.S. show their single-dose COVID-19 vaccine candidate is 85 percent effective overall in preventing severe disease in all regions studied (the U.S., Latin America and South Africa) 28 days post-vaccination, protecting against COVID-related hospitalization and death. The vaccine is also 72 percent effective at preventing moderate to severe COVID-19 infections 28 days after vaccination.

While the results are positive, they garnered mixed reactions from parents, with some favoring the convenience of a potential single-shot vaccine for kids, while others shared theyd be willing to accept two shots for a higher rate of protection against the coronavirus if they had a choice. (Both Pfizer and Modernas vaccines, which require two doses, offer around 95 percent protection.)

Currently, there are no COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in young children yet. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is approved for teens ages 16 and older, while Modernas vaccine is authorized for ages 18 and older.

Parents are divided about the latest COVID-19 vaccine, developed by Johnson & Johnson. (Photo: Getty Images)

Pfizer recently announced that its vaccine trials for children ages 12 to 15 are now fully enrolled, according to CNBC, while Moderna is reportedly struggling to find adolescents ages 12 to 18 years old for its trials.

You need to have safety data, Dr. Octavio Ramilo, chief of infectious diseases at Nationwide Childrens Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, tells Yahoo Life. They want to have that data before moving to a younger group.

There have been more than 2 million cases of COVID-19 in children in the U.S., and 200 children have died, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But in general, childrens rates of hospitalization and death are significantly lower than those of adults, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. In addition, most children with COVID-19 have mild or no symptoms, states the CDC.

Parents weigh in

Brooke Buettner, a mom of two in Atlanta, tells Yahoo Life that if the Johnson & Johnson vaccine were the first one approved and available for children ages 9 to 12, she would let her kids get it. I'd feel better knowing they had something in them, Buettner says. Even though it is lower, 72 percent is better than 0 percent.

Story continues

Lauren Weitzman, a mom of three in San Francisco, tells Yahoo Life, I would prefer the more effective vaccines, referring to Pfizers and Modernas vaccines. That said, she adds, I would happily settle for [one made by] Johnson & Johnson.

Despite its slightly lower percentage of effectiveness, Johnson & Johnsons single-dose vaccine candidate has its advantages over the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, which both require a second dose spaced 21 days and 28 days apart, respectively. Ramilo says theres no question vaccinations would be administered faster if only one dose were needed.

A single shot may also be preferable for some parents, including those whose children are nervous around needles and would have a hard time with multiple shots. I would presume its a lot more appealing, Lysa Puma, a mom of two in Philadelphia, tells Yahoo Life, but its not only about fear of needles. She explains that convenience is key. It simplifies trying to get a second appointment, finding a time that works to go to the place and possibly driving a long distance to a faraway vaccination location two times, Puma says. In addition, it would allow any post-vaccine symptoms to only occur once.

On the other hand, some parents feel the inconvenience of a second dose is worth it if it offers greater protection against COVID-19. A single shot for kids would make it more convenient, shares Weitzman. But I wouldnt optimize for convenience.

While Buettner acknowledges that fewer shots would be great, she adds, Honestly, even if they told me it was four shots, Id still get it! Anything to be able to see friends and family and travel again.

Since COVID-19 appears to affect children differently than adults, some parents may also be more flexible about which vaccine their children eventually get. It would matter to me if I were to take the Johnson & Johnson vaccine because my husband and I need the highest protection possible, says Puma. But for children, who naturally show more immunity to COVID, I would be thrilled for my 13-year-old to get [the brands vaccine] over no protection.

Theres no fair comparison

However, experts note its not entirely fair to compare the effectiveness rate of a single-dose vaccine with ones that require two doses. We dont have careful data on each vaccine with one dose, Ramilo tells Yahoo Life. None of them have been compared head-to-head, adding: Considering its one dose, its very encouraging.

Ramilo says the most crucial information is, We now have a number of vaccines that have demonstrated significant effectiveness adding, Whether they prevent 72 percent or 95 percent  something [they all have in] common is that they prevent mortality and severe disease, and thats a really important point.

Johnson & Johnson is expected to file for emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration next week, according to the Washington Post. I think its going to get approved, says Ramilo. And experts estimate that the vaccine could be available by late February or early March.

When can parents expect a COVID vaccine for children?

At a White House coronavirus briefing on Jan. 29, Dr. Anthony Fauci said hes hoping children will start receiving COVID-19 vaccinations by the summer, according to the Associated Press. Hopefully by the time we get to the late spring and early summer, we will have children being able to be vaccinated.

Dr. Danelle Fisher, a pediatrician and chair of pediatrics at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif., previously told Yahoo Life why it will take a while for children to get vaccinated: I keep telling patients that, realistically, between testing, authorization, distribution and supply, it will be six months  maybe more. Fisher added: They are back of the line because of who COVID strikes hardest and first.

For parents who are hoping their kids will be vaccinated and able to return to in-person school in the fall, Ramilo says that theres an opportunity to make that happen, particularly if a third vaccine is approved soon. I think its going to be a huge effort, Ramilo says. It might be tight, but it might be doable.

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.

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Europes medicines regulator has recommended the AstraZeneca/Oxford University COVID-19 vaccine for all aged 18 and above, despite reservations from Germany, which said there was insufficient data to support the injections effectiveness for those above 55 years old.

Europe urgently needs more shots to speed up its inoculation programme with suppliers such as AstraZeneca and Pfizer facing difficulties in delivering the quantities promised for the early months of the year.

The European Medicines Agency licensed the vaccine to people aged 18 and above, though concerns had been raised this week that not enough data existed to prove it works in older people.

There were not yet enough results for people over the age of 55 to determine how well the vaccine would work for this group, the EMA said.

However, it said protection was expected and that the vaccine can be given to older people.

German concerns

The AstraZeneca vaccine demonstrated an efficacy of around 60 per cent in the trials on which it based its decision, the EMA said in a statement.

The shot is the third vaccine given the green light by the European Medicines Agency, after ones made by Pfizer and Moderna. Both were authorised for all adults.

With this third positive opinion, we have further expanded the arsenal of vaccines available to EU and EEA member states to combat the pandemic and protect their citizens, said Emer Cooke, Executive Director of EMA.

J&J Covid vaccine moderately effective, less against S. Africa variant

Europe urgently needs more shots to speed up its inoculation programme with suppliers such as AstraZeneca and Pfizer facing difficulties in delivering the quantities promised for the early months of the year.

The AstraZeneca vaccine is administered via two injections into the arm, the second between 4 and 12 weeks after the first.

Concerns over its value for the elderly were raised on Thursday when Germanys vaccine committee said it should be given only to people aged between 18 and 64, due to a lack of data about how effective it is in older people.

(REUTERS)

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Mumbai, Jan 30 : Actress Maanvi Gagroo says her opinion on OTT censorship has changed over the years. While she was wholly against the idea till a while back, she now feels some sort of a regulation is necessary, though it need not be censorship.

"Earlier I was against censorship and I thought there should be self-censorship. If I am an adult and I am 18-plus, I should be able to watch whatever I want. OTT is not like television that you switch it on and whatever comes on, you will have to watch it. There are many steps of filtration in OTT -- like downloading, subscribing and choosing content," Maanvi tells IANS.

However, something did change her mind subsequently.

"Now I feel when anything becomes popular and the numbers start increasing, you have to bring some sort of regulation so that nothing is exploited. Regulation does not necessarily mean censorship. Regulation means you keep an eye on certification," the actress says.

She adds: "A lot of shows on platforms run disclaimers for violence, drug abuse, and nudity. If you still watch it, you can't blame the makers. However, sometimes the government has to step in. For example if the authorities feel that something can incite violence, they will try to stop it. There is a thin line on how you define something as offensive. Censorship also comes in with other socio-political milieus. Censorship shouldn't be much on OTT, but there should be a process of certification and regulation." Maanvi is part of one of most successful OTT stories, "Four More Shots Please!" She plays Siddhi, and is all set to reprise the character in the third season of the web series and will start shooting for it soon. The bold and fun series, too, has been subjected to raising eyebrows owing to its contemporary theme of showing fierce and independent women living on their own terms.

The actress has enjoyed popularity after the success of both two seasons of "Four More Shots Please!" Does she think OTT platforms are dissolving the star system and finally actors are getting their due? "It's true that on OTT, even a very small part, if it is a well-played part, will get people to notice you. Things like memes add to the popularity of an actor or character, but it is not entirely dissolved because these smaller parts that become popular come and go, and it's a phase," she says.

The actress adds: "Many OTT platforms are still trying to get big Bollywood names, be it for acting or direction, because the tag of Bollywood means something. They want big names and try to sell with big names, because people would want to watch if a Shah Rukh or Salman is associated with an OTT project. Such names hold weight. There are so many shows that are being made but we only watch the ones that are popular. This goes for films, too. In a web series, people fall in love with characters rather than actors and that is why the star system is not yet dissolved. In films, everything is larger than life and people go for the stars. People don't go for Chulbul Pandey, they go for Salman Khan."

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text

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A Dundalk Grammar School student proudly received her Transition Year award at home in Tokyo this week.

Rikako Yasuda is now back at school in Tokyo, Japan. But, up to last March 2020, she was a transition year student attending Dundalk Grammar School, as part of the Japanese International Student Placement Programme.

She joined the school in August 2019, boarding in the school Sundays to Fridays, and staying with a host family in the area at weekends and holidays.

Teacher Paul Brady explained: 'As well as the cultural exchange, another aim of the programme is to improve proficiency in the English language. For Rikako this was no problem, as her English was already very good before she arrived!'

'If ever a visiting student got more involved and engaged in the life of the school, she was that student. She adored her time in the school, and loved her stay in Dundalk.'

Rikako took part in all aspects of school life, and academically was a top student.

'She learned fast, and had a particular interest in all matters to do with the environment, and played a central role in the Green Schools Project. The other core interest she had was sharing and celebrating cultural diversity. She played a central role in the planning and organising of the School's Annual Celebration of Culture Day.'

Mr. Brady added: 'It goes without saying that Rikako became a very popular student in Dundalk Grammar School. Unfortunately, when schools were ordered to close on March 12, and any hope for reopening was extinguished, Rikako, as with other overseas students, were left with little option but to return to their home countries.

But Rikako had left a little of her culture behind, and determined to maintain her contacts and links with all in Dundalk.'

As a testament to her engagement in the School's TY Programme, Rikako was awarded the White Cup for having achieved the highest credits of all the students in the year. Credits are awarded for all engagements and involvements in TY, and the White Cup is awarded annually to the student who receives the most credits. The Cup is awarded at Prize Day, which this year was a virtual event.

'With Rikako back in Japan, it was not possible to present the Cup to her in person. So it was decided to post it to her. Given the current long delays in postal deliveries between Ireland and Japan, the parcel eventually arrived in Tokyo to her home address last week.'

'Rikako was overjoyed to receive this award, as it meant so much to her, and it was the perfect recognition of her time spent in Dundalk. Rikako's mum, Michiko, said 'this means so much to Rikako and our family, and it is a wonderful honour for her to receive this award.'

Rikako is pictured at her home in Tokyo having taken possession of the cup, giving the traditional Japanese greeting of friendship and gratitude.

'She misses all her friends in her class, 5 Green, and the Grammar School and Dundalk, but she promises to come back in the future. With her cup, a part of Dundalk is now in Tokyo. Ireland and Japan, opposite sides of the world, but united and together.'


"It is important to know that the time we stay outside is a danger," she said.

The molecular laboratory features a multidisciplinary team made up of two medical technicians, two clinical pathologists, a biologist, and a laboratory technician.

It also relies on two areas, one for receiving samples and the other for extraction of ribonucleic acid (RNA). It plans to process 1,500 samples per month a number that will be increased progressively.

La ministra Pilar Mazzetti inauguro el laboratorio de diagnostico molecular en Lima Este, que permitira a traves de la metodologia LAMP, la deteccion oportuna de la #COVID19 a la poblacion de la jurisdiccion. pic.twitter.com/J0R4tfsGpo
She recently welcomed her first child with boyfriend Sammy Kimmence.

And Dani Dyer paid a touching tribute to her partner and their newborn son Santiago in a new post shared to Instagram Stories on Saturday.

The Love Island star, 24, uploaded a sweet snap kissing baby Santiago's head while Sammy touched his hand.

Sweet: Dani Dyer has paid a touching tribute to her partner and their newborn son Santiago in a new post shared to Instagram Stories on Saturday

She captioned the post: 'One week ago today we met the love of our lives, welling up writing this

'I love you so much @SK_2796 [Sammy] couldn't haven't got through this day without you. (sic)'

Shortly after, Dani shared a small clip of Santiago wearing a new white babygro, as she wrote: 'All fresh and clean in his @bebebordada outfit.'

The TV personality revealed the name of her son three days after giving birth, on the podcast she shares with her father, actor Danny Dyer.

Dani told fans that she and Sammy had named their newborn Santiago in a voice memo played by her dad on Tuesday night's episode of Sorted With The Dyers.

Danny introduced the latest instalment of the podcast by telling listeners: 'So this episode is going to start a bit differently as we've got some massive news. It's f**king huge.

Big reveal: The TV personality revealed the name of her son three days after giving birth, on the podcast she shares with her father, actor Danny Dyer

'Because I'm a grandad! Yeah, Grandad Danny is what I'm now known as. And Dani has sent a voice memo to update us, which I think is very, very lovely'

Dani sounded emotional as she said in the voice note: 'I honestly can't believe it, he's finally here, our little boy. I never thought I'd meet him. I felt like it was going on and on.

'But me and Sammy are so in love with him. He's just so perfect and the feeling is just incredible, I can't put into words how it feels.'

She then revealed his name, teasing: 'I know you're all probably wondering what we've called him. There's been a lot of assumptions going, some are actually really funny to be fair, but his name is Santiago.

'I know a lot of you are probably thinking, 'What?!', but that is his name, but we are going to be calling him Santi.'

She added: 'I think it sounds nice on the birth certificate.'

Nw mum: Dani previously confirmed the birth of her son in an Instagram post shared last Sunday

Dani previously confirmed the birth of her son in an Instagram post shared last Sunday.

The new mother posted a picture of her cradling the newborn in her arms, and another of Sammy gently kissing him on the cheek.

She wrote: 'After a very long day and night finally our special little boy arrived 23/01/2021 Weighing 7 pound

'We are in a complete baby bubble and enjoying every moment, can not believe he is ours, completely in love and so grateful to be his mummy

'Sending all my love to all the other mommas to be out there in lockdown the best experience ever will never forget this day. (sic)'
A woman sustained serious head injuries after she was allegedly assaulted by her boyfriend in Co Clare on Thursday evening, a court has heard.

At a special sitting of Ennis District Court this evening, Patrick Ballard (34) of Ashford Court hotel, Ennis was charged with the assault causing harm of his girlfriend, Sharon Bennett in Ennis's Market area on Thursday evening.

Giving evidence of the arrest, charge and caution, Det Garda Noelle Bergin told the court that after caution at 6.22pm on Friday evening, Mr Ballard replied Im sorry for what happened.

Mr Ballard was first arrested concerning the alleged assault at 6.30pm on Thursday evening and was later questioned by Gardai after being medically assessed.

Det Bergin stated: The alleged injured party has been in an unconscious state since the alleged assault as a result of sustaining serious head injuries.

Det Bergin stated that pending more medical evidence it is likely that a more serious charge will be considered by the State.

Det Bergin stated that Gardai has received a number of independent eye witnesses statements concerning the alleged assault as part of their investigation.

The detective stated that CCTV footage from a number of premises in the vicinity of the alleged assault has also been harvested.

Opposing bail, Det Bergin stated that Gardai have a fear that Mr Ballard would seek to interfere with the injured party as he has all knowledge of her personal information.

Det Bergin stated that Gardai were also opposing bail concerning the seriousness of the charge before the court.

Det Bergin stated that Mr Ballard is a drug user and an alcoholic.

Solicitor for Mr Ballard, Tara Godfrey told the court that Mr Ballard has been living under the care of the Simon Community at the Ashford Court hotel in Ennis.

Ms Godfrey stated that due to the Covid 19 pandemic, upcoming trials for Ennis Circuit Court have been cancelled and the reality is that if that Mr Ballard doesnt obtain bail, he will be on remand in custody for a significant period of time awaiting trial.

Ms Godfrey stated that Mr Ballard suffers from significant psychiatric difficulties and has spent the last number of years more often than not homeless.

Ms Godfrey stated that Mr Ballard was willing to abide by strict bail conditions and that there is no evidence that he would interfere with any witness in the case.

Insp Helen Costello told the court that the evidence in the case would clearly indicate that the alleged assault is at the upper end of a Section 3 assault causing harm charge.

Insp Costello stated that there is very strong evidence to support the charge before the court.

Judge Mary Cashin refused bail and remanded Mr Ballard in custody to appear at Ennis District Court via video link next Wednesday on February 3rd.

Judge Cashin granted legal aid to Ms Godfrey to represent Mr Ballard and also asked that Mr Ballard receive immediate psychiatric assistance while in custody.
Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations.
The trade between Dubai and Israel has reached 1 billion dirham ($272 million) over the last five months, the Dubai media office said on Saturday.

Israel and the United Arab Emirates agreed in August to normalise diplomatic relations.

The amount includes around 325 million dirham of imports and 607 million dirham of exports, the media office said in a statement.

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Three contentious farm laws will affect MSP, weaken mandi system: Pawar

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Jan 30: Raising concerns over the three new farm laws, NCP President Sharad Pawar on Saturday said the legislation will adversely affect the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and weaken the mandi system.

Pawar said he virtually participated in the all-party meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in which issues related to the proposed agenda for the Budget session, farmers'' agitation, women''s bill and other important issues were discussed.

The farmers have been seeking repeal of three farm bills: Farmers'' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020; and Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.

Pawar said the new laws will adversely impact the MSP procurement infrastructure thereby weakening the mandi system. MSP mechanism has to be ensured and strengthened further, he added.

Hold talks, don't think of using force against farmers: Sharad Pawar

"Reform is a continuous process and no one would argue against the reforms in the APMCs or Mandi System, a positive argument on the same does not mean that it is done to weaken or demolish the system," Pawar tweeted.

"During my tenure, the draft APMC Rules - 2007 were framed for the setting up of special markets thereby providing alternate platforms for farmers to market their commodities and utmost care was also taken to strengthen the existing Mandi system," he tweeted.

Pawar, who served as Union Agriculture Minister from 2004-2014, said he was also concerned about the amended Essential Commodities Act.

"According to the Act, the Govt will intervene for price control only if rates of horticultural produce are increased by 100 per cent and that of non perishable items increase by 50 per cent.

"Stock piling limits have been removed on food grain, pulses, onion, potato, oilseeds etc. It may lead to apprehensions that Corporates may purchase commodities at lower rates and stock pile and sell at higher prices to consumers," Pawar tweeted.

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Story first published: Saturday, January 30, 2021, 17:19 [IST]
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Novavax expects to produce up to 150 million COVID-19 vaccine doses monthly by May or June, its chief executive told Reuters on Friday, a day after reporting interim data that showed its shot to be 89% percent effective in a UK trial.

Novavax expects to complete the clinical trial for its experimental COVID-19 vaccine in the next few weeks, but is already working on manufacturing to be able to reach full production capacity quickly, Chief Executive Officer Stanley Erck said.

'We should be at full capacity starting in May or June, maybe as much as one hundred and 50 million doses per month globally,' he said.

The US has invested $1.6 billion in the development of Maryland-based Novavax's vaccine - but has not yet made a deal to purchase any doses.

It comes as America struggles to boost the speed of its COVID-19 vaccine rollout, which has seen less than seven percent of the population vaccinated as states run out of doses and the federal government tries to increase its shipments of doses.

Novavax shares jumped 65 percent on Friday to $221.27

Novavax CEO Stanley Erck said the firm is ramping up production and should be able to make 150 million doses a month by May or June

Shares for Novavax jumped 65% after Erck announced the firm's upcoming production capacity on Friday

Erck said he expects it will be several weeks before Novavax files the trial data with regulators in the United Kingdom, Europe and elsewhere, meaning that full review for authorization of its vaccine could take 'a couple months.'

Novavax on Thursday released initial results from a UK trial showing its vaccine to be 89.3 percent effective in preventing COVID-19, and was nearly as effective in protecting against the more highly contagious variant of the coronavirus first discovered in the UK.

It also protected against the potent South Africa variant, though at a lower rate.

Erck said 16,000 volunteers have already taken part in its US trial and that it will likely hit its target of 30,000 participants by early-to-mid February.

The company would then observe them for about six weeks before reviewing the results, he added.

Novavax will initially focus its data review from the US trial on the primary goal of preventing moderate to severe COVID-19, and subsequently analyze the shot's effectiveness against various concerning virus variants that have emerged.

The US found its first cases of the coronavirus variant first detected in South Africa in South Carolina this week.

Novavax has supply contracts with the United States, Canada and Australia and is in talks with the European Union on a supply deal as well, the CEO said.

He added that his Maryland-based company has an agreement with the GAVI vaccine alliance to supply poorer countries with its shot to be produced by the Serum Institute in India - the world's largest vaccine maker.

It aims to produce two billion doses per year.

Novavax will begin scaling vaccine production in February or March, and expects to have its own production ramped up by the second quarter, along with production from the Serum Institute and partners in South Korea and Japan, Erck said.

Vaccine rollouts in the EU and other areas have been held back by supply issues as makers including AstraZeneca Plc and Pfizer Inc have said they would cut their shipments, at least temporarily.

Irelands rating in an international corruption index slipped to 20th place in 2020, leading to calls for outstanding recommendations from the Mahon Tribunal to be progressed.

The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), a measure of public-sector corruption collated by Transparency International, has found that Ireland fell by two points, from 74 to 72 out of 100, last year.

The CPI score ranks Ireland in 20th place out of 180 countries across the globe, behind the Netherlands, Germany and UK but ahead of France, Spain and Portugal.

The score is based on the findings of seven surveys, conducted by international think-tanks and political risk agencies.

Denmark and New Zealand are ranked as the least corrupt countries on the global index with a score of 88 out of 100, while Somalia and South Sudan are considered to be most affected by corruption with a score of 12 out of 100.

Western Europe and the European Union was the highest scoring region globally with an average score of 66 out of 100 points in 2020.

Across Europe, the index report singled out Malta and Poland as countries having poor rankings. With a CPI score of 56, government leaders in Poland were exploiting the Covid-19 crisis for political gain, while there were concerns over significant corruption challenges in Malta, which had a CPI score of 53.

Commenting on Irelands ranking in 2020, Transparency International Ireland (TI Ireland) said there was no room for complacency and that outstanding recommendations from the Mahon planning tribunal, which concluded in 2012, should be progressed.

John Devitt, chief executive of Transparency International Ireland

While Ireland is not confronted with corruption to the same degree that has plagued some of the worlds poorest and badly-governed countries, it should be remembered that its not that long ago that the Mahon Tribunal described corruption as endemic in Irish politics. We cannot afford to be complacent, John Devitt, chief executive of TI Ireland said.

Some welcome changes and reforms were made since then, he said, adding that many of the recommendations of the Mahon Tribunal, such as the Public Sector Standards Bill, had fallen by the wayside.

Politicians from both government and opposition need to see the restoration of this bill and our participation in initiatives such as the Open Government Partnership without delay, Mr Devitt said.

TI Ireland said the recent publication of measures to tackle white-collar crime on foot of the Hamilton Review were welcome and should lead to the development of a national anti-corruption strategy.

The not-for-profit organisation has called for the creation of an independent national anti-corruption bureau dedicated to investigating political corruption and related offences and for additional resources for the Garda Economic Crime Bureau and its Anti-Corruption Unit.

The organisation operates a helpline for whistleblowers, as well as witnesses and victims of fraud, corruption and other wrongdoing, which can be contacted on 1800 844 866 from 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday.
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US President Joe Biden's administration has temporarily frozen for review a massive package of F-35 jets to the United Arab Emirates and arms to Saudi Arabia, officials said Wednesday.

The nearly week-old administration has already signaled it plans to end support for the Saudi-led, UAE-backed offensive in Yemen, which is facing a humanitarian catastrophe.

A State Department spokesperson said the administration is "temporarily pausing the implementation" of a number of defense sales "to allow incoming leadership an opportunity to review."

"This is a routine administrative action typical to most any transition, and demonstrates the administration's commitment to transparency and good governance," the spokesperson said.

The move is also aimed at "ensuring US arms sales meet our strategic objectives of building stronger, interoperable and more capable security partners."

The most high-profile sale is a $23 billion package of top-of-the-line F-35 jets to the United Arab Emirates.

Former president Donald Trump's administration agreed to the sale -- the first of the stealth-capable planes to an Arab nation -- after the United Arab Emirates agreed to recognize Israel.

A potential halt to the sale could raise questions about whether the United Arab Emirates will continue its normalization with Israel, which Trump saw as a key foreign policy achievement.

Lawmakers of Biden's Democratic Party had voiced misgivings over the deal, fearing it would set off an arms race, but failed in the Senate to block the sale while Trump was in office.

The package to the United Arab Emirates also included unarmed drones, while the United States has been preparing major sales of munitions to Saudi Arabia.

Trump had explicitly backed arms sales on commercial grounds, saying that the Saudis were creating US jobs by buying from US manufacturers.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during his confirmation hearing that the Saudi offensive against Yemen's Huthi rebels, who are backed by Iran, has contributed to the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen.
Ellsworth: Did you get the message from your body?
There has been condemnation over threatening graffiti in Belfast targeting Irelands deputy premier Leo Varadkar.

The message scrawled on a wall in the Belvoir area of south Belfast has since been painted over.

First Minster Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill have both spoken out against the warning to the Tanaiste to not cross the Irish border.

Violence or the threat of violence has no place in democracy. I condemn those behind this. The NI Protocol needs replaced but violence or its threat will not achieve the change Northern Ireland needs. https://t.co/7cmlSJ0Yg7  Arlene Foster #WeWillMeetAgain (@ArleneFosterUK) January 30, 2021

It is the latest of a number of daubings in Belfast amid anger among some at the Northern Ireland Protocol, with a raft of new checks on goods arriving at ports from Great Britain introduced at the start of 2021.

A recent piece of graffiti in east Belfast called for the resignation of Mrs Foster over the Irish Sea border.

Mrs Foster tweeted: Violence or the threat of violence has no place in democracy. I condemn those behind this.

The NI Protocol needs replaced but violence or its threat will not achieve the change Northern Ireland needs.

Contacted by Belvoir residents nauseated by words seemingly borrowed from the Ku Klux klan.



Actions like this will persist until we treat backward elements as the societal threats they are. Words on walls & words from politicians have consequences - time for leadership & calm pic.twitter.com/DmPEyvddki  Claire Hanna (@ClaireHanna) January 30, 2021

Ms ONeill tweeted: Shocked at the disgusting graffiti targeting Leo Varadkar which I condemn, as will the majority of people across the community.

This is a hate crime motivated by prejudice. Its also criminal damage and anyone with information should contact police who must investigate.

South Belfast MP Claire Hanna said she had been contacted by residents who were nauseated by it.

These were sickening words that look like they were borrowed from the Ku Klux Klan, the SDLP representative told the PA news agency.

Its hate crime, incitement to violence and a dangerous escalation of careless language in recent weeks.

Leo Varadkar has been a very welcome visitor to Belfast, whether to the Orange Order or Belfast Pride. That welcome will continue. pic.twitter.com/YV58vV0kSD  Patrick Corrigan (@PatrickCorrigan) January 30, 2021

We have to get serious about treating the elements behind rhetoric and actions like this as the threat to society that they are.

This is a very challenging time politically and it needs all political leaders to be crystal clear that relighting old fires serves no-one.

These views arent widespread in Belvoir or elsewhere in South Belfast. PSNI are investigating and I hope anyone with information will pass it on.

Meanwhile, Patrick Corrigan of Amnesty International tweeted: Leo Varadkar has been a very welcome visitor to Belfast, whether to the Orange Order or Belfast Pride. That welcome will continue.



Cupertino's interest in the electric car business has been a constant presence in the rumor mill for a good few years now. Earlier this month Korean giant Hyundai actually put out a tentative statement that it is in ongoing talks with Apple on the matter, only to quickly scramble to alter the information multiple times. Nothing out of the ordinary, really, given Apple's track record of extreme secrecy on projects and products.

One thing became clear from those events, however - that Hyundai Motor Co Group has at least some insight into the matter. We can only assume that prompted extra digging by Reuters, resulting in a few fragmented statements from various anonymous Hyundai and industry insiders coming to light.

Hyundai developed the first cruise control system based on machine learning

We're going to go through most, but the gist of it seems to be that Hyundai is definitely one, if not the primary party Apple is discussing its electric, autonomous vehicle plans with. However, executives at the traditionally-independent and vertically-integrated car giant are divided on the decision whether to become a contract manufacturer for Cupertino.

We are agonizing over how to do it, whether it is good to do it or not  We are not a company which manufactures cars for others. It is not like working with Apple would always produce great results.

As per industry insiders, the talks and partnership between Apple and Hyundai started back in 2018, with "Project Titan", headed by Alexander Hitzinger, who is now a Volkswagen executive. While this might look like slow progress and hence a bad indicator for the future, that's not necessarily the case, since a car development cycle is way, way longer than say the few months we are used to seeing for smartphone RnD. Not to mention a smart, autonomous car and as per sources one that Apple would ultimately want to source major components, like frames, bodies, drive trains, and other parts for from a variety of places just relying on Hyundai or its subsidiary Kia for assembly. Something that kind of clashes with Hyundai's current reluctance to work with outsiders, making engines, transmissions and even its own steel in-house.

Early Apple autonomous driving tech testing vehicle

Another source also adds that Apple would ideally want assembly to take place in the United States, which makes sense on multiple levels, given current economic and trading tariff realities. Allegedly, Hyundai Motor Group has even "tentatively decided" that if it goes through with the deal, it would want Kia to partner with Apple. Some of the justification being:

The Group is concerned that the Hyundai brand would become just Apples contract manufacturer, which would not help Hyundai in its effort to build a more premium image with its Genesis brand.

Plus, Kia is moving faster when it comes to electric cars and currently has available production capacity in its Georgia factory in the US. This does sound like a potential "win-win" situation for both parties involved. Plus, experts have also commented further adding that this would allow the pair cross-access to Hyundai's electric car platform and vital supplier for things like batteries, on the one hand and Apple's autonomous vehicle stack and software on the other.

However, Hyundai's concerns for the faith of its own business and brand remain and seem to be very strong. As a few other quotes from various sources illustrate:

A cooperation may initially help raise the brand image of Hyundai or Kia. But in the mid- or longer-term, we will just provide shells for the cars, and Apple would do the brains.

It is really difficult (for Hyundai) to open up  Apple is the boss. They do their marketing, they do their products, they do their brand. Hyundai is also the boss. That does not really work 

It's anybody's call whether this particular partnership will pan out at all, but it is encouraging to at least hear that some progress is being made. As per an earlier Reuters report, Apple is actually aiming to launch its vehicle by 2024. Perhaps a bit ambitious, given the circumstances, but an exciting prospect non the less.

Source
Agriculture labourers are not coming to pick cotton even on those fields close to the road.  By arrangement

KOMARAM BHEEM ASIFABAD: Farmers are losing out heavily as they are not picking cotton produce for fear of tiger attacks in some places while in other places forest officials are not allowing them into their lands.

One can see cotton bolls still on plants in hundreds of acres in the interiors of Bejjur and Penchikalpet mandals in Komaram Bheem Asifabad district, areas where the tiger, suspected to be a big cat named A2, is moving about.

Agriculture labourers are not coming to pick cotton even on those fields close to the road.

Forest officials say that they are not allowing farmers into fields that are located deep in the forests where tiger movement is found.

In some places, farmers completed first cotton picking but are not being allowed for second cotton-picking. As a result, the produce is gradually falling on the ground.

However, farmers are picking cotton in the roadside fields in both mandals. Made Madhukar of Papannapet village in Bejjur mandal said many local farmers whose lands are located in the forests and on the fringes of forests gave up on picking cotton since forest officials are denying entry.

Farmers have lost hope of getting compensation for their crop that was not picked, he said. He wondered how such farmers can expect compensation of at least Rs 4,000 per acre for the cotton produce that has gone waste.

They are not even allowing us to collect firewood claiming that the forest belonged to them, he said.

Meanwhile, the tiger A2 was sighted near Kammargoan in Penchikalpet. It had attacked three cattle a few days ago after entering from Maharashtra.
Duty-free shops in south China's Hainan province shoveled in 32.7 billion yuan ($5.07 billion) over the last year, surging 127 percent from a year ago, thanks to the offshore duty-free policies newly introduced to the province on July 1, 2020. The figure accounted for 16 percent of the province's total retail sales of consumer goods.

As of the end of the last year, daily duty-free sales of the province topped 120 million yuan, an increase of over 200 percent year on year, despite a nearly 20 percent drop in the number of tourists visiting the province know for its island charms.

Global consumption remained downbeat under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the unprecedented dividends released by Hainan's new offshore duty-free policies have been tempting enterprises with duty-free business qualifications.

Three duty-free shops opened in Sanya, the southernmost city of the island province before 2020 ended. So far, the province is home to 7 duty-free shops in operation, and 5 other enterprises have obtained licenses to run offshore duty-free business on the island, which broke the monopoly by the China Duty Free Group (CDFG).

The Haitang Bay Duty Free Shopping Center in Sanya, run by the CDFG, is the world's largest duty-free complex. The CDFG was once a monopolist in the business until Hainan introduced offshore duty-free policies in 2011.

From July 1, 2020, Hainan implemented its new offshore duty-free policies. Meanwhile, according to relevant departments of the province, enterprises with duty-free business qualifications outside the province are encouraged to open offshore duty-free shops on the island.

A month later, local enterprises of Hainan, including Hainan Duty-free Co., Ltd., obtained licenses, and Shenzhen State-owned Dutyfree Commodity (Group) Co., Ltd. and other enterprises outside the province also weighed in.

"Usually it takes at least 8 to 10 months to prepare before opening a duty-free shop that covers over 10,000 square meters, but we only took 3 months," said Chang Zhen, executive deputy general manager of China National Service Corporation for Chinese Personnel Working Abroad (CNSC), and executive director of board of CNSC Sanya International Duty Free Plaza.

The complex was flooded with nearly 15,000 tourists on Dec. 30, 2020, the day it officially started operation, which indicated the charm of offshore duty-free shopping.

"Offshore duty-free shopping policies have achieved great results so far," said Ao Biqiang, deputy director of the Haikou customs. The policies brought back overseas consumption to China and promoted the new economic development paradigm of "dual circulation," he continued.

At the CNSC Sanya International Duty Free Plaza, sightseeing and dining services are also provided for customers apart from shopping, presenting beautiful seaside views.

Such competitive differentiation is also adopted by the shopping complex of Hainan Duty-free Co., Ltd. "We introduced 37 international fashion and street wear shops on fifth floor to cater for the young people, and some commodities that had never entered the Chinese market are now presented to the customers duty-free," said Xie Zhiyong, an executive of the duty-free shop.

Apart from running 5 duty-free shops, the CDFG is also preparing to build an international duty-free mall in Haikou, capital of Hainan province. With an investment of 12.86 billion yuan, it is expected to be the largest duty-free complex in China. It will include both duty-free and dutiable businesses, offices, hotels and apartments, and is scheduled to be opened in mid 2022.

The COVID-19 pandemic has cooled down the fever for overseas trips, but Chinese people's passion for shopping tourism still remains, said Kuang Xianming, director of the economic research center at the China Institute for Reform and Development. He predicted that the offshore duty-free sales of Hainan province would keep an annual growth of over 20 percent in the next 5 years.
New Delhi, Jan 30 : Indian retail giant Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited acquired a 51 per cent stake in Sabyasachi brand for Rs 398 crore. Just over two decades old, this label's life has been full of milestone moments, this investment could position Sabyasachi as India's first global fashion house.

2020 was an unusually quiet year for fashion label Sabyasachi. It started with a bang, as he unveiled a 65-piece Haute Joaillerie (high jewellery) collection at New York's Bergdorf Goodman, considered one of the finest stores in the world. Hot on the heels of this launch came the news that the designer label had been chosen for a collaboration with global fast fashion brand H&M, for a limited edition collection called "Wanderlust" which was to include a sari, placing the Indian drape on every fashion high street in the world. The collection was expected to drop in April, a huge landmark for Indian fashion, hindered only by the pandemic.

Whether it is bringing a new sense of modesty to Indian fashion, or taking necklines dangerously low, his clothes are what Indian women want to wear. Sabyasachi Mukherjee is the designer who set the Indian fashion agenda for at least a decade -- and so the industry wondered what was next for him? We now know the answer to that question, with Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited's acquisition in the Sabyasachi brand.

While other Indian designers spoke to the media about the need to be ''vocal for local'', Sabyasachi kept it low-key low. Although he was the first in fashion to realise the impact of the pandemic, making a generous donation to the Prime Minister Relief Fund as early as March 2020. Successful fashion designers are those who understand cultural shifts, grasp economic realities and navigate the media landscape. Creative talent is not enough to become a fashion label that matters.

Sabyasachi Mukherjee began his label in 1999, one of the first Indian brands to retail at London's iconic boutique, Browns, and also to show at New York and Milan Fashion Week, making him the darling of fashion editors across the world. But critical acclaim is not enough to build a fashion house -- to really make a mark internationally, you must first be a success in your own home country.

There was a high spending audience back in India in need of special attention from an Indian designer -- the bride. With the local wedding industry reported to be worth US $50 billion, the "Big Fat Indian Wedding" was the reason international luxury brands were making a bee-line for India. Sabyasachi knew, while the young bride was a global modern thinking woman, when it came to her wedding day, she dreamed of being an "Indian" bride. Sabyasachi has always stood for all things Indian -- and his fashion shows were staged with as much pageantry as the biggest and fattest of Indian weddings.

A designer who knew how to stay exclusive yet harness the power of media, today his Instagram page is the most followed page in Indian fashion. Before social media it was television that put one in every Indian's living room -- he teamed up with a leading news channel for the hugely successful reality show 'Band Baja Bride' in 2012, while also working on select projects in Bollywood, whether it was dressing Vidya Balan for Cannes Film Festival or taking charge of Sridevi's costumes in her comeback film, 'English Vinglish'. Anyone who has interviewed him knows, he has the gift of the gab -- soft spoken, he is always concise but what he does say will be eloquent and impactful.

In the early 2000s many Indian fashion designers were getting carried away with the glitz of the Indian fashion industry -- which was shiny and new, but Sabyasachi kept his eye on the prize. There were rumors that L Capital Asia, the private equity fund belonging to LVMH (luxury giant Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy) was interested in buying into the brand. While that did not materialise, collaborations with Christian Louboutin and Pottery Barn sealed Sabyasachi's position as India's most influential designer.

It has been well known in the industry that Sabyasachi has always wanted a flagship store in New York. So far Anita Dongre, whose company received a sizable investment from a large US Private Equity Fund in 2013, is the only Indian designer with a retail presence in this city. She is also considered to have the largest turnover of any Indian fashion company with a range that goes from high street to high fashion.

This investment could not be better timed for Sabyasachi Mukherjee. It is a real game-changer for a label that has done as much groundwork as it could have as an independent. Corporate backing should see his brand diversify in terms of reach and product range. Perhaps we'll see a beauty line too -- and who knows what else. Now more than ever the industry will have their eyes on 46-year-old Kolkata based Sabyasachi as the future of Indian fashion.

(The writer Sujata Assomull is an IANSlife columnist. Assomull is the author "100 Iconic Bollywood Costumes" and was the Founding Editor In Chief of Harper's Bazaar, India)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Some Alabama National Guard soldiers remain quarantined and are following COVID-19 protocols after returning from duty in Washington during events surrounding President Joe Bidens inauguration, guard leaders told Gov. Kay Ivey this week.

Adjutant General Sheryl Gordon told Ivey a small number of the over 750 state soldiers and airmen sent to Washington were impacted by the COVID-19 virus during this mission. She did not specify the number but said without good leadership it could have been more given the presence of over 25,000 soldiers and airmen in the small area around the Capitol grounds.

Our soldiers were in fact part of those identified by the media as having moved to the parking garage for their on-shift break, Gordon told the governor, but this move had no significant impact to the mission or to the morale of our soldiers.

The Alabama soldiers job was to help secure the Capitol grounds, where a mob stormed the Capitol itself Jan. 6 resulting in five deaths. Gordon said Alabamas soldiers performed in a highly professional manner, and thankfully encountered no significant hindrances to their mission.

The Alabama contingent returned to the state on Jan. 24.

Gordon also praised the herculean effort required to get Alabamas guard equipped and deployed quickly with zero incidents, clearly surpassing that which is normally expected of a Citizen-Soldier formation.

The Alabama National Guard is honored to have supported the 59th Presidential Inauguration, Gordon concluded.

The men and women of the Alabama National Guard exemplify what it means to be patriots of our great country, Ivey said in a statement. I remain proud of how they represent our home state and are always willing to step up and serve whenever and wherever needed. I am pleased to have them back home in Alabama and remain grateful for each of them.

A German traveller will go on trial charged with murdering a 22-year-old British heiress for her money despite his claim that she died in a sex game.

Marc Schatzle, 30, was this week ordered to stand trial charged with the murder of Anna Reed in April 2019, and on counts of fraud and theft.

Miss Reed, 22, was found dead at the Hotel la Palma au Lac in Locarno, Switzerland. A postmortem examination concluded she died from strangulation and had also suffered small cuts and fractures.

Five months later, a credit card belonging to the former private schoolgirl was discovered hidden in a panel of the hotel elevator. Investigators suspected it was stolen by Mr Schatzle, who claimed he hid it there as a joke.

German Marc Schatzle, 30, who has tattoos across his body, including one over his left eyebrow which says 'Warrior', was ordered to stand trial charged with murdering 22-year-old Anna Reed in April 2019, and on counts of fraud and theft

A post-mortem examination was said to have confirmed Miss Reed died from suffocation or asphyxiation and had small fractures and cuts on her body (pictured left on Facebook with her boyfriend Marc Schatzle)

Ramada La Palma au Lac in Locarno, Switzerland, where Anna Florence Reed was found dead in April 2019. Five months later, a credit card belonging to the former private schoolgirl was discovered hidden in a panel of the hotel elevator. Investigators suspected it was stolen by Mr Schatzle, who claimed he hid it there as a joke

A prosecution source told The Times: The bank card was very carefully hidden away and quite clearly it was to be collected later. The claim that she died in a sex game was never convincing.

We believe she was murdered for financial gain.

They added that the German father-of-two claimed it was an erotic game that went wrong.

Mr Schatzle, who has denied deliberately killing Miss Reed, is alleged to have travelled the world using the proceeds from an insurance scam.

They are believed to have met in Thailand while travelling, and on the evening of her death had shared a 100 bottle of champagne over dinner before returning to their hotel.

They were then pictured smiling on the terrace of their penthouse room just hours before her death.

Mr Schatzle, who has denied deliberately killing Miss Reed, is alleged to have travelled the world using the proceeds from an insurance scam (pictured together before her death)

Anna Florence Reed, 22, was discovered dead in the bathroom of the hotel where she was staying with her German boyfriend in the town of Lorcano, Switzerland

That night, guests at the Hotel la Palma au Lac complained of hearing an argument before Mr Schatzle came down to the lobby to say Miss Reed was unwell, it is claimed.

A hotel source told The Times: The receptionist could tell by his tone that it was serious so called an ambulance.

The medics went straight up to the room. She was on the floor of the bathroom.

They tried to resuscitate her but there was no response. She was already dead. Mr Schatzles former partner has said she does not believe he is responsible, adding that he is not a violent man.

Miss Reed, who moved to Berlin after finishing her A-Levels, is the granddaughter of Guy Reed, a prominent owner and breeder of racehorses.

A spokesman for the Swiss prosecutors office said: He is accused of intentional homicide, theft, fraud and drug offences. Covid permitting, he will go on trial later this year.

Social media showed Miss Reed had travelled extensively in the years before her death

Speaking in 2019, Michele Bochsler - the mother of Schatzle's two children - defended him by saying while he had problems with drink, he was 'not a murderer'.

'Marc is not a murderer. He is not a violent man. I'm shocked by what I have read about Marc. Yes Marc had problems with drink but he is not a violent man,' she said.

'I am 1,000 per cent sure he did not mean to kill this young woman.'He never ever has been violent. Never ever. It's just not possible.

'In German we have the expression 'I would put my hand in the fire for that'. I use this expression because I am so sure that he is innocent. 'It was an accident, it must have been.'

Ms Bochsler and Schatzle were together for eight years and they have two young children who he sees regularly.

Photos on Marc Schatzle's Facebook showed him travelling around the world with his 22-year-old British girlfriend, Anna Reed, who he has been charged with murdering

Schatzle is understood to have hooked up with Miss Reed in 2018 after he left his partner and two young children.

He told friends he was returning to Switzerland after a round-the-world trip and hoped to see his children.

Local press said other guests complained at 3am to the porter after hearing arguing coming from the couple's room on the day she died. A porter was then sent to the Room 501 to calm the situation down.

Less than four hours later, Schatzle took the lift down to the lobby, appearing 'agitated' as he told staff his girlfriend was unwell.

An ambulance was called but medics were unable to revive her and she was pronounced dead.

The couple arrived at the Hotel La Palma au Lac in Locarno in early April 2019 and were due to stay for 'several days' in the premium top floor.

The tattooed Schatzle wears a heavy leather jacker in this picture from social media, with ink covering his cheekbones and jawline. A spokesman for the Swiss prosecutors office said: He is accused of intentional homicide, theft, fraud and drug offences. Covid permitting, he will go on trial later this year'

Locarno and Maggiore Lake in Ticino, Switzerland. The hotel where Miss Reed was found sits on the picturesque lake

Schatzle worked as a bouncer in various pubs and nightclubs on the Swiss-German border. One source told a Swiss newspaper at the time: 'Nobody knows how he could afford all the travel. Something can't be right.'

An ex-girlfriend said of Schatzle: 'He was on the wrong side of the tracks again and again. He lies to everyone. I always wondered how he could afford such a lifestyle without any regular income.'

On Facebook Anna  a former pupil at 14,000-a-year Ashville College in Harrogate  was often pictured embracing her heavily-tattooed partner in several photographs.

It is believed she may have been enjoying a round-the-world trip which she received from her father as a present for her 21st birthday, as her older sister Millie had received such a gift for her 21st three years ago.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A city firefighter suffered serious injuries about five months ago when trapped by a fast-moving electrical fire inside a Clifton apartment building.

In a recently-filed lawsuit, Firefighter Brian Gill alleges the blaze broke out when maintenance staff tried to restore power in an apartment.

Gill has sued Kimso Apartments LLC and Delshah Capital LLC, both of whom are identified in court papers as the owner and managing agent of the apartment building at 260 Park Hill Ave.

The fire ignited in a fifth-floor apartment at about 9:40 a.m. last Sept. 11, according to a civil complaint and Advance/SILive.com reports.

The building has seven stories.

The apartment, 5D, was without some electrical power  for a period of days before the fire, alleges the suit.

Complaints had been made to building management to rectify the situation, said court papers.

The fire started when the buildings maintenance crew attempted to restore electrical power inside the apartment, said the civil complaint.

Gill, a member of Rescue 5 in Concord, was among the Fire Department personnel dispatched to fight the all-hands blaze, the complaint said.

Tower ladders were extended to the upper floors of the building where flames leapt out of some units, the Advance/SILive.com previously reported.

In all, about 90 firefighters and 17 units battled the conflagration. The fire was deemed under control in less than an hour, at 10:37 a.m., an FDNY spokesman said then.

The spokesman said a firefighter and a civilian were injured.

The FDNY did not name the injured firefighter at the time, although the Advance/SILive.com later learned it was Gill.

The civil complaint does not specify Gills injuries beyond calling them serious.

However, citing a Twitter post by the Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA), the Advance/SILive.com previously reported Gill suffered burn injuries and spent five days in Staten Island University Hospitals Jerome L. Finkelstein, MD, Regional Burn Center in Ocean Breeze.

Jim Long, a Fire Department spokesman, previously told the Advance/SILive.com the firefighter was inside the apartment searching for potential victims and trying to identify the location of the blaze when the room lit up on him.

The fires intensity increased very quickly, he said.

The conflagration prevented the firefighter from exiting through a door, forcing him to breach a wall to escape, Long said.

Other firefighters were in the apartment; they were going in different directions when the fire flared, he said.

He did sustain burn injuries, said Long, who cited privacy concerns in declining to provide further details.

The FDNY battles a blaze in an apartment building at 260 Park Hill Ave. on Friday, Sept. 11, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)

In a video posted on the UFA Twitter account, Gill can be seen with bandages on both legs as he left the hospital to resounding applause.

His family was there to greet him.

We wish you speedy recovery and we look forward to having you back!, the tweet read.

After the fire, Deborah Richard, a building resident, said she and relatives escaped without injury after her 4-year-old nephew alerted them.

My nephew went into his room to get his iPod and he said, Oh Mommy, the room is on fire, said Richard. We had to run out.

Richard said the electricity wasnt working properly for a while. After repeated requests, the management office finally sent someone to make repairs on Sept. 11, she said.

According to the FDNYs Twitter feed, fire marshals determined the cause of the blaze was electrical. Long had identified the cause as faulty wiring.

A smoke alarm was present and activated, the FDNY Twitter post said. No other details were stated.

The complaint alleges Gills injuries were caused by the defendants negligence, carelessness and recklessness in the ownership, operation and management of the building.

The defendants failed to comply with various statutes, including sections of the city and state fire codes, as well as provisions of the city Administrative and Building Codes and the Multiple Dwelling Law, alleges the complaint.

Those statutes refer, in part, to general safety requirements in buildings, exit-passageway requirements, dangerous structures and owners responsibilities.

Gills lawyer did not return a phone message seeking comment on the suit.

Kimso and Delshah did not immediately respond to phone messages regarding the allegations. Delshah also didnt reply to an email.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-30 07:25:03|Editor: huaxia

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Photo taken on Jan. 29, 2021 shows commemorative coins in Huai'an, east China's Jiangsu province. China's central bank issued a commemorative coin on Friday to celebrate the coming Chinese zodiac Year of the Ox. The round, copper-alloy coin is 27 mm in diameter and has a face value of 10 yuan (about 1.55 U.S. dollars), said the People's Bank of China. The front side of the coin shows its face value and the year of issuance, while the reverse side features an ox raising its head. The central bank will issue a total of 150 million such coins. (Photo by Zhao Qirui/Xinhua)
Times have changed for free COVID-19 testing at the U.S Army Heritage and Education Center in Cumberland County over the weekend, due to the pending snowstorm, according to county officials.

Testing is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is available on site. Appointments arent necessary.

Residents are encouraged to bring a photo-ID or insurance card, officials said. Test results are available two to seven days after testing.

The pop-up testing is in partnership with the county, Pennsylvania Department of Health, its provider AMI, and the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center.

Mid-nasal passage swab PCR tests will be performed. Individuals who are tested should self-quarantine while they await test results. Individuals who test positive will receive a phone call from AMI while individuals who test negative will receive an email with a secured-PDF.

Up to 450 patients can be tested per day.

Free testing for residents for the weekend is as follows:

Jan. 30, 9 a.m.  6 p.m.

Jan. 31, 9 a.m.  4 p.m.

Feb. 1  Canceled

Where: U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center

950 Soldiers Drive, Carlisle

Who: Ages 3 and older

Read more from PennLive

Snow accumulation expected south of I-80 in upcoming winter storm, but how much is unknown

Holocaust survivor, ex-cop who witnessed 9/11 among latest to get COVID-19 vaccinations: This virus is no joke
Snow is expected to hit parts of the country tomorrow morning after Met Eireann issued an alert for 18 counties that will come into effect at 6am on Sunday.

The Status Yellow - Snow/Ice warning for Connacht, Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Dublin, Carlow, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Wicklow, Offaly, Westmeath and Meath will remain in place for 12 hours until 6pm.

The forecaster predicted that wintry outbreaks of rain, sleet and snow will become widespread and that some accumulations are possible.

And Met Eireann have also issued a nationwide weather advisory for entire weekend.

A forecaster revealed: "Very unsettled weather this weekend with wet and windy conditions bringing a risk of localised flooding. Cold also, with wintry falls of snow and icy conditions."

The advisory came into effect at 10pm last night and will last until midnight on Sunday.

Expand Close Cool rider: A man cycles in snow in Lucan, Co Dublin, yesterday. Photo: Niall Carson/ PA / Facebook

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In the meantime, a cold and windy Saturday afternoon will turn into a clear night with some frost and ice setting in across more sheltered areas.

Wintry outbreaks of rain, sleet and snow will become widespread on Sunday morning, Met Eireann said.

Some temporary accumulations are possible across the northern half of the country, before precipitation mainly reverts back to rainfall later in the day.

However, wintry falls will persist across the far northwest into the evening hours. A very cold day generally with highest temperatures of one to five degrees Celsius, in fresh southeast winds.

Rain and sleet will continue for much of Sunday night while Monday will be another cold day with rain and sleet becoming mostly confined to the western half of the country by the afternoon.

A band of heavy and persistent rain will move into the southwest early on Monday night, and will spread north-eastwards across the country.

And you guessed itthere will be more widespread showers on Tuesday that will merge into longer spells of rain during the day before the night falls with a risk of hail.

There will be further showers or longer spells of rain on Wednesday, bringing with it a risk of hail, but there will be some sunny spells too.

The rest of the week looks unsettled with further showers or spells of rain. Highest temperatures of five to 10 degrees.
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Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, addressing more than 6,000 American teachers in a video meeting, said Thursday evening that students need to return to the classroom for the country to begin recovering.

We are not going to get back to normal until we get the children back in school, for the good of the children, the good of the parents and the good of the community, he said.

Attending a meeting convened by the two national teachers unions, Dr. Fauci brought with him the message of the Biden administration: that all K-8 schools should aim to reopen within the next 100 days. He said they can expect support from Washington in the form of a new stimulus package to fund sanitation upgrades and other safety measures.

As of last month, about one third of American school districts were operating entirely remotely, and Dr. Fauci acknowledged that mitigating factors may make the 100-day goal difficult to achieve in some places.
I am paying close attention to the current impassioned debate regarding the impact of the vigils on the current Covid-19 spike, as asserted by the Prime Minister.

In seeking to examine this myself, from an almost scientific perspective, I have had to check my emotions at the front door, as this is a subject which stirs passions.
Syracuse, N.Y. -- If youre using New Yorks Am I Eligible? website to sign up for a Covid-19 vaccine, you should expect to receive a confirmation email that contains a document with the time, date and location of your appointment.

The form also has a QR code -- a black-and-white symbol thats similar to the codes cashiers use to check out groceries or other items.

Make sure the email you receive contains this document.

This a look at a portion of the attached document you will get by email if you've confirmed an appointment through New York's "Am I Eligible?" website.Teri Weaver | tweaver@syracuse.com

The Am I Eligible website asks a series of questions -- such as your birthdate and your occupation -- before you pick your appointment.

Some syracuse.com | Post-Standard readers this morning got a different email, confirming their vaccine pre-administration forms. That is also needed -- but its not confirmation of an appointment.

As of late morning, the New York State Fairgrounds still had appointments available, though they were going fast.

Got a story idea or news tip youd like to share with a Syracuse-area reporter? Please contact me through email, Twitter, Facebook or at 315-470-2274.
Thursday, January 21, was a landmark day in Signacare New Ross after months of anxiety.

It was an extra special day for its most senior resident, Maureen Butler (100) who was vaccinated.

Quality Manager at Signacare Anne Fraher said: 'Our vaccine rollout brought great relief and joy to both residents and staff. Our first resident to be vaccinated was Maureen Butler who also turned 100 during the pandemic last year. Our nursing home residents, who contributed so much to this country, were vaccinated against the never previously encountered pandemic in very emotional scenes in Signacare on Thursday.'

Anne said: 'We had 56 residents and 51 staff vaccinated. Maureen said that she was delighted to get the vaccine and that she was looking forward again to indoor visits from her family and lots of parties with her friends in the centre. In her 100 years she has seen a lot but this virus has been hard on everyone. She thanked the wonderful staff in SignaCare for keeping her safe and her spirits up on a daily basis.'

Anne said the past ten months have been very challenging for staff and residents alike. 'It's been such a difficult time for residents and staff and Thursday 21st was truly a landmark day. Our residents were excited to receive the vaccine and there has been no side effects.'

Signacare New Ross has thankfully to date remained Covid-free.

Expand Close Sandra Doyle getting the vaccine at SignaCare / Facebook

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Whatsapp Sandra Doyle getting the vaccine at SignaCare

'We count ourselves very lucky to have remained free of the virus. We have followed the guidelines given to us by public health and our staff have at all times remained very vigilant. The restrictions have been very difficult on our residents, families and staff.'

Anne said residents are now so looking forward to meeting their families in the not so distant future, without a door or window in the way.

'SignaCare New Ross wish to sincerely thank all the support received from all the families during the difficult year and of course our wonderful staff who worked so hard during the year in keeping our residents safe.'

Residents and staff at New Ross Community Hospital got their first vaccine shots on Saturday. The hospital, which has had some cases over recent weeks, was buzzing with excitement as its two oldest residents, Lorett Dooley (104) and Pat Kelly (101) got the vaccine.

Washington, Jan 30 : Authorities in Florida's Palm Beach town are currently performing a legal review of former US President Donald Trump's residency at his Mar-a-Lago resort, a media report said.

"Our town attorney is reviewing the agreement and the laws surrounding it," Palm Beach Town Manager Kirk Blouin told The Hill news website on Friday.

Trump moved to his Mar-a-Lago resort on the morning of January 20 ahead of Joe Biden's inauguration as the 46th President of the US.

The development comes a month after Blouin told a local media outlet that the town was not aware of the former President's intention to permanently move to the resort.

He however, added that the authorities would "address the matter appropriately" when required.

It was not immediately clear when the review would be completed.

But a spokesperson for the Trump Organization had earlier told the media that "there is no document or agreement in place that prohibits President Trump from using Mar-a-Lago as his residence".

Trump had purchased the resort, also a national historic landmark, in 1985.

While in office, Trump hosted meetings for international leaders, including former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese President Xi Jinping, at the club originally built between 1924 to 1927.

In September 2019, Mar-a-Lago became the primary residence for Donald and Melania Trump.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
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Posted Saturday, January 30, 2021 12:34 pm

Much of Western Washington had reason to rejoice Thursday when Gov. Jay Inslee modified his COVID-19 restrictions and allowed seven counties, including Pierce, to move to Phase 2 in his revised reopening plan.

Restaurants, gyms and museums can resume indoor activity at 25-percent capacity. High school athletes can return to the field. People will start to emerge from their winter funk like Punxsutawney Phil from his groundhog burrow. And Inslee will deservedly win brownie points for flexible pandemic leadership.

Even so, as our state nears the one-year anniversary of Inslee's first coronavirus emergency declaration on Feb. 29, Washingtonians shouldn't lose sight of the extraordinary power that remains entrenched in the executive branch.

The Legislature now has a chance to balance the scales, at least somewhat. For the next three months, Washington's 49 senators and 98 representatives can reassert their status as a co-equal branch of government, no longer sidelined by a governor who wouldn't call a special session as the public-health crisis dragged on last year.

They owe it to voters and the constitution to uphold the separation of powers. Both chambers are controlled by Inslee's fellow Democrats, however, so it's unclear how far they're willing to go  and how much backbone they're willing to show.

One litmus test: Legislation that would put time limits on Inslee's emergency restrictions. A 30-day cap is proposed, though there's nothing magic about that number.

The debate isn't unique to Washington; about half the states are going through it right now.

The Republican-sponsored bills, while far from perfect, reflect a growing impatience among pandemic-weary Washingtonians who elected legislators to represent them, not just a governor.

Democratic leaders should pick one or two of these bills and schedule them for public hearings.

If they don't want to hear it from us, then perhaps they'll listen to one of their most seasoned veterans: Rep. Steve Kirby, D-Tacoma.

Kirby, a 20-year House member, went out on a limb by co-sponsoring a pair of bills, the only Democrat to do so.

House Bill 1020 would limit all the governor's emergency orders to 30 days unless extended by the Legislature or by unanimous consent of caucus leaders when the Legislature isn't in session. House Bill 1004 would put similar limits on Health Department orders.

As chair of the House Consumer Protection and Business Committee, Kirby says he hears often from struggling businesses. He also gets an earful from struggling constituents in his low-income district centered in South Tacoma.

"I'm just concerned that the governor has been relying on career public-sector employees for advice," Kirby told the TNT editorial page editor Wednesday. "Contrary to the governor's slogan, we're not all in this together. It's really easy for people with six-figure incomes who are still working to impose restrictions on those who aren't so fortunate."

Ironically, Kirby doesn't fully support the two bills with his name on them; he says they contain "poison pills," such as the unanimous-consent provision. But he sees them as a starting point for discussions, a way to leverage regular collaboration between the executive and legislative branches during a pandemic with no end in sight.

To be clear, Kirby knows Inslee has a difficult job and can't please everyone. "I genuinely appreciate the governor's efforts to keep the people of Washington safe."

Those efforts have yielded success compared to the rest of the country. Washington ranks among the best five states as measured by confirmed COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents, and the best 10 states in the number of deaths per 100,000.

But they come at a cost. Washington has the sixth-most stringent coronavirus rules, according to a new analysis by the personal finance website WalletHub, and has only gotten stricter, climbing 10 spots since October.

For most of 2020, Inslee was free to unilaterally renew emergency orders after legislators went home in March. He declined several pleas, including from this Editorial Board, to convene a special session.

He recently extended 26 emergency proclamations, covering everything from childcare centers to nursing homes, from shuttered college campuses to closed government meetings. Some orders curtail in-person contact in order to slow viral spread; others provide relief from fees, penalties and other obligations.

There's a glimmer of good news here: The Legislature reviewed the orders in the first days of the 2021 session and voted to extend them. It was mostly a rubber-stamp exercise, but at least Republicans were able to speak out against the Legislature abdicating authority to the governor.

But public hearings? There were none. Time limits on the orders? Nope. Majority Democrats voted to extend them indefinitely; that means if the pandemic drags past April, Inslee will again be free to act with little or no legislative oversight, until the day he declares the emergency over.

We hope Democratic leaders listen to Steve Kirby and take steps to ensure power-sharing with the executive branch.

Or heed the words of our state namesake, President George Washington, who fiercely defended the separation of powers in his farewell address. "To preserve them," he said, "must be as necessary as to institute them."

___

(c)2021 The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.)

Visit The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.) at www.TheNewsTribune.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
You (PM) are pursuing vendetta politics as you are yet to come to terms with BJP''s poll defeat in Bengal: CM Mamata Banerjee.to terms with BJP's poll defeat in Bengal: CM Mamata Banerjee.

I appeal to PM Modi to end political vendetta, withdraw order recalling Chief Secretary Alapan Bandopadhyay, allow him torecalling Chief Secretary Alapan Bandopadhyay, allow him to work for COVID-infected: Mamata Banerjee:

If prime minister asks me to touch his feet for welfare of Bengal people, I am ready to do that; but I should not be Bengal people, I am ready to do that; but I should not be insulted: CM Mamata Banerjee.
Biblical 'royal' purple cloth scraps from era of Kings David, Solomon found in Israel

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Rare purple cloth scraps from the era dating back to the time of King David and King Solomon, approximately 3,000 years ago, have been discovered in Israel.

Researchers in southern Israel found the remnants of woven wool fabric that had been dyed the color of royal purple while examining textiles from the Timna valley, a copper production district of King Solomon's day.

Through the use of radiocarbon testing, the samples of fabric were dated at around 1000 BC.

In ancient times purple cloth was a luxury item, and those who wore it were associated with the nobility, priests, and royalty. The dye used to make the color was sourced from a few kinds of mollusks in the Mediterranean Sea. The dye was produced from a gland located within the body of the mollusk by way of a complex chemical process that took several days to occur.

The particular hue of the highly-valued color in that era is also called true or Tyrian purple.

The Times of Israel reported Thursday that to "reach the famed King Solomon Copper Mines at Timna, near the shore of the Red Sea, the cloth would have traveled hundreds of kilometers, which only added to its prestige and value."

Naama Sukenik, the curator of organic finds at the Israel Antiquities Authority, called the discovery of the purple fabric scraps "very exciting and important."

"This is the first piece of textile ever found from the time of David and Solomon that is dyed with the prestigious purple dye," she said.

"The gorgeous shade of the purple, the fact that it does not fade and the difficulty in producing the dye, which is found in minute quantities in the body of mollusks, all made it the most highly-valued of the dyes, which often cost more than gold.

She added: "Until the current discovery, we had only encountered mollusc-shell waste and potsherds with patches of dye, which provided evidence of the purple industry in the Iron Age."

"Now, for the first time, we have direct evidence of the dyed fabrics themselves, preserved for some 3,000 years."

According to Erez Ben-Yosef, a professor from Tel Aviv University's archaeology department, excavations of the Timna sites have been ongoing since 2013.

The textile discoveries, he said, offer a "unique glimpse into life in biblical times" and archaeologists have been searching for David's palace.

"However, David may not have expressed his wealth in splendid buildings, but with objects more suited to a nomadic heritage such as textiles and artifacts," he said.
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CLEVELAND, Jan. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- US demand for polyurethane resin is forecast to increase nearly 1.0% yearly in volume terms through 2024, according to Polyurethane: United States, a report recently released by Freedonia Focus Reports. Expansion will be driven by healthy growth in construction spending, which will fuel demand for polyurethane building insulation, coatings, adhesives, and sealants. Growth in transport equipment shipments and consumer disposable income will boost polyurethane demand associated with motor vehicle and household product manufacturing. Polyurethane's low cost and ease of manufacturing and handling will continue to support widespread use. Furthermore, the introduction of improved products and processes  such as polyol processes that can limit volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from polyurethane foam  will aid value demand growth. Increased use of soy and other biobased polyols is expected as polyurethane manufacturers make efforts to reduce energy consumption and lessen their impact on the environment.

Demand for polyurethanes fell 4.7% from 2019 levels in 2020. Declining production of motor vehicles and durable goods in 2020 due to weak economic conditions and unsafe working conditions reduced demand for polyurethane in the transport equipment and packaging markets. However, the COVID-19 pandemic also increased demand for polyurethane for use in personal protection equipment, which staved off faster declines.

These and other key insights are featured in Polyurethane: United States. This report forecasts to 2024 US polyurethane demand in pounds. Total demand is segmented by product in terms of:

flexible foam

rigid foam

coatings, adhesives, and sealants

elastomers

other products such as binders and composites

Total demand is also segmented by market as follows:

construction

household products

transport equipment

packaging

other markets such as agriculture products, electronics, and footwear

To illustrate historical trends, total demand, and the various segments are provided in annual series from 2009 to 2019.

Demand figures refer to the weight of final products, rather than input chemicals. Scrap is excluded from the scope of this report. Rebond foam carpet padding, which consists of factory scrap generated in the production of furniture, bedding, or transport foams, is also excluded from the scope of this report.

Key macroeconomic indicators are also provided with quantified trends. Other various topics, including profiles of pertinent leading companies, are covered in this report. A full outline of report items by page is available in the Table of Contents.

More information about the report is available at:

https://www.freedoniafocusreports.com/Polyurethane-United-States-FF55019/?progid=91541

About Freedonia Focus Reports

Each month, The Freedonia Group  a division of MarketResearch.com  publishes over 20 new or updated Freedonia Focus Reports, providing fresh, unbiased analysis on a wide variety of markets and industries. Published in 20-30 pages, Focus Report coverage ranges from raw materials to finished manufactured goods and related services such as freight and construction. Additional Materials & Chemicals reports can be purchased at Freedonia Focus Reports or MarketResearch.com.

Analysis is intended to guide the busy reader through pertinent topics in rapid succession, including:

total historical market size and industry output

segmentation by products and markets

identification of market drivers, constraints, and key indicators

segment-by-segment outlook in five-year forecasts

a survey of the supply base

suggested resources for further study

Press Contact:

Corinne Gangloff

+1 440.684.9600

[email protected]

SOURCE The Freedonia Group
Australian actor Matt Le Nevez is giving fans a chance to enjoy a private Zoom session with him.

The 42-year-old is doing it all for Cambodian children's charity, the People Stories Foundation.

'We can bring the silver screen to their computer screens,' he told The Herald Sun of offering fans the opportunity.

Good cause: Matt Le Nevez (pictured) is giving fans a chance to enjoy a private Zoom session. The 42-year-old is doing it all for Cambodian children's charity, the PeopleStories Foundation

'I really want to lend my support in any way I can... we are so privileged in this job and I feel strongly about helping out. It makes it all worthwhile,' he added.

Interested punters can head to the PeopleStories Foundation website to take part.

Last year, the US-based actor announced his plans to relocate himself, his partner and their young children back to Australia.

Ring ring! 'We can bring the silver screen to their computer screens,' he told The Herald Sun of offering fans the opportunity

In an interview published by The Sunday Telegraph, the former Offspring star said America's current political unrest and the spread of COVID-19 has 'really magnified the longing for home.'

'Now, raising two kids in LA, under the current climate, we're definitely thinking about moving back at the end of the year,' Matt said.

Matt and his American-born partner Michelle have two children: Levi, six, and Wren, three. The actor moved the the country more than a decade ago.

Family first: Last year, the US-based announced his plans to relocate himself, his partner and their young children back to Australia. Matt and his American-born partner Michelle (right) have two children: Levi, six, and Wren, three

Matt said he'd move back Down Under even sooner if it weren't for the fact that his family had recently purchased a dog.

The actor is best known for his role on the Australian series Offspring as Patrick Reid, and is seen in season three of the Amazon thriller, Absentia.

He plays Navy Seal turned special FBI agent Cal Isaac, and stars opposite Castle's Stana Katic.
On the day Britain's vaccine tsar announced the deal securing 40 million doses of the Pfizer jab, her Brussels opposite number was literally talking about the price of fish.

It was July 20, and while Kate Bingham was giving the UK a stunning head-start, Stella Kyriakides, the European commissioner in charge of the bloc's inoculation plan, was embroiled in an intractable meeting of the EU's Agriculture and Fisheries Council.

A further four months would elapse before the EU managed to place its own order with Pfizer.

Success has many fathers, and Ministers and scientists are jostling to receive the plaudits for the UK's nimble, world-beating strategy.

Determined to be near the front of the queue is Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who posed the question to a vaccines planning meeting in Whitehall last April: 'In a year's time, what decisions will we wish we had taken now?'

While most of his colleagues were preoccupied by intensive care unit capacity in hospitals, protective equipment and the R rate, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam (pictured) would keep repeating in meetings: 'We need to buy freezers and vials. The vaccine is the key'

His conclusion was that while the UK's vaccine expertise was among the best  if not the best  in the world, we did not have the manufacturing scale needed to capitalise on it.

Presciently, Mr Hancock warned that Britain risked having to rely on foreign companies to manufacture the vaccines which we developed: as a result, the critical order was given to dramatically increase our domestic production capacity.

Equally important was the Government's decision to ignore Labour's demands for the UK to join the EU's vaccine scheme, which has struggled to manage the competing demands of member states and has been conspicuously slow to grant regulatory approval.

The contrast was described by one German newspaper last week as 'the best advert for Brexit'  symbolism which has delighted Boris Johnson.

Before Brexit, the UK provided a considerable proportion of the EU's vaccine expertise: our departure from the bloc removed at a stroke 30 per cent of the 'regulatory compliance' officials used by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Pictured: Specialist Covid-19 vaccine freezers in a secure location, awaiting distribution of the vaccines to the NHS

By December, when the vaccines were ready to be deployed for the first time, Mr Hancock had introduced legal changes to ensure that Britain's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) had full sovereignty over the approval decisions, not the European body.

He also vetoed a deal between Oxford University and the US drugs giant Merck when it failed to give binding guarantees over supplies for the UK.

While much of the political credit will go to Mr Hancock, former Business Secretary Alok Sharma, who oversaw the Government's Vaccine Taskforce, and Ms Bingham  instructed by Mr Johnson to 'stop people from dying', and described by friends as 'brilliantly bonkers'  also deserve star billing.

As does Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, who impressed Downing Street with his calm horizon-scanning during the darkest days of the first lockdown last spring.

European newspapers maul EU chiefs over rollout fiasco By JONATHAN BUCKS FOR THE MAIL ON SUNDAY European newspapers have condemned EU leaders over the bloc's calamitous handling the vaccine rollout. In a front page editorial, Die Zeit, one of Germany's most respected broadsheets, described the debacle as 'the best advertisement for Brexit', with its London correspondent accusing Commission President Ursula von der Leyen of scoring 'an unforgettable Brexit own goal'. An editorial in the Left-wing Spanish newspaper El Pais said: 'Compared with the action of other executives, the EU has been slow to act and signed contracts with suppliers later, which is now proving to be a problem.' France's Le Monde raged in an editorial that the EU's bid to block exports entering Northern Ireland was 'deplorable', and claimed EU leaders were now engulfed with 'panic' over how to secure supplies of vaccines. 'It is deplorable that political interests and geopolitical rivalries take precedence over the issue that no one should lose sight of: vaccinating as many people as possible, in Europe and in the rest of the world,' it said. Meanwhile, newspapers in Ireland met the EU's action with fury. The Irish Times said there had been 'political uproar' over Brussels's conduct, while The Journal said it had caused 'alarm across the political spectrum'. Advertisement

While most of his colleagues were preoccupied by intensive care unit capacity in hospitals, protective equipment and the R rate, Prof Van-Tam would keep repeating in meetings: 'We need to buy freezers and vials. The vaccine is the key.'

Away from Westminster, quiet heroics were being performed by Oxford scientists, who have played a role in the crisis akin to that performed by British codebreakers in Bletchley Park during the Second World War.

On January 30 last year, before the full scale of the crisis had become apparent, researcher Sarah Gilbert told colleagues she had been able to repurpose vaccines developed against the ebola virus so they might be effective against Covid-19. Professor Richard Cornall, her department's head, says: 'We just told her to go for it and spend what she needed.'

The work ultimately led to Oxford's alliance with AstraZeneca, which now accounts for the lion's share of our vaccine rollout.

Trumpeted at the outset as a forceful show of EU solidarity, the European Commission's strategy of procuring vaccines for its 446 million citizens has curdled into rancour, with the bloc accused of being too slow, too bureaucratic and in thrall to European solidarity.

The missteps led to the bitter row between the bloc and AstraZeneca over the fine print of its contract, and has seen the EU attempt to block exports of the Pfizer jab to Britain. It has also led to embarrassment for pro-EU bulwarks such as French President Emmanuel Macron, whose foot-dragging has been blamed on his hopes that a jab produced by Paris-based pharmaceutical company Sanofi would dominate the global market.

Sanofi has said its product will not be ready before the end of this year at the earliest.

The fallout has been acrimonious. Smaller nations have accused larger ones of striking out on their own and hoarding jabs, while EU countries such as Hungary have lost patience with Brussels and bought millions of doses of Russia and China's unregulated jabs.

Even now, more than a month after its programme launched, the EU has vaccinated barely 2.5 per cent of its population, compared with more than 12 per cent in the UK. And the EU's vaccine budget of 2.7 billion (2.4 billion) is a mere fraction of the 12 billion spent by the UK Government.

Last week's announcements about the total of 90 million doses ordered from Novavax and Johnson & Johnson should allow the UK to stretch its lead even further.

The EU's sluggishness in July was not its first error of judgment. On March 16, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Ambroise Fayolle, of the European Investment Bank, committed 80 million (71 million) in loans to German pharmaceutical company CureVac to develop a vaccine.

Fearful that she would be out-muscled by former US President Donald Trump, Ms von der Leyen made the commitment before even assessing the business case.

lOn March 16, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (pictured) and Ambroise Fayolle, of the European Investment Bank, committed 80 million (71 million) in loans to German pharmaceutical company CureVac to develop a vaccine

She backed the wrong horse: even now, with millions of doses of Pfizer and AstraZeneca jabs administered, CureVac's jab is still only in trials.

On June 13, France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands  who had formed the Inclusive Vaccines Alliance  announced a deal for between 300 million and 400 million doses of the AstraZeneca jab, a move which appeared to show that Europe's powerhouses were not afraid to flex their muscles in defiance of EU bureaucrats.

But German Chancellor Angela Merkel, conscious that such a move could undermine the European project, ordered her health minister, along with those of the other nations in the alliance, to write an extraordinary letter to Ms von der Leyen apologising for going it alone. 'We believe that it is of the utmost importance to have a common, single and joint approach,' the ministers wrote.

Merkel had instructed her health minister to 'sound as humble as possible'. The alliance stopped operating, and allowed the EC to lead the talks.

Heath Secretary Matt Hancock gives a thumbs up as he leaves Millbank in Westminster, central London, after the news that a Covid-19 vaccine from Oxford University and AstraZeneca has been approved for use in the UK

On July 10, the EU invited Britain to join its vaccine procurement scheme. When No 10 declined, Labour's Europe spokeswoman Catherine West said the decision was 'dumber and dumber'.

But as Ms Bingham explained last month: 'We felt the conditions were too tight, and that we would be able to act more quickly if we did it independently.'

She was right: the EU's snail-pace strategy has been slowed even further by protracted talks with pharma giants over whether they or the EU would bear legal responsibility for the vaccine.

By mid-August, the UK had signed in-principle agreements securing coronavirus vaccines with AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNtech, Valneva, GlaxoSmithKline/Sanofi, Novavax and Johnson & Johnson-owned Janssen. The EU waited until August 27 to seal its first  and now hotly disputed  vaccine deal with AstraZeneca. The EU finally signed a deal with Pfizer on November 11.

Moderna chief executive Stephane Bancel complained in an interview that month that dealing with 27 EU nations was taking too long. By contrast, the US firm had secured a deal with Canada within two weeks of beginning talks.

When the MHRA approved the Pfizer jab on December 2  the first regulator to do so in the world  its European counterpart reacted with fury, suggesting that UK had prioritised speed over safety. By the second week of December, more than a million doses of the jab, manufactured in Belgium, had been delivered to the UK.

In December, German economist Professor Paul Welfens, of Wuppertal University, estimated that the 'nonsense' preventing the rollout of the vaccine 'will cost around 15,000 lives' in his country.

A damning editorial in Der Bild newspaper screeched: 'It's just beyond belief. The world is celebrating the BioNTech vaccine developed in Germany. Yet Britain, the US and Canada have started vaccinating while we are standing and gawping.'

At the same time, the continent became gripped by anti-vaccination sentiment. A poll revealed that just 40 per cent of people in France would accept a jab.

In an extraordinary intervention at the start of January, Ugur Sahin, the billionaire scientist and chief executive of BioNTech, criticised the EU, saying. 'The process was not as quick and straightforward as it was in other countries.'

Panicked, EU officials entered discussions with Pfizer about ordering more jabs after it became evident they had not bought enough.

Ministers of six EU states  Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia  wrote to the Commission warning that the delays threaten 'the credibility of the vaccination process'.

The EU's woes mounted on January 23 when AstraZeneca warned of production delays, even before the EMA had approved the vaccine. European Council president Charles Michel began issuing thinly veiled legal threats. 'We plan to make the pharmaceutical companies respect the contracts they have signed,' he said.

A vaccine programme which was meant to be a badge of collective European might had descended into recrimination and even rioting, and left millions of Europeans unnecessarily exposed to the threat of the virus.
With so many accolades having come his way over the last two years, driver Dexter Dunn can be forgiven for not being aware he had reached a big career milestone Friday night at The Meadowlands.

The 31-year-old New Zealander, who dreamed as a youngster of playing for the All Blacks, a famous rugby club back in his homeland, was his usual aw shucks self after winning his 1,000th career North American race in the second with Roger Rabbit on a frigid night at The Big M.

I didnt know I was close, Dunn said.

If thats the case, he probably does not remember that his first win came in June of 2011 with Mcclelland in a high-end conditioned pace at The Big M. Dunn returned home after that season and was not seen back in the States again until 2017. He won 93 races in 2018 before rising to the top of the sport in 2019, winning 460 times for earnings of over $12 million.



Dexter Dunn receives a plaque from The Meadowlands' Jessica Otten in recognition of his 1,000th North American driving win (Lisa Photo)

Then came his remarkable 2020, when he was named the United States Harness Writers Associations Driver of the Year for a second consecutive season, winning 395 times in a COVID-shortened season while being the only pilot to earn over $10 million, with a bank account that swelled to $11,163,638 by years end.

And he wants to do even more in 2021.

Its a new season and well start all over again, Dunn told the United States Trotting Associations Ken Weingartner. I always want to do better. It will be hard, but Im going to try. Im always up for a challenge. I love a challenge.

Dunn swept the early double Friday to give his backers a handsome return of $120.00. His two victories gave him 23 at the current meeting, tops in the driver standings. A year ago, he led all Big M pilots with 131 trips to the winners circle.

(Meadowlands)
It is a tribute to our powers of self-delusion that we managed to celebrate Australia Day this year (or some of us did) with a straight face. This year there has been no Australia, not really  there has been a collection of states and territories acting according to the interests of their populations, held together in loose collaboration, but more often than not, at odds with each other.

Australia Day marks the beginning of the colony of NSW, not the inception of Australia, which did not even exist in the imagination until much later. And at no point in our history have the realities of federation been brought to bear more than during the pandemic.

Illustration: Reg Lynch Credit:

State borders have been closed. State police kept out foreigners from interstate. State leaders swiped at each other and acted imperiously to exclude or eject the residents of other states. Often this happened without so much as a courtesy phone call to the leader of the affected state.

Premiers have become our protectors, and their surging political popularity shows how richly voters have rewarded parochialism.
The COVID-19 might affect male fertility, according to the journal Reproduction new study that has been published. If affected by the disease, the quality of a man's sperm can probably impact his fertility.

Researchers stated in the journal Reproduction that the viral disease-which had engulfed the globe, taking nearly 2.2 million lives-can cause increased sperm cell death, affecting male fertility, inflammation, and so-called oxidative stress.

However, experts commenting on the study said the virus's potential to compromise male fertility remains unproven.

Moreover, experts who were not involved in the analysis were immediately suspicious of the report's conclusion and urged caution in over-generalizing the results of the test.

The SARS-CoV-2 causes a respiratory disease known as COVID-19, especially in the elderly and those with underlying medical issues. The disease, spread by respiratory droplets, affects the lungs, kidneys, bowels, and heart.

Earlier studies have shown it can also affect male reproductive organs, hinder sperm cell growth and disrupt reproductive hormones. Often present in the testicles are the same receptors the virus uses to enter lung tissue.

However, the impact of the virus on men's ability to reproduce remained unknown. In 84 men with COVID-19, a study was performed at 10-day intervals for 60 days and was compared with 105 healthy men.

The study matched the age of 105 fertile men diagnosed with the coronavirus to 84 fertile men with COVID-19. Their semen were examined for 60 days at 10-day intervals.

Sperm cells showed a large increase in signs of inflammation and oxidative stress, a chemical imbalance that can destroy DNA and proteins in the body, in COVID-19 patients.

ALSO READ: State Attorneys General Remind Biden Any Unconstitutional Actions Will Not Go Unchallenged

COVID-19 study to male fertility, the disease could:

Due to the high expression of ACE2 receptors in the testis, male reproductive organs are attacked and cause temporary or permanent tissue damage. The key "entry-point" by which the SARS-CoV-2 invades the cells of the body is ACE2 receptors.

They are interfering with the development of sex hormones and sperm.

They cause inflammation and lead to erectile dysfunction. It is a possible signal of poor cardiovascular and pulmonary health.

It contributes to stress that threatens both reproductive and sexual health and fertility.

If taken together, the disease could pose a "global threat to male fertility potential," according to the study. An increasing number of studies indicate that men are more likely than women to be seriously affected by COVID-19.

Since Covid-19 emerged, scientists have concentrated mainly on keeping patients alive by avoiding the most deadly effects of the illnesses. However, some focus turned towards the less apparent effects of the novel coronavirus, including those on sexual and reproductive systems.

Meanwhile, men are considered to be more likely to die from COVID-19. These deaths are caused by viral load and the immune system's reaction, studies indicate, but may also be related to genetics or sex hormones.

It's best to wear a mask, wash your face, and maintain your distance as studies continue.

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

I am fickle. I am also consistent. Those two things are contradictory. For instance, last week, I thought Captain James was a good friend and that Geri was suspicious. I still think Geri is suspicious, but Captain James is, at best, unpleasant.

So, we start with the case of the week, but how much attention it will get? Security cameras near a stable start turning off, and Im immediately tense because I despise animal cruelty. Its fire, but the ranch hands come together to save the horses. No! One horse is still in the stable, but Matt Harmon goes to his rescue only to be crushed by a flaming beam from the ceiling. Thats awful. Did the horse make it?

Walker is reminiscing, remembering when Emily gifted him the saddle or part of the saddle. Its unclear, and I stopped riding when I was a kid, so there will be no technical terms here. I like learning about Walkers past, but I wonder how much each episode will devote to these flashbacks? My thought, they should take up fewer minutes each episode. The move could be symbolic of Walkers healing.

Walker has rejected the farmhouse on his parents property in favor of the family home in town. There are empty beer bottles scattered around outside. We all know this is Stella, right? I thought we were supposed to believe Abeline, Bonham, and Liam have been doing a great job with the kids? Are we supposed to think that this behavior began with Walkers arrival? Having been a teenager who attended a house party or two, that is highly unlikely. Walker texts Stella, and she says no. Stella is a liar.

Its another flashback. This one of Stella and Augie placing their hands in the cement. Prediction: those stones will break before this episode ends because . . . symbolism.

What did you think? Will you keep watching? Am I unfairly judging everyone?

We go from childrens handprints to Mickis ongoing party in the bedroom with her boyfriend, Trey. Their good time is interrupted by a call from Captain James. Before leaves, Micki suggests that a relationship with Trey might get in the way of her burgeoning career as a Texas Ranger and criticizes Waler. Shes still fun.Ma and Pa Ingalls are arguing a bit. The conversation inside revolves around Walker not wanting to live in the farmhouse. Augie will go wherever because hes the kind of kid that just wants everything to be okay, but you know hes a twisted ball of knots on the inside. Im rooting for him. Stellas pissed (whats new) that Walker doesnt care where they want to live. Shes not wrong; he does need to talk to them.Walker leaves for Manchester Fields, the site of the stable fire. The Texas Rangers are investigating the arson and death of Matt Harmon (Justin Hall). Of course, a horse died; I hate that. Texas Nightshade, billionaire Ed Manchesters (Deke Anderson) prize-winning racehorse, was killed in the same fire that killed Harmon. Ive always been conflicted about horse racing because a horse in motion is a thing of beauty, but Im not a fan of some of the sports practices and methods.Something died down Captain James throat. Everything about Walker is bothering him. The fact that he didnt shave. The fact that his hat isnt white. And the fact that his recertification is overdue, so James tells Walker hes not on the case. Question. Was the recertification overdue during the last episode? It doesnt seem like much time has passed between episodes one and two. His reaction is disproportionate. And once again, Im confused.Their pleasant conversation continues in the office. James wants to be called Captain, not James. And hes confused and unhappy about why Walker is still looking into Emilys death. Is James serious?! Hey James, his wife was murdered, you insensitive idiot. Hes working through his grief. Im having a hard time believing they were actual friends.I am not a fan of the white hat. Someone start a petition to bring back the black hat.Recertification involves shooting, driving, and riding. Captain James is out making big changes by watching Walker take his riding test. Walker saddles the horse, but the memories of Emily get to him, and he walks away. If Captain James wants to be on the right side of history, he should recognize mental health struggles. Grief is a process. Being a hardass micromanager doesnt make you a good leader; it makes you unfriendly.Anyone else think Geri (Odette Annable) looks a bit like Mandy Moore? Walker has a lot of questions about Emilys death, but hes also carrying around a ton of guilt. After all, Walker was the one that laid out the route Emily took that night. He thought it was safe. He needs answers, and while they may never come, I hope they do. Well, here comes the answer to Emilys closed eyes. It was Geri. Why keep that a secret? Why not tell him sooner? Keeping this a secret makes zero sense, so my feelings about Geri remain the same.We meet Liams fiance, Bret, after Walker fails to show up for lunch. Bret is judging Walker. No, seriously, why is everyone judging Walker? Is anyone on his side? Plot twist, Bret wants Liam to leave the family behind and move to New York. Interesting. They talk queso. I could go for some really good queso.This case is a bit more memorable but still doesnt take up too much of the episode. It turns out the horse that died in the fire wasnt Texas Nightshade but a standard workhorse. Are we all thinking the fire was about the insurance money and the horse swap was about sentimentality? Micki learns that Walker grabbed the autopsy earlier, so much for not being on the case and recertification. Walker opens up to Micki, and I think I see something human blossom on her face. And just like that, they are on the case. They wont have to look too hard for Texas Nightshade because hes taking a stroll through downtown Austin. Walker goes after the horse while Micki goes after Manchester, who is trying to leave the country. Get him. He looked guilty the first time we saw him.Walkers a cowboy, so he follows the poop then the shoe tracks. Was the original Walker a horse whisperer? Walker rides Texas Nightshade onto the runway. The chase is on. He scoops Micki and catches up to the car. Micki slithers inside, beats up both of the people in the car, and brings it to a safe stop. Was that cheesy? Yes? Did I mind? I did not.Walker, Micki, and James have a case closed drink when Liam shows up at the bar. Stella is missing again. How many episodes are we going to deal with a missing Stella? She needs some new characterization because this is getting a little rinse and repeat. Walker and Micki find her at the house in town. Shes throwing a party. No one watching the episode is surprised.Stella goes off on Walker and reveals that she wishes Liam had gotten custody of them. Walker sees red. Stella is coming close to being annoying as hell. Anyway, Walker is off to beat up his brother.Liam tells Walker that losing Emily was rough for everybody. Its not the same, Liam. Liam wants Walker to stop asking questions and chasing ghosts. Okay, hes suspicious, and something doesnt add up. Everyone is suspicious now. All of them. Well, not Micki or Trey. Friends, we have a writing problem.Augie is sitting alone. He has a Fathers Day gift for Walker. One Emily never had a chance to give him. Its poker chips. Turns out she was carrying samples in her pocket the night she died. Weve now solved the mystery of the poker chip. Anyone else shaking their head over this revelation, which is too too convenient. Im not pleased.Micki talks to Trey about her earlier overreaction. Shes happy and sacred about their relationship. Feelings are scary. She wants to get it righther job and the relationship. Respect.Walker and Stella have an unbalanced reconciliation. I know hes the adult, but come on, shes a lot. Did I or did I not tell you the handprints would break? They try to dig up the handprints, but Stella cracks it and freaks out. Walker says something wise and symbolic. And just like that, were moving to the homestead.Walkers daddy made him a saddle pouch thing, and Augie made a slideshow of Emily. They were both feel good moments. This show does that well. The heartfelt moments, but they still need to find some balance. The writing is a little wacky, and the characters need fleshing out, but its only episode two, so we keep watching and keep hoping.Give him the black hat back.
We spoke with a grocery store manager in Scottsboro who says some of the workers at his store are looking forward for the chance.

This comes after the Alabama Department of Public Health announced grocery store workers would be added to those eligible on Feb. 8.

Scot Blackwell, the store manager at the Foodland in Scottsboro, says that employees were talking about it Friday afternoon. He explained that some are hesitant to get the shot, but he's glad it'll be there for them if they want it.

"I think it's great! It's going to help us be able to serve our customers," said Blackwell.

Keep in mind, in Scottsboro at Highlands Medical Center, right now, they aren't giving out any first dose vaccinations because they don't expect to get more vaccines soon. For information on how to get vaccinated at the Jackson County Health Department, click HERE.

UPDATED Saturday, Jan. 30: Ivonna Cofey, 6, has been found and is safe with her parents, Salem police said.

***

Salem search and rescue crews are looking for a 6-year-old girl missing for more than five hours.

Ivonna Cofey left her house with twin sister, and the pair became separated around 5 p.m. Friday, Salem police said. Searchers are targeting the South Salem neighborhood surrounding the Lakeside Village Mobile Home Park on Turner Road Southeast, where she lives.

Police asked nearby residents, as well as people driving through the area, to be on alert for Ivonna. Police said Ivonna was last seen wearing a gray t-shirt and pink leggings. Anyone who sees her should call 911, police said.

-- The Oregonian/OregonLive
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With its range of holistic therapies, the Prince's Foundation Health and Wellbeing Centre has been hailed as a 'passion project' for the Prince of Wales.

Acupuncture, reflexology and hypnotherapy are just some of the treatments on offer at the clinic, which is part of the 2,000-acre estate of Dumfries House, the 18th Century Palladian mansion in Ayrshire saved for the nation and lovingly restored by Prince Charles.

The Wellbeing Centre was dismissed as 'new age hippy nonsense' when it first opened 2019. But no longer.

These days it is known as The Royal NHS by grateful GPs, who have praised it for transforming the lives of more than 200 local patients referred for its pioneering approach to obesity, diabetes and infertility.

At the heart of the multi-million-pound project sits the glamorous figure of Taiwanese businesswoman Christine Chiu.

Prince Charles's Wellbeing Centre was dismissed as 'hippy nonsense' when it first opened 2019. But no longer. At the heart of the project sits Taiwanese businesswoman Christine Chiu. Pictured: Christine Chiu with Prince Charles at Dumfries House

The centre, and its undoubted success, would never have been possible without her support, including a vast donation.

Charles appears alongside Christine  and her plunging neckline  in numerous photographs on her popular Instagram account and the warm regard is mutual. As she tells Netflix viewers, the Prince of Wales is a 'really cool guy'.

But what, you must wonder, does Charles make of his friend's appearance in the hit Netflix reality show so gaudy that even the title, Bling Empire, does scarce justice to the exuberant vulgarity on display?

A cross between the movie Crazy Rich Asians and the reality series Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Bling Empire revolves around the social lives of a group of extraordinarily wealthy Asians in Hollywood and their jaw-dropping consumption.

And whether she's wearing Dolce & Gabbana or latex fetish gear, 38-year-old Christine is the breakout star.

Bling Empire revolves around the social lives of a group of extraordinarily wealthy Asians in Hollywood and their jaw-dropping consumption. And whether she's wearing Dolce & Gabbana or latex fetish gear, 38-year-old Christine Chiu (pictured) is the breakout star

So who are Christine and her 53-year-old husband Dr Gabriel Chiu? The short answer is they are self-made millionaires with a reported 50 million fortune thanks to Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Inc, one of the biggest clinics in Los Angeles.

Dr Chiu specialises in nose jobs and his trademark 'Mommy makeover' (a combination of tummy-tuck and breast lift), procedures unlikely to be offered any time soon at Dumfries House.

When the series was filmed in pre-Covid 2019 (the year Prince Charles's Scottish Health and Wellbeing Centre opened), Christine revelled in showing off her opulent lifestyle.

It included shutting down the Beverly Hills shopping mecca of Rodeo Drive for a Chinese New Year party which, she quipped, 'cost more than an average home in the US but less than a rare Bugatti'.

In one episode of Bling Empire, the Chius host a 'leather party', called Keep It Tight, to promote their clinic's new 'ab and buttocks' tightening machine.

There's a Botox bar at the party where Dr Gabriel is injecting guests for free, as well as a curious vibrating device apparently used to strengthen the pelvic floor.

Attired in pink latex with matching gloves and headband, Christine tells her guests that 'Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery is here to keep you keep it tight. Tight abs, tight butts. Yes, front and backside!'

For the first birthday of her now two-year-old son Gabriel, nicknamed Baby G, she hosted a $1 million party at an LA children's museum complete with Ferris wheel, carnival games, pony rides, a live band and a fairground-style 'grab claw' machine filled with Gucci handbags.

Christine drew gasps from the crowd when she announced that, instead of party bags, the couple would donate a million dollars to the museum to provide free admission to children from poor communities.

And sharp-eyed observers will note that the Dumfries House health centre boasts a plaque in honour of Gabriel Christian Chiu III, their tuxedo-wearing toddler.

Acupuncture, reflexology and hypnotherapy are just some of the treatments on offer at the clinic, which is part of the 2,000-acre estate of Dumfries House (pictured), the 18th Century Palladian mansion in Ayrshire saved for the nation and lovingly restored by Prince Charles

The series features other super-rich members of the Asian 'bling set' including Anna Shay (daughter of a defence contractor worth a reported 88 billion); Kane Lim (son of a billionaire Singaporean shipping magnate); and Jaime Xie (whose Silicon Valley father Ken sold his business NetScreen, an anti-hacking system, for 3 billion in 2004).

But it is Christine who steals the show. With her love of outlandish couture and ostentatious displays of wealth, she has become such a sensation that her publicist tells The Mail on Sunday she has been 'swamped' with interview requests from all over the globe.

When she makes the social faux pas of wearing a Louis Vuitton diamond and pink sapphire necklace identical to the one worn by her hostess Shay, she is 'punished' by being placed in 'social Siberia' and bemoans her plight saying: 'I was seated to the left of Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace, why am I all the way down here?'

The daughter of a Taiwanese businessman who came to the US at 18 to attend Pepperdine University in Malibu, Christine brags about her royal connections on screen.

But not, as may be expected, her links to Prince Charles. Instead she tells the viewers her Chinese husband Gabriel is from the 24th generation of the Song Imperial dynasty, which ruled China from 960 to 1279AD.

The businesswoman turns heads in 2019 at events including Paris Fashion Week and the Cannes Film Festival

Christine spoke about her 'fascinating' experience sitting next to the Prince at a fundraising gala, saying: 'I was told about ten minutes prior to the dinner that I would be seated next to him, which is such a great honour. But there is a lot of etiquette that goes with it.

Prince Charles donors Dr Gabriel Chiu, Christine Chiu and Bruno Wang ahead of the plaque unveiling to officially open The Dumfries House Health and Wellbeing Centre in 2019

'So I had to do a crash course of the etiquette rules. There are certain times when he stands up and you have to stand up, or he leaves first. Then you're supposed to face one way if he faces one way.

It's a lot to think about when you're trying to have dinner. He's incredibly charming and he's got a wicked sense of humour. He's a really cool guy.'

In a gushing post on Instagram to celebrate the Prince's birthday last year, she posted four photographs of herself meeting him (on separate occasions), writing: 'Happy Birthday HRH Prince Charles! What an honour and pleasure it has been to support your vision and philanthropic efforts.

'Looking forward to visiting with you and to check on the progress of The Prince's Foundation Chiu Health and Wellness Programmes and Centre soon.'

There are rare moments in Bling Empire where the socialite's mask slips and moments of humanity peek through. She describes her son as her 'miracle baby', conceived through IVF after ten years of trying.

Christine spoke about her 'fascinating' experience sitting next to the Prince at a fundraising gala, saying: 'I was told about ten minutes prior to the dinner that I would be seated next to him, which is such a great honour'

Later she breaks down and cries as she says she 'assumed the guilt' of infertility in the eyes of her husband's traditional Chinese family even though, in fact, the 'issue' lay with him.

The Dumfries House clinic treated more than 200 people in 2019. And although it was forced to close its doors for most of last year because of the pandemic, and remains shut to the public, it has continued to offer virtual health and wellbeing courses.

Just before lockdown in March, a baby was born to a couple who took part in the 'fertility wellbeing course' and had struggled for two years to get pregnant. Colin and Stacey Forrest were 'overjoyed' to welcome baby Calvin.

Stacey signed up for the centre's fertility course but admitted: 'Colin was a bit sceptical. I wanted to try anything by that stage. All tests carried out by the NHS showed that there was apparently nothing wrong with either of us, so everyone kept telling us, 'Just be patient, it will happen when it happens.' '

The couple registered for fertility treatment through the NHS and were on the 18-month waiting list for IUI (intrauterine insemination) when they decided to spend three months of their wait 'trying something different'.

Stacey, a childminder, said: 'The course helped me as a person and taught me to be less stressed and just generally to calm down.'

As the first series of Bling Empire ends, Christine is shown arguing with her husband about whether to try for another IVF baby.

As for the Prince of Wales, a spokesman for Clarence House declined to comment but a Palace insider said it was 'highly unlikely' that he would watch the show.

A source praised the Chius' philanthropic contribution to the clinic at Dumfries House, saying that they had been 'enormously helpful' when it came to 'realising the vision' for the Wellbeing Centre. While it has yet to be announced, sources say that the surprise success of the show makes a second series inevitable.

And, who knows, perhaps viewers will be treated to the sight of Christine visiting 'her' Scottish clinic  although how well her Manolo Blahnik stilettos will cope with the damp turf at Dumfries House remains to be seen.



Local mental health advocate Raymond Shannon has beaten competition from all over Ireland to be declared winner of the Mental Health Hero category at the inaugural Hero Awards.

Going back a couple of years, Raymond cut a forlorn figure as he walked up and down outside Slaney House with a placard proclaiming 'Mental Health is NOT 9 to 5 Monday to Friday'. Things have moved on since then. The completely unsuitable Slaney House has been replaced by the new Arden House in the Whitemill Industrial Estate as the home of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) for south Wexford.

This is in no small part due to the determination and perseverance of people like Raymond, who too looked a little brighter as he wore a beaming smile, looking dapper in his tuxedo as his name was read aloud by host, comedian and author Colm O'Regan.

'I'm just blown away by it,' said Raymond. 'I was totally in shock and was taken aback. I just can't believe the level of support, generosity and kindness that's been shown to me and my family by the ordinary people of Wexford.'

Ray initially became involved in the fight for CAMHS in Wexford around seven years ago.

'Up to that point, I thought it was you show up; see a doctor and get better,' he said. 'Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. Follow up services, particularly in the disability sector are non existent. As a family, we've been so let down by the system. It feels like you're on your knees begging for help that should be there and available in the first place.'

Raymond has tirelessly campaigned, not just for his own children, but for children across Co Wexford in crisis. He has taken up the mantle for other families and tried to help out in any way he can; drawing on his own experiences of the system to help others.

'There's still a lot more to be done,' he says. 'Slowly but surely, we're making progress, but there are still next to no services for children who are in desperate need of learning how to deal with mental health problems and how to cope. There's a four year waiting list for talk therapy. Speech and language and occupational therapy is scarce. They're advertising for a psychologist, but only on a short-term basis. There are still no CAMHS beds in Wexford. Children are still being sent to adult units in Waterford.'

Until all these issues are sorted out, Raymond remains as committed as ever to remaining vocal. While he says local politicians have been helpful and that local staff within Arden House have been 'amazing' the problem is, he believes, a wider one within the HSE.

In the meantime, he's 'overwhelmed' by the support he's received and wished to thank the public.

'I'm just a parent, I'm nobody really,' he says, typically modestly. 'This has been a really nice lift for the whole family after a difficult year. The kids are overwhelmed too. It was a lovely moment.'
Records from the archives which sees bachelors James and Patrick Browne who died around the same time as a result of the Spanish Flu in 1919

Finding out where our ancestors came from and what they went through in their lives is an important rite of passage, particularly in the context of the pandemic as our ordinary lives have been thrown so far out of sync.

Enniscorthy TD James Browne has been busy researching his family tree. Describing this as something he has always wanted to do, he explained that he found himself with more time on his hands in the evenings during the various lockdowns, and was first encouraged to explore the Browne family connected to Askamore after local man David Donohoe got the ball rolling.

With help from other historical enthusiasts in the family and Craanford councillor Donal Kenny, James was not sure what he might find once he began and having a keen interest in World War I, James was surprised to discover that two of his great great uncles died within weeks of each other in October and November as a result of the Spanish flu which took hold of the world from 1918 to 1920.

'I made the discovery when I found the death certificate of Andrew Browne who married Julia Butler of Kiltilahane, Askamore from 1940 and 1947 respectively. They had four daughters and five sons, with two of their sons, James (28) and Patrick (21) Browne dying of the Spanish flu, another dying at a young age, but their brother William Browne was a labourer on Murray Farm, Shrule, Craanford.

'William met Elizabeth Byrne, a servant and they married in 1912 in Craanford church and moved to Kilcannon, Enniscorthy to manage a farm for the Walsh's. One of the Walsh's daughters, Luceta, married a porter and later took over the farm. William and Elizbeth had several sons, one of which was Sean Browne who became a TD and another was my granddad, James Browne and the house I grew up with my father John on was built on a site on Porter's Farm'.

James said that he still has some more discoveries to make but that he is deep into it now.

Expand Close A Browne family ancestor: Andrew Browne, a labourer in Askamore / Facebook

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Whatsapp A Browne family ancestor: Andrew Browne, a labourer in Askamore

'Always when I was growing up my Dad would say that we came from Askamore but he didn't really have a lot of details or remaining family connections there. In contrast, I grew up on tales from my mother's side about relatives who fought in Enniscorthy in 1916 and all of that history was very accessible and we knew an awful lot.

'But we have discovered that the Browne sisters all moved away, one to England and the other three to Dublin. My relative Matt Browne went to Dublin for college and got to meet all of the family at that time, and he put me in touch with a grandchild of one of the sisters. I found her on Facebook and she was able to send me wedding photos from all of the marriages. Seeing the images brings it all home.

'I didn't know until I started doing this digging that any of them had died from the Spanish flu, which was the last pandemic before this one. It was great to find this out but that would have been a huge tragedy at the time, for Andrew and Julia to lose two sons in such a short length of time.

'They were so young and it appeared to be the nature of the disease that it took out young people a lot quicker. From my research on it, you got sick and you went out quickly with it. It knocked you right out and you were dead within a few days if you were going to die from it'.

Looking at these details in the context of the current pandemic, James said that he has a new found appreciation for what he ancestors went through.

'It's safe to assume that James and Patrick were labourers and there's no evidence of them being landowners or having had a trade. Back then it was very hard to break into a trade and unless a family member had one. They came a family of labourers and that's what most people did if you didn't own a house: you were a labourer or a servant. When you look back and see how hard it was, you can see it was a harsh existence with the lack of money people would have had.

'World War I is always spoken about but the flu was spoken about less despite all the people that died from it, some families were completely wiped out from it. I'm glad that it is being spoken about more so because of this pandemic. When I heard this about my own family, there was that sense of a deeper connection when you can see what's happening now with this worldwide pandemic and the level of information that's available to people.

'Back then, we can only imagine the level of fear that would be been widespread in communities. I'm always fascinated when I'm canvassing the more rural areas, you'd go down one lane way at about two miles long, and there might be an old stone house that dates back to these times. They would have had no electricity, no cars and to live that far away from anywhere would have added to the challenge.

'They may have gone shopping in Carnew or Camolin, and if somebody had have gotten sick like they did, the doctor would have been in the next door and it would be have been a fair trek to get any kind of help.

'If James and Patrick died from the flu, it was obviously in the community and others would have died from it at the time. They would have had very little health support or any information about what it was or how to deal with it. There was definitely an emotional connection there when you read about what people went through, you can feel the sadness. In rural communities particularly if people didn't understand what it was, there would have been a huge fear factor among neighbours.

'There seemed to be an understanding in the bigger cities about how to protect yourself but in rural Ireland, with a complete lack of communications you really would have been left to your own devices and if you got it, it was a lottery as to whether you survived'.

James said that looking at the family tree now meant that it wasn't just a name on a page.

'A lot of my ancestors had the same names, but now with this pandemic have a greater feeling of understanding for what your direct ancestors went through without the resources we have today like newspapers, radio, the internet and not really understanding what it was or how to stop it.

'People were living in very basic circumstances and the Browne children that we know of would have been those who survived past birth as infant mortality back when would have been huge. In many ways, they would have been lucky to have mad it as far as they did'.

James encouraged others to engage in their own discovery, whether through online records or DNA sampling. He said that it made him appreciate his own family history, his involvement in politics and just how far we have come in one hundred years.

'When you go back to look at those times, we were one of the poorest countries in the world. There's a lot of strengths and weaknesses in our society today but we also have to look at how far we've come as a country.

'When you're in politics you have an interest in society and your local area, and we've a lot of things still to put right but we have come an awful long way and we shouldn't forget that either. We need to celebrate our successes as a country as well as there is nothing inevitable about success,' he concluded.

Virtually addressing the party leaders, Narendra Modi told them that agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar was just a phone call away for protesting farmers and the agriculture minister himself had conveyed the same to farmer leaders earlier this month. (Photo:PTI)

New Delhi: The Prime Minister on Saturday told leaders of various political parties that the government has been continuously trying to resolve the issues raised by protesting farmers through talks.

Addressing floor leaders of various political parties at the customary all-party meeting convened by the government for the smooth conduct of the Budget Session, the Prime Minister said the that Centres proposal on the three new agriculture laws still stands.

Virtually addressing the party leaders, Narendra Modi told them that agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar was just a phone call away for protesting farmers and the agriculture minister himself had conveyed the same to farmer leaders earlier this month.

Sharing the details of the meeting chaired by Modi and attended by defence minister Rajnath Singh, parliamentary affairs minister Prahlad Joshi said, The Prime Minister assured that the Centre is approaching the farmers issue with an open mind.

Emphasising on the need for smooth functioning of Parliament, Modi said smaller parties suffer the most due to disruptions as they do not get chance to raise their issues.

It is for the bigger parties to ensure Parliament functions smoothly, there are no disruptions and thus, the smaller parties are able to voice their views in Parliament, Joshi said citing Modis remarks.

The all-party meeting is convened for the government to put forth its legislative agenda before political parties. Leaders from various parties flag issues they wish to raise during the meeting.

The Prime Minister also condemned the vandalism of Mahatma Gandhis statue in California in the US, the parliamentary affairs minister said.

The Prime Minister said the Centres stand is same as it was on January 22, the last meeting between the protesting farmers and the Centre and proposal given by Agriculture Minister on the farm laws still stands. Modiji reiterated what Tomarji had said - that he (Narendra Singh Tomar) is phone call away for talks, Mr Joshi said, quoting Modi.

The all-party meeting is convened for the government to put forth its legislative agenda before political parties at the commencement of a parliamentary session. Leaders from various parties flag issues they wish to raise during the meeting.

At the meeting, various leaders including Ghulam Nabi Azad of Congress, Sudip Bandyopadhyay of Trinamul Congress, Balwinder Singh Bhunder of Shiromani Akali Dal and Vinayak Raut of Shiv Sena raised the issue of protesting farmers, sources said.

While almost all opposition parties condemned the violence and vandalism at the Red Fort by a group of protesting farmers on Republic Day, they asserted that other farmers protesting peacefully should not be held responsible for it.

Meanwhile, the BJD demanded the passage of womens reservation bill during the budget session, which was supported by the YSR Congress and the TRS.

TMCs Bandyopadhyay said boycott of Presidents address by 20 opposition parties was a strong message for the government to withdraw the farm laws, the sources said.
Rosalind Franklin University's Innovation and Research Park celebrates ribbon cutting

NORTH CHICAGO, ILL. -- The $50 million Innovation and Research Park (IRP) on the campus of Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) marked its first anniversary with a virtual opening ceremony on Jan. 28, featuring dignitaries and leaders from the government, bioscience industry and economic development sectors.

Dr. Wendy Rheault, RFU president and CEO, noted that the opening ceremony was originally planned for March 2020, but "the impact of COVID-19 on our campus, in our region and worldwide rendered that impossible."

"Even though we are still dealing with the ramifications of COVID-19, we felt an appropriate celebration and recognition of our community and partners would be a testament to the resilience of science and importance of discovery at this particular point in history," Dr. Rheault added. "This significant addition to Chicagoland's research and bioscience community demonstrates our faith in scientific discovery and its direct impact on patient health."

"The completion of Rosalind Franklin University's Innovation and Research Park is the type of strategic investment that helps us reach the kind of future our state deserves," said Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. "This project demonstrates that innovation is critical to our success as a state, and this past year in particular. We need more bold thinkers and more brave risk-takers to solve our toughest challenges. We need more entrepreneurs and innovators to continue generating new ideas and finding new opportunities."

Pritzker also applauded Dr. Rheault and RFU Executive Vice President for Research Dr. Ronald Kaplan for "their continued leadership and for supporting science and innovation in our state."

Of the 100,000 square feet in the IRP, two-thirds are allocated to RFU research labs and six disease-based centers, while the remaining third is available to healthcare industries and startups.

"We designed each of the four floors of the new building to contain both academic and industry laboratories, as well as shared 'collision space' to facilitate future conversation and collaboration between researchers and industry," said Dr. Kaplan. "The placement of RFU discovery science in close proximity to cutting-edge pharmaceutical and medical-device science will provide ideal conditions to hasten the translation of our biomedical discoveries into therapeutics and diagnostics to improve people's lives."

"The new facility, and the center-based organization, has already had a large impact on the research environment by facilitating new collaborations among scientists and as an attractive factor in recruiting the best young scientists," said Dr. Jeremy Amiel Rosenkranz, director of RFU's Brain Science Institute. "This will be further enhanced, and we are very excited, by the arising opportunities to interact with industry partners as they arrive."

The first tenant for the IRP, Inspirotec, Inc., was founded by former Abbott Labs senior scientist Dr. Julian Gordon who worked at King's College in London in the same lab where RFU's namesake, Dr. Rosalind Franklin, conducted her groundbreaking research on DNA in the early 1950s. Inspirotec is the only company providing airborne allergen detection either direct to the consumer or through physicians, industrial hygienists, indoor air quality professionals and home resale. It has developed a highly sensitive, patented technology for testing and measuring biological agents in the air, including viruses and specifically SARS-CoV-2. The device, AirAnswersTM, was launched in September 2020. Inspirotec plans to move into its new space in the IRP during April 2021.

The Innovation and Research Park was designed to accelerate RFU's nationally recognized research into treatment and prevention of disease, and to support collaboration among academic and industry scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs. The facility, including its Helix 51 incubator, is strategically located halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee, and provides state-of-the-art laboratories and spaces for faculty and commercial startups, along with small- to mid-size national and international biotech firms. Several new biomedical companies joined Helix 51 during the last quarter of 2020 including Covira Surgical (non-antibiotic anti-infectives), Voyant Diagnostics (COVID and other virus testing) and Quantitative Neural Analysis (tardive dyskinesia).

###

About Rosalind Franklin University

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is committed to serving humanity through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. Founded in Chicago in 1912, RFU embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. Recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, diabetes, obesity, and gait and balance, the university encompasses the Chicago Medical School, College of Health Professions, College of Pharmacy, Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine and the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Learn more at http://www. rosalindfranklin. edu .

This story has been published on: 2021-01-30. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.



A month after her Covid-19 diagnosis last March, Lisa McCorkell wanted to know why she was still struggling with a cough, shortness of breath and other debilitating symptoms. Her doctors didnt have answers, so she and a group of other Covid patients took matters into their own hands. They formed a research group on a Slack channel and launched their own study.

I was looking for validation, that my experience was reflected in the others," said Ms. McCorkell, 28, of Oakland, Calif., who was finishing her graduate studies in public policy when she was diagnosed.

The work of the Patient-Led Research for Covid-19 groupincluding a rapid survey and analysis of 640 patients and a detailed paper tracking symptoms in thousands of patients who have been sick for over 28 daysis helping to drive a larger reckoning about how science values and uses knowledge produced by outsiders.

Covid has helped us see some of our blind spots in the clinical and research enterprise," said Dr. Helen Burstin, CEO of the Council of Medical Specialty Societies, which focuses on improving care and health research. We need to figure out how we actually work with patient-led research efforts when the patients are the ones in leadership."

Citizen science, the name given to a range of scientific projects in which patients participate, covers myriad experiences. Some patients create and run their own experiments, sharing consumer DNA and blood test results and tracking body temperature, heart rate and other biological measures. Programs such as the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, an independent nonprofit authorized by Congress, boost collaboration with professional scientists by requiring that researchers seeking funding involve patients in the design and development of studies.

Covid citizen scientists generated information about symptoms, such as neurological issues, that didnt garner a lot of attention at the start of the pandemic. They highlighted the overlooked challenges faced by people whose symptoms last longer than 28 days. The studies were limited by drawing largely from patients who joined online support groups, but they gained the kind of recognition by professional scientists that citizen science doesnt always get. Francis Collins, the director of the National Institutes of Health, the biggest funder of biomedical research in the U.S., highlighted Covid citizen science in his blog on the NIH site earlier this month, citing the work of the Patient-Led Research for Covid-19 group for providing a first-draft description" of aspects of the disease.

The pandemic has created an opening for citizen scientists, because even now clinicians dont fully understand the virus. Early clinical trial data comes mainly from studies involving hospitalized patients, whose experiences may not apply to those who are suffering but dont end up in the emergency room.

There is a real gap in the medical data. We had to figure out things for ourselves," says Diana Berrent of Long Island, N.Y., who set up an online group of Covid patients, called Survivor Corps, after she was diagnosed last March. When a friend who also had Covid told her she suffered from constant ringing in the ears, Ms. Berrent polled others in the group asking if they had similar experiences. She was surprised by the number of responses and the impact it had on peoples quality of life. The symptom got added to a 5,600-person survey that Survivor Corps and the Indiana University School of Medicine conducted about patient experiences.

Patients who want to lead Covid research projects often must navigate tension between their sense of urgency and the traditional scientific process, which typically requires a long peer review process before publication in a journal, said Emily Sirotich, a Ph.D. student at McMaster University in Canada. On March 12, the day the WHO declared Covid a pandemic, Ms. Sirotich joined a Twitter conversation between rheumatology patients and doctors, who were on equal footing when it came to Covid: No one understood the disease. Everyone was worried," she said.

The patients and doctors formed the Covid-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance on a Slack channel. They decided to create two data-generating sources, a physician-directed international registry of rheumatic patients with Covid and a patient-driven experiences survey. The idea exploded overnight," said Ms. Sirotich. A steering committee of physicians and patients secured funding for the project through the American College of Rheumatology, a professional organization, with the majority of funds coming from pharmaceutical companies. Members of the steering committee and the eight-person patients boardincluding Ms. Sirotich, who serves as Patient Engagement Lead receive honorariums for participating.

Patients wanted to share the survey data right away, but the researchers argued that the scientific community wouldnt use the information to inform patient care without the validation of going through peer review. It has to be accurate," said Ms. Sirotich.

The two groups tried to strike a balance, Ms. Sirotich said. Patients created overview summaries of the raw data that they immediately disseminated to support groups for use in personal decision making. The physicians and patients also co-wrote and submitted articles with more detailed data analysis to peer-reviewed journals and conferences.

Covid gave us the opportunity to show that patients can produce valid data and reliable information about what they are experiencing," Ms. Sirotich said.

In December, the Patient-Led Research for Covid-19 group posted a paper based on analyzing data from over 3,700 patients to the MedRxiv public server, which professional scientists have used throughout the pandemic to quickly make results available to the wider community before peer review. The group also plans to submit the paper to a scientific journal.

Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in La Jolla, Calif., and a proponent of patients tracking their own health, tweeted the results. There is a dearth of information about Covid," Dr. Topol later said. As a professional scientist, he added, The paper provided invaluable new insights to me."

But other scientists questioned Dr. Topols decision to disseminate work that to them didnt seem scientific enough. I had concerns about the study," said Adam Gaffney, a pulmonary specialist and instructor at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Gaffney said the decision to include data from people without positive Covid or Covid antibody test results called into question the researchers conclusions. I think the standards and the methods should not be different depending on who is doing the research," he said.

Given how few people could obtain Covid tests at the beginning of the pandemic, the patient researchers decided not to exclude valuable data, said Athena Akrami, 38, one of the papers authors, who had Covid. If you only look at people with positive tests, you miss out on a whole piece of the science," she said.

Gina Assaf, a founder of the Patient-Led Research group, said patient researchers need better access to the research infrastructure that professional scientists use. The group is now working with Dr. Burstins organization to try to develop a new collaborative model. There is value beyond Covid in letting the people who experience the illness lead the research," Ms. Assaf said.

Ms. McCorkell, who never anticipated turning into a Covid citizen scientist, said traditional science still takes too long to help patients. We helped catapult Covid research way ahead of where it would have been had we not been doing this work," she said.

Write to Amy Dockser Marcus at amy.marcus@wsj.com

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The United Nations is working with Egypt to include migrants and refugees in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan, with priority given to frontline workers and other vulnerable groups, said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for the secretary-general of the UN.

According to the UN, migrants and refugees are among the social groups most impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, as they are at the forefront of the pandemic, providing essential services and ensuring the continuity of supply chains across the Arab region.

The UN spokesman described the Egyptian COVID-19 vaccination campaign as one of the largest among Arab States, he stated in a press briefing on Wednesday.

Egypt has already started its massive vaccination campaign this week with technical support from UN experts, said Dujarric. The UN conducted a risk assessment as part of the COVAX programmes requirements, he added.

COVAX is co-led by GAVI, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and the WHO in partnership with the European Union, to assist African and Asian countries in acquiring the vaccine.

Dujarric stated that the UN team also coordinated with Egypt in terms of procurement and distribution of vaccines, as well as supply-chain management and healthcare waste management.

Moreover, Dujarric said that the UN is working with Egypt on a communication strategy and community engagement in order to curb the spread of the virus and misinformation accompanying it and ensure widespread public vaccination.

Egypt began inoculating medical staff on Sunday as a priority group, as the government is prioritising the medical teams at the isolation, fever, chest, and screening hospitals; followed by kidney failure and cancer patients; then the elderly, as they are at a higher risk of getting infected with COVID-19.

The vaccination roll-out would see each person receiving two shots administered 21 days apart.

Egypt detected 632 new COVID-19 cases and 48 deaths on Wednesday, bringing the total infections toll in the country since the outbreak of the pandemic last year to 163,761 and the death toll from the virus to 9,115.

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French police dispersed 100 people gathered for a warehouse orgy last night in Paris because it broke coronavirus rules.

Officers raided the love-in at Collegien, a Paris suburb, on Friday night following reports of men and women meeting for the so-called 'libertine' party.

A curfew aimed at stopping the spread of Covid-19 is currently in effect across France.

The event was in breach of the curfew, and there were also problems with masks and social distancing, said an investigating source.

Pictured: Face masks are seen at the counter of a French sex club in June last year. French police raided an orgy in the suburbs of Paris last night for breaking the country's strict Covid-19 curfew.

Those involved in the libertine party cooperated with the police, and there was no resistance to the police.

Three people  believed to be organisers  were arrested soon after the 9pm raid, and up to 100 were fined for non-compliance with regulations.

Local magistrates sitting in an emergency session granted permission for sound and lighting equipment to be confiscated, along with alcohol.

It was also recommended that attendees were provided with basic sex education as it relates to the spread of viruses.

As the streets of Paris stand empty (pictured), 100 people were discovered engaging in a sex party in the city's suburbs last night

Orgies between consenting adults are legal in France, but the chance of contracting Covid-19 from an infected person during sex is almost guaranteed.

Coronavirus is transmitted through respiratory droplets, so kissing someone infected with it is a massive risk.

Warehouse orgies generally involved people swapping partners, or turning up alone to find new ones, so the dangers are multiplied.

France is currently experiencing up to 20,000 new cases of Coronavirus every day, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to contemplate a third lockdown.


Martyrs' Day or Shaheed Diwas is observed on January 30. The day marks the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. On this day in 1948, Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse in the compound of Birla House after one of his routine multi-faith prayer meetings. Godse, a member of Hindu Mahasabha, blamed Gandhi for favouring the Muslim community during the partition of India in 1947. He shot Gandhi thrice in the chest and abdomen. It is said that the last words Gandhi uttered were Hey Ram.

Have I that non-violence of the brave in me? My death alone will show that. If someone killed me and I died with prayer for the assassin on my lips, and God's remembrance and consciousness of His living presence in the sanctuary of my heart, then alone would I be said to have had the non-violence of the brave, Gandhi had said a few days before he was killed.

A lawyer, politician, leader, social reformer and a nationalist, Gandhi is one of the leading figures of the Indian independence movement. Satya or Truth and Ahimsa or non-violence were his two most important guiding principles and also his weapons which he wielded against the British Empire to secure the freedom of India. He was also a champion of the minority rights and devoted his life in building and strengthening communal harmony, particularly between the Hindu and Muslim communities. For his unparalleled contribution, he is regarded as the Father of the nation. He is also fondly remembered as Bapu.

Every year on Martyr's Day, the president, the vice president, the prime minister, the defence minister and the three Service Chiefs (Army, Air Force and Navy) lay wreaths made of multi-colour flowers at his Samadhi at Raj Ghat in Delhi. The personnel of armed forces blow bugles sounding the Last Post and the inter-services contingent reverse arms to pay their respect.

A two-minute silence is observed nationwide at 11 AM to remember the martyrs who laid down their lives for the country. There is also a tradition of holding all-religion prayers and singing tributes for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  The Israeli intelligence summoned Jan. 24 Omar al-Barghouti, a 67-year-old leader in the Hamas movement, from the village of Kober, north of Ramallah, and warned him against running in the upcoming Palestinian elections.

Fifteen years since elections were last held in the Palestinian territories, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a decree Jan. 15 setting the dates for general elections, beginning with the legislative elections on May 22.

Barghouti told Al-Monitor, I received a call from the Israeli intelligence to show up to the Ofer prison, and when I came, the Israeli officer warned me not to run in the upcoming elections and threatened me with imprisonment if I did.

He said the officer told him, You are old and sick, but you pose greater risk to us than those who carry weapons because you are not just a leader in Hamas. You are Hamas.

Barghouti added, I told the officer that the Israeli occupation will not prevent Palestinians from choosing their parliament representatives, nor will it be able to prevent anyone from running in the elections.

The summons came 18 days after his release from Israeli prisons. Barghouti had spent nine months in administrative detention without being charged.

Barghouti has spent about 28 years in Israeli prisons altogether because of his affiliation with Hamas. He is one of the most prominent figures of the movement in the West Bank, and he is widely popular among Palestinians. His son Saleh was shot dead by Israeli forces on Dec. 12, 2018, and his other son Assim was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment four times over for carrying out a shooting attack in eastern Ramallah on Dec. 13, 2018.

Barghouti is also the brother of Nael Barghouti, the oldest Palestinian prisoner in Israel. His 40-year sentence will be completed next year.

Barghouti said that Israel is warning Hamas figures not to compete in the voting to bring the movement down and ensure that it will not succeed in the upcoming elections as well as entrench the political and geographical division between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

The Hamas movement won the last parliamentary elections held in 2006. It secured 76 parliamentary seats out of 132 of the Palestinian Legislative Council, while Fatah won 43.

In the aftermath Israel began arresting Hamas leaders, ministers and representatives in the West Bank, targeting 62 people including six ministers and 20 PLC members.

Currently 10 members of the PLC are detained in Israeli prisons, including prominent Hamas leader Hassan Yousef, who won 37,000 votes, the highest of any electoral candidate in the city of Ramallah, the seat of major Palestinian Authority institutions.

Asked whether he intended to run in spite of the threat, he said, It is still premature to talk about whether or not I will run, but should I decide to do so, Israel wont stop me.

A prominent Hamas leader from the West Bank told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that Hamas is seeking guarantees from several countries, particularly Qatar and Egypt, to ensure that Israel will not pursue its representatives and candidates in the upcoming elections.

The source pointed out that the Hamas leadership will soon send letters to the European Union, in its capacity as the supervising and monitoring authority of the upcoming elections, to obtain such guarantees, adding, With or without these guarantees, we will strongly participate in these elections because the Palestinians have the right to choose their representatives and candidates and show them to the world.

Hassan Khreisheh, second deputy speaker of the PLC, told Al-Monitor, Barghoutis threat conveys a message to all Hamas leaders that they will be pursued and thrown in prison if they think about running in the elections.

Khreisheh stressed that the Palestinian elections need Arab and international guarantees that Israel wont sabotage them by arresting candidates. He expects Israel to arrest more Hamas leaders and candidates in the West Bank in the coming days and weeks to limit their participation in the elections.

Adel Samara, a political analyst and writer for Kanaan Magazine published in Ramallah, said it's unlikely that international pressure could ensure that Israel would not interfere in the Palestinian electoral process.

Samara told Al-Monitor, For Israel, any Hamas victory in such elections poses a threat to its national security. Israel clearly does not haggle over its national security and would not abide by any [international] guarantees not to prosecute Hamas candidates.

He said that Israel can affect the size and popularity of Hamas in the upcoming elections by detaining the movement's top figures and preventing them from taking part. He also said that such measures could backfire and increase the movements popularity on the Palestinian street, leading Palestinians to vote for it in defiance of Israeli persecution.

Talal Okal, political analyst and writer at the Palestinian al-Ayyam newspaper, told Al-Monitor that Israel is not the only state worried about another Hamas win. The international community encourages Palestinian elections to be held, but is also be concerned over the possibility of Hamas winning or participating in any new government.

Okal said that the international community wants such elections to produce a new Palestinian leadership that recognizes and accepts Israel in order to move forward with the peace process and put an end to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
No adverse reactions or side-effects have so far been reported by 5,286 people who were vaccinated in on Friday with Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine Covishield, provided by India, health officials said on Saturday.

on Friday launched its national immunisation campaign by administering the first shots to frontline health workers, soldiers and security personnel, a day after India gifted 500,000 doses of Covishield vaccine to the island nation.

As many as 5,286 people were administered the jabs at nine hospitals, including two military hospitals, on the first day.

No adverse reactions or side-effects have so far been reported from anywhere, the health officials said.

The Oxford-Astrazeneca's Covishield vaccine, manufactured by Serum Institute of India, was approved for emergency use by the Sri Lankan government.

Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, who is in the ICU after being tested positive for COVID-19, issued a statement on Saturday from her hospital bed, thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government for making the vaccine available free to

The gift from India is in line with India's continued support to Sri Lanka in fighting the COVID pandemic. Four consignments of medical supplies weighing around 25 tonnes were donated by India, which also organised online experience-sharing programmes for Sri Lankan medical professionals.

The two nations have also put up a joint front in the COVID-19 battle with India and Sri Lanka being the largest contributors to the COVID-19 Emergency Fund for SAARC. Prime Minister Modi had complimented Sri Lanka's leadership on containing the pandemic.

On Thursday, Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa thanked India for its generosity after he received 500,000 doses of the Covishield vaccine. The president was personally present at the airport to receive the vaccines.

A total of 250,000 people, mostly health frontline workers, members of the security forces and police and the vulnerable aged, will get the vaccine on a priority basis.

The Sri Lankan health authorities said the immunisation programme is ongoing in nine hospitals across the country.

Sri Lanka has recorded over 300 deaths so far due to COVID-19.

Sri Lanka witnessed a fresh outbreak of the disease in October last year when two clusters - one centered on a garment factory and the other on the main fish market - emerged in Colombo and its suburbs.

(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.)
Expressing concern over the acquittal of those involved in the brutal murder of Daniel Pearl in 2002, a senior UN official representing Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said it is important that there is accountability for such crimes.

Pearl, the 38-year-old South Asia bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal, had visited to report on Islamist militant networks in the country and on the links between the country's powerful spy agency ISI and al-Qaeda following the September 11, 2001 terror strikes. He was kidnapped in Karachi, the capital of Sindh, and beheaded days later.

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed appeals against the acquittal of British-born al-Qaeda terrorist Ahmed Omar Sheikh in the kidnapping and murder case of Pearl and ordered his release, a judgement denounced by the American journalist's family as "a complete travesty of justice."



The apex court cleared Sheikh and his three Pakistani accomplices in the case of all the charges, ordering that Sheikh and be immediately freed from jail.

Responding to a question on Sheikh's acquittal, Spokesman for the UN chief Stephane Dujarric said on Friday: "What is important that there be accountability for those crimes committed.

Pearl's murder took place three years after Sheikh, along with Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar, was released by India in 1999 and given safe passage to Afghanistan in exchange for the nearly 150 passengers of hijacked Indian Airlines Flight 814.

He was serving a prison term in India for kidnappings of Western tourists in the country.

In April 2020, a two-judge Sindh High Court bench commuted the death sentence of 46-year-old Sheikh to seven years imprisonment. The court also acquitted his three aides who were serving life terms in the case - almost two decades after they were found guilty and jailed.

The Sindh government and family of Pearl filed petitions in the apex court, challenging the high court verdict.

The US has been mounting pressure on Pakistan, demanding justice for Pearl.

Last month, the US said it was ready to take custody of Sheikh, asserting that Washington will not allow him to evade justice.

Acting Attorney General Monty Wilkinson said the US was deeply concerned by the ruling affirming the acquittal of individuals convicted by a Pakistani trial court.

"The release of those involved would be an affront to Daniel Pearl's family, to other terrorism victims around the world, and to the cause of justice, Wilkinson said.

In a tweet, Congressman Brad Sherman said: The killers of Daniel Pearl go free. And Dr. Afridi, who helped the US get Osama Bin Laden, rots in jail.

"We are deeply disappointed that Pakistan's Supreme Court has acquitted and ordered the release of Ahmad Saeed Omar Sheikh, despite overwhelming evidence of Sheikh's involvement in the kidnapping of Daniel Pearl, which led directly to his murder," said Steven Butler, Committee to Protect Journalist's Asia programme coordinator.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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The New York Times 1619 Project, published in 2019, was an attempt to reinterpret American history through the prism of race and racial struggle. It condemned the American Revolution as a struggle by whites to preserve slavery against the British empire. It portrayed Abraham Lincoln, who signed the Emancipation Proclamation and led the North to victory in the Civil War, as a racist. Throughout American history, according to the 1619 Project, black people fought alone to redeem democracy.

The World Socialist Web Site played a leading role in rebutting the 1619 Project, publishing a comprehensive and detailed series of essays and interviews with leading historians. These essays and interviews, which touched off a major national controversy, exposed the 1619 Project as a politically motivated falsification of historyand a gift to Trump and the far-right.

By repudiating and denigrating the American Revolution and Civil War, the New York Times has provided an opportunity for Trump, the WSWS warned. Indeed, it was not long before Trump himself appeared before the television cameras to respond to the 1619 Project with demands to restore patriotic education. In his typically menacing fashion, Trump declared that our youth will be taught to love America.

This is the context for the Trump administrations last-minute 1776 Report, released on January 18, Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Cover and table of contents from the report

The 1776 Report was prepared by a hand-picked commission of 16 members that did not include a single professional historian. The committees chair, Larry P. Arnn, is the president of the right-wing Hillsdale College. Arnn attracted controversy in 2013 when his college was accused of discriminatory admissions practices, which he described in inflammatory testimony to the Michigan legislature with the words: we didnt have enough dark ones, I guess, is what they meant.

Arnns committee released the 1776 Report less than two weeks after Trump and sections of the Republican Party attempted to overturn the results of the 2020 elections by means of a violent coup, and two days before incoming President Joe Bidens inauguration on January 20. Predictably, the Biden administration promptly rescinded it.

The 1776 Report begins with what is weakest in the 1619 Projectnamely the historical significance of the American Revolution and Civil Warand proceeds from there to the right-wings favorite issues and hated targets: guns, family, prayer, God, and law and order, on one side, and multiculturalism, Hollywood, colleges, and public education, on the other.

The document makes reference to the basic principles of the American Revolution, including equality (which the authors hasten to qualify), but insist that principle is only one of the factors binding the American people together which is insufficient by itself.

The authors invoke a minor passage written by American revolutionary John Jay (17451829) in the Federalist Papers, which described the American revolutionaries as a people descended from the same ancestors, speaking the same language, professing the same religion, attached to the same principles of government, very similar in their manners and customs  From this passage, the authors insist that a republican people must share a large measure of commonality in manners, customs, language, and dedication to the common good.

This essentially fascistic insistence on the necessity of cultural and linguistic homogeneity was issued, unsurprisingly, under the auspices of the same administration that was behind the infamous Muslim ban and the deliberate abuse of the children of refugees by separating them from their parents. In this shabby attempt to find in the American Revolution a historical and theoretical justification for such policies, one catches a whiff of the stink of fascistic aides like Stephen Miller, Jared Kushner, and Stephen Bannon.

From there, the document seeks at every turn to weave religion into the historical narrative of the United States. The words God and Christianity appear repeatedly. In contrast to Thomas Jefferson, who insisted on a wall of separation between church and state, the authors of the 1776 Report insist that religious faith is indispensable to the success of republican government.

Turning abruptly to American history after the Civil War, the Trump administrations report becomes what can only be described as deranged. Progressivism, associated with the era of reforms from 1896 to 1916, is equated by the authors with fascism, communism, and slavery as challenges to Americas principles.

According to the 1776 Report, the Progressive Era reforms created a shadow government of bureaucratic regulators that today operates largely without checks and balances. The progressives, according to the report, were like fascist dictator Benito Mussolini because they sought to centralize power under the management of so-called experts.

The implication of this tortured historical narrative is a demand for the wholesale reversal of more than a century of national reforms: a return to unlimited work hours, unchecked tyranny in the workplace, and the failed laissez-faire system of unbridled domination by the capitalist class that prevailed until the stock market crash of 1929.

One of the most significant and representative cases of the progressive era was the Supreme Court case of Lochner v. New York in 1905, which involved an attempt by the state of New York to limit the work week of bakery employees to 60 hoursan attempt the authors of the 1776 Report presumably would have opposed.

In its explicit rejection of progressivism, the 1776 Report provides a glimpse of the ideas now wafting around far-right and libertarian circles in America. Speaking for the interests of most rapacious sections of the financial oligarchy, those denouncing progressivism regard any attempts to mitigate or limit the power of the billionaires as impermissible interference by the government in the operations of the free market.

The document is full of contradictions. After having denounced the progressives theory of a living Constitutionaccording to which each new generation can discover in the essential principles of the founding documents new implications for democratic rightsthe authors claim to posture as defenders of the legacy of the civil rights movement, despite the fact that the resulting reforms were implemented as part of a legal framework that the same authors had equated with Mussolini only a few pages before.

The authors of the 1776 Report contrast the demands for racial preferences now put forward by the practitioners of identity politics with the universal demands for equality that were advanced by Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights struggles of the 1960s. But in the 1776 Report, this contrast appears only as an empty talking point, as the authors have no coherent explanation for why the civil rights struggles were necessary at all.

Indeed, the Trump administration stood in the tradition of all those forces in American society that resisted the struggle to dismantle the system of racial apartheid in the southern states. As grotesque as it is to see the Trump administration attempting to drape itself in the mantle of the civil rights struggles, this state of affairs has only been made possible by the protracted shift to the right by all that remains of the civil rights establishment, exemplified by the 1619 Project itself.

From this bizarre account of American history in the twentieth century, the 1776 Report careens into hysterical anticommunism, equating socialism and communism with slavery and fascism. After a tirade featuring quotes from Ronald Reagan, the document concludes with a straight face that the theories behind fascism and communism fail because they deny the existence of God.

Then the document concludes with a rant titled national renewal, in which the authors emphasize the importance of family, prayer, religion, and gun ownership. The document proceeds to make a case for purging the schools, purging the universities, and purging Hollywood of unpatriotic sentiments, along the lines of Campus Watch.

All this has a distinctly fascistic hue. Americans must be taught to speak of America with reverence and love, the report threatens, and must stand up to those who deny her greatness. Schools must be purged of any curriculum or theories that demean Americas heritage, dishonor our heroes, or deny our principles. Given how Americas principles were defined on the preceding pages, this amounts to a demand for purging everyone who disagrees with Trump and the Republicans.

The final passage of the document features a spirited harangue in favor of reverence for the lawswhich comes across as almost comical in its context, having been issued in the aftermath of a violent attempt by Trump to overturn the results of the 2020 elections.

Indeed, at the same moment as the 1776 Report was being uploaded to a government website, Trump himself was issuing a barrage of last-minute pardons for convicted criminals who had served as political allies or pawns of his mafia-style family organization.

The historian James McPherson, who was interviewed by the World Socialist Web Site regarding the 1619 Project, commented drily in the Princeton student newspaper: While I think the 1619 Project has problems, nevertheless, countering it the way the 1776 Report didit exalted one idea or approach to American history, that it is a triumphant storyis not the answer to the shortcomings of the 1619 Project.

In the final analysis, the 1776 Report can only be regarded as a hastily thrown-together attempt by the Trump administration to capitalize on the shipwreck of the 1619 Project and claim the legacy of the two American revolutions for its own brand of fascistic America First nationalism.

But even as such, it is a weak effort. The full 1776 Report, without appendices, is only twenty pages, and about a quarter has been cut-and-pasted from other sources, according to analysis published in Politico magazine.

It is a remarkable fact that with all the libraries and museums at its disposal, with limitless resources and grants, with legions of federal employees at its beck and calland with all the original documents in archives and glass casesthat this twenty-page fascistic hack job was all that the American government could muster in defense of the legacy of the American Revolution and Civil War.

This is not an accident, but expresses the complete historical and political bankruptcy of the more and more openly fascistic American right wing, which has now gathered defiantly around Trump even after the failed coup of January 6. The 1776 Report has only to be contrasted with the devastating critique of the 1619 Project from the left developed by the World Socialist Web Site over the preceding year and a half.

The authors of the 1619 Project and the 1776 Report have more in common than they may care to admit. Both replace class struggle in history with forms of nationalist mythmakingright-wing black nationalism in the former, and far-right America First nationalism in the latter. Both falsify Americas revolutionary history in service of the present-day political needs of factions of the ruling classthe 1619 Project for the Democratic Party and its satellites; the 1776 Report for Trump and the Republicans. Neither the 1619 Project nor the 1776 Report can tell much of the actual history of the United Statesmuch less a coherent articulation of the democratic legacy of the American Revolution and Civil War.

Leon Trotskys words in Results and Prospects apply to both efforts: The bourgeoisie has shamefully betrayed all the traditions of its historical youth, and its present hirelings dishonor the graves of its ancestors and scoff at the ashes of its ideals.

It was first and foremost the World Socialist Web Site, the organ of the international Trotskyist movement, that was able to articulate and provide a rallying point for the defense of what was historically progressive in American history. This is because the struggle to defend the progressive achievements of the past is inseparably connected with the international struggle to advance the cause of socialism today.
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FT 2020 Global MBA Ranking

Will any of last years top winners even be on the new list?

After The Economists bizarre MBA ranking last week, the Financial Times Global MBA ranking is set to go public on Feb. 8. The new ranking will arrive a week later than typical for the FT, yet that is much quicker than The Economists list which was published two and one-half months behind schedule.

The big question confronting the new list? Will the FT ranking face a similar boycott that led 15 of the top 25 business schools in the world to decline cooperation with The Economist. Given the FTs importance in business education, particularly in Europe and Asia, speculation is that the list wont suffer the same fate as the revered Economist. But its likely that at least some schools will part ways at least temporarily with the FT, using the pandemic as justification.

Last year, Harvard Business School nudged aside Stanford Graduate School of Business for top honors on what was the 21st edition of the Financial Times ranking. Since 2000, when the Financial Times began its MBA ranking, Harvard has only captured the top spot six times out of 21 chances. The biggest winner? Wharton with ten overall wins. Wharton, in fact, topped the ranking for the first nine lists, though Wharton shared the limelight twice, once with Harvard in 2005 and twice with London Business School in 2009 and 2011. The dominance of the U.S. MBA programs is striking. European schools have claimed sole possession of the FT ranking in only three years, with INSEAD earning top honors in 2016 and 2017 and London Business School in 2010. None of these schools participated in The Economists 2021 ranking.

LAST YEARS TOP TEN GLOBAL MBA PROGRAMS ON THE FINANCIAL TIMES RANKING

Following Harvard on the 2020 list were the University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School, No. 3 Stanford Graduate School of Business, No. 4 INSEAD, and No. 5 CEIBs in Shanghai, China. These were the exact five MBA programs at the top of last years Financial Times ranking, only reshuffled. Stanford slipped two places, while Wharton improved two spots from fourth to it second-place finish. INSEAD inched lower by one spot, while CEIBs maintained its highest rank ever achieved last year in fifth.For the first time ever, HEC Paris cracked the top ten, soaring ten places to rank ninth from 19th a year earlier. That impressive jump put HEC Paris just below No. 8 Columbia Business School and one spot before the No. 10 MBA program at the University of Chicagos Booth School of Business.

Story continues

(Readers of Poets&Quants are invited to play our MBA Ranking Fantasy Game to guess the top ten in the forthcoming FT ranking here.)

Any significant boycott obviously would scramble the lists traditional winners, clearing the field for the schools that cooperated with the FT just as they did with The Economists 2021 ranking (see Ten Biggest Surprises In The Economists New 2021 MBA Ranking).

THE FT RANKING IS BASED ON 20 DIFFERENT METRICS

The Financial Times global ranking is the most closely followed in Europe and Asia, while U.S. News entirely U.S.-centric ranking has become the most influential in the U.S. The FTs methodology is based on 20 different metrics, including several that tend to favor non-U.S. schools. Among other things, metrics that add score points to a schools standing include the percentage of students, faculty, and trustees who carry passports from a country where the school is not located, whether students and alumni worked in foreign countries, whether students had an international course experience and whether the school requires students to learn extra languages prior to graduation.

What any of these criteria have to do with the quality of an MBA degree is a matter of opinion. This year will be the third with a relatively new metric: Corporate Social Responsibility. With a weight of just 3%, it is based on the proportion of teaching hours from core courses dedicated to CSR, ethics, social and environmental issues.

Often, an even greater impact on a schools rank can be the result of the FTs decision to use a purchasing power parity (PPP) formula to convert and count actual salary data  the most heavily weighted metric in the methodology. Such currency gymnastics favor schools that supply graduates to countries with high rates of poverty. With the PPP adjustment, for example, its probable that CEIBS would not have finished in the top five last year. The schools latest employment report shows that the median base salary for MBAs in 2019 was $64,278. The FTs adjusted salary today figure for CEIBS alumni three years out is $184,731, nearly three times larger. Or consider the starting median salary for graduates of IIM-Ahmedabad. They earned only $27,951 two years ago, but the FTs adjusted salary today for alums is an extraordinary generous $186,866. This adjustment has an especially negative impact on U.S. schools because the vast majority of international students who get an MBA in America want to live and work in the U.S. where their compensation would not be inflated by the PPP filter.

THE RANKING DOES NOT MEASURE INCOMING STUDENT QUALITY

Whats more, even though the FT places a 40% weight on these pay numbers, they fail to account for total compensation  just salary. In the U.S., a good many MBAs from elite schools often get stock options (at Stanford, a record 41% of this past years graduating class got stock in their starting packages) and significant annual bonuses that would put their schools well ahead of many of the institutions that are routinely ranked higher by the Financial Times.

Unlike U.S. News, moreover, the FT pays no attention at all to incoming student quality in its ranking  another reason why U.S. schools do less well on this list. GMAT and GRE scores and undergraduate grade point averages, all key components of a business school admission decisions  are ignored. Another issue with the FT ranking is that the newspaper fails to reveal the underlying index scores that allow it to crank out the numerical rankings. Those scores show whether a schools rank is statistically different among other schools ranked nearby. In most rankings, these index scores tend to cluster in close bands and often show that there is no meaningful statistical difference between a school ranked 45th and one ranked 50th. The FT concedes that clustering is a reality and that there are four different groups of schools on its list of the top 100.

PLAY OUR RANKINGS FANTASY GAME: GUESS WHICH SCHOOLS WILL BE IN THIS YEARS TOP TEN OF THE FINANCIAL TIMES RANKING

The post Financial Times Global MBA Ranking Due Feb. 8 appeared first on Poets&Quants.
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On Friday, the UI's COVID-19 vaccine website was updated with a new list of who is eligible, adding several different groups of select in-person employees
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The charges were that Raja Singh used foul language and criminal force against the police and prevented them from discharging their duties when they were trying to maintain public tranquility during a protest staged by BJP leaders against a beef festival at Osmania University on December 10, 2015. (DC Photo)

Hyderabad: BJP MLA T. Raja Singh was on Friday sentenced to jail by a special court here for using criminal force against the police in 2015. He became the first public representative from the state to be sentenced and convicted by the special court set up to try criminal cases and offences against MPs and MLAs.

The special courts were set up on the directions of the Supreme Court to expedite the cases against the public representatives, mostly in the time period of two to six months.

Special court judge Ch. V.R.V. Vara Prasad convicted the Raja Singh under Section IPC 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of duty) and 506 (criminal intimidation) and sentenced him to undergo one-year imprisonment and pay a fine of Rs 5,000. The FIR was registered in 2015 by the Bolaram police against him

The charges were that Raja Singh used foul language and criminal force against the police and prevented them from discharging their duties when they were trying to maintain public tranquility during a protest staged by BJP leaders against a beef festival at Osmania University on December 10, 2015.

The police had arrested Raja Singh, who was at the forefront of the protest, on a preventive basis to avoid any breach in the law and order situation when the MLA attacked sub-inspector Mallesh.

At the trial, additional public prosecutor Banala Ajay Kumar submitted the video record to show the physical force used by Raja Singh. Convinced, the court found Raja Singh guilty and convicted him.

The court initially sentenced Singh to two years of imprisonment along with a Rs 500 fine. Counsel for the MLA urged the court to reduce the term by citing the good behavior of the MLA before the court.

Responding to this, the court reduced his sentence to one year and imposed a fine for Rs 5,000. In default of payment of fine, he will face simple imprisonment of three months.

Raja Singh was given time to file an appeal against the sentence. He was later granted bail on furnishing two sureties and a bond of Rs 10,000 each.

The state government had accorded sanction in December 2018 for the establishment of a special court at Hyderabad for the trial of cases involving MPs and MLAs. There was not much activity until the Supreme Court recently passed and order and issued guidelines asking all High Courts to regularly peruse the activities of the special courts.



More deets on how social media monitoring proves useful for law enforcement as they nab an alleged supporter of a recent American insurrection.

Read more . . .
California will broaden its warning labels for bisphenol A, a chemical widely used in plastic cups and other food and drink containers, after the state Supreme Court rejected an appeal by the chemical industry Wednesday.

Since 2015, the state has required labels on products containing bisphenol A stating that it can cause reproductive harm in women. The court order upholds state health officials decision to require additional warnings of developmental toxicity, or harm to fetuses and newborn and young children whose mothers are exposed to the chemical during pregnancy.

Proposition 65, a 1986 ballot measure, required warning labels on products sold in California that pose a danger of cancer or reproductive harm.

Bisphenol A, originally developed as a synthetic estrogen in 1936, has come into widespread use in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastics are used in water and infant bottles, medical devices, and compact discs. Epoxy resins are used as a coating for food cans, bottle tops and water-supply pipes.

California banned the use of bisphenol A in baby bottles and sippy cups in 2011. Two states, Connecticut and Vermont, have barred it for reusable food and beverage containers. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization have both classified it as safe in the amounts normally contained in current products.

In the court case, the American Chemistry Council, an industry group, challenged a decision by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment to add a warning of developmental harm to the product labels.

The office relied on a 2008 report by the National Toxicology Program, a federal health agency, that said exposure to high doses of bisphenol A during pregnancy can reduce survival of newborns and affect their birth rate and early growth. It was largely based on studies of rats and mice, and concluded that such harm was possible in humans.

The industry group said such findings were not enough to qualify for Prop. 65 warnings. But the states Third District Court of Appeal in Sacramento ruled in October that the animal tests were enough to support the state agencys findings that exposure to the chemical was a plausible cause of harm to human embryos, infants and children.

Human testing is unethical, Justice William Murray observed in the 3-0 ruling, and scientists and regulatory officials are entitled to assume that chemicals that harm animals in properly monitored studies will also harm humans.

On Wednesday, the states high court denied review of the appellate ruling and rejected another industry groups request to remove it as a binding precedent for all trial courts in California.

The decision is a vindication of the agencys scientific expertise and actions, said Avinash Kar, a lawyer for the Natural Resources Defense Council, which supported the states listing. People and communities will be better protected from toxic chemicals because of it.

The case is American Chemistry Council vs. Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, S266181.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Bob Egelko
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The film will be directed by Sai Kabir, who is also scripting the story and the screenplay.

Kangana Ranaut has signed up to play the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in an upcoming political drama.

According to a report by The Times of India, Kangana, in a statement, said that they are working on the project and the script is in the final stages. The actor added that it is not the biopic of Indira Gandhi, but rather a period film and a political drama that will help the current generation to understand the socio-political landscape of current India.

The report added that the venture will be co-produced by Kangana and will be based on a book, featuring the Emergency and Operation Blue Star.

Speaking about the film, the actor added that a number of prominent celebrities will be a part of the venture and she is looking forward to playing the most iconic leader that there was in the history of Indian politics.

The story and screenplay is being written by Sai Kabir, who will also direct the film.

The actor even shared a throwback image from one of her old photoshoots where she had dressed up as Indira Gandhi on Twitter and wrote, "This is a photoshoot about iconic women I did at the beginning of my career, little did I know one day I will get to play the iconic leader on screen."

Check out the tweet here

This is a photoshoot about iconic women I did in the beginning of my career, little did I know one day I will get to play the iconic leader on screen. https://t.co/ankkaNevH2  Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) January 29, 2021

The actor also shared that Sai Kabir and she is collaborating on a political drama that is being produced by Manikarnika Films.

Germany decided the vaccine will only be given to under-65s

A question mark hangs over whether the "gamechanger" Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine will be rolled out to all over-70s amid a lack of evidence on how well it will protect older people.

The vaccine was approved for everyone over-18 by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) but its scientists said while there will be some level of protection for the over-55s they could not say how much because not enough were involved in its trials.

Germany has already decided the vaccine should only be given to people aged under 65, saying there is a lack of sufficient data to recommend use in older age groups.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said last night: "The next step now is that the National Immunisation Advisory Committee will advise us on the use of the vaccine."

The experts will meet this weekend to analyse the date from the EMA and also decide of older age groups should be given the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccines.

The original plan was to roll out the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines to over-70s beginning with the over-85s through their GPs.

The minister said: "We now have access to three approved vaccines and will get 1.1 million doses in quarter one. We know we can begin the vaccination of those aged 70 and over."

A public information campaign for this group begins this weekend and they are advised they will be contacted by their GP.

However, vaccine task force chairman Brian MacCraith confirmed yesterday the expected 600,000 doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is likely to be reduced to 300,000.

The European Commission is in a bitter row with AstraZeneca as the company is only supplying 31 million doses in the first quarter, 60pc less than agreed.

Earlier, the published contract between the Commission and the company indicated it covered UK plants which should deliver doses to the EU.

Last night the EU confirmed that under new rules, vaccine firms will have to seek permission before supplying doses beyond the EU

The EU member states will be able to vet those export applications.

The EMA said the two-dose Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is 60pc effective in preventing people who catch the virus getting ill.

Immune

Irish-born Emma Cooke, head of the EMA said: "While there are not yet enough results in older participants - over 55 years old - to provide a figure for how well the vaccine will work in this group protection is expected, given that an immune response is seen in this age group and based on experience with other vaccines."

Dr Denis McCauley, GP spokesman for the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO), said doctors here will await the decision of the advisory committee on what is the best way forward.

He said his advice to patients is to take "whichever vaccine they are given".

Pfizer held out the hope of increasing vaccine deliveries here after it announced modifications to its plant in Belgium will ease the scale-up of manufacturing capacities in Europe and deliver significantly more doses in the second quarter.

"Following this important upscaling work, Pfizer and BioNtech are now fulfilling deliveries to the European Union in line with the original agreed schedule, and continue to work toward increased deliveries beginning week of February 15, ensuring we will supply the fully committed quantity of vaccine doses in the first quarter and significantly more in the second quarter," the company said.

It comes as the number of new cases of the virus diagnosed here this month reached 100,000.

Another 48 Covid-19 related deaths were reported with those who died ranging in age from 30 to 99.

Hope

The number of daily cases fell to 1,254 confirming a downward trend.

There was also a drop in patients with Covid-19 in hospital to 1,518 and slight fall in intensive care to 211.

Among yesterday's cases 437 were in Dublin, 146 in Cork, 76 in Meath, 69 in Wexford, 62 in Kildare while the remaining 464 cases were spread across all other counties.

There is further hope on the horizon after it emerged a single-dose vaccine, manufactured by the US company Johnson and Johnson, is 100pc effective at preventing deaths and hospitalisations from Covid-19.

This means that one month after vaccination, no one who received the shot was admitted to hospital or died, regardless of which strain of coronavirus they were exposed to.

In the 44,000-person trial by the company's subsidiary Janssen, based in the Netherlands, they also found the vaccine prevented 66pc of moderate to severe cases of Covid-19.

Ireland has ordered 2.2 million doses of this vaccine. It has not yet applied for approval.



With 13,083 fresh cases, India's COVID-19 tally has gone up to 1,07,33,131, while 1,04,09,160 patients have recuperated so far, pushing the national recovery rate to 96.98 per cent, the health ministry said on Saturday.

The viral disease has claimed 137 more lives in the country in a span of 24 hours and the death toll now stands at 1,54,147, it added.

There are 1,69,824 active coronavirus cases in the country currently, which account for only 1.58 per cent of the total number of cases, the ministry's data updated at 8 am showed.

The COVID-19 case fatality rate stood at 1.44 per cent, it stated.

According to the ICMR, a total of 19,58,37,408 samples have so far been tested for the viral disease across the country, including 7,56,329 on Friday.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7 last year, the 30-lakh mark on August 23 and the 40-lakh mark on September 5. It went past 50 lakh on September 16, 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and the one-crore mark on December 19.

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Taiwan's independence attempt will only mean war warned by China as the country sees Taiwan as its sovereign state.

The alert comes days after China escalated its military operations and flew warplanes close to the island. It also comes after the US new president, Joe Biden, reaffirmed his commitment to Taiwan and developed his role in Asia. The US has called China's recent "unfortunate" alert, adding that tensions do not lead to "anything like confrontation."

"We are seriously telling those independent forces in Taiwan: those who play with fire will burn themselves, and Taiwan independence means war," Chinese defense ministry spokesman Wu Qian said at a Thursday press conference.

Taiwan was claimed as its territory by China, and they recorded several Chinese fighter jets and bombers entering its southwestern identification zone for air defense. The situation prompted Washington to urge Beijing to stop pressuring Taiwan.

China is now claiming that Taiwan's newly elected government pushes the island towards a formal declaration of independence. In contrast, Taiwan's President, Tsai Ing-wen, has repeatedly claimed that it is already an independent country called the Republic of China, as its official name.

"On Thursday, Wu Qian, a spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Defense, said that Taiwan was "an inalienable part of China" and that the Chinese military activities in the Taiwan State were "a solemn response to the intervention of external powers and the 'Taiwan Independence' forces' provocations.

Asked about the air force's recent operations at a monthly news conference, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian said Taiwan is an inseparable part of China sovereignty.

"The military activities that are carried out by the Chinese People's Liberation Army in Taiwan are necessary actions to address the current security situation and to safeguard the national sovereignty and security," he said.

Wu said that a "handful" of its people in Taiwan were seeking independence for the island.

Wu also stated that he wanted to alert the independent powers "that those who play with fire will set themselves on fire, and seeking "Taiwan independence" means nothing but war," according to the Chinese defense ministry overview of the monthly press conference.

Six Chinese aircraft, including four J-10 fighter jets, were confirmed by Taiwan's defense ministry to have flown into its air defense zone on Thursday, near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands at the end of the South China Sea.

ALSO READ: State Attorneys General Remind Biden Any Unconstitutional Actions Will Not Go Unchallenged

Taiwan independence to China's origin

After the conclusion of the Chinese civil war in 1949, China and Taiwan have had different governments. Beijing has long attempted to curb Taiwan's foreign activities, and both have struggled for control in the Pacific region.

Although only a handful of nations officially recognize Taiwan, its democratically elected government has close commercial and informal relations with several countries.

In recent years, tensions have risen, and Beijing has not ruled out the force to take back the island.

Like most other nations, the US has no official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but US law allows it to provide the island with the means to protect itself.

To wrap the issue up, Taiwan has criticized China's threats and coercion attempts, and Taiwan has vowed to protect the island's freedom and not be pressured.

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
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The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged governments to prioritise inoculation of health workers and older persons, and to share excess doses with other nations as COVID-19 vaccines are currently in scarce supply.

Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, made the appeal in a speech posted on the WHO website.

Ghebreyesus, who spoke at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, said more vaccines are being developed, approved and produced, saying there will be enough for everyone.

But for now, vaccines are a limited resource. We must use them as effectively and as fairly as we can. If we do that, lives will be saved.

Today (Saturday) will mark a year since the UN agency first sounded the alarm over the new coronavirus disease, declaring it a public health emergency of international concern.

COVID-19 cases worldwide have surpassed 100 million, and he said more cases were reported in the past two weeks than during the first six months of the pandemic.

A year ago, I said the world had a window of opportunity to prevent widespread transmission of this new virus. Some countries heeded that call; some did not.

Now, vaccines are giving us another window of opportunity to bring the pandemic under control. We must not squander it, he said.

The pandemic has exposed and exploited inequalities, the WHO chief noted.

There is now the real danger that the very tools that could help to end the pandemic  vaccines  may exacerbate those same inequalities.

Vaccine nationalism might serve short-term political goals. But its ultimately short-sighted and self-defeating, he said.

Mr Ghebreyesus said the pandemic would not be over until it ends everywhere.

The world has come to a critical turning point in the pandemic. But its also a turning point in history: faced with a common crisis, can nations come together in a common approach?

COVAX

He urged governments to vaccinate health workers and older people, and to share excess doses with the COVAX Facility, the global mechanism working to ensure equitable access and distribution, so other countries can do the same.

In addition, he spoke about health equity, saying equity is at the heart of everything WHO does. This week we have released two products to close gaps in care and improve health outcomes globally.

The director-general said the first was the Essential Diagnostics List, a basket of diagnostics that WHO recommends should be available at point-of-care and in labs to improve timely and life-saving diagnosis.

The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the value of timely and accurate diagnostics to save lives. Without them, you are flying blind.

The latest edition of the Essential Diagnostics List includes tests for the COVID-19 virus, expands the suite of tests for vaccine-preventable and infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases.

ADVERTISEMENT

Non-communicable diseases, such as cancer and diabetes, and introduces a section on endocrinology, which is important for reproductive and womens health.

The second product is a new 10-year plan for neglected tropical diseases  a set of 20 illnesses that affect more than a billion people, most of them poor, he said. (NAN)
Tunis, Tunisia (PANA) - The Tunisian capital, Tunis, on Saturday witnessed a protest march demanding the release of people arrested during recent demonstrations in several cities around the country
(CNN)  Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law on Friday ratifying the extension of New START, a key arms control treaty with the United States, a week before it was due to expire, the Kremlin said in a statement.

The nuclear arms control agreement has been extended for five years until February 5, 2026, the Kremlin said. It is the last major pact of its kind between Russia and the US after the US pulled out of a separate nuclear arms control agreement with Russia, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), under the Trump administration in 2019.

Putin and US President Joe Biden spoke on the phone on Tuesday expressing "satisfaction" over the exchange of diplomatic notes between both countries on extending the treaty. The Russian Parliament voted to ratify the five-year extension on Wednesday.

The landmark treaty was first signed for a period of 10 years by former US President Barack Obama and former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in 2010. It took effect on February 5, 2011.

The treaty limits the number of strategic offensive weapons both countries can have.

The treaty limits each side to no more than 700 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) and heavy bombers; no more than 1,550 warheads on deployed ICBMs, deployed SLBMs and heavy bombers for nuclear armaments; and a total of 800 deployed and non-deployed ICBM launchers, SLBM launchers, and heavy bombers.

"Renewing the Treaty meets the national interests of the Russian Federation, makes it possible to maintain the transparency and predictability of strategic relations between Russia and the United States and to support global strategic stability; it will have a beneficial effect on the international situation, and contribute to the nuclear disarmament process," the Kremlin said in the statement published Friday evening.

Last week, White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters "that the New START Treaty is in the national security interests of the United States, and this extension makes even more sense when the relationship with Russia is adversarial, as it is at this time."

She added that it was the "only remaining treaty constraining Russian nuclear forces and is an anchor of strategic stability between our two countries."

This story was first published on CNN.com Putin signs law extending nuclear arms treaty between US and Russia


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Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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, Jan 31 : NCP supremo Sharad Pawar on Saturday raised concern over the Centre's three new farm laws, saying that the new legislation will adversely affect the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and weaken the mandi system.

"Virtually participated in the all-party meeting in the wake of the Budget session in which issues related to the proposed agenda, farmers agitation, women's bill and other important issues were discussed.

Reform is a continuous process and no one would argue against the reforms in the APMCs or Mandi System, a positive argument on the same does not mean that it is done to weaken or demolish the system," Pawar tweeted.

The former Agriculture Minister also criticised the amendment in Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

"I am also concerned about the amended Essential Commodities Act. According to the Act the government will intervene for price control only if rates of horticultural produce are increased by 100 per cent and that of non-perishable items increase by 50 per cent," the NCP supremo said.

"Stock piling limits have been removed on food grain, pulses, onion, potato, oilseeds etc. It may lead to apprehensions that Corporates may purchase commodities at lower rates and stockpile and sell at higher prices to consumers," he added.

Pawar's comment comes at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured that the government is approaching the farm laws issue with an open mind.

Modi said that the government's stand remains the same as it was on January 22, as the proposal by the Agriculture Minister still stands.

Meanwhile, farmers' agitation against the farm laws has further gained momentum after a failed move by the administration to vacate the protest site near the Ghazipur border as the farmers and their leaders stood in solidarity with Rakesh Tikait, who has been leading the agitation at the venue.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Environmental leaders from across Fairfield County shared their praise for President Joe Bidens executive orders on climate change and more in an online forum Friday hosted by U.S. Rep. Jim Himes.

The event highlighted the wide array of actions Biden has taken since taking office just over a week ago. His executive orders have ranged from setting a goal to protect 30 percent of the countrys land and coastal seas by 2030, to reimagining the federal governments carbon footprint and rejoining the Paris Agreement.

We strongly believe ... that the only way to tackle this climate crisis is through bold federal and international action, said Patrick Comins, executive director of Connecticut Audubon Society.

His organization is thrilled by Bidens early actions on the environment, and Comins said he is hopeful that there will be more in the future.

Himes (D-4th District) told participants that Biden has put forward an ambitious $2 trillion climate plan with a vast array of changes and investments, including a goal of getting the country to 100 percent sustainable electricity by 2035 and a net zero emission economy by 2050.

The migration to sustainable energy is a net job creator, Himes said, but he acknowledged that legislators had to be thoughtful of those who rely on an unsustainable energy system for employment. He added it would be important to help these workers find new types of employment through this transition.

Its really important that we frame this discussion right, Himes said. Which is the migration to sustainable energy if we do it right is about helping the economy, not hurting it.

It is important to understand that while Democrats hold a strong position in Congress, it is only by slim margins, he said. And although important legislation might take uniformity to be approved,. Himes said he was hopeful that more work could be done to help the environment.

I always celebrate the fact that weve seen a pretty dramatic shift around political census about what to do about climate change, Himes said. The bad news is that it has not come nearly fast enough, so were way behind where we need to be.

Aspetuck Land Trust Executive Director David Brant, Sierra Club Connecticut Chair Ann Gadwah, Shelton Land Trust President Joe Welsh, New Canaan Land Trust Executive Director Aaron Lefland, and more also took part in the forum.

Its really refreshing to have an administration thats listening to science, Gadwah said. We applaud President Biden for his dedication to tackling the climate crisis and his centering of justice and equity in this executive actions. I think thats very important.

Lori Brown, executive director of the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, said new sustainable and green infrastructure would provide an opportunity to develop new partnerships around jobs, clean energy and the environment.

Thats also a really important regional effort thats going to need to be something that we pay close attention to in Connecticut, she said. Theres a lot we can do as our New England states work together on that.

Brown said Bidens goal to conserve 30 percent of the countrys land and coastal seas is a game-changer.

It finally recognizes natural resources as a huge means  a low-hanging fruit means  to be able to mitigate climate change and the worst impacts that have yet to come, she said.

The environmentalists said community engagement would be important in pushing legislators to address environmental issues as Biden looks to enact his ambitious plans.

A significant number of residents of Fairfield County understand that climate change is happening and something needs to be done, Lefland said. But he said that the minority who disagrees on climate change can be very vocal, which can hinder conversation and progress.

If the majority of us who understands climate change is an important issue, that land conservation is an important issue, start being as noisy as the minority well get a lot more done, Lefland said.

dj.simmons@hearstmediact.com
BJP President J P Nadda on Saturday said the party will continue its alliance with AIADMK for the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, due in a few months. Nadda, who is on a three-day tour of the southern state, was addressing a public rally in Madurai.

Earlier in the day, the BJP chief performed a 'puja' and sought God's blessings at the Meenakshi temple in Madurai. After visiting the temple, Nadda chaired a meeting of the Tamil Nadu BJP Core Committee where he discussed the poll preparations with state level leaders of the party.

On Saturday, Nadda said Prime Minister Narendra Modi facilitated projects like the defence corridor for Tamil Nadu while the state was 'ignored' during the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance regime. Praising Tamil as the world's oldest language, Nadda, who is here on a one day visit, said when the right person assumed the right place, it led to right decisions.

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed the top office, a 'safe destiny' was assured for the nation and Tamil Nadu as well, he said. Be it projects like the defence corridor or allocation of funds for Tamil Nadu, the situation changed only after the BJP came to power at the Centre, he said.

Nadda recalled that Modi had quoted a couplet from 'Tirukkural' to soldiers at Ladakh and also cited the Prime Minister's 'Yaadum Oorey' reference of Tamil poet Kaniyan Poongundranar in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in 2019. Dwelling on Tamil, he said the Tamil people had a unique combination of entrepreneurship, economic and cultural ethos.

Nadda visited the famous Meenakshi temple. (Image: PTI)

The BJP top leader's Tamil pitch assumes significance Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had some days back alleged that the saffron party had no respect for Tamil language and culture. Nadda praised Madurai as a 'pious land,' home of Goddess Meenakshi and recalled the link the temple city has with Mahatma Gandhi, who decided to use only dhoti during his visit here.

BJP Tamil Nadu unit chief L Murugan said it was his party's Vetri 'Vetri Vel' yatra that prompted DMK president M K Stalin to 'hold a Vel' days ago. 'Vel' is the spear-like weapon of Lord Muruga and the saffron party had last year held a 'Vel yatra' in Tamil Nadu.

Accusing the DMK of double standards, Murugan alleged that the then Chief Minister M Karunanidhi was a mute spectator when Tamils were killed in 2009 in the civil war in Sri Lanka. The party gave a standing ovation to Nadda for the AIIMS Hospital project for Madurai by the Centre.

Earlier, when the BJP national chief arrived at the venue of the public meeting, he was greeted with slogans of 'Vetri Vel, Veera Vel." An ancient war cry, it denotes victory and valour with Lord Muruga's 'Vel.'

Nadda, who arrived here last night, was accorded a warm welcome by party cadres. He visited the famous Meenakshi temple, garlanded a statue of freedom fighter Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar and chaired a core committee meeting of the party.

Tamil Nadu Ministers R B Udhayakumar and Sellur Raju called on Nadda, according to the party, which described it as a courtesy visit. The top leader in the core panel meet deliberated on constituencies in Tamil Nadu with winning chances and asked the state leadership to focus more on such segments.

Nadda also addressed social media volunteers and interacted with noted personalities who joined the party recently. On Sunday, the BJP chief would visit Puducherry.

Former public works minister and ex-Congress leader from the union territory, A Namasivayam joined the Saffron party days ago in Delhi.

This is the second time in January when the BJP President has visited poll-bound Tamil Nadu. He had earlier visited the southern state on January 14 to participate in the 'Namma Ooru Pongal Vizha' (our city Pongal festival) organised by BJP's state unit.

The AIADMK had led the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), its constituents being the BJP, DMDK and PMK among others, in the state for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Tamil Nadu, is among the five states, which are scheduled to hold assembly elections this year.

Top AIADMK leaders -- K Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam -- had already confirmed the party's alliance with the BJP earlier this month. Palaniswami is the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu while Panneerselvam is his deputy.

The ruling AIADMK has endorsed Palaniswami as its CM candidate for the high-stakes Assembly polls, where the party will take on arch rival DMK in a tough electoral battle.
(Newser)  A dead whale that washed up in Floridas Everglades National Park in 2019 has helped researchers confirm the existence of a new species of the marine mammal that lives in the Gulf of Mexico, Fox23 reports. In the 1990s, per NPR, scientists discovered a small whale population living in the gulf year-around. Initially, they were believed to be Brydes whales, a species of baleen whale that lives in warm waters throughout the world. Genetic data from the whales living in the gulf, however, was quite different from other whales, NOAA Fisheries said in a statement.

story continues below

But, to do a species designation, you want to be able to do multiple lines of evidence, and common for marine mammals, that other line of evidence for identifying a new species is skull morphology, researcher Patricia Rosel tells the Miami Herald. The skull of a 38-foot whale that washed up in the Everglades helped scientists confirm the new species, which has been named Rices whale in honor of biologist Dale Rice. There are fewer than 100 of the whales living, per NOAA, and if the name of the new species is accepted by the Society for Marine Mammalogys taxonomy committee, the agency will add Rices whale to the endangered species list. (Read more whales stories.)
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The Kaduna State Government has confirmed that troops of `Operation Thunder Strike have rescued two kidnapped women at Gadanin Gwari in Gwagwada District of Chikun Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

The state government also confirmed the police have rescued two other persons abducted at Kurmin Idon axis of Kaduna-Kachia Road in Kajuru LGA.

This is contained in a statement issued by Samuel Aruwan, the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, on Saturday.

Mr Aruwan said the troops captured three suspected bandits.

The commissioner explained that the women were abducted on their way to the farm.

The troops on patrol tracked down the criminals and engaged them in a firefight, forcing them to abandon their captives and run for their lives, he said.

He said that after securing the women, the troops pursued and trapped the bandits at Gajina settlement in Chikun LGA, destroying their camps.

Three of the kidnappers were apprehended and are now in custody, while the rescued women have returned to their homes, the commissioner said.

Mr Aruwan said the troops of Operation Thunder Strike and the newly-inducted troops of the Nigerian Army Women Corps are patrolling the Kaduna-Abuja highway.

The commissioner quoted Governor Nasir El-Rufai as commending the military and police for rescuing the victims and arresting the bandits. (NAN)
(CNN)  A third Covid-19 vaccine, one made by Johnson & Johnson, could be authorized for use in the United States in the near future.

Data about the single-shot vaccine released Friday, and the company is now collating its data to apply to the US Food and Drug Administration for emergency use authorization.

The vaccine was made through a collaboration of J&J's Belgium-based vaccine division, Janssen Pharmaceutical, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and it works a bit differently.

Here's what's known about how it works and how it will fit into the mix of vaccines.

How effective is it?

Johnson & Johnson's Covid-19 single-shot vaccine was shown to be 66% effective in preventing moderate and severe disease in a global Phase 3 trial, the company announced Friday.

The vaccine is 85% effective overall at preventing hospitalization and death in all regions where it was tested.

Its efficacy against moderate and severe disease ranged from one country to another: 72% in the US, 66% in Latin America and 57% in South Africa. This was measured starting one month after the shot.

In South Africa, 95% of cases in the trial were due to a variant known as B.1.351, which is known to be more contagious and carries mutations that may make the virus less susceptible to the antibody immune response -- including antibodies prompted by vaccination.

Even those who got moderate cases of Covid-19 in the trial tended to develop a milder course and fewer symptoms, said Dr. Mathai Mammen, Janssen's global head of research and development.

From one month after the shot, all hospitalizations and deaths occurred in the placebo group.

How it works

The J&J vaccine is what is known as a non-replicating viral vector vaccine, using a common cold virus called adenovirus 26.

Scientists made this vaccine by taking a small amount of genetic material that codes for a piece of the novel coronavirus and integrating it with a weakened version of adenovirus 26. J&J scientists altered this adenovirus so it can enter cells, but it cannot replicate and make people sick.

AstraZeneca uses a similar platform, but its adenovirus comes from a chimpanzee.

The adenovirus carries the genetic material from the coronavirus into human cells, tricking them into making pieces of the coronavirus spike protein -- the part it uses to attach to cells. The immune system then reacts against these pieces of the coronavirus.

"So you're not being infected with the virus that can give you Covid-19 when you get this vaccine. It just has some of the harmless Covid virus proteins on its surface," explained Dr. William Schaffner, an internist and infectious disease specialist with Vanderbilt University's Department of Health Policy. "So essentially it's a sheep in wolf's clothing, and when your immune system sees it, it responds to it and creates protection against it and in the future, against the real virus that causes Covid-19."

The technology used in the Covid-19 vaccine has worked with the Ebola vaccine by Janssen.

How is it different from the other Covid-19 vaccines?

Dr. Paul Offit, the director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, said the Moderna, Pfizer and J&J Covid-19 vaccines all take a similar approach, but there is a small difference with the J&J approach.

"In the case of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine you're just giving the gene in a lipid nanoparticle or a fat droplet," Offit said. "In the case of J&J you're giving the gene in a virus that can't reproduce itself."

The J&J vaccine is the only Covid-19 vaccine so far to be given in a single dose. Moderna and Pfizer's use two. Like Moderna's, it can also be kept at regular refrigerated temperatures and does not need a deep freeze like Pfizer's.

How does a single-dose shot affect the rollout?

A single dose and would be much easier to administer and would mean more people could be vaccinated, as none would need to be set aside to give someone a second shot.

"This advantage goes up in neon," said Schaffner who believes adding a vaccine like this would "really accelerate" vaccination efforts in the US and around the world.

"If it's a single-dose vaccine, then a billion vaccine doses would translate into a billion people vaccinated," said Dr. Dan Barouch of Harvard Medical School, who helped develop Johnson & Johnson's vaccine candidate on CNN's Coronavirus Fact vs. Fiction podcast.

The cold-chain advantage

J&J's other advantage is that it can be stored at regular refrigerator temperatures, unlike the Pfizer vaccine, which needs special deep freezers. The vaccine is stable for up to three months at 36 degrees F to 46 degrees F, the company said. That means health care facilities would not have to buy extra equipment to safely store the vaccine.

"If they're successful, these vaccines would especially be popular in the developing world, because they would be easy to store and administer," said Dr. Rafi Ahmed, the director of the Vaccine Center at Emory University.

The vaccines would also be popular in rural communities in the US and regular doctor's offices that may not have access or the budget to afford specialized equipment.

"In other words, we could bring the vaccine to the people," Schaffner said, "rather than bringing the people to the vaccine."

What happens next?

The company will request what's known as an emergency use authorization, or an EUA, from the FDA in early February.

The data will get a close look from the FDA and advisers to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While the FDA is reviewing the data, it schedules a public meeting of its Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee. The committee is made up of independent science and public health experts who will discuss the J&J data and make a recommendation to the agency.

Once an application is submitted, "The FDA really looks very, very carefully at the data in each age group and in each demographic group," Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said during a call on Friday.

After the meeting, FDA staff members consider the committee input along with the agency's evaluation of the company's data and will make a decision about whether the vaccine should by authorized.

Shortly after an EUA, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, also known as ACIP, goes through the data, too.

Once the CDC committee has made a recommendation and it has been approved by the CDC director, the company plans to ship the vaccines immediately and it can go into arms right away.

How long does the authorization process take?

The process for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should be about the same as it was for the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, according Offit, who is a member of the FDA's VRBPAC.

With the Pfizer vaccine, it took a little over three weeks from the time the company submitted its data to an EUA. With the Moderna vaccine, it took a little more than two weeks.

If the vaccine is authorized for emergency use, "our plan is to have supply immediately upon launch," Mammen said.

How many doses are there?

The US has ordered 100 million doses and the company has been manufacturing it while it has been testing the vaccine. Typically, companies wait to make the vaccine after its been approved, but that changed during the pandemic.

Johnson & Johnson says it can meet its 100 million dose commitment by June.

This story was first published on CNN.com "Johnson & Johnson's Covid-19 vaccine, how it works and why it matters".
Healing and reconciliation are the loose themes behind two musical performances hosted by the Brandon University School of Music in the next few days.

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Healing and reconciliation are the loose themes behind two musical performances hosted by the Brandon University School of Music in the next few days.

The first performance, featuring the Brandon University New Music Ensemble and Any Enemy (North East Music Ensemble), begins today at 11 a.m.

The second performance, featuring flutist Jessica McMann under the Brandon University Indigenous New Music Festival banner, will take place Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

As with most musical performances hosted in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, the shows will both be live-streamed and there will be no in-person audience.

The online venue has brought with it a whole whack of challenges, but also some good things, said Brandon University School of Music professor Megumi Masaki, who is also the conductor for the New Music Ensemble.

"We decided we would embrace the online platform  it is what it is," she said, adding that while its in many ways less ideal than performing together in person, it has also opened up new, previously unheard-of possibilities.

"This has been a lifeline for musicians to be able to connect, to be able to still collaborate and perform," she said, adding that she hopes virtual audience members experience some semblance of the healing performers have felt while putting it together.

The local ensemble connecting with the northeast Scotland-based Any Enemy group is a prime example of previously unfathomable collaborations.

"In a normal year, theres no way we could work with Scottish performers," Masaki said, adding the idea of flying performers out for extended rehearsals would have been cost-prohibitively expensive.

Instead, the two groups have been able to rehearse together online, via Zoom, during which theyve pieced together todays show.

The performance will include both groups, intertwined live through the internet, despite residing thousands of kilometres apart across the Atlantic Ocean.

"All live, which is the crazy thing," Masaki said.

Through rehearsals, performers discovered a number of things about the Zoom platform, including its limitations.

With performers all separate in front of their own computers, they found only four or five instruments could successfully stream together, in synch, at any given time.

Give or take.

So, they wrote pieces wherein only a few instruments were playing at any given time, with some exceptions made to open up the doors for more spontaneous moments in which its a surprise as to which instruments audio shows up.

"Its keeping us on our toes," Masaki said. "Were learning to listen differently  were learning to perform differently."

Coupled with this is the need to improvise. When the audio from one performers instrument doesnt show up, another performer must in the blank.

"Its creating a team," Masaki said, adding that although the performers are very much apart  even those in Brandon are recording themselves separately  "we really are a team."

The rehearsals have also brought out some environmental sounds, such as fog horns in Scotland and the banging of pots and pants to thank front-line workers.

"Were not in a closed conference hall, protected  this is not an enclosed performance space," she said. "Were really a part of our environment outside."

The two ensembles combined include 18 performers for todays show, and all pieces being performed were specially co-commissioned by the two groups for the joint performance, which is part of the Sound Scotland Fesitlvals Lockdown Composing project.

The show will include a live question and answer period, during which listeners will be urged to chime in with their inquiries.

Local members of the joint performance include Azaria Neuschwander (soprano), Lea Liu (flute), Jichen Wang (clarinet), Naomi Cord (bass clarinet), Sheva Schwartz (cello), Ren Wang (percussion), Reanne Vanden Brink (piano), William Neufeld (piano) and Masaki (conductor/piano).

Tuesdays concert by Jessica McMann of Cowessess, Sask., is the second edition of the Brandon Indigenous New Music Festival, which was founded during an in-person event last year as a means of addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canadas Calls to Action.

"We really want to be part of the process of decolonizing classical music and focusing on Indigenous classical musicians," Masaki said, adding that in addition to performing, McMann plans on "talking about her music and the inspirations behind her music and identity and focusing on the strengths of Indigenous women."

Todays show can be streamed at YouTube.com/watch?v=q27a5yuJddo&feature=youtu.be.

Tuesdays show can be streamed at YouTube.com/watch?v=aKZBws6SGbc

Both concerts will also be seen on the School of Musics Facebook page at Facebook.com/BrandonUMusic/Live.

 tclarke@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @TylerClarkeMB

Germany on Friday announced its plans to restrict incoming travel from a handful of countries, including Britain and Ireland, in an attempt to curb the spread of infectious coronavirus variants, going beyond the measures recommended by the European Union.

Its about stopping the entry of a highly infectious virus, Horst Seehofer, Germanys interior minister, said on Thursday, a day before the federal cabinet approved the restrictions.

Under the new travel ban  which also applies to passengers coming from Portugal, Brazil, South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland)  German residents will be able to return home, but non-German residents from the areas in question will be refused entry, even with a negative coronavirus test.

While multiple known infectious variants have been found in Germany, including the B.1.1.7 variant at a hospital in Berlin, which then had to go into lockdown, health authorities believe they can still prevent variants from spreading and driving new infections.
EDWARDSVILLE  Madison County States Attorney Tom Haine on Friday filed a civil suit against McKinsey & Corporation for civil conspiracy in its role advising Purdue Pharma on the sale and marketing of opioids.

This is the first such lawsuit filed in Illinois against McKinsey and among the first in the nation.

Madison County seeks to hold McKinsey accountable for its role in coldly wrecking so many lives through opioid over-prescription and addiction, Haine said. McKinsey designed and implemented the strategies that lead to a turbocharge of opioid prescriptions even at the height of the opioid epidemic. Now McKinsey needs to pay.

It wont bring people back or repair families, but it will be some measure of justice, he said. And any funds recovered can then be put towards local drug mitigation programs and to combat the scourge of mental health that is so related to addiction in the first place.

Haine said he has appointed attorney Ann Callis and a team of private attorneys to handle the litigation, saying not a dime will be paid by the county while the litigation proceeds. He added Callis and her team have agreed to a proposed contingent fee arrangement which is very low.

According to Haine, in October 2020 Purdue pleaded guilty with the Department of Justice for felony civil conspiracy for its role in marketing OxyContin after their previous 2007 guilty plea. Although Purdues co-conspirators were not named in the guilty plea, the covered conduct which was the basis for Purdues criminal liability directly implicates McKinsey. The guilty plea states, for instance, that Purdue, in collaboration with [McKinsey], implemented many of [McKinseys] recommendations, he said.

Haine said McKinseys work with Purdue began as early as 2003 and continued through at least November 2017. McKinsey developed and implemented strategies to maximize OxyContin sales, he said, and Purdue adopted the strategies.

In 2013, McKinsey proposed and Purdue adopted a strategy dubbed Project Turbocharge, Haine said, that entailed identifying physicians who already prescribed large amounts of opioids and encouraging Purdue to aggressively target those prescribers with a sustained marketing blitz. Haine said Purdue spent hundreds of millions implementing the strategy and tripled sales of OxyContin.

Haine said that on July 4, 2018, McKinseys key personnel realized it may face liability for its actions and proposed covering up their role. He said an office email suggesting a quick conversation with the risk committee to see if we should be doing anything other that eliminating all our documents and emails.
WASHINGTON - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi first saw the emotional wounds moments after she returned to the U.S. Capitol the evening of Jan. 6.

"The trauma that I saw in their eyes," Pelosi said, pausing three seconds as she recalled the faces of her closest aides. "It was just overwhelming, just overwhelming. You know, our staffs are largely young. They come here with the sense of idealism and just love that they're working in the Capitol."

In addition to leading the impeachment of a former president and the inauguration of a new one, Pelosi, D-Calif., has also played a unique role these past few weeks: emotional shepherd to a flock of traumatized lawmakers, staff and police still reeling from the aftermath of rioters storming the Capitol in a bid to overturn the 2020 election.

Some of her staff members locked themselves in a windowless conference room, blocking the door with office furniture and hiding under a table for 21/2 hours as rioters tried to break down the door.

Lawmakers inside the House chamber donned gas masks and crawled across the floor, then ran to secure locations under the armed protection of U.S. Capitol Police.

Since then, the speaker's office has served a leading role in providing the congressional community access to post-traumatic counseling. It convened online sessions for lawmakers and aides less than a week after the riot. On Jan. 21, lawmakers were invited to an in-person session inside a vast auditorium.

Pelosi followed up a few days ago with a letter to lawmakers encouraging them to take advantage of more counseling sessions. And, in an interview with The Washington Post, she talked about attending the meetings with lawmakers, and how she emotionally processed the attempted insurrection.

"I sat through it myself," she said, explaining how the Office of the Attending Physician and Office of Employee Assistance run the sessions. "It was interesting." Pelosi said she was especially "impressed by the section about resilience."

Pelosi is not interested in forgiving "those thugs, those terrorists" who trashed the Capitol, taking a bit more of an Old Testament view of healing through justice.

"I was thinking, the human person is built for survival," she said of the counseling session. "You know, we just are. But how do we come back? Not to ignore the seriousness of the situation, but to recognize that, to heal, you have to have some justice. You just really have to have justice. You cannot heal without it."

These sessions have been pulled together in the post-riot fog of trauma, and many people may not be aware of them. The critical thing Pelosi wants the Capitol Hill crowd to know is how common the struggles are, and that everyone can benefit from talking to a professional about their experience.

Pelosi admits that her reflexive posture is to eliminate emotion from events, so she can determine the right congressional response. That's what she did when a Capitol Police security detail ushered her off the House dais to a secure, off-site location, where she monitored the situation and, in bipartisan fashion with other congressional leaders, charted the path to getting the House and Senate back into session as a show of democratic force.

"I have a responsibility to be, as I say, passionate about what's happening, but dispassionate about how to deal with it," Pelosi said. "So I almost have to remove myself immediately from the emotion of it all."

But Jan. 6 was different from a budget standoff with an administration or even last year's impeachment showdown with President Donald Trump over his effort to force Ukrainian officials to investigate the Biden family.

The lawmakers are still rattled, because they personally experienced the events in question.

So Pelosi has asked them to write an essay about their experience that day, partly as a therapeutic recollection of what they went through.

"Be your own historian, be part of writing the history of this, because there's nobody who can be a better validator of what happened in your experience than you," Pelosi said.

Republicans are furious that, without any hearings or testimony, Pelosi pushed Trump's impeachment through the House one week after the insurrection. They have accused her of further dividing a nation that needs healing.

But she blames Republicans for standing by Trump in the hours after the attack, as about two-thirds of House Republicans opposed the certification of Biden as the victor in November's election - effectively taking the side of the rioters.

She contrasted those divisive actions with the broad, bipartisan outpouring that followed the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, which ended that night with a bipartisan singing of "God Bless America" on the steps of the Capitol.

"At least in 9/11, it was unifying, and there was no question that everyone was sympathetic to those who lost their loved ones, their families and the rest, and that we would get to the bottom of it," Pelosi said.

She went through the images of that day, the mob using a door to crush a D.C. police officer. She thought of the Capitol Police officer who died as a result of injuries sustained during the riot.

"To just say, 'Well, what's the big deal? Let's just turn the page.' Turn the page? No, I don't think so," Pelosi said, reiterating that healing comes through justice.

Her impeachment effort will probably end without the conviction of Trump, because 45 Senate Republicans have already signaled their doubt in the case.

But the role of trauma shepherd will continue for months ahead, she knows, and she wants to hear everyone's story.

Near the end of our interview, Pelosi asked me: Were you in the Capitol that day?

She listened to my terrifying tale: of being just above the stairwell where a heroic Capitol Police officer held off a mob, buying us time to get inside the Senate chamber as officers locked the doors, and of eventually evacuating with the Senate to a secure location, with armed police protection.

"You also experienced firsthand the trauma of it all," she said. "The uncertainty: How is this going to proceed or end?"

Pelosi has given her colleagues one other instruction, beyond writing their firsthand account. She wants them, a month or two from now, to write another personal essay, telling the story again through a more distant lens, about how they felt in the interim and how it helped their recovery.

"When I say recovery, recovery from it," she said. "Because this is, this is so historic. There's nothing - there is nothing, nothing like it."
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(CNN)  Germany's vaccine commission said the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine should not be given to people older than 65 years, amid a bitter dispute between the European Union and the drugmaker over delayed supplies.

The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) at Germany's Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the country's main public health authority, found there is insufficient data on the effectiveness of the vaccine, developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford, for this age group, according to a statement from the interior ministry on Thursday.

"Due to the small number of study participants in the age group 65 years, no conclusion can be made regarding efficacy and safety in the elderly. This vaccine is therefore currently recommended by STIKO only for persons aged 18-64 years," the panel said in its recommendation.

Responding to the announcement, an AstraZeneca spokesperson said "latest analyses of clinical trial data for the AstraZeneca/Oxford Covid-19 vaccine support efficacy in the over 65 years age group." The drugmaker is awaiting a regulatory decision by the European Union medicines regulator, the spokesperson added.

Thursday's announcement by the German Interior Ministry came amid an ongoing dispute between the European Union and AstraZeneca over delays to the delivery of its coronavirus vaccine to the bloc.

AstraZeneca has said it can't deliver as many doses as the EU expected, citing production challenges. But the European Commission, which ordered the vaccine on behalf of EU member states, says this is unacceptable, and the drugmaker must find a way to increase supply.

The dispute comes as EU countries, including Germany, run low on vaccines, In Spain, the regional government of Madrid has paused administering first doses of the vaccine, to ensure there is enough to provide second doses for those who already got their first shots.

Concerns over expected shortages of the Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines means some French regions, including Paris, will push back or cancel appointments for first injections, the French health Ministry said in a press statement on Thursday.

Efficacy

The United Kingdom, whose regulator approved the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine nearly a month ago, has been administering doses to people older than 65.

In its report, UK regulator MHRA, said there was "limited information available on efficacy in participants aged 65 or over, although there is nothing to suggest lack of protection."

Responding the German announcement, MHRA Chief Executive Dr. June Raine said "current evidence does not suggest any lack of protection against Covid-19 in people aged 65 or over."

"The data we have shows that the vaccine produces a strong immune response in the over-65s. More data is continually becoming available for this age group and our Public Assessment Report, available on our website, will be updated to reflect this," her statement added.

The EU has ordered 300 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine -- which could be approved for use by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) as soon as Friday -- with an option to purchase an additional 100 million doses.

AstraZeneca's chief executive, Pascal Soriot, said in an interview with Italy's la Repubblica newspaper Tuesday that "the issue with the elderly data is not so much whether it works or not. It's that we have today a limited amount of data in the older population."

Soriot said this was because the Oxford scientists running the vaccine trials did not want to recruit older people until they had "accumulated a lot of safety data" for those aged 18 to 55.

"Essentially, because Oxford started vaccinating older people later, we don't have a huge number of older people who have been vaccinated. So that's what the debate is," he said. "But we have strong data showing very strong antibody production against the virus in the elderly, similar to what we see in younger people. It's possible that some countries, out of caution, will use our vaccine for the younger group."

Stephen Evans, professor of pharmacoepidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, stressed that the German decision was "not a regulatory decision, but draft advice on usage" in comments to the UK's Science Media Centre.

It was "well known that the clinical data for this vaccine were limited for those aged 70 and over," he said, because AstraZeneca recruited older age groups later than younger age groups, allowing less time for cases to accrue.

"There is no reason at all for anyone in the UK or elsewhere to think that this Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is ineffective at any age," Evans said. "Its ability to be delivered to people in GP surgeries and care homes makes it a vital component in the attempts to reduce hospitalisation and deaths, especially in the elderly."

Jim Naismith, director of the Rosalind Franklin Institute and professor of structural biology at the University of Oxford, also sought to allay concerns, noting that German scientists had concluded that the vaccine was safe and effective for under-65s.

"Their assessment is that effectiveness is not yet demonstrated for over 65s. They have not said the vaccine is ineffective for over 65s," he told the Science Media Centre.

"Good faith discussions about what evidence is needed for vaccine effectiveness are really important. Experimental evidence and reasoned debate, not over heated rhetoric, will resolve this issue."

EU-AstraZeneca dispute

As the dispute between the EU and AstraZeneca over vaccine delays rumbled on, Belgian health authorities -- at the request of the European Commission -- conducted "an inspection" of the UK-Swedish drugmaker's Belgian production facility Wednesday. The purpose was "to ensure that the delay in the delivery of the vaccines is indeed due to a production problem at the Belgian site," France Dammel, a spokeswoman for Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke, said in a statement.

"Belgian experts are looking into the elements obtained during this inspection visit, together with Dutch, Italian and Spanish experts," Dammel said, adding that the report is expected in a few days.

The German government expects the country to face shortages in its supply of the coronavirus vaccine for at least another 10 weeks, Health Minister Jens Spahn said Thursday amid backlash over the pace of the government's vaccine rollout program.

Meanwhile, the number of coronavirus infections per 100,000 residents across seven days in Germany has fallen below the critical threshold of 100 for the first time in three months, to 98, the RKI said Thursday.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has outlined the government's plan to reduce the incidence rate to less than 50 new infections per 100,000 residents within seven days in order to be able to track and trace infections.
ALBANY  Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and his health commissioner on Friday offered some different perspectives on an investigation that said the state underreported the deaths of nursing home residents connected to the coronavirus by as much as 50 percent.

At a news conference Friday, Cuomo argued that Attorney General Letitia James report released Thursday affirmed everything state Health Commissioner Howard Zucker had said over the past year, although there were differences between James' findings and Zucker's past statements about a health department guidance that required admission of COVID-19 patients into nursing homes.

The attorney general's report said the practice may have increased the risk of COVID-19 infections at the congregate facilities  a notion that was largely dismissed in a report by the Department of Health that was released in July.

Zucker called the reports highest-profile finding  that his health department had undercounted nursing home deaths in the state by about 50 percent  misleading.

To misrepresent that number is actually inaccurate, Zucker said. When they said theres undercounting, thats just factually inaccurate.

In counting COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes, the Health Department had not been including people who contracted COVID-19 in nursing homes, but then died in hospitals. James report did count such deaths in finding that the administration had undercounted total nursing home deaths by roughly 50 percent.

Until James report was released on Thursday, the Cuomo administration for months had resisted calls from lawmakers to release the information about hospital deaths, saying it was being audited. The numbers became available after James report was released on Thursday.

When I saw the attorney general report, I decided we needed to finish that up quickly and get these numbers out in real time, Zucker said on Friday.

Zucker stated on Thursday that although the audit remains ongoing, DOH data that from March 1 to Jan. 19 found there had been 9,786 confirmed fatalities associated with nursing home residents, including 5,957 fatalities within nursing facilities, and 3,829 within a hospital.

On Friday, Cuomo said repeatedly that James report affirmed all the statements made by the Cuomo administration defending its own performance.

This report affirms everything the commissioner (Zucker) said for the past year, Cuomo said.

But James report does not mirror all of Zuckers statements. For instance, in July, the Health Department issued a report absolving the Cuomo administration of blame for more than 6,000 nursing home deaths caused by COVID-19.

At particular issue was a Health Department directive, from March 2020, disallowing nursing homes from denying admission or readmission to residents based solely on a positive or suspected COVID-19 diagnosis. If a COVID-19-positive patient at a hospital was medically stable and needed nursing home care, many nursing homes believed the directive required them to accept that person.

The attorney generals report, however, did not mirror the Health Department's conclusion that its own directive was blameless for nursing home deaths.

The James report found that 4,000 nursing home deaths occurred after the issuance of the March 25 guidance  including some in 323 facilities that apparently had no reported COVID-19 infections before receiving admissions or re-admissions of hospital residents diagnosed with the virus.

Previous coverage

"While additional data and analysis would be required to ascertain the effect of such admissions in individual facilities, these admissions may have contributed to increased risk of nursing home resident infection, and subsequent fatalities," the report stated.

Cuomo's office, however, noted several sections of James' report that did affirm the administration's prior statements.

For instance, James' report stated that the Health Department's March 25 guidance was consistent with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services guidance, which stated that nursing homes should accept residents they would have normally admitted, even from a hospital and with COVID-19. The department's policy was also consistent with Centers for Disease Control guidance, the James report found.

And James' investigation so far has not revealed an admission from any nursing home operator that they could not care for referred residents, a point the Cuomo administration has also emphasized.

At Friday's briefing, Cuomo expressed empathy for the families of those who died in nursing homes. The governor said that he understood the instinct to place blame amid such pain, noting his own grief following the death of his father, former Gov. Mario M. Cuomo, in 2015.

"What I would say is: Everyone did the best they could," Cuomo said. "I believe everyone, the federal government, the Centers for Disease Control, the Department of Health, made the best decisions they could, based on the facts they had."

Cuomo also announced that New York will resume allowing weddings with up to 150 guests on March 15. The guests must be tested for COVID-19 prior to the wedding and the event must be approved by the local health department.

And Cuomo said he planned to allow New York City restaurants to reopen  at one quarter capacity  on Valentines Day.

At a separate briefing in Washington, D.C., White House press secretary Jen Psaki was asked whether President Joseph R. Biden would support a federal investigation into nursing home deaths in New York and Cuomos role.

Psaki said that any investigation would be led by the Department of Justice. Were in a new age where theyre independent and they will determine what path they take moving forward.

The federal Department of Justice did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Emilie Munson contributed reporting.
Nora Fatehi is known for her stunning dance moves and has danced to some great hits like 'Dilbar', from 'Satyameva Jayate' and 'O Saki Saki'from Batla House. She enjoys a huge fan following on social media and often sets the internet on fire with her gorgeous pictures and dancing skills. This time she has shared a cryptic post on revenge and repentance.

The dancing diva took to her Instagram story and shared that she is revengeful person. And by the looks of the post, she is planning a revenge as she says it will be served with a devil emoji. She, however, didnt mention any context and the post has left her fans confused and speculating.

She also shared a poster of her upcoming music video 'Chhod Denge.'

In a recent interview, the Canada-born dancer and actress also shared how she learnt to dance while living in Toronto. She revealed that she took inspiration from international icons andperformers like Shakira, Madhuri Dixit, Beyonce, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez as well as Turkish belly dancer Didem from a young age and dedicated herself to the art.

She recently raised the temperature on Instagram as she shared a ravishing picture of herself in high slit velvet gown. In the picture, Nora can be seen posing in a black velvet gown with slit and long sleeves flaunting her well-toned legs. She completed her look with pumps from Christian Louboutin and silver jewellery from Ayana while keeping her hair untied in voluminous curls.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Nora was last seen in Remo D'Souza's'Street Dancer 3D'. The film also featured Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor,Prabhudheva in lead roles. She has been part of many Bollywood films includingSalman Khan and Katrina Kaifs 'Bharat' and John Abrahams Rocky Handsome. Thedancing diva has also been the judge of the dancing reality show India's Best

Dancer for a few days.

She will be next seen in Bhuj: The Pride of India along with Ajay Devgn, Sanjay Dutt and Sonakshi Sinha. The film will release on OTT platform.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
The Turkish defense minister on Jan. 30 announced the completion of the construction of the Turkish-Russian joint monitoring center in Upper Karabakh, saying it would become operational as of Jan. 30, Hurriyet daily news reports.

Minister Hulusi Akar told Anadolu Agency that he has discussed matters of defense and security with his Azerbaijani counterpart Zakir Hasanov over the phone.

Akar recalled a memorandum of understanding to set up a joint center to monitor the peace deal on Azerbaijani territories liberated from Armenia's occupation was signed with his Russian counterpart Sergey Shoygu on Nov. 11 2020.

"The works on establishing the Joint Center has been completed. The Joint Center, where Turkish and Russian soldiers are to operate, will start its activities tomorrow," he said.

Noting that the latest developments were discussed with Hasanov, Akar said: "We believe that the joint center, where one general and 38 of our staff are to operate, will make great contributions to the continuity of the cease-fire and to ensuring peace and stability in the region."

Akar vowed to continue to defend the rights of Azerbaijani people, and said: "We [Turkey] have sided with our Azerbaijani brothers/sisters in line with the concept of one nation and two states, and we will continue to do so."
An off-duty police officer rescued an elderly woman Friday morning from a Middletown house fire, officials said.

The Middletown Fire Department was called to 50 Warren Place at 7:50 a.m. for a reported dryer fire and when 1st Assistant Chief John Waltz arrived, he saw Matt Deickmann, an off-duty Union Beach Police Detective & Middletown Township Firefighter, go inside the home, according to a release from the Middletown Fire Department.

Deickmann later said he was returning home from running errands when he heard the fire call and saw heavy dark smoke pouring from an open garage door near the back of the home and also noticed a wheelchair in the driveway, the department said.

The flames were coming from a laundry room and once inside, Deickmann opened the door and found the homeowner inside with half her body concealed by heavy smoke, authorities said. She told him she could not walk without her walker, so he grabbed her and got her out of the home through the smoke and flame-filled garage and into the waiting arms of emergency medical personnel as they arrived on scene, officials said.

She was removed safely from the home, officials said.

It took 27 firefighters from four local fire companies to douse the blaze, which quickly spread to the upstairs portion of the home, officials said. Fortunately, none were injured.

The departments chief said he will recommend that the police detective be recognized publicly for his heroic act.

Chief Friedmann, in recognizing Detective Deickmanns act of heroism and genuine human kindness toward another stated he will be notifying the Middletown Township governing body and the members of the Middletown Fire Department of this remarkable achievement under such harsh conditions in the hope Detective Deickmann be publicly recognized for his actions on this day, the release stated.

The origin and cause of this fire remained under investigation Friday afternoon by the Middletown Fire Marshalls Office.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.

Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
Savie Karnel spent her childhood reading every book that she could lay her hands on. Living in a small town meant that she had limited access to bookstores and lending libraries but she made the most of what was available. She is now the proud author of The Nameless God, a work of fiction published by Red Panda, the childrens imprint of Westland Publications.

Her smashing debut in January 2021 revolves around two children -- Noor and Bachchu -- who believe that the God they have known all along is too busy to answer their prayers, so they create a new one. Set in an imaginary town called Jhunu, this book unfolds against the backdrop of an unforgettable event in recent Indian history  the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992, and the communal riots that followed right after.

Here are some excerpts from an interview with the author:

Q: Adults often like to keep children away from politics but your book for children is set during a period of communal violence. What led you to make this decision?

A: Of course, parents want to shelter their children but it is unrealistic to create a world that is totally cut off from the harsh and cruel aspects of life. Children know what is happening. They listen to the conversations between their parents. They read and watch things on the Internet. They are exposed to political propaganda. If we dont address their concerns about hate and violence, we might also lose the opportunity to talk about friendship, love and tolerance.

Q: It is believed that authors draw a lot from their own lives, especially while writing their first book. How was your experience?

A: I grew up in a small town called Karwar in Karnataka. From what I remember, it was quite peaceful there in 1992 when riots broke out after the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. I did not have a first-hand experience of the riots but I heard stories of enmity and bloodshed from people who were returning to Karwar from Mumbai. I went back to those memories while writing this book, and also spoke to more people who personally experienced those events. Newspaper articles from that time were also quite helpful during my research.

Q: A large part of the book was written in Dharamsala. How did that environment nurture your writing?

A: The skeleton of the story was put together in Pune five years ago but the fleshing out happened in Dharamsala. In January 2020, the roads were covered white with soft hail. I slipped on the stairs, and hit my head to a sharp iron bar. With my hand on my bleeding head, the first thought that crossed my mind was, I have not yet published a book! In the month after that, the Delhi riots happened, and I felt that this story had to be told urgently. I wrote to all the publishers whose email addresses I could find on the Internet. Vidhi Bhargava of Red Panda replied, and guided me to work on the story.

During the COVID-19 pandemic I used to sit in a corner of my house, and write. The Dhauladhar mountain range was visible from where I was seated but it was hardly a dreamy, romantic setting. My son didnt have to go to school any longer. My life turned upside down. Internet connectivity was badly hit when the router was burnt by lightning. Some monkeys broke our dish antenna, so I couldnt watch television either. And it was tough to get things repaired during the lockdown. Somehow the circumstances and challenges of living in the mountains led me to write.

Q: How did you ensure that the story was engaging on its own terms, and not just a vehicle for communicating ideas such as secularism, communal harmony and patriotism?

A: I know that children get bored easily, so I wanted the book to have a sense of humour. In order to catch their attention, I set the book in a time period that is unfamiliar to them. The sheer novelty of being transported to a world where nobody had cellphones, very few people owned a television, and people used pamphlets rather than WhatsApp messages to spread propaganda, was bound to catch their attention. Then I decided to weave in stories from my own childhood. I remember going to my neighbours house to watch Ramayan on Doordarshan, praying hard for my school to announce a holiday, and making rakhi brothers because I had none of my own.

Q: How would you describe your own relationship to faith and religion?

A: I had a Catholic upbringing but I dont like to associate myself with any religion now. My husband grew up in a Hindu family. We have managed to keep our son irreligious so far. I think that God is a necessity but religion isnt. When I am feeling low or when things dont work out the way I want, the idea of God gives me hope. I can have my personal relationship with God without belonging to a religion. The Constitution of India supports this choice.

Q: Your book also talks about how the army as an institution is inclusive of people from all faiths. Could you share the thought process behind that?

A: I am married to an army officer. Though ours is an inter-faith marriage, that has never been an issue for us, regardless of where he is posted. We have been welcomed by people of all faiths, and we like to extend the same hospitality. It has been wonderful to celebrate Christmas, Diwali, Eid and a lot of other festivals. I have seen secularism at its best in the Indian Army. I have witnessed Hindu officers offering the namaz with Muslim soldiers, Muslim officers conducting a havan, and non-Sikhs organising the langar on Guru Purab. That is why, when I was developing the character of Noor in the book, I wanted him to be the son of an army officer. He has been raised to think of himself as an Indian first, and a Muslim after that.

Q: Noor says, Emperor Aurangzeb was certainly a bad apple. If he had indeed destroyed temples, he was evil. But why am I being punished? I am not even related to him. He is not even my great-great-great grandfather. This portion of the book is hard-hitting because it shows how often Muslims are questioned about their loyalty to India.

A: Noor, Bachchu and Seema  all the three children you meet in my book are critical thinkers. They dont buy explanations that seem dubious. They ask questions, voice their disagreement, and try to find out the truth on their own. Noor, like many other Muslim, children is fed up of being told that he is an outsider and that he must go to Pakistan. He is very much an Indian, just like his friends, and he wants to be treated as equal.

Q: In your book set in 1992, volunteers planning to demolish the Babri Masjid are asking for donations. And now, in 2021, donations are being collected in real life for the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya. Have things changed at all in three decades?

A: Yes, things have changed. We have regressed further. Perhaps its because of social media and the easy spread of fake news. In the 90s too, we felt that things were at the worst, but we as a society tided over it and continued to live harmoniously. This was possible because of the many Noors and Bachchus who held friendship above all. Whenever things seem bleak, I believe that the number of individuals who hold friendship dearer and see the pointlessness of fighting over religion is much more than those propagating hate. The secular fabric of India is stronger than what we are made to believe.

Q: Last year, Natasha Sharmas picture book The Art of Tying a Pug was withdrawn after a backlash from Sikhs. This year, criminal proceedings have been initiated against the cast and crew of Ali Abbas Zafars web series Tandav for offending Hindus. Since your book also deals with religion in a playful, irreverent manner, how did you react to these developments?

A: We are living in an atmosphere where fear is being instilled in peoples minds, and they are bending themselves to adapt. I would be lying if I said I didnt have any fears while writing and putting out this book but its important to be courageous if you want things to change. We cant expect children to be proud of our democracy if we dont talk about freedom of expression and dissent as well. I see The Nameless God as a story of hope.

A property estimated at nearly $4 million is up for sale in Arcadia, Calif., on May 17, 2016. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)

Irvine Affordable Housing Development to Offset Hot Housing Market

To meet a growing demand for housing in Orange Countys strong market, a new affordable housing development in Irvine is underway.

The Irvine Community Land Trust has almost completed its Salerno apartments, which are scheduled to open in March.

Located on the corner of Nightmist and Sand Canyon Avenue, the development will provide 80 units of affordable housing units for renters making no more than 50 percent of the area median income (AMI).

Half of these apartments will serve residents having extremely low income, veterans, individuals with developmental disabilities, and families in jeopardy of being homeless.

Residents have already begun moving into the apartments.

The Trust is opening an additional 68 townhome ownership units in January 2022 called Sage Park. It will be located north of Irvine Boulevard, will have 16 two-bedroom, 36 three-bedroom, and 16 four-bedroom homes.

The Irvine Community Land Trust is a nonprofit organization that partners with the city of Irvine, the land developer, the service provider, and the school district to create affordable housing.

Potential residents interested and qualified for the properties need to sign up on a lottery list basis until the homes are leased.

According to the California Association of Realtors, the median price for homes in Orange County last year was $950,000. The local housing market saw a year-over-year price increase of 13.1 percent.

Most of the Trusts units will be limited to households making less than 80 to 120 percent of the AMI.
 Flash

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday signed a bill into law ratifying a five-year extension of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) with the United States.

The validity period of the New START will be extended by five years to Feb. 5, 2026, the Kremlin said in a statement.

The Russian parliament approved the extension of the key arms control pact on Wednesday. Earlier in the week, Moscow and Washington agreed on the extension in the form of exchanging diplomatic notes.

The extension of the treaty meets Russia's national interests, makes it possible to preserve the transparency and predictability of Russia-U.S. strategic relations, helps to maintain strategic stability in the world, positively affects the international situation, and contributes to the nuclear disarmament process, the Kremlin said.

In 2010, Russia and the United States signed the New START, which stipulates limits to the numbers of deployed nuclear warheads and strategic delivery systems by both.

The last remaining nuclear arms control treaty in force between the two nuclear superpowers was about to expire on Feb. 5 before they agreed to preserve it.
Republic Day violence: Delhi Police files case against Tharoor, others

India

pti-Deepika S

New Delhi, Jan 30: The Delhi Police has filed a case against Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai, The Caravan and others for allegedly misleading public regarding the death of a protester at ITO during the violence on Republic Day, officials said on Saturday.

The case has been registered at the IP Estate police station under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, police said.

Earlier, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and six journalists have been booked by the Noida Police for sedition, among other charges, over the violence during the farmers'' tractor rally in Delhi, officials had said.

Farmers protest: FIR against Shashi Tharoor, Rajdeep Sardesai, six others over Jan 26 violence in Delhi

Madhya Pradesh police have also filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Tharoor and the six journalists over their ''misleading'' tweets on the violence during the farmers'' tractor rally in Delhi.

On January 26, thousands of protesting farmers had clashed with the police during the tractor rally called by farmer unions to highlight their demand for repeal of the Centre''s three farm laws.

Many of the protesters, driving tractors, reached the Red Fort and entered the monument. Some protesters even hoisted religious flags on its domes and the flagstaff at the ramparts.
George Flowers was walking to get his first cup of coffee Saturday morning when he looked out of the window of his 14th-floor condo and saw a massive black plume of smoke billowing over the boardwalk in Ocean City, N.J.

I got onto Facebook Live as soon as I could, Flowers, 67, said. Then the flames erupted and it looked like a full block of the boardwalk was on fire.

According to a news release from the Ocean City Fire Department, firefighters responded to the 1000 block of the boardwalk at 7:40 a.m. as fire moved through an area that contains Playlands Castaway Cove, Hamburger Construction Co., and Dairy Queen.

Firefighters, police, and public works employees established a three-block perimeter around the blaze while firefighters from seven other area departments assisted in extinguishing the flames. By late Saturday morning, the fire was declared under control, but first responders remained on scene to handle hot spots, according to the release.

The department said none of the buildings were occupied at the time of the fire and there were no reported injuries.

While the boardwalk does not appear to have suffered any structural damage, the building housing the businesses was extensively damaged, the department said.

The owners of Playlands Castaway Cove, located at 1020 Boardwalk, vowed to rebuild in a post on Facebook.

We struggle to comprehend this mornings events and what will be of the next few months, but we can assure you this, WE WILL REBUILD!! the owners wrote, in part. We have a secondary entrance that will now be our main entrance for the foreseeable future. We will be open sooner rather than later! For now, hug your loved ones, pray for the first responders and know that we will be back in the spring of 2021!

As of noon Saturday, more than 1,000 people had shared the post.

Flowers, a Realtor who has lived in Ocean City for 23 years, said that at one point more than 6,700 people were tuned in to his Facebook Live video of the fire. He said his first thought was of the first responders, who had to battle the blaze in freezing temperatures.

Next, his mind turned to his beloved boardwalk and all it has been through recently, from its closure at the beginning of the tourist season due to the pandemic to the foreclosure of Gillians Wonderland Pier, which The Inquirer reported on Tuesday.

He hoped every business damaged in the fire will be able to rebuild and was bolstered by news that Playlands owners had already vowed to do so.

I have grandkids ranging from 6 months to 12 years old and we love the Ocean City boardwalk. Weve been coming here for years, since I was a child, Flowers said. I cant wait till Castaway Cove rebuilds.

The fire department urged all people to avoid the affected area of the boardwalk and said access will be restored when conditions allow.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Staff writer Amy S. Rosenberg contributed to this article.
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The federal government has been forced to arrange repatriation flights for residents and visitors stranded on Norfolk Island after the only airline catering to the remote territory withdrew its services.

Air New Zealand suspended its services after the Australian announcement that quarantine-free flights between New Zealand would stop as health authorities sought to trace new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases reported by our trans-Tasman neighbours.

Norfolk Island Administrator Eric Hutchinson said he would provide an update in coming days about air services beyond Wednesday. Credit:Getty

This meant crews operating flights between Norfolk Island and the Australian mainland would need to undertake 14 days in hotel quarantine or be based in Australia, an Air New Zealand spokeswoman said.

The travel arrangements between the two countries were extended from Thursday, January 28, for three days until 2pm on Sunday after two cases of the new highly contagious strain of COVID-19 were detected in Auckland.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 30 : Martyrs' Day is observed every year on January 30 to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. On this occasion, Kerala remembered Gandhi on his 73rd death anniversary on Saturday. He had paid five visits to the state and the first one was regarding his most cherished issue of 'Hindu-Muslim' unity.

Gandhi was assassinated on this day in 1948 by Nathuram Godse.

In his first ever visit to Kerala, Gandhi reached Kozhikode from Trichy by train and then went to the coastal town of Malabar on August 18, 1920. He had a series of meetings with Hindu and Muslim leaders and discussed the importance of the Khilafat movement, besides fighting the British and throwing them out of the country.

Senior Congress leader and Chairman of Gandhi Centre, V.S. Hareendranath told IANS: "Mahatma Gandhi was a towering personality who always stood for communal amity as well as religious dialogues and also worked for the downtrodden. It was very clear that during the Khilafat movement his main plank was of Hindu-Muslim unity, which he emphasised at Kozhikode during his 1920 visit, as per records available with us." Gandhi addressed a mega rally of 20,000 people at Vellayil beach in Kozhikode on the evening of the same day. K. Madhavan Nair who later became the first KPCC president, translated the Mahatma's speech.

Gandhiji's second Kerala visit in 1925 was on March 8, and he stayed in the state till March 19. He met several prominent personalities during the visit. The prime focus of his visit was the Vaikom satyagraha which was for the entry of the lower castes to the Vaikkom Mahadeva Temple.

The Mahatma visited Sivagiri and met the spiritual leader Sree Narayana Guru and also stayed at Varkala.

During his third visit to the state, he reached Thrissur on October 14, 1927 and met students of Sarvodaya school, Thrissur and inspired them to wear Khadi as part of the nationalist movement.

It was during this visit that a girl, Kaumudi walked boldly to the stage from where the Mahatma was addressing the students and removed all her gold ornaments and donated them to him. She also pledged not to wear gold anymore. Gandhiji had later written an article in Harijan by the title "Kaumudi Ka Tyag".

The Mahatma on his fourth visit to Kerala reached Shoranur, Palakkad on January 10, 1934 with his wife Kasturba Gandhi. She opened the Kaimadham Ayyappa temple to Dalits and this was the first temple opened for the Dalit community in India.

Gandhiji visited the Matrubhumi press at Kozhikode during this visit and unveiled a photograph of K Madhavan Nair, the first KPCC president who had passed away by then.

The fifth visit of the Mahatma was from January 12-21, 1937 and the main purpose was mostly to participate in the Temple Entry Proclamation declared by the Travancore Maharaja Sree Chithira Tirunal Balaramavarma on November 12, 1936.

Hareendranath said: "Mahatma Gandhi had shaped the modern Kerala very well, as we can see right from the Khilafat movement visit in 1920 till his visit to Travancore for the Temple Entry Proclamation, he was touching on social subjects and striking a chord with the people of the state and that is his greatness."

The rest of the world can only look on in envy as New Zealand residents enjoy concerts, sports matches and festivals in packed venues. Their success in containing  and crushing  Covid came at the price of effectively shutting themselves off from the rest of the world.

But last week it confirmed its first case of Covid-19 in the community for over two months, when a returning New Zealand resident tested positive a full 10 days after leaving her 14-day mandatory isolation/quarantine (known as MIQ).

Its a timely reminder of how difficult it is to contain this invisible and deadly virus, even with the strictest of quarantine and testing regimes, as Ireland makes plans to introduce its own compulsory quarantine regime for travellers.

The announcement during the week that those travellers who enter the country without a negative Covid test, as well as those coming from Brazil or South Africa, would have to quarantine for 14 days met a mixed response. Some said it didnt go far enough  indeed, its a much diluted version of MIQ thats a lot leakier than the watertight New Zealand process. Others pointed out that MIQ is less straightforward than it sounds, with issues such as exemptions, security, transport and logistics to be considered.

Both Australia and New Zealand insist on MIQ for all incoming travellers but its not as simple as just deciding to suck it up and spend a fortnight in a hotel room. Its typically only returning citizens who qualify but limits on the number of travellers they can accommodate in MIQ means the countries have restricted the number of planes that can land each week. Vouchers for a spot in a quarantine facility must be applied for in advance. Accommodation varies from the most basic airport facilities to five-star establishments, but travellers do not get a choice. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided  apparently the quality varies widely  and cleaning is infrequent. Thats despite them paying NZ$3,000-5,000 (1,7502,900) for the privilege.

PCR tests for Covid are carried out on day three and day 12, but since the emergence of the new variants, an additional test is carried out within 24 hours of arrival. Those who test positive go into quarantine, while those who test negative go into isolation  note the distinction. Quarantine facilities have increased health, safety and cleaning measures, and additional restrictions on movements.

Its a similar experience in Australia. But even then, it isnt foolproof. The second wave of the disease that struck the Australian state of Victoria last summer was traced back to two small outbreaks in quarantine hotels. A public inquiry found that travellers had transmitted the virus to hotel and security staff due to poor infection control.

And just how did the New Zealand woman at the centre of their latest Covid controversy catch the virus? Authorities now say they believe the source of the infection was probably a fellow traveller at the quarantine facility and are investigating the possibility that the virus had spread through the hotels ventilation and air conditioning systems.

Given the logistical and practical difficulties with mandatory quarantine, and as more of the worlds population receives the vaccine, how can international travel become easier while still remaining safe? Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan has already warned the Government that the system where someone must produce a negative or not detected PCR test result on arrival into Ireland will miss as many as 40pc of cases. While there has been much discussion of rapid antigen tests which give a quick result and indicate the current presence of disease by picking up live virus  Ireland and many other countries have been slow to adopt them.

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Concerns about their accuracy and high rate of false negatives mean that PCR testing is widely considered the gold standard. But even that has its own issues. It is thought that it produces its own share of false negatives, while it can also pick up the virus long after a person has stopped being infectious. While active virus has not been detected in an infected person after day nine (hence the 10-day isolation period here), PCR tests can return a positive result for weeks or even months after a Covid diagnosis, as it detects particles of dead virus lingering in a persons nose or throat.

Incubation period

PCR is also just a snapshot in time. While it may not detect the presence of the virus at that time, thats not to say a person might not develop symptoms later that week  or even later that day. Hence the multiple tests that travellers to New Zealand and Australia must undertake because of the two- to 14-day incubation period of the virus. Although turnaround times have shrunk considerably since the beginning of the pandemic, it still necessitates the sample being transported to a centralised lab before it can be analysed, and the result logged and delivered.

This week the HSE took delivery of 500,000 rapid antigen tests. These will be used in certain situations for healthcare workers over the coming weeks, while people arriving for Covid-19 testing will also be asked to take part in a wider project to assess the accuracy of the test.

Antigen tests are faster and cheaper, and may yet serve to help open up international travel, if concerns about their accuracy can be allayed. Now all commercial drivers arriving in France from Ireland must produce a negative test result, and antigen testing has been deemed acceptable for this purpose.

Certainly, if the hauliers are using it as a standard thing why not everybody? said Trinity College Dublin immunologist Professor Luke ONeill this week. The World Health Organisation recently said that more reliable antigen tests will be available soon. Those of us with wanderlust say they cant come soon enough.

FLINT, MI -- Attorneys for Gov. Rick Snyders former communications director and chief of staff have joined his former boss in asking a Genesee County judge to dismiss the Flint water crisis indictment against him.

Attorneys for Jarrod Agen, 43, charged with perjury in relation to the water crisis, filed the motion Friday, Jan. 29, saying the indictment by a one-man grand jury improperly relies entirely on bare, general statutory language, failing to provide Agen with required notice of the false statement he allegedly made during his Flint water testimony on Feb. 11, 2017.

The motion also says the case should not be heard in Genesee County because Mr. Agens Flint water testimony took place in Lansing, Michigan, making venue proper in Ingham County, not Genesee County, and says the grand juror who returned the indictment -- Genesee Circuit Judge David Newblatt -- lacked jurisdiction to investigate and charge Mr. Agen because his Flint water testimony took place in Ingham County, not Genesee County.

Attorneys for Snyder are also asking a Genesee District Court judge to also dismiss criminal charges against him, also claiming he was charged in the wrong county.

Mr. Agen took no part in the decision to switch the city of Flints water source to the Flint River; indeed, that decision had already been made in 2013, prior to Mr. Agens tenure in the Governors Office, the court filing says. Mr. Agen also made no substantive policy decisions relating to Flints water during his tenure as director of communications, which ran from January 2014 to January 2016. His role during that time period was primarily focused on receiving and disseminating information to the press and public.

On January 4, 2016, Mr. Agen became the governors chief of staff ... Law enforcement has never called into question Mr. Agens actions during his time working in the Governors Office, and he is not the subject of criminal charges or allegations of wrongdoing relating to that work, the motion says.

Agen is charged with willfully making a false statement or statement under oath during an investigative subpoena interview in early 2017. The charge is a felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

Agens motion to dismiss was filed by attorneys J. Benjamin Dolan and Seth B. Waxman of the Dickson Wright law firm. Waxman has filed a motion to allow him to practice in Michigan to defend Agen.

A hearing on that motion to allow him to defend Agen is scheduled before Genesee Circuit Court Judge Elizabeth Kelly on Feb. 8.

A spokeswoman for Michigan Solicitor General Fadwa Hammoud, a lead prosecutor in the Flint water cases, said in an email Friday that the office will respond to any and all (motions) defendants may file in court.

Read more:

Former federal prosecutor files to represent ex-Snyder chief of staff in Flint water perjury case

Snyder attorney makes it official, asks judge to dismiss Flint water charges against ex-governor

Former Gov. Snyder, 8 others criminally charged, accused of trampling trust of Flint people
Giani Harpreet Singh, chief of Akal Takht, the highest temporal body of the Sikhs on Friday condemned the violence during the farmers' tractor parade on Republic Day but added that it was "not a crime" to hoist Nishan Sahib on a vacant flag post at the Red Fort.

'Violence cannot be justified': Akal Takth chief

"Violence by farmers or police at Red Fort cant be justified. But the controversy over hoisting Nishan Sahib over vacant flag pole at Red Fort is a non-issue, the Jathedar said in a statement. He also advised the leaders of the farmers' agitation to continue to talk with the government and asked them to take a few steps backwards if needed. "The solution lies in the talks," he said.

He said that the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee organises Fateh March every year to Red Fort with Nishan Sahib. "Nishan Sahib is hoisted at Galwan Valley. Nishan Sahib was part of Republic Day Parade this year. It is not right to criticise Nishan Sahib by calling it the flag of Khalistan," he said.

On the Republic Day violence, the Akal Takht head said that "it has been seen quite often that when crowds are agitating, the real miscreants who create trouble are generally let off and innocents arrested for nothing." He said that it is the responsibility of the leaders at the forefront to maintain the sanctity of the protest and asked them not to indulge in a blame game.

READ | Bhim Army chief meets Rakesh Tikait at Ghazipur; extends support to strengthen protest

READ | SC panel holds talks with 17 farmer organisations from 11 states over Centre's Farm Laws

Violence on Republic Day in Delhi

Delhi witnessed violence during the farmers' tractor rally on January 26 to highlight their demand for the repeal of the Centre's three farm laws. Many of the protesters, driving tractors, reached the Red Fort and entered the monument. Some protesters even hoisted religious flags on its domes and the flagstaff at the ramparts, where the national flag is unfurled by the Prime Minister on Independence Day.

The Delhi Police has urged people to share any evidence or information about Republic Day violence. The Delhi Police on Wednesday said that 25 criminal cases were registered in connection with the violence in which 394 personnel were injured and 30 police vehicles damaged.

READ | Israeli officials may visit India to probe blast near embassy; bigger explosion suspected

READ | TN CM Palaniswami meets Guv over release of 7 convicts in Rajiv Gandhi assassination case

(With agency inputs)

Are two face masks better than one in shielding against COVID-19? Here's what Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top infectious disease expert in the United States, had to say.

This week, Fauci was asked if people should wear more than one mask simultaneously. He responded it made more sense that it would be more effective.

As COVID-19 continues to cut a steady path throughout the U.S., some people wonder what they can do to combat the novel coronavirus and its variants in addition to standard regulations.

Are Two Face Masks Better Than One?

According to Dr. Fauci, "It likely does because this is a physical covering to prevent droplets and virus to get in. If you have a physical covering with one layer and you put another layer on it, it just makes common sense that it likely would be more effective," reported WJHL.

He is not the only physician in favor of wearing two face masks.

How to Double Mask

One quick option is to use a homemade balaclava mask over your existing mask to have several additional layers of cotton. Ronit Bose Roy, a Twitter user from Mumbai whose almost 330,000 followers include Salman Rushdie, showed how to fold a T-shirt into a face mask in 30 seconds. The video has garnered over 1.9 million views.

The first step is to pull a T-shirt over your head until the neck opening lines up with your nose. Second, fold the bottom of the shirt up once, and double-fold it down across your face. Lastly, criss-cross the back of the T-shirt once and pull it up over the top of your head.

Meanwhile, in Canada, Manitoba has not yet altered its stance on the number of masks people should be wearing in the province. Other experts stated wearing over one mask at a time could be beneficial in several cases.

Dr. Anand Kumar, a Winnipeg critical care and infectious disease specialist, has been studying the efficacy of face masks. He agrees with Fauci, as it provides an extra layer to help diminish the number of particles being spread from an individual's mouth when they sneeze, talk, and cough, reported Global News.

Multiple variants of the coronavirus have surfaced in the United States. Some are more easily prevalent among people. Data is beginning to suggest that some variants could be more threatening.

According to Michael LeVasseur, assistant professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at Drexel University, "It's like opening a lock. If you're trying to open a door with a bobby pin, that's going to take a little longer, but if you have the key that fits the lock, it's now a lot quicker to open the door. The virus itself is becoming better suited to infecting cells. It's more efficient," reported Inquirer.

It could mean that it takes less time and less amount of the virus to get infected upon exposure.

In last week's inauguration of U.S. President Joe Biden, one new trend was double masking. Underneath Biden's black face covering was a medical-grade mask. Also, underneath poet Amanda Gorman's red and diamante-strewn mask was another mask.

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

Writer Beer & Society

There is nothing that cannot be discussed and worked out over a beer. Join me as I explore local beer, breweries and how they can civilize us.
Ellsworth: Did you get the message from your body?
Gov. Kate Brown reversed course Friday under political pressure and ordered state officials to resume publishing full details of each Oregonian who dies with COVID-19.

Browns turnaround came less than 48 hours after the Oregon Health Authority discontinued sharing specifics of each death and less than 24 hours after Browns spokesman defended the agencys decision.

Brown ordered the Oregon Health Authority to publish full death details weekly rather than daily, as the agency had done for 10 months.

But state health officials said theyll resume daily reporting next week, perhaps as soon as Monday, with a daily obligation more convenient for their workflow.

In a pandemic, Oregonians must have access to timely info to keep themselves & their families safe, Brown said via Twitter. She directed the Oregon Health Authority to disclose all data on COVID-19 deaths weekly, including the date the individual tested positive, their age, location & underlying health conditions.

Oregon has been one of few states, if not the only, to disclose a wide assortment of detailed information about each person who dies with COVID-19. As an example, the states 1,888th fatality was an 82-year-old Douglas County man with underlying medical conditions who tested positive Jan. 14 and died Jan. 23 at Mercy Medical Center.

Officials at the Oregon Health Authority said providing that level of detail every day became too burdensome, particularly as deaths reached record highs in December. The agency abruptly announced Wednesday it would stop providing that information and instead would disclose only the number of new deaths and associated age ranges for Oregonians who died.

Browns office initially defended the decision to stop reporting broad details, asserting that a new online data page would continue to give Oregonians a full picture of COVID-19 deaths in the state.

But lawmakers on both sides of the aisle disliked the change. Senate and House Republicans excoriated Oregons Democratic governor, questioning if it was a cover-up linked to Browns decision to prioritize vaccinations for teachers ahead of vulnerable seniors, whose deaths would no longer be as simple to track.

House Speaker Tina Kotek, a Democrat from Portland, also called for release of the information in an interview Friday with The Oregonian/OregonLive editorial board.

I think that information should be provided, she said. It does humanize the toll of the pandemic when people can at least know how old somebody was, when they got a test. I think its very vital information to have.

Browns reversal could also head off more difficult conversations in the Capitol. The Oregonian/OregonLive filed a public records request for the full death details the state stopped disclosing Wednesday, which the Oregon Health Authority subsequently denied Friday citing a state law that gives the agency unchecked authority on what to release about public health investigations.

Kotek demurred on whether the law needed to change.

This is the balance of, we can get into the weeds on stuff we dont like, she said. Is now the time to do that? Right now, Im just like, Get that information back out. I think its important.

Brown announced her reversal on the death information a few hours later.

-- Brad Schmidt; bschmidt@oregonian.com; 503-294-7628; @_brad_schmidt
(UroToday.com) The rare tumors session at the European Association of Urology (EAU) Section of Oncological Urology (ESOU) 2021 Virtual meeting included a presentation discussing new developments in inguinal lymph node dissection and sentinel node biopsy, by Dr. Oscar Brouwer from The Netherlands Cancer Institute. Dr. Brouwer notes that penile cancer survival is highly dependent on lymph node status and that appropriate management of the regional lymph nodes is crucial for patient survival. Older studies suggest that early resection of occult metastasis versus resection after the disease is palpable during surveillance significantly improves cancer-specific survival (84% vs 35% at 3 years).



Among clinical N0 patients, approximately 20% will still harbor occult metastases, and currently, there are no useful/validated nomograms available for penile cancer and predicting which clinical N0 patients are clinical N positive. For these clinical N0 patients, non-invasive inguinal staging techniques remain inaccurate. Inguinal ultrasound has a low sensitivity (39%), but with the addition of fine needle aspiration does have a relatively high specificity. A positive fine needle aspiration would then allow patients/clinicians to proceed to inguinal lymph node dissection confidently and thus reduce the number of groins undergoing aggressive staging. Furthermore, CT or MRI cannot detect micrometastases reliably (sensitivity approximately 20-40%), and neither can PET/CT with sensitivities of ~57% and specificities of 88-92% in clinical N0 patients. Therefore, at the present time, surgical staging remains indispensable for clinical N0 patients.



Invasive staging options have historically included radical inguinal lymph node dissection, which has the highest sensitivity, but also has the highest morbidity (50-65% complication rate), and results in over-treatment of 80% of men with clinical N0 disease. Over the last decade or so, clinicians have moved toward the modified inguinal lymph node dissection, which has good sensitivity, but still with a potential morbidity rate of 38-58%. Several surgical approaches have been explored over the last decade, including video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (VEIL) and robotic-assisted-VEIL (RA-VEIL). As follows is a summary of these studies:







The dynamic sentinel node biopsy is an option for maintaining a good sensitivity for detecting lymph node metastases, but with a much lower complication rate (6-21%) compared to inguinal lymph node dissection. The sentinel lymph node concept is such that the sentinel node is the first site of nodal metastasis, where a pN0 at the sentinel node is equivalent to a pN0 in the ipsilateral lymph node basin, thus the sentinel node biopsy spares patients an unnecessary lymph node dissection:









The evolution of the sentinel node procedure dates back to the 1990s, first pioneered in melanoma and breast cancer, finally gaining momentum in penile cancer in the early 2000s.1 The traditional sentinel node procedure for penile cancer is as follows:

Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy after injection of 99m Tc-nanocolloid

Tc-nanocolloid Intraoperative gamma probe and blue dye

The false-negative rate for this technique has been 5-15%, but better at high volume centers

Innovations to improve dynamic sentinel node biopsy include the utilization of SPECT/CT. Using SPECT-CT (i) increases sensitivity (detection of more sentinel nodes), (ii) allows for three-dimensional reconstruction (differentiation between sentinel nodes and higher echelon pelvic nodes), (iii) helps visualize the sentinel node in cases where non-visualization can be 10-35%, and (iv) CT imaging can identify pathologic nodes that did not pick up the tracer:









Additional innovations include dual labeled/hybrid tracers, which combines traditional radioactive 99mTc-nanocolloid and fluorescent indocyanine green, allowing radio- and fluorescent guidance with ICG-99mTc-nanocolloid  the best of both worlds. In a recently published study in European Urology from Dr. Brouwers group, they aimed to confirm the reliability of ICG-99mTc-nanocolloid and to assess whether blue dye is still of added value.2 This study included 400 men with T1G2N0 penile cancer that were staged with sentinel biopsy; sentinel nodes were preoperatively identified with lymphoscintigraphy and SPECT-CT. Intraoperatively, sentinel nodes were detected via gamma tracing, blue staining, and fluorescence imaging. Among 740 groins assessed, all preoperatively defined sentinel lymph nodes (n=1,163) were localized intraoperatively. Among all excised sentinel lymph nodes, 98% were detectable with gamma probe and 96% were visible with fluorescence imaging. In patients who received ICG-99mTc-nanocolloid and blue dye, fluorescence imaging yielded a 39% higher sentinel node detection rate than blue dye (95% CI 36-43%, p<0.001). Furthermore, of the sentinel nodes that were tumor positive, 100% were intraoperatively visualized by fluorescence imaging, whereas only 84% of the positive nodes stained blue.





Dr. Brouwer concluded his presentation with the following take-home messages:

Invasive staging remains necessary in intermediate/high-risk cN0 patients

There is a balancing act optimizing diagnostic accuracy, while at the same time minimizing morbidity

The current winner is the dynamic sentinel node biopsy, particularly at high volume centers

The most important factor during inguinal lymph node dissection is the number of lymph nodes removed

Further research is aimed at more precisely removing the sentinel node only

Presented by: Oscar R. Brouwer, MD, PhD, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Written by: Zachary Klaassen, MD, MSc  Urologic Oncologist, Assistant Professor of Urology, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University/Medical College of Georgia Twitter: @zklaassen_md during the 18th Meeting of the EAU Section of Oncological Urology (ESOU21), January 29-31, 2021

References:
The last Holden car built in Australia was auctioned on Saturday, selling for an eye-watering $750,000.

The bright red 2017 Holden VF was the last vehicle to be assembled, welded together and painted in an auto body shop on Australian soil.

The last Holden made in Australia. Credit:Llloyds

Holden ceased production in Australia after the closure of its last factory in Elizabeth, 24 kilometres north of Adelaide, in October 2017. Holden has since switched to imported models from Germany.

According to auctioneers Lloyds, workers at Australias now-shuttered Holden factories took photos with the car and held signs emblazoned with the words last Holden. The car also bears the number plate FINL 01.



American drugmaker Johnson & Johnson said Friday that its one-shot vaccine prevented COVID-19 in a large trial around the world. The vaccine, however, was less effective in South Africa where a worrisome variant is causing new infections.

The Johnson & Johnson, or J&J, trial involved almost 44,000 volunteers. The company said the vaccine worked best in the United States with an efficacy rate of 72 percent. In Latin America, efficacy was 66 percent. J&J reported that South Africa saw the lowest efficacy rate of the vaccine, at 57 percent.

On Thursday, another American company, Novavax, reported its own COVID-19 vaccine candidate was 89 percent effective among volunteers in Britain. But the results dropped to 49 percent with a smaller group of volunteers in South Africa.

The two-shot vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna were found to be nearly 95 percent effective against COVID-19 in large trials. Those trials, however, were held mainly in the U.S. And they took place before the spread of the new coronavirus variants from Britain, Brazil and South Africa.



Dr. Paul Stoffels is J&Js chief scientific officer. He noted that the World Health Organization considers a one-shot treatment to be the best choice to vaccinate people during a pandemic. Stoffels also pointed to the trials finding that the vaccine is 85 percent effective in preventing severe COVID-19. This offers hope of helping ease the huge burden placed on healthcare systems and communities, he said.

Dr. Anthony Fauci is the U.S. governments top infectious disease expert. He said the Johnson & Johnson study was very encouraging.

At a coronavirus briefing Friday, Fauci called the emerging variants a wake-up call for all of us. He added that the best way to prevent more coronavirus variants is by vaccinating as many people as you possibly can.

J&J said it will seek U.S. Food and Drug Administration permission in early February for emergency use of the vaccine. The agency requires a 50 percent or better efficacy rate to be approved for emergency use.

COVID-19 variants

Like other viruses, SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, is continually changing. Sometimes new variants appear and disappear. Other times, new variants appear and spread across many countries.

Medical experts are especially concerned about the three SARS-CoV-2 variants that came from Britain, Brazil and South Africa. The U.S. governments Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says they appear to spread more easily and quickly than other variants.



In Britain, a coronavirus variant known as B.1.1.7 was first recognized in September 2020. It quickly spread throughout the country and now is spreading throughout Europe, the United States and Canada.

The coronavirus variant called P.1 was first identified in four travelers from Brazil who were tested at an airport near Tokyo, Japan in January. It has spread to many countries including Germany, South Korea and the U.S.

In South Africa, another variant called B.1.351 appeared in early October. It has since spread to more than 30 countries including Australia, South Korea and Germany. On Thursday, American health officials reported the appearance of the South African variant in the U.S. They identified two cases in the state of South Carolina. The patients had no links to one another and neither had traveled recently. The experts say this suggests community spread started with a yet unidentified carrier.

At this time, U.S. health agency experts says there is no evidence that new coronavirus variants cause more severe sickness or increased risk of death.

However, scientists have reported that antibodies from a small number of people who had recovered from COVID-19 were less effective against the variant from South Africa. Now, the results from J&J and Novavax trials confirm that current vaccines might be less effective against the South African variant than others.

Both Moderna and Pfizer have since announced they are testing a booster of the approved vaccines against the new variants.

Im Caty Weaver.

Hai Do wrote this story for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor.

________________________________________________

Words in This Story

variant - n. something (the virus) that is different in some way from others of the same kind

burden - n. something that is difficult to deal with

encouraging - adj. causing hopeful feeling

booster - n. something that helps
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday thanked Bahrain's crown prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad for their partnership in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Warm thanks to HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad. India is proud to partner Bahrain in fighting Covid-19. We will continue to strengthen our long-standing civilisational ties," PMO tweeted.

Prior to this, Bahrain's crown prince expressed gratitude to PM Modi for cooperation to secure the delivery of the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine.

"HRH the CP and PM Salman bin Hamad: Bahrain thanks Narendra Modi and our friends in India for working with us to secure the delivery of the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine. A sign of India's global generosity and the strong partnership enjoyed between our two nations," Court of the Crown Prince tweeted.

India and Bahrain enjoy historic close and multifaceted ties which include regular high-level political exchanges and interactions, trade & economic, culture, and people to people contacts.

The State visit of PM Modi to Bahrain in August 2019, the first-ever visit by an Indian PM to the Kingdom, deepened and diversified and provided great momentum to our bilateral ties in key areas viz. maritime security, hydrocarbon sector, space technology, renewable energy, health, fintech, IT, infrastructure and construction and cultural and educational exchanges.

EAM's visit to Bahrain in November 2020 carried forward the momentum in bilateral cooperation. The Foreign Minister of Bahrain is likely to visit India soon for the 3rd meeting of the India-Bahrain High Joint Commission.

Our bilateral trade and investment have shown a positive trend in recent years. Bilateral trade is around USD 1 billion. Despite being a small country, investment from Bahrain into India has been substantial. Cumulative FDI inflows from Bahrain to India in 2019 were USD 180 million.

At over 3,50,000 Indians are the largest expatriate community in Bahrain. India including the Indian community in Bahrain are the largest investors in Bahrain with a cumulative investment of over USD 1.5 billion. The Indian community has also immensely contributed in strengthening the cultural links between our two countries.

India and Bahrain have excellent cooperation in dealing with Covid-19. GOI provided 100,000 doses of Covishield vaccines as a gift to Bahrain on 28.01.2021. Earlier, GOI provided 1.5 million HCQ tablets to Bahrain, besides facilitating a special flight to bring Indian nurses and medical professionals to Bahrain for treatment of Covid-19 patients in Bahrain.

Under 'Vande Bharat Mission', over 60,000 Indian nationals travelled back to India from Bahrain. The leadership of Bahrain provided medical and other necessary support to the Indian community in Bahrain, besides support and facilitation to VBM.

Both countries operationalized 'Air Bubble' arrangement w.e.f. 11 September 2020, under which national carriers of both countries are operating a specified number of flights both ways. Over 30,000 Indian nationals have traveled back to Bahrain from India under this arrangement. (ANI)

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A USPS mail carrier is being called an 'angel' after noticing an elderly resident hadn't collected her mail in several days  and ultimately ended up saving her life.

Eight-year Chicago USPS mail carrier Shonda Lemon, 34, pays attention to residents on her route, and has a particular 'soft spot' for the elderly  which is how she noticed that Helen Iwanski, 89, had left several days' worth of mail in her mailbox.

Concerned, Lemon knocked on the door to check on her and then called the police, who discovered that Iwanski had fallen and been stuck on the floor for several days.

Hero: Chicago USPS mail carrier Shonda Lemon, 34, noticed that Helen Iwanski, 89, hadn't fetched her mail in several days

She knocked on the door to check on her but received no response, so she called the police and requested a wellness check. Police found that Iwanski had fallen and had been injured on the floor for days without food or water

Lemon told CNN that the elderly 'just take a special place in my heart.'

She knew Iwanksi in particular to be 'a nice and considerate old lady,' adding: 'When she would come to the door, I would check on her.'

The pair have greeted each other often and exchanged kind gestures  Lemon wraps Iwanksi's mail in rubber bands to make it easier for her to grip, while Iwanski leaves Lemon pieces of candy.

But on January 14, Lemon noticed Iwanski that hadn't fetched her mail from the mailbox in several days.

'It was out of the ordinary for her not to get her mail, especially with the rubber bands being on it,' Lemon said.

'I knew there was something wrong,' she added to NBC.

Lemon said she has a 'soft spot' for the elderly and see herself 'as one of Gods children looking after his other kids'

Lemon tried knocking on the door to check on Iwanksi, and when she got no response, she called the police and requested they do a wellness check.

When the police came, they found that Iwanksi fell and had been lying injured on the floor without food or water for several days.

Lemon admitted she cried when she found out, feeling 'overwhelmed' and relieved the Iwanksi was still alive.

'When I heard that, my heart trembled,' she said.

Iwanksi was admitted to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois, and has since been transferred to a rehab for further recovery.

Her niece Mary Mason said that Iwanksi called Leon her 'angel.'

Lemon said she cried when she learned Iwanski was still alive; the elderly woman is now recovering at a rehab facility

In a statement, the USPS said it is 'very proud' of Lemon's actions.

'Postal Service employees know the habits of their customers and the rhythms of their communities, and are often the first to notify emergency personnel and render aid when something is wrong,' the said.

'Employees have been commended for going above and beyond the call of duty in a variety of situations, such as assisting lost children, getting help for sick or injured customers, spotting fires, and more. It's another example of the heroic actions taken by an employee in the neighborhood they serve.'

Lemon, though, said she doesn't see herself as a 'hero.'

'I just look at myself as one of Gods children looking after his other kids. That was my blessing for the day, that she was okay,' she said.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-30 04:00:10|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

PARIS, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- To stem the spread of coronavirus, France will close its borders to countries outside the European Union except for essential travel, starting from Sunday, Prime Minister Jean Castex announced on Friday evening.

"Any entry into France and any exit from our territory to or from a country outside the European Union will be prohibited, unless there is a compelling reason, from 00:00 on Sunday," said Castex following a cabinet meeting at the presidential palace. Enditem
Breathtaking: Inside The NHS At A Time Of Pandemic

Rachel Clarke Little, Brown 16.99

Rating:

What is it like to watch as a patient gulps for his last breath, eyes bulging at you in terror? How does it feel to be breathless yourself, stuck behind a sweaty visor that steams up so badly you fear making a life-threatening blunder?

And why does being hailed as a hero by politicians every Thursday evening start to seem like a sick joke? Welcome to the world of the hospital doctor in a time of pandemic.

Rachel Clarke is an NHS consultant in palliative care. In normal times her work involves helping terminally ill patients leave this world as gently as possible. But in the spring of 2020, her hospice is repurposed as a Covid Response Centre and she is tasked with caring for critically ill patients who, a mere fortnight earlier, were commuting by train and taking their grandchildren to the park.

This is the story of what happened next.

Rachel Clarke is an NHS consultant in palliative care. In normal times her work involves helping terminally ill patients (above, hand-painted sign outside a house in Aylesbury, in April)

At the beginning of the pandemic, Clarke and her colleagues watch in disbelief as the British Government sleepwalks into disaster. When colleagues in the NHS start to die  devoted nurses, skilful doctors, hard-working porters  her disbelief turns to anger.

There is a terrible moment early on when Clarke is told that the hospice has only 24 hours worth of paper masks left. The NHS has refused to supply any more, which means that her patients  all of whom are dying  will be sent home to manage their last painful days as best as they can.

In desperation Clarke contacts two charities that have been set up to support NHS workers and within 12 hours 1,000 masks are on their way to the hospice. It is a wonderful result, but she believes there is something profoundly wrong about having to rely on public donations to protect the most vulnerable.

Clarke finished writing this book in August, at a time when lockdown was lifted and daily deaths from Covid were down to single figures. Her mood on these final pages is sad but proud and grateful at the way in which the NHS has triumphantly come through the greatest challenge in 70 years.

What we wouldnt give to be living in those times now.

Culloden: Battle & Aftermath

Paul O'Keeffe Bodley Head 25

Rating:

Charles Edward Stuarts campaign to seize the British throne on behalf of his exiled father was initially regarded in Hanoverian circles with smirking amusement. One mooted solution was to infiltrate the Jacobite camp with the working ladies of Drury Lane, and thus incapacitate the enemy with the pox.

Brutally effective victories by rebel forces at Prestonpans and Falkirk, and an incursion deep into England, soon concentrated the mind. At Culloden, on April 16, 1746, Stuarts 5,000-strong army was finally pulverised in 40 minutes by the Duke of Cumberlands superior might.

Paul OKeeffe, author of the excellent Waterloo: The Aftermath, brings the last battle on British soil to life with page-turning vivacity. Using numerous first-hand accounts, he accumulates layers of often horrifying detail.

Men are mutilated, corpses stripped, booty looted. We meet Duncan MacKenzie, a Lochaber man-mountain, six feet four inches who cleft the head to the chin through the helmet of one unfortunate combatant.

If anything, the aftermath of Culloden is more brutal than the event. A grim reckoning is meted out by the Kings men. When 40 injured Scots are discovered sheltering in a hut, the building is sealed and set alight.

Rape is routine. Spectators are swept up in the vengeance. Many who came out of curiosity to see the action, or perhaps to get plunder, never went home again to tell the story. The road to Inverness ran red with blood.

IT'S A FACT The Jacobite army wasnt all Scottish: some English volunteers fought for the Bonnie Prince, including one listed as a soap boiler. Advertisement

OKeeffe tracks the survivors from glen and isle to their final destinations: castle prisons, jail ships, gibbet, block, gallows. Of some 3,000 Jacobite men arrested, one-fifth died of typhus, and only one in 20 of those remaining faced trial for treason; lots were drawn to determine who faced the hangman.

Many were sentenced to lives of indentured servitude in the West Indies and Virginia. A few struck lucky. One ship was liberated by pirates near Martinique; a well-connected felon became a colonel in the Prussian army.

As for the Bonnie Prince, he evaded capture for months before slipping away to France. He may have been permitted to escape  as a prisoner he would have become a more dangerous focus of disaffection than as either a fugitive or an exile.

The jingoistic fervour stirred up by Jacobite defeat had one particularly auspicious consequence. In October 1745, two theatre productions in London concluded with a rendition of a new song called God Save The King.

The crushed rebellion gave Britain its national anthem.

Culloden defined its protagonists. The Butcher Cumberland never won another battle. He died at 44, morbidly obese. A post-mortem found not one drop of blood in either of the vesticles of the heart.

Charles returned to Paris before an enforced exile, according to the terms of a peace treaty between Britain and France. Life thereafter was one long debauch, 41 years of decline and disappointment.

He died in the same room in which he was born, his legend resting entirely on the incendiary 14-month revolution that rattled, and reshaped, Georgian Britain.

Graeme Thomson
Yes, Mahatma Gandhi's name has always seen an unending parade of debates around his legacy, but does that mean people should celebrate his death and talk about the 'bravery' of the person who assassinated him?



Apparently, the answer is yes and we don't know what to say.

On Mahatma Gandhi's 73 death anniversary, some people are actually hailing Nathuram Godse, the man who killed Bapu, as a hero and preaching about his bravery.

 Wikipedia

The father of the nation, the freedom fighter, the man who played one of the most important roles in India's independence is being disrespected and his killer is being revered.



Are we in the upside-down from Stranger Things or what?

Safe to say, it's alarming to see #NathuramGodseAmarRahe, especially today, and the tweets in the hashtag are on another level, with users thanking Nathu Bhai for saving the nation.

 Twitter

Even PM Modi is honouring Bapu, as he should.



Tributes to the great Bapu on his Punya Tithi. His ideals continue to motivate millions.



On Martyrs Day we recall the heroic sacrifices of all those great women and men who devoted themselves towards Indias freedom and the well-being of every Indian.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 30, 2021

But, his replies are a mess.

Don't even know if people are trolling at this point or they actually considering Godse their hero? Well, if it's the latter, that would explain so much of what's going on in the country right now.

The most bizarre tweet you will ever see, what is Sushant Singh Rajput doing here?

Exactly! WE SHD THANK NATHURAM for saving our country by killing that TRAITOR BUDDHA



CBI Decode SSR Murder  Puja D (@Puja__Datta) January 30, 2021

By killing Mahatma Gandhi?

No, I don't think we should remember him. What is up with people's morals? Do they have so much hate in their hearts that they are celebrating this?



Today is the day when whole India witnessed the bravery of this man "Nathuram Vinayak Godse" remember the name #NathuramGodse pic.twitter.com/534ZV4br8o  Ak_ash (@unsecular_bong) January 30, 2021

Yes, Actor Siddharth has the right idea.



#NathuramGodse was a coward, a terrorist, an RSS loser and a murderer. May his memory and name always make us as Indians feel deeply ashamed. Gandhiji Amar Rahe.  Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) January 30, 2021

The country is really screwed up right now.

Gandhi Bapu was killed today. My mood#NathuramGodse You brave! pic.twitter.com/QGhHWA1ccy  Harsh Kasera (@_FelicitousOne_) January 30, 2021

Nope, wrong take.

Late #NathuramGodse was a believer of equality. He just couldn't tolerate the unfairness Hindus went through in their own Nation.



That's the tweet. pic.twitter.com/y1rykpMKLc  InstantKarmaaa (@KarmaaaInstant) January 30, 2021

I really want to believe these are all paid trolls but that's just wishful thinking.



Thank you #NathuramGodse for saving all of us !! pic.twitter.com/rJgcSAleUV  Arun Deshpande (@ArunDeshpande20) January 30, 2021

No words.

Divider of India



Salute to #NathuramGodse ji for his bravery and sacrifice to save India from J Nehru and M K Gandhi#___ #__ pic.twitter.com/Od9ILZALv3  Whats In Name (@threeboiledeggs) January 30, 2021

The 'Hindu khatre mei hai' narrative from the 1940s.

#NathuramGodse#MahatmaGandhi

The Brave Man who Provided "Moksha" to the sin soul........for Avoiding further Damage on Hindu community.... pic.twitter.com/mLznvHi7zq  Prajwal_Perumunda/_ (@PPerumunda) January 30, 2021

That is grim.

Thank you #NathuramGodse ji for giving us this chance to celebrate #Gandhi death anniversary.  AaYuu (@A_BrahminGirlll) January 30, 2021

Oh no, sweetie.

#___

He save the nation by shooting hypocrat Gandhi.

We always remember #NathuramGodse Ji to giving greatest sacrifice for Nation pic.twitter.com/GhwrJ2Zzkh  Its_vikrama_Aditya (@vskutwal7) January 29, 2021

I'm speechless, yet again.

Hypothetically, if a lot of people wanted a certain Indian leader dead, would you celebrate the person who might actually assassinate him?

#NathuramGodse was one of

the most amazingg people, innocent one who got punished for doing something everybody at that time wanted to happen.

Source: book "why I killed Gandhi by Nathuram godse".  Joysa Kaushik (@_GoPastBadMyth_) January 30, 2021

These are our doctors, celebrating a murderer.

#NathuramGodse

I m proud that I read about the real hero of the nation

My ideal #_ pic.twitter.com/ND9wi14CBg  Dr Mohit joon (@joonmohit) January 30, 2021

It's almost too late to fix the country.

Brilliant to see Nathuram Godse trending on birth tithi of #MahatmaGandhi

For the first time in history, people are speaking the truth wothout any fear    

Jai Bharat mata 

Jai Shri Ram #NathuramGodse#___    (@indiaAnkita) January 30, 2021

Please don't speak for all Hindus.

We salute u sir

Late #NathuramGodse



Thanks, From the Remaining Hindus from Hindustan. U are forever be remembered. pic.twitter.com/t3txE8CtZC  Sriram l  l  (@VedicSriram) January 30, 2021

Lastly, a challenge.

On the occassion of Death Anniversary of #MahatmaGandhi, Sanghis are showering praise for his assassin #NathuramGodse .



Does @narendramodi have guts to call Godse a Terrorist??  Md Asif Khan (@imMAK02) January 30, 2021






Communities in Schools of San Antonio has received a $1 million grant from USAA to further its efforts to guide at-risk high school students to graduation and beyond.

The donation will help an estimated 750 seniors develop a plan to reach graduation and eventually the growing San Antonio workforce, said Jessica Weaver, the organizations CEO.

Communities in Schools has staff at more than 100 area schools  from elementary to high schools  with counselors who can connect at-risk students and their families to resources for social, mental and emotional well-being.

We work hand-in-hand with the schools to identify those students who really need that extra support and that comprehensive approach to supporting their needs throughout the school year, Weaver said.

The USAA grant allowed the organization to double its on-campus staff, from a single counselor to two, at seven participating high schools in need of extra help: Sam Houston, Highlands, Lanier, Legacy, Southwest, Somerset and Wagner.

Additionally, a counselor is now at three new program participants: CAST Med, CAST STEM and East Central high schools.

USAA had started a mentoring program with the organization last year where students visited the financial services firms campus to learn about workforce opportunities.

The $1 million grant is a further investment in ensuring the pipeline to the regions workforce continues to strengthen despite the challenges brought by the coronavirus pandemic, Weaver said.

The company really did want to advance racial equity in the sense of supporting students of color, she said. In the schools that we were serving, we were already doing that. And we felt like going deeper in the schools that we know we have a lot of need, because weve been there.

Just like the school staff, the organizations counselors are working with students in-person and virtually, while also making house visits to reach students and families that need extra help amid the pandemic.

The grant was awarded in January as a two-year investment from USAA. According to Communities in Schools, 79 percent of students in the selected schools come from low-income backgrounds and 74 percent are at risk of dropping out.

What I appreciate about all of our schools is that they all understand the need for that other type of support for our students, that we cant only look at their academics, you need to look at the whole child, Weaver said.

danya.perez@express-news.net
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The farmers held a day-long fast on Saturday, paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary, as the stir appeared to regain momentum after rallying support from the farmer community of the crucial western Uttar Pradesh region

More farmers gathered Saturday at Gazipur, on the Delhi-Meerut highway, that has now become the new focal point of the stir against the Centre's farm laws, while farmer leaders claimed that protesters were also heading back to Singhu and Tikri protest sites, days after the crowds had waned following the violence at the tractor rally on 26 January.

On Saturday, the farmers also held a day-long fast paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary, as the stir appeared to regain momentum after rallying support from the farmer community of the crucial western Uttar Pradesh region.

Wearing garlands, the farmer leaders, who had called for observing 'Sadbhavana Diwas' (Harmony Day) on Saturday after the immense outrage over violence during the Republic Day tractor rally, sat on the dais during the fast.

The Ministry of Home Affairs ordered a temporary suspension of internet services at Singhu, Ghazipur, and Tikri borders. Apart from these protest sites, internet services also remained suspended in the adjoining areas from 11 pm of 29 January to 11 pm on 31 January.

The decision has been taken to "maintain public safety and averting public emergency" under Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules 2017, PTI reported.

A similar action was taken by the Haryana government on Friday, wherein it suspended internet services in 14 districts.

Security personnel, including from anti-riot police and paramilitary forces, were deployed at the three protest sites. Multiple layers of barricades including concrete blocks were being put at the protest sites.

The Delhi Police, which is investigating the Republic Day violence in the National Capital, on Saturday said that 84 people have been arrested in connection to the incident. A total of 38 cases have been registered so far.

The tractor march by farmers protesting against the three recent agriculture laws had turned violent, leading to chaotic scenes on the streets of the National Capital on Republic Day.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed an all-party meeting on the occasion of the beginning of the Union Budget session and said that the Centre's offer to farmers on the new farm laws "still stands", referring to government's proposal that said that it will stay the implementation of the contentious laws for 18 months.

UP, Uttarkhand farmers join protests at Ghazipur

The numbers of farmers and supporters continued to swell on Saturday, especially in Gazipur, where the Bharatiya Kisan Union is leading the protest.

Addressing the protesters in Gazipur, BKU leader Rakesh Tikait, whose emotional appeal had galvanised farmers from Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand to flock to the protest site, said they have fought this battle for over two months now, and "they won't relent or retreat".

"The movement was and is strong," BKU's Meerut Zone president Pawan Khatana said, a day after tens of thousands of farmers from the politically sensitive western Uttar Pradesh gathered in Muzaffarnagar to participate in a mahapanchayat in a massive outpouring of support for the Bharatiya Kisan Union-led protest.

Till now, the agitation was seen as mainly being led by Punjab-based farmer unions.

A multitude of green-and-white caps, symbolic of the unions spearheading the battle, union flags and the Tricolour, planted on tractors, dotted the highway.

On various tractors and camps, photos of legendary farmer leaders such as Chaudhary Charan Singh and Mahendra Singh Tikait have been put up.

Khatana, who is at the demonstration site with Tikait, said there has been continuous support for the "peaceful protest" against the farmers' demand for removal of the new agri laws.

"This is not a political protest. Anybody who shares the ideology of the BKU and Rakesh Tikait is welcome here. But it is our appeal to those who do not wish to support the movement till the end that please do not come only to leave in between," he said.

Several Opposition parties including the Congress, TMC AAP, RLD and the Left have openly supported the stir.

Leaders expect more protesters by 2 Feb

Abhimanyu Kohar, a senior member of Samkyukt Kisan Morcha which is an umbrella body of farmer unions protesting against the three farm laws, said the ongoing agitation will gain strength as farmers in large numbers will join them in the coming days.

Farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal said in Chandigarh that he expects a record gathering by 2 February at the border points of Delhi.

"People in large numbers from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand are reaching the protest sites," Rajewal claimed.

The president of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Rajewal) also condemned the violence in Delhi on the Republic Day and said it was unfortunate.

"Possibly by 2 February, there will again be a record gathering of people at the protest sites," he said, adding that the agitation would remain peaceful.

Rajewal also criticised the Haryana government for suspending internet services.

He accused the Centre of instilling a sense of fear among people by showing pictures of the "unfortunate incidents", apparently referring to the 26 January violence in Delhi.

Rajewal appealed to those joining the agitation at Delhi's borders to keep the protest peaceful. "It is our responsibility to keep the agitation peaceful," he stressed.

The farmer leader appealed to the Centre to shun its "stubborn attitude" and withdraw the three farm laws.

Asked about the next meeting between the protesting farmers and the government, he said, "When they call us, we will certainly go".

To a question on joining the investigation following notices issued by the Delhi Police to farmer leaders in connection with the Republic Day violence, Rajewal said, "We will send them a reply."

The Delhi Police has issued the notices to around 20 farmer leaders, including Rajewal, over the violence during the farmers' tractor parade, asking why legal action should not be taken against them.

Heavy security deployment, including personnel of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), Rapid Action Force (RAF) in anti-riot gears and civil police, continued at the protest site.

Police had on Friday used tear gas and baton charge to break up a clash between farmers and a large group of men who claimed to be local residents at the Singhu border. The Delhi Traffic Police said movement on the National Highway 24 (Delhi-Meerut Expressway) has been stopped.

Forensic experts visit Red Fort after R-Day violence

A team of forensic experts on Saturday visited the Red Fort to collect evidence on the Republic Day violence. A group of protesters had broken away from the designated route for the farmers' tractor rally and entered the Red Fort and hoisted a religious flag.

The Crime Branch of Delhi Police is investigating the matter and several teams have been formed to identify the culprits. The force has termed the vandalisation at the fort as an "anti-national act".

"A team of forensic experts visited Red Fort and is collecting evidence," an official said.

On Friday, the Delhi Police had issued an appeal in leading newspapers asking people to share any evidence or information about the violence.

"All members of the public, including media persons, who are witnesses to the incidents or have any information about the incident or have captured any activity on their mobile phones or camera, are hereby requested to come forward and give their statements/footage/picture in their possession at room number 215, second floor, Old Delhi Police Headquarters, ITO, during office hours, on any working day or contact on 8750871237 or 011-23490094 or send e-mail on kisanandolanriots.26jain2021@gmail.com," the appeal stated.

On Saturday, the Delhi Police said that it has received 1,700 video clips and CCTV footage from the public so far, and is taking help from forensic experts to analyse the material and identify the culprits.

Centre is 'phone call away' for talks, says Modi

Modi also told leaders of various political parties that the

Addressing leaders of various political parties at the customary all-party meeting convened by the government for the smooth conduct of the Budget Session, the prime minister said on Saturday that the Centre was a "phone call away" for talks with the farmers.

Responding to the references by Opposition leaders about the "unfortunate incident" on Republic Day, Modi also said that the "law will take its own course".

Sharing the details of the meeting chaired by Modi and attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said, "The prime minister assured that the Centre is approaching the farmers issue with an open mind."

"The prime minister said the Centre's stand is same as it was on 22 January, the last meeting between the protesting farmers and the Centre and proposal given by Agriculture Minister on the farm laws still stands. Modiji reiterated what (Narendra Singh) Tomar had said  that he (Tomar) is a phone call away for talks," Joshi said, quoting Modi.

At the meeting, various leaders including Ghulam Nabi Azad of Congress, Sudip Bandyopadhyay of Trinamool Congress, Balwinder Singh Bhunder of Shiromani Akali Dal and Vinayak Raut of Shiv Sena raised the issue of protesting farmers, PTI quoted sources as saying.

All major Opposition parties sought discussions on farmers' issues during the meeting.

While almost all the Opposition parties condemned the violence and vandalism at the Red Fort by a group of protesting farmers on Republic Day, they asserted that other farmers protesting peacefully should not be held responsible for it.

With inputs from agencies


WASHINGTON - Rep. Cori Bush, a freshman Democrat from Missouri,said Friday that she was moving her office at the U.S. Capitol complex away from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., for safety reasons, after claiming Greene accosted her without a mask.

Meanwhile, Greene - a conspiracy theorist who has a history of making racist and anti-Semitic remarks - called Bush a liar and accused her of leading a "terrorist mob" because she supported Black Lives Matter.

The allegations, which escalated throughout the day Friday, underscored the degree to which relations have deteriorated to the point of open hostility between congressional Republicans and Democrats after pro-Trump rioters overran the Capitol on Jan. 6, in a violent insurrection that left five people dead. Tensions have only increased as members of Congress prepare for the second impeachment trial of former president Donald Trump, to start early next month, and as Democrats have called for GOP lawmakers who may have had a role in instigating the attack to be censured or expelled.

Friday's accusations centered on an incident that occurred Jan. 13 in an underground tunnel that connects congressional office buildings to the Capitol.

Bush tweeted Friday that Greene and her staff had berated her in a hallway that day.

"A maskless Marjorie Taylor Greene & her staff berated me in a hallway. She targeted me & others on social media. I'm moving my office away from hers for my team's safety," Bush tweeted.

Shortly after Bush's tweet, Greene tweeted a selfie video as she walked through a Capitol complex hallway, with someone off camera yelling at her to put on a mask. Greene says it was Bush.

"She is lying to you. She berated me. Maybe Rep. Bush didn't realize I was live on video, but I have the receipts," Greene tweeted, also calling Bush "the leader of the St. Louis Black Lives Matter terrorist mob who trespassed into a gated neighborhood to threaten the lives of the McCloskey's."

Mark and Patricia McCloskey are the St. Louis couple who aimed guns at protesters marching through their gated community last summer. They were indicted on weapons and evidence-tampering charges, according to a court official in October. They pleaded not guilty.

In the video she tweeted Friday, Greene then screams at the person to "stop being a hypocrite."

In a subsequent statement in response to Greene's tweet, Bush noted that tensions had been high after the violent riots at the Capitol just a week prior and several lawmakers had contracted the coronavirus after being locked in a safe room with maskless Republicans, including Greene.

"Out of concern for the health of my staff, other members of Congress, and their Congressional staff, I repeatedly called out to her to put on a mask," Bush said. "Taylor Greene and her staff responded by berating me, with one staffer yelling, 'Stop inciting violence with Black Lives Matter.' "

In a Friday night interview on MSNBC's "The ReidOut," Bush said the exchange had nothing to do with Black Lives Matter but that she was calling for Greene to abide by the rules and safety protocols for all members of Congress. Bush also said she moved her office so that she and her staff would not have to waste time worrying about working in a toxic environment.

"I came here to do a job for the people of St. Louis. They deserve that. And what I cannot do is continue to look over my shoulder wondering if a white supremacist in Congress by the name of Marjorie Taylor Greene or anyone else - and there are others - that they are doing something or conspiring against us," Bush told Reid. "Also, my team deserves better. They should not have to come to work and have to wonder if that door is going to open... and it's somebody that does not want to do them well."

Greene, who was also elected in November, is rapidly becoming one of the most inflammatory members of Congress. She has endorsed QAnon and other conspiracy theories and promoted political violence and extremism, prompting calls for her resignation.

Greene claimed all the attention on her this week has emboldened her supporters and driven up donations, saying in a statement that she "will never back down" and that "more MAGA reinforcements are on the way."

In recent weeks, journalists at several outlets have unearthed numerous social media posts Greene made in the past that showed she parroted claims that deadly school shootings were staged and approved of the execution of Democratic leaders and federal agents. Also on Friday, a major Jewish nonprofit group condemned Greene for supporting an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory that space lasers caused the Camp Fire, California's deadliest wildfire in history.

Bush said Friday that Greene's past provocative comments should be red flags.

"In the context of Taylor Greene's repeated endorsements of executing Democratic politicians before taking office, Taylor Greene's renewed, repeated antagonization of the movement for Black lives in the last month directed towards me personally is cause for serious concern," she said.

House members get their office assignments via a lottery, and it's highly unusual for a lawmaker to move so soon, especially to get away from a colleague. But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., reportedly ordered the office move at Bush's request, according to Punchbowl News. A Pelosi aide confirmed the report.

Bush and Greene had offices a few doors from each other in the Longworth Office Building.

In her tweet, Bush also called for the expulsion of any lawmaker who contributed to inciting the Jan. 6 riots at the Capitol by spreading baseless conspiracy theories that President Joe Biden's election win was rigged, which would include Greene.

Democrats are working to expel Greene, arguing that she promoted dangerous lies before she was elected to office, with a vote possible next week. As of Friday, nearly four dozen Democrats had signed onto a resolution to expel Greene.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., who has fielded calls to at least remove Greene from her committee assignments, plans to meet with her next week to have a conversation, an aide in his office confirmed Friday.

- - -

The Washington Post's Felicia Sonmez contributed to this report.
The Madhya Pradesh advocate-general's office said on Friday that the high court has issued a notice to the state government while hearing a petition against the anti-religious conversion law.

The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Amratansh Nema, a student from Bhopal, Hindustan Times reported. The PIL said that that provisions of the ordinance are a "grave violation of constitutional provisions and a blatant attack on the religious autonomy of individuals.

Purushaindra Kaurav, the state advocate general sought time for instructions and for filing a counter-affidavit on behalf of the government. The bench comprising chief justice Mohammad Rafiq and judge Vijay Kumar Shukla gave the government eight weeks to submit its reply.

The Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Ordinance, 2020, provides for ten years in jail in some cases. It has several provisions that are similar to the ordinance issued by the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh against fraudulent conversions. Any marriage solemnized in violation of this law will also be considered null and void.

There is a provision of three to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 50,000 in cases of marriage carried out by hiding religion. In cases involving religious conversion of members of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and minors, a provision has been made for imprisonment of two to 10 years and Rs 50,000 fine. The parents, legal guardian or custodian and brothers and sisters of the converted person can lodge a complaint in this regard.

Those willing to convert will need to apply to the district administration 60 days in advance. The victim women will be entitled to get maintenance under the law. The children born out of such marriages would be entitled to inherit the fathers properties.

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.



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California - Low-income workers are being encouraged to take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

It reduces the amount of taxes owed and increases returns by hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.

Californians received an average of $2,297 from federal EITC funds in 2020, yet the IRS estimates only four out of five workers claim the EITC they earned.

Amy Everitt is President of Golden State Opportunity, a non-profit that advocates for the poor. She told Action News Now Friday that, "Last year more than 23 thousand people in Butte County claimed CALEITC and the Young Child Tax Credit. So if you have a child under six, you can get up to a thousand dollars in an additional refund."

This year more will qualify because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This has been a hard year," said Everitt. "We want people to get as much money as they can, to help get things like groceries, rent, shoes ... whatever they need. This is money already earned, so they should claim it. "

In California, if you are older than 18 you qualify for the CalEITC if you earned $30,000 or less in 2020 and pay taxes. Even if you don't earn enough that you are required to file taxes, Everitt said you should still file so you can claim the credit.

This is the first year that people who file taxes with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can qualify for the earned income tax credit in California. That includes undocumented immigrants.

As of December 2020, 2.8 million Californians claimed $6.4 billion in federal EITC funds for the 2019 tax year. The average amount received was $2,297.

For more information on the CalEITC including a calculator that estimates your return click here.

The Golden State Opportunity website here is also a resource for information.
The variant from South Africa, known as B.1.351, is one of several mutations that have emerged as the pandemic has dragged on. Others include a variant from Brazil, which was detected in Minnesota this week, and one from Britain, which is spreading more widely in the United States.

The variants are believed to be more contagious, and the one from South Africa is among the most worrisome because preliminary research suggests that vaccines may be less effective against it.

Both Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech  the companies manufacturing the two vaccines currently on the U.S. market  have said their shots are slightly less protective against the variant from South Africa, and the companies are considering creating either a booster shot or new version to head off the variant.

Similarly, Johnson & Johnson, the only major drugmaker developing a single-dose coronavirus vaccine, announced on Friday that its shot would provide strong protection against Covid-19 if approved, with an efficacy rate of 72 percent in the United States. But it is less effective against the new variant  dropping to 57 percent in South Africa.

Though that variant appears to partially escape antibodies built up against Covid-19, experts said that vaccines, by and large, should still be effective. Research suggests that even when a vaccinated person does become ill, vaccines can help reduce the severity of Covid-19.

Vaccines arent an all-or-nothing thing, said Dr. Crotty, who likened getting a shot against the virus to hitting the brakes during a car crash, in that even partial braking  or vaccine efficacy  is far better than none.

Democratic Rep. Cori Bush is moving her office to get away from 'white supremacist' Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene after she 'berated' her in the Capitol, as the QAnon-supporting GOP congresswoman now faces more accusations of racism after footage surfaced of her saying 'gangs control' black and Hispanic men.

Bush, the freshman Democratic Congresswoman of St. Louis, tweeted Friday that she had asked for the office move following an incident earlier this month in which Greene 'came up from behind me, ranting loudly into her phone while not wearing a mask' before the Republican's team members shouted at her about Black Lives Matter.

Bush later insisted she was not relocating 'out of fear' but said that she cannot do her job while looking 'over my shoulder wondering if a white supremacist in Congress is conspiring against me and my team'.

The request for an office move comes as more footage of Greene has surfaced saying incendiary things - this time that 'gangs hold down black and Hispanic men - not white people' and that 'if you want Islam and Sharia law you stay over there in the Middle East' because 'we don't want [the US] messed up'.

Greene is facing mounting calls to resign after separate footage surfaced of her harassing a Parkland mass shooting survivor and she showed support on Facebook for executing top Democrats.

She has refused to quit saying it was Bush who 'berated' her and that Democrats hate her only because she's 'a threat to their goal of Socialism', while she claims to have brought in $1.6 million in campaign donations.

Greene has repeatedly pushed unfounded conspiracy theories including that late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was replaced by a body double, the 2017 Las Vegas massacre that left 58 dead was organized by Democrats and that there is no evidence a hijacked plane hit the Pentagon on 9/11.

Democratic Rep. Cori Bush is moving her office to get away from 'white supremacist' Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene after she 'berated' her in the Capitol

Bush, the freshman Democratic Congresswoman of St. Louis, tweeted Friday that she had asked for the office move following an incident earlier in the month in which Greene 'came up from behind me, ranting loudly into her phone while not wearing a mask'

Bush tweeted Friday that she was moving her office for 'my team's safety' saying Greene and her staff 'berated' her in a hallways and 'targeted' her and others on social media.

She also called again for Taylor Greene and others who had supported the Capitol riots to be expelled from the House.

'A maskless Marjorie Taylor Greene & her staff berated me in a hallway. She targeted me & others on social media,' she wrote.

'I'm moving my office away from hers for my team's safety,' she wrote, adding that lawmakers who incited the Capitol riot on January 6 should be removed from office.

'I've called for the expulsion of members who incited the insurrection from Day 1. Bring H.Res 25 to a vote.'

In a follow-up statement, Bush detailed an encounter with Greene on January 13 in the tunnel between the Cannon House Office Building and the Capitol.

She said Greene came up behind her not wearing a mask.

Bush said when she 'called out to her to put hers on', Greene's staff yelled at her to 'stop inciting violence with Black Lives Matter.'

The incident took place just one day after several of her fellow Democrats had announced they had tested positive for COVID-19 after being in lockdown with Republican lawmakers who refused to wear masks as they hunkered down in the Capitol during the violent insurrection by Donald Trump supporters.

'Out of concern for the health of my staff, other members of Congress, and their congressional staff, I repeatedly called out to her to put on a mask,' wrote Bush.

'Taylor Greene and her staff responded by berating me, with one staffer yelling, 'Stop inciting violence with Black Lives Matter''.

QAnon-supporting GOP congresswoman Greene now faces more accusations of racism after footage surfaced of her saying 'gangs control' black and Hispanic men (above)

Bush went on to say Greene had also 'lashed out' against her on Twitter on Martin Luther King Jr. Day making her 'a target to her hundreds of thousands of Twitter followers'.

'[Greene did] falsely accuse me of leading a mob that called for 'the rape, murder, and burning of the home'' of the McCloskey family in St. Louis - thus naming me as a target to her hundreds of thousands of Twitter followers,' she wrote.

The McCloskeys were the white St. Louis couple who gained notoriety after they were pictured waving and pointing guns at Black Lives Matter protesters from the front yard of their mansion.

They went on to become speakers at the 2020 Republican National Convention.

Bush also pointed to Greene's 'repeated endorsements of executing top Democrats before taking office' as well as her 'renewed, repeated antagonization of the movement of black lives' as 'serious concern.'

'All of this led to my decision to move my office away from Taylor Greene's for the safety of my team. My office is currently being relocated from the Longworth House Office Building,' Bush said.

Bush later appeared on MSNBC Friday night where she said she was moving away from 'white supremacist' Greene but that it was not 'out of fear'.

'I moved my office because I'm here to do a job for the people of St. Louis. They deserve that,' Bush said.

Bush insisted she was not moving 'out of fear' but that she cannot do her job while looking 'over my shoulder wondering if a white supremacist in Congress is conspiring against me and my team'

She told MSNBC she had never worked in an environment such as this before. 'I've worked fast food. I've worked in childcare. I've worked in healthcare. I've never been in a work environment like this before,' she said

'What I cannot do is continue to look over my shoulder wondering if a white supremacist in Congress by the name of Marjorie Taylor Greene or anyone else - because there are others - that they are doing something or conspiring against us.'

Bush said her team needs to be able to focus on their work for constituents and not worry 'their door is going to open and it is going to be somebody who does not want to do them well.'

'Our focus has to be on St. Louis and the work that we can get done. And also my team deserves better - they should not have to come to work and have to consider if their door is going to open - that does not have a peephole - and their door is going to open and it is going to be somebody who does not want to do them well,' she said.

Bush said she had never worked in such an environment.

'I've worked fast food. I've worked in childcare. I've worked in healthcare. I've never been in a work environment like this before,' she said.

Greene tweeted Friday afternoon claiming it was Bush that started it the incident over the mask on January 13 and accused the Democrat of leading the 'Black Lives Matter terrorist mob' to the McCloskey's home.

Greene tweeted Friday afternoon claiming it was Bush that started it the incident over the mask on January 13 and accused the Democrat of leading the 'Black Lives Matter terrorist mob' to the McCloskey's home

Greene then shared a video of her walking through one of the Capitol Hill tunnels, with her 'CENSORED' mask draped under her chin. Someone is heard off-camera yelling: 'Follow the rules and put on a mask!'

The McCloskeys were the white St. Louis couple who gained notoriety after they were pictured waving and pointing guns at Black Lives Matter protesters from the front yard of their mansion

TAYLOR GREENE'S BIZARRE CLAIMS The California Camp Fire which killed at least 85 was caused by a space laser linked to the Rothschilds and the state's high-speed rail. PG&E admitted it was caused by a faulty power line and went into bankruptcy to fund a $13.5bn settlement and pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Hillary Clinton and Huma Abedin cut off a child's face while she was alive, Clinton wore it as a mask so the terrified child would produce 'adrenachrome' and then organized the killing of a cop who knew about it.

The Las Vegas massacre was organized by Democrats to help them ban guns and shooter Stephen Paddock was not a lone wolf.

There's no evidence of a plane hitting the Pentagon on 9/11.

The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre which cost the lives of 17 students was a 'false flag planned shooting.'

' I am told that Nancy Pelosi tells Hillary Clinton several times a month that we need another school shooting in order to persuade the public to want strict gun control.'

Seth Rich leaked Hillary Clinton's emails and was murdered in revenge by her aide John Podesta because the emails revealed that a D.C. pizza restaurant had a child-smuggling operation in its basement. It does not even have a basement.

The world is run by a cabal of Satan-worshiping pedophiles and the Q in QAnon exists and is the 'best chance to take them out.'

Barack Obama and Valerie Jarrett are Muslims.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was replaced by a body double.

She wasn't the person who posted a call to assassinate Nancy Pelosi to her own Facebook page. Advertisement

'Rep. Cori Bush is the leader of the St. Louis Black Lives Matter terrorist mob who trespassed into a gated neighborhood to threaten the lives of the McCloskey's,' she wrote.

'She is lying to you. She berated me. Maybe Rep. Bush didn't realize I was live on video, but I have the receipts.'

Greene then shared a video of her walking through one of the Capitol Hill tunnels, with her 'CENSORED' mask draped under her chin.

Someone is heard off-camera yelling: 'Follow the rules and put on a mask!'

Another individual, a man with a Southern accent, is heard saying: 'Stop inciting violence.'

Greene later tweeted that she would be releasing a 'statement' at 4:15 p.m.

At that time, she tweeted out what looked to be a fundraising email boasting she had raised more than $1.6 million in donations from more than 60,000 people.

She called reports about her past statements smears, attacks and lies.

'Contributions of $.50 or a $100 are significant statements of support, but the heartfelt prayers and encouraging messages telling me to keep standing strong against the mob are what's most significant to me,' she wrote.

In a statement to CBS News she said she will not resign and that Democrats see her as a 'threat' to socialism.

'They are coming after me because I'm a threat to their goal of Socialism. They are coming after me because they know I represent the people, not the politicians,' she said.

'They are coming after me because like President Trump, I will always defend conservative values.

'They want to take me out because I represent the people. And they absolutely hate it.'

Greene also branded calls for her expulsion a 'witch hunt' in a town hall Thursday.

This comes as yet more footage of Greene surfaced where she is spouting comments that have been branded racist.

The footage, first shown on CNN, shows Greene speaking to the camera saying that gangs are holding back black and Hispanic men 'not white people'.

'Okay so going on, you know what keeps, and I'm going to cover this too, but the generations of Black and Hispanic men, do you want to know what holds them down? Gangs,' she says in the footage.

'Being in gangs and dealing drugs is what holds them down. The lack of education is what holds them down.'

Greene went on to say it's 'not a white person thing' but that gangs 'control' black and Hispanic men.

Greene later boasted she had raised more than $1.6 million in donations from more than 60,000 people and vowed not to resign

'That's not a white person thing. But gangs control them. They tell them, they tell the young men in their communities 'Don't go to school. Don't you, no, don't you move out of this, out of this project. Don't you move out of this community. You join this gang. And that's where you belong. You belong with us.''

She added: 'The gangs are holding them back. It's not white people. It's crazy.'

The outlet also shared separate footage of Greene where she told Muslims to 'stay over there in the Middle East.'

'If you want Islam and Sharia law you stay over there in the Middle East. You stay over there and you got to Mecca and you do all your thing and you know what you can have a whole bunch of wives or sheep or whatever you want. You stay over there,' she says to the camera.

'But in America, you see we've made it this great, great, great country. We don't want it messed up.'

It is not clear when either of the pieces of footage were taken but they are thought to be in the last few years.

CNN anchor Don Lemon blasted her 'racist claims' as 'vile garbage' on Thursday night's edition of CNN Tonight with Don Lemon.

'I want you to think about the fact that Marjorie Taylor Greene is now a United States congresswoman. Okay?' he said.

A cart sits outside of the office of Rep. Cori Bush after she requested to move her office Friday

Bush said her team needs to be able to focus on their work for constituents and not worry 'their door is going to open and it is going to be somebody who does not want to do them well'

He also blasted her suggestion that only black and Hispanic men were in gangs, pointing to the largely white insurrectionists who stormed the US Capitol back on January 6.

Among the sea of rioters were many members of extremist right-wing groups including the Proud Boys, Oath Keepers and Three Percenters.

'Marjorie. Marjorie. White people aren't in gangs? White people aren't in gangs?'

'Okay, I want you to tell that to the police officers and lawmakers menaced by rioters including Proud Boys and Oath Keepers at the Capitol. What would you call them? Huh? Okay. Think about that,' he said.

Several House Democrats have called for Greene's resignation and pledged to introduce a resolution to have her removed from Congress as numerous social media posts and videos have come to light in recent days of her peddling conspiracy theories, harassing mass shooting survivors and calling for violence against the Democratic party.

California Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez has vowed to introduce a resolution as soon as Tuesday to oust her from her seat while other House Democrats have called for her resignation.

In a Wednesday night statement announcing his plan, Gomez cited her pushing of conspiracy theories related to 9/11, the Parkland shooting and her support for Democrats to be assassinated.

He was followed by two Georgia congresswomen, Democrats Nikema Williams and Sara Jacobs, who said Friday they will introduce legislation next week to formally censure Greene over her comments supporting the assassination of elected officials.

CNN anchor Don Lemon blasted her 'racist claims' as 'vile garbage' on Thursday night as the resurfaced footage showed her making comments and black and Hispanic men and Muslims

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, a fellow Republican, is said to be sitting down with Greene next week as he faces mounting pressure to expel her over her controversies.

Greene has dominated headlines since Tuesday when CNN first reported that she had shown support on Facebook for executing top Democrats including Nancy Pelosi in 2018 and 2019.

Greene had liked a post that said 'a bullet to the head would be quicker' to remove Pelosi from office.

In an April 2018 post of Greene's on the Iran nuclear deal, Greene responded to a commenter who asked her 'Now do we get to hang them ?? Meaning H & O???,' the individual asked, referring to former President Barack Obama and ex-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

'Stage is being set. Players are being put in place. We must be patient. This must be done perfectly or liberal judges would let them off,' Greene replied.

Media Matters for America first reported the since-deleted Facebook post in which Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene lays out her theory on how the Camp Fire got started

Clinton has tweeted that Greene deserves to be on a terror 'watch list.'

At a town hall Thursday night Greene said that members of the media deserved the 'electric chair'.

At her Paulding County outing, Greene read a question from a constituent: 'What can be done to hold the liberal biased media accountable for their incessant lies and slander?'

'That's a good question,' she said, chuckling. 'This is his words not mine, "I suggest the electric chair,"' she said, without skipping a beat.

She also continued to push unfounded claims of election fraud.

'See, this wasn't a conspiracy of several people that got together and created a story. This is literally thousands of people in different states and different voting precincts different counties. And they all signed these affidavits,' she said at a town hall in Dallas, Georgia.

Her persistence comes even after state recounts got the same results, courts tossed out dozens of lawsuits and the Trump administration itself admitted the election was fair and legal.

It is also after the claims of election fraud riled up Trump supporters to storm the Capitol in the riot that left five dead.

This came one day after a local television reporter was threatened with arrest for shouting a question at her during another town hall.

A video of Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene confronting a then 18-year-old David Hogg about gun reform in Washington D.C. in March 2019, emerged this week

On Friday, Media Matters for America - a left-leaning organization - reported that Greene had appeared on a streaming program for the pro-Trump website UniteAmericaFirst.com in February 2019.

There she speculated that Ginsburg, the now late Supreme Court justice, was actually a body double.

'I do not believe that was Ruth. No. I dont think so,' she said, commenting on a photo of Ginsburg at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Media Matters was also the first to report that Greene wrote a Facebook post in November 2018 that she believed California's deadly Camp Fire was potentially caused by space lasers that were connected to the Rothschilds and former Gov. Jerry Brown to clear the way for a high-speed rail system.

'There are too many coincidences to ignore,' Greene wrote.

Greene tried to connect the Pacific Gas and Electric Company - whose faulty equipment did start the blaze - through one of its board members to Rothschild Inc., in an anti-Semitic dog whistle.

The cause of the fire isn't a mystery as PG&E pleaded guilty of being responsible and will pay out more than $25 billion in damages.

On Thursday, Pelosi went after Greene and Republican leadership over the congresswoman's previous comments about school shootings.

Donald Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol on January 6 in a riot that left five dead. The riot came after Trump pushed unfounded claims of election fraud. Greene continues to push those claims and has shown support for Democrats to be executed

Proud Boys making the okay sign, now regarded as a white supremacist symbol, and holding Trump 2020 and the Gadsden flags just before the riot at the US Capitol

Greene, who was sworn in earlier this month, was placed on the House Education & Labor Committee over the objection of the Democratic chair of the panel.

'What could they be thinking? Or is thinking too generous a word for what they might be doing. It's absolutely appalling and I think that the focus has to be on the Republican leadership of this House of Representatives for the disregard they have for the death of those children,' Pelosi said Thursday at her weekly press conference in response to Greene's appointments.

Pelosi said top Republicans were willing to 'overlook' Greene's comments 'when she has mocked the killing of little children,' pointing specifically to the massacres at Sandy Hook Elementary and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Her comments came after a video went viral Wednesday of Greene following David Hogg, who survived the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, around Capitol Hill before she was a member of Congress.

During the 2-minute long video, Greene charges Hogg with 'using kids as a barrier' and taking money from George Soros. Greene asks Hogg why he supported 'red flag laws that attack our Second Amendment.' Greene talked about being armed.

'If school zones were protected with security guards with guns, there would be no mass shootings, did you know that?' she tells Hogg.

Hogg is calling for Greene be stripped of her committee assignments, a step McCarthy took in 2019 to punish then-Rep. Steve King for making racist statements.

And Connecticut Democrat Jahana Hayes, who represents the district that covers Newtown, where the Sandy Hook school shooting took place, sent a letter to North Carolina Representative Virginia Foxx, a Republican, to remove Greene from the House Education and Labor Committee.

Greene has also previously shown support for the pro-Trump QAnon conspiracy theory, which centers on the ex-president making moves against a Satan-worshiping, cannibalistic, child sex trafficking ring filled with Democratic politicians and prominent liberals.
The Georgian policemen managed to find a criminal who tried to rob the Liberty Bank branch. The suspect was detained, the website of the Georgian Interior Ministry informs.

On January 29, the detainee burst into the bank branch in Kutaisi and, threatening with a gun, demanded the cash. When a cashier called the police, the attacker fled, Sputnik Georgia reports.

A criminal case was initiated on the fact of robbery. The detainee faces from 4 to 7 years in prison for robbery and illegal carrying and possession of firearms, the message reads.
WASHINGTON - The Democratic push to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour has emerged as an early flashpoint in the fight for a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package, testing President Joe Biden's ability to bridge Washington's partisan divides as he pursues his first major legislative victory.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-Vt., questions former Gov. Jennifer Granholm, D-Mich., as she testifies before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee during a hearing to examine her nomination to be Secretary of Energy, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021 on Capitol Hill in Washington. (Graeme Jennings/Pool via AP)

WASHINGTON - The Democratic push to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour has emerged as an early flashpoint in the fight for a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package, testing President Joe Biden's ability to bridge Washington's partisan divides as he pursues his first major legislative victory.

Biden called for a $15 hourly minimum wage during his campaign and has followed through by hitching it to a measure that, among other things, calls for $1,400 stimulus checks and $130 billion to help schools reopen. Biden argues that anyone who holds a full-time job shouldn't live in poverty, echoing progressives in the Democratic Party who are fully on board with the effort.

With the economic divide, I mean, I want to see a $15 minimum wage. It should actually be $20," said Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich.

Some Republicans support exploring an increase but are uneasy with $15 an hour. They warn that such an increase could lead to job losses in an economy that has nearly 10 million fewer jobs than it did before the pandemic began. Moderates such as Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Rep. Tom Reed of New York are urging Biden to split off the minimum wage hike from COVID-19 talks and deal with it separately.

The more you throw into this bucket of COVID relief thats not really related to the crisis, the more you risk the credibility with the American people that youre really sincere about the crisis, Reed said. Including the wage increase, Murkowski said, complicates politically an initiative that we should all be working together to address.

The resistance from moderates has left Democrats with a stark choice: Wait and build bipartisan support for an increase or move ahead with little to no GOP backing, potentially as part of a package that can pass the Senate with Vice-President Kamala Harris' tiebreaking vote. Democratic leaders appear to be moving toward the latter option, with no guarantee of success. Even if raising the wage can get past procedural challenges, passage will require the support from every Democrat in the 50-50 Senate, which could be a tall order.

Leading the charge is Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who unveiled $15 wage legislation this week with the backing of 37 Senate Democrats. His bill would gradually raise the wage to $15 over a period of five years. The federal minimum is $7.25 and has not been raised since 2009.

Sanders, the incoming chair of the Senate Budget Committee, said it was fine with him if Republicans were not prepared to come on board." He said the government needed to pump money into the economy to make sure people are not working on starvation wages.

Democrats are moving toward using a tool that allows certain budget-related items to bypass the Senate filibuster  a hurdle requiring 60 votes  and pass with a simple majority. Sanders is confident that a minimum wage increase fits within the allowed criteria for what is referred to in Washington lingo as budget reconciliation, though the Senate parliamentarian has final say on what qualifies.

As you will recall, my Republican colleagues used reconciliation to give almost $2 trillion in tax breaks to the rich and large corporations in the midst of massive income inequality. They used reconciliation to try to repeal the Affordable Care Act and throw 32 million people off the health care they had. They used reconciliation to allow for drilling in the Arctic wilderness," Sanders said. You know what? I think we can use reconciliation to protect the needs of working families."

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said the Senate as early as next week will begin taking the first steps toward getting the COVID-19 relief bill passed through the budget reconciliation process. The goal would be passage by March.

The latest sign that a $15 minimum wage is popular with voters came in November, when more than 60% of voters in conservative-leaning Florida approved an amendment to the states Constitution that will raise the minimum wage there from $8.56 an hour to $15 an hour by 2026.

The House passed legislation to gradually increase the minimum wage in the last Congress, but it went nowhere in the GOP-controlled Senate. Opponents argue that a large increase in the minimum wage would lead many employers to cut the number of workers they have on their payrolls.

A 2019 study from the Congressional Budget Office projected that an increase to $15 an hour would boost the wages of 17 million Americans. An additional 10 million workers making more than $15 an hour would see a boost as well. However, about 1.3 million workers would lose their jobs.

Theres no question that raising the minimum wage, especially to $15, will put some small businesses out of business and will cost a lot of low-wage workers their jobs," said Neil Bradley, the chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Bradley said there should be a separate debate on the minimum wage, and while the U.S. Chamber of Commerce opposes $15 an hour, were open to a reasonable increase in the minimum wage and that ought to be a topic of discussion. But, you know, including that in the COVID package just imperils the whole thing."

Mary Kay Henry, international president of the Service Employees International Union, said that increasing the minimum wage would benefit many of the people who have been working on the front lines of the pandemic. Thats why she supports including it in the COVID-19 relief package.

Theyve been called essential, but they all believe theyve been treated as expendable or sacrificial because they dont earn enough to be able to put food on the table and keep themselves and their families safe and healthy, Henry said.

Henry says nursing home workers, janitors, security guards and home health workers are among the unions 2 million members.

The real way to appreciate this work is to raise the minimum wage to $15, she said.

Most states also have minimum wage laws. Employees generally are entitled to the higher of the two minimum wages. Currently, 29 states and Washington, D.C., have minimum wages above the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
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(Natural News) Hundreds of people were vaccinated in the middle of the night in Seattle after a freezer filled with Modernas Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines malfunctioned and put over a thousand doses at risk of spoiling.

At around 8:50 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 28, an alarm went off at a Kaiser Permanente clinic in Seattle. One of their freezer units holding around 1,600 doses of the Moderna coronavirus vaccine had malfunctioned. This meant that the doses were due to expire at 3:30 a.m. if they were not administered. (Related: Red-list style roundups of vaccine refusers another draconian measure coming to America: Color codes with red flags for violators the latest sign well all be targeted for extermination.)

The clinic quickly contacted the University of Washington Medical Center (UW) as well as the Swedish Medical Center. Swedish and UW agreed to take the doses. UW received nearly 1,000 doses and sent them to two of their established vaccine clinics at UW Medical Center Montlake and UW Medical Center Northwest. Swedish received the rest.

Kaiser Permanente Washington President Susan Mullaney said on Friday, Jan. 29, that the company tested all of its freezers and refrigerators specifically for storing vaccines and found that all of them were functioning properly. The company will conduct a debrief to learn if the malfunction is a systemic issue.

Watch this episode of Brighteon Conversations with Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, as he interviews cancer researcher, health freedom advocate and vaccine skeptic Ty Bollinger regarding the global conspiracy being formed to justify the mandatory taking of coronavirus vaccines.

People came in droves for late-night vaccinations

UW and Swedish worked quickly to make sure their facilities for this mass vaccination campaign were ready for the sudden influx of hundreds of people. At around 11 p.m. both Swedish and UW posted urgent messages on their social media platforms calling for hundreds of people to fill up appointment slots to receive the vaccines. UWs slots were for 11 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. the next day, while Swedish had appointments for 11 p.m. to 2 a.m.

URGENT: We have 588 DOSE 1 MODERNA appointments available Jan. 28 11 p.m. to Jan. 29 2 a.m. Clink link to book, said Swedish in a tweet. For additional slots through to 2 a.m. click on SHOW MORE and select TOMORROW. Must be Phase 1a or Phase 1B/Tier 1.

According to Swedishs Chief Operations Officer Kevin Brooks, all available appointments were filled within 40 minutes.

We got a call from a partner hospital that they had a fridge malfunction and they needed to vaccinate 880 people, said Brooks. I pulled our team together  our vaccine team at Swedish  and we huddled on Microsoft Teams and came up with a plan, and 30 minutes later we came on site.

By 10 p.m., Swedishs vaccine staff, along with volunteers, were at the vaccination site. The team set up a waiting area in a parking garage where a lot of people were already waiting, some of whom were even wearing their pajamas. At 11 p.m., the mass vaccination began and the line started moving slowly.

Brooks said the priority was for people who were in Washingtons Tier 1A and Tier 1B categories to be vaccinated, which includes healthcare workers and the elderly. However, by the early morning hours of Jan. 29, nobody was taking the categories into consideration any longer and the priority was to make sure the Moderna vaccine doses were not wasted.

Were doing the best we can to stay within the CDC and the governors guidelines on prioritization, explained Brooks. At the same time, we want to make sure not a single drop of the vaccine goes wasted.

By 2 a.m., there was still a long line at the garage. Many people had gotten tired of standing around and were sitting down on the concrete. Swedishs staff periodically walked by to do a headcount and inform the people that remained how many would get vaccinated. Around half of the group was processed, while the other half had to be turned away.

By 3 a.m., Swedish staff said there were around 30 vaccines left and they only had 30 minutes left to vaccinate anybody they could get their hands on  policemen, students and anyone they could wrangle up nearby, regardless of the tier system, were given shots. The staff even vaccinated a reporter for NPRs Seattle affiliate station KUOW who was sent there to cover the incident.

Volunteers even ran out of the clinic to vaccinate a 75-year-old woman who runs a daycare center moments before the vaccines were set to expire.

Dr. Jeff Duchin of Seattle King County Public Health said that he was proud of the collaboration between the three healthcare corporations.

We did tell [healthcare workers] that it would be better to give this vaccine to someone who was not eligible if they couldnt find enough eligible people in the middle of the night than to throw it away, he said during a press conference held on Friday. Thats the last thing we want to do.

Learn more about the distribution of vaccines in the United States by reading the latest articles at Vaccines.news.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

KING5.com

KUOW.org

Twitter.com
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 28)  The Philippines received a dismal score in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the analysis of an independent think tank.

The Lowy Institute on Wednesday said the Philippines placed 79th out of 98, lagging behind most of its Southeast Asian neighbors. The Philippine government's handling of the global health threat received a score of 30.6 out of 100.

New Zealand topped the list, closely followed by Asian nations Vietnam, Taiwan, and Thailand. The pandemic response of New Zealand, led by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, received an average score of 94.4. Brazil, which is at the bottom of the list, received a score of just 4.3. The United States, meanwhile, is at 94th spot with a score of 17.3. China was not included in the analysis due to lack of data available to the public.

The study tracked the total cases and deaths  taking into consideration the country's population  for seven months in 98 countries. It said fewer reported cases and deaths, both in aggregate and per capita terms, point towards a better response to the virus. It added that lower rates of positive tests, meanwhile, indicate greater degrees of control over the transmission of COVID-19.

The global COVID-19 tally now stands at 100 million, with 2.16 million deaths and 55.5 million recoveries.

DOH: 'We can't be comparing apples to oranges'

The Department of Health on Thursday acknowledged the report, but at the same time, said the Lowy Institute's methodology for the study "did not capture the complex nature of pandemic response." It said the analysis did not even compare how quickly nations initiate contact tracing or the readiness of their health facilities to treat patients.

"We can't be comparing apples to oranges... The indicators of performance used by the Philippines are multidimensional, with both strategic and operational indicators of health and economic performance and across the Prevent - Detect - Isolate - Test - Treat strategies," the DOH said in a statement.

The Philippines reached 518,407 coronavirus infections on Wednesday, with 475,542 recoveries. The nationwide death toll is at 10,481.

Kerri-Anne Kennerley was set to make an appearance at Pippin's final curtain call last Sunday, one month after breaking her collarbone during a performance.

But the 67-year-old show business veteran was noticeably absent from the stage, sparking rumours that it was due to a face peel gone wrong.

But in an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald's Private Sydney this week, the beloved star set the rumours straight, as she revealed that her absence was actually due to a skin cancer scare.

Missing: Kerri-Anne Kennerley was set to make an appearance at Pippin's final curtain call last Sunday, but the 67-year-old show business veteran was noticeably absent from the stage

'It wasn't a beauty treatment, I had skin cancers removed while I was laid up recovering from surgery,' she told the publication.

'As I wasn't going anywhere for a while I thought it was a good opportunity to do it, and thought it would have healed in time for the Sunday show, but it didn't.'

Kerri-Anne added that she didn't want to 'risk an infection' as her face was still very 'red and angry' following the procedure.

More agony: In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald's Private Sydney, the beloved star set the rumours straight as she revealed that her absence was actually due to a skin cancer scare

'I wasn't going to risk an infection by putting makeup on my face, which was still very red and angry by Sunday,' she clarified further.

She also joked she didn't want to 'frighten children' without makeup so skipped the event.

The absence no doubt came as a blow to Kerri-Anne, who was forced to pull out of the musical early, after she broke her ankle and collarbone last month, following a horrific fall from a trapeze during a performance of Pippin at Sydney's Lyric Theatre.

Injured: Kerri-Anne was left with a broken collarbone after falling from a trapeze in the stage musical Pippin back on December 30

Kerri-Anne has since been recovering at home, after undergoing surgery at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney, earlier this month.

According to Private Sydney, the bubbly entertainer had a metal plate and 10 screws inserted on her collarbone.

Kerri-Anne will now have to undertake 'extensive physiotherapy' over the next few months, in order to make a full recovery.

Recovery: Kerri-Anne has since been recovering at home, after undergoing surgery at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney earlier this month

Footage obtained by Daily Mail Australia showed the shocking moment the former Studio 10 host dropped to the floor as the audience gasped in horror.

An X-ray also showed the full extent of her injuries, which left her in a 'significant amount of pain'.

In a statement released by her management at the time of the fall, Kerri-Anne confirmed she would no longer be starring in the stage production.

'Good riddance to 2020,' she said. 'Pippin has genuinely been one of the great experiences of my life exceeding all my expectations.'

Poor KAK! An X-ray showed the full extent of her injuries, which left her in a 'significant amount of pain'

She added that she loved the cast 'more than ever', before saying of the accident: 'What happened is just a random misstep in the trapeze and circus world.

'I've always felt safe in their hands but accidents just happen. I was trained well and loved getting stronger and the routine smoother.

'I'm devastated that I can't finish the run. It was just so much fun. I broke my collarbone quite severely and have a slight chip of my ankle bone.'

She concluded: 'I'm hoping my injury will heal in the natural course of time, but for now I have to bow out. I will miss my Pippin family!'

Kerri-Anne was playing the supporting character Grandma Berthe in Pippin, and her signature song involved climbing atop a 15ft (4.5m) trapeze.

With Union Home Minister Amit Shah cancelling his visit to Matua stronghold Thakurnagar in North 24 Paragans district on Saturday, senior BJP leaders Kailash Viayvargiya and Mukul Roy met prominent members of the commuity and assured them that the central minister will hold a meeting for them "very soon".Vijayvargiya, BJP national general secretary and Roy, the party's national vice-president, were closeted for over an hour long meeting with party MP Santanu Thakur.

They told the members of the community that Shah's visit to Thakurnagar was cancelled due to sudden developments in Delhi and that he will visit the place "very soon" and address the Matuas during his next visit to the state.Former Trinamool Congress MP Mamatabala Thakur on the other hand said the cancellation of the scheduled meeting showed that Shah had nothing concrete to offer to the Matuas regarding the citizenship issue.

Roy told reporters, "Amit Shah spoke to Santanu Thakur over holding the proposed meeting on any coming day and asked the organizers not to dismantle the stage originally erected for the meeting".

Please don't dismantle the stage and keep yourself ready for all last minute arrangements in 24-48 hour notice.My office will keep you posted, Roy quoted Shah as having told Santanu Thakur.

Meanwhile, Matuas living in pockets near the Bangladesh border who had come to the headquarters of the sect looked distraught with the sudden change of plan and left the venue.

"Shah could not come due to developments in Delh. He is a busy person. WE are ready to wait for him," a member of the community said.

Shah was scheduled to address the meeting at Thakurnagar on Saturday during his proposed two-day visit to poll-bound West Bengal from January 30. He, however, canceled his visit at the 11th hour.

The Matuas with an estimated population of 30 lakh in the state, can influence the poll outcome in at least 60 assembly seats in Nadia, North and South 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal.

The community is divided into two groups - one siding with the BJP and the other with the ruling TMC spurred by the National Register of Citizens and the Citizenship Amendment Act.

A group of them even demonstrated at Thakurnagar against the CAA.

The Matuas originally hail from erstwhile East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, and began migrating to West Bengal in the beginning of the 1950s, mostly due to religious persecution.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)


WASHINGTON -- The massive new residence of the Serbian ambassador in the Embassy Row area of Washington is more than an upgrade for its young inhabitant and his family.



Ambassador Marko Djuric says the nearly 100-year-old, Georgian-style brick home is also a symbol of the investment the Balkan nation is making in its relationship with the United States, an important regional peace arbitrator.



A key aspect of that investment includes plans to open a trade office with consular services on the West Coast as Belgrade seeks to deepen ties with the U.S. tech industry.



Djuric told RFE/RL that Serbia will also open another consulate in a yet-to-be-determined American city -- adding to the ones it already has in Chicago and New York -- as part of a renewed outreach to its diaspora.



The ambassador will be helped in his government, business, and cultural outreach by a staff that has grown by 50 percent in the past few months.



"We came with a very ambitious agenda to increase the level of exchange between our two countries and increase the level of trust," he told RFE/RL on January 22 at the new residence, which he will use to host officials and events.



One day earlier, Washington penned an agreement with Belgrade to launch the Serbian operations of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, a state-run institution that invests in private companies operating in critical sectors of the economy and offers political-risk insurance to encourage investment.



"I'm convinced that we'll have a more solid base for closer political ties the closer we get in economic terms," Djuric said. "And this is what we want to achieve. This is the strategy."



The Serbian Chamber of Commerce, which is partnering with the embassy to open a West Coast trade office, has already taken steps to make that happen with several trade missions to the United States since 2019, including meeting officials on Capitol Hill to promote business ties. Two years ago, the chamber hired the D.C.-based lobby firm Yorktown Solutions as part of its U.S. outreach effort.

Military Cooperation



Djuric is also hoping to increase military cooperation, including Serbian companies supplying U.S. arms manufacturers with components or weapons.



Serbia inherited a strong military-industrial complex from the former Yugoslavia and sells rifles and ammunition in the U.S. retail market. The U.S. Army announced in December it had requested that a Serbian-made, wheeled howitzer participate in an international competition scheduled for early this year.



"When you're a small country it's not easy to be in the same pond with global players who are all competing for their share of this market. This is one reason why Serbia's defense industry is looking for ways to partner with the U.S. defense industry, so that we can maybe jointly engage in certain projects," said Djuric, adding he had met with officials from the Defense Department.



A potential impediment to further military cooperation between Belgrade and Washington could be notorious Serbian arms dealer Slobodan Tesic, who is believed to be involved in many of Serbia's armaments and munitions companies and has been accused of involvement in many illicit international arms deals.



Tesic -- considered one of the biggest arms dealers in the Balkans -- was blacklisted by the United States in 2017 and nine of his associates were hit with sanctions in 2019 for doing Tesic's bidding in running his material support network. Tesic has been on the United Nations travel ban for nearly a decade for his role in selling arms to Liberia.



Tesic either continues to own or control the Serbian arms companies Partizan Tech, Technoglobal, Grawit Limited, and Charso Limited, the U.S. Treasury Department said.



Working With Biden's Administration



Djuric will have his work cut out for him especially after Democrat Joe Biden, a Western Balkan hand, was elected president, analysts say.



U.S.-Serbian relations were severely strained after the breakup of Yugoslavia three decades ago, though ties have gradually improved.



The United States led a NATO air campaign against Serbian forces in 1999 to stop a deadly crackdown on its ethnic Albanian population in Kosovo. Washington then led an international campaign to recognize Kosovo's independence in 2008.

Serbia's refusal to recognize its former southern region as an independent country lies at the heart of its problems with the United States and the European Union.



Belgrade's tight relations with Moscow, its growing business ties to China, the modernization of its military, and what critics say is a rolling back of democratic practices are other contentious issues in bilateral relations.



Washington and Brussels are dangling membership in international organizations, such as the EU, to entice Belgrade to change its stance on the recognition of Kosovo.

Close Confidant



Djuric, 37, took up his job in Washington in December and is one of the youngest foreign envoys to the United States. It is also his first foreign posting.



Despite his lack of a formal foreign-service experience, analysts say his appointment -- much like his new residence -- is a sign of Belgrade's desire to enhance ties with Washington.



Djuric is a close confidant of populist Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who was elected in 2017 after serving as prime minister for several years.



Djuric was one of the first to join Vucic's Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) in 2008 and currently serves as one of its vice presidents. Vucic tapped him several years ago to lead Serbian negotiations over Kosovo, putting him at times at the table with U.S. officials. He was also an informal SNS liaison to the pro-Kremlin United Russia party, the Chinese Communist Party, and Israel's ruling Likud party, analysts say.

"He is a guy who has Vucic's ear, knows him well, and I think that's a strength for any ambassador," Kyle Scott, the U.S. ambassador to Serbia from 2016 to 2019, told RFE/RL. "I can see that Vucic would want to have somebody who he has total confidence in here in Washington."



Djuric, Scott said, is very experienced in dealing with Americans.



Vuk Vuksanovic, an analyst at the Belgrade Center for Security Policy, told RFE/RL that the appointment of Djuric is "Vucic's way of sending a message to Washington that 'I am very interested in forming closer ties.'"



His appointment was followed a month later by Vucic's dismissal of two ministers with close ties to Russia, which some viewed as a doubling down on efforts to sway Western perceptions of Belgrade.

Djuric was appointed as Serbian ambassador to Washington in October, a month before the U.S. presidential election that pitted Donald Trump against Biden.



Trump was viewed in Belgrade as someone who could deliver Serbia a better deal on Kosovo than Biden, and Vucic expressed his preference for the incumbent. He also offered ample praise to the Trump administration for its efforts, led by envoy Richard Grenell, to secure the Kosovo and Serbia economic normalization agreement, which Vucic signed at the White House in September.



"Had President Trump been reelected, mending Serbia's relationship with the U.S. would have been possible without many strings attached regarding Serbia's record on democracy and human rights, its relationship to the Kremlin, or its treatment of transitional justice and war crimes committed by its government in the 1990s," Majda Ruge, a Balkan expert and senior fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, told RFE/RL.



"This sort of carte blanche on many policy issues will not be available under Biden's team. Therefore, the success of Mr. Djuric's mission will depend on Serbia's willingness to tackle some of these big topics and Mr. Djuric's ability to convincingly communicate Serbia's willingness to do so," she said.
Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) speaks during a hearing in Washington on Aug. 24, 2020. (Tom Williams/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

Vaccinated Congressman Tests Positive for COVID-19

A member of Congress who received a COVID-19 vaccine has tested positive for the disease.

Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) tested positive for COVID-19 after receiving two doses of Pfizers vaccine.

Congressman Lynch had received the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine and subsequently received a negative COVID-19 test prior to attending President [Joe] Bidens inauguration, a spokeswoman told news outlets.

The inauguration was nine days before Lynch tested positive.

Pfizer has said its vaccine is 95 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 in those without prior infection 7 days or more after the second dose. In an email, the company told The Epoch Times it does not know the specific details of Lynchs case.

Data from the Phase 3 study demonstrated that, although partial protection from the vaccine appears to begin as early as 12 days after the first dose, two doses of the vaccine (21 days apart) are required to provide the maximum protection against the disease, a vaccine efficacy of 95%. There are no data to demonstrate that protection after the first dose is sustained after 21 days. Protection after the second dose kicks in after seven days, a spokesperson said.

Drug regulators said last month in issuing emergency use authorization that data is not available to show how long the vaccine would provide protection, nor is there evidence that the vaccine prevents transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from person to person.

SARS-CoV-2, or the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, causes the disease COVID-19.

Lynchs spokesperson said he is not showing symptoms and feels fine but will quarantine as a precaution.

Most people who contract COVID-19 recover with few or no symptoms but the illness can lead to death, primarily among the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

Dozens of members of Congress have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past year. None have died. Rep-elect Luke Letlow (R-La.) passed away due to complications linked to the disease.

Rep. Lori Trahan (D-Mass.) tested positive on Thursday. She is also isolating. Both she and Lynch plan to vote by proxy.
After declining last week, the number of new coronavirus cases in Alabamas K-12 schools rose to 2,491, up from 2,155 last week, according to data published on the Alabama Department of Public Health dashboard, updated Friday.

The rise comes alongside Alabamas recognition as having the highest test positivity rate35%in the country this week. Also on Friday, the Alabama Department of Public Health announced it will start allowing teachers and those 65 years old and over to get COVID-19 vaccinations statewide beginning Feb. 8.

READ MORE: Alabama to offer COVID vaccine to teachers, people 65 and older next month

Educators in some parts of the state have gotten vaccinated through partnerships with local health officials.

There was a sense of hope in the air today as Alexander City Schools employees were afforded the opportunity to receive... Posted by Alexander City Schools on Friday, January 29, 2021

The number of new cases hit the highest reported levels to date in 10 Alabama school districts, three of which reported their highest numbers last week, too:

Madison City  (12,900 students and staff)  63 new cases, up from 31 last week

Opelika City  (5,300 students and staff)  32 new cases, up from a previous high of 19 last week,

Thomasville City  (1,200 students and staff)  27 new cases, up from a previous high of 12 last week,

Chambers County  (3,800 students and staff)  27 new cases, up from 11 last week,

Crenshaw County  (2,400 students and staff)  20 new cases, up from 5 last week,

Roanoke City  (1,600 students and staff)  18 new cases, up from 6 last week,

Butler County  (3,200 students and staff)  16 new cases, up from fewer than 5 last week,

Brewton City  (1,300 students and staff)  14 new cases, up from a previous high of 13 last week,

Piedmont City  (1,200 students and staff)  10 new cases, up from fewer than 5 last week,

Conecuh County  (1,800 students and staff)  7 new cases, up from fewer than 5 last week,

Including those listed above, a total of 69 school districts reported a higher number of new cases this week as compared with last week. One charter school and 49 school districts reported fewer cases this week as compared with last week.

Six districts and one charter schools reported zero cases, while two districts did not report any data, though reporting is required by the state department of education.

RELATED: Alabama teacher retirements in 2020 highest in nearly a decade

The data does not differentiate between positive cases among students, teachers and staff nor does it indicate where the coronavirus was contracted. The state began posting schools COVID-19 data Oct. 30.

The five school districts reporting the highest number of new cases this week are:

Jefferson County, with 39,000 students and staff, reported 118 new cases,

Mobile County, with 58,000 students and staff, reported 109 new cases,

Shelby County, with 23,000 students and staff, reported 104 new cases,

Huntsville City, with 25,200 students and staff, reported 82 new cases,

Baldwin County, with 33,600 students and staff, reported 77 new cases.

No numbers are reported on the number of students and staff in quarantine due to being a close contact of someone with COVID-19, though some school districts publish their own dashboards including that information.

Officials ask students and staff to voluntarily report coronavirus cases to schools in order to not only keep track, but also to ensure close contacts of those testing positive are quarantining for the appropriate amount of time, as currently required by the state health officer.

For a look at the progression of cases reported by school officials since Oct. 30, check out the table below.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer. While 90% of cases are in people older than 50, there is an as-yet unexplained rising incidence in younger people.

Family history ranks high among risk factors for developing colorectal cancer, and people with such a history are often advised to get more frequent screening tests or start screening sooner than the recommended age of 45 years old. Those with a family history of cancer often seek out genetic tests to look for mutations linked to cancer risk. However, those tests don't always provide helpful information.

In a new paper in the American Journal of Human Genetics, Jacob Kitzman, Ph.D., of the Department of Human Genetics at Michigan Medicine, and a team of collaborators describe a method for screening so-called genetic variants of uncertain significance in the hopes of identifying those mutations that could cause disease.

To do this, they used a genetic condition called Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer. Like BRCA1, a gene known to cause certain breast cancers, there are a handful of genes behind Lynch syndrome that have been well described. However, "there's a whole universe of possible genetic variants that can occur in genes associated with Lynch syndrome that we basically know nothing about," says Kitzman.

Because most mutations are rare in the human population, it can be difficult to tell if any particular one is problematic. And studying one variant in a lab at a time takes a lot of time--often too much to be useful for making clinical decisions.

Using a technique called deep mutational scanning, the research team set out to measure the impact of mutations in the gene MSH2, which when mutated, is one major cause of Lynch syndrome.

The key advance is rather than doing one mutation at a time, we did it in a pooled format which allowed us to test about 18,000 mutations in a single batch." Jacob Kitzman, Ph.D., Department of Human Genetics, Michigan Medicine

Using CRISPR-Cas technology, they deleted the normal copy of MSH2 from human cells, and replaced it with library of every possible mutation in the MSH2 gene. This created a mix of cells where each cell carried a unique MSH2 mutation. This population of cells was treated with a drug known as 6-thioguanine, a chemotherapy that killed only the cells that had a functional variant of MSH2.

The counterintuitive idea, notes Kitzman, is that the surviving cells are the ones without functioning MSH2--which are the ones with mutations that are most likely to be disease-causing.

"We were basically trying to sit down and make the mutations we could so they could serve as a reference for ones that are newly seen or are amongst the thousands of variants of unknown significance identified in people from clinical testing," says Kitzman. "Until now, geneticists could not be sure whether these are benign or pathogenic."

The hope is that, with other patient-specific information, some of these variants may be able to be reclassified, and those people notified that they should undergo more intense screening.

Says Kitzman, "One of the next areas that will need some focus in the field of human genetics is to create these sorts of maps for many different genes where there is a clinical connection, so we can be more predictive when variants are found in an individual."
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. A few storms may be severe. High 73F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms early, then cloudy skies after midnight. A few storms may be severe. Low around 50F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Vietnam is mulling escalation of COVID-19 prevention measures after new outbreak sites have been detected in the northern Hai Phong City and Quang Ninh Provinces and the Central Highlands provine of Gia Lai.

The COVID-19 clusters in Hai Duongs Chi Linh City arose 10 days ago, said the Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam during the Thursday and Wednesdays emergency meetings on COVID-19 prevention in Hanoi.

Sampling up to third-tier contacts

The first batch of test on Thursday morning recorded 72 cases of COVID-19 infection in Hai Duong and 10 others in Quang Ninh. These figures might shoot up during the night and the morning after, but we should not be too concerned as we extended testing up to third-tier contacts of the infected, the deputy PM stated.

According to Dam, the medical sector has not missed a pace since the outbreak started, as they approached the issue since the first infection is confirmed.

This kind of swift and proactive responses has not been seen in the wake of the outbreak in Da Nang City back in July 2020, he added.

However, as a new, fast-spreading strain of the coronavirus has been reported on the Hai Duong cases, medical workers manage to pass on at least four rounds of patients within a span of 10 days.

That the strict [COVID-19 prevention] guideline at Quang Ninhs Van Don Airport failed to contain the virus can be attributed to negligence in just a minute, he denoted.

Other outbreak is bound to happen if this kind of negligence continues.

By Thursday afternoon, the hospitals in charge had obtained over 4,000 samples from Hai Duong Province had release results from the second batch of tests in the Thursday evening.

Despite the escalation of COVID-19 transmission tally, Dam and the members of Vietnams National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control remains optimistic. The epidemic prevention authority as well as experts are striving to contain the outbreak within 10 days.

It took us 23 days to detect the transmissions in Da Nang. This time, it took us 10 days, and we are committed to containing it within another 10 days, Dam vowed.

21-day quarantine

According to Dam, there is currently a slack in monitoring transmission risk of persons after they left 14-day concentrated quarantine. For that reason, the quarantine duration should be extended to 21 days.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, the premier endorsed a new directive, which allows municipalities to order social distancing based on realistic situations, as well as the previous Directive 15 and Directive 16.

In the meantime, the PM also ordered a 21-day social distancing period in Hai Duongs Chi Linh City.

He also let Hai Duong City decide whether or not social distancing at other districts and cities of the locale is needed.

In the meantime, the Van Don Airport in Quang Ninh was shut down from midday of Thursday.

The leaders of Quang Ninh Province also called on social distancing or shutdown of other areas of the locale.

Two COVID-19 clusters were recorded in Hai Duong and Quang Ninh Provinces with a total of 185 community-based infections confirmed between Thursday morning and Saturday morning.

Vietnam has documented 1,739 COVID-19 cases as of Friday morning, with 1,448 recoveries and 35 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health.

The country had spent nearly two months detecting no local transmission before the new clusters were uncovered.

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ANN ARBOR, MI  Ann Arbor Public Schools students, parents and community members held a rally outside the downtown Ann Arbor post office Saturday afternoon with one clear message:

They want kids to have an option for in-person learning.

Ann Arbor Reasonable Return held the rally to press AAPS to commit to a date for a return to in-person classes. AAPS has been in a remote learning format since March, but parents want their students to have the choice to learn in person.

The preponderance of the evidence has shown that its safe to do so if you have mitigation in place, and the district has told us that they do, said Kathy Bishop, an AAPS parent and Michigan Medicine employee. Theres really just no reason that our kids have not had the option to go back.

Dozens of AAPS students and community members listened to a handful of speakers outside the post office, including concerned parents and health care professionals.

Kim Monroe, a pediatric hospitalist and AAPS parent, said she has seen a lot of kids with psychological problems and issues because of so much online learning, which is concerning.

At this point, though, Monroe says its not a question of whether its safe for students to go back to in-person learning but rather if AAPS will do it or not.

I truly believe that the AAPS teachers, school board and superintendent can do this, Monroe said. I believe in them, and I think we can make this happen.

Two weeks ago, AAPS took its first step in setting a target for bringing students back for in-person classes in a hybrid format in early March, pending significant progress in the vaccination of school personnel and a reduction in the overall level of community COVID-19 infections.

Plans for early March return to in-person classes outlined by Ann Arbor Public Schools

Superintendent Jeanice Swift has laid out a tentative return to the classroom, with stage 1 taking place in early March, although a specific date has not been given.

Stage 1 would include students in pre-kindergarten, young fives and kindergarten who have chosen the hybrid in-person learning model, as well as students with high-level specialized learning needs. Also included are small groups of middle and high school students most in need of in-person classes.

Stages 2 through 4 would occur in approximately one-week intervals, Swift said, with stage 2 including first- and second-grade students whose families chose a hybrid learning model.

While parents have pointed out Ann Arbor Public Schools is the only district in the county not offering some form of in-person classes, the district is not alone among some of the states largest districts in remaining virtual. Kalamazoo Publc Schools, Dearborn Public Schools and Waverly Community Schools are some of the states larger districts to remain in the remote learning throughout the school year.

What Ann Arbor Reasonable Return is pushing for is the option for students to return to in-person learning  not all students returning to in-person learning. Thats something the group has been working to help people understand, according to Lena Kauffman, press officer for Ann Arbor Reasonable Return.

Theres this huge middle where you can do creative solutions that fit the individual needs of individual children, Kauffman said. You can have a good virtual plan, and you can have some in-person, hybrid learning happening alongside in a safe manner and better meet the needs of children.

READ MORE:

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Kalamazoo schools will hold town halls on possible return to in-person learning

Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-30 14:47:18|Editor: huaxia

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Aerial photo taken on Jan. 27, 2021 shows the exterior view of nuclear power units of the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) in Fuqing, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan)

BEIJING, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- China's first nuclear power unit using Hualong One, a domestically designed third-generation nuclear reactor, has entered commercial operation, paving the way for mass production and export.

The No. 5 unit in the city of Fuqing, east China's Fujian Province, is generating electricity for sale after a seven-day trial run, said the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) Saturday.

The Hualong One reactor, with all of its core components produced domestically, has a design life of 60 years and meets the strictest safety standards in the world, according to the CNNC.

"With Hualong One online, China is now at the forefront of third-generation nuclear technology in the world, alongside countries like the United States, France and Russia," said CNNC President Yu Jianfeng.

The commercial use of Hualong One will also help meet low-carbon development goals like having CO2 emissions peak before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060, Yu added.

The No. 5 unit is expected to generate nearly 10 billion kWh of electricity each year, potentially reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 8.16 million tonnes in annual terms, CNNC data showed.

Construction of the No. 5 unit began in May 2015, and has proceeded as scheduled despite the disruptions brought by the COVID-19 epidemic, said the CNNC. 
CBC

New Brunswick reported nine new cases of COVID-19 on Friday and a jump in the vaccination rates among long-term care home workers. The province now has 139 active cases of the respiratory disease. Six people are hospitalized in New Brunswick, including two in intensive care. One person is hospitalized out of province and is in an intensive care unit. The breakdown of the new cases is as follows: Moncton region, Zone 1, one case: A person 50 to 59. This case is a contact of a previously confirmed case. Saint John region, Zone 2, two cases: A person 50 to 59. A person 60 to 69. Both cases are travel-related and one individual is out of province. Fredericton region, Zone 3, four cases: Four people 19 or under. All four cases are contacts of previously confirmed cases. Bathurst region, Zone 6, two cases: A person 19 or under. A person 40 to 49. Both cases are travel-related. The nine new cases of COVID-19 announced Friday put the province's total active cases at 139.(CBC) New Brunswick has had 2,181 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. There have been 1,998 recoveries so far and 43 COVID-related deaths. A total of 331,080 COVID tests have been conducted, including 1,682 on Thursday. As of Friday, 413,364 New Brunswickers have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine. That's 59.6 per cent of the eligible population, aged 12 or older. 13 more homes reach 50% vaccination rate Since Thursday, 13 more long-term care homes now have at least half of their staff vaccinated with at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, Social Development Minister Bruce Fitch announced Friday. The jump comes after the province announced it would implement mandatory COVID-19 testing for unvaccinated workers in some homes next week because of "unacceptable" low vaccination rates. "This rapid progress is no surprise to me or to staff at the department," Fitch said in a statement. "We know the workers at these facilities are dedicated to protecting and serving our most vulnerable seniors." The Edmundston region, Zone 4, has the highest percentage of unvaccinated long-term care home workers, while the Fredericton region, Zone 3, has the highest percentage of workers who have received at least one dose.(Government of New Brunswick) Of the province's 563 long-term care homes, the number of with fewer than 50 per cent of staff vaccinated is 86. That's down from 99 on Thursday. All 70 nursing homes have staff vaccination rates above 50 per cent, according to a news release. The Edmundston region, Zone 4, has the highest percentage of unvaccinated workers, at 28 per cent, according to a new website launched by the department. A total of 74.1 per cent of all long-term care home staff in the province has now received at least one dose or intend to get the vaccine, according to the website. Fitch is encouraging any workers who have not already made a vaccination appointment to do so as soon as possible. Starting Monday, unvaccinated workers will be required to take a rapid COVID-19 test every other day if they work in a facility where less than half of the staff have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The province has 383,224 rapid tests and has distributed 53,458 in various sectors to date, said Department of Health spokesperson Bruce Macfarlane. "The province's supply will be able to continue to meet the demand for rapid tests for as long as needed," he said in an emailed statement Friday. Bump in the 'path to green' Just one day after New Brunswick announced its "path to green," it has hit a bump. Premier Blaine Higgs said it's unlikely the province can open up to Maine on July 1, as hoped, based on his call with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the other premiers Thursday night. The Canada-U.S. border is federal jurisdiction and probably won't reopen in time, Higgs said. But he believes later in July is possible. New Brunswick's recovery plan includes three phases to slowly loosen restrictions, with target dates based on anticipated vaccination rates and low COVID-related hospitalizations. Phase 2 calls for travellers from Canada and Maine with at least one dose of a COVID vaccine to be allowed into the province without having to isolate, starting July 1, provided at least 75 per cent of eligible New Brunswickers have received their first dose and at least 20 per cent of New Brunswickers aged 65 or over have received their second dose. Higgs said there's "a lot of interest" among the premiers in opening up with the U.S. New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs said unless Canada gets a significant influx of additional COVID-19 vaccines before June 21, he expects the non-essential travel ban with the U.S. to be extended again.(Ed Hunter/CBC) Last week, the federal government announced another month-long extension of Canada-U.S. border restrictions until June 21. Higgs believes the non-essential travel ban will be extended again. "Whether it be another month or another few weeks, I think it's directly related to  can we get to the same level of vaccinations? Which, by the end of June would be probably a bit of a stretch." More than 40 per cent of Americans are fully vaccinated. In New Brunswick, nearly 60 per cent of those eligible have received their first dose, but only about 5.4 per cent have received their second shot. There is a push to strike a federal deal to gain access to surplus doses from the New England states, however, he said. "If we have greater access, we not only can meet our schedule, but we can move move it up." The premiers also discussed COVD-19 vaccine passports during the call with the prime minister, said Higgs. There were "varying opinions," but "it wasn't something that was generally accepted" for Canadians travelling between provinces, he said. The idea garnered more support when it came to international travellers. At least 809 AstraZeneca doses claimed At least 809 of the province's 3,500 doses of AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine, which are set to expire Monday, have been spoken for, according to the Department of Health. Since last Friday, 809 people have booked an appointment to receive a second dose of AstraZeneca through the online booking system for clinics being held by the Horizon and Vitalite health authorities, said department spokesperson Shawn Berry. "This does not include individuals who may have booked through a pharmacy," he said in an emailed statement. Any unused doses of the province's AstraZeneca supply left over by Monday, the expiry date, will be disposed of, the chief medical officer of health has said.(Evan Mitsui/CBC) Last Friday, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell announced the province had 3,500 doses in stock, with an expiry date of May 31. If the doses aren't used by then, they will be disposed of, Russell had said. During Thursday's COVID briefing, Russell told reporters she remained hopeful that none of the doses would go to waste. People over the age of 55 who received AstraZeneca as their first dose at least eight weeks ago and want to receive a second dose, can check for clinic availability in their area by booking online. There are clinics planned Saturday in Woodstock and Saint John, Sunday in Fredericton and Monday in Moncton, Campbellton and Miramichi. People should book at least 36 hours ahead, department officials said. To see if a pharmacy is offering second doses of AstraZeneca, visit the pharmacy's website or social media page. Fredericton community transmission case ID'd A case of community transmission in the Fredericton region, Zone 3, has been identified as the variant of concern first reported in the U.K., Department of Health spokesperson Bruce Macfarlane said in an email Friday. Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell announced the case earlier this week and described it as concerning. Public Health has been unable to trace the case to any other cases in the region and believes it is a different strain, she had said. "I'm not talking the variant here," she said. "I'm just talking that it's a different genetic sequence than whatever is circulating currently." Macfarlane did not elaborate in his email on if or how the case is different than the other cases in the region involving the U.K. variant. Delta Fredericton cluster reaches 77 The cluster of COVID-19 cases linked to the former isolation hotel, the Delta Fredericton, has now reached 77, the Department of Health said Friday. Twelve cases were directly linked to the Delta, said Macfarlane. The other 65 were contacts, either direct or indirect. The outbreak in the Fredericton region stems from the Delta, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell has confirmed. She has declined to reveal whether the index case was an isolating guest, an employee or another guest, citing confidentiality. The Delta cluster is fuelled by the highly contagious variant first reported in India and health officials believe there's a very strong probability it's spreading through surface contacts, rather than respiratory droplets or aerosols, according to an internal Horizon Health Network memo. Small business grant enhanced and extended until green phase More help is on the way for small businesses hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the launch of Phase 2 of the New Brunswick Small Business Recovery Grant program, Opportunities NB announced Friday. Under the enhanced and extended program, eligible businesses can apply for a non-repayable grant of up to $5,000 to help offset losses incurred since April 1 because of tighter Public Health restrictions  even at the yellow COVID alert level. Previously, businesses could only access the grants under the more restrictive orange, red or lockdown levels. In addition, the province has reduced the 30 per cent year-over-year drop in revenue threshold to 20 per cent when compared to the same month in 2019, said Economic Development and Small Business Minister Arlene Dunn, who is also the minister responsible for Opportunities NB. "While the pandemic has been unpredictable, our commitment to business is not," she said in a statement. "The changes we are bringing to the program will ensure New Brunswick businesses continue to get the support they need in a timely manner." Businesses within the eligible sectors that have been subject to elevated COVID alert levels and/or impacted by measures limiting unnecessary travel into New Brunswick, are able to apply, said Economic Development and Small Business Minister Arlene Dunn.(Ed Hunter/CBC) Eligible business types include restaurants and drinking establishments, hairstylists and spas, fitness facilities, entertainment centres, some tourism operators, and non-essential retail businesses located in lockdown zones. Applications will be accepted beginning June 1. The program will remain open until New Brunswick reaches the green level of recovery, which is expected to be on Aug. 2. Businesses that accessed the grant under the first phase remain eligible to apply for the full amount available under Phase 2. Tourism industry urges travellers to come to New Brunswick The president of the Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick has a message for travellers. "Come on over." On Thursday, the province outlined a path to a green COVID-19 recovery phase by the beginning of August. Carol Alderdice welcomed the news. "I actually had tears in my eyes." She hasn't heard from members of the tourism industry yet, but she's certain "they must be elated." "We absolutely need people to travel in New Brunswick this summer." Last year, some businesses reported revenue losses of 50 to 100 per cent. "They couldn't survive another summer like that," she said. Premier Blaine Higgs said he wants to see the province "moving again" and for the rest of Canada to open up this summer. "It's real, it's a possibility  and we don't want to lose another tourism season," Higgs said Friday morning. Atlantic COVID roundup Nova Scotia reported 40 new cases of COVID-19 Friday. Total active cases are 585. Newfoundland and Labrador confirmed 14 new cases, as a cluster in Central Newfoundland reached the 60-case mark. The province now has 96 active cases. Prince Edward Island has two new cases to report, both linked to travel outside Atlantic Canada, and has 12 active cases. Latest public exposures Public Health has identified a potential public exposure to the virus at the following locations: Moncton region, Zone 1: Day & Ross Freight Terminal, 651 Frenette Ave., Moncton, on May 20 and May 22. Wendy's Restaurant, 85 Harrisville Blvd., Moncton, on May 22 between noon and 8 p.m. Fredericton region, Zone 3: The Reps Gym, 401 Connell St., Woodstock, on May 17 to May 19 between 8 p.m. and midnight. Capitol Building, 114 Queen St., Woodstock, on May 17 to May 19. Day & Ross Freight Terminal, 398 Main St., Hartland, on May 17 to May 22. Public Health has also identified a positive case in a traveller who may have been infectious while on the following flights: Air Canada Flight 318  from Calgary to Montreal, departed at 11:43 a.m. on May 15. Air Canada Flight 8904  from Montreal to Moncton, departed at 6:52 p.m. on May 15. Public Health is offering COVID-19 testing for all New Brunswickers who have been in a public exposure area, even if they are not experiencing any symptoms. Residents may request a test online or call Tele-Care 811. People experiencing one or more symptom are also encouraged to get tested. Previous public exposures Public Health previously reported the following potential public exposures: Moncton region, Zone 1: Moxie's Grill and Bar, 10 Wyse St., Moncton, on May 21 between 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tim Hortons, 170 St. George Blvd., Moncton, on May 21 between 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. and May 23 between 8 a.m. and noon. A&W, 6 Champlain St., Dieppe, on May 21 between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Codiac Transpo City Bus #60, on May 21 between 7:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. Codiac Transpo City Bus #51, on May 21 between 7:15 p.m. and 10 p.m. Extreme Windows, 80 Loftus St., Moncton, on May 18, May 19, May 20 and May 21 between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Subway, 100 Morton Ave., Moncton, on May 19 between 8:30 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. TD Bank, 525 Regis St., Dieppe, on May 22 between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Fredericton region, Zone 3: Downtown Optometry Clinic, 169 Dundonald St., Fredericton, on May 20 between 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m The Head Shoppe, 1381 Regent St., Fredericton, on May 21 between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Arthurette General Store, 1450 Route 109, Red Rapids, on May 11 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., May 16 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and May 21 between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Save Easy, A-24 Columbus St., Perth-Andover, on May 11, May 14, May 15, and May 21 between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. Grant's Service Centre, 1151 W. Riverside Dr., Perth-Andover, on May 13 between 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. NB Liquor, 26F Tribe Rd., Perth-Andover, on May 13 between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. Lewis Pharmacy, 14F Tribe Rd., Perth-Andover, on May 11 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., and May 14 between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Squeaky's Convenience, 2-18F Tribe Rd., Perth-Andover, on May 14 between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. Castle Building Supplies, 24B Columbus St., Perth-Andover, on May 14 between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., and May 20 between noon and 5:30 p.m. Aldo Shoes, 1381 Regent St., on May 19, between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Le Chateau, 1381 Regent St., on May 19, between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Lawtons Drugs, 1381 Regent St., on May 19 and May 20, between 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Costco, 25 Wayne Squibb Blvd., on May 21, between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dollarama, 1033 Prospect St., on May 21, between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Giant Tiger, 1160 Smythe St., on May 21 between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Costco, 25 Wayne Squibb Blvd., Fredericton on Saturday, May 15, between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Walmart Supercentre, 1399 Regent St., Fredericton on Sunday, May 16, between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Shoppers Drug Mart, 1040 Prospect St., Fredericton on Sunday, May 16, between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Walmart, 125 Two Nations Crossing, Fredericton on Monday, May 17, between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dollarama, 125 Two Nations Crossing, Fredericton on Monday, May 17, between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sobeys Fast Fuel, 530 Brookside Dr., Fredericton on Monday, May 17, between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Fadi's Pizza, 312 Main St., Fredericton on Tuesday, May 18, between noon and 2 p.m. Fredericton Regional Centre, 300 St. Mary's St., on Tuesday, May 18, and Wednesday, May 19, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Atlantic Superstore, 116 Main St., Fredericton on Wednesday, May 19, between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Other public exposures Public Health said the dates of a previously reported public exposure at the Fredericton YMCA daycare were incorrect. The correct dates are: Fredericton YMCA daycare, 570 York St., Fredericton, on Tuesday, May 18, and Wednesday, May 19 Fredericton region: Christ Church (Parish) Church, 245 Westmorland St., Fredericton, Sunday, May 16, 10:30 a.m. service. Hope City Church, 429 Clements Dr., Fredericton, on Sunday, May 16, 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. services. Petro Canada, 20 Royal Rd., Fredericton, on Tuesday, May 18, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Home Depot, 1450 Regent St., Fredericton, Wednesday, May 19, between 5 and 7 p.m. Scholten's, 325 Sunset Dr., Fredericton, on May 17 between 4 and 8 p.m. Atlantic Superstore, 116 Main St., Fredericton, on May 16 between 9 and 11 a.m. Crowne Plaza Fredericton, 659 Queen St., Fredericton, on May 15 between 3 p.m. and May 16 at noon. Riverbend Golf Club, 541 Route 628, Durham Bridge,on May 15, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Penniac Ultramar, 22 Route 628, on May 15, between 9 and 11 a.m. and between 2 and 4 p.m. Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market, 665 George St., on May 15 between 10 a.m. and noon Moores Clothing, 1150 Prospect St., on May 15, between 11 a.m. and noon. Home Depot, 1450 Regent St., on May 15, between noon and 1 p.m. Crowne Plaza Fredericton, 659 Queen St., between 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 15, and noon on Sunday, May 16. Costco, 25 Wayne Squibb Blvd., Fredericton, on Friday, May 14, between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. CJ Munn Equipment, 1095 Hanwell Rd., Fredericton, on Friday, May 14, between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. McMath Law Office, 406 Regent St., on May 14, between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Fredericton Mitsubishi, 327 St. Mary's St., on May 14, between 10:45 a.m. and 4 p.m. Pizza Delight, 243 St. Mary's St., on May 14, between noon and 2 p.m. The Abbey Cafe, 546 Queen St., on May 14, between noon and 12:30 p.m. Scotiabank, 490 King St., on May 14, between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sobeys, 1180 Prospect St., on May 14, between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Cannon's Cross Pub, 15 Riverside Dr., on May 14, between 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. McDonald's Restaurant, 1177 Prospect St., on May 14, between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Cal's Independent Grocer, 135 Otis Dr., Nackawic, on May 14, between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Irving Big Stop Blue Canoe restaurant, 415 Nevers Rd., Waasis, on May 14, between 10:30 a.m. and noon. Progressive Credit Union, 395 Connell Rd., Woodstock, on May 13, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Giant Tiger, 1160 Smythe St., on May 13, between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Scholten's, 325 Sunset Dr., on May 13, between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Costco, 25 Wayne Squibb Blvd., on May 12, between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. and May 13, between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. A&W, 1018 Prospect St., Fredericton, on May 12, between noon and 2 p.m. NB Power, 515 King St., on May 12, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sobeys Fast Fuel, 530 Brookside Dr., on May 12, between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. University of New Brunswick Fredericton campus, residence administration building, 20 Bailey Dr., Fredericton, on May 11 and May 12, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sobeys, 463 Brookside Dr., Fredericton, on May 11, between 6 and 8 p.m. Tony Pepperoni, 510 Brookside Dr., on May 11, between 5 and 7 p.m. The Drome, 301 Main St., on May 11, between 8:45 and 11 p.m. Shoppers Drug Mart, 1040 Prospect St., on May 11, from 9 to 10 a.m. Hilton Garden Inn Hotel and the Pickle Jar Restaurant, 620 Queen St., from May 11 to May 16. Tim Hortons drive-thru, Regent Street, on May 10, at 1:30 p.m. Atlantic Superstore, 471 Smythe St, on May 10, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and May 11, from 10 a.m. to noon. Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital, 700 Priestman St., on May 10-11. Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation, 800 Priestman St., on May 10-11. Veterans Health Unit, 680 Priestman St., on May 10-11. Wolastoq Wharf, 527 Union St., on May 9, between noon and 2:30 p.m. Northside Market, 170 Main St., on May 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Irving Oil, 181 King St., on May 9, from 8 to 10 p.m. Dollarama, 5 Trinity Dr., on May 9, from noon to 2 p.m. NB Liquor, 18 Trinity Dr., on May 9, from noon to 5 p.m. Home Sense, 18 Trinity Dr., on May 9, from noon to 5 p.m. Delta Fredericton, 225 Woodstock Rd., on May 6-12. STMR. 36 Restaurant  Delta Fredericton, 225 Woodstock Rd., on May 6-12. Moncton region: Costco Wholesale, 140 Granite Dr., Moncton, on May 9, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Edmundston region: Tim Hortons, 54 Canada St., Saint-Quentin, on May 16, between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. Jean Coutu, 177 Victoria St., on May 15, between noon and 1 p.m. Bathurst region: Tim Hortons, 1420 Vanier Blvd., Bathurst, on May 16, between 5 and 7 p.m. Flight exposures Public Health has identified a positive case in a traveller who may have been infectious while on the following flights: Air Canada 314  from Vancouver to Montreal, departed at 11:24 p.m. on May 11. Air Canada 8902  from Montreal to Moncton, departed at 1:06 p.m. on May 12. Air Canada 8946 from Toronto to Moncton, departed at 8:47 p.m. on May 10. What to do if you have a symptom People concerned they might have COVID-19 symptoms can take a self-assessment test online. Public Health says symptoms shown by people with COVID-19 have included: Fever above 38 C. New cough or worsening chronic cough. Sore throat. Runny nose. Headache. New onset of fatigue, muscle pain, diarrhea, loss of sense of taste or smell. Difficulty breathing. In children, symptoms have also included purple markings on the fingers and toes. People with one of those symptoms should: Stay at home. Call Tele-Care 811 or their doctor. Describe symptoms and travel history. Follow instructions.
Blast outside Israeli Embassy could be a 'terror attack', says envoy Ron Malka. Delhi Police Special Cell has uncovered footage from the Blast site. 2 persons were seen being dropped off by a cab.

A low-intensity explosion which happened near the Israel Embassy in Delhi rocked the National Capital. The nature of the explosion is being ascertained. Some broken glasses at the spot. No injuries have been reported and further investigation is underway. In the wake of this blast, investigators from Israel will be reaching Delhi soon. The Israeli team is believed to assist Indian agencies to probe the low-intensity explosion.

Dy Ambassador Of Israel spoke exclusively to NewsX and said they have no information of the blast yet. Delhi Police Special Cell has uncovered footage from the Blast site. 2 persons were seen being dropped off by a cab. Security has been tightened in Mumbai at all locations including near Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station and Mumbai Police is on high alert following a low-intensity explosion that took place near the Israel Embassy in Delhi.

According to sources the blast that took place in front of Jindal House where the CCTV cameras are not working. However, CCTV footage from other locations has been gathered. The forensic Team arrived at I0srael Embassy Blast spot immediately. Union Home Minister Amit Shah took stock of the situation.

Also Read: Union Budget Session Kicks-Off: President articulates Govts vision; Oppn parties hold protest

Also Read: Amid ongoing Farmers-Centre deadlock, Delhi traffic police closes Ghazipur border; traffic diverted at several locations

In a shocking revelation, an envelope has been found near the Israeli Embassy which had described the Incident as Trailer. The letter sparked the controversy which showed the blast seek revenge for the assassination of Irans General & Scientist.
The opening of the first five-star Sheraton hotel in Kyiv is scheduled for 2021.

"In 2021, Sheraton Hotels will continue on its transformation journey, with the brand expecting to showcase new guest experience programs and complete renovations in locations including Nashville, the United States; Toronto, Canada; Nice, France; Kyiv, Ukraine; and Xi'an, China," according to a press release posted on January 28 by PRNewswire.

As reported, earlier in September 2020, the Board of Directors of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) approved the allocation of $27 million for building Sheraton Hotel in Kyiv.

The construction of the five-star Sheraton Kyiv Olympiysky hotel in the territory of the Olympiysky Stadium is being carried out by Construction Investment Company TM, which signed a hotel management agreement with the hotel operator Marriott Hotels & Resort.

According to the company's website, Sheraton Kyiv Olympiysky is a 14-storey building with 196 rooms, 178 of which are standard rooms and deluxe rooms, 15 luxury rooms, two rooms for people with disabilities and one presidential room. The infrastructure includes an underground parking for 144 cars.

Construction Investment Company TM was founded in 2004, and its core business is construction of residential and non-residential buildings.

According to the unified public register, the founders of the company as of January 2021 were Telmox Limited LLC (50.5%), Wayall Limited LLC (35.5%) and Ihor Tarasulov (14%).

The charter capital is UAH 5 million.
Kids at summer camps can skip wearing masks outdoors, with some exceptions: CDC new mask guidance

Govt busts myths on vaccines, says adequacy of manufacturing capacity not an issue

Production of Covaxin to hit 6 crore by July/August says Centre

Over 1.82 crore COVID-19 vaccines still available with states: Centre

Over 4 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses to be given to states, UTs: Centre

Relief for SII as court rejects trademark-violation plea over 'Covishield'

India

oi-Deepika S

Pune, Jan 30: A local court has rejected an application seeking injunction against the use of 'Covishield' as brandname by the vaccine-maker Serum Institute of India (SII), the company said on Saturday.

SII is producing a coronavirus vaccine named Covishield, co-developed by the University of Oxford and British-Swedish company AstraZeneca. The Indian government has purchased 11 million doses of Covishield vaccine.

While the court order was not available immediately, the lawyer of Cutis-Biotech, which had filed the suit, said it would file an appeal in the high court.

Serum Institute applies for trials of another Covid-19 vaccine; hopes to launch Covavax by June 2021

On January 4, Cutis-Biotech, a pharmacertical firm, filed a suit in the civil court claiming it was a prior user of the brandname Covishield, and sought to restrain SII from using the name.

SII had told the court that the two companies operate in different product categories and there is no scope for confusion over the trademark.

"Court has rejected the application," said SII''s lawyer Hitesh Jain.

Advocate Aditya Soni, lawyer of Cutis-Biotech, said the order copy was not yet available, but operative order was read out in the court. "We will file an appeal against the order in the high court," he said.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, January 30, 2021, 23:42 [IST]
About 3 p.m., three males of unknown age were found shot in the 8100 block of South May Street, Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Merritt said. Their injuries were not believed to be critical, he said, and they were taken to various hospitals.
Pastor Daniel Ngoy Mulunda was on Wednesday sentenced to three years in prison for undermining state security, a human rights organization in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Association of Access to Justice (ACAJ) has said.



Mulunda is a relative of ex- Congolese leader Joseph Kabila. The former served as president of the electoral commission early 2010 under Kabila.



His charges also included incitement to tribal hatred and spreading false rumours. Mulundas conviction is a fresh blow against the entourage of the ex-president Kabila.



His defence lawyer, Jean Mbuyu has denounced the sentence. "The judgement against our client was delivered at night by the court in the absence of the defendant and his lawyers, he said.



The Congolese National Assembly on Wednesday brought down the Prime Minister close to Kabila by passing a motion of censure against his government.



On December 6 last year, President Felix Tshisekedi put an end to the ruling coalition that he formed with his predecessor since his inauguration in January 2019.



On Thursday, an international rights group, Human Rights Watch, denounced the hardening of the Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, with an increase in repression against the media and pro-democracy activists in his two years in power.



Between January and July 2020, the group said it documented 39 cases of threats, harassment, arbitrary arrests and detentions related to media freedom and peaceful protests. It also said since July it had documented an additional 65 cases.

Source: africanews.com









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China may come under pressure to lift its ban on Australian coking coal and copper concentrates amid dwindling supplies of high quality raw materials, analysts said, although there are few signs that Chinese authorities are willing to relent just yet.

Australia is known for its premium hard coking coal, a crucial raw material for steel making.

Since October's unofficial ban on both coking and thermal coal, steel mills, which are especially reliant on Australia's hard coking coal variety, have resorted to using either more expensive coal of equal quality from countries like the United States, Russia, Canada and Mongolia, or lower quality coal from its own mines and other sources.

Get the latest insights and analysis from our Global Impact newsletter on the big stories originating in China.

Pressure has built on steel mills' profit margins, while concerns over the low quality of steel output have risen, as a result of using inferior coking coal.

Some local mills and traders have petitioned their local governments over recent weeks for relief from the Australian coal ban, according to Fastmarkets, a pricing and research group.

Some of the more than 50 Australian coal vessels stranded outside Chinese ports since the ban have been allowed to dock and unload recently. But there is still a bottleneck at Chinese customs.

Australian exporters have to overcome more hurdles while customs officials consider whether they should let cargoes through, said Li Min, a Fastmarkets coal analyst.

"Other steel mills and trading houses in China, which have cargoes of Australian coal waiting in anchorage, have requested to offload their cargoes through customs but have not got any firm replies yet," she said.

An additional unofficial Chinese ban on imports of Australian-mined copper imposed in November may also start to backfire, especially with ongoing disruptions in the production and transport of copper from key producer Peru.

Story continues

Disgruntled local activist groups have blockaded Peruvian mines in recent weeks. In December, blockades in the Velille district of Peru's Chumbivilcas province disrupted copper concentrate flows from the Chinese-controlled Las Bambas copper mine, the world's ninth largest.

"Everybody has been running their stocks [of concentrate] low for a year and the Las Bambas' delay has made it worse for Chinese smelters," Fastmarkets said, citing a trading source.

Chinese imports of copper concentrate dropped by 1.9 per cent in 2020, the first yearly decline since 2011, despite rising domestic demand for copper concentrate used in copper smelting, the research firm said.

China's Ministry of Commerce suggested last Thursday there would be no changes to the import bans, despite the pressure points in the supply chain.

"The current difficult situation in China-Australia relations is not what China wants to see," said spokesman Gao Feng when asked if China was open to lifting the ban on Australian coal.

"A healthy and stable China-Australia relationship is in the common interests of both countries. It is hoped that Australia will do more things that are conducive to mutual trust and cooperation between China and Australia, and push China-Australia relations back on track at an early date," he said.

But China's hand could be forced in time, said Atilla Widnell, managing director at Navigate Commodities.

"High quality coking coal supply is essential to support a stable and uniform reduction of the blast furnace iron burden," Widnell said.

"Most Chinese coke ovens have limited tolerance for using Mongolian and other semi-soft coking coals. Without the use of high-grade premium hard coking coal, Chinese metallurgical coke batteries and output will deteriorate over time."

Using low grade coking coal could lead to the production of brittle steel products, he added.

Coking coal supply from neighbouring Mongolia has also been hit by border closures amid waves of coronavirus infections.

Meanwhile, local Covid-19 outbreaks and lockdowns have shut down some construction in parts of China, slowed steel demand and steel mill operation, Widnell said, offering China some reprieve from the pressure to lift bans.

China was, however, getting a reprieve from pressures to lift bans as new Covid-19 outbreaks and lockdowns have shut down construction, slowed down steel demand and lowered steel mill operations, Widnell said.

In the interim, Australian coking coal prices have started to rise again amid soaring demand from non-Chinese steel mills, and tightening supplies due to heavy rains in the coal mining regions of Queensland, following a big drop in price when the ban took effect late last year.

Australian hard coking coal fell to about US$98 a tonne in mid-November but has bounced back to about US$150 a tonne, pricing agencies said.

With Australian authorities saying its China-bound exports have been diverted to other buyers, any punitive measures China intended might not have the desired effect.

"China's punitive economic measures are causing self-inflicted wounds," Widnell said.

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2021 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2021. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Friday that the Centre's proposal to farmers protesting against the new farm laws is still up for taking. PM Modi also explained to protestors that Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar is just a phone call away from the farmers if they want to take up the offer. PM Modi stated that Tomar had conveyed the same message to farmer leaders earlier.

PM Narendra Modi chaired an all-party meeting on Saturday to put forward the Centre's legislative agenda for the Budget Session. Generally, such meetings are held before the start of each Parliamentary session to ensure smooth functioning of both the Houses of Parliament.

The Prime Minister also stated that resolution to the farm laws issue should be reached through dialogue. He asserted that everyone has to think about the nation.

"The government's proposal still stands. Please convey this to your supporters. The resolution should be found through dialogue. We all have to think about the nation," Modi had said.

"I want to reiterate what Narendra Singh Tomar told farmers. He said - we've not reached consensus but we're giving you [farmers] the offer and you may go and deliberate. He [Narendra Singh Tomar] told farmers that he was just a phone call away," the PM added.

Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, TMC's Sudip Bandyopadhyay, Shiv Sena MP Vinayak Raut, and SAD's Balwinder Singh Bhunder spoke at length on farmers protests at the all-party meet.

Also Read: 'Economic Survey captures India's fight against COVID-19, strong economy fundamentals': PM Modi
Chinese short-video app operator Kuaishou Technology will raise $5.4 billion from its Hong Kong listing, hitting its maximum fundraising target after meeting strong investor demand.

The initial public offering is set to be the worlds largest in more than a year, and will value the company at nearly $61 billion. Kuaishou, which is backed by Tencent Holdings Ltd., competes with ByteDance Ltd., the Chinese company behind TikTok and its sister app Douyin.

Both companies have fed growing demand from younger Chinese people to watch and record short videos on their smartphones. Kuaishous namesake short-video platform is the worlds second largest, according to data cited in its prospectus, and its services in China had 305 million average daily active users in the nine months ended September.

Kuaishou, or fast hand" in Chinese, will sell stock at 115 Hong Kong dollars (US$14.80) a share, the top of an earlier range of HK$105 to HK$115, according to a term sheet seen Saturday by The Wall Street Journal. Its shares will start trading Feb. 5.

The IPO helps cement Hong Kongs standing as a market for big Chinese technology groups. The city in recent years has secured IPOs from companies such as Meituan, a major player in food delivery and travel bookings, and smartphone maker Xiaomi Corp., as well as secondary listings from U.S.-listed businesses such as Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and JD.com Inc.

Shares in these companies have surged, with Meituans stock more than tripling in the past 12 months, and Xiaomis more than doubling over the same period. A tech-focused benchmark introduced last summer by Hang Seng Indexes Co., compiler of the citys widely followed Hang Seng Index, has gained 32% in the six months through Fridays close.

Kuaishou is also benefiting from broader IPO market exuberance, both in Hong Kong and internationally. After making hot market debuts in Hong Kong last year, Chinese vaping-technology company Smoore International Holdings Ltd., and bottled-water giant Nongfu Spring Co., for example, are both now worth multiples of their valuations at their IPOs.

Units of Morgan Stanley, Bank of America Corp. and China Renaissance Holdings Ltd. are acting as joint sponsors for Kuaishous IPO. A block of 10 cornerstone investors supported the deal by committing to buy $2.45 billion of shares wherever in the range it priced.

A so-called green-shoe option means underwriters could ultimately increase the deals size by 15%, to a final total of $6.2 billion.

Write to Joanne Chiu at joanne.chiu@wsj.com and Quentin Webb at quentin.webb@wsj.com

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Dan Ewing will reprise his role as bad boy Heath Braxton this year.

On Saturday, the 35-year-old actor revealed that he made a return to the show after he appeared in a producer's dream.

'Series Producer Lucy Addario had a dream about me,' Dan told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

Dreamboat: Dan Ewing (pictured) will reprise his role as bad boy Heath Braxton this year. On Saturday, the 35-year-old actor revealed that he made a return to the show after he appeared in a producer's dream

'Okay well not me per se but about Heath returning to help sort out a situation in the 2021 season return storyline.'

While the star was not willing to give much away about his return, he did say that he and his love interest, Bianca Scott, played by Lisa Gormley, have a rough trot.

'Things aren't great with Heath and Bianca so he welcomes the distraction and the chance to once again get his hands dirty,' he told the paper.

He's back! 'Series Producer Lucy Addario had a dream about me,' Dan told the Gold Coast Bulletin. 'Okay well not me per se but about Heath returning to help sort out a situation in the 2021 season return storyline.' Pictured on Home and Away

Late last year, Dan was spotted on set in Sydney's northern beaches, filming scenes for the hit soap.

Dan first appeared on Home and Away as Rueben Humpheries in 2007. He joined the show again as Heath in 2010, but left in 2014.

However, he has reprised his role as Heath numerous times for Home and Away specials, including Home and Away: An Eye for an Eye and All or Nothing.

Back to work: Late last year, Dan was spotted on set in Sydney's northern beaches, filming scenes for the hit soap

In 2018, he told TV Week that he would be interested in reprising the role that made him famous.

'I would definitely consider it  as long as there's a good storyline,' Dan said.

He added that he loved his time on the show, saying of the cast and crew: 'I love what they do.'
Mary Conmy (nee Kelly), Rathcline, Lanesboro, Longford



The death occurred,peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family, on Friday, January 29 of Mary Conmy (nee Kelly), Rathcline, Lanesboro, Longford. Mary was the loving and much loved wife of Frank, devoted mother of Catherine, Stephen and Edward, and the loving sister to Florence, Eugene, Catherine and the late Imelda. She is deeply missed by her son in law, daughters in law, her grandchildren Ella, Niamh, Tom, Ben, Louis and Juliette, her dear friend Freda, relatives, neighbours and her wide circle of friends. May Mary rest in peace.

Marys funeral cortege will leave her residence on Sunday, January 31 at 11:45 to arrive at St Marys Church, Lanesboro for Funeral Mass at 12 noon. Burial afterwards in Clonbonny Cemetery. Due to government and HSE restrictions Marys funeral Mass will be private to family only. To view Marys funeral Mass please use the following link https://www.facebook.com/St-Marys-Parish-Lanesboro-106248174586123/

Please donate to the wonderful Palliative Care Team, Longford or the Irish Cancer Society in lieu of flowers. Messages of condolence may be added in the Condolence section on RIP.ie.

The Conmy family appreciates your support, sympathy and co-operation at this very sad time.

Ann Connell (nee Kenny), 27 Tromra Road, Granard, Longford

The death occurred, peacefully in Mullingar General Hospital, surrounded by her heartbroken family, on Friday, January 29 of Ann Connell (nee Kenny), 27 Tromra Road, Granard, Longford and formerly Ballinacross, Granard. She is predeceased by her husband Christy and sister Agnes. Ann will be forever missed by her loving family, son Paul, daughters Louisie and Karen, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, brothers John, Patrick, James, Willie, Gabriel, Michael and Christopher, sisters Margaret, Mary and Liz, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, neighbours and friends. Always in our thoughts, forever in our hearts. Rest in peace. Ann will repose in her home.

Funeral cortege will leave her home on Sunday, January 31 at 12.45 to arrive at St. Mary's Church, Granard, for Funeral Mass at 1pm, followed with burial in Granardkill Old Cemetery. Family flowers only please, donation if desired, to the Palliative Care Team c/o Connell Funeral Directors.

Due to the current restrictions the funeral Mass will be for family only, for those who would have liked to attend the funeral Mass but can not, please leave a message for Ann's family in the link on RIP.ie.



Sr Corona (Rose) Diffley, Coolarty, Edgeworthstown, Longford



The death occurred, in her 93rd year and in the loving care of the sisters and staff of Marian House, on Friday, January 29 of Sr Corona (Rose) Diffley, Dominican Sisters, Marian House, Johannesburg, South Africa and formerly of Coolarty, Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford. Predeceased by her sister Margaret McGarry (Farnaught, Mohill), her brothers Peter (Coolarty), Packie (London) and infant brother John. Deeply regretted by her brother Jim & sister-in-law Imelda (London & Sligo). Lovingly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and her family of Dominican Sisters. Sr Corona was professed in July 1947 in Bushey, Hertfordshire. She left for South Africa in August 1947 where she devoted her life to missionary work and teaching. May she rest in peace

Mass will be offered for the repose of Sr Corona in The Holy Trinity Church, Ballinalee on Sunday January 31 at 11am, which can be followed through the following link: https://www.facebook.com/parishofclonbroney/



David Duke, Corkeenagh, Strokestown, Roscommon

The death occurred, tragically following an accident, on Wednesday, January 27 of David Duke, Corkeenagh, Strokestown, Roscommon. Loving husband of Edel and much loved dad of Evan and Samuel. Dear brother of Clement and Fiona. He will be very sadly missed by his heartbroken wife, sons, brother, sister, niece Lauryn, sisters-in-law, mother-in-law, uncles, aunts, relatives and many friends. Rest In Peace. David's remains will be removed to Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan, on Sunday, January 31, to arrive for Funeral Service at 1pm. Owing to current restrictions David's Funeral is private to family and close friends. Condolences may be left on RIP.ie.

The Funeral Service can be viewed live at www.lakelandscrematorium.ie or by clicking here. Password: Lakelands2018

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding at this difficult time for the family. House private please.

Helena Prior, Rathcline Road, Lanesboro, Longford



The death occurred, peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on Thursday, January 28 of Helena Prior, Rathcline Road, Lanesboro, Longford. Predeceased by her beloved mother Bridie. Helena will be sadly missed and remembered with love by her family, her dear father Pat, her sister Michelle, brother Ciaran, sister-in-law Jacqui, nephews Paul, Shane and Richard, aunts, uncles, relatives and friends. May She Rest in Peace.

Helenas funeral cortege will leave her residence on Saturday, January 30 at 10.40am to arrive at St Marys Church, Lanesboro, for Mass of the Resurrection at 11am, interment afterwards in Rathcline Cemetery.

Given the exceptional circumstances and in accordance with government guidelines and social distancing protocols and protect everyone dear to Helena and her family, the Mass will be restricted to 10 people only. The Mass will be streamed live on the St.Marys Parish , Lanesboro Facebook page

Those who would have liked to attend, but due to current restrictions are unable to, may leave their personal messages in the condolences section on RIP.ie.

The family very much appreciates your consideration and support at this time. Family flowers only, please, donations, if desired, to Longford Palliative Care c/o Glennon Funeral Directors or any family member. House Private Please.

Mary Hayes (nee Mulryan), Croshea, Edgeworthstown, Longford



The death occurred, peacefully at Mullingar Regional Hospital, on Thursday, January 28 of Mary Hayes (nee Mulryan) Croshea, Edgeworthstown and formerly Marian Ave, Edgeworthstown, Co Longford. Predeceased by her parents Thomas and Mary and her beloved son Brendan. Greatly missed by her loving husband Pat, daughters Lorraine, Janice, Caroline and Patricia and her adored grandchildren Rebecca, Rachel, Melissa, Cian, and Katie, brother and sisters, sons-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and neighbours. Rest in Peace.

Mary's funeral cortege will leave her residence on Saturday, January 30 at 11.30am to arrive at St. Brigid's Church, Ardagh, for funeral Mass at 12 noon. Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Given the current exceptional circumstances and in accordance with government guidelines and social distancing protocols, and to protect the welfare of everyone dear to Mary, her funeral service and burial will be restricted to family only.

The family would like to thank you for your support and cooperation during this sad time. Those who would like to have attended but due to current restrictions are unable to, may leave a personal message for Mary's family in the condolences section on RIP.ie.

The family appreciates your support and understanding at this time.

Family flowers only please, donations, if desired, to St Christopher's Services Longford.

Monica Beausang (nee Fagan), Palmerstown, Dublin / Granard, Longford / Cork



The death occurred, peacefully, at St. Lukes Hospital, on Thursday, January 28 of Monica Beausang (nee Fagan), (TOSF), Palmerstown, Dublin 20 and formerly of Granard, Co Longford. Sadly missed by her loving husband Joe, daughters Frances (Millerick) and Aine (McGee), sons Eamon and Liam, sons-in-law Micheal and Pat, daughters-in-law Val and Brid, brother-in-law Jim and his wife Helen, grandchildren David, Richie, Derry, Max, Grace, Kate, Harry, Jessica and Luke, nieces , nephews, relatives and friends. Due to Government advice and restrictions regarding public gatherings a private family funeral will take place.

Those who would have liked to attend the funeral but due to current restrictions cannot, may follow the Mass on Saturday, January 30 2021 at 11am by clicking on the link below: http://www.churchservices.tv/palmerstown or you may leave a message by selecting condolences on RIP.ie or at www.cunninghamsfunerals.com .

Family flowers only. Donations in lieu, if desired, to Friends of St. Lukes Rathgar. Ar dheis De go raibh a h-Anam dilis.

James Oliver (Oliver) Turner, late of Curry, Edgeworthstown, Co Longford

The death occurred, suddenly in Nottingham, England, on December 28, 2020 of James Oliver (Oliver) Turner, late of Curry, Edgeworthstown, Co Longford.

Predeceased by his parents Patrick and Kathleen, brothers Patrick and Brendan, nephew Adrian, brother in-law Paul. Oliver will be sadly missed and remembered with much love by his wife Carol, daughter Yolande, sons Jimmy and Shane, sons in law, daughters in law, grandchildren and great grandchildren, his brother Michael, sisters Annette and Mary, sisters and brothers in law, nephews, nieces, grand nieces and nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Funeral will take place in Nottingham, England on Monday, February 8. Memorial Mass for the soul of Oliver will be held at a later date.





If you wish to have a death notice published on www.longfordleader.ie you can email it to newsroom@longfordleader.ie

And if you wish to submit an obituary for publication in the Longford Leader, you can submit it along with a photograph of the deceased to newsroom@longfordleader.ie
The Supreme Court will hear a petition on February 1 filed by the Sindh government against the recent order to release all the accused persons in the murder case of American journalist Daniel Pearl.

The provincial government challenged the Supreme Court's decision on Thursday, maintaining that the Sindh High Court's (SHC) order did not contain detailed reasons.

The petition calls on the court to order a stay on the SHC'S December 24, 2020, decision regarding the release of the four convicts, including Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, the key accused.

A three-judge bench of the apex court, which delivered Thursday's verdict, will not hear the plea.

"One of the findings recorded by the SHC short order is that the respondents are not 'enemy aliens' within the meaning of Article 10 (9) of the Constitution. Meaning of this term is hitherto judicially unexplained," maintained Advocate General Sindh Suleman Talibuddin.

The Sindh government maintains that the accused persons fall in the category of 'enemy aliens', adding that it has placed proof on record of the SHC, which was rejected.

"Now, the Sindh government has requested the bench to pronounce authorities judgment on the law and facts," reads the order-sheet.

The Advocate General also highlighted that the SHC, in its short order, had also barred the Sindh government from exercising its authority Under Article 10 of the Constitution, adding that the same provision authorizes the government to pass preventive detention of an individual.

The SHC ruling in the case has not gone well with the US administration. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that the US was "outraged" by the decision.

"The decision is an affront to terrorism victims everywhere, including in Pakistan," she said.

"The US was prepared to prosecute Sheikh in the US. We expect the Pakistani government to expeditiously review its legal options to ensure justice is served," said Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

On the other hand, the Pakistani court's decision has shocked the family of the late journalist, who say that the members "were in shock and total disbelief", calling the verdict "a crime against humanity, against journalism, against the core of our civilization".

"We are shocked and hope some steps will be taken to correct for this injustice," said Judea Pearl, Daniel Pearl's father.

Acting US Attorney General Monty Wilkinson said that Washington was ready to take custody of Sheikh and put him on trial in the US.

"He must not be permitted to evade justice for his charged role in Daniel Pearl's abduction and murder," read the statement.

On Friday, Blinken had a telephonic conversation with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, raising US' serious concerns over the legal proceedings.

The 38-year-old South Asia bureau chief of The Wall Street Journal was doing research on religious extremism in Karachi when he was abducted in January 2002.

A graphic video showing his beheading was delivered to the US consulate a month later.

--IANS

hamza/ksk/
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A Cuban military helicopter crashed in eastern Cuba on Friday, killing all five people on board, the authorities said.

The helicopter crashed against a hill after leaving eastern Holguin province for the neighboring Guantanamo province, the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces said in a brief statement, cited by state media.

The ministry has launched an investigation into the crash.

(Xinhua/NAN)
ZURICH: Scientists who normally focus on fixing defective genes said on Friday that up to $2.1 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will help them move their COVID-19 vaccine candidate toward 2021 human trials.

Harvard University scientist Luk Vandenberghe and University of Pennsylvania gene therapy head James Wilson said primate safety and efficacy tests have proven promising for their single-dose candidate, targeted for room-temperature storage.

We believe there is real potential," Vandenberghe said in an interview. That being said, were not naive. Theres 300 vaccines racing towards the door and biology is complex."

Their candidate relies on an adeno-associated virus (AAV), deemed harmless to humans, to deliver DNA fragments from the new coronavirus, telling human cells to make a protein that provokes an immune response.

AAVs are already used in gene therapies sold by Novartis, including its $2.1 million-per-patient Zolgensma for spinal muscular atrophy. The Swiss companys gene therapy unit is backing the project with technical assistance and supply.

Other COVID-19 vaccines use viral vectors, too, though AstraZeneca and Oxford Universitys shot, Russias Sputnik V and Johnson & Johnsons one-dose candidate rely on so-called adenoviruses to transport coronavirus DNA.

Gates Foundation money will support more pre-clinical tests ahead of a overseas safety trial in a still-undisclosed location where vaccines are not broadly available, Vandenberghe, who runs Mass General Brigham hospitals Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center in Boston, said.

Though previously unused in approved vaccines, he is optimistic AAVs will be safe, since only tiny amounts are needed compared to what is required for gene therapies that have been given to many patients.

While he predicts every approved COVID-19 vaccine dose available through 2022 will see use, Vandenberghe acknowledged his groups success also hinges on finding a deep-pocketed partner with vaccine experience to bankroll large-scale production.

Weve already invested more than $10 million," he said. If indeed we want to meet the time lines we were just talking about, this needs a commercial larger vaccine player to be accelerated, like an AstraZeneca for Oxfords."

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
Though district leaders of respective parties are denying any alliance, they have directed their local cadre to forge tacit understanding over contesting panchayat elections in the district. (Representational Photo:DC)

KAKINADA: An unwritten electoral alliance has been taking shape among three opposition parties Telugu Desam, Jana Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party in several areas of East Godavari district.

Polls to gram panchayats are being officially held on non-party basis. But village-level leaders of all political parties are testing their strength by contesting these elections. Though district leaders of respective parties are denying any alliance, they have directed their local cadre to forge tacit understanding over contesting panchayat elections in the district.

Our prime aim is to teach a fitting lesson to autocratic YSR Congress by putting up a combined fight wherever possible, a former minister and senior TD leader underlined.

Such tacit understanding could be seen on the first day of filing nominations on Friday in several villages. While TD stayed away from contest in certain villages, where BJP-Jana Sena candidates are strong, the latter reciprocated the gesture at other places.

Sources said nearly 10 villages in Peddapuram constituency, represented by TD MLA and former deputy chief minister N. China Rajappa, such a trend is visible. We have made it clear to the cadre that they take a decision as per village politics based on the candidates strength, a TD leader pointed out.

In Cheyyeru village of Katrenikona mandal, one Chelli Suresh joined the fray with support of Jana Sena and TD. In Kandikuppa panchayat of same mandal, TD proposed Geddam Prameelas name for sarpanch and local Jana Sena cadre agreed to support her. In Kundaleswaram panchayat, G. V. V. G. Subba Lakshmi is contesting with the support of Jana Sena and TD candidate.

According to a BJP leader, his party is fielding candidates after thorough consultation with local Jana Sena leaders.
The Haryana government on Saturday extended the suspension of mobile internet services in 17 districts till 5 pm of January 31 "to prevent any disturbance of peace and public order" amid a protest by farmers against three farm laws that witnessed violence earlier this week. According to an official statement issued here on Saturday, the government has extended the suspension of mobile internet services in Ambala, Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Kaithal, Panipat, Hisar, Jind, Rohtak, Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, Fatehabad, Rewari, Sirsa, Sonipat, Jhajjar and Palwal district till 5 pm on January 31.

"This order is issued to prevent any disturbance of peace and public order in the jurisdiction of these districts of Haryana and shall be in force with immediate effect. Any person who will be found guilty of violation of aforesaid order will be liable for legal action under relevant provisions," it said. The opposition Congress hit out at the government's decision to suspend mobile internet services.

The government had ordered on Tuesday suspension of mobile internet services in Sonipat, Jhajjar and Palwal districts after a violent farmers' protest rocked Delhi. On Friday, it extended the suspension to 14 other districts. There are a total of 22 districts in the state.

Thousands of protesting farmers had clashed with the police during the tractor rally in Delhi called by farmer unions on January 26 to highlight their demand for the repeal of the Centre's three farm laws. Many of the protesters, driving tractors, reached the Red Fort and entered the monument. Some protesters even hoisted religious flags on its domes and the flagstaff at the ramparts, where the national flag is unfurled by the prime minister on Independence Day.
New Delhi: The Delhi Police on Saturday (January 30, 2021) said that it has so far registered 38 FIRs and arrested 84 people in connection with the tractor rally violence on January 26.

"Total 38 FIRs registered and 84 people arrested so far in connection with 26th January violence," ANI quoted Delhi Police as saying.

The development comes following the tractor rally on 72nd Republic Day that turned violent when some protesters deviated from the pre-agreed routes. The protestors also breached barricades and clashed with police, in which, over 400 police personnel were injured, and 30 police vehicles were damaged.

Earlier on Friday, the Special Cell of Delhi Police summoned six farmer leaders, including BKU spokesperson Rakesh Tikait and Boota Singh Burjgil, to the Crime Branch office for questioning. The Crime Branch is probing cases of violence at the Red Fort, ITO, Nangloi Crossing, and six other places during the farmers' tractor parade on Republic Day.

Meanwhile, the Centre on Saturday temporarily suspended the internet services at the Singhu, Ghazipur, and Tikri borders of Delhi to 'maintain public safety and averting public emergency'

This comes on a day when the agitating farmer leaders held a day-long fast at various protest sites on Delhi's borders on Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary on Saturday.

Thousands of farmers have camped at Delhi's borders and are demanding a rollback of these three 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.

The agitating farmers have expressed apprehension that these laws would pave the way for the dismantling of the minimum support price (MSP) system, leaving them at the mercy of big corporations.

However, the government has maintained that the new laws will bring better opportunities to farmers and introduce new technologies in agriculture.



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Two Czech social influencers visited the Red Sea city of Hurghada in a trip organised by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, a statement by the ministry read on Thursday.

The bloggers trip is part of an Egyptian plan to promote tourism by inviting international bloggers to visit the country.

In Hurghada, the bloggers embarked on a Red Sea cruise during which they went diving to enjoy the diverse underwater world of multi-coloured coral reefs and countless species of fish.

During a visit to the Hurghada Museum, the bloggers noted that visitors to Hurghada can enjoy the picturesque beaches while getting acquainted with the ancient Egyptian civilisation.

They spoke highly about the attractive display of artefacts in the museum, especially those of Tutankhamun.

The Boy King's collection is temporarily on display at the Hurghada Museum until the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).

The GEM  which the CNN listed as one of the top attractions to visit this year after selecting Egypt as one of the top countries to visit in 2021  is scheduled for inauguration this year after President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi ordered rescheduling the inauguration of all mega national projects planned for 2020 to 2021 owing to the coronavirus.

On Wednesday, the two Czechs visited the Giza Pyramids, the archaeological site at Saqqara Necropolis, and the Step Pyramid of Djoser.

They also went on a walk through the iconic Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar in Old Cairo.

Next, the Czech bloggers will head to Luxor to tour its archaeological attractions, the statement continued.

Last week, two groups of British and Ukrainian bloggers visited a host of touristic destinations in Cairo, Luxor, and Hurghada.

The bloggers said they enjoyed the trip, stressing that they felt safe due to "the seriousness of the precautionary and preventive measures applied by Egypt in all museums, archaeological sites, and hotels against the coronavirus."

Egypt has received 1.4 million tourists as of December since reopening its seaside resorts of Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurghada, and Marsa Matrouh to international flights in July after a three-month lockdown over the coronavirus pandemic.

Short link:



AS the white pirogue drifted in the waters just off Belle Garden in Tobago early yesterday morning, fishermen working nearby knew something was wrong.

What they saw in the small vessel stunned them.

Fourteen bodies, all of them male, along with a skull and other skeletal remains, were piled inside the vessel as it floated four miles off Belle Garden, police confirmed.

The bodies were all clad in tracksuits and green rain jackets and were severely decomposed, police investigators said.

Ottawa, Jan 30 : Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced new measures against curbing the spread of Covid-19, including the suspension of flights from the country to the Caribbean and Mexico until April.

"With the challenges we currently face with Covid-19, both here at home and abroad, we all agree that now is just not the time to be flying," Xinhua news agency quoted Trudeau as saying at a press conference here on Friday.

"By putting in place these tough measures now, we can look forward to a better time," he added.

The Prime Minister said the country main airlines, including flag carrier Air Canada, WestJet, Sunwing and Air Transat, will cancel their services to all Caribbean destinations and Mexico, starting from Sunday until April 30.

Trudeau also outlined a new mandatory Covid-19 testing requirement at Canadian airports for inbound travellers.

They are obliged to quarantine for three days at a designated hotel on their own expense, which he said is "expected to be more than C$2,000".

"Those with negative test results will then be able to quarantine at home under significantly increased surveillance and enforcement," Trudeau said.

"Those with positive tests will be immediately required to quarantine in designated government facilities to make sure they're not carrying variants of potential concern." Trudeau also stressed that non-essential travellers will have to show a negative test at land borders too.

"We will also, in the coming weeks, be requiring non-essential travellers to show a negative test before entry at the land border with the US, and we are working to stand up additional testing requirements for land travel." The new measures are designed to discourage Canadians from taking non-essential trips outside of the country as many Canadians reportedly have been escaping the chilly winter with vacations to sunny destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico.

Canada has had a ban on non-essential travel into the country by anyone who isn't a citizen or permanent resident since last March.

More than 6.3 million people who have reportedly entered Canada since last March were not required to quarantine.

The Trudeau government began beefing up anti-Covid-19 measures earlier this month, requiring proof of a negative test, taken within 72 hours of departure time, before anyone is allowed to board a flight to Canada.

So far, Canada has reported a cumulative total of 769,408 coronavirus cases, with 19,775 deaths and 694,201 recoveries.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text

(Natural News) Janet Yellen, President Joe Bidens pick to be secretary of the treasury, has extensive financial ties with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and to the Wall Street banks that she is supposed to regulate.

Yellens links to China were uncovered through her very own financial disclosures, which reveals that she was paid to speak at Caixin, a Beijing-based media group. While it is supposedly a private corporation, Caixin is still known to have deep ties with the CCP.

Yellens latest financial disclosure document included a 68-item-long list titled Filers Sources of Compensation Exceeding $5,000 in a Year. Coming in at No. 33 on the list is Caixin, which means that this Chinese media corporation paid her over $5,000 for a speaking engagement.

American news outlets have highlighted Caixin due to its very close ties to the CCP through its founder, Hu Shuli, who has been described as being savvy and having many personal connections. She even has a close friendship with Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan.

A New Yorker profile also noted that Hu is living in an elite community filled with media workers that have gained the favor of the communist government.

In addition to Hus personal ties, Caixin also has financial connections to the party. In 2019, as the company attempted to raise up to $200 million, it has been discovered that its main financial backers were Chinese tech giant Tencent Holdings and investment firm China Media Capital.

According to the State Departments Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, Tencent is a tool of the Chinese government that will always say yes if party officials require its assistance.

On the other hand, China Media Capital was started by a former CCP deputy secretary-general and chief of staff to the Shanghai Municipal Government. The investment firms principal financial backer also happens to be the state-owned China Development Bank.

Because of all these personal and financial ties to the CCP, Caixin doesnt actually use its platform to hold the government accountable. It regularly avoids touching issues that are too sensitive or critical of China, such as the ongoing terror campaign against the Uyghurs of the countrys northwestern province of Xinjiang.

Yaxue Cao, a Washington-based Chinese dissident, said that while Caixin claims to be a private and independent media corporation, it cannot be considered truly free from the grasp of the CCP due to Hus connections.

Instead of independence, its a privilege, noted Cao.

News of Yellens ties to the CCP through Caixin has emerged as critics of the new Biden administration felt that her appointment was premature and that lawmakers were not able to give her a thorough vetting.

Janet Yellen made millions through speaking engagements with Wall Street

Yellen doesnt just have extensive ties to China and the CCP, it also has strong financial connections to Wall Street and Americas financial sector which, as Treasury Secretary, she is supposed to regulate. (Related: Proof that Beijing really controls Wall Street: NYSE ignored Trumps executive order to delist China telecoms.)

In the past two years alone, Yellen was paid more than $7.2 million in speaking fees by large Wall Street corporations like UBS, Standard Chartered Bank, Salesforce, Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse, City National Bank, Citigroup, Citadel LLC, BNP Paribas, Barclays and more.

Yellen, who was the chair of the Federal Reserve for four years, was paid nearly $1 million for nine speeches she gave to Citigroup alone.

Democrats have attempted to downplay concerns regarding Yellens ties to Wall Street.

Take a look at her record on enforcement, one official said. This is not someone who pulls punches when it comes to bad actors or bad behavior. You can expect she will bring the same high ethical standards and tough enforcement philosophy to the Treasury.

The Democrats also noted that some of Yellens speeches were moderated or covered by journalists. However, many other transcripts of Yellens speeches to Wall Street banks have not been made public, and White House officials have not been able to provide specific proof that shows Yellen will be true to her words and be tough on the banks.

While progressives have heaped praise on Yellen for her position as the first female Treasury Secretary, the fact that she has recorded ties to the CCP and to the financial industry could raise concerns that she is too cozy with both China and Wall Street.

This disclosure dovetails with some broader Democratic concerns regarding the revolving door and the access certain financial services firms have to top policymakers, said Isaac Boltansky, director of policy research at a Washington-based investment firm, in an email.

Learn more about Joe Bidens cabinet by reading the latest articles at JoeBiden.news.

Sources include:

TheNationalPulse.com

Politico.com

Edition.CNN.com
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The Chairman, Benue State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Victoria Asher, is dead.

The Secretary of the Council, Moses Akarhan, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Makurdi, the state capital.

According to the secretary, Mrs Asher died about 8:00 a.m. on Saturday at the Federal Medical Centre Makurdi, following a Cesarean section.

Council will give notice for an emergency Congress to that effect in due course, he said.

NAN reports that Mrs Asher is the second Benue NUJ Chairman to have died in office in the last two years.

Mrs Ashers predecessor, David Ukuma, also died in office on August 25, 2018, after serving for less than six months.

(NAN)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- About 12 hours of uninterrupted snow is heading our way with forecasts for accumulations of up to 10 inches in New York City, according to the latest prediction.

We should be expecting the snow to begin Sunday evening around 9 p.m., AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist John Gresiak said. It is going to be a prolonged snow. This one is going to hang around for a while.

The snow will be lighter at the start and will intensify on Monday, Gresiak explained.

It is going on at least through parts of Tuesday, he said.

Because of the frigid temperatures that will last through the weekend, the ground it is going to be very cold so the snow is going to stick very quickly, Gresiak warned.

It could make things slippery very quickly because of the cold ground, Gresiak said.

HEAVIEST SNOW

The heaviest snow will occur toward mid-day Monday and last thorough the night.

Overall, there could be a total accumulation of between 6- and 10-inches, Gresiak said.

WINTER STORM WARNING

Warning roads may be slick and travel difficult, The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Watch for Monday into Tuesday for New York City.

The weather alert, which is in effect from 12 a.m. Monday until 6 a.m. Tuesday, advises motorists to use mass transit when possible.

Notify NYC suggests using caution when walking, biking, or driving on Monday and Tuesday.

Other preparedness actions include fully charging cell phones in case of an outage; gathering food supplies in case you get snowed indoors, and staying clear of downed power lines.

Notify NYC recommends those with disability/access needs or Life Sustaining Equipment (LSE) dial 911 for assistance. For more information, visit www.weather.gov/okx/.

Check the SILive.coms interactive weather map here: https://www.silive.com/premium/snow/

Check how much snow is expected in your neighborhood using the map below:
An Oneida County woman has tried to improperly influence a judge presiding over the disputed 22nd Congressional District election by sending him a series of inappropriate text messages, according to a public filing by the judges law clerk.

The clerk for state Supreme Court Justice Scott J. DelConte warned Tammie Knight of Verona in a letter Thursday to stop sending the texts or risk facing her own legal troubles.

The text messages disclosed by the court pressured DelConte to make rulings in favor of Claudia Tenney, a Republican from New Hartford, in her undecided House race against Anthony Brindisi, a Utica Democrat.

The clerks letter did not disclose the relationship between DelConte and Knight.

But Knight told syracuse.com in an interview that she helped DelConte gain the Conservative Party ballot line in the 2018 election for state Supreme Court.

Knight said she served as a Conservative Party delegate in the states 5th Judicial District and voted to give him the partys designation for its ballot line in the election.

Knight said she decided to back DelConte, of Oswego County, after a two-hour meeting with him in 2018 in which she obtained his private cell phone number.

DelConte also won the designation for the Democratic and Independence Party ballot lines that year and was elected to a 14-year term on the court.

Knight began sending a series of text messages in December to the judges cell phone that pressured him to rule in favor of Tenney, according to the letter from Douglas McRae, the judges law clerk.

The texts did not disclose that Knight also worked as a volunteer on Tenneys campaign.

McRae wrote in the letter that his responsibilities include reviewing all correspondence to the judge, including electronic messages.

Justice DelConte does not read text messages from litigants or individuals with matters before him, and he has not read any of the messages that were sent to him from your account, McRae said in the letter to Knight.

However, I have read those messages, and they appear to be mounting attempts to improperly influence Justice DelConte, McRae wrote.

McRae warned Knight that hell ask the 5th Judicial District chief court officer for immediate intervention if she sent any further inappropriate communications to the judge.

The letter did not specify what consequences Knight may face, or why the judges clerk waited until now to disclose the communications.

McRae did not respond Friday to email and phone messages from syracuse.com.

Judge rules against key Brindisi ballots in NY-22 election

McRaes letter, made public and shared with lawyers for both sides in the 22nd District election, included copies of text messages that Knight sent to the judge between Dec. 28 and Thursday.

The last text message Thursday told DelConte, STOP LOOKING FOR DEMOCRAT VOTES. SHES (sic) WON.

Knight sent a message to DelConte on Sunday that stated: Are we looking for more democrat (sic) votes, are we trying hard to see if theres more? You have violated the Constitution already.

Knight told syracuse.com in an interview Friday that she was the author of the messages. Knight said she was upset that her personal messages to DelConte were made public and insisted that she did nothing inappropriate.

I havent done anything wrong, Knight said, adding that she simply wanted to express that he swore to me that he would follow the Constitution. And right now, hes not following the Constitution.

She said DelConte should not have allowed some disputed absentee and affidavit ballots to be counted weeks after the Nov. 3 election. The two candidates are separated by 122 votes out of some 318,000 ballots cast in the election.

Knight said she filed a complaint Friday with the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct, alleging that DelConte violated her privacy and First Amendment rights.

I have the right to express myself, as long as Im not telling him to give the votes to Brindisi or Tenney, she said.

Knight also questioned why DelConte or his clerk didnt contact her earlier to ask her to stop sending the messages. She said she would have complied immediately.

Knight said DelConte never replied to a series of messages she started sending Dec. 13. The first message reminded the judge that he swore to uphold the Constitution. That message was not disclosed by the judges clerk.

All that clerk had to do was to tell me the judge cant read this, and I would have stopped, Knight said. What he did is appalling. I am very upset about this.

Knight said she played a minor role as a volunteer in Tenneys campaign.

Federal Election Commission records show she was paid $75 by the campaign on Feb. 11, 2020 for travel. Knight said the payment was actually for her services as a notary public.

Tenneys campaign declined to comment about Knights role or the warning from the judges clerk.

Brindisi said in a statement Friday that its important for the integrity of the judicial process to be upheld as the judge rules on disputed ballots in the election.

Its unfortunate this person would attempt to try and influence it on behalf of her political party and her chosen candidate, Brindisi said of Knight. Regardless of who you voted for, we should want a fair, transparent, and just process.

MORE ON THE NY-22 ELECTION

Tenney grows lead to 122 votes over Brindisi after latest review in NY-22 race

In NY 22nd, judges suggests there are no great options to fix Oneida County mistake

Whats next in Brindisi-Tenney House race? Appeals, recount, could delay decision for months

700 votes were tossed in Oneida County. Officials ignored state law in latest mess up

Oneida County botched 2,400 voter signups, preventing their votes in Brindisi-Tenney race

Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner anytime by: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751
New York governor Andrew Cuomo may finally be facing a partial reckoning for sending elderly COVID patients back into nursing homes, thereby spreading the disease to the most vulnerable group of all, the elderly. New York State also has the highest COVID death toll (42,000) but is only the fourth largest state by population. Yet Cuomo has written a book crediting his performance as magnificent and has enjoyed favorable media treatment and, until now, high levels of public approval.

Thanks to a report by New York attorney general Letitia James, it is now on the public record that the COVID deaths among nursing home residents were undercounted by as much as 50%, mostly thanks to the trick of failing to count the deaths of those who were readmitted to hospitals and died there.

CNBC writes:

The investigation found that the number of Covid deaths among nursing home residents in some facilities rose by more than 50% when residents who died in the hospital are counted. The state's official Covid-19 death toll in nursing homes, which stands at more than 8,700, excludes patients who died after being transported to a hospital. Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo has faced criticism for failing to disclose the total number of nursing-home residents who have died of Covid-19. In her sweeping report, James, also a Democrat, found that "many nursing home residents died from Covid-19 in hospitals after being transferred from their nursing homes, which is not reflected in D.O.H.'s published total nursing home death data."

In my book, sending COVID patients into nursing homes, where the risk of disease spread and lethality was highest, was nearly criminal. I also note that there was a financial interest in killing off elderly patients, whose nursing home care in many cases fell to the State of New York, costing it tens of thousands of dollars annually per resident/patient.

A.G. James is no hero in my book for exposing the deceptive death count. She is an ambitious political rival of Cuomo. Paul Mirengoff of Powerline:

[A] reader points out that Letitia James, the attorney general who issued the report about the undercounting of nursing home deaths, is a political rival of Cuomo with designs on becoming New York's governor. This doesn't undermine her findings. The Cuomo administration concedes the gist of them (but, remarkably, blames the Trump administration for not providing guidance). However, James' report does raise interesting possibilities for New York politics. Our reader, a longtime close observer of New York politics, tells me: [James] is a lefty who got her start in the quasi-Marxist Working Families Party. The report may be her opening salvo in her campaign against Cuomo. If AOC runs against Schumer as I think she will, then Letitia James is assured of a big lefty turnout.

Disgraceful as was Cuomo's sending thousands to death, his lies and excuses blaming everyone but himself for the carnage are even more repulsive, at least on a rhetorical level. In an epic Twitter thread, Tom Elliott chronicles the cowardly and mendacious antics of the son of a guv. Read the whole thing. Twitter is not allowing me to embed the tweets, so I post a couple of screen grabs, which won't allow you to play the videos. If your stomach can stand the lying and hypocrisy, do click on the link about and subject yourself to this bullying weasel's pathetic blame-shifting.

Thanks to the bare-knuckle politics among the top Democrats in New York, Cuomo may finally start to get some of the blame he so richly deserves for his miserable handling of the disease. Even lefty Chris Cillizza of CNN sees that:

The New York governor's daily coronavirus briefings became must-see TV as Cuomo, in his characteristic "I'm-walking-here" patois, delivered updates on the number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the Empire State and provided insight into how he and his administration were working to combat the virus. (snip) Well, it turns out that all the hype obscured a troubling reality: That the New York State Department of Health was drastically undercounting deaths from Covid-19 among nursing home residents. That's at least according to a new report released by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who (like Cuomo) is a Democrat. (snip) Should James' report be borne out, it would occasion a serious reexamination of Cuomo's performance during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Janice Dean of Fox News, who lost elderly in-laws to Cuomo's cupidity, takes justified satisfaction in the start of a reckoning for Killer Cuomo:

[O]ur grieving families continued to watch the mainstream media outlets fawn over him and never ask the questions we so desperately wanted to know: Why did he write that executive order to bring infected patients into nursing homes, and why was he covering up the total number of seniors who died including those who passed away in the hospital? We never heard the answers. Instead, we watched him promote and celebrate himself, write his leadership book, and win an Emmy Award. It was infuriating. Frustrating. Soul crushing. And despite all my attempts for accountability, I was starting to believe we might never see the day that this governor and his administration were called to task. Until now. A 76-page report from the New York Attorney General's Office that finally gave us reason to believe that the nightmare we were going through was very real. Our feelings of hurt, dismay, anger, betrayal from this leader and his Heath Department were valid. What we knew in our hearts was the truth.

Photo credit: Twitter video screen grab.
MSU's Fall Scholarship Window Closes Monday

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MURRAY - Murray State University's fall 2021 scholarship application for incoming and current students is set to close on Monday, Feb. 1.Over the past year, Murray State introduced the new Opportunity Scholarship for fall 2021 freshmen students, which is an annual $1,000 award given to entering freshmen that doesn't require an ACT/SAT test score to receive. Recipients must hold a minimum GPA of 3.0.Reports from 2019 and 2020 show that Murray State awarded a record $115 million in financial aid and scholarships. Additionally, the University has the highest percentage of undergraduate students who graduate with no known debt among all other public regional institutions in the Bluegrass.Based on research compiled by Murray State University, the school has one of the highest percentages in the region of undergraduate students receiving financial assistance through scholarships, work study opportunities, grants, and financial aid."This recent data highlighting the financial assistance our students receive strongly supports our continued mission of providing access, affordability and quality to our students and their families," Murray State President Dr. Bob Jackson said.Murray State offers 145 academic programs, just under 180 student organizations, and has received national accolades related to quality, value, and student success.
Like many farmers in Kaduna State, Asma Mirza, has been away from the farm because of the insecurity in the state.

Ms Mirza had been cultivating rice for a while but stopped after the rainy season in 2018 when insecurity in the state made it difficult to continue.

Before taking a break from the farm, she collaborated with Value Seeds Ltd as their out grower of Rice Hybrid Seeds.

On her 30-hectare farm, she cultivated foundation seeds which produced seeds that were collected by the company, to be sold as hybrid seeds to farmers commercial and subsistence use.

Foundation seeds are birthed from breeder seeds.

She was getting an average of 5.6 tonnes of rice per hectare, that is about 56 bags of 100kg. The output usually depended on the variety of rice.

I dont go to the farm anymore. We are at the peak of kidnapping and youre taking of going to the farm, she told PREMIUM TIMES.

Some locals that live at close vincinity to the farm dont go to the farm how much I that live in the town. I had to pack everything out of the farm.

When you take your stuff away and one day go to the farm its a total surprise. Go like a bullet and no one will even notice you and then come back.

For 2021, her hopes are high. She wants to return to the farm; she is convinced that the government has taken serious actions against insecurity.

But we have big plans for this raining season and we are hoping for good because now they have taken real actions, Ms Mirza said. I personally have the mind of going back to the farm and Im not giving up, no!

New beginning

While Ms Mirza was pondering on how to keep herself busy, she remembered that there are different branches of agriculture.

After thoughtful consideration with herself, she settled for food processing.

If I cant go and do crop production there are so many other things I can do, she said.

Rather than doing it all by herself, she decided to bring in other women who are un-documented partners, who at the end of the business are entitled to a percentage of the profit.

I get a group of people mostly women, train them to do it and then they become like partners of my business, she said.

Her first processed food was okro powder. She considered the love Nigerians have for the vegetable.

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Nigerians eat a lot of okro soup and there is a particular way you can dry it and package it. I get these things properly organised, she said.

Aside okro, she processes honey which she describes it as world class honey.

Basically, she gets the raw materials for the processed food from Southern Kaduna, where her late husband was from.

So I go with them(locals) to harvest the honey by bringing down the hive. I buy it and bring my honey and process it. Theres a chain. The person who builds the hive, the person who goes to harvest it for me, she said.

Its mostly women that do this for me. I buy it off them, process it and sell it. Thats the value chain. Honey is one of my products.

Another crop is ginger, ginger is one of Kaduna States products. Ms Mirza has been able to get seven different products from ginger.

I produce ginger concentrate. You can put it in hot water or cold water or even your tea, you mix it and it becomes awesome. I sell ginger powder and also ginger juice. I also sell ginger tea.

I also have the ginger with black tea and sweetener. Youll see that with one major product ginger, I have about six to seven other products.

So all this is agriculture. Agriculture is not just going to the farm for crop production it is more than that, she said.

For Ms Mirza, the lockdown exposed her to adding another products. She began processing tamarind voncentrate and juice.

Till thing get back to normal, I was already thinking on the process. Then the lockdown. You know the initial two weeks lockdown were the most terrible of them, she said.

Incomparable

Having tested these two branches of agriculture, she is unable to love one more than the other.

I cultivated for about three years, I cant choose one over the other. They are very important aspects. You must cultivate your food and process it, she said.

The processing seems easy for her as she has basic machines and makes use of a government facility.

She uses the incubation centre at Rigachikun, Kaduna, a Federal Ministry of Science and Technology initiative.

The centres are available in all states. The aim is to help citizens create innovative things and make progress in entrepreneurship. A lot of support is provided by the government, a lot of machine are available too, but alas the citizens dont make optimal us of this facility, rather they apply for it then do nothing, she said.

There are a lot of machines available but some of the machines I need are not available but it still doesnt stop me.
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - The Biden administration is urging migrants waiting in Mexico under restrictions imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump to be patient, even as the population of a makeshift camp in northeastern Mexico begins to swell with hopeful asylum seekers.

On Friday, a senior aide to U.S. President Joe Biden said the administration is working on a system to process the asylum seekers who are waiting in Mexico under a Trump-era program known as Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP).

"We're reviewing now how we can process the migrants who are already in this program," the aide, Roberta Jacobson, said on a call with reporters. "How to prioritize the people who were enrolled not only months but years ago, and above all, people who are the most vulnerable."

Jacobson said all of those waiting in Mexico under the program will have an opportunity to present claims.

The protocols, in place since 2019, pushed more than 65,000 asylum seekers back across the border to wait for their U.S. court hearings, although far fewer are believed to still be in Mexico.

The Biden administration stopped adding people to MPP last week, but has not outlined how it will process the claims of those already enrolled.

Advocates have documented the dangers they face while waiting, including rape and murder.

Jacobson said the administration would process people "in a much more rapid manner than in the past."

She asked asylum seekers not to rush to the U.S. border, however, as it would not speed up the process.

"Please, wait," she said.

The population of a makeshift camp in the Mexican border city of Matamoros, across the river from Brownsville, Texas, has been slowly swelling, migrants and aid workers say, despite attempts by Mexican authorities to control it.

"It's been growing because people think that if you're in the camp, you'll be able to enter (the United States) first," said Honduran asylum seeker Oscar Borjas, who estimated up to 800 people, including women and children, live in the camp.

Story continues

He and other residents welcomed Jacobson's comments.

"Everything is changing for the better," said Dairon Elisondo, an asylum seeker and doctor from Cuba, who provides medical care to fellow migrants.

But asylum seekers also urged the U.S. administration to act soon.

"If they don't do something soon, people are going to start trying to cross (illegally). People are desperate," said Yuri Gonzalez, from Cuba, who is waiting in Ciudad Juarez.

(Reporting by Lizbeth Diaz, Laura Gottesdiener, and Frank Jack; writing by Laura Gottesdiener; Editing by David Gregorio and Sonya Hepinstall)
There were rumors this winter that shortstop Didi Gregorius second winter in a row on the free agent market could lead to a Yankees reunion if second baseman DJ LeMahieu signed elsewhere.

That didnt happen, so Gleyber Torres is staying at short for the Yankees instead of moving to second, forcing Gregorius to focus on other options.

Gregorius made his final decision on Saturday by re-signing with the Philadelphia Phillies. Hes returning to Philly on a two-year, $28-million deal after joining them last winter on a one-year, $14 million pact.

Gregorius reportedly had been seeking a two-year, $30M contract, so he wound up settling for $2M less. He also reportedly was getting serious interest from the Cincinnati Reds.

Introducing Yankees Insider: Get exclusive news, behind-the-scenes observations and the ability to text message directly with beat writers

After not having a standout final season with the Yanks in 2019, Gregorius had a good bounce-back campaign for the Phils last year, batting .284 with 10 homers and a team-best 40 RBI in 60 games.

Gregorius, who turns 31 on Feb. 18, enjoyed a good five-year run with the Yankees as Derek Jeters successor. From 2016-18, he averaged 24 homer and 81 RBI. He batted just .238 with 16 homers and 61 RBI in 82 games in 2019, a season in which he missed the Yankees first 60 games recovering from offseason Tommy John surgery.

Get Yankees text messages: Cut through the clutter of social media and text during games with beat writers and columnists. Plus, exclusive news and analysis every day. Sign up now.

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Randy Miller may be reached at rmiller@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @RandyJMiller. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.
State Rep. Tarah Toohil, R-116, Butler Twp., asked the Department of Health Thursday to move all 31 residents of Kadima Rehabilitation and Nursing Home in Drums to safer locations.

Hours after she penned a letter with her concerns about a COVID-19 outbreak and deplorable conditions at the facility, she received a reply.

The Department of Health responded last night around 10 p.m. and stated that they would evaluate the situation internally within the department, Toohil said.

In her letter, she told the department that all but one resident had recently tested positive for COVID-19. She cited a recent evaluation in which the facility racked up 12 health citations, and noted shed been contacted by an employee about the facilitys deplorable conditions, expired food and lack of personal protective equipment.

Two other nursing homes have called my office to offer that residents be transferred to their alternative settings which have COVID quarantine areas available, Toohil said Friday.

She has also been in touch with medical professionals.

I was in discussions late last night with area doctors who felt that since the National Guard had provided cleaning and PPE assistance things had improved a bit. That all of the patients were almost out of the woods in terms of being COVID recovered soon, she noted.

Brian Kreizel, director of operations for Kadima Health, issued a statement Friday afternoon.

While we understand Representative Toohils initial concerns, last evening our Medical Director provided her with updated and accurate information consistent with our disclosures to the Department of Health, about our residents and staff, most of whom have recovered or are recovering from Covid-19, he said in the statement. We are confident that we are addressing the effects of the outbreak, as confirmed by our discussions with the Department of Health.

Kreizel also stated, In consultation with a top Infectious Disease Specialist, our skilled clinical team was able to begin interventions and therapeutics at the outset of the outbreak and we are gratified to see the confirmed recovery rates and positive outcomes for our residents. We are fully cooperating with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, as we work together to ensure the continued safety and wellbeing of our residents.

April Hutcheson, communications director for the Department of Health, said she didnt have specifics.

I dont have details on that specific location. One of the things that we have done with outbreaks of nursing homes is set up a system to support them, she explained.

Support can come through the Regional Congregate Care Assistance Teams program, infectious disease experts and the National Guard. Last week, a National Guard team spent six days assisting Kadima with COVID-related staff shortages.

Maggi Barton, the departments deputy press secretary, said she cant comment on specific nursing home facilities.

However, I can share that we encourage everyone to report and say something if they see something wrong going on, Barton said. The Department of Health takes every complaint made seriously and investigates all complaints to continue our regulatory oversight.

Health officials found 12 health violations during a September inspection of the facility, including lack of PPE for staff, expired food and failure to follow infection control practices.

An employee recently told the Standard-Speaker that the facility is severely understaffed. In addition, they said there was no regular housekeeping, access to PPE was limited and food is inedible.

The residents are not getting the care they require, the items they need, and their necessities met, the employee said.
A general view of the U.S. border fence, covered in concertina wire, separating the United States and Mexico, at the outskirts of Nogales, Arizona, on Feb. 9, 2019. (Ariana Drehsler/AFP/Getty Images)

Arizonas Brnovich Asks DHS to Cancel Bidens 100-Day Freeze on Deportations

Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich is asking the federal government to revoke a 100-day moratorium on most deportations that President Joe Biden announced on his first day in office.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a memo on Jan. 20 (pdf) that imposed a 100-day moratorium on most deportations and outlined the categories of immigration offenders who will continue to be subject to arrest and eventual removal, including those who pose a national security risk or are suspected of terrorism or espionage.

Brnovich, in a letter to the DHS, asked the agency to comply with an agreement related to immigration enforcement, which the letter says requires the DHS to provide 180 days written notice, consider [the Arizona Attorney Generals Offices] input, and provide a detailed written explanation of the reasoning behind any changes to immigration policy.

The agreement, called the Sanctuary for Americans First Enactment (SAFE) Agreement (pdf) was signed in the final days of the Trump presidency by Brnovich, on behalf of the Arizona Attorney Generals Office, and Ken Cuccinelli, then the acting deputy secretary of the DHS. It requires the agency to prioritize the protection of the United States and its existing communities by enforcing existing immigration laws, including by prioritizing detention over release of inadmissible and removable aliens and refusing relief from deportation for illegal immigrants who pose a danger to the United States.

The DHS signed similar deals with other states and localities, including Texas. On Jan. 26, U.S. District Judge Drew Tipton issued a temporary restraining order after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the Biden administration over the moratorium, marking the first suit against immigration policy changes made by the new president.

Within 6 days of Bidens inauguration, Texas has HALTED his illegal deportation freeze, Paxton wrote in a tweet after the order. *This* was a seditious left-wing insurrection. And my team and I stopped it.

The order is a setback for the Biden administration, which has proposed far-reaching changes to immigration laws and enforcement, including a plan to legalize about 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States illegally.

The Biden administration memo cites the ongoing global pandemic and significant operational challenges as the rationale behind the deportation moratorium.

Due to limited resources, DHS cannot respond to all immigration violations or remove all persons unlawfully in the United States, the memo states.

In light of those unique circumstances, the department must surge resources to the border in order to ensure safe, legal, and orderly processing, to rebuild fair and effective asylum procedures that respect human rights and due process, to adopt appropriate public health guidelines and protocols, and to prioritize responding to threats to national security, public safety, and border security, the memo states.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-29 20:44:04|Editor: huaxia

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People gather at a building damaged by protesters in Tripoli, northern Lebanon, on Jan. 29, 2021. Lebanese top officials condemned on Friday violent protests that took place in Tripoli in the past four days which left hundreds of people injured while killing one young man, the National News Agency reported. (Photo by Khaled/Xinhua)

BEIRUT, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese top officials condemned on Friday violent protests that took place in Tripoli, Lebanon's northern city, in the past four days which left hundreds of people injured while killing one young man, the National News Agency reported.

Lebanon's President Michel Aoun requested an investigation into the violent clashes that took place on Thursday, which resulted in setting Tripoli's municipality on fire with massive flames and plumes of thick black smoke coming out of the building.

"We ask for strict pursuit of the perpetrators who infiltrated the ranks of peaceful demonstrators and carried out acts of sabotage," Aoun said.

Meanwhile, caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab called for arresting perpetrators and referring them to the judicial system.

Demonstrations against the COVID-19 lockdown and the country's economic crisis continued on Thursday for the fourth consecutive day in Tripoli and other parts of Lebanon.

Lebanon has been facing an economic and financial collapse, and the outbreak of the pandemic has exacerbated the crisis as the total anti-virus lockdown measures increased poverty in the country.
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U.S. pharmaceutical and medical device maker Johnson & Johnson says after a global trial, the COVID-19 vaccine it has developed is 66% effective in preventing infection.

The one-dose vaccine, which was developed by the company's Belgian subsidiary Janssen, appears to be 85% effective in preventing serious illness, even against the South African variant.

Of the 44,000 people who participated in the trail in the U.S., South Africa and Brazil, no one who was given the vaccine died, the company said.

"The potential to significantly reduce the burden of severe disease, by providing an effective and well-tolerated vaccine with just one immunization, is a critical component of the global public health response," Paul Stoffels, chief scientific officer of Johnson & Johnson, said in a company press release.

"A one-shot vaccine is considered by the World Health Organization to be the best option in pandemic settings, enhancing access, distribution and compliance," said the statement.

The U.S. has agreed to buy 100 million doses of the vaccine with a further option to buy 200 million more, according to the company.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is the fourth vaccine approved to fight the pandemic.

Variant detected in U.S.

There are more than 101 million global COVID-19 infections, the disease caused by the coronavirus, Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center reported early Friday. The U.S. tops the list with more than 25 million cases, followed by India with 10.7 million infections and Brazil with 9 million. More than 2 million people have died from the disease, Hopkins said.

Health officials in South Carolina say they have detected two cases of the South African COVID-19 variant, the first cases in the United States.

So far, the variant does not appear to cause more serious illness, but the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement that "preliminary data suggests this variant may spread more easily and quickly than other variants."

"That's frightening" because it means there are likely more undetected cases within the state, Dr. Krutika Kuppalli, an infectious diseases physician at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, said in an interview with CBS News. "It's probably more widespread."

Officials say the two South Carolina cases do not appear to be connected or travel related.

It is normal for viruses to mutate. Variants from Britain and Brazil have also been discovered.

WHO Wuhan probe

In other COVID-19 news, World Health Organization investigators emerged from a two-week quarantine Thursday in Wuhan, China, to begin their work in search of the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The international team boarded a bus after leaving their hotel in the afternoon.

China, which for months rejected calls for an international probe, has pledged adequate access for the researchers. The team is expected to spend several weeks interviewing people from research institutes, hospitals and a market linked to many of the first cases.

The WHO has said the purpose of the mission is not to assign blame for the pandemic but to figure out how it started in order to better prevent and combat future outbreaks.

"We are looking for the answers here that may save us in the future, not culprits and not people to blame," Mike Ryan, WHO's top emergencies official, said earlier this month.

The novel coronavirus emerged in Wuhan in late 2019 and has since spread across the world, infecting more than 100 million people and killing about 2.1 million.

More than 120 countries have called for an independent investigation into the origins of the virus, with many governments accusing China of not doing enough to contain its spread.

"It's imperative that we get to the bottom of the early days of the pandemic in China, and we've been supportive of an international investigation that we feel should be robust and clear," White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Wednesday.



The new Biden administration sees the grouping comprising the US, India, Japan and Australia as a fundamental foundation upon which to build a substantial American policy in the strategically-vital Indo-Pacific region, a top US official has said.

Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said at an event organised by the US Institute of Peace, a Congress-funded think-tank, on Friday that the US will build on and carry forward the four-nation grouping.

"One very positive thing we will be building on, (former NSA) Robert (O'Brien) mentioned the Quad, which for those watching who don't know is the United States, Japan, Australia, and India, Sullivan said.

"There too I think we really want to carry forward and build on that format, that mechanism which we see as fundamental a foundation upon which to build substantial American policy in the Indo-Pacific region, he said.

and the Indo-Pacific policy of the previous Trump administration are one of the few policies that the Biden administration has said it will continue to build on, besides the Abraham Accords, Sullivan said.

"Those are in two different theaters in the world and two initiatives that you will see continuity and an effort to reinforce and carry forward steps that have been taken by the previous administration, he said.

"When the first Accords with the UAE, Bahrain were announced, it was in the heat of a political campaign, a presidential campaign, and then candidate Biden made no bones about coming out saying: I think this is a good thing. I think this is a positive thing', he said.

Biden said consistently over the course of the last several months that he would like to carry forward this initiative, deepen the cooperation between the countries that have signed the accords, make real normalisation that has taken root and add more countries, he said.

He (Biden) sees that as being positive for security in the region, positive for economic development, in the region, and positive for America's interest for many of the reasons that Robert laid out, Sullivan said.

So, one of the things that we will be doing in the coming weeks and months is thinking about how we make sure that the seeds that have now been planted actually grow into the full kind of cooperation across multiple dimensions and these relationships can move forward and how that can really help the United States advance our interests, he said.

In November 2017, India, Japan, the US and Australia gave shape to the long-pending proposal of setting up the "Quad" to develop a new strategy to counter China's aggressive behaviour in the strategically-vital Indo-Pacific region.

The evolving situation in the Indo-Pacific region in the wake of China's increasing military muscle flexing has become a major talking point among leading global powers. The US has been favouring making Quad a security architecture to check China's growing assertiveness.

China is engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas. Beijing has also made substantial progress in militarising its man-made islands in the past few years.

Beijing claims sovereignty over all of the South China Sea. But Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Taiwan have counterclaims. In the East China Sea, China has territorial disputes with Japan.

The South China Sea and the East China Sea are stated to be rich in minerals, oil and other natural resources. They are also vital to global trade. Although the US lays no claims to the disputed waters, it has challenged China's growing territorial claims in the South China Sea by deploying warships and fighter jets to assert freedom of navigation and overflight patrols in the strategically-vital region.

(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 member of the Proud Boys kept hundreds of guides for making bombs and homemade weapons in his home and planned 'to kill every single 'm**f**er' he could during the Capitol riots, according to prosecutors.

Dominic Pezzola, 43, also known as 'Spaz', was indicted Friday on charges including conspiracy, civil disorder and unlawfully entering restricted buildings or grounds for his part in the January 6 insurrection which left five including a Capitol cop dead.

Prosecutors are calling for him to remain behind bars until his trial after federal agents discovered a thumb drive containing detailed instructions on making guns, poisons and IEDS inside a room that only he is said to use in his Rochester, New York, home.

Among the trove of instruction manuals were titles including: 'Advanced Improvised Explosives,' 'Explosive Dusts,' 'Incendiaries,' 'The Box Tube MAC-11: The Ultimate DIY Machine Pistol,' 'Ragnar's Big Book of Homemade Weapons,' and 'The Advanced Anarchist's Arsenal: Recipes for Improvised Incendiaries and Explosives.'

Prosecutors also say a witness told authorities Pezzola was among a group of rioters armed with firearms or with access to firearms who said they 'planned to kill every single 'm**f**er' they can.'

The witness also told the FBI that Pezzola and his group 'would have killed Mike Pence if given the chance.'

Dominic Pezzola, 43, (pictured) was one of the first rioters to enter the Capitol by using a police shield to break a window and allowing the rest of the mob to enter the building, prosecutors said

The details surfaced in a pretrial detention memo where prosecutors are asking a judge to deny Pezzola bail, citing that he is a 'serious danger to the community'.

Prosecutors say Proud Boys rioters showed 'planning, determination, and coordination' during the insurrection at the Capitol.

Pezzola was indicted alongside fellow Proud Boys member William Pepe, 31 who was also slapped with charges including conspiracy, civil disorder and unlawfully entering restricted buildings or grounds.

Pezzola was also hit with additional charges including obstruction of an official proceeding, robbery of personal property of the United States, and assaulting, resisting or impeding officers, the Justice Department said.

The latest charges came as Republicans demanded an end to the militarization of the Capitol complex more than three weeks on from the riots - and pushed back on Democrat calls to make security fences there permanent.

Prosecutors say Pezzola smashed a Capitol window that allowed the mob of rioters to storm the building on January 6.

He is accused of leading the Proud Boys in the attack, and was one of the first rioters to enter the Capitol by using a police shield to break a window, according to a prosecution court filing which cited social media posts.

'Pezzola was not the only person trying to break windows and forcibly enter the Capitol at that time, but he appears... first to breach a window so successfully that he and other rioters could enter the Capitol through it,' Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik Kenerson said.

'The defendant's actions show planning, determination, and coordination.'

Fellow Proud Boys member William Pepe (pictured) 31, was also indicted on charges including conspiracy, civil disorder and unlawfully entering restricted buildings or grounds

Dominic Pezzola is pictured marching in support of Trump in Washington, DC, on December 12,

Once inside the Capitol, Pezzola was among the mob that chased hero police officer Eugene Goodman up the stairs near the entrance to the Senate chamber, and smoked a cigar while bragging on video about the attack, prosecutors said.

Pezzola and Pepe are also accused of taking actions to 'evade and render ineffective' equipment deployed by Capitol Police during the chaos, including removing metal barricades and stealing police property.

Prosecutors claim Pezzola also ripped away an officer's riot shield and was later seen on video that has been widely distributed, using it to smash a window.

In the aftermath of the riot, Pezzola allegedly tried to evade capture by shaving off his beard, turning off his phone so the location couldn't be tracked and fleeing his home in New York state.

He finally turned himself in when the FBI visited his family, prosecutors said.

After his arrest, the FBI uncovered the trove of bomb-making instructions and plans.

A lawyer for Pezzola, Mike Scibetta, said in an email that, to his knowledge, the thumb drive was given to Pezzola, was never opened by him, and contained a 'survivalist' manual.

But prosecutors say Pezzola poses a 'serious danger to the community and a serious risk of flight'.

'The circumstances of the offenses charged in this case overwhelmingly support detention. The seriousness of the offenses with which the defendant is charged cannot be overstated.'

More than 135 people have been arrested so far in connection with the violent insurrection that left five people dead including a police officer.

Separately, the FBI on Friday said bombs found at the Capitol Hill headquarters of the Democratic and Republican National Committees were placed there the evening before the attack.

Washington remains under heighten security three weeks after the attack on the Capitol

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin visited National Guard troops deployed at the U.S. Capitol and its perimeter on Friday

More than 30 lawmakers signed a letter on Thursday calling for greater protection in their districts, citing threats

Washington D.C. has remained under tight security in the weeks after the violent siege, with thousands of National Guard troops patrolling the streets.

U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said lawmakers would also probably need more funding for security as the 'the enemy is within' the House.

She added: 'We have members of Congress who want to bring guns on the floor and have threatened violence on other members of Congress.'

It following a warning by the Department of Homeland Security of heightened threats towards Congress.

Acting Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman on Thursday urged lawmakers to install a permanent perimeter fence around the Capitol in a proposal that drew criticism.

'I can unequivocally say that vast improvements to the physical security infrastructure must be made to include permanent fencing, and the availability of ready, back-up forces in close proximity to the Capitol,' Pittman said.

The permanent fencing suggestion however, was panned by Republicans as well as some Democrats.

Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., said she was 'adamantly opposed' and had heard no justification for its need.

First-term Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass., a former Marine, said it would be wrong to turn the Capitol into a 'fortress.'

'DC does not support it,' said Councilmember Charles Allen, whose district includes the Capitol Hill neighborhood.

An eight-foot tall steel fence topped with concertina razor wire was erected around the US Capitol following the violent siege on January 6

Acting Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman on Thursday urged US lawmakers to add permanent fencing

Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, told CNN it was 'premature to determine what are the appropriate steps that need to be taken to better secure the Capitol.'

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser wrote on Twitter that 'we will not accept extra troops or permanent fencing as a long-term fixture in DC,' but said 'potentially volatile events' would require temporary extra security.

The Department of Homeland Security did not cite specific threats in its bulletin, which was issued Wednesday, but said some 'domestic violent extremists' may feel emboldened by the Capitol rampage.

Pro-Trump protesters storm into the U.S. Capitol during clashes with police, during a rally to contest the certification of presidential election results by on January 6

More than 135 people have been arrested so far in connection with the violent insurrection that left five people dead including a police officer

More than 30 lawmakers signed a letter on Thursday calling for greater protection in their districts, noting that threats against members of Congress spiked to 4,894 in 2018 from 902 in 2016.

While top members of Congress have security details, most lawmakers do not.

Most changes members sought, including allowing them more flexibility in using their office budgets to cover security expenses, had already been made, Pelosi said. She said that more probably needed to be done.

Ahead of Biden's January 20 inauguration, 8-foot-high fencing went up around the Capitol building and more than 20,000 National Guard troops descended on Washington. Thousands of the troops are expected to stay in the capital through March.

Some lawmakers have bristled under the increased security measures, such as a metal detector put in place for lawmakers to go through on the House floor.

Earlier this month, the HuffPost website reported that Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., set off a newly installed metal detector while trying to enter the House chamber and was found to be carrying a concealed gun.

Other Republicans have also talked about carrying firearms, which lawmakers are permitted to do, though not on the House or Senate floors.
Dr Martens arrived on the stock market in style yesterday as the boot maker was valued at nearly 4billion.

The company kicked off its London float by pricing its shares at 370p each, the top of previous estimates, and was met with huge demand from investors.

It will raise 1billion and implies a market capitalisation of 3.7billion  not a bad day's work for owner Permira, which bought the business for 300m seven years ago.

Making an entrance: Dr Martens arrived on the stock market in style yesterday as the boot maker was valued at nearly 4bn

So eager were investors that brokers received orders for nine times the amount of stock available, Dr Martens said.

It meant the shares  given the ticker 'DOCS'  jumped 21.6 per cent during frenzied conditional trading, closing at 450p.

Chief executive Kenny Wilson said he was 'delighted' by the response so far.

'The successful transformation of Dr Martens is a great story, and what is even more exciting is the huge potential ahead,' he added.

'We are proud to take our place as a London listed company.' Dr Martens, known for its chunky boots with yellow stitching, is the first of several British floats expected to hit the market this year after the Covid-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on global stock markets.

E-card retailer Moonpig is expected to follow it soon, while others such as Deliveroo and Darktrace are also plotting their debuts. Yesterday Moonpig said it would price its own offering at the top end of its 310-350p per share range, valuing the company at about 1.2billion.

It is also speeding up the process and expanding how many shares will be sold, meaning the amount of money being raised could increase from 422m to 549m. Conditional dealings are expected to begin on Tuesday.

But it was another bad day for the FTSE 100 as the blue-chip index finished deep in the red.

The Footsie fell 1.8 per cent, or 118.69 points, to finish at 6407.46, putting losses since last week at 4.3 per cent.

Analysts blamed the malaise on fears of another flood of activity from retail investors, who have been piling into stocks targeted by short sellers using trading apps.

David Madden, an analyst at CMC Markets, said: 'Fear is running through the equity markets again as some trading apps have relaxed restrictions on certain stocks that have experienced colossal volatility recently, like [video retailer] Gamestop.

Plans: Yesterday Moonpig said it would price its own offering at the top end of its 310-350p per share range

That could renew fears that some hedge funds might adopt a cut and run policy, hence why equity markets are lower across the board.'

Among the top blue-chip fallers were Rolls-Royce, which fell 5.4 per cent or 5.24p to 91.7p, and Prudential, which slipped a further 5.1 per cent or 63.5p to 1172.5p as investors digested its plans to raise cash by issuing shares.

But food delivery firm Just Eat gained 4.1 per cent, or 322p, to finish at 8372p, while Pearson, which has benefited from small shareholder interest, rose 1.6 per cent, or 12.6p, to 812.6p.

The FTSE250 index of mid-sized companies didn't fare much better than its blue chip sibling, falling 0.7 per cent, or 139.67 points, to 20,228.58.

One company investors couldn't make up their minds about was engineer and defence contractor Avon Rubber, with its shares closing flat at 3100p after see-sawing throughout the day.

The engineer and defence contractor last month revealed shock delays to two contracts with the US Department of Defence, while a rival was trying to contest its award of another.
Appearing more united than theyve been since a cabinet revolt rocked the former Selinger government in late 2014, Manitoba New Democrats say theyre attracting more new members than ever before and amassing a war chest for the next provincial election.

Appearing more united than theyve been since a cabinet revolt rocked the former Selinger government in late 2014, Manitoba New Democrats say theyre attracting more new members than ever before and amassing a war chest for the next provincial election.

Leader Wab Kinew told the partys annual convention Saturday the NDP has paid off its 2019 election campaign debts and has already socked away $250,000 for the next election, set for 2023. Another $100,000 has been set aside to contest any byelections that arise in the meantime.

Kinew received a strong show of support at the virtual convention when 93 per cent of members voted against holding a leadership contest. The leadership vote was mandated by the partys constitution.

Manitoba New Democrats had not held a convention since the spring of 2018 due to the expectation Premier Brian Pallister would call an early election in 2019  which he did  and the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Saturday, 315 party members tuned in online, while 288 participated in the leadership vote.

In an address to the party faithful, Kinew said the NDP has been building momentum since the provincial election, when it improved its seat count to 18 from only 12 in 2016, and saw 11 rookies elected.

While the party would not release its 2020 financial results before it files its official report with Elections Manitoba later this year, it appears to have had a successful fundraising campaign despite a pandemic that has depressed the provincial economy.

"Our team and our movement is connecting with people in the province on the issues that matter to them," Kinew said, citing party policies on health, education, child care and climate change as examples.

"More Manitobans are stepping up to get involved with our movement. Theyre doing it in a very meaningful way by contributing to our party even during a recession. And also, very, very importantly, we are bringing new people into this movement and we are expanding our reach."

Without releasing numbers, Kinew said last year the NDP attracted more first-time donors than ever before, "and we had three times as many individual donors as in any other year in recent memory."

Part of the success is due to a new focus on digital fundraising, he said.

New Democrats were buoyed by a Probe Research/Winnipeg Free Press poll in December that saw their party take the lead in public opinion for the first time since before the 2016 election. The NDP received support of 41 per cent of decided voting-age Manitobans, compared with 37 per cent for the Progressive Conservatives.

The polling occurred as public concern mounted over the Pallister governments response to the coronavirus crisis.

"We all know that the PCs failed to prepare for the second wave of the pandemic, and as a result, people died. PCs have been cheap when it comes to health care and education. And as a result, seniors and students have suffered," Kinew told party members.

Recent news reports of prominent Tories travelling outside the province against public health advice show "how out out touch they are" with the average Manitoba family, he said.

"Weve been right here throughout code red. Weve been right here throughout the pandemic, matching the commitment of the people of Manitoba," Kinew said of his caucus.

"When you come to the Manitoba legislature, all of the energy, all of the excitement is on our side of the chamber," he said.

In a brief speech to the convention, federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said his party has successfully fought for increased benefits to Canadians during the pandemic.

Highlights include higher Canada Emergency Response Benefit payments than the minority Liberal government had planned, an aid program for students, more generous wage supports for workers and a new federal paid sick leave program, he said.

"We are proud that so many people were better off because we were there fighting for them," Singh said.

Meanwhile, the provincial NDP has a new party president. Lonnie Patterson of Brandon succeeds David Woodbury, who did not seek re-election. He will remain on the NDP board of directors as past-president.

For logistical reasons, the NDP split its convention into two parts this year. Saturdays session dealt with core party business. Policy resolutions will be debated at a meeting set for Feb. 27.

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca
Pakistan's government on Friday appealed to the Supreme Court to review its decision to free a British-born Islamist and three others convicted of beheading US journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002.

The United States has expressed concern over the ruling and top US diplomat Antony Blinken repeated a call for accountability in his first phone call with Pakistan's foreign minister on Friday.

A panel of three judges of the court on Thursday acquitted Ahmad Omar Saeed Sheikh and three other Islamists, who had been convicted in 2002 on charges of kidnapping and murder of the Wall Street Journal reporter.

The court ordered the men to be released forthwith if not required in any other case.

The government in Sindh province filed a petition asking the top court to review its decision, the Pearl family's lawyer, Faisal Siddiqi, and a government prosecutor told Reuters.

Read | US 'outraged' as Pakistan court upholds acquittal in Daniel Pearl murder

"We have filed three review petitions," prosecutor Faiz Shah said, explaining that the petitions would seek a reversal of the acquittal and the reinstatement of Sheikh's death penalty.

"Being aggrieved of and dissatisfied with the judgment, the petitioner files an instant criminal review petition for leave to appeal on matters of law, facts and grounds," the petition said.

The release orders would stand irrespective of the review petition, provincial law minister Murtaza Wahab told Reuters.

"We haven't received the release orders yet," he said, adding that the Islamists were not likely to be freed over the weekend, as it usually takes some days for court orders to be sent to prison authorities.

Also Read | It is a travesty of justice: India on Pak court order to release Omar Saeed Sheikh

Pearl, 38, was investigating Islamist militants in Karachi after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States when he was kidnapped. A video of his beheading emerged weeks later.

His parents expressed shock over the Supreme Court's decision

Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday "reinforced" US concern over the case in a call with Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Pakistan's minister of foreign affairs, according to the State Department.

The two "discussed how to ensure accountability" for Sheikh and others responsible for Pearl's kidnapping and murder, according to a readout of a call.

On Thursday, Blinken called the ruling "an affront to terrorism victims everywhere, including in Pakistan" and said Washington was prepared to prosecute Sheikh in the United States.

VINCENNES, Ind. (WTHI) - At the beginning of January Vincennes Police Department released a sketch of a suspect wanted in a cold case. That case takes us back to Vincennes, Indiana on Thanksgiving in 2008.

Detective Stacey Reese says, "The female was not a Vincennes resident. She was a 21-year-old who had come here to further her goals in life. The unknown male had entered her apartment, he battered the female causing significant physical injuries. The unknown male also sexually assaulted this female."

The case had gone cold. Vincennes Police Department used snapshot DNA analysis to come up with two composites. One of the suspect at 25, the other at 35. Both composites show a white male with brown and or blonde hair

Since that information was released, the case has warmed back up.

Chief Robert Dunham explains, "We immediately started getting e-mails and phone calls. We've had numerous contacts from the public that was either here or still here during that time period. We're following up on the leads as they come in. It has definitely gave us like a shot in the arm."
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The Biden administration has been blasted after it was revealed that COVID-19 vaccines will be offered to Guantanamo Bay detainees, including Al Qaeda terrorists and 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, as early as next week.

Prosecutor Clayton Trivett Jr, who is leading the case against five terrorists behind the September 11 attacks, made the disclosure in a letter to defense lawyers Thursday.

'[A]n official in the Pentagon has just signed a memo approving the delivery of the Covid-19 vaccine to the detainee population Guantanamo,' he wrote, according to the New York Times.

The US detention camp houses 40 detainees, all of whom could receive their first shot as early as Monday if they are willing, Trivett Jr said.

The vaccination effort is reportedly intended to help resume legal proceedings for prisoners such as Khalid Sheikh Mohammed that have been delayed due to the pandemic.

But the news sparked fury from politicians and 9/11 responders, who slammed the decision to vaccinate terrorists before American citizens.

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed is the mastermind behind the 9/11 terror plot that killed 2,976 Americans. He could receive his COVID-19 vaccine as early as next week under a new order approving inoculation efforts for Guantanamo Bay detainees

Al Qaeda first: Encep Nurjaman, aka Hambali, Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep, and Mohammed Farik Bin Amin, members of Southeast Asia-based extremist group known as Jemaah Islamiyah that has links to Al-Qaeda, have been in US custody since 2003. The order will allow them to receive their second vaccine dose by their arraignment on February 22

The vaccine rollout comes amid a shortage of doses that have hampered inoculation efforts across the US, where only 26million Americans have been vaccinated.

Tom Von Essen, who was New York City's Fire Commissioner during 9/11, said: 'You cant make this up. The ridiculousness of what we get from our government. They will run the vaccine down to those lowlifes at Guantanamo Bay before every resident of the United States of America gets it is the theater of the absurd.'

'Its f**ing nuts,' Von Essen told the New York Post.

John Feal, a demolition supervisor at the Ground Zero pile, told the Post: 'The fact that the 9/11 community cant get the vaccine and the terrorists can show how backward our government is.

'Its the most ludicrous thing Ive ever heard. Its an insult to the people who ran into the towers and were killed and those who worked on the pile for months and are ill.'

Tom Von Essen, who was city Fire Commissioner during 9/11, said: 'You cant make this up'. He is pictured at City Hall in New York City on October 24, 2001 (left), and at a press conference in New York in March 2020 (right)

John Feal, a demolition supervisor at the Ground Zero pile, said the decision was 'the most ludicrous thing Ive ever heard'. He is pictured in 2019.

Rep. Elise Stefanik,the Republican representative for New York's 21st congressional district, said: 'It is inexcusable and un-American that President Biden is choosing to prioritize convicted terrorists in Gitmo over vulnerable American seniors or veterans.'

Retired New York firefighter Lt. Michael OConnell - who was involved with search and rescue on 9/11 - told the Post: 'Its absolutely disgusting.

'These terrorists committed harm but the patriots are the one who have to wait to get vaccinated.'

The Guantanamo shots will be administered on a 'voluntary basis' as per Pentagon policy, which requires the recipient's consent on treatment that has not been fully approved by the FDA.

Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are currently authorized for emergency use only.

The US naval base in Guantanamo began inoculating its 6,000 residents earlier this month, however, detainees were not believed to have been included in the rollout.

The vaccination effort is reportedly intended to help resume legal proceedings for prisoners such as Khalid Sheikh Mohammed that have been delayed due to the pandemic.

It is unclear how many coronavirus cases have been detected at the facility, if any.

Although it is unknown whether Mohammed will opt to be inoculated, the order means he could receive his jab ahead of millions of other Americans who are still awaiting for their turn in line.

Comedian Jon Stewart (center) hugs 911 first responders John Feal (left) and Michael OConnell (right) after the U.S. Senate voted to renew permanent authorization of September 11th Victim Compensation Fund in 2019. OConnell who was involved with search and rescue on 9/11, on Friday said that the decision to vaccinate the terrorists is 'absolutely disgusting'

Mohammed is said to be the architect behind the terror plot that killed 2,976 in New York City, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania on September 11.

Mohammed is due to be tried in connection to 9/11 with four others at a military court in Guantanamo.

They are charged with war crimes including terrorism and the murder of nearly 3,000 people.

They will be the first to go on trial, nearly 20 years after the attacks on New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. If found guilty they face the death penalty.

It is believed that officials want to vaccinate the detainees to avoid delaying the legal proceedings further amid the pandemic.

A guard escorts a shackled detainee into a trailer, at Guantanamo Bay U.S. Naval Base, Cuba, in this April 5, 2006 file photo

The order was reportedly signed Wednesday by Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Terry Adirim, a Biden appointee who was sworn in last week

Meanwhile, millions of Americans are still waiting on their first dose following the sluggish rollout of the vaccine in December

Motorists line up for COVID-19 vaccinations and testing in the parking lot of Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Wednesday

Another three detainees with links to Al Qaeda are also expected to be prioritized due to their upcoming arraignments.

Encep Nurjaman, aka Hambali, Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep, and Mohammed Farik Bin Amin, all members of Southeast Asia-based extremist group known as Jemaah Islamiyah, have been in US custody since 2003.

The group is blamed for a string of bombings in Indonesia, including the 2002 bombings in Bali that killed 202 people. The three are also alleged to have links to Al Qaeda.

The vaccination effort at the facility will allow the trio to receive both doses of the vaccine ahead of their arraignment on February 22.

The order was signed Wednesday by Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Terry Adirim, a Biden appointee who was sworn in last week, according to the New York Post reported.
A dead body found in a burning car in daylight is being treated as 'suspicious'.

Emergency crews discovered the body when they were alerted to a car on fire on Hume Road in Smithfield, Sydney's western suburbs, at about 6pm on Saturday.

Shocking video from the scene showed black smoke billow, as the flames engulfed the car.

A fire engine was also seen reversing away from the blazing car to keep a safe distance.

A dead body has been found in a burning car (pictured) and police are treating the death as 'suspicious'

A fire engine was also seen reversing away from the blazing car to keep a safe distance (pictured)

Emergency crews discovered the body when they were alerted to a car on fire on Hume Road in Smithfield, Sydney's western suburbs, at about 6pm on Saturday. Pictured: Police officers at the scene

Firefighters extinguished the flames, only to discover the body of a person who is believed to be male in the car afterwards.

NSW Police confirmed Cumberland area command have established a crime scene and commenced their investigations.

The death is being treated as suspicious.

Officers are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to contact Cumberland Police or Crime Stoppers.

NSW Police confirmed Cumberland area command have established a crime scene and commenced their investigations. Pictured: Police officers at the scene
The beautiful Norwegian fjords and bewitching Northern Lights are two natural wonders that everyone wants to experience at least once in their lifetime.

So why not combine them by joining one of our two exclusive sailings departing at the end of this year?

Each of these spectacular 12-day voyages with our travel partner Hurtigruten will also feature a special guest.

Natural wonder: The Northern Lights over a fjord village

Husky-sledding is one of the thrilling activities you can choose on the trip

OUR SPECIAL GUESTS Legendary explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes Sir Ranulph Fiennes (November 29 sailing) The extraordinary achievements of Sir Ranulph make him the worlds greatest living explorer. He served in the Army for eight years, with the Royal Scots Greys and the SAS, and later embarked on missions to many of the most inhospitable places on the planet. He was the first (with Charles Burton) to conquer both North and South Poles on foot, and the first (with Mike Stroud) to cross the Antarctic continent on foot. In 2009, at 65, he became the oldest Briton to reach the summit of Everest. Popular broadcaster Carol Kirkwood Carol Kirkwood (December 5 sailing) Carol trained with the Met Office and has been presenting the weather on radio and television for more than 20 years. She has a regular slot on BBC Breakfast, also appears on The One Show, and danced with Pasha Kovalev in the 13th series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2015. Advertisement

REASONS TO BOOK

Exclusive talks & events: The first sailing, departing on November 29 on RS Richard With, will be joined by the legendary explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes.

Sir Ranulph will give an exclusive talk, Q&A and video presentation on board the ship.

He will also accompany readers on a special excursion to visit Norways remote and beautiful North Cape, the northernmost point in Europe.

Alternatively, you can choose the second sailing, which departs on December 5 on MS Polarlys, which will be joined by the popular broadcaster Carol Kirkwood.

Carol will give an exclusive talk about her career as a weather presenter and time on Strictly, and take your questions in a private question and answer session.

She will also accompany readers on a Taste Of Vesteralen experience, during which youll explore the area of Harstad before crossing a fjord by ferry while enjoying fresh-baked cakes and a hot drink.

Sail the fjords in style: Throughout your unforgettable journey, you will be sailing on one of Hurtigrutens superb ships, where facilities include a two-storey panoramic lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows, an a la carte restaurant, bar, cafes, bakery, swimming pool and hot tub, sauna with a view, fitness room and library.

The ship also hosts a series of free talks and demonstrations.

Meals include Norwegian specialities such as roast reindeer and aquavit ice cream, and are included in the price.

The worlds most beautiful voyage: During your wonderful 12-day adventure, youll see 2,500 miles of stunning coastline, have the chance to explore more than 30 historic ports and spend seven days in the auroral zone, where the Lights are at their most breathtaking.

Brilliant Arctic activities: Pick from dozens of optional activities**, from guided nature walks and husky-sledding to a midnight concert at Tromsos Arctic Cathedral  or a traditional Viking feast.

Your Northern Lights promise: Our travel partner Hurtigruten is so confident you will see the Northern Lights during your trip that if you dont, the company will offer you another six- or seven-day Northern Lights voyage free of charge***.


Shell Nigeria has reacted to the ruling of a Dutch court mandating the oil company to pay compensation to communities in the Niger Delta over oil spills.

The court found Shell liable for pollution of farmlands and fish ponds of four farmers in the Niger Delta.

In the landmark decision, the Court of Appeal in The Hague, on Friday ordered the Nigerian subsidiary of Shell to pay compensation over the 2008 oil spills in Oruma in Bayelsa, Goi in Rivers and Ikot Ada Udo, in Akwa Ibom States.

However, while Shell expressed disappointment over the ruling, some environmentalists applauded the decision of the Dutch Court of Appeal, in favour of the farmers affected by the oil spillage.

The SPDC said it was disappointed by the ruling, insisting that the incident in question was caused by sabotage.

Bamidele Odugbesan, Media Relations Manager of the SPDC, told the News Agency of Nigeria that most leaks from its operations were caused by vandals.

We continue to believe that the spills in Oruma and Goi are the result of sabotage, he was quoted as saying.

We are therefore disappointed that this court has made a different finding on the cause of these spills and in its findings that SPDC is liable.

Sabotage, crude oil theft and illegal refining are a major challenge in the Niger Delta.

Indeed in 2019, about 95 per cent of spill incidents from our operations there, were due to such criminal acts.

Regardless of causes, we clean up and remediate, as we have done with the spills in this case.

Like all Shell-operated ventures globally, we are committed to operating safely and protecting the local environment, Mr Odugbesan said.

NAN reports that the exact amount of compensation would be determined, at a later date, while Shell which lost the appeal could still appeal against the ruling at the Dutch Supreme court.

Iniruo Wills, president, Homeland Chapter of Ijaw Professionals Association, and a former Commissioner for Environment in Bayelsa, applauded the ruling of the Dutch court.

This is a most welcome landmark ruling. It is a crying shame that hapless folks and communities have to shop for environmental justice abroad, because they cannot find it in Nigeria.

In addition to litigating specific cases, there is a need for intensive sensitisation of the Nigerian judiciary and the regulatory system, including the Federal Ministry/Ministers of Petroleum and Environment, to demonstrate a sense of urgency, duty and commitment.

It is embarrassingly lacking, for over sixty years till date, that environmental justice has eluded communities, whose existence is threatened by the continually worsening plague of oil and gas pollution, Mr Wills said.

Also speaking, Nnimmo Bassey, an environmental activist, noted that the decision was right and just.

This judgement did not come as a surprise to some of us. The evidence was overwhelming and has refused to disappear even after 13 years. There are some crimes that are hard to hide. Environmental crimes are of that sort.

It takes willful blindness to pretend not to see, smell or feel. We are happy that Shell has been told the truth to that, so they must pay for the extreme harm they have inflicted on the people and the environment.

It took long, two of the four plaintiffs died, but their struggle has not been in vain.

ADVERTISEMENT

No corporation, private or public, should ever think they can commit Ecocide in the Niger Delta and not be held accountable.

It may take long, but judgment day comes. This is a decision by the Dutch Court, others will definitely come, Mr Bassey said. (NAN)
Pakistan signed the first contract for the delivery of two Type 054 A/P frigates in 2017 and signed a contract for two additional warships later in 2018. Reportedly, all four ships will be delivered to Pakistan by the end of 2021.The warship is equipped with better defence capabilities including improved radar system and a larger number of missiles with a longer range.

China launched two naval warships yesterday in the Hudong Zhonghua shipyard, Shanghai. According to GT, Type 075 amphibious assault ship is for the Chinese Navy and the second Type 054A/P frigate for the Pakistan Navy. This was the second warship launched out of the four being built for Pakistan, as the first frigate was launched in 2020.

Pakistan signed the first contract for the delivery of two Type 054 A/P frigates in 2017 and signed a contract for two additional warships later in 2018. Reportedly, all four ships will be delivered to Pakistan by the end of 2021.The warship is equipped with better defence capabilities including improved radar system and a larger number of missiles with a longer range. While the frigate is a medium sized warship, China for the Chinese Navy has launched a Type 075 amphibious assault ship which is the third large warship to be launched since 2019.

Also Read: China warns Taiwan independence elements of war; US Pentagon calls warning unfortunate

Amidst tensions between China and Taiwan, this move can also be seen as Chinas attempt to increase military pressure on Taiwan. As China recently flew warplanes and fighter jets near the island. According to Taiwans defence ministry eight Chinese bomber planes capable of carrying nuclear weapons, four fighter jets and one anti-submarine aircraft entered its south-western air defence identification zone. This was followed by 12 fighters, two anti-submarine aircrafts and a reconnaissance plane being flown on the consecutive day.

Also Read: Amid India-China standoff EAM S Jaishankar outlines 8 principles

In addition, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Wu Qian has recently warned independence elements in Taiwan of war.
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Rabbi Kanievsky, issuing pronouncements from a book-filled study in his cramped apartment in an ultra-Orthodox suburb of Tel Aviv, has often been at the fore of that resistance. Twice, during the first and second waves of the pandemic in Israel, he rejected state-imposed antivirus protocols and did not order his followers to close their yeshivas, independent religious schools where students gather in close quarters to study Jewish Scripture.

God forbid! he exclaimed. If anything, he said, the pandemic made prayer and study even more essential.

Both times he eventually relented, and it is unlikely that he played as big a role in spreading the virus as he was accused of, but the damage was done.

Many public health experts say that the ultra-Orthodox  who account for about 12 percent of the population but 28 percent of the coronavirus infections, according to Israeli government statistics  have undermined the national effort against the coronavirus.

The reaction has been fierce, much of it centered on Rabbi Kanievsky.

The rabbi must be arrested for spreading a disease, blared a column last week in Haaretz, a left-wing newspaper. This rabbi dictates the scandalous conduct in the ultra-Orthodox sector, said an article in Yedioth Ahronoth, a centrist news outlet.
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

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In honor of Black History Month, United Way of Midland County is hosting a 10-Day Virtual Equity Challenge running Feb. 1-12.

This free virtual challenge is open to all. It offers a powerful opportunity to develop a deeper understanding and awareness about how inequity and racism affects our lives and community.

These topics are not only relevant across the country, but within our own backyard. During the recovery from the Great Recession, the number of Black households under the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained) Threshold in Michigan increased by 11% from 2010 to 2018. The number of white households struggling to make ends meet increased by only 1% statewide during that time frame.

The Equity Challenge aligns with United Way of Midland Countys mission to unite to improve lives by bridging awareness with action.

This challenge is a step we can all take together to widen our lens in which we see our world, said Holly Miller, president and CEO of United Way of Midland County. Together, we can continue building a community that is committed to improving equity and inclusion. It starts with educating ourselves, being curious and committed to listening, learning and challenging our biases.

The equity challenge will begin with a 30-minute virtual kick-off on Monday, Feb. 1. Participants will then receive an email each weekday for two weeks (10 days) that focuses on a specific topic about diversity, equity and inclusion. The email includes background information and a challenge section with engaging prompts to encourage participants to read, watch, listen or learn.

Examples of daily topics include personal racial identity, understanding privilege, race in the workplace and more.

United Ways across Michigan are reinforcing their commitment to race and equity, both in policy and in action. This challenge was originally developed by Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr., Dr. Marguerite Penick-Parks and Debby Irving and has been adapted by Food Solutions New England. United Ways in Michigan have committed to adapt the challenge with the support of leaders across the Michigan United Way network.

The challenge led by United Way of Midland County concludes with a virtual summit on Feb. 12. Community experts and leaders will join facilitators Kathy Snyder  who serves as the Midland Area Wellbeing Coalition Coordinator  and Kimberly Houston  who retired as Dow Corning Corporation's Diversity Officer, Global Community Relations Leader, and President of the Dow Corning Foundation  to explore and discuss what was discovered through the challenge.

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with United Way, Kimberly Houston and such an insightful group of panelists for this 10-Day Equity Challenge, Snyder said. Midland's aspirational vision is Together. Forward. Bold. An exceptional place where everyone thrives. This is more than just a slogan to me. This takes work in many different ways in many different areas, and the Equity Challenge is a very important step in the right direction.

The Equity Challenge and the Summit brings leaders from numerous community groups committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion together, demonstrating collaboration at its finest.

The esteemed panelists include:

 Dr. Amy Beasley: Dow (on loan to MPS), Midland County Inclusion Alliance

 Jimmy Greene: Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan

 DeOndre Hogan: Midland Public Schools Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

 Diane Brown Wilhelm: Midland City Council, We Hear You Coalition

 Dr. Gina Wilson: Central Michigan University, Cultural Awareness Coalition

Registration for the Equity Challenge will remain open until through Sunday, Jan. 31. To register, visit unitedwaymidland.org.
Amid the ongoing farmers' agitation against the Centre's three agricultural reform laws, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on January 29 said Pakistan is trying to infiltrate the borders and sending weapons in increased numbers through drones since the beginning of agitation by farmers.

In an interview with ANI, the chief minister said he had been cautioning the Centre about the designs of Pakistan and it is also sending money and heroin.

He said Pakistan has sleeper cells which it can activate.

"The government should be on its toes. I have been warning them for a long time that Pakistan is trying to infiltrate the borders. Their weapons are coming in. They have sleeper cells here that they can awaken anytime they want. A disturbed Punjab suits Pakistan's policies," he said.

He said there has been an increase in weapons coming from Pakistan since October when the farmers began their agitation against the three farm laws.

The chief minister said he met the Union Home Minister Amit Shah in November after the farmers' agitation moved to Delhi borders to convey his concerns about Pakistan's attempts to cause disturbance.

"I went to see the home minister when everyone started making big news about farmers' struggle to discuss the issue that has taken place. Since the farmers' struggle started in October, the number of weaponry that is coming to Punjab (from Pakistan) has increased. It is drones that are bringing it in. That was what was concerning me because those drones that bring weapons are meant for something. They are not sent as a present here. We may capture 30 drones, but there are 20-30 that may get past us, to their objectives," Amarinder Singh said.

The chief minister said Pakistan and China are going to collude and 20 percent of Indian Army soldiers belong to an area where there has been concern among farmers about farm laws and the country can't allow their morale to go down.

"I have a hostile country on my western border. On the north of us, we have China. These two countries are going to collude. About 20 percent of the Indian army belongs to this area and we can't allow their morale to go down. I think we should be very careful in our choice of putting out news which should not create a situation where the morale of our troops goes down."

Asked if he blames Pakistan for the violence that took place on December 26 in Delhi during the tractor march by farmers against the three farm laws, the chief minister said it is for the investigation agencies to find out.

"I don't blame anyone. It is for the investigation agencies to find out. What I'm mentioning is when this movement started, why has there been a spurt in the drone delivery? Why weapons, money, and heroine are coming in? That coincided with the movement and that has got me wondering," he said.

He said the farmers from Punjab may have taken lead in agitation but the new farm laws were affecting farmers all over the country.

"I think they (the Centre) did not understand the psyche of the Punjabis and farmers. This is not a Punjabi movement. We may have taken a lead. We always seem to take a lead in various things, but it covers the farmers of our country. There are 70 percent farmers in the country. You think it is not affecting farmers in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. They may not be here, but their heart is in Delhi," he said.

With inputs from ANI.
The expected classification of the Sierra de las Nieves as Spain's 16th National Park will provide legal protection for the area and will also make it better-known. "This is like moving up from second to first division," said Rafael Haro, the director of the existing natural park, which is managed by the Andalusian government.

The mayors of the 14 towns and villages are enthusiastic, not only about the prospects for their local economies, but also at the thought that it could help to counter their loss of population. Yunquera, for example, has lost ten per cent of its inhabitants in the past decade, according to recent statistics.

Several companies already have plans drawn up to create accommodation and active tourism and are just waiting for the definitive approval before investing. The authorities also plan to create a visitors' centre, information for walkers, lookout points, a nature education centre, parking and other facilities. "There will be more money from the government as a National Park, especially at first when so much has to be done," said Haro.

If Democrats are going to challenge Gov. Greg Abbott, they better come forward with someone more serious than Beto ORourke.

Abbott showed this week that hes not taking his orders from those in Washington, New York City or the West Coast. And that is important, because 2022 will be about whats best for Texas. And if Beto ORourke or any other Democrats want to make the case that an all-out assault on the energy industry is the way to win elections, well, good luck with that.

The fact is it likely doesnt matter who will be on the ballot, because barring something unforeseen, the 2022 governors race is Gov. Greg Abbotts to lose, and that is OK with me. When the Permian Basin needed to see a leader step up and tell our residents that he has our back, that is what Abbott did.

As Oil Editor Mella McEwen reported, Abbott is familiar with defending Texas against Washington overreach, filing more than 30 lawsuits as Texas attorney general (before becoming governor) against the Obama administration. And the governor was correct, Its wrong for this president or anyone else to act like they can end a persons job today and that person will get another job. Thats not how the real world works. That is how President Biden thinks. Good luck defending that.

There are some who believe Abbott might have to defend himself from the political right in a primary challenge. Some believe he made enemies with his use of executive orders during the COVID pandemic and should have called a special session. I think the discussion is a good one, but lets be honest, there werent Republicans beating down the doors of Gov. Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick or former House Speaker Dennis Bonnen demanding that special session. It was interesting that those calls typically came from people in the comfort of their respective districts.

There will be a push  possibly from a high-profile Republican  claiming that the most conservative governor our state has known isnt conservative enough. They will say that Abbott  a former attorney general and member of the Texas Supreme Court  doesnt know the Constitution. They might follow the lead of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and call Abbotts cure worse than the disease. The Republican Party will follow Miller at its own risk.

We dont know who that person will be. Maybe it will be Texas GOP Chairman Allen West, who will be in Midland on Feb. 11. Maybe it will be someone closer to home. Ector County Republicans voted to censure the governor. That person might have the support of Midlands mayor, whos had choice words for Abbott during the pandemic. Time will tell.

But Midlanders should rally around the governor. He tasked Texas Transportation Chair J. Bruce Bugg, Jr. to make sure the region had additional road funding required to keep up with our needs. We expect the governor will remain committed to past investment announcements.

Lets also not forget that while political snipers  even those connected to the Republican Party -- were trying to pick off the governor, he was spending millions of dollars supporting down-ballot candidates, especially judges, during the most recent election cycle. He also spent his time during his 2018 election, not talking about his campaign but encouraging people to vote for Sen. Ted Cruz and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick when they were fighting for their political lives. It was selfless-leadership that we dont see enough of in todays toxic, me-first political arena.

We expect our statewide leaders to continue to have the back of our region. We know Midland and the Permian Basin provides so much to the state. That will continue to be the case even during our downturns and during pandemics. Democrats dont want to tell you that. Oil production and natural gas productions tax collections are projected to generate a combined $10 billion, up 10.1 percent and 66.9 percent respectively from 2020-21, according to the comptroller.

And the rainy day fund  absent any legislative appropriations, is expected to have $11.6 billion at the end of 2022-23. The comptroller also reports that crude oil and natural gas production taxes are the most important funding sources for the fund, contributing more than 85 percent of its revenue over time.

So, yes, Midlanders should expect the governor to come to our defense, and that is what Gov. Abbott has done.
Jason Isaacs has revealed he was able to be with his mother in her final moments due to a chance disruption in his filming schedule.

The Harry Potter star's mother Linda died in 2014 in Israel, where she had moved from the UK some years before, of complications related to cancer and dementia.

He told the Marie Curie podcast that by chance he had been filming a television series in the country, but production was halted after rockets were fired across the border with the Gaza Strip.

It meant Isaacs (57) and his brothers were able to be with her before she died.

Speaking to podcast host and grief expert Jason Davidson, he said: "Bombs started going off in Israel, rockets started coming across from Gaza.

"This was 2014, and the production I was shooting obviously shut down. The insurers shut it down.

"They sent everyone home and I got to stay just at the moment my mum moved into this place.

Fading

"She was there for months, fading away, not quite under- standing why she wasn't getting better but, you know, continually talking to doctors and stuff.

"Everybody around knew, not because we had a diagnosis, but because it was clear she was fading.

"I got to be with her there, and various brothers flew in at various stages, and my wife and kids flew out for a little bit, until she died and we buried her."
On Monday, a coronavirus vaccination clinic run by the philanthropic arm of St. Helena Hospital, one of the biggest health care providers in Napa County, ran out of shots and had to shut down for the week.

Then, on Thursday, after a 42-year-old county supervisor received a leftover dose of vaccine at a different clinic  something that happened late in the day as workers sought to prevent supplies from going to waste  Napa County officials said they will increase the number of age-eligible, high-priority people on standby lists to get leftover vaccine.

County-run public health sites are also not scheduling any first doses for next week, since they have enough vaccine only to cover second doses.

The developments are emblematic of the struggles that providers and health officials across the state and country are grappling with: not enough vaccine, and heated debate over who should get the shots first and what steps providers should take to avoid discarding precious vaccine.

Rampant vaccine shortages are the biggest hurdle preventing providers from vaccinating more people. The underlying problem is that a very limited amount of vaccine is being shipped nationwide.

Weve been dark since Monday night since we shot 647 vaccines, said Glen Newhart, CEO of St. Helena Hospital Foundation, the hospitals philanthropic arm that raised money for and organized the vaccination clinic. The clinic gets doses from the county and from Adventist Health, the health system that operates the hospital.

That was everything we have, he told The Chronicle on Thursday. As we speak here, I havent had any updates on when well receive additional vaccines. The last report Wednesday night, I asked (the county): Should I think about reopening on Friday? The answer was no, theres no vaccines.

Counties and providers are allocated a certain number of doses each week from the state  which gets allocations from the federal government  and the number fluctuates wildly week to week. This week, for instance, Napa County Public Health vaccination sites administered about 1,100 first doses and 150 second doses. Next week, it plans to administer about 450 second doses, with no first doses scheduled until it gets more vaccine, according to county spokeswoman Janet Upton.

The county, with a population of nearly 138,000, has administered over 19,000 doses  though they go to people who work in the county as well as to residents.

Elderly Napa County residents have expressed frustration about trying to get a vaccine over the past couple of weeks. Thats why it stood out that a county supervisor, Belia Ramos, 42, received a shot last week at a county vaccination clinic as it prepared to close for the day. Ramos was there filming a Spanish language public service announcement about vaccine safety, according to Upton.

Theres a logical explanation: Providers sometimes have leftover doses at the end of the day, which they do not want to go to waste (the vaccines expire after too much time out of cold storage). In accordance with state guidelines, they look for people who are eligible due to their age or occupation to take the extra doses, but they must balance that with the need to quickly administer all the vaccine.

The Napa County site where Ramos received a shot usually has between one and four leftover doses, and sometimes more, at the end of the day, Upton said. That day, it had at least seven  and they went to four people from the eligible tier who were on standby in case there were extra doses, a couple of volunteers who work at the site, and Ramos.

We are adhering to the categories and simultaneously putting forth our best effort (so) vaccines do not go to waste, said Ramos, who said she will forgo her second shot until vaccine supply is more stable.

Going forward, Napa County vaccination sites will increase the standby list from four people to six people.

We will work to refine our standby waste prevention protocol to ensure any excess does go to those who are 65+, Upton said.

We need to do better, said Supervisor Alfredo Pedroza. We need processes in place, that if there are extra vaccines, that were drawing from the list of those that are eligible. Thats a commitment we made to this community and thats a commitment we have to uphold.

Newhart said St. Helena Hospital has never thrown away any doses or given them to people not in eligible tiers at the end of the day.

He described staying open later so that someone eligible could reach the site. In one case, a clinic staffer knocked on the door of an elderly man with co-morbidities nearby who had missed his appointment earlier in the day, and drove him to the site to get the shot.

If we find ourselves in a position of having extra doses, we do everything we can to find people who are in the appropriate tier to deliver those vaccines to, even though it can sometimes be a challenge, Newhart said.

Catherine Ho and Mallory Moench are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: cho@sfchronicle.com, mallory.moench@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Cat_Ho, @mallorymoench
LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Jan. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of the celebrations of National School Choice Week, The Reform Alliance is hosting a free drive-in movie showing of the movie "Miss Virginia."

WHAT:

- Movie screening of Miss Virginia, a family-friendly film tells the true story of a single mom who helped enact D.C.'s Opportunity Scholarship program.

WHO:

- Several hundred parents, students, teachers, and community leaders

WHEN:

- Saturday, January 30, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

- The movie begins at 6 p.m, doors open at 5 p.m.

WHERE:

- MP Outdoor Cinema, 6700 Allied Way, Little Rock, AR 72209

This event is organized by the Reform Alliance, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting a quality education for every Arkansas student.

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.

SOURCE National School Choice Week

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Its been a year since the first case of COVID-19 was identified in the United States  a very long year. And a new pair of polls suggests that Texans have become more pessimistic about the state in general, as we stumble through a public health disaster that has already claimed more than 36,000 lives in Texas and over 430,000 nationwide.

Four out of five Texans know someone who has contracted COVID-19, and half know someone who has died because of the disease, according to a new poll by the nonpartisan Texas Lyceum. More than a third of respondents identified the pandemic as the most crucial issue facing the state. And few Texans have confidence that our state can get back to normal, as things stand; 70 percent say containing the virus, rather than re-opening the economy, should be the priority. (Full disclosure: I served on the Lyceum board from 2013 to 2016).

Texans tend to be bullish on Texas, both currently and looking to the future, said Joshua Blank, a political scientist at the University of Texas and the Lyceums research director. The scope and depth of the pandemic and its economic consequences have really shaken that Texas bravado.

A similar sense of malaise emerges from another poll released this week, from Texas 2036, a nonprofit organization focused on the challenges facing the state as it approaches its bicentennial. A jarring 87 percent of Texans are concerned about the future of the state, it found. And 47 percent of Texans said they were extremely or very concerned. Thats up from just 31 percent a year ago.

Most Texans, according to this poll, want the Legislature to take some kind of action in response to the pandemic, now that the biennial regular session is underway. But their hopes arent high. The poll found that prior to the pandemic, half of Texans rated the state governments ability to respond to problems as good or excellent; now, just 36 percent feel that way.

AJ Rodriguez, Texas 2036s executive vice president, told me that the surge in concerns about the states future is probably tied to the drop in confidence about how our leaders will respond. Overall, he said, he interpreted these results as more of a plea from voters, who would be heartened to see lawmakers from both parties work together on issues such as education and workforce development as well as health care.

There are some things that are absolutely going to be out of control of our leaders, but I think the public is saying there are some things that are in your control, Rodriguez observed.

The vaccine rollout falls in that category. President Joe Biden on Tuesday announced that the United States has ordered 600 million doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, enough to vaccinate 300 million Americans, and that his administration will boost the number of vaccines being sent to the states each week. He had previously announced that his administration would seek to administer at least 100 million of those doses in the first 100 days of his presidency.

His approach marks a change from the rather desultory attitude of the federal government under former President Donald Trump, who frequently played down the severity of the pandemic and seemed content to leave the states to fend for themselves when it came to testing strategies and acquiring PPE.

Still, the vaccine rollout in Texas has been shambolic to date. Millions of Texans who are eligible for vaccines under phases 1A and 1B of the state plan have been scrambling to find appointments via a patchwork system of local governments, their regular health care providers and private chains  which collectively have fewer doses available at this time than they need. Overall, according to a new report by the Houston Chronicle, Texas ranks 49th out of 50 states in terms of vaccines received per capita to date. (Texas has received more than 3.5 million doses of the vaccine and, according to state officials on Friday, administered nearly 2.2 million doses; the state has nearly 30 million residents).

On HoustonChronicle.com: Nobody is getting enough': Why Texas ranks near the bottom for COVID-19 vaccines per capita

All of this presents a challenge to state leaders such as Gov. Greg Abbott, who has been careful to stipulate in his occasional tweets on the subject that the vaccine is always voluntary. Thats an accurate note, but one that fails to convey a sense of urgency and definitely doesnt capture the frustration many Texans are feeling as they endlessly refresh their Internet browsers, hoping to find an available appointment.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick  a conservative firebrand, but sensitive to public opinion  raised some of these concerns in a Jan 21 letter to Imelda Garcia, an associate commissioner for the Department of State Health Services and chair of the states Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel.

He argued that we need to refine the states vaccination rollout plan, with two goals in mind: to ensure that we are vaccinating Texans in the highest-risk categories, and to give all Texans some peace of mind.

Too many Texans are spending long days physically standing in line, calling a phone number repeatedly, and spending hours online, trying in vain to get a vaccination appointment, Patrick wrote. I believe we must bring more predictability to the process, so Texans can gain a more appropriate expectation of when they will be able to get their vaccination.

Its intriguing to hear a leader such as Patrick reference our expectations. We typically dont expect state government to do much, do we? Even now, there seems to be little appetite among Republican legislators for proposals to support struggling communities by, for example, expanding Medicaid, a cost that would mostly be borne by the federal government. But if state leaders cant even provide a smoother vaccine rollout, Texans may start wondering why.

I dont think that the pandemic has fundamentally changed Texas politics, Blank said. But if the state fails to get the coronavirus under control, along with the rest of the country, in some reasonable amount of time, I think all bets are off.

erica.grieder@chron.com



Multiple arrests in Northeast Pennsylvania over the past year illustrate the pervasiveness for gun trafficking to criminals and the need for a more comprehensive legal arsenal to fight it.

The state attorney generals office announced the arrests Wednesday of Mitchell Bethea, 36, and Gregory Sean Dehart, 31, of Scranton, and Samantha Mary Piasecki, 21, of Taylor, for an alleged firearms straw purchase scheme.

According to the charges, Bethea allegedly oversaw the scheme. Because he has a felony record, he could not legally buy weapons. Police allege that Dehart bought 27 weapons and Piasecki bought one, and sold them to Bethea. Two of the weapons purchased by Dehart, police said, were used to commit crimes in Baltimore and Queens, New York, which prompted the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to launch the investigation that led to the arrests.

The investigation follows good work by the Scranton Police Street Crimes Unit, which has made several straw man arrests over the past year.

The recent arrests were just one case involving just one method of straw purchases, which are a huge problem in putting firearms in the hands of criminals who cant legally buy them. Its in everyones interest to break up that nefarious supply chain, yet in Pennsylvania too many lawmakers remain so in thrall to the gun lobby that they will not act for public safety.

As requested for years by major law enforcement agencies, the state Legislature should pass laws requiring gun owners to report to police when their weapons are lost or stolen, and to limit handgun purchases to one per month per person. The first measure is a deterrent against people illegally selling weapons to criminals and claiming later, when the guns are recovered at crime scenes, that the weapons were lost or stolen. The second would preclude large-scale purchases of weapons for resale to criminals.

More than 20 municipal governments in Pennsylvania had adopted those measures as ordinances, but the Legislature responded by giving gun lobbyists the standing to sue against them.

Its time for lawmakers to stand for public safety rather than gun lobby campaign donations by requiring the reporting of lost or stolen weapons and limiting purchases to one per month.
EUGENE, Ore.  A fallen cottonwood tree in the Willamette River is creating a dangerous situation for boaters.

The huge tree has fallen into the river between Pengra and Jasper and appears to be completely blocking the river.

Lane County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol Deputies are cautioning boaters that the log is creating a complete obstruction just upstream of the confluence with Big Fall Creek.

Boaters are asked to avoid the section of the Willamette River between Pengra and Jasper as there does not appear to be a safe passageway around the tree.

For more information on this and other reported obstructions visit the Oregon State Marine Board website.
Kenyas coronavirus vaccine roll-out will begin next month, with 1.25 million frontline workers to receive injections between February and June.



Dr Mercy Mwangangi, the chief administrative secretary for health, said the programme would be divided into three phases with the first giving priority to healthcare workers, security and immigration officers.



She explained that so far Kenya, with a population of 48.5 million, was expecting to get 24 million doses via the World Health Organization-backed Covax scheme.



The country will procure an additional 11 million doses from other mechanisms to vaccinate nearly 16 million people over a period of 18 months, the senior health official told journalists.



There will be a mix of vaccines currently being used such the AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson.



Given the current global shortage of adequate vaccine stocks, the government is exploring procurement through other mechanisms like the Africa CDC... to cover an additional five million people over the same period to achieve 40% vaccination, Dr Mwangangi said.



It is thought that 60% of inhabitants need to be immunised to achieve herd immunity.



The announcement comes amidst an increase in cases being reported in the East Africa nation.

Source: BBC









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Amazon.com Inc's bid to stall Future Group's $3.4 billion retail assets sale is similar to Alexander the Great's "ruthless ambition to scorch the earth", the Indian group's CEO Kishore Biyani said in an internal staff memo seen by Reuters.

Amazon, locked in protracted legal disputes with Future, alleges the Indian firm violated contracts by agreeing to sell its retail assets to Reliance Industries last year. Future denies wrongdoing.

The two sides this week traded barbs in a New Delhi court, the latest legal case where Amazon is seeking to block the sale. India's second-largest retailer says the deal is critical for the survival of its 1,700 stores and thousands of employees.

Dubbing it a corporate battle "for supremacy over Indian customers", Biyani's staff e-mail late on Friday said Amazon was "playing the dog in the manger".

Taking a further dig at Amazon, he said the "vexatious litigation and harassment makes one wonder about the similarity in ruthless ambition to scorch the earth akin to the Greek Alexander - after all, they are inspired to name their product as Alexa".

"History tells us that Alexander conquered large parts of the world but failed in India."

The Macedonian leader's military campaign greatly expanded the Greek-speaking empire throughout the Middle East and parts of Asia, ushering in the Hellenistic age before he died in present-day Iraq in 323 B.C.

Amazon declined to comment on the memo by Biyani, often referred to as India's retail king for transforming the countrys retailing in recent decades.

In the latest court case, Amazon has also asked the judge to detain Biyani in a civil prison, arguing his firm "deliberately" disobeyed a Singapore arbitrator's October order that put the deal on hold.

Future maintains that arbitration order is not binding.

Its lawyer on Friday said Amazon was trying to block the deal because it will make it difficult for the U.S. firm to compete with Reliance, led by one of Asia's richest man, Mukesh Ambani, who is fast expanding into e-commerce.

"Amazon is only interested that Reliance should not improve in India," said Future's counsel Harish Salve. The next court hearing is on Monday.

Indian stock exchanges this month cleared Future's deal with Reliance, despite Amazon's repeated requests to regulators to block the deal.

"We are on firm legal footing and this is vindicated by the approvals," Biyani said in his memo.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

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Ankara:

Turkey on Saturday said that it remained hopeful to find a solution to the Gulf crisis that has seen its ally Qatar diplomatically and economically isolated, after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held talks with the emirate's defence minister.



In Ankara's latest show of support for Qatar, Erdogan hosted Defence Minister Khaled bin Mohammed al-Attiyah for talks at the headquarters of the ruling party in Ankara.



The meeting came as Ankara, which has stood by Doha throughout the crisis, resists pressure to shutter a Turkish military base on the emirate that Qatar's neighbours want to see closed.



Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain announced on June 5 the suspension of political, economic and diplomatic ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting extremist groups.



Doha denies the claims, a stance backed by Turkey which has sent hundreds of aid flights and even a cargo ship to bring food for its embattled ally.



Ankara's attempts to mediate between the sides have so far come to nothing but after the talks in the Turkish capital presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said he was hopeful of a resolution.



"There are some indications that a solution is possible. This is our general impression. We need to continue efforts to take measures that go in the right direction," he said.



Crucially, Ankara is also setting up a military base on the emirate that is set to give Turkey a new foothold in the Gulf, sending in a first deployment of two dozen troops.



Kalin defended the base, saying its aim was ensuring 'defence and security' in the region.



Riyadh and its allies issued 13 demands to Qatar for resolving the crisis, including the closure of the Turkish military base and the Doha-based broadcaster Al-Jazeera.



Turkey criticised the ultimatum but has also taken care not to directly target Saudi Arabia, the key protagonist in the crisis.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.

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Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.

Addressing a press conference here, Devineni asked YSRC leaders to disclose what had happened in the first four hours in Tadepalli palace after the Supreme Court gave a green signal to panchayat polls. (Photo:DC)

VIJAYAWADA: Telugu Desam on Saturday alleged that Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has planned to dissolve AP Assembly as he was angry that the Supreme Court has cleared gram panchayat elections.

Senior TD leader Devineni Umamaheswara Rao slammed ministers, MLAs and YSRC leaders for using 'arm twisting' tactics to prevent opponents from contesting the ensuing elections.

Addressing a press conference here, Rao asked YSRC leaders to disclose what had happened in the first four hours in Tadepalli palace after the Supreme Court gave a green signal to panchayat polls. Was it not true that Jagan Reddy angrily reacted offering to dissolve the Assembly and face fresh elections?, he asked.

Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, Vijay Sai Reddy and YV Subba Reddy had a tough time then. TVs were broken and the CMs gunmen went away. After the four-hour drama, Jagan Reddy lost courage to face a fresh mandate after Prashant Kishore and intelligence mentioned adverse public opinion against his regime.

Rao alleged that YSRC henchmen were visiting rural areas and creating a fear-psychosis in order to ensure 'forced unanimous elections' for the political benefit of their party. He alleged that as part of this, ward members and sarpanch candidates were being asked to visit police stations and get clearances which were a violation of the election code. He said that the Chief Minister was not coming out of his Tadepalli residence where he is busy hatching political conspiracies.

Another Telugu Desam leader Kalva Srinivasulu demanded the government to explain why migration of workers to other States has increased enormously in the last 20 months. He blamed the ruling party leaders for the unprecedented suffering of the poor people because of the unfulfilled promises and countless betrayals of the Chief Minister. He alleged lots of promises were made in the name of the 'Navaratnalu' but nothing was done to mitigate the hardships of the common people.

Addressing a press conference here, Srinivasulu called upon the people to realise the need to save democracy and bring in development in villages by electing TD-supported candidates in the ensuing elections. He said top YSRC top leaders turned the other way when construction workers and migrant labourers faced near-starvation.

Srinivasulu strongly objected to the withdrawal of over 20 lakh ration cards, which was contrary to the CM's statements about public welfare under his rule. He alleged that the promised increase was not given to pensioners, subsidies were reduced for essential commodities, as a result, the rates of sugar, dal and other commodities had shot up. He imposed an additional burden of Rs. 750 crore on poor people.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Protestors took over the streets of Warsaw, Gdansk and other Polish cities for the third night on Friday, days after Polands near-total abortion ban came into effect.

People took to the streets in protest of the abortion ban regulated by the government. They were heard raising pro-slogans like, Hey, hey, hey, abortion is ok, and Liberty, Equality, abortion on demand. and multiple anti-government chants were also raised.

Taking inspiration from the Argentina protests where recently abortion was legalised through to the 14th week of pregnancy, some protestors were also witnessed adorning green bandanas.

However, Warsaw witnessed the maximum outrage whereby authorities were found blocking the paths of the protestors and in most cases redirecting them. As per reports tear gas was also fired at them to curb their voices.

Also read: Donald Trump's Campaign is Selling 'Baby Lives Matter' Onesies to Support Anti-Abortion Movement

In October, the nations Constitutional Court banned abortions in cases of fetal abnormalities, even severe and fatal ones, sparking nationwide protests. The ruling became law on Wednesday.

In its current form, the law only allows abortion in cases of rape, incest and when the mothers life is in danger.

The government also supported the court's verdict by saying that the verdict helped to bring down termination of fetuses with Downs Syndrome.

Poland being a catholic country already had some stricter abortion laws in place before the court's ruling. As per findings, fewer than 2,000 legal abortions are performed in Poland each year, a majority of which are performed on the grounds of fetal malformations. Womens groups estimate that as many as 200,000 more Polish women seek abortions each year, either abroad or illegally at home.
The coronavirus pandemic continues to wallop San Antonio and Bexar County as local officials reported 1,545 newly diagnosed cases and 19 more deaths on Friday.

The citys risk level for the virus remains classified as severe. Its seven-day rolling average number of new virus infections stands at 1,359 per day.

Public health officials say the city and county now has more than 17,000 active cases of the virus.

Yet hospitalizations for COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, have continued to decline. On Friday, 1,216 patients sickened by the virus were being cared for in San Antonio hospitals  down by 60 patients from the day before. Among them, 401 were being monitored in intensive care units, while 256 were on ventilators to help them breathe.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg said the hospital numbers show an encouraging trend. Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff agreed.

Its moving in the right direction, but it wont continue to do that ... if we dont take care of ourselves and make sure were doing all the things that we need to do to protect ourselves, as well as our friends and relatives, Wolff said.

On ExpressNews.com: A guide to getting COVID vaccinations in San Antonio

Among those hospitalized, 112 were admitted in the past 24 hours, city officials said.

The regions hospitals continue to be under high stress, according to data posted on the citys COVID-19 website. Some 11 percent of staffed patient hospital beds remain available, while 51 percent of ventilators are still in stock and ready for use.

The latest 19 victims to die in the past two weeks varied widely in age. The youngest were in their 50s, the oldest in their 90s, city officials said.

They included a Hispanic man in his 50s who died at University Hospital, and three victims in their 60s, including a white man whose death was reported by the Bexar County Medical Examiners Office, a Hispanic man who died at Baptist Medical Center and a white man who died at University Hospital.

Also among the latest victims were eight people in their 70s. Most died in hospitals all over the city, including an Hispanic man and a white man, both at Methodist Hospital; an Hispanic woman at St. Lukes Baptist Hospital; an Hispanic woman at Baptist Medical Center; an Hispanic man at Methodist Hospital Northeast; an Hispanic man at Metropolitan Methodist Hospital and a white woman at Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital.

Another victim in her 70s died at Westover Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, where she was a resident.

On ExpressNews.com: The San Antonio Express-News Vaccine Tracker

Five people in their 80s also died  an Hispanic man at Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital; an Hispanic man at Methodist Hospital; a white woman at Northeast Methodist Hospital; an Hispanic woman at St. Lukes Baptist Hospital and a white man who died at home.

The dead also included two people in their 90s  a white man at Methodist Stone Oak Hospital and an Hispanic woman whose death was reported by the medical examiners office.

Since the pandemic began last March, 167,567 Bexar County residents have tested positive for the coronavirus, while 2,046 of them have died. Nearly 200 additional deaths are still being investigated by the Metropolitan Health District.

More than 140,000 Bexar County residents have recovered from the virus in the past 10 months. The citys recovery rate stands at 85 percent.

Theres still a tremendous amount of virus out there, Nirenberg said. So continue to do the right thing. Continue to practice physical distancing, masking up and practice proper hygiene.

On ExpressNews.com: State of the pandemic in San Antonio, in Texas and across the U.S.

In nearby Comal County, the number of residents who contracted the virus throughout the pandemic exceeded 8,000 on Friday. Public health officials there reported 88 new cases, most of them in New Braunfels. A total of 8,087 Comal County residents have tested positive since March.

Comal County currently has 651 active cases of COVID-19. The death toll remains at 242.

Some 98 Comal County residents are currently hospitalized after catching the virus.

The countys recovery rate stands at 89 percent. Nearly 7,200 Comal County residents have recovered from the virus so far.

pohare@express-news.net | Twitter: @Peggy_OHare
External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar in an address given recently, reiterated India's view that peace on the border was required for India and China's relations to develop. China "appreciated" those remarks and said that border issues should not be linked to bilateral relations between the two countries.

External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of India-China relations at the 13th All India Conference of China Studies, to which China, on Friday said that it appreciates those remarks but reiterated its calls for the boundary dispute to not be linked with the overall bilateral relations. In his speech on Thursday, Mr. Jaishankar said the relationship needed to be built on mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interests.

He outlined eight propositions to take the ties forward after what he called a year of exceptional stress. Chinas actions last year had not only signaled a disregard for commitments about minimizing troop levels but also showed a willingness to breach the peace and tranquility on the border that had been the foundation of the relationship. Jaishankar made it evident that the only way the two countries can move forward, is when their armies to go back to their permanent bases along the 1597-km Line of Actual Control (LAC) in East Ladakh.

When asked to respond to Mr. Jaishankars remarks, Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said, He stressed the importance of India-China relations; it shows the Indian side attaches importance to the ties with China, we appreciate this.

Also read: Explosion at Israel Embassy: Special Cell uncovers footage; envelope near blast site describes incident as Trailer

Also read: Amid India-China standoff EAM S Jaishankar outlines 8 principles

Mr. Lijian also added, Meanwhile, we stress that the boundary issue shall not be linked with the overall bilateral relations. That is important experience we have gathered through the countries many years efforts to keep the ties moving forward. We hope the Indian side will work with us to properly manage difference, promote practical cooperation and bring bilateral relations back on track.

India and Chinas relationship has been going through a strenuous phase due to border issues. In recent months, China has hit out at Indias economic measures, such as the banning of apps and tightening the curbs on investment, saying events on the border should not be linked to other aspects of relations.

India has reiterated its view that such a proposition is unsustainable, and normal relations cant be restored until there is peace on the border. Mr. Jaishankar underlined that view in his speech, saying that any expectation that the events on the border can be brushed aside and that life can carry on undisturbed despite the situation in the border is simply not realistic.

This address has been given at a time when China has been talking about de-escalation plans with India for East Ladakh but has been making aggressive moves in north Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. China also threateans other countries including India to dissuade them from taking up the issue of Tibet, Hong Kong or Taiwan. Jaishankars address restated Indias stance of standing up to China and that its actions will have consequences.

Also read: Amid ongoing Farmers-Centre deadlock, agitating farmers to hold hunger strike; 44 arrested after Singhu border violence
Insider

Martha Stewart's green juice is packed with leafy greens. Getty Images/Friends of Hudson River Park/Debanjali Bose/Insider

Martha Stewart has been drinking and talking about her daily green juice for almost 10 years.

The juice, packed with leafy greens, is frequently mentioned in her beauty routine.

The drink has a kick from ginger, sweetness from fruits, and an aftertaste of celery.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

I'm not the biggest fan of green juice and don't actively seek it out - but I decided to make an exception when I heard about Martha Stewart's recipe.

Stewart isn't shy about publicizing her love for this healthy juice. The drink, which is packed with leafy greens, fruits, and a refreshing kick of ginger, is routinely mentioned as a part of the skincare regimen she credits with keeping her skin looking so youthful.

In a December story about how the 79-year-old businesswoman gets Zoom-ready, Rory Satran of The Wall Street Journal wrote that Stewart starts every morning with her green juice. Before that, Stewart's dermatologist also talked about the health and skin-care benefits of the beverage in Stewart's daily routine in a July interview with Elle.

And most recently, Stewart demonstrated how to make her famous green juice during an appearance on the "Today" show.

Despite being a little wary about green juice in general, I decided to make a batch following Stewart's recipe to see if it lived up to all this hype.

While I might need to drink it for longer than two days to see any noticeable benefits in my skin, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the juice gave me an energy boost and kept me full for several hours. Plus, it actually tasted great!

Martha Stewart has been talking about her signature green juice recipe for almost 10 years, most recently during an appearance on the "Today" show.

Martha Stewart's green juice is a big part of her skincare routine. Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Vanity Fair

Stewart was promoting her book "Martha Stewart's Very Good Things" during an appearance on the "Today" show when she whipped up a batch of her famed green juice on-camera.

Story continues

The new book's title is a take on the "Good Things" column in Stewart's self-titled magazine, where the editorial team and Stewart share home decor and food tips.

Stewart called her green juice, which she drinks every morning, her "best 'Good Thing.'"

Stewart said she goes "totally organic" with the ingredients and added that she grows a lot of the ingredients herself. I've got less of a green thumb than Stewart, so I just made a trip to the supermarket instead.

Stewart has multiple farms in New York and Maine where she's been spending her time during quarantine, growing fresh fruits and veggies and sharing the occasional dispatch from her snowplowing adventures.

Stewart's green juice is packed with leafy greens, vegetables, and fruits. My grocery haul for the taste test looked very green, as expected, with a burst of color from the orange.

My grocery haul. Debanjali Bose/Insider

According to a recipe shared on marthastewart.com, Stewart's green juice calls for:

one green pear

two stalks of celery

two English cucumbers

one bunch of parsley

a one-inch piece of fresh ginger

two orange wedges, with the rind left on

However, it seems like there's some room for variation and customization in the recipe.

In the "Today" show demonstration, Stewart uses most of the above ingredients, minus the parsley and the pear, but the proportions appear to be a little different. She also adds spinach to the mix, which is missing from the recipe shared on the website.

To be fair, she does mention in the "Today" show clip that anything that's fresh and organic in your fridge can go in the juicer.

I stuck with the listed ingredients on Stewart's website, and the whole grocery haul ended up costing me less than $20.

I did run into one roadblock - Stewart has a juicer that she uses for this recipe, and I don't. I came up with a workaround to use a blender and then run the smoothie-like drink through a sieve to turn it into juice.

I had to make do with a blender because I don't have a juicer like Stewart. Debanjali Bose/Insider

Here's the thing  I am not usually a juice drinker. Of any kind. Hence, no juicer.

I love my vegetables and leafy greens, but I prefer them solid. I love salads, but I am hesitant to lean into drinking one out of a cup.

This meant that, unlike Stewart, I had one extra step involved - chopping up the ingredients.

I started by chopping the ingredients. I only used two of the four orange wedges pictures here. Debanjali Bose/Insider

Fortunately, it didn't take too much elbow grease and only set me off-course by a few minutes.

I held onto the spare bits from my cutting board that didn't make it to the blender to follow Stewart's advice and compost them.

Anything I didn't use in the juice went into the compost bin. Debanjali Bose/Insider

After she ran the ingredients through the juicer, Stewart told the "Today" show cohosts, "all the ground-up vegetables go right into the compost."

"Do not waste that," she added.

I knew going in that using a blender instead of a juicer would be more labor-intensive, but it ended up but being even more complicated than that.

My blender stuffed with the ingredients. Debanjali Bose/Insider

I started off confident and optimistic and put all the ingredients in, added about a quarter of a cup of water to help with the blending process, and hit the on button.

Within seconds, I realized that the blades were only churning up the ingredients at the bottom.

I thought I might've overstuffed the blender, so I took out some of the ingredients from the top and waited until the bottom half had blended into a pulp before adding the rest back in. I also used a spatula to push the mixture towards the blades.

The blender was very full once all the ingredients were in. Debanjali Bose/Insider

Be careful about using a wooden utensil to push ingredients down as the blades are doing their thing.

While testing out Reese Witherspoon's morning smoothie, Insider's Anneta Konstantinides wrote about accidentally pushing a spoon down too far while blending and hearing an "awful crunch sound" as it hit the blades.

I very much wanted to avoid that, so I took it easy with the spatula.

I wasn't a big fan of the smoothie the blender produced. Neither the appearance or the taste impressed me. But I reminded myself that I was only halfway through the process.

The smoothie, blended. Debanjali Bose/Insider

After it finally blended, the drink's consistency was thicker than I had initially anticipated and it had a weight to it.

The thick smoothie tasted overwhelmingly of ginger. In fact, the taste of ginger was so strong, I couldn't taste anything else.

But once I ran the smoothie through a sieve, I finally had the green juice I was after. I was pleasantly surprised that my makeshift-juicing hack worked and that the liquid barely had any pesky bits of solid fruits and veggies in it.

I ran the smoothie through a sieve to get the juice. Debanjali Bose/Insider

Once I'd strained all the juice out of my concoction, I was left with green sludge which  yes, you guessed it  went straight into my compost bin.

After a mildly stressful 30 minutes or so, I tasted the juice and I can confidently say it was absolutely worth the effort.

The finished juice. Debanjali Bose/Insider

Stewart might not approve of my technique, but I definitely approved of the juice.

The juice was delicious and refreshing. It had a kick from the ginger, sweetness from the fruits, and an aftertaste of celery - all of which I enjoyed.

I used only a portion of the ginger pictured here but that was enough to add a kick. Debanjali Bose/Insider

Out of all of the ingredients  and the juice had many  I could taste the ginger, orange, lettuce, parsley, and spinach in various capacities throughout. They all came together to create a slightly sweetened blend of greens.

I couldn't really taste the cucumber at all, which I didn't mind because I am not particularly a fan of it.

With every single sip of the refreshing green beverage, I couldn't help but think about how good it would taste with a couple of ice cubes on a hot summer evening.

I will absolutely make this green juice again. Debanjali Bose/Insider

When "Today" cohost Carson Daly suggested adding a shot of tequila, Stewart agreed that you can absolutely make cocktails with her green juice blend.

I might just try that add-on the next time I make a batch. But even without the alcohol, I'm very tempted to add this juice to my own morning routine  if I get a juicer.

Read the original article on Insider
As Joe Biden takes his seat as the new President, all eyes have been on the USA recently. America has always been a popular holiday destination for English-speaking travellers, with 52 varied states to explore. Whether spending time in fast-paced cities, relaxing on sandy beaches or diving into a star-spangled celebration of American culture, the choice of bucket-list activities seems endless.

Even though current times are challenging, looking ahead, there's a general sense of optimism in future travel. Tour operator Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) has reported an uptick in enquiries for US holidays, coinciding with a new dawn at the White House - a phenomena dubbed the Biden Boost.

"Arguably the most well-known country on earth, the USA is abundant with once-in-a-lifetime sights," says Kerry Golds, managing director of A&K.

"We've seen a boost in enquiries overall with vaccine confidence, but one country that stands out is the USA, for travel later in the year."

Seeking some inspiration? Here are a few suggestions to spark a sense of stateside wanderlust.

Best for scenery: Utah

With five national parks, 44 state parks and six national forests, Utah is one big, mountainous playground, where adventures unravel against epic backdrops. Visit Arches National Park, home to more than 2,000 naturally formed sandstone arches and towers; marvel at the deep canyons of Canyonlands National Park; and explore the red desert of Capitol Reef National Park. Filmed on location in the state, classic movie Thelma & Louise celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, providing even more reason to go. American Sky (americansky.co.uk; 01342 331 798) offers a 14-night Utah Mighty Five and Beyond By Motorhome itinerary from 1,755 per person, including flights.

Best for wildlife: Alaska

Few roads connect the glaciers and Arctic tundra of Alaska, America's wildest state. From June to October, it's one of the best places to view brown bears as they hunt for salmon and parade along rivers with young cubs. Kodiak Island is home to a high-density population of extra-large animals, who thrive in the 1.9-million-acre Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, one of the most productive watersheds in the world. Study the bears from viewing platforms or make more intimate observations from hides. Windows On The Wild (windowsonthewild.com; 020 8742 1556) offers a seven-night Bear Viewing on Kodiak Island itinerary from 5,955 per person, including transfers, activities and flights from London.

Best for food: San Francisco

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In a land of super-sized portions and endless variety, food can shape a journey across the States. Famous for its gourmet restaurant scene, San Francisco has more than 5,000 restaurants and cafes, more per capita than any other major city in the US. New Vice President Kamala Harris is a fan of the SOMA district, an area dotted with food trucks and late-night diners. In between meals, tourists can explore the Golden Gate Bridge, hang out in hippy district Haight-Ashbury, or trundle uphill on original 19th century cable cars to admire the city's giddy views. Virgin Holidays (virginholidays.co.uk) offers a seven-night break from 2,528 per person, including accommodation, flights and car hire.

Best for a road trip: Route 66

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With big roads and plenty of possibility, America is best explored on a road trip. Arguably the most iconic four-wheel journey in the world, Route 66 slices through the country's cultural heartland. Starting in Chicago, travel through Oklahoma, St Louis, Amarillo and Albuquerque, stopping to see the Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest national parks. Ending up in LA, the full trip clocks up more than 2,000 miles. Titan Travel (titantravel.co.uk; 0808 2391 428) offers a 17-day Historic Route 66 escorted tour from 3,199 per person, including transport, some meals and flights from London. Price based on a May 15 departure.

Best for urban adventures: New York and Las Vegas

The stars of multiple blockbuster movies, New York and Las Vegas have eternal A-list appeal. Take a trip to the Big Apple for shopping at one-of-a-kind boutiques in the East Village, catching a theatre show on Broadway or simply wandering through Manhattan's maze of skyscrapers. Twin with a stay in Vegas for glitz, glamour and fun, where 24-hour casinos and non-stop neon blur the boundaries between day and night. American Sky (americansky.co.uk) offers a seven-night holiday at the Royalton Park Avenue in New York and the ARIA Resort & Casino in Vegas from 1,599 per person, including flights and room-only accommodation.

Best for wine lovers: California

California is regarded as the largest and most important wine region in North America, thanks to its complex topography and climate. Vintages grace menus across the globe, but sampled at source, they taste even better. Discover Napa Valley's vineyards on a private guided tour, learn how to expertly pair dishes with wines on a cooking class at Peju Vineyards, and cycle between tastings on a tour of Sonoma Valley. Finish the trip off with a hike below the towering trees soaring from the Armstrong Redwoods Reserve. Abercrombie & Kent (abercrombiekent.co.uk) can tailor-make a tour. POA.
Wilkes-Barre, PA (18701)

Today

Cloudy with occasional rain...mainly in the morning. High 54F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Cloudy. Low near 45F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.
The education ministry added that this will help in achieving the desired GER (gross enrolment ratio in higher education, as envisaged in the National Education Policy

The Union government has on Friday announced that it will establish a virtual university to boost technology adoption in education. The central government also indicated that the Budget 2021-22 may give it a special attention.

According to a report in Mint, the education ministry has said that the government will soon take necessary steps to establish virtual universities, which will be different from the concept of open universities. The education ministry added that this will help in achieving the desired GER (gross enrolment ratio in higher education, as envisaged in the National Education Policy.

According to a report in The Indian Express, education minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank held a meeting in this regard, which senior officials of the ministry attended. .

Pokhriyal also reportedly said that the branding of Study in India programme should be taken up on a wider scale.

The National Education Policy (NEP) unveiled last year had envisaged the establishment of a National Education Technology Forum, to work as a platform for free exchange of ideas on the use of technology to improve learning, assessment planning and administration for school; and higher education.
Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpsons announcement seeking a third term in office jumpstarted a mayoral race that is likely to see plenty of sparks in the months ahead.

Stimpsons now-lengthy record will be put in the spotlight by his opponents who are looking to bump off the two-term incumbent.

Two publicly announced opponents, Karlos Finley and Fred Richardson, are familiar with Stimpson and his One Mobile slogan and are positioning their campaigns in the months ahead as a counter approach to the mayors leadership.

Stimpson, 68, swept into office in 2013 by defeating then-two-term incumbent Mayor Sam Jones. Stimpson defeated Jones by a bigger margin during their 2017 rematch.

Stimpson, who is white, faces two Black candidates in a majority-minority city where the Black population well over 50%.

The campaigning is early, and there is plenty of time for more candidates to enter the fray. The qualifying period to run for mayor is more than five months away, and the election is scheduled for August 24. A runoff, if needed, will occur on October 5.

Richardson, 81, a longtime member of the City Council, has been among Stimpsons fiercest critics. The two have butted heads, most famously in 2014 over the appointment of former Mayor Sam Jones to a local water board. The disagreements continued to mount, with a more recent high-profile one pitting the two against each other during a lengthy lawsuit between the City Council and Stimpsons administration over questions of hiring authority and budgeting. The two were also split over their views about an annexation plan, backed by Stimpson, that was blocked by the citys Black council members.

Finley, 55, is a longtime attorney who serves as a municipal court judge in Mobile, is running a campaign entitled Strongest Together Mobile. While not nearly as confrontational as Richardson, Finley believes he can be a better uniter for Mobile than the current mayor.

Both candidates, however, say they are running campaigns to get elected as mayor, not necessarily against Stimpson.

I am not running against him and Im not running against any candidate, Richardson said. I am running for the people. Thats what Im running for.

Said Finley, Were running this race from a proactive perspective. Were not doing anything relative to any other candidate. We have a vision for the city, and we are sharing it. We feel strongly people will react to it, quite frankly.

Stimpson, in a brief remark last week, said he realizes hell be the focus of the competing campaigns.

I anticipate, like any election, there will be thoughts throw out about things that can be done, he said. If you look at our record, weve gotten a lot done. We have a lot more to do and well stay focused on those things.

City lawsuit

Mobile City Councilman Fred Richardson speaks during a grand reopening of Florida Street following a lengthy reconstruction project. The city of Mobile celebrated the completion of two construction projects on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019, at Florida Street and McGregor Avenue. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com).

While its unclear which issues will surface as the top priority, Finley and Richardson are likely to take aim at the mayors leadership abilities.

They both have concerns about Stimpsons role in leading the mayors office during the disagreements over staffing and budgeting that led Mobile into a rare legal fracas pitting two branches of city government against itself. Dueling lawsuits emerged in 2019, before a settlement was reached over how the two sides viewed the 1985 Zoghby Act, which established Mobiles present-day council-mayor form of government.

Stimpson, in his re-election announcement, did not address the legal dispute or his relationship with the council.

Richardson takes his criticism a step further, suggesting that Stimpsons administration continues to overstep its boundaries by parading a city M logo on t-shirts, letterheads and social media that was never approved by the City Council as the official city-owned logo. Richardson also continues to criticize Stimpson for being the only mayor in the history of Mobile to stand with his back to the council while speaking during council meetings. Stimpson, early on in his tenure, said he wanted to face the public when speaking to them during council meetings.

What I see as a major issue that is holding the whole city back is the firewall that separates the council from the mayor, said Richardson. The firewall has to be taken down.

Finley said the initial lawsuit, which was filed by Stimpson over a dispute regarding the councils ability to hire a spokesperson, illustrated an inability of the citys executive branch to sit down and work out difficult issues with other elected officials.

The fact that this mayor sued our city council on an issue that they could not come to a form of compromise on, and then he went back to the council and asked them to enter a joint stipulation of dismissal, it means nothing was done nor accomplished except legal fees, Finley said. We cannot have that kind of leadership. We have to have that leadership that is able to sit across the table from one another and iron out the issues we are facing.

He added, I understand the Zoghby Act and that the mayor and council are designed to be a checks and balances of one another, and thats a good thing. We also have to have statespeople. We have to talk to one another, negotiate and debate.

Capital improvements

Stimpson, in his re-election announcement video, touted the strength of the citys finances during his tenure and his continued push to improve the citys streets, sidewalks, parks and drainage systems that were long left in a dilapidated state.

The city has also taken on an aggressive push to remove deteriorate homes and is promoting a plan to either build new or renovate 1,000 homes by 2026.

The financial challenges were daunting, said Stimpson. Seven years later, thanks to good financial stewardship, the city of Mobile is on sound financial ground even in the face of a global pandemic that has crippled other communities.

But Finley and Richardson believe the increased investments into capital improvements do not represent the complete picture of the citys overall health. Richardson has long criticized the Stimpson administration for not investing enough into his district  which represents the citys oldest neighborhoods, and consists of the largest percentage of Black residents.

Richardson said one of the reasons he opposed annexing unincorporated areas west of the citys limits is due to the lack of investment in older neighborhoods.

I have 780 unpaved streets, said Richardson. Why would say we are going to spend more money to service (an unincorporated area) when we cant service what we have.

Richardson, again, blames the mayor for taking credit when the citys budget is approved by the council, the citys legislative branch.

Finley said his campaigns position is that the city needs to take care of its existing properties before taking on additional responsibilities, through annexation.

Any way you look at it, thats not being done, he said. We are not looking to take on additional responsibilities without first taking on those that we currently have.

Regarding the citys finances, Finley said there are a lot of non-profits out there who are operating on far less budgets than they were before Stimpson was elected. The citys non-profit agencies  deemed performance centers  had their city appropriations shaved once Stimpson took office, as the city repositioned its budgeting to focus more on improving infrastructure.

It cannot just be the Xs and Os and the numbers on a page that will describe the health of your city, said Finley, recognizing the increasing number of homicides Mobile has faced in recent years. Sure, we are in sound financial condition. But socially and in our communities, we are not healthy at all. We are not in a sound place at all when it comes to community interactions.

Finley is advocating for a mental health and veterans court to address specific concerns.

We got a huge mental health problem in our community that is not addressed, he said.

Unity

Finely and Richardson also believe they can be better at uniting Mobile residents than Stimpson, who is encouraging voters not to allow division within the city during the campaign.

Unless the mayor, the council, city managers, city employees and citizens are all walking down the same road, we wont be the greatest city, Richardson said.

Finely said hes active in a group that aims at resolving racial divisions within the citys churches, saying that Sunday at 11 oclock in the morning has always been the most segregated day of the week.

We are all one at the foot of the cross, said Finley, adding that even those who are not Christian cant be excluded from city matters. They are part of this togetherness as well. If you want to speak to gender, sexuality, race and religion, we have to come together if we are going to thrive.

The two are also likely to campaign against the mayors previous vow to make Mobile the safest city by 2020.

The incumbent mayor vowed in 2013 to make Mobile the safest and most business and family-friendly city by 2020, a pledged that was sometimes ridiculed as overly lofty. Even though overall crime has declined, Mobile is far from being considered the safest city in Alabama. Three years ago, it was No. 12 in the U.S. for having the highest murder rate.

In late 2019, Stimpson backed off that original campaign pledge, but he said he did not have regrets with putting on a self-imposed timeline as a way to put pressure on the city to make improvements in battling crime and blight.

Though Mobiles city elections are non-partisan, the battle pitting Stimpson against Finley and Richardson could be a showdown between a Republican incumbent and two Black Democrats. Finley ran as a Democrat in 2013, in a crowded special race for an Alabama House seat once held by the late-state Rep. Yvonne Kennedy. Finley lost in a Democratic runoff to current state Rep. Adline Clark. Finley lost a close race for a circuit judge seat in 2018 against Republican Brandy Hambright.

A key factor in the race will be whether Stimpson improves his standing among Black votes. Mobile is a majority-minority city, with 51.5% of its residents Black and 43.5% white. In past mayoral races, Stimpson performed poorly in pockets of the city that were overwhelmingly Black. But the incumbent mayor scored more than 80% of the vote in west Mobiles reliably conservative and white precinct and where voter turnout was strong against the former mayor, Sam Jones.

Thomas Shaw, a political science professor at the University of South Alabama, said that Stimpson enjoys the power of incumbency in that, barring any major scandals or economic collapse, should make it an uphill battle for either Richardson or Finley.

Shaw also said that Stimpsons law and order message resonates well in Mobile, while his position as a more moderate Republican will help secure votes from mainstream GOP and moderate-independent voters.

I would definitely place Stimpson as the frontrunner in the next election, said Shaw.

But Shaw also points out to the last time a two-term mayor ran for re-election in Mobile -- 2013, when Jones faced Stimpson and lost.

This was a similar contest where Jones did not have any scandals hampering him and was the reigning incumbent having already served two terms, he said. My impression in 2013, though, was that Jones ran a very ambivalent, almost nonchalant campaign  possibly trusting too much in incumbency advantage and African-American support. In contract, Stimpson ran at that time a very energetic campaign, particularly embracing new methods such as extensive use of social media.
Plymouth, Massachusetts--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2021) - Plymouth Rock Technologies Inc. (CSE: PRT) (OTCQB: PLRTF) (FSE: 4XA) (WKN# A2N8RH) ("Plymouth Rock", "PRT", or the "Company") today announced that it has completed the non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") described in its news release dated January 13, 2021. In connection with the closing of the Offering, the Company issued an aggregate of 3,180,000 units (the "Units") at a price of CDN$0.20 per Unit for gross proceeds of CDN$636,000.00.

Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Share") and one whole non-transferable common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each whole Warrant is exercisable to acquire one Share at an exercise price of CDN$0.25 per Share until January 29, 2026.

The Company paid finders' fees in the amount of $10,480.00 and 170,000 common shares in lieu of cash finders' fees, plus 8% broker warrants, in connection with some of the subscribers introduced to this Offering.

The securities issued under the Offering, and any Shares that may be issuable on exercise of any such securities, will be subject to a hold period expiring May 29, 2021.

Plymouth Rock intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering for commercialization of technology and working capital.

About Plymouth Rock Technologies Inc.

We are on a mission to bring engineering-driven answers to the most critical problems that threaten our safety. We work with government, law enforcement and military to innovate solutions for national security, defence and space systems.

The Company is developing the next generation of threat detection solutions and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

The PRT X1 is a purpose-built multirotor UAS, utilizing Artificial Intelligence, cutting-edge sensors and the latest FLIR dual-camera module as standard, offering thermal capabilities alongside 1080p HD real-time air-to-ground streaming and 4K video recording, with the ability to mount multiple, various sensors, modules and payloads.

Our advanced threat detection methods fuse artificial intelligence with augmented reality interfaces to eliminate human operating error. Plymouth Rock products, both airborne and land-based, will scan for threat items at greater 'stand-off' distances than current existing technologies. Our unique radar imaging and signal processing technology creates new opportunities for remotely operated, non-intrusive screening of crowds in real time.

Plymouth Rock's core technologies include: (1) UAS platforms engineered to conform to H.R.4753 - Drone Origin Security Enhancement Act ("X1") ("XV"); (2) Millimeter Remote Imaging from Airborne Drone ("MIRIAD"); (3) A compact microwave radar system for scanning shoe's ("Shoe Scanner"); (4) A compact modular radar utilized for a variety of applications, from aircraft to weapon detection ("CODA").

www.plyrotech.com

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dana Wheeler

President and CEO

+1-603-300-7933

info@plyrotech.com

Investor Information:

Tasso Baras

+1-778-477-6990

tasso@plyrotech.com

Forward Looking Statements

Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding future financial position, business strategy, use of proceeds, corporate vision, proposed acquisitions, partnerships, joint-ventures and strategic alliances and co-operations, budgets, cost and plans and objectives of or involving the Company. Such forward looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. A number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results or performance to materially differ from any future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. These forward - looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and dependence upon regulatory approvals. 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 does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/73247
Elyse Knowles has broken her silence after she unwittingly misspelt a popular French term in an Instagram post.

The 28-year-old incorrectly spelled 'voila' as 'wallah' in August, and her gaffe went viral months later when it was picked up by Instagram comedian The Fat Jewish.

'I make mistakes all the time. It's who I am. I haven't been deeply affected by it at all because I spell things wrong all the time,' the pregnant model told Stellar magazine this week.

'I make mistakes all the time': Elyse Knowles (pictured) has broken her silence on THAT 'wallah' gaffe after she humorously misspelt a popular French term

'But there's a global pandemic and the whole of the Australian media is reporting on one word.'

She continued: 'I'm still getting notifications every day that people are writing about it. But if it gave someone a laugh, then... whatever. I chuckled over it, too.'

Elyse's embarrassing spelling mistake can be traced back to August, when the leggy blonde shared a photo of herself sitting on a bed in black underwear and a shirt with the caption: 'Wallah'.

Whoops! Elyse incorrectly spelled 'voila' as 'wallah' in August (above), and her gaffe went viral months later when it was picked up by The Fat Jewish

It appears instead of 'wallah', the model meant to use the popular French term, 'voila'.

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word voila is 'used to call attention, to express satisfaction or approval, or to suggest an appearance as if by magic'.

The blunder recently resurfaced after it caught the attention of Twitter this month, with one sharing a screenshot of the post, and captioning it: 'Thinking about this influencer who can't spell voila'.

'I make mistakes all the time. It's who I am. I haven't been deeply affected by it at all because I spell things wrong all the time,' Elyse told Stellar magazine this week

Another Twitter user replied: 'I have been laughing at this uninterrupted for ten minutes. Thank you'.

Someone else wrote: 'I'm deceased,' while yet another chimed in: 'I am screaming, this is ridiculously funny'.

However, many people related to the mistake, with one saying, 'This could have been me' and several admitting they could not spell the word either.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene says she has the full support of former US president Donald Trump, after they spoke on the phone.

Ms Greene, who has become surrounded by controversies in recent days, said on Saturday that she was so grateful for his support following their conversation.

It comes amid accusations that she previously indicated support for the execution of House speaker Nancy Pelosi on social media in 2018, and was seen in a video in 2019 describing people with Downs syndrome as stupid, among other controversial remarks and conspiracies.

Those claims have led to widespread criticism from congressional Democrats, some of whom have called for her to be expelled from the Republican caucus and Congress.

On Saturday, she wrote in a series of tweets that she will never apologise nor back down amid condemnation of her past behaviour on social media, as well as her support for the QAnon conspiracy that wrongly alleges a satanist cabal of paedophiles worked against Mr Trump.

The congresswoman rose to the House of Representatives in November 2020 with his support for her campaign, and Saturdays phone call with Ms Greene was the latest sign the former president was in touch with - at least - some congressional Republicans.

That list has also included Republican minority House leader Kevin McCarthy, who met with the former president face-to-face this week in Florida, while Democrats called for him to forcefully condemn Ms Greene for her previous comments.

Ms Green on Tuesday moved to defend herself from recent reports, and wrote in a tweet that Over the years, Ive had teams of people manage my pages. Many posts have been liked. Many posts have been shared. Some did not represent my views.

She added on Saturday that she will never back down and will stand up against the never ending blood thirsty mob, among other baseless conspiracies and misrepresentation of her Democrat opponents.

Among other controversies surrounding Ms Green this week alone, are her remarks to Parkland School shooting survivor David Hogg, who she was seen in a resurfaced video verbally harassing. It soon went viral, and led to Mr Hogg calling for disciplinary action against her.

She was also said to have berated her Democratic colleague Cori Bush in a congressional building in recent days, causing Ms Bush to move her office away from the Republican represenative and her staff.

Responding to the move, Ms Greene alleged that the Black female member of Congress was part of a Black Lives Matter "terrorist mob".

And on Saturday, continued to rage against congressional Democrats - going as far as to say that they wrongly blamed Ms Greene and other Republicans "for violence we had nothing to do with and have condemned all along. in reference to the attack on the Capitol on 6 January by Mr Trumps supporters.

The rioters, however, were said to have believed claims by Ms Greene and Mr Trump that Novembers presidential election was stolen and rigged.
A man is being quizzed by gardai this afternoon after another man was threatened with a knife during an aggravated burglary in Dublin city.

The man, who is in his late 20s, is being held after he was arrested at the scene on Tyrconnell Road, Inchicore in south Dublin.

Another man, the resident of the house, who is in his early 30s, was left shaken by the terrifying incident but was uninjured.

Gardai in Kilmainham are investigating an aggravated burglary at a house on Tyrconnell Road, Inchicore, Dublin 8 in the early hours of this morning, a garda spokesperson said.

Read More

At approximately 1.40am this morning one man in his late 20s gained access to the house and proceeded to threaten the resident, a man in his early 30s, with a knife.

The man was shaken but uninjured as a result of the incident. The suspect was arrested at the scene and is currently detained at Kilmainham Garda station under Section 4of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

Gardai added that investigations are ongoing.



Say a high-income investor bought 100 shares of GameStop on Jan. 4, when the shares traded at $17.25, paying $1,725. Then, the trader sold the shares on Jan. 27, when they hit $347.51, reaping $34,751, for a gain of $33,026. The tax bill, for someone in the top income bracket, would be an estimated $13,475.

And thats just federal taxes. Many states and cities assess their own capital gains taxes or treat capital gains as ordinary income, which is taxed at higher rates.

Some GameStop traders have indicated that they bought shares in 2019 and have held them for more than a year. In that case, they would be eligible for favorable long-term capital gain tax rates if they realized a gain upon selling. The top rate would be 20 percent; higher earners would also pay the extra 3.8 percent, for a rate of 23.8 percent.

Individual traders may also have capital losses if they sell a stock for less than they paid for it, which can be used to offset capital gains and reduce taxes, said Tony Molina, a certified public accountant and senior product specialist at Wealthfront, an online investment service.

Less experienced investors may sometimes run afoul of tax rules with so-called wash sales. In this scenario, an investor with a large capital gain on the sale of one companys stock seeks to generate a loss to offset the tax bill. So the investor sells shares of a different stock at a loss  but then quickly buys back the stock. Thats a no no.

You cant do that, said P. Evan Stephens, a tax partner with Sensiba San Filippo in San Jose, Calif. If you buy back the same or similar stock back within 30 days, he said, you cant use the loss generated to offset your gain.

On the radar is a proposal by President Biden to eliminate the favorable long-term capital gains rate for taxpayers earning more than $1 million, and to increase the top tax rate for ordinary income. There have even been rumblings that the changes, if approved, could be made retroactive to the start of 2021. Is it likely? No, said Tim Speiss, a partner with EisnerAmpers personal wealth group. Could it happen? We dont know.
Will not let the culprits get away, India tells Israel after blast outside embassy

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 30: India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Israel NSA, Meir Ben-Shabbat and a discussion on the security situation in the aftermath of the blast outside the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi.

Following the discussion, the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu expressed full confidence that the Indian authorities would investigate the incident. India has assured Israel that it would take all steps to protect the embassy and its diplomats. India also said that it would track down the perpetrators.

At blast site in Delhi, a note to the Israeli ambassador with a mention of Qasem Soleimani

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also dialled his Israeli counterpart, Gabi Ashkenazi and pledged that New Delhi would spare no efforts in tracing down the culprit. We take this very seriously, Jaishankar also said.

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval spoke w/ Israel's NSC head Meir Ben Shabbat and updated, through him, PM Netanyahu on the efforts made by India to investigate the #explosion that has taken place near Israel's embassy in #NewDelhi. PM Netanyahu asked to inform India's PM @narendramodi that Israel has full confidence in the Indian authorities' investigation and in their ability to ensure the safety of Israelis and Jews in India. It was agreed that contacts will continue on all channels and that there will be full cooperation between the two countries, Ofir Gendelman, the prime minister's spokesperson to the Arab media, tweeted.

Iran behind Israel Embassy blast? Note found at site says this...| Oneindia News

Israeli ambassador Ron Malka in a video message said that the two sides were in touch at multiple levels. We get full cooperation and support from the local police, from the Indian authorities, external affairs ministry, secretary of external affairs, the NSA, he said.

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Akhil Gogoi first in Assam to win election from jail

Who will be the next CM of Assam? Sarbananda Sonowal or Himanta Biswa Sarma?

Assam elections 2021: Excise dept plans to check supply of illicit liquor

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

Guwahati, Jan 30: The Excise Department of Assam has chalked out a plan to check and control production, distribution and supply of illicit liquor in the run-up to the assembly elections and during the polling days.

The deputy commissioners of all districts shall constitute task forces comprising excise and police officials, an official release said.

Daily reports shall be furnished by district superintendents of the department on case detection, arrests and seizures made by police and the excise, it said.

Maharashtra govt sets up panel to study impact of liquor ban in Chandrapur

The deputy commissioners, superintendents of police and excise of districts sharing inter-state border with Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Tripura, Nagaland and West Bengal, and International Border with Bhutan and Bangladesh, shall hold coordination meetings to take action against illegal liquor inflow into the state.

Check posts will be set up at specific locations, the release said.

Moradabad-Agra highway accident | Gandhi statue vandalised in US | Oneindia News

Superintendents of excise shall ensure frequent and regular checking of all wholesale warehouses and retail shops located in the bordering districts, it added.

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Story first published: Saturday, January 30, 2021, 11:55 [IST]
CHICAGO  Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot late Friday told Chicago Teachers Union leaders they can eithr reach an agreement to return to in-person learning Monday or face consequences.

Lightfoot said that after months of negotiations CTU bosses have refused to agree to any compromises standing in the way of a deal to allow parents to choose to send their kids back into classrooms. They have left public school families with a "big bag of nothing."

"CTU has not agreed to anything," Lightfoot said. "Our students and parents got nothing.

Still, the mayor said voluntary in-person learning for students in prekindergarten through eighth grade are set to return Monday. "The teachers need to be there to greet their students and teach them in-person," Lightfoot said.

"If the CTU continues to not show up .... we will have no choice but to take further actions," the mayor said. Lightfoot didn't elaborate on what those actions would be.

During the news conference, the mayor laid out the school system's case for reopening schools citing the opinion of public health experts  Dr. Anthony Fauci, among them  who have said schools are not locations that fuel community spreading of COVID-19, which pandemic metrics show has slowed in Chicago.

Chicago schools chief Janice Jackson said CTU leaders have "chosen to disregard the science on reopening schools and instead replace CDC guidance with their own gut instincts."

Lightfoot said the district had proven that safety protocols were effective during the past few weeks when some prekindergarten and special education students attended in-person classes.

The mayor accused CTU bosses of ordering teachers who had been working in school buildings to teach classes remotely as a bargaining strategy.

It is "hard to argue for more when the status quo of safety in our buildings where people have been all year round has been working. So why not just blow it up and create chaos?" Lightfoot said.

Story continues

While Lightfoot spoke, CTU officials on Twitter accused Lightfoot of blocking the deal: "Let's really be clear: The educators in the room were working toward an agreement. The politician is blowing it all to pieces."

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Lightfoot said she believes the district must give parents the option of in-person learning because remote learning is failing students. She said school system enrollment has declined while and absenteeism and failing grades, particular among minority students, has spiked during nearly a year of all-remote learning due to the coronavirus crisis.



The mayor called on rank-and-file teachers to push for a compromise from union leadership she accused of not bargaining in good faith. "Tell your leadership to meet us at the table. Let's get a deal done," Lightfoot said. "Let's get it in writing because our students lives are hanging in the balance."

The mayor Chicago Public School officials will continue to negotiate with CTU leaders through the weekend to reach an agreement.

"It is doable. ... We need to get it done. Our children deserve nothing less," she said. "And if we do not it is totally on the CTU leadership."





This article originally appeared on the Chicago Patch


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The police in Oyo State say they have recovered a gun and some dangerous weapons from hoodlums terrorising Ibadan, the state capital.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Olugbenga Fadeyi, the police said the recovery was made on Friday after the hoodlums looted some shops and houses Odo-Osun/Ita bale/Aderogba areas of Ibadan.

Mr Fadeyi also denied the report by some online newspapers that over 200 houses were burnt by hoodlums overnight.

The true position of this is that no such incident happened and no such magnitude of houses and cars were burnt at Odo-Osun/Ita bale/Aderogba areas of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

What really happened was that hoodlums from these areas came out in the early hours of 29/01/2021, in their usual manner, with dangerous weapons to loot shops and set up bonfires. A house and about two shops were looted. But the swift response of police patrol teams doused tension and the hoodlums were dislodged.

Routine patrols were intensified to forestall further attacks and lootings. Sequel to this, at about 2015 hrs, the hoodlums from Aderogba area came out again and attempted to vandalize and loot shops at Beyerunka/Ogbori Efon areas.

Police patrol teams and those of Amotekun were drafted to the area. During a hot chase by the teams, a cut-to-size dane gun was recovered from one of the hoodlums while bonfires set up were put out.

The hoodlums thereafter fled the scene. Constant routine patrols have been intensified in those areas and normalcy has been restored. The Police are on the trail of these hoodlums to get them arrested and carry out prosecution accordingly, the police statement read.
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NEW DELHI: After more than ten months of closure due to the ongoing coronavirus COVID 19 pandemic, schools for students of Classes 1 and 2, is all set to reopen from February 1 in several states. The decision to open schools has been taken in view of the number of coronavirus cases steadily dropping in the country. It is to be noted that several states resumed physical classes on a voluntary basis for class 10th and 12th in the month of January.

Here is a compiled list of states that have decided to reopen schools in February.



Maharashtra

Thane and Pune districts in Maharashtra have decided to reopen schools from January 27 and February 1 respectively, municipal corporations in both districts issued strict coronavirus guidelines. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) allowed reopening of schools for Classes 5th to 8th from February 1, while in Thane, students of Classes 5th to 8th have to attend school from January 27.

Punjab

Following the conditional approval of the state government, all government, aided and private schools are set to reopen for class 1 and 2 and pre-primary classes from February 1," a statement from the state government quoting Punjab School Education Minister Vijay Inder Singla said. Students from Class 5 to 12 had started going to school on January 7.

Andhra Pradesh

The Andhra Pradesh government has granted permission for reopening of classes 1 to 5 from February 1. The schools will function full day for elementary classes. The state education department has issued guidelines in this regard. However, it is to be noted that students will attend the classes only with the written consent of parent or guardian. According to the guidelines, each section should have only 20 students. Schools for classes 6 to 12 and colleges in the state re-opened in November last year.

Haryana

Schools in Haryana will reopen for Classes 6 to 8 from February 1, according to an order issued by the Department of School Education. For Classes 6 to 8, schools timings will be between 10 am to 1.30 pm. Students will have to bring a certificate from any health centre or a doctor to certify that they do not have any COVID-like symptoms. They will also have to bring a written consent from their parents before coming to schools. Students who wish to continue their studies through the online mode, as has been imparted to them during the past 10 months, can avail this facility as before.

Gujarat

The offline class of grade 9 and 11 are going to resume from February 1. Earlier, the state reopened the school for classes 10 and 12 on January 11.

Telangana

Telangana is going to reopen the schools for Class 9 to 12 in February. Earlier, the Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao had announced the reopening of college classes from February 1.

Meghalaya

The northeastern state is all set to resume classes for higher education institutions from February 1. To be noted, most of the schools of Meghalaya have already resumed offline classes earlier this year.

Jammu and Kashmir

The SOP to resume classes from February has been announced and higher education institutions in the summer zone of the Jammu region will resume the offline classes for grade 10 to 12 from February 1. Whereas, in the Kashmir Division and winter zone areas of Jammu Division, the higher education institutions will resume offline classes on February 15.

Karnataka

Schools in Karnataka is all set to reopen from February 1 for Class 9, 10, and Pre-University classes.

Himachal Pradesh

The classes for 8-12 in schools is now set to reopen from February 1. Schools that lie on hilly region in the state and have longer winter vacations will resume classes from February 15.

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Partly to mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 78F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph..

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Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 63F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.

Thursdays reshuffle of his frontbench has not quieted the more restive elements of the caucus, who fear that the deck is simply stacked against Labor, which could be facing a fourth straight election defeat by the Coalition.

There is chatter in the caucus about his leadership, though no clear alternative has yet emerged - depending on who you talk to, Tanya Plibersek, Jim Chalmers, Chris Bowen and Bill Shorten are all mentioned, though not seriously.

The leader of the opposition is behind in the two-party-preferred vote in published opinion polls, though not by much and well behind Scott Morrison as preferred prime minister.

COVID-19 has, mostly, benefited incumbent leaders across the country and around the world (Donald Trump being an obvious exception).

But over dinner in Canberra on Wednesday night and then, in a subsequent interview in his office, Albanese betrayed few of the signs of a leader under pressure - though the veteran pollie is alive to the ill winds blowing his way.

Instead, the opposition leader wants to talk about the car crash in early January that nearly ended his life. Albanese has done a series of radio interviews in the wake of the crash, which saw his Toyota Camry hybrid crunched by a much larger Range Rover.

He pulls out his phone, which is still pinging with texts from colleagues with reviews of his just-broadcast interview on the ABCs 7.30, and starts flicking through photos of the damage before looking me straight in the eye.

A foot or so either way, he says, and it could have been all over - or at the very least, a life-changing injury. Its not something that, perhaps, his critics in caucus have yet grasped.
The wombat lives in lush Australian forests, grazes on grass, and poops cubes. A study published Thursday in the journal Soft Matter explores the intimate mechanics behind those feces.

This makes two entries into the poop-cube canon by a team of researchers at Georgia Tech and the University of Tasmania. Theyve been at it since 2017, releasing their first wombat finding at a conference a couple years ago. In that paper, they inserted a balloon into an intestine to study the structure of its walls. They discovered that wombat intestines are made up of sections that vary in elasticity and thickness. For the new paper, they investigated further by dissecting three wombats and making a model of how wombat innards shape waste matter as it moves through the intestine on its way out.

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We obviously had to know more. Slate spoke to Patricia Yang, who is the first author on the new study and a self-proclaimed defecation expert. This conversation has been condensed and edited for clarity.

Elena DeBre: Why did you start studying wombat poop?

Patricia Yang: I am an expert on feces. My whole doctoral thesis was on urine, defecation, and digestion in humans.

When I was really little, I did not expect to be a feces expert. But, a few years ago, I had no idea what to research for my doctoral thesis. My adviser had just started potty training his son, so we started talking and thinking about the urine system. Then the defecation system.

One day, I was talking about human cylindrical feces at a conference, and afterwards, an audience member came up to me and said, You have to look at wombats.  They have cubed feces. I had no idea what they were talking about, but I Googled it and it was so weird. The square geometrical shape is very rare in nature. I didnt really believe it until I saw a sample myself.

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How did you find the wombats for your study?

A wombat expert from Tasmania joined our team. Every time there was a roadkill wombat, he got a call, and he went to pick up the animal for us.

Does a wombat butt have a  rectangular exit?

The anus is circular. The cube is formed in the intestines and comes out as is.

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What is it about wombat intestines that produces these poop cubes?

A cross-section of the wombats intestine is like a rubber band with two ends kept slightly taut and the center section drooping. The rigid and elastic parts contract at different speeds, which creates the cube shape and corners.

I heard that wombats might purposefully stack their cube droppings.

We know they leave their droppings and they use its smell to communicate with each other. Wombats produce up to 100 cubes per day, so they probably stack them up, but were not sure yet.

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Could other animals produce cubic poop?

Lets put it this way, not many people study the stiffness of intestines. But we compared wombat and pig intestines. Pigs have uniform intestines, the stiffness and contraction speeds are the same, so the feces come out circular. We think this is also the case in a healthy human intestine. But if part of the human intestines becomes stiff, this is a symptom of colon cancer. We think that partially stiff intestines can create feces with cornerseven in humans.

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So, once more research is done, we may find that corners on human feces are an early sign of colon cancer?

Yes, because that shows that the stiffness of your colon is not uniform anymore.

How else could your work investigating wombat poop be used?

For cube manufacturing. Usually to make cubes, like ice cubes, you need a hard container. But wombat poop shows, for the first time, how soft matter (the feces) could be molded using a soft container (the intestines).

How does it feel to have your study receive so much attention so quickly?

I just cant believe that everyone is so interested in this specific animal and its poop!
(CNN) -- The European Union's medicines regulator on Friday recommended authorizing the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for use among its 27 member states, capping off a turbulent week which saw the bloc attack the drugmaker over delays to supply.

The long-awaited decision from the European Medicines Agency came after several EU countries warned they were running out of vaccine doses, and as coronavirus deaths pile up across the continent.

Its authorization of the vaccine for use in all adults stands in contrast to an announcement by the German vaccine commission Thursday that it would not recommend the AstraZeneca vaccine for people aged 65 or over because of insufficient data.

In response to the German move, an AstraZeneca spokesperson said the latest analyses of clinical trial data "support efficacy in the over 65 years age group."

The United Kingdom, whose regulator approved the AstraZeneca vaccine on December 30, has been administering doses to people older than 65 for nearly a month.

AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot welcomed the EMA's decision and thanked all those involved in the vaccine's development. "Today's recommendation underscores the value of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine which is not only effective and well-tolerated, but also easy to administer and, importantly, protects fully against severe disease and hospitalizations."

For the past week, the EU and AstraZeneca have been locked in an acrimonious dispute over vaccine supplies. A week ago, the British-Swedish pharmaceutical giant said it would not be able to deliver as many doses as the European Union expected because of production issues -- upending the bloc's vaccination plans.

The European Commission -- which ordered 400 million AstraZeneca doses on behalf of EU member states and is poised to start rolling the first ones out across the bloc -- said the delay was unacceptable, and the drugmaker must find a way to increase supply.

The dispute between Europe and AstraZeneca is playing out against a dire backdrop. EU countries including Germany were already running low on vaccines even before the AstraZeneca vaccine was authorized Friday. The US drugmaker Pfizer had previously slowed EU deliveries of the vaccine it developed with BioNTech while a manufacturing facility was upgraded.

In a bid to tackle concerns over supply, the European Commission adopted new measures Friday making COVID-19 vaccines subject to export authorization.

"The commission has adopted a strictly targeted measure that will allow us to gather accurate information about the production of vaccines and where manufacturers intend to ship them," said European Commission Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, speaking in Brussels.

"The measure is time limited and specifically applies to those COVID-19 vaccines that were agreed by advance purchase agreements. The measure is intended to run until the end of March," he added. "The protection and safety of our citizens is a priority and the challenges we now face left us with now other choice but to act."

In Spain, the regional government of Madrid stopped administering first doses of the vaccine on Wednesday for the next two weeks to ensure there is enough to provide second doses for those who already got their first shots.

Concerns over expected shortages of the Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines means some French regions, including Paris, will push back or cancel appointments for first injections, the French health Ministry said in a press statement on Thursday.

The death toll from COVID-19 is mounting, and the slow rollout of shots across the bloc is threatening a very fragile economic recovery from the pandemic. This week only 2 out of 100 people received jabs in the EU, compared to 7 out of 100 people in the US and 11 out of 100 in the UK, according to figures from Our World in Data.

Earlier this week, Soriot told Italy's la Repubblica that at least three million doses would be shipped to Europe as soon as the vaccine was authorized, and that the goal was to deliver 17 million total doses by the end of February.

As the dispute continued to play out Friday, the European Commission published on its website the redacted contract signed with AstraZeneca for the purchase of its vaccine for all the EU member states.

The EU had asked AstraZeneca to publish the contract, signed on August 27, following the company's announcement of delays. The details of the vaccine delivery schedule have been redacted from the published document.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "EU regulators recommend authorization of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine"
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 29)  Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia on Friday said the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the province is "not a cause of concern" for her.

In a briefing, Garcia said this is a concern for researchers and not hers, and what she wants to solve is the effect of the global health crisis to the local economy.

"What is cause for concern is that thousands upon thousands upon thousands have lost their businesses, have lost their jobs, have lost their livelihood," Garcia said, while also emphasizing that these will also lead to higher hunger and criminality.

She added it is now a matter of managing the pandemic, while also allowing the local economy to function. She said programs and needed facilities are ready once the economy fully reopens.

In a report dated Jan. 28, the OCTA research team called Cebu province a "serious concern" after it averaged 147 new daily infections in the past seven days, while its reproduction number reached 1.57, surpassing the nationwide rate of 0.96.

OCTA Research Fellow Guido David also said in a recent interview that although the COVID-19 attack rate is low in the province, the team is still "very concerned" about the increasing number of cases. He said if the local government does not want new island-wide control measures, then special attention should just be given to Cebu and Mandaue cities.

"(Cebu) City's averaging 75 cases per day. Mandaue is averaging 20 cases per day over the past week," he told CNN Philippines' News. PH. "Ito 'yung mga pinaka areas of concern sa province so kung gusto natin ihiwalay [these are the top areas of concern in the province so if we want to separate them (from the island)], then we can just focus on Cebu City and Mandaue."

Cebu City's average daily case count is more than half of the provincial tally, David mentioned.

In an interview with CNN Philippines' Balitaan, Cebu City Mayor Edgar Labella expressed his concern over the COVID-19 situation in the province, especially with the recent celebration of events like the Sinulog Festival. He said despite churches being compliant to health protocols, large crowds still gathered outside their homes.

Despite this, he said they are prepared to address the sudden spike in cases.

According to the Department of Health Central Visayas, Cebu Province has a total of 7,744 COVID-19 infections, with 614 active cases. The death toll is at 426.

Meanwhile, Cebu City has a total of 12,219 infections, with 1,150 active cases and 701 deaths.

CNN Philippines correspondent Dale Israel contributed to this report.
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Northern beaches residents face ongoing anxiety and fear about pandemic restrictions even as many people attempt to resume their lives following the lockdown over the Christmas-New Year period.

Sadness, frustration and disappointment were some of the emotions felt by Lisa Llewellyn when she discovered she would be forced into lockdown rather than celebrating the festive season with family and friends.

Lisa Llewellyn from North Narrabeen said the lockdown made her feel angry. Credit:James Brickwood

Ms Llewellyn, from North Narrabeen, said she was exhausted after a challenging year of adapting to COVID normal and running her own business.

The situation did make me anxious  and I was definitely short-tempered (my poor partner), she said. I had hung out for the holiday to just recharge and the lockdown just added to my fatigue. Of my three week break, all but one day was spent in lockdown.



The acting chief of the Capitol Police, Yogananda Pittman, said on Thursday that Congress must build permanent fences around the Capitol. The impulse is understandable: Ms. Pittman got the job after her predecessor failed to stop the Jan. 6 attack on the building by supporters of former President Donald Trump. However, the proposal must be weighed against the public interest. There are important reasons to find other ways of protecting the Capitol.

Washington, D.C., is the seat and symbol of American democracy. Its great buildings, most of all the Capitol, are manifestations of the nations power and prosperity and of its peculiar form of government: of the people, by the people and for the people.

The Capitol complex is a place where Americans can go to watch their representatives, to speak with those representatives, to petition for the redress of grievances.

kW

PHEV

The days of the iron-block supercharged 6.2-liter V8 are numbered, he told Autoblog.com about the current state of affairs. "They're absolutely numbered because of all the compliance costs. The Biden administration is expected to announce stricter emissions regulations for new vehicles, which is why the Hellcat V8 can be considered a future classic."1972 was the beginning of the end of the golden age of muscle cars, which had to go away over the oil crisis, Environmental Protection Agency, and so forth. It's kind of crazy to think about we're getting close to a similar list of things right now," Kuniskis told the cited publication.But fret not. The all-American V8 is not going away and it probably wont get a twin-turbo setup to the detriment of a supercharger or natural aspiration. The most important man at Dodge let it slip that electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains are in the pipeline, yet he stopped short of giving any details.Without that technology, without electrification, this is 1972 right now, and this thing is going to end," said Kuniskis, probably referring to the eight-speed automatic transmission with a built-in electric motor produced by ZF Friedrichshafen. The American automaker and German supplier went public about this piece of hardware in July 2019 when Fiat Chrysler Automobiles ordered hundreds of thousands of transmissions.The fourth-generation ZF 8HP will enter production in 2022 and it's codenamed 8HP60 and 8HP80 depending on the matching electrical system. Compatible with conventional, mild-hybrid, and plug-in applications, the torque-converter automatic transmission can supply as much as 160and 450 Nm of torque in the case of the 8HP80PHin P2 configuration.Those figures translate to 215 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque on top of the engines ratings, which should give you an idea about the output ratings of the next-gen Challenger and Charger muscle cars. The future of the American V8 doesnt look so gloomy after all, right?
New York, Jan 30 : Pressure mounted on Pakistan to act against terrorist Ahmad Omar Saeed Sheikh with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken calling up Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi about Pakistan Supreme Court quashing his conviction in the murder US journalist Daniel Pearl.

"The Secretary reinforced US concern about the Pakistani Supreme Court ruling and potential release of these prisoners' responsible for Pearl's murder, State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said about the call on Friday.

They "discussed how to ensure accountability for convicted terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh and others responsible for the kidnapping and murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl," he said.

Soon after Saeed's acquittal was announced on Thursday, President Joe Biden's Spokesperson Jan Psaki, Blinken and Acting Attorney General Monty Wilkinson said the US could try him.

Wilkinson said that the US was ready to take custody of Saeed and bring him to trial in the US.

British-born Saeed was charged in a US court in 2002 with hostage-taking in connection with the murder of Pearl that year and the kidnapping of an American tourist, Bela Nuss, in India in 1994.

Pearl, who was The Wall Street Journal's South Asia bureau chief, was kidnapped by the terrorists in Karachi in 2002 and murdered by having his throat slit.

The gruesome act was videotaped by his captors and circulated on the internet.

In the multi-pronged US campaign, Blinken said on Thursday, "We are also prepared to prosecute Sheikh in the United States for his horrific crimes against an American citizen. We are committed to securing justice for Daniel Pearl's family and holding terrorists accountable." Psaki said, "We call on the Pakistani government to expeditiously review its legal options, including allowing the United States to prosecute Sheikh for the brutal murder of an American citizen and journalist." The Pakistani government also faces domestic pressure against taking further action against Saeed who is considered a hero by some in that country.

Pakistan and the US do not have an extradition treaty.

Under international pressure Pakistan had Saeed tried in a court in the Sindh province and he was sentenced to death.

He and three of his fellow terrorists were acquitted by the Sindh High Court and that ruling was upheld by the Supreme Court.

During the phone call on Friday, Blinken and Qureshi also "discussed the importance of continued US-Pakistan cooperation on the Afghan peace process, support for regional stability, and the potential to expand our trade and commercial ties," Price said.

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed on Twitter at @arulouis)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text

Ukraine, within the COVAX program, will receive 117,000 doses of m-RNA vaccine from Pfizer-BioNTech of the U.S. production in February, and in parallel, from 2.2 million to 3.7 million doses of AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine during the first half of 2021, Deputy Minister of Health, Chief Sanitary Doctor of Ukraine Viktor Liashko said.

"Yes! Ukraine received a response from COVAX. as Ukraine will receive 117,000 doses of the American-made m-RNA vaccine from Pfizer-BioNTech early as in February, which will be immediately distributed to vaccinate employees of hospitals that provide care to patients with COVID-19," Liashko wrote on his Facebook page on Saturday.

He also said: "In parallel, during the first half of the year, starting in February, we will be able to receive from 2.2 million to 3.7 million doses of AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine for the next stages of the campaign. And this is only through the COVAX mechanism."

According to Liashko, COVAX received applications for the first wave from 72 countries, 18 countries were selected, including Ukraine. "This once again confirms that Ukraine is able to provide the necessary cold chain and logistics of vaccines with ultra-low storage conditions," he said.

In turn, Health Minister Maksym Stepanov said that deliveries of the Pfizer vaccine to Ukraine will start in the middle of February. "The next deliveries of vaccines under the COVAX initiative will take place from the middle of February to the end of the second quarter of 2021. During these deliveries, Ukraine will receive from 2.2 million to 3.7 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine," the Ministry of Health said on the Telegram channel.
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Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-30 16:37:03|Editor: huaxia

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GENEVA, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Political leaders were united on the last day of the week-long virtual Davos Agenda meeting in their call for more collaboration and trust-building efforts between the United States and China, which they said will not only benefit the two countries but also the entire world.

Meanwhile, experts on international relations from multiple countries also highlighted the importance of U.S.-China relations and expected their ties to improve.

VOICES FROM DAVOS

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong called the U.S.-China relations the most important bilateral ties in the world, saying that it will be never too late to reset the tone of their interactions, particularly with the new administration in the United States.

Lee said it "is going to be a very big problem" for the Americans to see China "as a challenger, almost like a threat."

The new U.S. administration is an opportunity to steer the relationship towards safer waters, and amidst U.S. President Joe Biden's many urgent preoccupations, "the U.S.-China relationship should become a key strategic priority," he said, stressing the need for the two sides to find common ground and work together.

At an online session titled "U.S. Foreign Policy: The Outlook from Washington," politicians also discussed the damaging effects of COVID-19 on mounting geopolitical tensions, saying that the United States needs to reconsider its position towards China.

Kirsten E. Gillibrand, U.S. senator from New York, said that she is optimistic that the new U.S. administration will make progress in its relations with both Russia and China, adding that "we need far more engagement that is productive with both of those countries."

Adam Kinzinger, a congressman from Illinois, said that it's crucial to avoid open conflict with China.

Arancha Gonzalez Laya, minister of Foreign Affairs European Union & Cooperation of Spain, said at the session that "above all, we need to avoid open confrontation" between the United States and China.

She expressed her hope that the Biden administration will facilitate collaboration at the World Trade Organization to update the rules of global trade as necessary with China's input, and that geopolitical tensions will not interfere with efforts to combat climate change.

Fu Ying, vice-chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress of China, told the meeting on Friday that China has no intention of vying for world dominance but wants to cooperate and maintain peace.

There are elements of competition in the relationship with America, she said, describing the relationship as a combination of "cooperation and competition."

"The new Biden administration needs time to think about the ways it can cooperate with China and where it needs to avoid conflicts," she said, adding that how China and the United States define their relationship is important not just to both countries but to the world.

EXPECTATIONS

Carl Fey, professor of international business with Aalto University in Helsinki, Finland, voiced hope that the United States and China would take advantage of the emerging opportunities under a new U.S. president and work to reset business relations, which, if successful, would be beneficial for the whole world.

The former dean of Nottingham University Business School China noted that environmental issues, such as climate change, would be an area where the two sides can hopefully find common ground.

David J. Firestein, president and CEO of the George H. W. Bush Foundation for U.S.-China Relations, said recently that the United States has some great friendships and alliances across the globe, but there is no country more inextricably bound up with America's destiny and future, certainly economically speaking, than China.

Noting that the two countries need each other, Firestein said, "Whether we like it or not, we have to get this relationship right, because the consequences of getting it wrong are unpleasant and far-reaching."

Ivan Timofeyev, programs director at the Russian International Affairs Council, said it is a common hope that the U.S.-China relations can be normalized as the two countries are the biggest economies in the world.

Any crises within the U.S.-China relations will bring about worldwide impact, the Russian scholar said.

Though competitions between the two countries will continue, there is a chance that their relations can be normalized, Timofeyev said, citing the decree signed by Biden that stopped calling the coronavirus by a name of one country or city as it was a signal to China that the virus will not be politicized.

Bambang Suryono, chairman of Indonesia's Asia Innovation Study Center, viewed the normalization of U.S.-China relations as important to the peace and stability in Asia, saying he expects the new U.S. administration to reset positive contacts and talks with China, especially on issues concerning the livelihood of both peoples.

Suryono's remarks were echoed by Norhan el-Sheikh, professor of political science with Cairo University, who said the stability of their relations bear on the stability and security of the world.

The two sides are seeking their own development and long-term interests, but the difference is that China works for joint growth and win-win results while America prefers to pursue hegemony, the Egyptian expert said.

As for the U.S.-China trade tensions, Chris Lipscombe, president of the New Zealand China Cross-border Electronic Commerce Foundation, said the world is "anxious to see how the new U.S. administration address that tension."

The recent positive development of the New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement talk has sent "a signal of confidence" for countries to move forward on trade issues, Lipscombe said. Enditem
Injured Delhi police' families stage protests against farmer's attack on R-Day

India

oi-Briti Roy Barman

New Delhi, Jan 30: Condemning attacks during tractor rally on the Republic Day, retired and current officers of Delhi Police, members of families of Police personnel who were injured during the tractor rally on India's Republic Day, have staged a demonstration at Shaheedi Park in protest against the attack on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Union home ministry today temporarily suspended internet services at Singhu, Ghazipur, Tikri borders and its adjoining areas from 11 pm of January 29 to 11 pm of January 31.

The order stated that it is to "maintain public safety and averting public emergency".

All India Kisan Sabha is observing a day's fast beginning at 10:30 am at Delhi's ITO, even as Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh appealed to the protesting farmers to attend the meeting with the Centre and resolve the issue as soon as possible.

Police fired tear gas and resorted to baton charge on Friday to break up a clash between farmers and a large group of men claiming to be local residents who hurled stones at each other at the Singhu border, one of the main protest sites against farm laws.

Moradabad-Agra highway accident | Gandhi statue vandalised in US | Oneindia News

Delhi Police SHO (Alipur) Pradeep Paliwal was injured in the violence after a man attacked him with a sword, an official said, adding that some people were also wounded.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, January 30, 2021, 16:08 [IST]
Wilkes-Barre, PA (18701)

Today

Cloudy with occasional rain...mainly in the morning. High 54F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Cloudy. Low near 45F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.


Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 30 : The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) turned 100 on Saturday. It has chalked out elaborate programmes for the one-year centenary celebrations of the grand old party.

It was on January 30, 1921 that the Kerala Congress unit was formed as the Kerala Provincial Congress Committee after the Indian National Congress (INC) decided to form state level committees on linguistic basis.

The All India Congress Committee (AICC) meeting held at Nagpur in December 1920 had decided to form state level Congress committees on linguistic lines. There were Malabar, Kochi and Travancore Congress committees and all of them spoke the Malayalam language.

Interestingly, a unified Kerala state was formed on November 1, 1957 and the KPCC was formed 36 years before this.

A practicing advocate from Manjeri in Malabar, K Madhavan Nair, was the first KPCC Secretary. The KPCC headquarters was first located at Kozhikode, then Kochi and is currently at Thiruvananthapuram.

The first full-fledged KPCC meeting was held at Ottapalam in April 1921 and it was here that the call for a unified Kerala was given. Andhra Pradesh's T. Prakasam presided over the meeting in which 5,000 people from all parts of the state participated. The editor of an independent newspaper George Joseph presided at the youth meet. Syed Muthu Sahib presided at the Khilafat meet held as part of the meeting.

District Congress Committees were formed in Thalassery, Kozhikode, Palakkad, Kochi, Travancore In 1924, the KPCC decided to appoint a President and K. Madhavan Nair was unanimously elected to the post.

KPCC President Mullappally Ramachandran told IANS that the party would conduct "padyatras" at 1,504 centres in Kerala with 100 workers in each yatra.

Mullappally while speaking to IANS said, "The legacy of Indian National Congress is clear and it is formed by sacrifices of prominent people from all walks of life along with ordinary workers and people. In the past 100 years, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee has been striving to unite the state without any caste, creed or religious divisions and that is indeed the strength of Congress party. This is a period of politics of division and new generation of Congress leaders have the responsibility to move ahead by uniting people."

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-30 11:20:50|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

HAVANA, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- A Cuban military helicopter crashed in eastern Cuba on Friday, killing all five people aboard, the Cuban military said.

The helicopter crashed against a hill after leaving eastern Holguin province for the neighboring Guantanamo province, the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces said in a brief statement, cited by state media.

The ministry has launched an investigation into the crash. Enditem
[January 29, 2021] DEADLINE ALERT: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. Reminds Investors That a Class Action Lawsuit Has Been Filed Against Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. and Encourages Investors to Contact the Firm

Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., a nationally recognized shareholder rights law firm, reminds investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York on behalf of investors that purchased Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. (NYSE: NAK) securities between December 21, 2017 and November 25, 2020 (the "Class Period"). Investors have until February 2, 2021 to apply to the Court to be appointed as lead plaintiff in the lawsuit. Click here to participate in the action. Northern Dynasty engages in the exploration of mineral properties in the United States. Its principal mineral property is the Pebble copper-gold-molybdenum project comprising 2,402 mineral claims that covers an area of approximately 417 square miles located in southwest Alaska (the "Pebble Project"). On August 24, 2020, the U.S. Army released a statement concerning the Pebble Project, stating that it would result in "significant degradation of the environment and would likely result in significant adverse effects on the aquatic system or human environment." The U.S. Army further found that, "the project, as currently proposed, cannot be permitted under section 404 of the Clean Water Act." The U.S. Army requested that the Company submit a mitigation plan in response to this finding. Onthis news, Northern Dynasty's stock price fell $0.55 per share, or 37.9%, to close at $0.90 per share on August 24, 2020.



On November 25, 2020, Northern Dynasty reported that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had rejected its permit applications related to the Pebble Project. On this news, Northern Dynasty's stock price fell $0.40 per share, or 50%, to close at $0.40 per share on November 25, 2020.

The complaint, filed on December 4, 2020, alleges that throughout the Class Period defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) the Company's Pebble Project was contrary to Clean Water Act guidelines and to the public interest; (2) the Company planned that the Pebble Project would be larger in duration and scope than conveyed to the public; (3) as a result, the Company's permit applications for the Pebble Project would be denied by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and (4) as a result, defendants' public statements were materially false and/or misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. If you purchased Northern Dynasty securities during the Class Period and on an American Exchange and suffered a loss, have information, would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Brandon Walker, Melissa Fortunato, or Marion Passmore by email at investigations@bespc.com, telephone at (212) 355-4648, or by filling out this contact form. There is no cost or obligation to you. About Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C.: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is a nationally recognized law firm with offices in New York, California, and South Carolina. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in commercial, securities, derivative, and other complex litigation in state and federal courts across the country. For more information about the firm, please visit www.bespc.com. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210129005573/en/

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Corky Lee, a photographer who was determined both to restore the contributions of Asian-Americans to the historical record and to document their present-day lives and struggles, especially those living in New York, died on Wednesday in Queens. He was 73.

His longtime partner, Karen Zhou, said the cause was Covid-19. He had been hospitalized for much of January.

Mr. Lee, whose parents were immigrants from China, was an activist with his camera, striving to bring to light the underrepresented worlds of Chinese-Americans and others of Asian descent, as well as capturing moments of injustice toward those communities. That meant photographing police brutality, protests and run-down housing, but also shop owners at work and young people break-dancing.

Every time I take my camera out of my bag, he told AsAmNews last year, it is like drawing a sword to combat indifference, injustice and discrimination and trying to get rid of stereotypes.
As of midnight, Friday January 29, the HPSC has been notified of 1,414 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There is now a total of 195,303** confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland. Of those cases, 43 were attributed to Limerick.

Limerick's 5 day moving average (to midnight 29Jan2021) is now 50 with the countries figure at 1278. Meanwhile Limerick's 14-day incidence rate per 100,000 population (16Jan2021 to 29Jan2021) is now 523.4, below the national figure of 536.6

Of the cases notified today:

667 are men / 742 are women

59% are under 45 years of age

The median age is 39 years old

608 in Dublin, 105 in Cork, 96 in Galway, 65 in Meath, 59 in Donegal and the remaining 481 cases are spread across all other counties***



As of 2pm today, 1,492 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 211 are in ICU. 55 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 79 additional deaths related to COVID-19.

78 deaths occurred in January.

The median age of those who died is 82 years and the age range is 56-98 years.

There has been a total of 3,292* COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said; We have experienced over 1,000 deaths and more than 100,000 cases in January 2021. We have reported more cases in one month than we experienced throughout 2020. This shows just how quickly this disease can spread and how much it can impact public health.

The efforts by all of the population in following the basic public health advice has seen us reduce the incidence of the disease very rapidly compared to most countries in Europe.

Despite the recent, significant decrease in cases, there remains a level of infection in the population which is double that seen at the peak of incidence last October. The next few weeks need to see us maintain compliance with all of the measures that are in place so that we can get to levels of the disease that are as low as possible.

The COVID-19 Dashboard provides up-to-date information on the key indicators of COVID-19 in the community.
Fr Joseph (Joe) Flynn of the St Patrick's Missionary Society sadly passed away peacefully last Tuesday in the Care Unit at St Patrick's, Kiltegan.

Joe was born on November 8 1944 to Martin Flynn and his wife Elizabeth (nee Martin) of Tents, Drumkeeran, Co Leitrim. He attended Cartron National School in nearby County Roscommon from 1950 to 1958, and received his secondary education at St Patrick's College, Cavan, where he was a boarder from 1958 to 1963.

He came to Kiltegan in September 1963 for the Spiritual Year. He then studied philosophy in St Patrick's College, Douglas, Cork from 1964 to 1966.

Joe returned to Kiltegan in September 1966 for a four-year course in theology and was ordained priest at St Mary's Church, Killamoat, on March 29 1970 (Easter Sunday). The ordaining prelate was Bishop James Moynagh SPS, retired Bishop of Calabar, Nigeria.

After ordination, Joe was appointed to the Diocese of Eldoret, Kenya, and worked in Chepareria during his first tour.

In 1974, Joe was appointed to promotion work in the USA and was based at the Society House in Cliffside Park, New Jersey.

He returned to the Diocese of Eldoret in 1978 and was appointed Parish Priest of Kobujoi in the Nandi Hills.

In the mid-1980s he moved to St Joseph's, Kitale. His last appointment in Kenya was in Tartar where he worked with the local community to build a church at Kanyalykan.

Joe returned to Ireland in 1995 because of health issues. His vision had become seriously impaired and he was unable to drive.

He settled first in Leeson Park and became leader of the community there for a short while. Joe then discovered a new ministry to people with special needs and found scope for his many gifts as chaplain to the L'Arche Community in the Sutton area of Dublin.

He moved to an apartment near the L'Arche Community and lived there for many years. He also linked up with a L'Arche Community in Uganda and made several visits to that country.

Joe was very much a people's person. He was noted for his ability to spend time with people in a very unhurried and relaxed manner. This quality became evident when Joe was a student. He gathered other students around him for conversation.

He was instrumental in setting up the first coffee dock in the Theology House in Kiltegan. And the coffee dock was very fittingly called JOE'S. The name lived on long after Joe had been ordained. It became a focal point for sharing, conversation and relaxation among the student body.

Joe's easy and relaxed style with people came to the fore during his four years on promotion work in the USA.

He spent hours visiting homes, listening to people's stories and building up a network of friends and benefactors for the Society. Many of these friendships forged in the 1970s remained with Joe up to the end of his life.

He loved the outdoors and derived great pleasure from hill walking; he was in his element climbing hills and belting out a song in the company of his friends.

Joe retired to Kiltegan in 2014. When his health declined further and he became incapable of independent living he moved to the Care Unit.

From 2020 onwards he was confined mainly to his room, no longer able to go for his long walks. This was a cause of great sadness for him.

He became seriously ill in January 2021, and died peacefully on the evening of Tuesday, January 19. At his bedside were his nephew Barry Flynn and some of the staff of the Care Unit.

Joe was predeceased by his sisters Sr Amadeus (Marist Sister) and Mary, by his brothers Noel and Killian and by his brothers-in-law Patsy Croal and Don Gullickson. He is survived by his sisters Lily Croal (Ballyshannon) and Catherine (Canada), by his sisters-in-law Peg and Mary, by his nieces and nephews and their families.
Gardai issued a statement appealing for information from the public (stock image)

A woman in her 20s was fighting for her life yesterday after being forced into a public toilet and stabbed repeatedly while people called gardai to break open the door.

The incident happened in the Markets area of Ennis, Co Clare, at around 6pm on Thursday night.

A source said the woman was seen arguing with a man who then assaulted her.

They said that after passers-by shouted at him and began to raise the alarm, the man gained access to a public toilet on the street and forced the woman inside.

The door was then locked and the concerned witnesses called gardai.

"The fire brigade had to open the door, and when they did the man was arrested and the woman had suffered multiple stab wounds," the source said.

"She was unconscious and the ambulance personnel were working on her."

The woman was taken to University Hospital Limerick, where her condition was described as critical.

A man in his 30s was arrested and is being detained at Shannon garda station.

Gardai issued a statement appealing for information from the public.

"We are asking anybody who may have witnessed this incident or were in the Market area of Ennis between 5.30pm and 6.30pm to contact us," it said.

Shocked

"Gardai are also appealing to any road users, particularly those with camera footage, to contact the Incident Room at Ennis garda station."

Mayor Mary Howard said the town was shocked by the attack.

"We are all thinking of the victim and hope she makes a full recovery," she said.

"You don't expect to hear of attacks like these in your local town, especially on a Thurs-day evening when things are quiet.

"People are upset and worr-ied about her. This kind of violence is awful."
An Egyptian prosecution ordered on Saturday the referral of Haitham Kamel Abou Ali to the criminal court over vehicular manslaughter charges after causing the death of a woman in Hurghada while driving his vehicle in an incident that has caused an online uproar lately.

The defendant is accused of wrongfully causing  due to his gross negligence and lack of compliance to the law  the death of Mai Eskander while driving his car under the influence of intoxicants and drugs.

According to a statement released by Egypt's Red Sea prosecution, the official charges levelled up against the defendants as theywere in the possession of cannabis with the intention of consuming it, wrongfully causing the death of Mai Eskander while driving his car.

The defendant, who has been detained, is also accused of deliberately driving against traffic using a vehicle in unsafe conditions, the statement added.

The prosecution based its evidence upon testimonies from five eyewitnesses and the prosecution's inspection of the incident site as well as the defendants acknowledgment during the investigations that he used narcotic and alcoholic substances prior to the accident.

The defendant's claim was supported by a report issued from the narcotic substances analysis department at the health affairs directorate in the Hurghada governorate and another report issued from Hurghada general hospital.

Users of social media were extremely vexed by the incidents, posting a torrent of solidarity messages with the victim and asking for holding of the perpetrator accountable, who is the son of an Egyptian business tycoon hailing from an affluent family.

Short link:


A terrified woman has taken to social media in a bid to find nearby pest control experts after spotting ten gigantic spiders in her bedroom.

The woman, who lives on Sydney's Northern Beaches, reached breaking point after spotting the arachnids in her closet.

'Hello. I am losing my mind. Ten of these giant mammoth spiders in the last month,' she wrote to a community Facebook group.

'I need a pest man to come save me and spray my apartment in Newport. Any recommendations?'

A terrified woman has taken to social media in a bid to find nearby pest control experts after spotting ten gigantic spiders in her bedroom

The woman, who lives on Sydney's northern beaches, reached breaking point after spotting the arachnids in her closet

The woman added she is 'terrified' of spiders and has been 'living in her home with constant anxiety'.

Her Facebook post was quickly flooded with advice - some more helpful than others.

One social media suggested she 'move to another country, maybe New Zealand', with another stating it is wise to 'keep windows and doors closed, as they come in from outside.'

'Burn the house down,' another comment read.

The spider in question appears to be a harmless huntsman, but one viewer thought it could be a wolf spider, whose venom is known to cause swelling and mild pain.

Huntsman spiders do not have venom, but their appearance strikes fear in many people.
Some of President Joe Biden's outspoken critics are using his words against him and are posting a video claiming he admitted to "governing like a dictator." But how true is the video?

On January 26, the founder of the conservative advocacy group Turning Point USA Charlie Kirk, posted on Instagram a clip of Biden speaking on-stage about his executive actions. The video had a text saying: "Joe Biden admits he is governing like a 'dictator.'"

"34+ Executive Orders in less than a week and we're supposed to believe that *Trump* was the one who governed like a dictator?" Charlie Kirk said in the caption.

Since Biden took office after Inauguration Day, there had been a flurry of about three dozen executive orders. This, on top of the Instagram post, prompted scrutiny from social media users and lawmakers who said his many executive actions did not reflect his pledge to unify the country, reported The Associated Press.

The Instagram post also had several duplicates on Facebook. It has been flagged by Facebook's effort against fake news and misinformation.

Charlie Kirk's Claim About Biden is Not True, Fact Check Shows

The video came from an October town hall interview with Pres. Biden in the weeks leading up to the presidential election campaign.

During the discussion, Biden answered questions with host George Stephanopoulos, and somebody from his audience asked about his plan to raise taxes on corporations and the wealthy.

Politifact said in a post that Charlie Kirk's claim that Biden "admitted" to governing like a dictator was not true.

Read also: 45 Republican Senators Vote To Dismiss Trump Impeachment Trial

In a transcript of the exchange, Stephanopoulos asked Biden if there would be any delay on the tax increases.

"No, well, I've got to get the votes. I got to get the votes," Pres. Biden replied.

Biden then talked about some comments from some of his Republican and Democratic friends as they told him: "Well, if you can't get the votes, by executive order you're going to do something."

For Biden, however, "(There are) things you can't do by executive order, unless you're a dictator. We're a democracy. We need consensus."

There was some missing context to Biden's past comments about using executive orders on changing federal tax policy, which Biden has not done.

The video also clearly showed that Biden, who had served as U.S. senator for more than three decades, pushed back on the idea that he could quickly change federal policies by executive order.

Several social media posts excluded Stephanopoulos's question, making Biden appear "as a hypocrite" for referring to executive orders as dictatorial, reported The Associated Press.

The posts reached Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. On Thursday morning, McConnell said that when Biden was presidential candidate, he said, "you can't legislate by executive action unless you are a dictator."

"Well, in one week, he's signed more than 30 unilateral actions, and working Americans are getting short shrift," McConnell further noted in a report. McConnell reportedly seemed to imply that Biden signing a lot of executive orders in the past weeks means he contradicted the "dictator" comment.

Biden, Aides Defend Use of Executive Actions

Biden and his aides said they believe executive action was a "pale substitute" to legislative action, reported FOX 59. At the same time, they defended their heavy use of executive orders at the start of the administration.

They said it was a necessary stopgap to address the current health crisis and reverse former President Donald Trump's policies.

Related story: Biden Expands Health Care Access, Rescinds Trump's Abortion Restrictions on U.S. Foreign Aid

"There are steps... that he felt he could not wait to overturn, and that's exactly what he did," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said.

Other presidents also made heavy use of executive actions and were also criticized by the opposition party for doing so.

In Bill Clinton's two terms, he had 364 orders, George W. Bush signed 291 over eight years, and Barack Obama issued 276. Donald Trump signed 220 executive orders in his single term in office.
on Saturday saw 323



COVID-19 cases and two deaths, taking the infection tally to 2,61,224 and toll to 4,387, while 441 people were discharged from hospitals, an official said.

The number of people who have recovered from the infection now stands at 2,53,368, leaving the state with 3,469 active cases, including 41 on ventilator support, he added.

Vadodara led with 78 new cases, followed by 66 in Ahmedabad, 45 in Surat and 44 in Rajkot, while the number of people discharged in these four districts was 78, 109, 69 and 66 respectively.

Among other districts, Kutch reported 10 new cases, Bharuch, Junagadh, Gandhinagar and Panchmahal seven each, Mehsana, Bhavnagar and Morbi five each, and Gir Somnath four.

The two deaths for the day took place in Ahmedabad and Banaskantha, a state health department release said.

In the Union Territory of Daman, Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, the COVID-19 tally remained at 3,370 as no new cases were reported on Saturday.

With two recoveries, the number of people discharged rose to 3,362, leaving the UT with six active cases.

Gujarat's COVID-19 figures are as follows: Positive cases 2,61,224, new cases 323, death toll 4,387, discharged 2,53,368, active cases 3,469.

(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.)

(Alliance News) - Ireland's Premier Micheal Martin has spoken to the European Commission's president to express concerns over EU plans to block the supply of Covid-19 vaccinations into Northern Ireland.

In an unexpected move on Friday, the EU triggered Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol on Brexit, in a bid to prevent Northern Ireland from being used as a back door to funnel coronavirus vaccine from the bloc into the rest of the UK.

It comes amid the ongoing row between the EU and vaccine supplier AstraZeneca PLC over the number of vaccines made available to the bloc.

Taoiseach Martin spoke to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday evening to discuss the matter.

A government spokesperson said: "We are aware of the issue and the Taoiseach is currently in discussions with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen to express our concerns."

Ireland's Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney tweeted: "We are working with the EU Commission to try to resolve this issue and protect the integrity and operation of the NI Protocol."

Stormont First Minister Arlene Foster branded the EU's triggering of Article 16 an "incredible act of hostility".

Foster spoke to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove about the issue on Friday evening, and called for a "robust response" from the UK government.

The protocol, which is part of the Brexit withdrawal deal, normally allows for free movement of goods from the EU into Northern Ireland.

Under the terms of the protocol, goods should be able to move freely between the EU and Northern Ireland as the region remains in the single market for goods and still operates under EU customs rules.

The EU has triggered Article 16 of the protocol to temporarily place export controls on this movement in respect of vaccines.

It comes amid a deepening row over the allocation of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine after the company announced delays to its EU operations.

The move to activate Article 16 will frustrate any effort to use Northern Ireland as a back door to bring vaccines into Great Britain.

Foster said: "By triggering Article 16 in this manner, the EU has once again shown it is prepared to use Northern Ireland when it suits their interests but in the most despicable manner a over the provision of a vaccine which is designed to save lives.

"At the first opportunity, the EU has placed a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland over the supply chain of the coronavirus vaccine."

The regulation means Northern Ireland will be considered an export territory for the purposes of vaccine sent from the EU/the Republic of Ireland.

Northern Ireland's vaccines arrive from the rest of the UK at present so those will be unaffected.

DUP leader Foster added: "With the EU using Article 16 in such an aggressive and most shameful way, it is now time for our government to step up.

"I will be urging the prime minister to act and use robust measures including Article 16 to advance the interests of Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK."

The DUP has previously pressed the British government to invoke the Article 16 mechanism because of disruption to the movement of goods between Britain and Northern Ireland.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said the move undermines progress made to defend the interests of the island.

He said: "The disproportionate decision to invoke Article 16 of the Ireland Protocol by the European Commission is a grave error in judgment that undermines the work that has taken place over the last five years to defend the interests of people on this island.

"We face a common threat. Our response to this virus, and to the supply of vaccines, should be characterised by our common values."

source: PA

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He's set to reprise his role as the mischievous Loki in a Disney Plus spin-off later this year.

And Tom Hiddleston wasn't taking any chances as he donned two face masks to take his dog Bobby for a walk in London on Wednesday.

The actor, 39, cut a casual figure as he bundled up in a red beanie during the chilly weather during a break from his busy acting schedule.

Out and about: Tom Hiddleston wasn't taking any chances as he donned two face masks to take his dog Bobby for a walk in London on Wednesday

Tom opted for a relaxed green jacket and grey jumper as he headed out for a stroll with his dog.

The Thor star ensured he was well protected during the COVID-19 pandemic by wearing two masks under his hat.

It comes as filming for the newest Thor film, Love and Thunder, began in Australia, though it's thought Tom will not be reprising his role in the film.

Low-key: The actor cut a casual figure as he bundled up in a red beanie during the chilly weather during a break from his busy acting schedule

Off for a walk? Tom opted for a relaxed green jacket and grey jumper as he headed out for a stroll with his dog

However he is set to appear as the villainous Loki in his upcoming spin-off series, which sees him travel through time and alter human history after stealing the Tesseract during the events of Avengers: Endgame.

Hiddlestons Loki has been one of the longest-running recurring characters in Marvels connected film universe, starting with Thor in 2011.

The new Loki series, and its six episodes, is expected to be released on Disney+ in May 2021.

In July it was also reported that Tom Hiddleston and his co-star Zawe Ashton have 'moved in together' after months of romance rumours.

The pair were now said to be living together in Atlanta, Georgia after they grew close while starring together in the West End production of Betrayal in London last year.

Safety first: The Thor star ensured he was well protected during the COVID-19 pandemic by wearing two masks under his hat

Sources close to the duo claim The Night Manager star, 39, and the actress, 35, are 'very well suited and enjoy the quieter side of life' - and may even spend the rest of the year in the US.

An insider told The Sun: 'Tom and Zawe have stayed quiet about their relationship but she has spent the last few weeks with him in the US.

'They are very well suited and enjoy the quieter side of life away from the glitz and glamour of the showbiz world.

'Their lives are typically very busy, so spending time together while not working has been something they have both embraced. Tom has made a home in Atlanta during lockdown and he is expecting to spend the rest of the year there.

MailOnline contacted representatives for Tom and Zawe for comment at the time.
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LOS LUNAS, N.M.  New Mexico State Police are investigating the non-fatal shooting of an armed man by Los Lunas police who say they returned gunfire after he shot at them while attempting to flee on foot across Interstate 25 in Los Lunas earlier this week.

The suspect who has not been identified will face unspecified criminal charges upon his release from an Albuquerque hospital for what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries in Mondays shootings, New Mexico State Police said in a statement Friday.

State police are investigating the officer-involved shooting at the request of the Los Lunas Police Department

The officers were not hurt. They observed the suspect with a handgun inside a Ford Expedition when they made a traffic stop at about 8 a.m. Monday, police said.

He refused orders to exit his vehicle and barricaded himself inside before running toward the interstate. The officer chased him across the north- and southbound lanes into an open field. As additional police officers arrives to assist, he fired at least one shot at the officers who returned fire, striking him.

The suspect was taken into custody without further incident. He was being treated at the hospital on Friday, where his exact condition is unknown.

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A day after the blast near Israel embassy, the Delhi police on Saturday have sought information from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office on people who came from Iran and other middle eastern countries in the last month. Details of those who are staying in hotels are currently being gathered. A special cell has also arrived at APJ Abdul Kalam road for collection of evidence. An FIR has been lodged in the case and further investigation is underway at the blast site. An alert has been issued at all airports, important installations, and government buildings in view of the blast and enhanced security measures have been put in place by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

READ | Israeli Officials May Visit India To Probe Blast Near Embassy; Bigger Explosion Suspected

Investigators have scanned footage of CCTV cameras installed nearby and spotted a vehicle moving suspiciously near the embassy just before the explosion. The cab landed two people at the spot and left. The special cell has contacted the cab driver and a blueprint of the suspects is being prepared.

Meanwhile, a team of Israeli officials is likely to visit India to investigate a minor bomb explosion at the national capital. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed "full confidence" in the Indian authorities in ensuring the safety of Israelis and Jews in India.

READ | Police Recover Envelope Addressed To Israeli Embassy From Blast Site: Sources

Blast near Israel Embassy

On the 29th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Israel after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) went off around 5:05 PM on Friday causing a minor blast. While no injuries have been reported due to the blast, the windows of few cars in the vicinity were shattered due to the impact. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sought a report on the incident and Shah has been briefed by Delhi Commissioner, NSA Ajit Doval, and top IB officials. Doval has taken stock of the situation while enhanced security measures have been put in place. The blast took place a few kilometers from Vijay Chowk, where President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were attending the Beating Retreat ceremony that marked the culmination of Republic Day celebrations.

READ | 'Full Confidence That India Will Ensure Safety Of Israelis': PM Netanyahu On Delhi Blast

READ | Delhi Blast: Jaishankar Dials Israel FM Gabi Ashkenazi, Assures Protection Of Diplomats
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Even though nine years have passed since Ralph Heimans was driven through the gates of Buckingham Palace for the most crucial 60 minutes of his career, the Australian artist is still bombarded with one big question: what's the Queen like? Heimans is armed with a good answer when I ask too. "She really does have an aura. If such a thing exists in this world, she has it. Although it might have helped that when I met her she was wearing the robes of state, encrusted in jewels and walking with four footmen carrying her 18-foot long robe. But I honestly was struck." Ralph Heimans' work, Coronation Theatre, being installed inside Westminster Abbey. Credit:Getty His more enduring insight into the Queen hangs in Westminster Abbey - a 2.5-metre high by 3.4-metre wide portrait commissioned to celebrate her 60 years on the throne. Heimans, an outsider of sorts in the Australian art world, was the only painter invited to mark the moment and was granted an hour-long sitting with the monarch in the Yellow Drawing Room of Buckingham Palace in 2012. The encounter firmly established him as the portraitist of choice for the royal houses of Europe and a genuine Australian success story  albeit not a hugely well-known one. Just think about it, says Michael Kirby, the former High Court judge who helped Heimans win the job. The only portrait of the Queen for her diamond jubilee was done by an Australian. And it has been acquired by Westminster Abbey and will be there for hundreds of years. When we first speak over Zoom, London is enduring another coronavirus lockdown. Heimans has not conducted any in-person sittings all year. "This pandemic has reminded me how much portraitists depend on human-to-human contact  the sitting, the initial exchange and spark that occurs between the subject and the artists is irreplaceable," he says.

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"I think there's a narrative here and in Australia that the arts can take a hit because it is not essential, which is very distressing. The arts are what keep us afloat during these times of distress." Ralph Heimans portrait of the Prince of Wales. He laughs when I ask whether the pandemic might inspire an era of portraits featuring masks. The eyes are the window to the soul and thankfully we can at least still see those. Whats amazing is how easily we can still recognise people with a mask on  how little information we require, within milliseconds, to identify somebody. The brain is incredible. Heimans will often start a major work by tackling the eyes. Its all in the eyes. When I have a blank canvas, as soon as you paint the eyes, it starts to breathe and it starts to tell you what the painting needs. His distress when fathers rights activist Tim Haries spray painted HELP over the Queens portrait in 2013 was slightly offset by relief the vandal had missed her eyes. "A portrait painter is a little bit like a sculptor  creating a form out of stone. You try to breathe life into a figure. It's not just a superficial thing of how they look. It's really how they move, how they feel, how they think. It's almost like being an actor  you have to inhabit that person." Ralph Heimans has lived in south London for 11 years. Credit:Edwina Pickles The roll call of Heimans famous subjects is striking. He immortalised Prince Philip in 2017 and Prince Charles the following year thanks to a commission funded by billionaire Anthony Pratt and partly orchestrated by Paul Keating, whose support for Heimans momentarily outweighed his republican leanings. Pratts friend, businessman Ross Fitzgerald, is also friends with Keating and the former prime minister became something of a middle man in suggesting Heimans might be the right choice to paint the future king.

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So, yes, a portrait of Prince Charles came about through Paul Keating, which is ... unexpected, Heimans laughs. But when you think about it, those two men connect really well, oddly, with their passion for the environment, art and architecture. Keating thinks the startling boyish 50-year-old artist is only just getting started: We are going to see a lot more of Ralph ... theres going to be an even bigger Ralph coming, Keating tells me. "Ralph is interested in beauty, a matter which has gone out of fashion. And of course I've been interested in beauty per se all my life so when you run into somewhat of a kindred spirit you do find something of a common cause." Heimans 2017 portrait of Prince Philip is set in the Grand Corridor at Windsor Castle. Credit:Buckingham Palace/AP Heimans' portraits of Danish Crown Prince Frederik and his Tasmanian-born wife Princess Mary hang in a 17th century castle north of Copenhagen. Labor lion Tom Uren and Murdoch family matriarch Dame Elisabeth have also sat for the Sydney-born talent, as have billionaire business identities Sir Frederick Barclay and Darla Moore. To commemorate the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeares death in 2016, publisher Random House picked Heimans to paint six literary icons including Booker Prize winning authors Margaret Atwood and Howard Jacobson, American writer Gillian Flynn and Norwegian crime novelist Jo Nesbo. He has also painted actor Dame Judi Dench and one-time Sydney Symphony Orchestra conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy. Ralph Heimans portrait of author Margaret Atwood.

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He is also the creative genius behind the official portrait of former governor-general Dame Quentin Bryce in the Members Hall at Parliament House, and Radical Restraint, the National Portrait Gallery's evocative tribute to the trailblazing legal giant Kirby. Kirby agrees the London-based Heimans is not celebrated at home to the extent he deserves. "Australia's like that, though," the former judge says. "Australia doesn't celebrate its heroes. Indeed it is sceptical of heroism, and tends to think that foreigners are by nature more gifted. We've had many people in Australia who have had to go overseas to get discovered. But I do think Ralph was discovered before he went to London." Heimans only came to paint Radical Restraint in 1996 after a chance conversation between Kirby and the painter's documentary maker father Frank. "We really did click," Heimans says. "He admired my work, which was wonderful, and I admired what he stood for, his bravery and his judicial philosophy. We became friends." Many years later Kirby would copy Heimans into an email he wrote suggesting Canberras National Portrait Gallery commission a piece for the Queens diamond jubilee. I read the email, called Michael and said, what are you cooking up? and he said would you like to do this portrait?, and I replied absolutely. John Dauth, Australias high commissioner to London at the time and a former press secretary to Prince Charles, took the pitch to Buckingham Palace. Ten months later the green light was granted and Heimans was whisked through the gates for the all-important sitting. 'You try to breathe life into a figure. It's not just a superficial thing of how they look. It's how they move, how they feel, how they think.' Portrait painter Ralph Heimans There's an element of destiny to Heimans' extraordinary success. Some of his first memories feature drawing and painting. "From a very early age I realised my identity was an artist," he says from the south London home he shares with wife Tami and their daughters Ellie-Rose and Hannah. "I had a very clear drive. It was from before I could write. I would sit alone for hours on end and just draw. I don't ever recall a bored moment in my childhood because I could just pick up a pencil."

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While Frank made documentaries, Heimans mother Josette taught French. His brother Jeremy would co-found activist group GetUp! in 2005. It was at the family home in Cremorne on Sydneys lower north shore where a 14-year-old Heimans fell in love with oils. The experience of oils was indescribable. I set up a corner in the dining room of the family house and that was it. I basically never left that space for the rest of school. Ralph Heimans portrait of actor Dame Judi Dench. Credit:Courtesy Ralph Heimans Heimans would go on to win the now defunct National Art Award aged just 17 and used the $2500 prize money to spend three months travelling Europe in search of an art school. But this was the 1980s and Heiman's interest in traditional European style was thoroughly unfashionable, even discouraged. He scoped out prestigious academies in Florence, Milan, London and Vienna but was disappointed they all focused on theory over technique. He returned to Australia dejected but determined. At one point Frank and Josette took their son to see a psychologist. When the doctor asked what was wrong, his exasperated parents blurted out in near-unison, "He wants to be an artist!" When the doctor asked what was wrong, his exasperated parents blurted out in near-unison, 'He wants to be an artist!'. "It was like a scene out of a Woody Allen movie," Heimans laughs. "The look on the psychologist's face was sort of like 'who am I supposed to be evaluating here?' It didn't take long before they did a complete about-face and were very supportive and it has been so important to have that." Conscious of his parents' concerns, Heimans enrolled to study architecture at Sydney University. "It was a bit odd because I was trying to design renaissance buildings in Ultimo, which did not go down well with the tutor." He eventually graduated with a degree in fine arts and pure mathematics  the latter of which he calls on to paint the intricate structural surrounds of portrait subjects.

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A man has appeared in court today charged with sending a suspicious package to a Covid vaccine factory that halted production for up to five hours.

Emergency services were called after staff raised the alarm and all workers had to be evacuated from the Wockhardt site in Wrexham, North Wales, on Wednesday as the package was investigated.

A spokesman for Kent Police said Anthony Collins, of Chatham, had been charged with dispatching an article by post with the intention of inducing the belief it was likely to explode or ignite.

He appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court on Saturday and was remanded in custody, the spokesman said.

The 53-year-old, who was arrested on Thursday, will next appear at Maidstone Crown Court on February 26.

A bomb squad pictured near the Wockhardt site in Wrexham, North Wales, after emergency services were called to the site on Wednesday and the package was investigated

A police forensic officer pictured walking past a bomb disposal unit van outside the Wockhardt pharmaceutical plant in Wrexham, North Wales, on January 27

Production ground to a halt at the site as the item, which police said was not a viable device, was investigated. The Army's bomb disposal unit worked on the package before taking it away for further analysis.

A spokesman for Kent Police previously said: 'Kent Police have detained a man after a suspicious package was sent to a Covid-19 vaccine production plant in North Wales.

'The suspicious package is reported to have been received at the facility, in Wrexham, on the morning of Wednesday 27 January 2021.

'As part of ongoing enquiries, which are being carried out by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, pre-planned warrants took place at addresses in Luton Road and Chatham Hill, Chatham, on the morning of Thursday 28 January.

'A 53-year-old man from Chatham has been arrested on suspicion of sending the packages and remains in custody as enquiries continue.

'There is no evidence to suggest there is an ongoing threat.'

A plant spokesperson had said the pause in manufacturing - which began around 11.30 - did not affect the previously-approved 'production schedule' of the vaccine.

Workers returned to the factory around 4.30pm and production has resumed after the suspicious package was 'made safe'.

Police officers outside the Wockhardt pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, a production plant for the coronavirus vaccine, on Wrexham Industrial Estate on Wednesday

The Covid vaccine factory in Wrexham, North Wales, pictured sealed off earlier this week with a bomb squad on the scene to investigate the suspicious package

A police cordon pictured on Wrexham Industrial Estate near the global pharmaceutical and biotechnology company Wockhardt site where Covid vaccines are being manufactured

The arrest came after police earlier raided two properties in Chatham, Kent.

Wockhardt, a global pharmaceutical and biotechnology company, provides fill-and-finish services for the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine - the final stage of putting the vaccine into vials.

On Wednesday a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Defence said an explosive ordnance disposal team based in Chester was called out just after 11.30am and was assisting the authorities in Wrexham.

The site was previously under threat from flood water, with the leader of Wrexham County Borough earlier saying authorities worked 'through the night' to ensure that the factory was not overwhelmed by the deluge.

Police pictured blocking Wrexham Industrial Estate near the Wockhardt factory earlier this week. Anthony Collins appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court today

Police cordons on Abbey Road outside the Wrexham Industrial Estate near the Wockhardt site where coronavirus vaccines are manufactured after a suspect package was found

Mark Pritchard said that resources such as gullies had been put in place to protect the vaccine storage facility on the industrial estate.

He earlier told Sky News: 'I'm sure you are aware that the Oxford vaccine is manufactured there and we had to work with the company logistically with their storage facility, that was under possibility of flooding.

'So we worked through the night with that and that was a success.

'This could have had an impact not just in Wrexham, Wales, but across the whole country with the vaccination supplies.'
Prime Minister is likely to chair an all-party meeting on Saturday through video conferencing ahead of the for smooth functioning of Parliament.

Leaders of all parties have been invited to attend the meeting that is scheduled to be held in the backdrop of the ongoing farmers' agitation against the agricultural legislations passed in September and have kept the government and opposition at loggerheads.

The government has not shown any inclination towards repealing the farm laws which is the prime demand of the protesting farmers.

On Friday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla presided over a meeting of the floor leaders.

After the meeting, Birla said he has requested leaders of all parties in Lok Sabha to respect the dignity of the House, and sought their cooperation for the smooth conduct of the proceedings.

A total of 18 Opposition parties boycotted the Presidential address on Friday on the commencement of the of Parliament the first of the new decade.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been repeating that the government should find solutions regarding the farmers' agitation.

Along with the Congress, 17 opposition parties had announced boycott of Kovind's address to express solidarity with farmers, who have been protesting since November 26 in Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur borders along Delhi, and other places to press for their demands.

--IANS

miz/pgh/in

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

HUDSONVILLE, MI -- Multiple fire departments are helping battle a large fire at a Hudsonville area business.

The fire was reported about 10:30 a.m. at 5182 Chicago Drive, just west of Hudsonville.

Firefighters used aerial trucks to pour water on a large building.

A sign near Chicago Drive showed the property contains four business -- Cutting Edge Excavating, HT Auto Service, Nykamps Leasing and Top Grade Aggregates.

It wasnt immediately clear if all four businesses were associated with the building that caught fire.

Responding firefighters were told the fire was at Cutting Edge Excavating.

On HBOs Real Time With Bill Maher, the host regularly turns a critical eye on current events. Last week, for example, Maher and his guests talked about political violence in Portland, and examples of window-smashing and vandalism that were part of demonstrations following the inauguration of Joe Biden as president. On Fridays episode, Maher again blasted Portland and Seattle radicals for rioting, actions that, as a means of actually effecting change, he said, are right up there with holding your breath til you get a pony.

Maher ends each episode with his New Rules segment, a series of jokes about timely topics, which ends with a longer editorial. Fridays New Rules began with Maher again turning the focus to Portland and Seattle.

When youre rioting against Donald Trump, and he loses, stop, Maher said. This month, radicals in Portland and Seattle took to the streets in a protest against the president who, for far too long, has presided over corruption and criminal behavior -- Joe Biden. Thats right, Joe Biden was president for one day, when protesters went to town on buildings, storefronts, garbage cans, and of course they broke windows at Starbucks, because, well, its like they say in that insurance commercial, Its what you do, Maher said sarcastically.

Maher said he understood the impetus for street fighting at times, and done peacefully, it can move the needle on how the public sees an issue. But, he went on, while Im sure its fun to cosplay V for Vendetta every night, lets be clear -- as a means of actually effecting change, its right up there with holding your breath til you get a pony.

With normality back, and the chance that government can function again, Maher said, We need to be reminded of something really important. That making progress, real progress that actually changes the lives of real people, comes mainly from dull, patient plodders who put in their 10,000 hours mastering the details of public service.

Then he went on to praise former U.S. Representative Henry Waxman, of California, whose accomplishments, Maher said, included bringing the tobacco industry to its knees, paving the way for less expensive generic drugs, expanding Medicaid coverage for pregnant women and children, putting teeth into the clean air and safe water drinking acts, and writing most of the Affordable Care Act. Waxman was, Maher said, a workhorse, not a show horse.

Its easy to spray paint (expletive) on a federal building, Maher said. Its a little harder to work inside, and actually make (stuff) happen. People, Maher went on, dont live in the world of political philosophies and endless intersectional theorizing.

Maher praised policy wonks who do their job, such as Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, John Lewis, Nancy Pelosi, Barney Frank and Barack Obama, as the wonks who never satisfy the radicals, but know how to actually make progress, as opposed to doing progressive theater. Its not the screamers, and the tweeters, its the worker bees with the name tags and the binders who deserve an award.

To that end, Maher introduced The Baldy Award, named in honor of Waxman, and intended to honor members of Congress who get stuff done. We need to bring unsexy back, Maher said.

More of our coverage:

Bill Maher weighs in on Portland protesters toppling Lincoln statue, Ted Wheeler, and says, Portlandia got it right

Subscribe to our What to Watch newsletter. Email:



-- Kristi Turnquist

kturnquist@oregonian.com 503-221-8227 @Kristiturnquist

On his last day in office, President Donald Trump issued pardons to 74 people and commuted the sentences for 70 others. For most recipients, the impact of Trump's actions is simple: They get out of jail or legal jeopardy.

More complicated are the last-minute pardons that Trump extended to some of his friends and allies, particularly political strategist Stephen Bannon. It would be a mistake to think that Bannon's pardon gives him a pass. He still has a lot to worry about.

Pardons do not take effect automatically. More than a century ago, the Supreme Court explained that, for a presidential pardon to be effective, it must be "accepted" by the person offered the pardon. Significantly, as Chief Justice John Marshall wrote in 1833, the decision to accept a pardon is an admission of guilt.

As a consequence, people offered a pardon who insist that they are innocent of the charges have the right to a trial to clear their name. But if they decide to accept the pardon, they convey to the world that they committed the crime and have been spared some of the consequences.

This was made clear in the dismissal of the indictment against Trump's former national security adviser Michael Flynn, whom Trump also pardoned. In agreeing to dismiss the indictment, Judge Emmet Sullivan emphasized that Flynn, after twice pleading guilty, had formally "accepted" the pardon. The judge characterized a presidential pardon as a "political decision." But the pardon "does not, standing alone, render [Flynn] innocent of the alleged violation" of a federal criminal statute. Instead, the judge extensively explained all the reasons, in fact, Flynn actually was guilty, as his invoking the pardon necessarily acknowledged.

The same principle applies to the pardon that Trump granted Charles Kushner, the father of Trump's son-in-law, Jared. In 2004, Kushner had pleaded guilty to 18 counts of a federal indictment charging him with illegal campaign contributions, tax evasion and witness tampering. He served 14 months in prison. His pardon does not imply that he was not guilty of those crimes, and it entitles him to no apology for the time he spent in jail. For him to accept the pardon, he must again effectively confirm his guilt.

The fact that the acceptance of a pardon is an admission of guilt poses a serious dilemma for Bannon, who has been accused, along with others, of defrauding donors who wanted to contribute to building Trump's infamous "wall" along our southern border. Bannon originally proclaimed his innocence, vowed to fight the charges and asserted "this entire fiasco is to stop people who want to build the wall." If he now goes into court and accepts the pardon to have the charges dismissed, he will thereby admit his guilt - in direct contradiction of his earlier protests of innocence.

Even if, as is likely, Bannon is prepared to invoke the pardon and thus admit his guilt, the resulting dismissal of the charges against him may not be the end of his entanglement in the border wall fundraising fraud. No doubt, Bannon has highly important testimony about the alleged scheme. Since acceptance of the pardon would protect Bannon from federal prosecution, the U.S. attorney may well decide to give Bannon formal "testimonial" immunity to force him to testify against his co-defendants or others involved in the fraudulent scheme. With this protection, Bannon would have no basis to refuse to testify. If he tried to clam up, he would be sent to jail for contempt.

In addition to calling Bannon as a witness against his co-defendants at their trial, the prosecutors could call him before a grand jury to question him about the possible culpability of others not yet indicted. In either case, if Bannon falsely denies facts establishing his own guilt, or that of his co-defendants, he will expose himself to prosecution for perjury. Since any perjury will occur after the pardon was issued, the pardon will not protect him from prosecution for a new crime.

Moreover, accepting the pardon may prove financially costly for Bannon. By implicitly admitting his complicity in bilking Trump supporters who thought that they were helping to fund the border wall, Bannon's acceptance of the pardon may be treated as a damning admission in lawsuits against him seeking to recoup the misdirected contributions. In addition, a presidential pardon only excuses federal crimes, but it does not protect Bannon from state prosecutors.

It is uncertain how the case against Bannon will proceed. He will either accept the pardon and live with the consequences of admitting his guilt, or go to trial and face the possibility of being convicted and going to prison. In either event, like anyone offered a pardon, he will not be able to maintain his claim of innocence unless he opts to stand trial rather than accept the pardon - and then only if a jury finds him "not guilty." Trump's offer of a pardon hardly wipes the slate clean.

- - -

Martin served as U.S. attorney and U.S. district judge for the Southern District of New York.

Lacovara served as counsel to the Watergate special prosecutor, deputy solicitor general and president of the D.C. Bar.
Dame Maureen Lipman's partner of 13 years has died after a short Covid-related illness.

The actress said of businessman Guido Castro: 'He got Covid  it wasn't Covid that killed him but it weakened him terribly.'

Dame Maureen, 74, said Mr Castro, 84, who was in a respite home and had a form of Parkinson's disease, tested positive days after receiving his vaccine jab.

'We don't know how he got it or when or if he had it when he got the vaccine,' she added.

The actress was with Mr Castro when he died on Thursday.

Dame Maureen, 74, said Mr Castro (pictured), 84, who was in a respite home and had a form of Parkinson's disease, tested positive days after receiving his vaccine jab

'I said to Guido, ''It's time to go. You've got to let go''.

'And I think for once in his life he actually did what I told him.'

Two weeks before his death, she gave an interview to Weekend magazine, published today.

Referring to the interview, she said yesterday she had announced Mr Castro's death because she did not want people to think 'I was being frivolous and joking at a time when my heart is cracking'.

Sometimes I think I'm immortal! Monster courgettes, Coronation Street under Covid and the joy of jigsaws  irrepressible as ever, Maureen Lipman, 74, says it takes more than lockdown to rein in her lust for life

By Chrissy Iley for Weekend Magazine

At 74, Dame Maureen Lipman is still as lively and opinionated as ever.

And as busy too. During lockdown she's not only been commuting up and down from her home in west London to Manchester every week for her role as Evelyn Plummer in Coronation Street, she's also reprised Martin Sherman's haunting one-woman theatrical masterpiece Rose  and in between she's been indulging a new-found passion for jigsaws.

'I hadn't done one in about 70 years,' she says. 'But I saw this video of Hugh Jackman who'd done this massive jigsaw of New York and it showed him putting the last piece in.

'They're better than mindfulness and meditation, two hours can pass without me thinking about Covid, Brexit or Boris Johnson's hair once. All that matters is that frilly dress on the woman in front of that blue building.'

Dame Maureen Lipman, 74, (pictured) who lives in west London, has spent lockdown starring in Coronation Street and Martin Sherman's one-woman theatrical masterpiece Rose

We're chatting over Zoom because her tour de force in the two-hour monologue Rose is now available to stream on Sky.

It's a memoir of the harrowing events of the last century, told through the eyes of a feisty Jewish woman from a tiny Russian village as she reflects on her life at the turn of the millennium.

She survived the horrors of the Warsaw ghetto where her husband and child died under Nazi occupation, and then escaped via the sewers and a ship called The Exodus to make a new life in America where she ended up running a hotel in Miami.

The play was first performed to huge acclaim by Oscar-winner Olympia Dukakis at the National Theatre in 1999, and Maureen's new version, filmed in an empty theatre, was originally made for release as a digital download at the height of the first lockdown last year.

'Martin wrote it when I'd just done the BT commercials, and I was very loathe to go into another Jewish part then,' she says. 'Also I was too young to play Rose. She's 80 and I was only 40 at the time.

'But this has come at the right time now, it's a brilliant piece of work. I first worked with Martin on his play Messiah in 1982, he's got my voice and I've got his  we understand each other.

'So even though I had to learn 47 pages of script in a very short time while still doing Coronation Street, I knew it was going to be all right because his dialogue just rolls out like Cleopatra coming out of a carpet.

'Rose is in Florida and sophisticated at this point in her life, so they got me a blouse to wear but it didn't go over my bosom. I had a little grey jacket with me, left to me by a friend from Germany who died.

Maureen revealed her role as Evelyn Plummer in Coronation Street (pictured) is her second stint on the show, after previously appearing as Lillian Spencer in 2002

'When the reviews came out last year they said, 'Even her jacket was redolent of a concentration camp.' It's marvellous how you can see what you want to.

'But this doesn't necessarily have to be another Jewish experience, it could be a Vietnamese boat experience. It just makes you feel differently about immigrants.

'I'd like to perform it in the theatre at some point in the future, if by then there is such a thing as the theatre.'

Meanwhile she's keeping her hand in playing Evelyn on Coronation Street. As Tyrone Dobbs' long-lost grandmother, she's already rubbed Ken Barlow, Rita Tanner and Tyrone's fiancee Fiz up the wrong way with her bluntness.

It's actually Maureen's second stint on the show, having appeared as Lillian Spencer, the snooty caretaker manager of the Rovers, for six episodes in 2002, and it re-establishes the connection to her late husband, the playwright Jack Rosenthal, who was a writer on the soap back in its 60s heyday. 'I was delighted when they offered me the part,' she says.

If people tell me they don't watch Corrie, I say 10m do !

'I had a different head on when I was in it before. Jack started on episode 31, and went on to write more than 100 of them. I always like it when people say to me, 'What are you doing these days? Ah, you're in Corrie, I've never watched it myself.'

'I tell them, 'Well, 10 million people make up for you!' It's a strange mixture of down-to-earth reality and fantastic absurdity, but if you watch something passionately you can believe anything.'

I wonder if all the commuting and hanging around on a busy TV set has worried her. 'They're very good at sending cars for me and they all have dividing screens,' she says.

'I was actually one of the first people to wear a mask back in February last year. People were looking at me like I was crazy.

Maureen said working in theatre taught her how to do her own make-up, however the new strains of covid has made her feel less safe. Pictured: Maureen in her one-woman play Rose

'Now I sit there on set with my mask and my gloves on and they take my temperature. I go to my dressing room where my costume is hanging up and my make-up and heated rollers are waiting for me, I plug in the rollers and put them in for Evelyn's hairstyle.

'The make-up girls aren't supposed to touch us, which doesn't bother me because if you've worked in theatre you can do your own make-up. Covid tests, of course, aren't entirely reliable.

'I did feel quite safe but I don't feel terribly safe now. It's these new strains. Say what you like about Boris, but nobody could have coped with that.

'The vaccine should have been the best of news, but it's been overshadowed by these variants and nobody really knows if the vaccine is going to work. When it comes down to those fine details we don't know, we're guinea pigs.

'It's agonising, but we do have a vaccine, Trump's gone and the Brexit deal is done, so we just have to get on with it.'

I couldn't do Strictly, I'm not great with criticism

Getting on with it has always been the Maureen Lipman way. She was made a Dame last October in the belated Queen's birthday honours list in recognition of a stage and screen career stretching back more than 50 years.

After training at LAMDA, her work has mostly been in the theatre (she was a member of the RSC and Laurence Olivier's National Theatre Company in the 70s).

But she came to prominence on television playing an agony aunt whose own personal life was a shambles in the sitcom Agony in the late 70s, and then of course as Jewish grandmother Beattie in those famous BT ads.

On the big screen she had supporting roles in Educating Rita with Michael Caine and Julie Walters, and Roman Polanski's 2002 Oscar winner The Pianist.

Maureen was married to Jack Rosenthal from 1974 until his death in 2004. Pictured: Maureen and Jack with daughter Amy and son Adam in the 70s

She was married to Jack Rosenthal from 1974 until his death from cancer in 2004, and she had roles in a number of his works.

It was Jack who wrote the 1983 Barbra Streisand film Yentl, and knowing that I have interviewed Barbra in the past Maureen is keen to know more. 'Did you go to her house?' she asks. 'Did she have Art Deco furniture?'

In the new play Rose delivers her monologue from a bench where she's sitting shiva (a Jewish mourning tradition in which people sit together and remember the dead), and I tell Maureen that Barbra was about to sit shiva when I interviewed her once.

But I sat on the wrong side of her and she got very upset with me.

THE DAY BARBRA STREISAND PRANKED MY HUSBAND Maureen's late husband Jack Rosenthal crops up a few times during our chat, and at one point she tells me how Barbra Streisand once played a joke on him on the set of the 1983 film Yentl, which she directed and starred in and Jack co-wrote with her. 'They didn't speak much, they just got on with it, and one day as the cameras were about to roll Barbra seemed restless,' she says. Pictured: Barbra in Yentl 'The assistant was in and out, and finally she came back with a package. 'Barbra went into the bathroom, and when she came out she said to Jack, who was famously gullible, 'When the green ring's at the top and the blue ring's at the bottom does it mean you're pregnant, or is it the other way round?' Jack said, 'Er...' It was a brilliant moment because he had no idea, and millions of dollars rested on that result. 'The film went ahead and she did an exceptional job which people really don't give her credit for.' Advertisement

Maureen is incredulous. 'There's a right side to sit shiva?' she asks.

I explain that it wasn't about a right side to sit shiva, but a right side to sit next to Barbra because she feels one side of her face is less attractive than the other.

'Did you ever meet a woman who was happy with the way she looked?' says Maureen.

'Who was that woman, apart from my mother? If women are happy with their faces it's because they've had a lot of work done. That's not a woman who's satisfied with her looks, because then they do it again and again and that's the problem.

'When you see yourself on screen regularly it doesn't make you happy, it makes you fixate on things. I used to fixate on my eye bags.

'I used to sit with cucumbers on my eyes every morning until I started fixating on something else, the saggy bits where my cheekbones used to be, and that took care of the next year.'

Our chat flits in and out of the ageing process. 'We think we're immortal, which means you never plan ahead,' she says.

'You're just entranced by each new thing that comes up and you think, 'OK, I'll deal with that.'

When I tell her that's exactly what I'm doing at the moment as I've broken my foot falling down the stairs and have my leg in a cast, she says, 'You have to be glad you're a journalist and not an ice skater!

'One of the things I've discovered about ageing is that you don't pick your feet up enough. I did it down the Tube steps, landed on my knees with a sickening crunch. It makes you tentative.'

Although she says she's increasingly feeling her age, she has a healthy disregard for it too. 'I've started making noises when I get up, 'Ow, ow...', surely that's the beginning of the end,' she laughs.

'But I've been doing my own version of a workout on a chair every day. It's not really a Joe Wicks type of thing. It doesn't leave you out of breath, it's a kind of daft yoga. And in between I do face, voice and eye exercises.'

She shares her home with her two dogs, a basenji and a podengo. 'Diva the basenji is 15 and Inky is two, she's a Spanish rescue dog. I was outside the vet's the other day and I ran into Catherine Tate with her dog.

'I said, 'Is that dog a griffon?' and she said, 'You're only the second person ever to have identified my dog.'

'I do love dogs, but I shouldn't really have them because you have to give them your full focus. I tried taking Diva on tour with me once and she ate the dressing room in Woking.

'She's so beautiful, like a little movie star, like a fox, red and white. She's really more like a cat, she's not a cuddly dog.

'She doesn't come near me unless I say so, which is good for me because I don't really do needy. I'm not very good at fussing or being fussed over.

'I remember Diana Rigg said to me when we were in The Cherry Orchard many years ago, 'Why don't you get yourself a real dog?' I said, 'She is a real dog, I love her', and she said, 'Well, she doesn't love you!'

The dogs have been another boon for her during lockdown.

'We've been going for long walks, which has been amazing. If you look up in London you see amazing things all the time, it's so fantastically beautiful.

'I also took up painting and somehow I grew a monster courgette. Suddenly I was painting tables, spraying furniture and moving it around. I was busy.

'I don't usually watch a lot of television, but I've watched all of the French comedy Call My Agent on Netflix and the documentary My Octopus Teacher was great.'

She was captivated by Strictly too, and buoyed by the fact that the winner was of a certain age.

'I thought one of the pretty ones would win because they always do, so there's something in the fact that Bill Bailey won.

'He was elegant and graceful and screamingly funny. It's a great mark of where we're at as a nation that we wanted someone who's slightly over the hill to win.'

Would she ever like to have done Strictly herself? 'I've never done it because I've never been great with criticism,' she says.

'I don't want to be pushed towards emotion. It's too easy. If I was standing there and I'd done my best and... well, I don't want people to see me getting upset.'

Meanwhile, it's back to the Hugh Jackman-inspired jigsaws. 'I love Hugh Jackman. I worked with him for a year on Oklahoma! at the National and I didn't find anything to complain about, and I can find the flaw in a Persian carpet before it's been spun.

'I went to see his one-man show in Manchester in 2019 and I got tickets for some of the Coronation Street people. I went early to have a chat with him  he lets in people who are either big fans or disabled and he meets them before the show and signs things.

'Then he has a little circle where we went and he introduced me. I'd gone out beforehand around Manchester, bought a bottle of wine and passed it around to the cast. It really was fabulous, he's a fabulous showman.

'Halfway through the show he introduced me to thousands of people, I had to stand up and my face was red.

'At the end the guy who plays Craig the policeman in Coronation Street said, 'Thanks very much for getting us tickets, but did you mean to have that in your hair?'

'I then saw that I'd been walking around with a Velcro curler in all night. The whole time I was turning and accepting compliments with a Velcro roller in!'

Rose is available now on Sky On Demand/Now TV.
Mandatory seven-day institutional quarantine for those returning from the United Kingdom, imposed in light of the new strain of coronavirus detected in that country, has been relaxed, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority said in an order issued on Friday.

The decision was taken after a review meeting wherein it was found that the positivity rate among those returning from the UK was low, Hindustan Times reported. The passengers will, however, still have to home quarantine for seven days.

Earlier, the Delhi government had mandated seven days of institutional quarantine followed by another seven days of home isolation irrespective of whether they tested negative for Covid-19 upon arrival in Delhi.

Earlier this month, the Union Health Ministry made negative Covid-19 test reports dating back at least 72 hours before the flight mandatory for passengers coming from the UK. Passengers are also required to take the RT-PCR test on arrival at the entry airport in India.

India had suspended all passenger flights between the UK and India from December 23 to January 7 as a new variant of coronavirus emerged in the UK. Over 60 passenger flights per week were flying between India and the UK in December before the suspension.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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: Morrison family Sarah Morrison

A Northern B.C. woman is mourning after her child died during birth Thursday morning, after she was allegedly turned away at the Kitimat General Hospital.

Sarah Morrison, 21, was already two weeks past her due date when she went into labour early Thursday morning, reports CTV News. She made her way to the Kitimat General Hospital, but was told she would need to travel to the Terrace hospital instead, about 65 kilometres away.

They checked in on the baby. They said the baby had a strong heartbeat, Morrisons uncle, Dustin Gaucher, told CTV News.

For whatever reason, they said they cant deliver the baby in Kitimat. Thats where my questions come in. Why not, if theres an open maternity ward?

Morrison's family says she had to call her own ambulance to get a ride to Terrace, but the paramedics tried to take her to the Kitimat hospital. Instead, Morrison's father drove her the 65 kilometres to Mills Memorial Hospital in Terrace.

Tragically, Morrison delivered her stillborn baby at the hospital.

"I wanted to celebrate a birth of a grandchild. This is traumatic for me. This is traumatic for my family, said Gaucher.

Northern Health says the Kitimat hospital does deliver babies, including by C-section, but patients may be referred to other facilities in some high-risk situations.

Ideally, that is something planned in advance as part of care-planning with the patient, but in some circumstances, more emergent transfer may be required, the health authority said in a statement.

Gaucher alleges the hospital staff told his niece to go to the hospital in Terrace because she's Indigenous. Friday, Health Minister Adrian Dix acknowledged systemic anti-Indigenous racism in B.C.'s health system.

While some steps have been taken to make health care safe and accessible, there is much, much more to do, he said, adding that Northern Health is reviewing Morrison's case.

For now, the family is left to wonder if the delay contributed to the death of the infant, as they mourn their loss.

Its world-shattering. In our culture, our elders come back as our children, Gaucher said. They come to heal us, they come to be with us and give us what we need. Now, my niece was robbed of that. My whole family was robbed of that.

 with files from CTV Vancouver

New Delhi:

Four persons including two security personnel were killed in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast on Saturday near a security check post in northwest Pakistan near the Afghan border, officials said.



The security personnel spotted an unattended bag at Aka Khel Check Post in Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency, where a routine check-up was underway, they further added.



The bag exploded when the security personnel was searching the bag. It killed four people on the sport, the official said. Those killed were identified as Naik Mehmud Shah, Levies Naik Bagh Mir, and two civilians.



No group has taken the responsibility of the attack yet. The area was sealed immediately after the attack and the security forces started search operation to nab the culprits.



With PTI inputs.

ALSO READ | Manipur IED Blast: One Assam Rifles jawan killed, 3 injured in Ukhrul district

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
THE EU was forced into an embarrassing U-turn last night as it backtracked on a decision to block vaccines being transported into Northern Ireland.

The move followed hours of diplomatic chaos after it emerged the EU triggered an article of the Northern Ireland Protocol which introduces checks on goods entering Northern Ireland.

This would have allowed EU authorities stop the importation of vaccines manufactured on the continent entering Northern Ireland.

A European Commission source described the decision to invoke the article as an oversight.

The source said a mistake was made somewhere along the way and insisted vaccines would not be stopped from entering the North.

Under the Brexit deal agreed between the UK and EU goods are permitted to move freely between the North and South of Ireland.

Read More

Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol allows either side introduce controls on goods in emergency situations.

There were frantic phones calls between Taoiseach Micheal Martin and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen when it emerged vaccines could be prevented from moving between the EU and Northern Ireland.

There was also significant backlash against the EU from both sides of the Border when the decision emerged.

The row was sparked by moves to override the Northern Ireland protocol, signed as part of Brexit, to prevent vaccines manufactured on the continent from being delivered to the UK.

The EU at first appeared to have invoked Article 16 of the Brexit withdrawal deal.

However, in a statement late last night, the Commission said it will ensure the Northern Ireland Protocol is unaffected  but left the door open to using all the instruments at its disposal if vaccines are transported outside the union to third countries in such a way as to circumvent a new authorisation system.

The statement said it was putting in place a measure requiring that vaccine exports would be subject to an authorisation by EU member states.

This was was to tackle the current lack of transparency of vaccine exports outside

the EU.

The final version of the implementing regulation will be published following its adoption today.

An original text of the legislation that had appeared on the Commissions website  and mentioned Article 16  was later removed.

A government source said the Taoiseach had not been given any advance warning of the EU decision to invoke the article in the protocol.

The source said the article may have been inadvertently triggered by someone who did not understand the political implications of the decision.

Some EU officials are understood to be livid about the move, which they see as ruining the work theyve done since the Brexit vote in 2016.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Mr Martin spoke on the phone last night as the row developed.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: The prime minister had a constructive discussion with the Taoiseach Micheal Martin. The PM set out his concerns about the EUs use of Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol and what these actions may mean for the two communities in Northern Ireland.

The PM stressed the UKs commitment to working together with other countries in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The move follows a very public spat between the EU and vaccine manufacture AstraZeneca.
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

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Brussels, Jan 30 : The number of new coronavirus cases has more than doubled among children under the age of 10 in one week in Belgium, a top health official said here.

In a statement issued here on Friday, Yves Van Laethem, the inter-federal Covid-19 spokesman, said the actual rate of increase was 128 per cent, reports Xinhua news agency.

The increase in contaminations among teenagers was 41 per cent, he said.

"Currently in Belgium, three-quarters of the new cases detected are linked to children or teenagers," he said.

The increase is due to the scale of screening campaigns focusing on clusters within schools.

Twenty-one per cent of Covid-19 transmissions occurred in schools, one-third in retirement homes and a quarter (26 per cent) in companies, Van Laethem said.

A total of 702,437 people have been infected with coronavirus in Belgium, according to figures published by the public health institute Sciensano.

The death toll currently stands at 20,982.

To combat the spread of the virus, Belgium launched a vaccination campaign on December 28, 2020, using the Pfizer/BioNTech jab.

The first dose of the vaccine has already been administered to 243,412 people and the second to 3,458 others.

Up to January 26, the Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products had reported 262 adverse side effects linked to the Pfizer vaccine, 37 of which were considered serious.

"Among the serious effects, 14 people died after receiving the Pfizer vaccine. All of these deceased patients were over 70 years of age and five of them were over 90 years of age," said Laethem.

The epidemiological situation remains extremely complex in Belgium. On some days the number of infections is increasing, on other days it is decreasing, he added.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
WASHINGTON  A federal appeals court on Friday lifted a block on a Trump-era policy of rapidly turning away migrant children as public health risks, ramping up pressure on the Biden administration to restore the asylum process at the southwestern border.

In March, the Trump administration effectively sealed the border from asylum seekers, citing the threat of the coronavirus. The latest court decision, from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, reverses the impact of a lower-court ruling from November that found that expelling thousands of children without the opportunity to assess their claims for protection exceeded the authority of the public health emergency rule. President Donald J. Trump used the rule, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to empower border agents to rapidly return migrants to Mexico or to their home countries.

Ruth Clemens, a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security, did not answer questions on Friday as to whether the expulsions would immediately restart. She instead issued a statement deferring to the Justice Department, which did not return a request for comment.

President Biden said during his candidacy that he would enact a more humane policy at the border, but his administration has not said publicly how it will handle the pandemic emergency rule. The Trump administration argued that the rule was necessary to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in detention facilities.
Washington: In the latest sign of rising tensions within the US Congress, a Democratic congresswoman said on Friday she plans to relocate her Capitol Hill office for safety reasons after being berated by an outspoken conservative Republican congresswoman.

Democrat Cori Bush, an ordained pastor from Missouri, described confrontations with Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, whose office is located near Bushs in one of the three large House of Representatives office buildings. Both are first-term House members who took office this month.

House Democrat Cori Bush, pictured last year, will move offices after a clash with a pro-conspiracy theory Republican representative. Credit:AP

The incidents are further evidence of discord among lawmakers after a January 6 riot during which supporters of Republican former President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol, interrupting the formal certification of President Joe Bidens election victory and leading to the deaths of five people.

Bush wrote on Twitter that she is moving her office after Greene berated me in a hallway and came up from behind me, loud and unmasked. Public health experts have recommended masks to help curb the spread of COVID-19.
NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of the securities of Voyager Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: VYGR) between June 1, 2017 and November 9, 2020, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than March 24, 2021.

Rosen Law Firm, P.A. Logo

SO WHAT: If you purchased Voyager securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Voyager class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-2026.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than March 24, 2021. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience or resources. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 3 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020 founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Story continues

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) the Company's VY-HTT01 IND submission to the FDA lacked key information regarding certain chemistry, manufacturing and controls ("CMC") matters, including, inter alia, drug-device compatibility and drug substance and product characterization; (2) the Company's IND submission for VY-HTT01 was therefore deficient; (3) the Company had thus materially overstated the likelihood of FDA approval for VY-HTT01 based on the IND submission; and (4) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Voyager class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-2026.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

-------------------------------

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

lrosen@rosenlegal.com

pkim@rosenlegal.com

cases@rosenlegal.com

www.rosenlegal.com

Cision

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SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
Posted Friday, January 29, 2021 5:59 am

On Thursday, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission approved a proposal from the United States Navy to conduct special operations training at several state parks in the western part of the state.

During the meeting on Jan. 28, State Parks staff presented a list of recommendations along with the final Mitigated Determination of Nonsignificance (MDNS) for the commission to consider in the deciding of the outcome of the Navys proposal.

The modifications included in the final MDNS and modified permit criteria reflect information staff learned from public comments solicited in the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) environmental review and testimony heard during a virtual public meeting on Jan. 26. Highlights mentioned in the news release are: more robust protection measures for plant species and marine and terrestrial animals; limiting training to nighttime hours only when parks are closed to day-use visitors; and further direction on avoiding Tribal cultural resources and not interfering with Tribal fishing or shellfish harvesting activities and monitoring. In addition to notifying State Parks prior to conducting training, the Navy must also notify State Park after operations and conduct a site review with staff and provide periodic reports to the commission.

For more details about the Navy proposal and staff recommendations, contact Steve Brand, Partnerships and Planning, (360) 902-8651, or Jessica Logan, Environmental Program manager, (360) 902-8679.

Thailand, one of the most successful countries in the world at keeping coronavirus in check, has seen its travel industry devastated.

But there are signs that restrictions are starting to lift  and hopes that the South East Asian nation may open to tourists who have been vaccinated without them needing to self isolate for 16 days.

Two leading hotel groups have told the Financial Times that they want the Thai government to remove the need to quarantine for visitors who have completed a course of officially recognised vaccines.

Since March 2020, travellers to Thailand have had to spend 15 nights on arrival at a government-designated hotel, though they can choose which property suits them  and their budget.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has even launched a Happy Quarantine project with craft kits handed out to tourists entering self-isolation. But meanwhile a survey by the authority indicated that one in three businesses in the sector has closed.

William Heinecke, chairman of Thailands largest listed hospitality group, Minor International, said: "There are tremendous numbers of people who wont come to Thailand, or wont come to any country that has a quarantine, because it takes too much time.

We should be very quickly allowing people who are safely vaccinated to travel without quarantine.

Suphajee Suthumpun, chief executive of Dusit International, called for hospitality workers to be prioritised for vaccination. This would also protect locals and travellers alike, and limit the risk of infection, she said.

International tourism normally comprises one-sixth of the nations GDP. While 2019 saw a record 40 million arrivals, they fell by 83 per cent in 2020.

Rules restricting domestic tourism are beginning to ease, and some temporarily suspended internal air links are restarting in February.
Talented North Wales artists served up paintings for world food poverty recipe book

This article is old - Published: Saturday, Jan 30th, 2021

Talented North Wales artists searching for a route into the creative industries were given a design for life by Conwy Employment Hub.

With the support of a dedicated mentor, Jamie Griffiths and Emily Gibbs were inspired to produce stunning artwork for the best-selling Secret Dishes from Around the World 2.

Published by Bounceback Food  a community interest company (CIC) serving people in food poverty across North Wales, Cheshire, and Greater Manchester  the book featured low cost, healthy recipes from all over the globe.

Having signed up for the Hubs Communities for Work programme, Emilys creativity came to the fore and she was invited to submit a painting for the publication.





Jamie, from Colwyn Bay, had been involved as a volunteer cook with their Sit and Stew project, a cafe offering a hot meal and a space for people to come together, but it was his artistic flare that most impressed the judges, who were searching for 20 pictures to complement their recipe ideas.

Despite many talented entrants, both Jamie and Emily, from Conwy, were successful, designing incredible images to showcase the cuisine of their allocated countries, Turkey and New Zealand.

The pair were also invited to the launch event in Manchester, with travel and even new outfits funded by the Hub.

Jamie said: I was flattered and a bit humbled when asked to present some of my images for consideration to the Bounceback team.

Its been really gratifying to know that my illusions can go some way in alleviating societies burgeoning spectre of food poverty.

Emily added: This is quite possibly the coolest thing Ive ever done, and Im proud of the piece I made.

I hope the book does well and feel like doing this project has shown me what Im capable of; its definitely helped my self-belief.

The new-look Conwy Employment Hub incorporates the successful Communities for Work, Communities for Work Plus, ADTRAC and PaCE programmes, providing anyone aged 16 and above who is not in employment, school, or college with access to mentors and advisors who can help remove barriers and enhance their future career prospects.

The everyday pressures of life are often major obstacles, which is where they step in, helping with things such as transport costs, childcare support, tenancy and housing issues as well as arranging food parcels and supporting people with their mental health.

Libby Duo, Conwys Principal Officer for Skills and Employability, congratulated Emily and Jamie for their successful contributions to the project.

We have worked closely with Bounceback for many years and are so proud of both of them for producing such brilliant artwork, both pieces are fantastic, she said.

Most importantly, it gave them vital experience in the creative sector, which is where they both see their futures, and helped build their confidence  congratulations Emily and Jamie, what an amazing achievement.

Duncan Swainsbury, Director of Bounceback, added: Secret Dishes has been a wonderful project to work on and will raise vital funds for our organisation.

Its a unique cookbook that shows how, despite the many restrictions of 2020, creativity and community spirit can still flourish.

Were thrilled with the artwork that Emily and Jamie have produced for the book in their respective sections, it looks magnificent! Theyve both gained an enormous amount of confidence and self-belief by being involved in its production.

For more information and to access support, call 01492 575578 or email communitiesforwork@conwy.gov.uk. Alternatively, visit www.conwy.gov.uk.

Visit www.bouncebackfood.co.uk for more on the community cookery school and to purchase a copy of Secret Dishes from Around the World 2.
Election Commission of India: Institutionalising Democratic Uncertainties by Ujjwal Kumar Singh and Anupama Roy, New Delhi: Oxford University Press, pp 384, 1,100 (hardcover).

As much as elections are essential for sustaining democracy, the humongous challenge of managing the governance of elections in a populous country such as India often goes unnoticed. Enormous efforts have been made in India to organise, sustain and entrench free and fair elections right from the first election; the country having conferred itself with universal adult franchise, put in place a robust electoral machinery and struggled against deep-rooted social hierarchies. Along the way, the country has sustained its democratic focus amidst the vagaries of politics accompanying the second democratic upsurge (Yadav 1996), and proliferation of political parties. At the centre of this long and challenging journey has been the Election Commission of India (ECI), which is the institution established by the Constitution of India to superintend, direct and control the conduct of elections.

It is the journey taken by the ECI that the monograph traces with rigour and lucidity. Ujjwal Kumar Singh and Anupama Roy narrate the struggles faced by the ECI in institutionalising procedural certainties for facilitating uncertainty in electoral outcomes. In doing so, they highlight the critical role that the ECI plays in nurturing democracy, and turn the spotlight on the critical contribution of democratic institutions. This is a timely intervention, given that democratic institutions all over the world have come under intense scrutiny in recent times. The arguments put forward in the book have been supported with evidence emerging from extensive archival research of election reports, interviews with electoral officers and systematic study of election laws and court judgments. We recommend this book as an informative reading for scholars, students and practitioners who are interested to know more about the functioning of the Election Commission, and the journey that the institution has traversed over time.

https://amgreatness.com/2021/01/29/caught-with-their-hands-in-the-cookie-jar/

I agree with most of this.

If you have a number of children, as I do, you might be familiar with something like the following scene: A child is caught red-handed doing something he shouldnt, say, stealing a cookie from the cookie jar. When confronted, he immediately begins to deny guilt and deflect blame.

My sister ate the cookie! I was just reaching my hand in to make sure it was gone so I could tell you, the child might exclaim, while dusting cookie crumbs off of his shirt. If pressed about his obvious guilt, he might become angry and lash out.

This is just the sort of behavior we are witnessing from the election-rigging Democrats over the past several weeks. They scream insurrection and coup at 74.2 million Trump supporters who supposedly bear collective guilt for the actions of a few hundred rioting LARPers at the Capitol, who were immediately denounced by virtually everyone on the Right (in sharp contrast to leftist rioters over the summer, who were coddled and encouraged by the Democrats).

Meanwhile, these same election riggers have launched a domestic terrorism witch hunt against Trump supporters, in a clear and obvious attempt to suppress political opposition to the new regime.

Like the child with his hand in the cookie jar, the more guilty the Democrats are of winning a blatantly rigged election versus Donald Trump, the louder they must scream about their noble crusade to save democracy from fascism.

As commentator Glenn Greenwald recently told Tucker Carlson, Theyre trying to harness corporate and monopoly power to silence everyone who disagrees with them, the very hallmark, the epitome of the fascism they claim to be fighting,but which in reality they embody.

The Depressing Truth

Given our current strategic situation, the fact that this election was rigged is the core message we need to proclaim, and that isnot coincidentallywhy it is the one thing social media and the powers that be will not allow us to say. The reign of terror they are unleashing upon the Right is really a demand that we accept their false narrative.

And heres an uglier and more depressing truth we need to embrace: They rigged the election in front of our very eyes because we werent smart enough, tough enough, and most importantly, not powerful enough to stop them. Thats something we desperately need to fix before 2024, and election integrity efforts led by Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.)not coincidentally three of the top targets of the left-wing mobare a vital part of that effort.

To be clear, there are some important ways in which I differ from Trump and some of his supporters on the nature of the election-rigging that took place. While I have not reviewed every detail of each claim, reports that I have examined of hacked Dominion machines, mass-switched votes, or other overt fraud at the level to have changed the election results ranges from the somewhat unlikely to the outlandish. President Trump did not help his own case by amplifying some of the more implausible of these theories. But direct fraud is mostly for amateurs. The Democrats were pros, stacking the deck so heavily in advance that they could be virtually certain the cards would play out in their favor.

In this context, it is important to note the closeness of the race: just 44,000 votes in three states, a total of 0.013 percent of the total votes cast nationwide, would have needed to be switched from Biden to Trump to have handed President Trump a victory. In a free and fair U.S. election, Donald Trump would have certainly been reelected, and probably reelected easily.

So while I remain somewhat skeptical about the mass rigging of the vote count itself, most assuredly everything else about the election was rigged.

The voter registration and the voting process was rigged: Facebook helped register more than 4.4 million voters, with a clear and substantial slant to the Democrats. Meanwhile, Mark Zuckerberg, through the Center for Technology and Civic Life, whose intricate dark money plans were revealed by the Amistad Project, personally spent nearly $500 million on election technology with benefits and registration overwhelmingly going to Democratic areas, in violation of state laws in many cases.

Activist organizations created a two-tiered election system that treated voters differently depending on whether they lived in Democrat or Republican strongholds, wrote Amistad Project director Phil Kline in the devastating report documenting the tech oligarchs corrupt practices.

Meanwhile, Michael Bloomberg personally spent $100 million on Democrats get-out-the-vote efforts in Florida alone (along with $5 million going to Stacey Abrams in Georgia), all to media applause. Remember when the Democrats pretended to care about campaign finance reform?

Rigging All Around

The tech platforms were rigged. Facebook and Twitter deplatformed some of Trumps most powerful and influential online supporters. Others, observing what happened to their comrades, self-censored. In the leadup to 2020, Reddit took down the most popular Donald Trump forums. The presidents statements were publicly challenged by the platforms and made difficult to share.

The New York Post, founded by Alexander Hamilton, had their explosive story on Hunter Biden censored and their account frozen by Twitter while Facebook censored it from newsfeeds. And of course, immediately after their successful coup, Big Tech dropped all pretense, banning the sitting president himself, and preventing him from talking to the American people from his most powerful communications channel. When the full data on Googles search engine manipulation is released by researcher Robert Epstein in the coming months, well have an even more complete picture of tech malfeasance.

The debates were rigged. The Presidential Debate Commission, as Bob Dole noted, had no Trump supporters on it. Yet we were supposed to assume the debates were fair despite the obvious bias in the moderators questions and subjects.

The public polls were riggedand private pollsters were afraid to get crosswise of media polls. For the second straight election, Trumps support was badly understated. These polls helped build a consensus narrative that was highly unfavorable to the president, which became self-fulfilling. Allegedly partisan GOP pollsters were more accurate.

The voting process was rigged. Numbers of rejected mail-in ballots were often an order of magnitude lower this year than in previous years. With mail-in voting being overwhelmingly done by Democrats, this was a tremendous partisan advantage. The extension of voting to weeks, rather than having it conducted only on Election Day or over a couple of days again helped the Democrats bring out their marginal voters. There were extensions of balloting before and beyond dates allowed in state constitutions. Thats to say nothing of ballot harvesting and ballot curing done on heretofore unprecedented scales.

The media was rigged. They relentlessly pushed Russian collusion conspiracy theories for four years while failing seriously to ask even the most basic questions of Biden concerning his mental acuity, frequent lids, and his views on critical policy positions such as a radical plan to pack the Supreme Court. Biden had an almost 50-year record filled with no small numbers of scandals, and the media refused to interrogate it.

The handling of COVID was rigged. From two weeks to slow the spread transforming into months of lockdowns, to the fact that numerous re-openings of schools, businesses, and other public forums conveniently occurred shortly after Biden took office. The lockdowns were particularly devastating to small businesses whose owners made up a powerful Trump constituency, while Bidens Big Tech backers made billions and his government employee supporters, including powerful teachers unions still drew their paychecks. Months of Black Lives Matter riots were encouraged by all of the institutions of our societyeven public health officials during the heart of the pandemic. Corporations gave BLM organizations more than $10 billion in 2020. These demonstrations and shows of raw, unchecked, left-wing power energized the Democrats base while the inaction of the authorities to stop it discouraged ours.

Some of the areas above had greater effect than others on the ultimate outcome, but without question, in totality, they provided far more than the narrow margin needed to turn a Biden victory into a Trump one.

A Call to Live in Truth

Of course, the Left wants us to stop whining and says that we are undermining confidence in our institutions, but our institutions have been at war with the American middle class for decades. In such a situation, undermining confidence in our system is not a bug, its a feature.

It is also no coincidence that the Republican quislingswho have played so conveniently into the Democrats impeachment talking points and express outrage at the presidents election rhetoriccant seem to muster any outrage at all for any of the systemic rigging discussed above. Its almost as if they are happier with the uniparty, where they can play the loveable respected losers in a Washington Generals-Harlem Globetrotters D.C. soap opera.

Given the numerous powers arrayed against us, we have one power leftwhat the great Czech dissident playwright and future prime minister Vaclav Havel called,The Power of the Powerless. We can refuse to live the lie the Democrats are attempting to force on us and in fact, live in truth. As we enter into four years of dissidenceliving our lives as a real resistance, rather than the fake corporate-sponsored resistance of the Democrats in the Trump era, Havels call to live in truth, even against tremendous resistance from the corrupt establishment in both parties, will be become essential for us to embrace.

Blast outside Israeli embassy may be connected to 2012 terror attack on diplomats in Delhi: Envoy

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Jan 30: A day after a blast outside its Embassy here, Israel's ambassador to India Ron Malka said there are enough reasons to believe it was a terrorist attack but they are not surprised at the event as the alert level had been increased for past few weeks following intelligence inputs.

In an interview with PTI, he also said the investigations will look into all possible angles, including whether there are any links to the 2012 attack on Israeli diplomats here while events around the world are also being examined to find any related operations or activities at any destination.

"These attacks by those seeking destablisation in the (West Asia) region cannot stop us or scare us. Our peace efforts will continue uninterrupted," he said when asked whether the attack was aimed at derailing Israel''s peace efforts with various Arab countries.

Embassy blast: Letter, half burnt pink scarf under Delhi Polices radar

He said Israeli authorities and the embassy are providing all assistance and every information Indian authorities probing the attack.

A low-intensity improvised explosive device(IED) went off near the Israeli Embassy in the heart of Delhi on Friday evening but no one was injured.

Some cars were damaged in the blast that occurred about 150 metres away from the Embassy in Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road in the very high-security Lutyens'' bungalow zone.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, January 30, 2021, 17:38 [IST]


Latvia

Chaos: Largest of EUs three ex-Soviet Baltic states admits mass vaccination of its two million people wont begin before April. Only 30 first-time doses given on Thursday, while 738 people received second shot. Total jabs so far is 23,091. Country was offered 800,000 Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines and PM Arturs Krisjanis Karins has said he is confused, claiming someone in our system decided secretly to take only 97,500.

Poland

Major unrest: Only 1.1 million jabbed of 38 million population. Long queues at medical centres led to demonstrations, including one in Warsaw by senior citizens, right, who protested outside the capitals Chancellery about waiting times for jabs  while the countrys PM Mateusz Morawiecki was inside. Serious shortage of doses has caused some hospitals to suspend sessions when they didnt get Pfizer supplies and anger over claims that celebrities and politicians jumped the queue. 20,000 defiant businesses have reopened, with some gyms even registering themselves as churches.

Poland: Only 1.1 million jabbed of 38 million population

Denmark

Effigy of the PM burnt: Lockdown fury erupts in Copenhagen as effigy of PM Mette Frederiksen  with a sign reading she must be put down  hung up and burnt, left. Vaccinations running at less than third of UK rate, with 228,875 jabs given  three per cent of 5.8 million population. Healthcare workers appointments delayed.

An effigy of the Danish Prime Minister Mette Fredericksen has been burnt in Copenhagen

Ireland

Mounting anger: Fury over figures showing that jab rates in North up to five times higher than in Republic. Just 161,500 vaccinated of 4.7 million population and jabs for key health staff postponed. Police, left, can now impose on-spot fines for lockdown breaches.

Gardai in Ireland can issue on-the-spot fines for people breaching Covid-19 regulations

Lithuania

Corruption: No prospect of mass inoculation until July  with only 91,794 vaccinated so far in population of 2.8 million. First round of jabs in care homes began only last week. Queue-jumping prompts president Gitanas Nauseda to say: Attempts to take advantage of ones ties, public position, influential friends or relatives is a shameful relic of Soviet behaviour. Ministers wont use Oxford vaccine for over-55s and polls suggest up to 40 per cent of population may refuse to be vaccinated.

Estonia

Queue jumping: Just 7,600 of 1.3 million population have received two jabs (34,019 have had one) amid severely limited supplies, yet departing Russian consul-general Yuri Gribkov was given his second dose of the Pfizer/BioNtech jab just two days before ending his posting. Despite huge public pressure to approve Russias Sputnik V vaccine, authorities in capital Tallinn plan to stick loyally to the EU pact on supplies.

Bulgaria

Bottom of the EU vaccine table: Only 40,000 doses given and one of highest mortality rates among seven million population. Government has no deadlines, merely optimistic target of vaccinating 1.5-2 million people by end of August. With blame being aimed at EU, government is predicted to break ranks and approve Russian and Chinese vaccines. Anti-lockdown protests included a fancy dress march in the capital Sofia featuring Batman, above, organised by restaurateurs demanding to be allowed to reopen.

Bulgaria: Only 40,000 doses given and one of highest mortality rates among seven million population

Germany

Biggest crisis since the second world war: Apocalyptic verdict of health minister Jens Spahn about vaccine shortage, with only 2.7 per cent of countrys 83 million people given jab. He warned of ten hard weeks ahead. Target of immunising all care home residents by mid-February in doubt. Widespread criticism of Brussels, with chief minister of Bavaria condemning late ordering and from too few manufacturers. German tabloid Bild says the EUs actions are best advert for Brexit.

Romania

Cancelled appointments: On Friday, government announced delays to vaccinations for at-risk groups and key workers. More than 65,000 people face having appointments postponed until middle of February due to Pfizer vaccine shortages, and theres a 20 per cent cut in stocks of Moderna. With 647,000 inoculated, country is sixth in EU league table.

Hungary

Breaking ranks with Brussels: First EU state to defy EU leaders and approve Russias Sputnik V vaccine, while 500,000 doses of Chinese Sinopharm jab arrived on Friday. Government accused of downplaying viruss impact and giving inadequate data about the effectiveness of the Beijing Institute-made vaccine. Public anger after Olympic athletes were given priority.

Greece and Cyprus

Seeking help from Israel: Hoping large percentage of population will be jabbed by June. Asked Israel to co-operate. Greece and Cyprus have suffered less, with 5,302 and 197 Covid deaths respectively  but anti-lockdown protests still took place in Athens, left.

Greece hopes a large proportion of their population would be vaccinated by July

Italy

Ten days behind schedule: Domenico Arcuri, countrys vaccine tsar, says supplies will continue to fall behind expectations. Its very hard to start a mass vaccination campaign if you dont have vaccines, he says, with only 1.8 million of 60 million population given jab. PM Giuseppe Conte warned of legal action against manufacturers. Meanwhile business owners in Rome protested, left, against Covid restrictions.

Italy has so far managed to give a vaccine to 1.8 million of their 60 million population

Spain

Vaccines halted: Madrids deputy leader warns that at current rate, it will take until 2023 before 70 per cent of population inoculated. Dwindling stocks in capital have led to almost all vaccinations being stopped for two weeks. Catalonia health chiefs fear that within days, the regions vaccine storage fridges will be empty. Only half of Spains weekly delivery of 350,000 Pfizer doses arrived last week.

France

National humiliation: Prestigious Pasteur Institute forced to scrap development of a vaccine after failed trials. President Emmanuel Macron pilloried during strikes in Lyons, below, and other cities. Only 1.4 million jabs given in country of 67 million. Target of four million to be vaccinated by end of February cut to 2.4 million.

France has managed to inoculate 1.4 million people out of a population of 67 million

Netherlands

Riots: Ugly scenes in Amsterdam, Eindhoven, left, The Hague and other cities as mobs burn cars and hurl bricks and fireworks at police during anti-curfew protests. Only 215,000 people vaccinated of 17.3 million population. First jabs given a month after the rollout began in the UK. Former public health director Roel Coutinho calls Dutch governments vaccination strategy shameful.
NEW DELHI : Future Group promoter Kishore Biyani has alleged that Amazon is "playing the dog in the manger" and trying to create a confusion about the group's 24,713-crore deal with Reliance Industries.

Seeking to assuage concerns of employees amid the ongoing tussle with e-commerce giant Amazon, Biyani said the organisation is on firm legal footing and that has been vindicated by the regulatory approvals received for the deal from the Competition Commission of India (CCI), market regulator SEBI and the bourses.

The development comes days after Amazon petitioned the Delhi High Court to block the Future Group from selling retail assets to Reliance Industries and sought detention of Biyani and family members.

In a letter addressed to the Future Group employees, Biyani alleged that Amazon is running a concerted and coordinated media campaign and leaking misleading information.

Biyani said the Future Group was the target of a new form of attack and that a "corporate battle" is being fought for supremacy over Indian customers 70 years after India became a republic and also alleged that immense resources are being deployed on influencing Indian societys mindset and belief systems.

"...Amazon is playing the dog in the manger, going all out to create a ruckus...For reasons we never believed earlier but quite evident today, this battle is about ownership of the Indian customer at any cost," he said in his letter written on Friday.

Meanwhile, Amazon did not respond to emailed query on the matter.

Biyani said he has received numerous letters, phone calls and messages from employees expressing their support, anxiety and queries on the various legal steps being taken by Amazon.

He justified the decision to sell retail, wholesale and some other businesses of Future Group to billionaire Mukesh Ambani's RIL, saying he was left with no other option but to enter in a constructive deal" with Reliance Group in the wake of the financial crisis in the retail sector on account of the pandemic.

Biyani said Amazon's policy of vexatious litigation and harassment" was akin to Greek conquerer Alexander's ruthless ambition to scorch the earth.

He further said that Amazon had relentlessly attacked Future Retail, the board of directors, lenders, promoters, and that those efforts had been unsparing of his close family members, including his father, uncle and children.

"After all, they (Amazon) are inspired to name their product as Alexa... History tells us that Alexander conquered large parts of the world but failed in India. With you on our side and our relentless service to the Indian consumers, we will serve the best interests of our country and will continue to protect our fundamental right to survive, and to serve the Indian consumer," Biyani said.

The Future Group founder noted that the deal between Future Coupons and Amazon in August 2019 was to build a coupons and gifting business, create an e-commerce distribution for brands and whenever FDI in retail is permitted, they could participate.

"FDI is not permitted in multi-brand retail, and as is the global policy trend, the government would like home-grown retailers to scale up," he added.

In August 2019, Amazon had agreed to purchase 49 per cent of one of Future's unlisted firms, Future Coupons Ltd (which owns 7.3 per cent equity in BSE-listed Future Retail Ltd through convertible warrants), with the right to buy into the flagship Future Retail after a period of three to 10 years.

Amazon had dragged the Future Group to arbitration at Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), arguing that Future violated the contract by entering into the deal with rival Reliance.

On October 25, 2020, an interim award was passed in favour of Amazon with a single-judge bench of V K Rajah barring Future Retail from taking any step to dispose of or encumber its assets or issuing any securities to secure any funding from a restricted party.

After this, the Future Group filed a plea with the Delhi High Court. On December 21, a single-member bench rejected the plea to restrain Amazon from writing to regulatory authorities about the SIAC arbitral order but gave a go-ahead to the regulators to decide over the deal.

The court had also made several observations indicating that Amazon's attempt to control Future Retail through a conflation of agreements Amazon has with an unlisted unit of the Indian company will be violative of the FEMA FDI rules.

Since then, Amazon has also filed a petition in the Delhi High Court seeking detention of Future Group founders, including CEO Kishore Biyani, and seizure of their assets as it sought to block the Future-Reliance deal.

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Even as California inched closer to the sobering milestone of 40,000 deaths from COVID-19, signs of hope continued to emerge.

Case rates, positive test rates and hospitalizations kept dropping, or at least holding steady, across the state on Friday. Over the past seven days, the state has averaged 22,200 cases per day, roughly half the number from two weeks ago.

Nationwide, hospitalizations due to COVID-19 fell to their lowest level since Dec. 7.

We are clearly on a downslope, said Dr. George Rutherford, an infectious disease expert with UCSF, speaking during a forum hosted by the school on Thursday.

Despite the promising trends, Santa Clara County hit a grim marker with more than 100,000 cumulative COVID-19 cases and more than 1,300 deaths since the first Bay Area case of the illness was discovered on Jan. 31 in a Santa Clara resident who flew in from Wuhan, China, a week earlier.

Deaths, reflecting people who got infected or hospitalized in December or earlier this month, remained high.

Across California, more than one-third of deaths throughout the entire pandemic were reported in January  and the 13,594 deaths recorded statewide in January are twice as many as the 6,772 reported in December.

More vaccine doses are on the way, albeit far more slowly than health officials would like as the federal government and the state move to iron out distribution problems.

California says that nearly two-thirds of the vaccine doses shipped have been administered. Some providers held back doses for second shots, accounting for part of the one-third not yet administered.

With vaccinations, we will hopefully see an end to this pandemic soon, said Dr. Marty Fenstersheib, Santa Clara County COVID-19 testing and vaccine officer, during a news briefing on Friday.

But the struggle to get enough doses continued.

We are doing a little bit of praying, Dr. Kathleen Clanon, director of Alameda County Health Care Services Agency, said at a community forum on Friday. She said the county is receiving 10,000 to 15,000 doses of vaccine a week but needs far more  since nearly 1.7 million people live in the county.

Even if the federal government is able to significantly increase vaccine supply to the Bay Area, Alameda County officials believe it will be a few months before K-12 teachers and school staff can be vaccinated.

We need a miracle here to get more vaccine to more people, Clanon said.

The county hopes to add high-volume vaccination sites at Oakland Coliseum and the Alameda County Fairgrounds by mid-February, with hopes of delivering 5,000 vaccine doses per day at each site.

We are crossing our fingers that we get enough supply to run them, Clanon said.

At least three more vaccine contenders likely will be authorized for use in the U.S. this summer, including products from AstraZeneca, Novavax and Johnson & Johnson, Rutherford said.

Johnson & Johnson announced Friday its single-dose coronavirus vaccine proved 66% effective in trials. The company is seeking emergency-use authorization from the FDA.

European regulators on Friday also approved AstraZenecas COVID-19 vaccine for people over the age of 18 after it demonstrated efficacy of around 60% in the trials.

Both vaccines are cheaper and easier to store than the currently available vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, but fall well below the 94-95% rate of efficacy of those two vaccines, which are already approved for use in the U.S.

Novavax Inc. said Thursday that its COVID-19 vaccine appears to be 89% effective based on early findings from a British study and that it also seems to work  though not as well  against new mutated versions of the virus circulating in that country and South Africa.

The variants remain a big question mark in the pandemic.

At UCSF, researchers are still analyzing data from a virus variant discovered in the state in December to determine whether it is more infectious than the common virus. They also hope to learn if the currently authorized vaccines will be effective against it and expect to have more information on that next week.

A highly transmissible coronavirus variant first identified in South Africa was detected in South Carolina on Thursday  the first time it was found in the U.S.  in two people without a history of travel, indicating that it is spreading in the community.

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said that Americans should assume the variants are widespread in the country, beyond the few cases identified.

I do believe we should be treating every case as it if its a variant during this pandemic right now, Walensky said during a White House coronavirus briefing on Friday.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the governments top infectious disease expert, echoed that sentiment, saying the U.S. needs to brace for the emergence and increasing spread of coronavirus mutations. That includes variants first identified in the United Kingdom and Brazil.

This is a wake-up call to all of us, Fauci said. We have to be nimble in order to adjust readily to make versions of the vaccine that are actually specifically directed to whatever mutation is actually present at any given time.

Aidin Vaziri is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: avaziri@sfchronicle.com
The CEO of pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has revealed his company is trying to speed up vaccine development to under 100 days, warning there is a 'high possibility' that vaccines in the future would not be effective.

New York-based Pfizer was the first company in the world to produce a COVID-19 vaccine, which is currently being administered worldwide.

Yet Albert Bourla, CEO, told the virtual 2021 Davos World Economic Forum that vaccines may one day not be a solution, in a session held on Friday.

'It's a very high likelihood that one day that will happen,' Bourla said, according to Business Insider.

Albert Bourla, the CEO of Pfizer, spoke at a virtual Davos summit on Friday

His company's vaccine against COVID-19 was the first to be approved

Bourla said Pfizer was working toward speeding up vaccine research and development in the event that happened.

Bourla said that, in preparation for future pandemics, they intend to move from recognizing the disease threat to getting a vaccine authorized in less than 100 days - a timeline even shorter than the 300-day goal put forth last year by the Trump administration's Operation Warp Speed.

COVID-19 vaccinations have been developed in record speed, due to technological advances, massive funding and public willingness to participate in trials.

Bourla was one of four speakers at a panel discussing the need for collaboration between businesses and governments to combat future threats to human health.

He was joined by Norway's foreign minister, Ine Eriksen Soreide; the head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus; Germany's health minister Jens Spahn; and Richard Hatchett, CEO of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness and Innovation.

Bourla warned that the world could not become complacent about vaccines

Bourla said Pfizer was working to speed up the vaccine development process

Hatchett stressed the need to be prepared for recurrences, according to the site.

'Governments must recognize emerging infectious diseases and pandemic threads are an existential threat to our society,' Hatchett, a former Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority director, said.

'They are an emergent property of the way we live.'

Hatchett said governments must invest in preparing for future pandemics, warning that future pandemics may be even more lethal.
How can we extol sanity from insanity? We need lucidity, clarity, and reason but this is a world gone mad and our brains are taxed.



We need relief after the heavy and weary year of 2020, but the clouds are gathering, thicker than ever and here we go again.



Is 2020 really gone, or is it reluctant to leave this murky, dark, unintelligible world?



There is much fear and fluster, disturbance and distress, doubt and disquietude, a hodge-podge of uneasiness in this new year already, haunted by the tall shadow of the cursed 2020. It seems incapable of chasing away those Delphic dawdling, hemming and hawing of its predecessor.



We should simply start over again, despite the past weeks  may we heartily wish you all a very Happy New Year, starting in February  perhaps hoping it will be different.



Our fear is that difference may be to the worst. No, we are not bearers of doom and gloom, just trying to face the future head on.



Coping with a severe winter, we are assaulted with yet another spike of that pesky virus that is taking even more lives, infecting more victims, without control.



How about the much-flouted vaccine? Yes indeed, the vaccine will end our sea of troubles. Quite the contrary. Things seem more obscure, foggy, smoggy and befuddling. We are waddling in a sea of ink, unable to swim, float or sink.



We recall the old nonsense childrens nursery rhymes, such as this one: If all the world were paper/ If all the seas were ink/ If all the trees were bread and cheese/ What would we have to drink? What indeed?



Plunged in an inky sea is not easy. Allegorically, it has been alluded to in the holy books as a time of sadness, isolation and trouble.



Trouble it is when scientists are still pondering about the effectiveness, the doses, the availability and the timing between the vaccine shots. How does that make you feel? It is little wonder that there are negatives in terms of trust in the process.



Since there are not enough doses, the elderly were designated as first in line. A sane decision, but when Norway announces that over two dozen of its seniors have died as a result of the vaccine, you are horror-stricken. These people were actually killed by the very treatment that was to save the world.



Other deaths have been reported in other countries but the news was hushed up by the various pharmaceutical companies producing them. The tragedy has been dismissed by authorities that these fatalities would have occurred anyway, sooner or later. How glib, how heartless, how inhuman. Is that what we have been reduced to?



Every hour of every day of every life is precious, what if it is your life? How about those who love you? They hang on to your every breath.



The reality is that if all the laboratories work on producing vaccines, the estimate is about two billion by 2022. So far the world has five billion adult inhabitants and this virus is relentless  multiplying, mutating jumping from human to human, wherever they are found.



This almost calls for a new nursery rhyme, a parody on death and destruction, such as the one referring to the Great Plague of 1666 and they all fall down. Who do you think will suffer the most? The needy nations, the struggling poor, who will never see the vaccine.



Every country has been affected and infected. In Southeast Asia, 1.2 million have been infected, and 30 million are unemployed.



The recession is catching up with the new year. A dry capital market has reduced investment. Tourism is sluggish. Those who do have jobs are not likely to spend money, causing a wider economic collapse.



Only one winner in these inky seas: big business, big tech, big pharmaceuticals and big powers.



Come on, 2021. Do something to push this immovable black cloud from our skies. Give us hope.



Well, there is a new president in the largest democracy in the world, with a whole new outlook, that should bring clarity, hope and optimism.



Yes and no. The message was unity, but when 25 executive orders cancelling previous administrations successes are issued on his first day in power, that sounds reckless, creating more division.



Once a self-sufficient oil-producing country, production methods are now scratched and oil prices will rise.



We need good news. Seventeen million non-legal residents will eventually receive amnesty, adding to the rising number of unemployment. That is good news, for them not for the long lists of legal applicants waiting in line for their turn.



There is more good news. Armies of refugees trying to enter the US illegally will find it much easier: less restrictions, detentions, etc. They will be welcome and live off the legal tax-payers of the country.



Sliding slowly into a less democratic regimen, we quote from the famous book of British economist Frederick Hayek The Road to Serfdom (1944): Abandonment of individualism eventually leads to a loss of freedom, particularly freedom of speech. Socialism is a hypocritical system because of its professed humanitarian goals. Progressivism, authoritarianism, and socialism all have the same roots.



More questions than the new year can answer. Most important of all is the vaccine. London Bridge is falling down, destroyed at the hands of Olaf II of Norway.



Time for a new pleasing rhyme. Tomorrow is another day.







To fear the worst oft cures the worse.



William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

*A version of this article appears in print in the 28 January, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.

Short link:



Sensing a coup, many religious leaders as well as from other social entities have appealed to the Military to follow democratic norms.

by Dr. S. Chandrasekharan

Myanmar is heading towards a very serious Constitutional Crisis with the Army Chief openly declaring that the 2008 Constitution should be given up if it is not abided by.

This is perhaps the most explicit and serious threat of action by none other than the Army Chief Min Aung Hlaing himself and this has set alarm bells ringing. The missions of US, UK, EU and other countries have already jointly issued a statement urging the military to stick to democratic norms.

The following points indicate that the Army is up to something. It may be a coup or may be -will redo the counting or even go for fresh elections under Armys supervision. At any rate all these can be done only by violating the Charter in the Constitution created by the Army for the Army!

The following points give the impression that the Army means business and one may recall the Army Chiefs remarks just prior to the elections-  nothing I wont dare to do.

1. On 27th Jan, the Army Chief addressed over video links the National Defence University. He said explicitly that the 2008 Constitution could go by the way the previous Charters, if the law is not abided by. He then cited historical cases as how Gen Ne Win took over the Government after repealing the 1947 Constitution. He also pointed out that the SLORC ( State Law and Order Restoration Council) took over after repealing the 1974 Constitution. He made an ominous threat that he wanted answers from the President on the election fraud and if the Army does not receive them, the military has answers of its own. He described the situation as one of a national crisis.

2. On 28th Jan. a meeting between senior Army officers and Representatives of the Government that included two Reps from the Counselors office, took place at Naypyitaw to discuss the alleged election fraud. The Military demanded that the Union Election Commission should be abolished and wanted a recount of the votes under the supervision of the Army. It also wanted to postpone the convening of the new Parliament on 1st Feb. These demands were rejected by Suu Kyi.

3. On 29th the Military (Tatmadaw) temporarily suspended all military operations till Feb 28, nation wide except those dealing wit Defence and Administrative issues. Was this meant to free the forces to enforce the military coup?

4. Armoured Cars of the Military were seen patrolling the streets of Yangon and major regions and the public is alarmed of the pictures appearing in the media.

Sensing a coup, many religious leaders as well as from other social entities have appealed to the Military to follow democratic norms.

The Archbishop of Yangon perhaps made the strongest plea. He said There is never going to be a military solution for a political conflict. Pursuing military solution leads only to endless war and endless misery. Myanmar has had enough. When a political solution is absent any military solution is fragile.

Diplomatic missions of US, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, EU and others have issued a joint statement urging the military and all other parties to follow the democratic norms. It said that it looked forward to a peaceful convening of the Parliament and the election of the President.

The UN Secretary General has also expressed his concerns.

The Armys action could take any form- from a complete take over in the form of a military coup, to recounting of all the votes under its supervision after declaring the present results as null and void, to dismissal of the UEC or even conduct fresh elections.

Anything they may try to do will be outside the Constitution- a charter drafted by them and for them.

It will be a sad day for a country of gentle people with rich resources to be governed once again by ruthless and corrupt entities.
ALBANY  Prosecutors in the Capital Region are taking a new approach to fighting human trafficking and the sex trade.

In one announcement Friday, the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York voted nearly unanimously to support a state law to repeal the crime of loitering for the purposes of prostitution.

And in an unrelated development, the Capital Regions top federal prosecutor launched a multi-agency law enforcement task to fight human trafficking, which she described as modern day slavery.

DAASNY endorsed legislation sponsored by state Sen. Brady Hoylman, D-Manhattan, and Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, D-Scarsdale, to repeal a law the association said contains vague wording and disproportionately is used against women, transgendered people and people of color.

As prosecutors, our objective is to never penalize people who are already being victimized or commercially exploited sexually, DAASNY said in a statement. Rather, our efforts are more meaningfully spent connecting people to services, support, and tools that will help them to safely exit the destructive sex trade industry. The time has come to eliminate this discriminatory and counterproductive law from the penal code.

Albany County District Attorney David Soares, who voted for the repeal, said it would allow efforts to be spent connecting people to services, support and tools that will help them to safely leave commercial sex work, instead of continuing to criminalize and disproportionately penalize those who may need the most help.

Schenectady County District Attorney Robert Carney, who also voted to repeal the loitering law, told the Times Union it would not impact laws for prostitution or patronizing a prostitute.

Meanwhile, Soares, Carney and their fellow district attorneys in Rensselaer and Saratoga were among the nearly 20 law enforcement agencies supporting an initiative launched by Acting U.S. Attorney Antoinette Bacon, the top prosecutor in the 32-county Northern District of New York.

Ruthless traffickers use force, lies, threats, coercion, and sometimes even drugs, to force victims into a life of commercial sex or tedious labor, Bacon said in a statement. Victims are trapped -- and they need our help to reclaim their freedom.

Bacons task force includes members of the Albany field office of the FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; Drug Enforcement Administration; State Police; Albany, Colonie, Rotterdam, Schenectady and Troy police departments; sheriffs offices in Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer and Ulster counties and Rensselaer County probation department.
The province isn't adequately prepared for disease outbreaks in livestock, posing a potential threat to people's health and the economy, a report by Manitoba's auditor general says.

The province isn't adequately prepared for disease outbreaks in livestock, posing a potential threat to people's health and the economy, a report by Manitoba's auditor general says.

Tyson Shtykalo said Friday more needs to be done to prevent and prepare for a potential outbreak of disease in the province's animal population.

Livestock represents a significant portion of the province's gross domestic product. Agriculture made up nine per cent of the GDP in 2019, with farm cash receipts valued at $6.6 billion. Of that amount, $2.4 billion came from livestock operations.

The report found the provincial department identified high-risk animal diseases but didn't explain why those diseases are high risk. It also found the province doesn't have plans in place for most of the diseases its own agriculture department determined to be of particular interest.

The province also hasn't determined what equipment, supplies and personnel it would need would to respond to an emergency disease outbreak.

"Each specific disease carries its own set of risks and circumstances," Shtykalo said in a written statement. "Along with a more generic response plan for responding to any animal disease emergency, we expected the department would have a response plan for each of the diseases of interest."

Rancher Arnthor Jonasson said he isnt particularly concerned about the reports findings.

"I know some of the things that I read in the recommendations, to have an action plan for each reportable disease  well, thats overkill," said Jonasson, who is also the reeve of the RM of West Interlake.

Jonasson, 65, said the response to any reportable disease will largely be the same: isolating and quarantining animals. In the cattle industry, that would include the depopulation of herds, he said.

"With that, the CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) has a list of rules, and theres various compensation for people if their herds have to be depopulated because of transmissible disease or reportable disease."

The protocols for bovine spongiform encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, for example, are well-known, Jonasson said, and have included input from a number of groups outside the provincial government.

The report also found that although legislation regarding disease prevention exists, the province largely hasn't developed regulations to apply the legislation.

Shtykalo said the province should collaborate more with the federal government on preventing animal diseases.

The auditor general made 13 recommendations to improve the provincial agriculture department's preparedness for an outbreak.

Those include increasing risk assessments, developing emergency response plans for specific diseases, creating information management systems, collaborating more with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, creating further regulations and procuring more supplies to deal with potential outbreaks.

 with files from Rosanna Hempel

erik.pindera@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @erik_pindera


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Everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, deserves equal access to opportunities and services and their safety should be protected. However, people who identify themselves as lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgendered, intersexes or queers (LGBTIQ+) are among the most marginalised and excluded members of society. They are particularly vulnerable to stigma, violence and discrimination, due to their real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity.

Nepal was hailed a leader regarding the LGBTIQ+ rights when it became the first country in conservative South Asia to assure equality for its sexual minorities. But more than a decade later, that trailblazing reputation has lost its lustre as the people are still confronting obstacles to jobs and schools, and marriage equality a distant prospect. The LGBTIQ+ groups have begun to call for an end to discrimination, backing reforms to the law that would allow for the recognition of the LGBTQ rights. But, in a country and region in which religion remains the stumbling block, these reforms are a long way off yet. And, violence against the LGBTIQ+ community in the country is increasing despite the courts ruling.

On paper, they enjoy some of the most progressive protections and rights guaranteed by law in the immediate region. But, action has not matched the rhetoric, and more than a decade on, the community still faces discrimination. The LGBTIQ people cover 4.196 per cent of the countrys population, according to Nepal LGBTI Survey 2013. However, they are commonly targeted, harassed, and punished for their sexual orientation. Most of them are often subjected to police harassment, extortion, arrests, unreported and arbitrary detention. They have been detained in hospitals and forced to receive treatment against their will. They have faced violence in the forms of sex corrective treatment, forceful marriage to the opposite-sex people, rape, sexual violence, trafficking, forced prostitution, sexual harassment, suicide, killings, and domestic violence. They are still accused in the name of sins. Several researchers in Nepal have reported that LBTIQ people have endured verbal abuse, emotional abuse and physical abuse where perpetrators were close family members.

A research project by Mitini Nepal shows that 51 per cent of lesbians, transgender and bisexual people across the country have complained about the discrimination they underwent in their lives. Of them, 41 per cent say they faced difficulties in daily life as people passed harsh comments and they had to live under constant fear that someone might hurt them in one way or the other. Likewise, 36 per cent of them say they were not accepted at their homes. Similarly, 16 per cent say they were not allowed to participate in religious activities while nearly 19 per cent feel other forms of discrimination. Despite a majority of the gender minority groups facing discrimination and violence, only 31 per cent say they reported violence meted out on them to the police or the concerned authorities.

Equality and freedom from discrimination are fundamental human rights regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. The new constitution also provides special privileges to minority groups by banning sexual discrimination, including a reserved number of government jobs and educational positions. The LGBTIQ community has been defined as a minority but receives no such reserved positions. The constitution says clearly there should be no discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, but ironically, under a new citizenship bill prepared in parliament, transgender people seeking to change their status would be required to show medical proof, but the bill does not clarify what kind. The LGBTIQ+ community faced a significant setback when the new Nepal Civil Code came into effect in August 2018 because it limited the definition of marriage to the one between a man and a woman regardless of many advocates recommendations that same-sex marriage should be legalised and still there is no same-sex marriage provision in Nepal. Thus, whatever is written in the constitution for sexual minorities has not been reflected in the laws and regulations that have appeared in Nepal.

Nepal has definitely made legal reforms to end the discrimination against the LGBTIQ+ community, but despite these legal protections, members of the LGBTIQ+ community in Nepal still face discrimination, harassment and stigma. This is happening due to lack of awareness and strict implementation of laws. So, the government should formulate plans, policies and programmes to make aware people about the LGBTIQ+ community and create a gender-friendly society. It is also important to strictly implement the existing laws to end violence and discrimination against them.

Hence, we should work together to break down the barriers that prevent LGBTIQ+ people from exercising their full human rights. When we do that, we will liberate them to fully and productively contribute to our common progress and we can teach our future generations to embrace all people regardless of who they are, how they are and whom they love.
No Plans to Develop Database for Post-COVID-19 Vaccination Deaths: FDA

Federal health officials have no plans to develop a database for adverse events that happen to people who receive a COVID-19 vaccine, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) told The Epoch Times.

At this time there are no specific plans to develop a public database of deaths and adverse events associated with vaccination, a spokesperson said via email.

If a link between an adverse event or death to a vaccination were verified, the health officials would communicate the findings and consider if additional regulatory actions were warranted, such as product labeling, the spokesperson said.

The number of deaths post-vaccination submitted to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) is up to 288 as of Jan. 29. The system is passive and anyone can submit reports. Health professionals are encouraged by public health officials to use the system.

More than 3,000 patients have suffered adverse effects after getting a COVID-19 vaccine, including 106 who have suffered a permanent disability, according to VAERS reports.

Physicians at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA review all reports of deaths submitted to the reporting system, Dr. Tom Shimabukuro of the CDCs COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force this week told members of a panel that advises the CDC.

The physicians then make an assessment about whether any immediate action is necessary and attempt to obtain death certificates and autopsy reports to ascertain the cause of death.

About 65 percent of the deaths occurred among long-term care facility (LTCF) residents, according to data through Jan. 18 that was studied for the presentation. Based on the data so far, physicians expect 11,440 deaths among such residents, Shimabukuro told the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

A nurse (L) answers questions after an elderly woman received a CCP virus vaccination inside Yuma Civic Center in Yuma, Ariz., on Jan. 28, 2021. (Randy Hoeft/The Yuma Sun via AP)

Mortality in LTCF residents is high, and substantial numbers of deaths in this population will occur following vaccination as temporally associated coincidental events, he states in the presentation.

Officials have cautioned that a person dying after being vaccinated doesnt mean the vaccine caused the death. As of now, there appear to be no deaths conclusively linked to a vaccine. The CDC didnt respond to a request for comment. Officials last month said an ingredient in the vaccine could be causing adverse reactions and later warned against individuals who reacted to polyethylene glycol and polysorbate getting vaccinated.

Officials are relying on VAERS and other passive systems in the early phase of the U.S. vaccination program, according to Dr. Grace Lee, co-chair of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Technical Subgroup. Down the road, they plan to use data from population-based surveillance systems to examine the risk of adverse events following vaccination.

The rate of severe life-threatening adverse reactions to Pfizers vaccine was initially occurring at higher rates among those vaccinated against COVID-19, 11.1 per million, than those who get injected against influenza. That number has decreased to 5 per million. The number for Modernas vaccine is 2.8 per million, a slight increase over the figure reported several weeks prior.

The number of serious adverse events is 45 per million doses administered, according to data submitted to VAERS and presented to the advisory panel this week.

CDC officials have said no post-vaccination deaths related to the life-threatening reactions have been reported. The most commonly reported adverse events are headache, fatigue, and dizziness.

Correction: A previous version of this report misstated the number of anaphylaxis events. The Epoch Times regrets the error.


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Jose Mourinho says the next few months are a 'crucial moment' for Gareth Bale as the Welshman looks to finally kickstart his second spell at Tottenham.

Star striker Harry Kane picked up an ankle injury in the defeat against Liverpool on Thursday and is expected to be ruled out for a number of weeks, handing an opportunity to Bale in attack.

Spurs travel to face Brighton on Sunday evening and Mourinho admitted in his pre-match press conference that in Kane's absence, other players have to 'step up' and admitted 31-year-old Bale 'can help us' despite winning just one Premier League start so far this season.

Jose Mourinho has backed Gareth Bale to 'step up' in the absence of forward Harry Kane

Kane (bottom) sustained ankle injuries in the first-half of Tottenham's loss against Liverpool

'It is a crucial moment for him [Gareth Bale], he feels better and better,' Mourinho insisted.

'When you lose a player of Harry's quality, other players have to step up and hopefully Bale can help us.

'The position that [Bale] likes to play is the position we put him in every minute we give him, which is the correct side of the attack.'

Bale could line up alongside Son Heung-min and Steven Bergwijn in attack, with other options including Carlos Vinicius, Lucas Moura and Erik Lamela.

Bale scored his fourth goal since re-joining Spurs in the FA Cup against Wycombe last week

The Wales captain, who re-joined the club on loan from Real Madrid for the 2020-21 season, scored in last week's FA Cup win against Wycombe - just his fourth goal in 13 appearances in all competitions.

Mourinho recently admitted there had been 'no discussion' about Bale's future at the club this season, with it currently looking unlikely that his loan will be extended or made into a permanent deal.

Spurs travel to the south coast on Sunday night looking to get back to winning ways after the 3-1 loss to Liverpool - heading into the weekend they're sixth in the table, four points off the top-four but with a game in hand on rivals around them.
A rally in support of Donald Trump is held January 16 at the intersection of Johnston Street and Ambassador Caffery Parkway in Lafayette.
Showcase, which traditionally takes place in the RDS each year, is a huge opportunity for small Irish companies to meet global buyers for their products. As with so many things this year, COVID-19 restrictions have prevented the physical event from taking place, but two local businesses are ready for the challenge of showcasing virtually.

Lisa Heeney of AromaBuff offers a range of 100% natural skincare products for men and women, incorporating the therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy.

Emma and Dave Fallon of Emma's So Naturals offer an all-natural wellness and home-fragrance collection of soy candles, homemade soap and aroma diffuser blends scented with pure essential oils. They will represent Louth at Showcase 2021, which takes place from January 25-29th, as a fully virtual event.

'For a small business like AromaBuff, being part of Showcase is a great opportunity to present our products on an equal footing to bigger, more established brands,' says Lisa. 'Showcase allows smaller producers to show off their creations to a varied and diverse audience of buyers, both Irish and international. Attending Showcase is an exciting launch pad for SMEs, offering both validation and inspiration in equal measure.'

However, a virtual showcase can be a challenge when both AromaBuff and Emma's So Natural are scent based businesses!

'Yes. there is definitely a need for smell-o-vision,' she says with a laugh. 'However, until that becomes the norm, we have to rely on high quality images and presentations that show off the packaging, and use the power of story-telling to instil in the buyer a desire to learn more about the products.'

Emma agrees that it has been harder work, but not impossible.

'Both AromaBuff and Emma's So Naturals are used to trading online, both to buyers and direct to consumers,' she adds. 'We have a lot of our brand and product work done for the online environment already, which gives us a great start.'

Showcase is Ireland's annual Creative Expo. The four-day event normally takes place in the RDS with buyers from all over the world attending. Given COVID-19 restrictions, the event will now be fully virtual and will showcase unique, design-led fashion and knitwear, jewellery, craft, gift and interiors.

'The format is very structured, so we have to begin by working within that,' explains Dave Fallon of Emma's So Naturals. 'Our listings need to be correct for buyers. Pictures must catch people's eye. And, if successful, our story needs to create a hook that will begin the all-important conversation. After that it is down to a smile, personality and identifying common interests and goals with a retailer. We have a lot of great selling points to communicate within the Emma's So Naturals collection. Buyers understand the appeal of our truly natural, vegan and handmade message, which is a big help.'

And then added to all of that was the support from their Local Enterprise Office! 'Honestly most small Irish businesses would not have the confidence or aptitude to leverage the opportunities without their support and guidance,' concludes Emma. Showcase 2021, takes place from 25-29th January.


(UroToday.com) The first prostate cancer session at the 2021 European Association of Urology (EAU) Section of Oncological Urology (ESOU) Virtual Annual Meeting featured a number of case presentations focused on diagnosis and staging. The second of these, featuring a case presentation from Dr. Sandro Gaspar and a pro/con debate from Drs. Francesco Ceci and Henk van der Poel, examined the value of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT compared to conventional imaging for the primary staging of patients with high-risk prostate cancer.



Dr. Gaspar began by providing the case presentation, introducing a 56-year-old man with good performance status referred for an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA). His past medical history was notable for excess weight with medically managed benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and hypertension, and COVID-19 in April 2020. He is married with two children. With his medically managed BPH, his international prostate symptom score (IPSS) is 2. Digital rectal examination was normal. PSA performed in September 2020 was 9 ng/mL (free/total ratio 14%) and repeat performed December 2020 was 22 ng/mL. Based on nomograms, he has a high risk of both any prostate cancer (75%) and high-grade prostate cancer (>50%).



He then underwent 3-tesla mpMRI which demonstrated a 50cc gland, a PSA density of 0.42, a prostate imaging-reporting and data system (PIRADS) 5 lesion at the left base, and a suspicious lymph node (measuring 8mm) in the left obturator fossa. On the basis of these results, the patient underwent MRI-targeted and systematic biopsy demonstrated International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade group 4 disease in 13 of 23 cores bilaterally, with predominance in the base. Using the Briganti nomogram, his predicted risk of nodal involvement was 31%. He then underwent conventional imaging with CT chest, abdomen and pelvis as well as bone scan which demonstrated no evidence of nodal, visceral, or bony metastatic disease. He then underwent a Ga68-PSMA PET-CT which demonstrated one PSMA-positive lymph node along the left common iliac chain (consistent with miT2cN1M0 disease).



Dr. Ceci then discussed the role of PSMA PET-CT in this setting, for primary staging. He began highlighting that the 2020 updates of the EAU guidelines for staging of prostate cancer recommend the use of MRI for local staging in all patients with no further staging in low risk patients and cross-sectional imaging and bone scan in unfavourable intermediate and high-risk disease. Dr. Ceci then highlighted data from ProPSMA which demonstrated the superiority of PSMA PET-CT, as compared to CT and bone scan.









Further, this study demonstrated that PSMA PET-CT was much more likely to change clinical management, much less likely to provide equivocal findings, and, further, had lower overall radiation exposure.



Dr. Ceci presented further Phase III clinical data led by Dr. Thomas Hope and presented at the 2020 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO 2020) Annual Meeting assessing PSMA PET-CT to stage lymph node metastases. This study had excellent inter-reader correlation. This study, similar to ProPSMA, demonstrated positive influences for treatment decisions. Additionally, the OSPREY trial presented by Dr. Preston Sprenkle at the 2020 American Urologic Association (AUA 2020) Annual Meeting demonstrated that positive predictive value (~85%) and negative predictive value (~80%) were quite high. Further, when micro-metastatic disease was excluded, the negative predictive value increased further.



A recent publication in European Urology examined the cost-effectiveness of the use of PSMA PET-CT demonstrating the dominance of PSMA PET-CT, based on cost savings and increased clinical detection of disease.



Dr. Ceci concluded that PSMA PET-CT increases lesion identification (with high specificity and positive predictive value) at lower cost and less radiation exposure. However, there are no data regarding survival benefits.



Dr. van der Poel then presented the opposing perspective. He began by highlighting that, based on systematic reviews, conventional imaging misses the majority of metastases. ProstaScint was among the first approaches to advanced imaging in this disease space and had a marginal positive predictive value of 62% for nodal involvement. However, over time, image quality has improved and, as a result, so have results.



On the basis of data from a variety of sites and countries, Dr. van der Poel highlighted that the majority of small nodal metastases are missed by PSMA PET-CT: no nodes less than 2mm and only 27% of nodes 2-4mm were detectable on PSMA PET-CT. Further, patient and nodal level sensitivity differs substantially. As a result, a systematic review concluded that the sensitivity for small volume disease is too low to reasonably omit lymphadenectomy, particularly among larger studies.









Further, these patients with small volume metastatic disease are the ones who are mostly likely to derive a good outcome following treatment. Dr. van der Poel thus postulated that while PSMA PET-CT decreases the threshold at which metastases can be detected, the level still exceeds that of clinical relevance for curative intervention. Thus, given proven benefits of local therapy and nodal treatment in patients with cN1 disease in the pre-PSMA era, it is unlikely that the use of PSMA PET-CT, in his opinion, would change treatment approaches.



Dr. van der Poel further highlighted that, while the sensitivity of PSMA PET-CT was substantially higher than conventional imaging in ProPSMA, differences in specificity were quite small. Thus, while ProPSMA demonstrated a significant change in treatment, this may be a transition to undertreatment given changes from curative intent to palliative treatments. Further, he highlighted many benign and malignant non-prostate cancer disease that may lead to false positives on PSMA PET-CT.



Presented by: Sandro Gaspar, MD, MBA, Attending Urologist, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, TAP Air Portugal, Lisbon, Portugal; Francesco Ceci, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; Henk van der Poel, MD, PhD, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands



Written by: Christopher J.D. Wallis, MD, PhD, FRCSC, Instructor in Urology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, Twitter: @WallisCJD during the 18th Meeting of the EAU Section of Oncological Urology (ESOU21), January 29-31, 2021






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Posted Friday, January 29, 2021 4:31 pm

Through a partnership between Centralia High School and The Salvation Army, senior Lily Allen recently coordinated a winter sock drive and collected nearly 400 pairs of new socks for those in need.

Steven Pack, with The Salvation Army, told the school district that people often come into the cold weather shelter with wet socks.

I asked him what he thought was the biggest need right now, and he expressed that at the winter shelter when people come in, they hand them a clean pair of socks, said Marilyn Haskins, who acts as the liaison for community service. Then we turned it over to the leadership kids.

Students in Josh Rodlands high school leadership class have volunteered for various causes in the community throughout the school year.

Through the partnership with the local Salvation Army, students participate in bell ringing around the holidays to raise money and have been conducting a turkey drive around Thanksgiving for at least 12 years now, Haskins said.

Its a partnership that we have done because our Salvation Army serves our local people so thats a big deal, Haskins said.

Allen, who took the lead on the sock drive, said that since school is virtual for Centralia high schoolers, finding a way to promote the sock drive was the most challenging part of the project.

Allen wrote up a description of the project for the schools bulletin that is sent out to students each week, explaining that if they brought in socks it would count as community service to be put toward the school-encouraged 50 hours of community service. Information about the sock drive was also put in the parent newsletter to help spread the word.

Since school is virtual, students had to make the effort to come in and drop them off, Haskins said.

A bin was set up at the high school, and students could bring in socks for about two weeks.

I really liked the idea because I knew it would be very helpful to those in need of socks especially in the cold and wet months, Allen said. The best part of the sock drive is how these donations not only are going to help people who need them, but they might even make someones day.
2021-01-30 - 8:50 p

Bahrain Mirror- Reuters: Bahrain has received its first delivery of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine produced by the Serum Institute of India (SII), state media said on Thursday.

The vaccine will be free to citizens and residents of the Gulf Arab state, which on Jan. 25 approved the Anglo-Swedish drugmaker's vaccine for emergency use, state media said, without providing the number of doses.

Bahrain Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who is also prime minister, thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi "and our friends in India for working with us to secure the delivery of" the vaccine, his court said in a Twitter post.

On Monday, SII Chief Executive Adar Poonawalla told Reuters the firm, the world's biggest vaccine manufacturer, would supply Saudi Arabia with 3 million AstraZeneca vaccine doses priced at $5.25 each in about a week.

Bahrain is one of the most successful countries in rolling out COVID-19 vaccines to its people, ranking fourth per head of population. It is already providing the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine and one manufactured by Chinese state-backed pharmaceutical giant Sinopharm free of charge.

Arabic Version
Posted Saturday, January 30, 2021 8:10 am

If the supply chain cooperates, all public and private school employees who want a COVID-19 vaccine will begin receiving the shot within the next four to six weeks, State Superintendent Chris Reykdal said Friday.

"This will expedite vaccines when the time comes," Reykdal said during a joint news conference with Susan Mullaney, president of Kaiser Permanente.

Under the "Get Ready Plan," up to five Kaiser Permanente locations in Spokane will be made capable of offering vaccination to school employees.

Together with sites in the Puget Sound and other regions, upwards of 80% of employees statewide are expected to have easy access to the vaccines.

OSPI and Kaiser are currently preparing these sites "as if we can launch in about four weeks, but it is probably more practical to think about this as five or six weeks away," Reykdal said.

The plan is designed to be launch-ready when personnel become eligible under Washington state's vaccination protocols.

"Now what we need is the vaccine," Mullaney said.

Reykdal made two key points during the news conference: that the plan does not affect the priority guidelines already set by Gov. Jay Inslee and the Washington State Department of Health; and that schools should continue to move forward with plans to reopen schools.

"Keeping our educators and school staff safe is very important to me," Inslee said Friday. "This announcement does not allow educators to move ahead in the current prioritization, it means when it is their turn, we are ready to move ahead."

Those eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine currently include residents 65 and older, along with those 50 and older living in multigenerational households.

Educators and staff in K-12 facilities are expected to be eligible to receive the vaccine after 50 percent of the currently eligible population is vaccinated, in accordance with DOH plans.

Among public and private school employees in Washington, that phase currently consists of roughly 7,000 people.

Overall, the state has more than 143,000 public school employees, while private schools have another 12,000.

Future phases of the vaccination process are not yet established.

Regarding the pace of returning students to buildings and resistance by some teachers' unions, Reykdal acknowledged that the process "is not without risk."

"But they can and should move forward," said Reykdal, who stressed that the vaccine isn't the sole determinant of safety against the virus

"It's a tremendous safety net, but it's not foolproof," said Reykdal, who noted that roughly 20,000 to 30,000 school employees, or about one-sixth of the total, can't or won't take the vaccine.

"And students won't get (the vaccine) for quite some time," Reykdal said.

But Reykdal said the risks are outweighed by the ongoing effects of isolation and other impacts on students who have been stuck in distance learning since March.

He also pointed to the relatively low risks to younger students and the low rates of in-school disease transmission.

"You have to go with the science ... and that's the way I would think labor leaders and school leaders would go," Reykdal said
In written testimony provided to a Senate panel Wednesday, the new presidents pick to lead the Department of Energy said she would prioritize, among other things, American safety and security.

Doing so, Jennifer Granholm explained in a single paragraph, would mean focusing on the departments offensive-and-defensive arm, the National Nuclear Security Administration, as well as the cleanup of Cold War artifacts  pockets of toxic waste, for example, trapped at sprawling installations like the Savannah River Site south of Aiken.

During her confirmation hearing this week, before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, the latter was discussed at decent length; the Hanford Site in Washington, notoriously difficult and expensive to remediate, was brought up several times, and Granholm pledged not to kick the can down the road. Some might argue such remarks are a rite of passage for Energy Department executives.

The former  the National Nuclear Security Administration, its hefty budget and its myriad missions  was sparsely touched, even with Granholm cracking open the door.

The disconnect, though, didnt catch observers off guard.

Given the committee in which the confirmation hearing took place and the fact that she's not yet up to speed on nuclear weapons issues, it's no surprise that Gov. Granholm was not asked about key NNSA issues, said Tom Clements, the director of Savannah River Site Watch, an organization that monitors a host of energy- and nuclear-related issues. I assume she is receiving briefings on NNSA matters and will soon be fully conversant and able to make informed, sound decisions.

The committee that handled Granholms nomination has jurisdiction over nuclear waste, not nuclear weapons  exactly why Sens. Maria Cantwell of Washington and Ron Wyden of Oregon broached Hanford and why Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada railed against Yucca Mountain.

I wouldnt want to read the tea leaves too much, said Marylia Kelley, the executive director of Tri-Valley CAREs, which tracks Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and the nuclear-weapons complex, more broadly. I do know that after the hearing I was left with questions.

The hearing Wednesday, shy of three hours, served as a digestible introduction to Granholm, a two-time governor of Michigan, auto-industry adept and clean-energy advocate. The conversation was heavy on energy sources and fuels, climate change and job losses, a major concern for some lawmakers as President Joe Biden signs a flurry of environmental executive orders. Kelley, though, is anxious to see where the nominee stands on nuclear-weapons issues: new warheads, new cores, modernization spending and the like. Such topics are a rarity on governors desks.

I am hopeful that our new energy secretary will bring a set of skills that will help her make difficult decisions under pressure in a logical and organized fashion, Kelley said. She later added: Of course, from my organizations perspective, I will be looking toward the Energy Department being more skeptical about expanding pit production, both on the question of what we need and on the question of when we need it, and how much were going to spend on it and how were going to accomplish it. Im looking for her to be skeptical.

Indications of priority  whats important, and how much  will unfurl in budget requests and related budget hearings, said Nickolas Roth, the director of the nuclear security program at the Stimson Center, headquartered in Washington, D.C.

Thats where you usually get more into the weeds on this kind of stuff, Roth said. His hope, he explained, is that the Biden administration will look for ways to curtail a very expensive nuclear-weapons modernization program and strike a better balance with the nonproliferation portfolio.

If confirmed, Granholm would take the reins at a department very much devoted to the U.S. nuclear arsenal.

The National Nuclear Security Administration is the largest part of the budget when you figure that environmental management is related to the nuclear weapons mission, Kelley said. Its the lion's share of the budget, by far.

The Energy Department's fiscal year 2021 budget request added to $35.4 billion; the National Nuclear Security Administration earmark totaled $19.8 billion. Of that sum, a vast majority was for weapons activities. (Daryl Kimball, the executive director of the Arms Control Association, has branded the DOE as the NWD: Nuclear Weapons Department.)

In the weeks before the 2021 blueprint was unveiled, dozens of lawmakers, including three Palmetto State Republicans, lobbied then-President Donald Trump to funnel more money to the NNSA and its weapons work. Insufficient funding, the elected officials wrote, would risk U.S. national security and embolden anti-nuclear Democrats who oppose your effort to rebuild our military, a red meat appeal.

Clements, who leads SRS Watch, anticipates Granholm will make tough decisions reshaping U.S. nuclear weapons policy in a way that increases our collective security while reducing financial costs and reducing reliance on nuclear weapons.

That remains to be seen.
In a major breakthrough for the plant research program at the International Space Station (ISS), the first plant transplant has taken place 400 kilometres above Earth at ISS Vegetable Production System (Veggie) facility. According to the NASA statement on January 29 about the boon for the future of space crop production, astronaut Mike Hopkins recently noticed that some plants were failing to exists at the station and therefore, he executed the first plant transplant within the establishment. The US space agency also explained that NASA researches crop production because plants can be beneficial for providing nutrients to the crew aboard the ISS.

It said in a statement, NASA astronaut Mike Hopkins recently noticed some plants failing to thrive aboard the station, so he executed the first plant transplant within the agencys Vegetable Production System (Veggie). NASA researches crop production in space because plants can provide nutrients to astronaut crews on long-duration missions, such as a mission to Mars.

A breakthrough for space plant research, @Astro_illini has executed the first plant transplant in the @Space_Station's Veggie facility. Despite being considered risky due to inevitable root damage, the relocated kale and pak choi is surviving and growing! https://t.co/SxlU3oyOKz pic.twitter.com/FMSPXjQSD3  ISS Research (@ISS_Research) January 29, 2021

Hopkins in the crew member of the Expedition 64 and had arrived at the ISS for a six-month mission aboard the SpaceX Crew-1 mission. NASA elaborated that he was tending different varieties of mustards and lettuces in VEG-031, that is one of two Veggie experiments currently growing in orbit. It was when he noticed how mustards were growing normally in their pillows but lettuces did not. On January 14, Hopkins, with input from Veggie program scientists at Kennedy transplanted extra sprouts from thriving plant pillows into two of the struggling pillows that contain clay-based growth media and fertilizer.

Read - First Private ISS Crew Announced By Axiom Space; Company Touts 'the Start Of A New Era'

Read - ISS Shares Breathtaking Images Of Earth's Aurora Between City Lights And Stars

Why was transplant not attempted earlier?

The technique used by the Expedition 64 crew member, NASA said, is considered risky even for plants on Earth. Therefore, the US space agency said that it was not yet attempted on ISS plants until Hopkins took the step earlier this month. It further said,  transplants  Red Russian kale and Extra Dwarf pak choi  are surviving and growing along with the donor kale and pak choi. The remaining red romaine lettuce and Wasabi mustard in the experiment are also ready for harvest. However, it also acknowledged that plant scientists at Kennedy not yet have an answer about why some lettuce did not grow as it did in previous experiments.

On Earth, this transplant technique is risky for plants in this delicate state, and NASA had never attempted it in a space experiment. But it worked, NASA said.

Read - 'Blue Jet' Lightning Spotted By Astronauts Aboard International Space Station

Read - NASA Astronauts 'celebrate America' From ISS On Biden-Harris Inauguration Day
For King & Country release 'Amen Reborn' with Lecrae, Tony Williams to promote healing

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Grammy Award-winning duo for KING & COUNTRY teamed up with Lecrae and The WRLDFMS Tony Williams to remix their hit single Amen, and the song, now named Amen (Reborn), has been dubbed by the Smallbones as a prayer of healing in divided times.

The song is being pegged as a renaissance and renewal anthem. It was inspired after brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone were joined by Lecrae and Williams at the 2020 Dove Awards to perform the new version of the hit song. Amen (Reborn) now includes a reworked track, emotive vocals from successful soul musician Williams (cousin of Kanye West), and a rap verse from Billboard-topping Reach Records founder, Lecrae.

Amen is a song of deep personal significance to us, Luke Smallbone said in a statement shared with The Christian Post. It represents a sort of death and new life, a rebirth if you will.

When we performed it last autumn at an award show with Lecrae, Tony Williams, and a gospel choir, it launched the song into another stratosphere of meaning," Joel Smallbone added. "So with 2020 now in the rearview mirror, we look to move past these global hardships together and start fresh with a new perspective, which is the core essence of the song. And thanks to Lecraes galvanizing prayer of humility along with Tonys characteristic and purposeful voice."

Upon its release, for KING & COUNTRY went on Instagram live with Lecrae where they shared more details about the single.

When speaking to Lecrae, Joel Smallbone told the Atlanta resident that he believes his verse on the song was a prayer.

"What I love, and this is just a testament to the way you approached it in the subject matter of it, was there was such a humility, Joel Smallbone said. I've been calling it a prayer because what it felt like was this beautiful, reverent prayer from you.

I dare say, even on behalf of the black community, saying, 'Hey, how do we, on every level  socially, spiritually, politically and emotionally start healing?'" he continued. "2021, I believe, I've dubbed it the year of healing in this nation.

Lecrae revealed that he wasnt sure how he would squeeze all of his thoughts into one verse, but was happy with how the song came out. He then praised the brothers for their genuine heart as creatives.

"Oftentimes, the music industry is more about consumerism than it is about transformation, Lecrae said on Instagram live. It really does turn into a place where people just want to figure out how to make people buy, instead of how to really serve people artistically. What I appreciate about you all is that sincerity; it's something that's rare.

for KING & COUNTRY first teamed up with Lecrae for the emcees song Messengers in 2015, which earned them a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song that year.
A 10-year-old boy who spent 11 days fighting a severe COVID-19 infection on an intensive care ward in Spain was given the all clear on Friday, prompting an outpouring of affection from the staff who attended him.

Medical personnel at the Mancha Centro hospital in Ciudad Real whooped and cheered when Mateo Roman was allowed to go home.

"Thank you so much to everyone who has sent me good wishes, I love you all," he told state broadcaster TVE.

Lucas Salcedo, head of paediatric services at Mancha Centro, congratulated him and his family for "never throwing in the towel, even in the most painful moments".

One of just three children under 14 to have been admitted to the hospital's intensive care unit since March, Mateo's case became well known in Spain after a nurse published a photo of the two of them on social media.

On his last day at the hospital, the medical team presented him with a basketball, a car-themed colouring book and a powder-blue superman cape.

Mateo's father Javier thanked the doctors and nurses for going above and beyond their professional duty in caring for him: "They treated him with a lot of affection, and gave us strength and hope when we needed it".
Bishop Barron's Word on Fire Launches New Academic Publishing Line

NEWS PROVIDED BYJan. 29, 2021IRVING, Texas, Jan. 29, 2021 / Standard Newswire / -- Word on Fire is announcing Word on Fire Academic, a new publishing imprint for scholarly publicationsfrom textbooks, to published dissertations, to academic volumesthat contribute to the "great conversation" by embarking upon original research and meticulous intellectual investigation.The publishing line is the fourth for Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, which also continues to release books through the Word on Fire Institute, its Word on Fire Classics line, and the original Word on Fire imprint."Although Word on Fire is known for digital media, we've consistently emphasized the enduring value of books," explains Brandon Vogt, Word on Fire's Senior Content Director. "In all we do, we stand on the twin pillars of intelligence and beauty. You'll see both on display in our new Word on Fire Academic line. These books break new ground in several fields, showcasing fresh and invigorating scholarship, and the books themselves are gorgeously designed. They'll be read and enjoyed by all who cherish the intellectual life."The first Word on Fire Academic book, Holly Ordway's "Tolkien's Modern Reading: Middle-earth Beyond the Middle Ages," will release on January 25. "Tolkien's Modern Reading" addresses the widely accepted view that J.R.R. Tolkien was dismissive of modern culture. Drawing on meticulous archival research, Ordway shows how Tolkien's genius was intimately connected with the literature of his own time and concerned with the issues and crises of the modern world.Word on Fire Catholic Ministries ( wordonfire.org ) exists to draw people into the Body of Christ, which is the Church, and thereby give them access to all the gifts that Jesus wants his people to enjoy. To be most effective in this mission, Word on Fire places an emphasis and urgency on the use of contemporary forms of media and innovative communication technologies.Word on Fire is now accepting submissions for publication through each of its imprints. For more details, please contact publishing@wordonfire.org SOURCE Word on Fire Catholic MinistriesCONTACT: William Sipling, Communications Director, 866-928-1237, communications@wordonfire.org
Gardai in Cork have reminded people to comply with Covid-19 travel restrictions, after a driver produced a fake work letter at a checkpoint.

The letter claimed he was employed by a construction company on essential building works.

However, enquiries revealed the letter was fake.

A 100 fine issued, while the man was returned to Waterford.
Panchayats of as many as 18 villages in Punjab's Mansa district on Saturday instructed their residents that at least one person from each family join the farmers protesting against the three agriculture laws in Delhi. Failing this, a penalty of Rs 1,500 will be imposed on the defaulting house.

The move comes as an attempt to increase numbers at the encampments erected by protesting farmers at Delhi's borders and build pressure for the repeal of the three laws - a demand in which the protesters have remained steadfast. Announcements about the panchayats' resolutions are being made using gurudwara loudspeakers in the concerned villages.

Manjit Kaur, sarpanch of the Virk Khurd village in Punjab's Bathinda, was quoted as saying by ANI, "Those who won't go to the protest will be fined Rs 1,500 and those who don't pay the fine will be boycotted."

Families whose male members are physically incapacitated or those who are underprivileged have been spared of the order. Other villages to have issued the clarion call include Nangal Kalan of Mansa and Mushkabad village in Samrala subdivision of Ludhiana, according to a report in Times of India.

In Nangal Kalan, the initiative has been taken a step further. The village panchayat passed a resolution stating that one person representing each family must go to Delhi for at least seven days and those who cannot go are mandated to instead contribute Rs 1,500 towards the farmers' movement, Indian Express reported. Similarly, in Virk Khurd, another resolution has been passed stating that the panchayat will pay for damages to any vehicles going to Delhi.

Farmer outfits on Friday started mobilising more batches of peasants from Haryana and Punjab to head towards Delhi's borders. At some places in Haryana, including Jind, Hisar, Bhiwani and Rohtak, batches of peasants headed towards various border points of Delhi, their leaders claimed.

In Haryana, Khap Panchayats held meetings and threw their weight behind the agitating farmers, a farmer leader of BKU (Chaduni) said on Friday. He said that several villages have decided to send one or two tractor-trolleys to join the protesters.

On Friday, the Shiromani Akali Dal also called upon its party cadre to "rush" to the protest sites n large numbers to give a further boost to the ongoing agitation.

(With PTI inputs)

New Delhi: The government is planning to introduce a law which will seek to prohibit the private cryptocurrencies in India and create a facilitative framework for an official digital currency issued by the Reserve Bank of India.

The legislative is listed for debate in the ongoing parliamentary session. The agenda is published on the official website of the lower house.

The Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021 seeks "To create a facilitative framework for the creation of the official digital currency to be issued by the Reserve Bank of India. The Bill also seeks to prohibit all private cryptocurrencies in India, however, it allows for certain exceptions to promote the underlying technology of cryptocurrency and its uses."

This is not the first time that such a discussion is taking place in the lower house. In 2019, a government panel suggested a complete ban on all the cryptocurrencies. The panel also suggested a punishment of jail term up to 10 years and huge fines for the individuals dealing with digital currencies.

This government panel takes a softer stance and asks the government to set up an official digital currency which will be approved by the Central bank of the country. This will allow the digital currency to work as a legal tender.

The Reserve Bank of India in April 2019 gave strict orders to all the financial institutions to drop all the transactions which involve digital currencies such as bitcoin in the time period of three months.

The Supreme Court of India in March 2020 allowed the financial institutions to start their transactions with cryptocurrencies from traders and exchanges.



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SpaceXs high altitude Starship test may have created more problems than a fiery explosion. The Verge sources understand that the Starship SN8 launch violated the terms of SpaceXs FAA test license, leading to an official investigation. Its not clear just what the spaceflight firm did wrong, but it reportedly led to the company delaying the launch of its SN9 prototype past the originally planned January 28th date.

An FAA spokesman didnt say how SpaceX violated terms, but did confirm the company had applied to modify its license and wouldnt budge on rules. The FAA will not compromise its responsibility to protect public safety, the spokesman said. We will approve the modification only after we are satisfied that SpaceX has taken the necessary steps to comply with regulatory requirements.

Elon Musk clearly isnt happy with the FAA, whatever the issue. The SpaceX founder recently accused the FAA of having a fundamentally broken approach to regulating spaceflight that was meant for a small number of non-reusable launches from government pads. In other words, he suggested that SpaceXs goals for rapid, privately-launched reusable rockets were ahead of an outdated FAA approach.

SpaceX is no stranger to confronting the US government. It sued the US in 2014 for the right to compete for military launches, and sued again in 2019 over wrongly awarded rocket contracts. The company hasnt hinted at a court battle over Starship, but its evident Musk and crew are determined to keep their next-generation rocket on track.


They had electric onscreen chemistry, and went on to date in real life.

Such was the case for stars Julia Roberts and Matthew Perry, around the time she guest starred on his hit ensemble comedy series Friends for a special episode in 1996.

And in order to convince the future Oscar winner to appear on the NBC sitcom, the actor - most well known for playing Chandler Bing - had to write her a term paper on quantum physics.

In their prime: New details have been shared about stars Julia Roberts and Matthew Perry, around the time she guest starred on his hit NBC comedy series Friends in 1996

Details about that fateful Friends episode from season two, titled The One After The Super Bowl, were shared Thursday in The Hollywood Reporter, in an exclusive conversation with show creators David Crane, Marta Kauffman and other notable producers and writers.

'Matthew asked her to be on the show,' executive producer Kevin Bright shared.

'She wrote back to him, "Write me a paper on quantum physics, and Ill do it,"' he continued.

In order to convince the future Oscar winner to appear on the show: Perry had to write her a term paper, as described Thursday in an exclusive conversation with show's creators

'My understanding is that Matthew went away and wrote a paper and faxed it to her the next day.'

Friends writer Alexa Junge shared more about those initial exchanges between the stars, who were both in the utter prime of their careers at the time.

'They may have met before the episode, but she was interested in him from afar because hes so charming,' Junge recalled.

Super Bowl episode: The pair had electric onscreen chemistry, and went on to date in real life

'There was a lot of flirting over faxing. She was giving him these questionnaires like, "Why should I go out with you?" And everyone in the writers room helped him explain to her why.

'He could do pretty well without us, but there was no question we were on Team Matthew and trying to make it happen for him,' she added.

Co-writer Jeff Astrof also recalled what it was like to have Julia on set, filming in front of a live studio audience with her soon-to-be boyfriend.

'They may have met before the episode, but she was interested in him from afar because hes so charming,' Friends writer Alexa Junge recalled

'I remember standing with her on the sidelines. She kept saying, "Chandlers so funny!" And Im like, "I wrote every one of those lines!" I dont know if she fell in love with Matthew on the spot but they soon started dating.'

Perry and Roberts were linked from 1995, surely around the time they shot the special episode, into the following year.

The article comes as Friends fans eagerly await the much-hyped reunion of the six original stars, which has been delayed countless times due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The market witnessed continuous selling throughout the truncated week ended January 29 amid volatility due to monthly expiry, FII selling, and weak global markets. Meanwhile, market participants also booked profit ahead of the Union Budget to be presented on February 1.

Last week, BSE Sensex slipped 2,592.77 points or 5.3 percent to end at 46,285.77 and while the Nifty50 fell 737.3 points or 5 percent to finish at 13,634.60 levels.

The BSE Large-cap Index slipped 5 percent dragged by the Piramal Enterprises, Maruti Suzuki India, Tata Motors, and Dr. Reddys Laboratories, while Grasim Industries, Axis Bank, Cipla, and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries ended with marginal gains.

BSE Mid-cap Index declined 3.6 percent with Info Edge India, Kansai Nerolac Paints, Aditya Birla Fashion, Vodafone Idea, Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services shed 10-18 percent, while gainers were Shriram Transport Finance Corporation, Cummins India, TVS Motor Company, Colgate Palmolive (India) and Supreme Industries.

Also read: Budget 2021: A Glossary of Words To Help You Decode The Budget Speech

BSE Small-cap index shed 2.3 percent dragged Chennai Petroleum Corporation, Dewan Housing Finance Corporation, Vakrangee, Apollo Tyres, Astec Lifesciences, DCB Bank, Ramkrishna Forgings, and Suven Life Sciences. However, gainers were IIFL Finance, Majesco, Cosmo Films, Solara Active Pharma, and Salasar Techno Engineering.

On the BSE Sensex, Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys and Housing Development Finance Corporation were the top losers in terms of market value, while Axis Bank, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, and ICICI Bank added most of their market value.

On the sectoral front, Nifty IT, Auto and Energy lost more than 6 percent each and Infra sector lost 5 percent.

In the last week, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) sold equities worth Rs 12,096.69 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought equities worth Rs 3,788.98 crore. However, in the month of January FII bought equities worth Rs 8,980.81 crore and DII sold equities worth Rs 11,970.54 crore.

In the last week, the Indian rupee ended flat at 72.95 per dollar on January 29, against its January 22 closing of 72.97 per dollar.

Five days of the selloff on D-Street pushed Sensex and Nifty50 below crucial support levels. The average market capitalization of the BSE-listed companies fell by about Rs 10 lakh cr in just five sessions. The market capitalization of the BSE-listed companies fell from Rs 197.70 lakh cr to Rs 188.13 lakh cr as of January 28, 2021.

Wild gyrations cannot be ruled out on Budget Day; hence, traders prefer to trade light. The next big support for the index is placed around 50-Days EMA placed at 13700 levels. A break below this level could fuel further selling pressure.
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.
PARIS - France's Pasteur Institute this week abandoned its project to develop a coronavirus vaccine with the U.S. pharmaceutical company Merck, marking the latest setback for French efforts in a global race dependent on scientific knowledge, money and, not least, a large portion of luck.

Increasingly, though, the French worry that bad luck had little or nothing to do with it.

French-led vaccine projects were considered among the most promising in the world early last year. Now, with the Pasteur Institute vaccine halted and a separate candidate from the French pharmaceutical company Sanofi and Britain's GlaxoSmithKline significantly delayed, lawmakers across the spectrum here are framing the setbacks as a sign of decline in the birth country of Louis Pasteur, one of the founders of modern vaccination.

"What a symbol!" the left-wing politician Bastien Lachaud wrote.

The center-right French Republicans party said the developments represented a "scientific downgrading."

Even though both ill-fated projects were collaborative efforts involving other countries, the failure so far to develop any homegrown vaccine has become emblematic of the "feeling that France has lost its power, its capacity for innovation and research," said Bruno Cautres, a researcher at Sciences Po Paris.

"In our country, the theme of 'the greatness of France' is often embodied in technological successes," he said.

Certainly, France's scientific greatness has not been much in evidence here in recent weeks.

After Sanofi and GSK acknowledged their main vaccine was less effective than anticipated, delaying its possible rollout until the end of the year, Sanofi said this week that it will now help its competitors BioNTech and Pfizer produce their vaccine amid a shortfall in production capacity. The announcement came after the French government urged the company to assist its rivals in what some saw as a positive sign for vaccine cooperation, even as others noted the stark change in Sanofi's fortunes and a sense of defeat among French researchers.

As if to prove the point of those arguing that the French setbacks aren't a coincidence, Sanofi announced last week that it planned to cut 400 research and development jobs.

The government responded the same day, vowing to prevent the layoffs. But research groups say the move is only a drop in the bucket in a country where long-standing structural problems have led to declines in academic funding and competitiveness, which have only recently been the focus of restructuring under President Emmanuel Macron.

In a statement, the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation said "the strengthening of collaborations between public research and businesses," among other efforts to boost innovation, has been a priority during Macron's tenure. France has also launched several initiatives to boost spending on public research and private partnerships in the coming years.

But a report released by the French Council of Economic Analysis (CAE) this week concluded that despite those efforts, the country still faces a "significant delay" in catching up with pharmaceutical advances elsewhere, including in the United States, Britain and Germany, where researchers have developed effective coronavirus vaccines.

Neighboring Germany, where BioNTech is headquartered, dedicates over twice as much annual public funding as France to health research and development. Whereas funding rose by more than 10% in Germany and Britain between 2011 and 2018, it decreased by almost a third in France, according to the CAE.

Shortfalls in public spending haven't been made up for by private funding, which remains less common in France than in the United States. The kind of collaboration between universities and private companies that has proved effective in the United Kingdom is also less advanced in France - a particular challenge for start-ups.

"There's just a lot of pushback to even small changes," said Margaret Kyle, one of the authors of the CAE report and an economist at Mines ParisTech.

While a large number of scientists graduate from French universities, relatively low salaries have driven many to later go abroad. There had been few attempts until recently to amend the country's academic pay structure, which prioritizes equality with colleagues on the same career level and has made it hard to hire internationally.

"It might be great for philosophers in France, but it's terrible for other fields where there's more of a global market," Kyle said.

The French are also well aware that the chief executive of the U.S. biotech company Moderna, whose coronavirus vaccine was approved for use in the European Union this month, is a compatriot. And that the French recipient of the Nobel Prize in chemistry last year, Emmanuelle Charpentier, left for the United States after finishing her studies in France and now works in Berlin.

"It is not acceptable that our best researchers . . . are sucked up by the American system," Francois Bayrou, a close ally of Macron, said this week.

But luring researchers back home might require far-reaching changes.

For instance, France mostly limits its support for research conducted by private companies to tax credits - an approach unlikely to speed up promising projects as needed during a pandemic. When the France-based vaccine start-up Valneva tried to obtain quick government funding last year, the response was disappointing, its co-founder recalled recently.

"What we needed was to secure funding in July to begin the construction of the plant and to launch clinical trials. And it was the United Kingdom which reacted the fastest," said Franck Grimaud, according to French broadcaster Europe 1. The start-up has since agreed to supply Britain with up to 190 million doses of its vaccine, which it hopes might be ready in the second half of this year, even though it is still in Phase 1 and 2 trials.

Researchers caution that the problems exposed by the pandemic will be difficult to resolve.

"Changing the research culture in France, that takes a long time," Kyle said.

In fact, there were early signs of the challenges now besetting France.

As long ago as 2005, a parliamentary report on biotechnology warned, "France is showing signs of faltering in the fields of public and private research, innovation, and the creation of companies, particularly with respect to the United States."

But such warnings were frequently dismissed, even as other countries pulled ahead with the investments in biotechnology that allowed Pfizer and BioNTech to speedily produce last year a coronavirus vaccine that utilizes a gene-editing tool.

France's Sanofi has played catch-up on the biotechnology front in recent years, teaming with Britain's GSK to develop the protein-based vaccine that has now been delayed. But in a sign of how much the company has depended on U.S. funding, Sanofi's chief executive initially suggested that the United States would get access to its vaccine first - before changing course under pressure from the French government.

With a presidential election coming up next year, the worries about whether France's scientific heyday has passed are unlikely to fade.

Some aren't giving up on the country just yet.

"The theme of France's 'health independence' is making a strong comeback in the public debate," Cautres, the Sciences Po researcher, said. "There is no doubt that Emmanuel Macron will want to learn from these setbacks."
A childhood friend of President Vladimir Putin and one of Russia's wealthiest oligarchs has said in an interview that he owns the lavish Black Sea mansion spotlighted in a recent anti-corruption video describing it as "a palace for Putin."



Arkady Rotenberg, who co-owns a sprawling infrastructure-construction company with his brother and has been under Western sanctions for the past five years, made the claim in an interview published on the Telegram channel Mash on January 30.



"Now it will no longer be a secret, I am the beneficiary [owner]," Rotenberg said. "It was quite a complex property. There were many creditors, [and] I managed to become the beneficiary. This is a godsend. The place is gorgeous."



He said he acquired it "several years ago," without offering specifics. Rotenberg did not appear to provide any evidence of ownership.



Rotenberg said he has plans to turn it into an apartment-hotel facility because there is "quite a large number of rooms."



Mash's editor, Maksim Iksanov, had posted a six-minute video the day before in which he appears on the sprawling property, which overlooks the exclusive Gelendzhik Bay region of the Black Sea from Cape Idokopas.



It is not clear how Iksanov got there or who he was with.



The Anti-Corruption Foundation of jailed Putin critic Aleksei Navalny issued a new investigation on January 19 that shone a spotlight on the mansion as allegedly built for Putin.

One day earlier, Navalny had been ordered to remain in custody for 30 days pending trial following his dramatic return to Russia from Germany, where he went for medical care after a nearly fatal poisoning in Russia with a toxin from the Novichok family of Soviet-era nerve agents.



The investigation -- A Palace for Putin -- alleges the luxurious estate cost at least 100 billion rubles ($1.35 billion).



The report says the site includes a church, a 2,500-square-meter greenhouse, an amphitheater, several residential buildings, and a special tunnel that leads to the shore.



The palace itself is 17,691 square meters and is said to include a home theater, a lobby with a bar, a hookah bar, a casino and a hall with slot machines, and a swimming pool.

Putin has said the property does not belong to him or his family.



Ivan Zhdanov of the Anti-Corruption Foundation said on January 28 that the group's video with images and apparent design plans of the lavish property had been viewed by more than 100 million people.

The video alleges that Putin's closest friends participated in the mansion's construction, and that the Federal Security Service (FSB) is involved in its protection.



Documents leaked last year from the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to BuzzFeed showed that Rotenberg had moved millions of dollars through one of Europes largest banks after U.S. and EU sanctions were imposed on him in 2014.

Rotenberg is among the oligarchs mentioned by Navalny in November when he urged the European Union to target the "bunch of criminals" surrounding Putin with sanctions.



"I understood that this is a rather scandalous and difficult building, but look, mark my word, it will take one and a half or two years, and I will invite you, and you will look at this beauty that will be there," Rotenberg told Mash.



He accused media of publishing "innuendo."



The so-called Putin Palace was built between 2005 and 2010.



In 2010, Russian businessman Sergei Kolesnikov fled Russia after publishing an open letter to then-President Dmitry Medvedev revealing the construction of the lavish Black Sea palace commissioned by Putin and funded with a billion dollars in illegally diverted funds.



The Navalny group's investigation says the estate is now owned by a firm called Binom, and is managed by people allegedly linked to Putins nephew Mikhail Shelomov. The real owner of the property, however, the investigation claims, is Putin himself.



A coalition of public defender groups sent a letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo demanding that the state vaccinate incarcerated people against COVID-19. The public defenders called the states policy of vaccinating corrections officers and not inmates inhumane, and they threatened to sue the state if the policy wasnt changed.

In the letter from Wednesday, the groups argued that the states failure to vaccinate inmates puts people under the states charge at serious risk. So far, 30 inmates have died of COVID-19, a third of which have happened within the past month, and 4,942 inmates have contracted the virus since the pandemic began.

This is deliberate indifference: New York has the ability to protect lives, but lacks the political will, the letter stated. Your plan is costing lives as people are dying in New York State prisons from preventable COVID-19 illnesses.

Currently, only correction officers are eligible to receive the vaccine under the states Phase 1B distribution schedule, which began on Jan. 11. Despite the documented high risk of contracting the virus, inmates were placed in Phase 2.

We demand that you change this policy effective immediately and authorize vaccinations for people held in jail and prison custody, the letter stated. If you do not change your policy, we will have no choice but to seek legal remedies for our clients.

The state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision has not yet indicated when incarcerated people will receive the vaccine but has said it is still working with the state Department of Health to develop a plan.

We have people dying on a weekly basis, Stefen Short, a lawyer for the Prisoners Rights Project at the Legal Aid Society, told The New York Times. What are the plans? Theres got to be a consistent message coming out of Albany and coming out of these agencies on this. Otherwise, youre just generating a lot of fear.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that inmates receive vaccines at the same time as prison employees, as they have a shared increased risk of disease. Additionally, prisons are congregate settings, which means outbreaks can be incredibly difficult to get under control, as individuals shower, eat and sleep amongst each other with limited to no ability to isolate. Prisons are incubators of infectious disease, Dr. Eric Toner, a co-author of a Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security report on vaccine distribution, told the Times in November.

Since October, the state has had to grapple with large COVID-19 outbreaks at two of its prisons, the Elmira Correctional Facility in Elmira and the Greene Correctional Facility in Coxsackie that resulted in hundreds of prisoners contracting the virus. But in December, seven of the states prisons saw surges of the virus among their incarcerated populations  and things have only continued to worsen.

Prisons, though isolated environments, do not exist in a vacuum, as corrections officers and other prison employees as well as attorneys move in and out of them on a regular basis. This means that the health crisis being experienced inside of prisons has greater ramifications for the general population.

Some surrounding states, including New Jersey and Massachusetts, have already begun vaccinating inmates, and Connecticut is expected to begin doing so next month. In New Jersey, both prison guards and inmates were vaccinated at the same time, based on CDC recommendations. Massachusetts took a similar approach, scheduling inmates and other individuals living in congregate settings to receive vaccines after health care workers.

The CDC also strongly recommended that inmates with chronic health conditions be prioritized to receive the vaccine. So far, one 65-year-old incarcerated man with chronic lung disease was given the vaccine in New York, after a state judge ordered the corrections department to administer the vaccine in mid-January.

This is a landmark decision, Short told Gothamist. It sort of reifies what weve been saying for weeks, which is that is that our clients are uniquely susceptible and that the vaccination is an important step to protect them.

Prisons are also disproportionately populated by Black and Latino people, and some attorneys argued that not providing the vaccine to inmates is just another, in a series of examples, of how the coronavirus has inordinately harmed people of color in New York.

There truly is no good rationale for it. Theres no health rationale. Theres no bioethical rationale, Mary Lynne Werlwas, director of Legal Aids Prisoners Rights Project, told Politico New York. Its clear to us that its just indifference to the lives of people who are incarcerated, who are predominantly Black and brown people.

While medical professionals largely agree that inmates should be prioritized to get the vaccine, after medical workers and other first responders, not everyone feels that they should not be among those first in line to receive the vaccine since doses are in limited supply throughout the country.

I understand the issues in congregate settings, Republican state Sen. Patrick Gallivan, who serves on the Health Committee, told the Times. My concern is that if we were to use the short supply of vaccines, its at the expense of some of these other priority groups.
TL;DR: Despite the Health Departments partnering with a self-described bunch of college kids to administer the coronavirus vaccine, Mayor Jim Kenney is standing by Health Commissioner Thomas Farley, according to a letter obtained by The Inquirer. Kenney commended Farleys steady leadership, but said I am disappointed by what has transpired. The city partnership with the group Philly Fighting COVID soured as it was learned that it operated a for-profit arm and the CEO gave doses to friends. And see which local hospitals are providing the vaccine to eligible patients.

 Anthony R. Wood (@woodt15, health@inquirer.com)

What you need to know:

 Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced tougher restrictions on travelers in response to new, likely more contagious, variants of the novel coronavirus. Travelers will have to quarantine in a hotel at their own expense when they arrive.

 Beginning Sunday, New Jerseyans will be able to make vaccine appointments over the phone through the state hotline, Gov. Phil Murphy said..

 New Jersey officials are working to fix a technical issue that caused some vaccine appointments at the Gloucester County vaccine mega-sites to be double-booked.

 Black and Hispanic children are less likely than white children to receive medical imaging tests, such as ultrasounds, MRIs, and X-rays, during emergency department visits, according to a study by researchers at UPMC Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

 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.

In a letter obtained by The Inquirer, Mayor Jim Kenney expressed his continued confidence in Health Commissioner Thomas Farleys handling of the coronavirus pandemic, despite the citys vaccine partnership with a self-described bunch of college kids. The city severed its ties with the Philly Fight COVID after it was disclosed that the group, which claimed to be a nonprofit, had a for-profit arm, and updated its privacy policies to allow for residents personal information to be sold. Kenney demanded the department hold clinics at the Pennsylvania Convention Center to provide second does to the 7,000 people who had received first shots administered by the group. The mayor said he was disappointed but hailed Farleys steady leadership. In an interview Friday, Farley said, We made a mistake in working with this organization.

For those who are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine and desperate to get one, the regions hospitals offer a glimmer of hope. Theyre winding down vaccination of employees and other health-care workers, and some are now turning to older patients or those at high risk of serious complications from the coronavirus. Their methods and eligibility rules differ, but they are united on one message: Dont contact us. Well contact you. We love our patients. We want to help you, but please dont call us, said Jonathan Stallkamp, interim chief medical officer at Main Line Health.

Helpful resources

You got this: Take a bite out of Pizza Crime

One vestige of normality you can indulge during the pandemic is eating takeout pizza, and in Haddonfield you can order it from an Indian-born, Benin-raised pizza chef. Arnab Maitra is baking in a Forza Forni nicknamed Lilo at his new shop, Pizza Crime. Pizza Crime? It just popped into my head, Maitra said. Pizza so good it should be a crime. Maitra has a pedigree background in pizza, learning the Neapolitan style at Osteria and Pizzeria Vetri.

 Here five reasons to wear a mask even after youre vaccinated.

 And do you need to wear two masks?

 Sexy side of nature? Here are best things to do in Philly this weekend.

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

Data collection is posing new challenges in the vaccination efforts, Stat reports.

The New Yorker askss: After this over, will office life ever be the same?

The Atlantic explains why you miss people you dont even know that well.

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.

WASHINGTON (AP)  The Democratic push to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour has emerged as an early flashpoint in the fight for a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package, testing President Joe Bidens ability to bridge Washingtons partisan divides as he pursues his first major legislative victory.

Biden called for a $15 hourly minimum wage during his campaign and has followed through by hitching it to a measure that, among other things, calls for $1,400 stimulus checks and $130 billion to help schools reopen. Biden argues that anyone who holds a full-time job shouldnt live in poverty, echoing progressives in the Democratic Party who are fully on board with the effort.

With the economic divide, I mean, I want to see a $15 minimum wage. It should actually be $20, said Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich.

Some Republicans support exploring an increase but are uneasy with $15 an hour. They warn that such an increase could lead to job losses in an economy that has nearly 10 million fewer jobs than it did before the pandemic began. Moderates such as Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Rep. Tom Reed of New York are urging Biden to split off the minimum wage hike from COVID-19 talks and deal with it separately.

The more you throw into this bucket of COVID relief thats not really related to the crisis, the more you risk the credibility with the American people that youre really sincere about the crisis, Reed said. Including the wage increase, Murkowski said, complicates politically an initiative that we should all be working together to address.

The resistance from moderates has left Democrats with a stark choice: Wait and build bipartisan support for an increase or move ahead with little to no GOP backing, potentially as part of a package that can pass the Senate with Vice President Kamala Harris tiebreaking vote. Democratic leaders appear to be moving toward the latter option, with no guarantee of success. Even if raising the wage can get past procedural challenges, passage will require the support from every Democrat in the 50-50 Senate, which could be a tall order.

Leading the charge is Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who unveiled $15 wage legislation this week with the backing of 37 Senate Democrats. His bill would gradually raise the wage to $15 over a period of five years. The federal minimum is $7.25 and has not been raised since 2009.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-Vt., questions former Gov. Jennifer Granholm, D-Mich., as she testifies before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee during a hearing to examine her nomination to be Secretary of Energy, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021 on Capitol Hill in Washington. (Graeme Jennings/Pool via AP)AP

Sanders, the incoming chair of the Senate Budget Committee, said it was fine with him if Republicans were not prepared to come on board. He said the government needed to pump money into the economy to make sure people are not working on starvation wages.

Democrats are moving toward using a tool that allows certain budget-related items to bypass the Senate filibuster  a hurdle requiring 60 votes  and pass with a simple majority. Sanders is confident that a minimum wage increase fits within the allowed criteria for what is referred to in Washington lingo as budget reconciliation, though the Senate parliamentarian has final say on what qualifies.

As you will recall, my Republican colleagues used reconciliation to give almost $2 trillion in tax breaks to the rich and large corporations in the midst of massive income inequality. They used reconciliation to try to repeal the Affordable Care Act and throw 32 million people off the health care they had. They used reconciliation to allow for drilling in the Arctic wilderness, Sanders said. You know what? I think we can use reconciliation to protect the needs of working families.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said the Senate as early as next week will begin taking the first steps toward getting the COVID-19 relief bill passed through the budget reconciliation process. The goal would be passage by March.

The latest sign that a $15 minimum wage is popular with voters came in November, when more than 60% of voters in conservative-leaning Florida approved an amendment to the states Constitution that will raise the minimum wage there from $8.56 an hour to $15 an hour by 2026.

The House passed legislation to gradually increase the minimum wage in the last Congress, but it went nowhere in the GOP-controlled Senate. Opponents argue that a large increase in the minimum wage would lead many employers to cut the number of workers they have on their payrolls.

A 2019 study from the Congressional Budget Office projected that an increase to $15 an hour would boost the wages of 17 million Americans. An additional 10 million workers making more than $15 an hour would see a boost as well. However, about 1.3 million workers would lose their jobs.

Theres no question that raising the minimum wage, especially to $15, will put some small businesses out of business and will cost a lot of low-wage workers their jobs, said Neil Bradley, the chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Bradley said there should be a separate debate on the minimum wage, and while the U.S. Chamber of Commerce opposes $15 an hour, were open to a reasonable increase in the minimum wage and that ought to be a topic of discussion. But, you know, including that in the COVID package just imperils the whole thing.

Mary Kay Henry, international president of the Service Employees International Union, said that increasing the minimum wage would benefit many of the people who have been working on the front lines of the pandemic. Thats why she supports including it in the COVID-19 relief package.

Theyve been called essential, but they all believe theyve been treated as expendable or sacrificial because they dont earn enough to be able to put food on the table and keep themselves and their families safe and healthy, Henry said.

Henry says nursing home workers, janitors, security guards and home health workers are among the unions 2 million members.

The real way to appreciate this work is to raise the minimum wage to $15, she said.

Most states also have minimum wage laws. Employees generally are entitled to the higher of the two minimum wages. Currently, 29 states and Washington, D.C., have minimum wages above the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.

Six Nazi enigma machines discovered in the Baltic Sea Archaeology enthusiasts scanning the Baltic Sea for lost treasures have stumbled upon six enigma machines which were used by Nazi Germany during World War II and were likely thrown overboard in a panic. Enigma machines were devices used by the German navy during the second world war to send encoded messages which, the hope was, could not be read by the Allies. The machines had three interchangeable rotors that scrambled messages which were then sent via Morse code to a receiver machine with the same settings. More here: https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/1388022/baltic-sea-archaeology-nazi-enigma-machine-alan-turing-evg
In these unprecedented times, parents and children have become quite familiar with the sudden reality of not being able to go to school or interact with their teachers. Furthermore, there are growing concerns that children are falling behind in their learning and a cadre of children may never catch up. For so many children in rural and marginalized communities in Africa, inconsistent schooling has a negative effect on their future.

Education is a driver of social mobility. Even though parents in Europe and North America are now experiencing children not in school, this phenomenon is a reality for so many families in Africa. The desire of every parent is for their children to be healthy, to mentally thrive, and eventually support their families as adults. Children have their own ambitious and achievable goals that they want to pursue, and it is critical that they are set up for success. One of the most cost-effective ways of helping both parents and children realize their ambitions is ending the burden of parasitic worm infections for these young men and women. Research has shown that ending these diseases can increase a childs school attendance, which allows them to have better opportunities in the long term and significantly earn more.

In recognition of the second annual World NTD Day we reflect back on the fight against intestinal worms, which affect more than 1.5 billion people globally. School aged children are the most predominantly affected in Africa. Students that are affected by intestinal worms fall behind in their basic education. Even if children burdened by intestinal worms are able to attend school, they often feel lethargic and are unable to master key competencies.

In our efforts to create a more fair and equitable world, the END Fund  the only private philanthropic initiative aimed at ending the five most prevalent NTDs  supports mass drug administration campaigns to treat and prevent infection from parasitic worms. During these campaigns, children take a safe and effective medication which gets rid of existing parasitic infections. Reaching these children involves a collaborative cross-sector approach that leverages on pharmaceutical companies donating medications through the World Health Organization. Public health organizations like the END Fund are able to channel these generous donations and work alongside ministries of health, ministries of education, and other local implementing partners to reach children in schools for as little as $0.50 cents per child per year. This extraordinarily low cost intervention has been highlighted by the World Health Organization, US Government, UK Government as well as philanthropists, as being a best buy in public health because of the huge health, educational, and economic benefits.

For more than ten years, the END Fund has worked with the Government of Rwanda on nationwide deworming of children. At the beginning, our joint aim was to regularly treat all school children. Once this was successfully in place, we set our goals higher to eliminate these diseases so that children would not miss school because of sickness. More recently, we are partnering with the government to not only eliminate any parasitic infections in children, but also in adults. There are many countries in Africa where we want to achieve the same result. We are currently working in more than 25 countries. In 2019 alone, we worked with local implementing partners to deliver more than 196 million treatments. Although there is still a long way to go, our work in Rwanda shows that it can be done. Years ago, it was a fairly bold endeavour to scale up nationwide deworming of children, and reaching the point of complete elimination was still a distant ambition. Today, thanks to the commitments of the Rwandan government, pharmaceutical companies, global philanthropists, and the private sector, that goal is within sight.

When we asked school teachers in Rwanda about their students experience with deworming, they enthusiastically alluded to higher school attendance records, more focused attention, and much more energy at school. In Western Kenya, a Harvard research study of schools revealed that treating parasite infections by mass drug administration programs can improve school attendance by 25%. The same study showed that over time, NTD treatments can also increase an adults earning potential by 20%.

To demonstrate the economic impact of such a low cost health program at a national scale, we recently commissioned research by the Economist Intelligence Unit to estimate the long term economic benefit to Rwanda if the goal of eliminating sickness from worms was achieved. Their assessment indicates that the economic benefit of ending parasitic worms in Rwanda is over $400 million USD. Rwanda is on the verge of reaching this goal and so the benefit is very tangible as we write on World NTD Day.

Deworming medication can be administered not only by community health workers and teachers, but also by mothers. In our pursuit to see an end to worm infections, we invite you to join us in ending the neglect so that children can attend and enjoy school, and eventually become great leaders. Take action by visiting our website at www.end.org

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Aussie Residents Outraged by Chinese Developers Restrictive Access of Keswick Island

Residents of Keswick Island, an island off the northeast coast of Queensland, have expressed opposition and concerns over restrictive access and mismanagement by a Chinese developer, claiming a breach in the terms of the lease.

A petition to call on the Queensland government to rescind China Blooms leasehold, as well as a protest that occurred on Jan. 26, are among some avenues residents have taken to express their concerns over a growing list of restricted access and activities enforced by the Chinese developer.

China Bloom, a Hong-Kong based company that was registered in 2018, took over the head lease of Keswick Island in March 2019. The company purchased a 99-year lease on 20 percent of the island, while the remaining 80 percent is owned by the Queensland government.

Among the residents concerns are a closed-off airstrip and helipad, blocked roads to the National Park, and works along the shoreline.

Rayna Asbury, a resident and member of the Keswick Island Progress Association, told ABC News that the current relationship with China Bloom was unworkable.

They [China Bloom] maintain the airstrip is open, but they havent allowed anyone to fly in. Even people who are qualified commercial pilots have applied to fly in and have been turned down, Ashbury said.

You wonder what is the endgame here?

Why would a foreign entity owning a place like this in our Queensland be stopping visitors  and our government, our people we are voting for are not doing anything about it, Ashbury added.

Julie Willis, a local resident told A Current Affair, that China Bloom gave her three days to vacate from her home as the Chinese developer had an issue with people renting on the island, adding that the company only wants to use it to attract Chinese tourism.

Property prices and tourist numbers have plummeted in recent years, with additional Keep Out signs warding off visitors to the island.

We had quite a bit of tourism, this would be 10 years ago, Real estate agent and resident Karen Cooke told ABC news.

Thats all sort of disappeared, she said.

For example, Cooke said that houses that were built for $800,000 are now selling for under $200,000.

However, Greg Williamson, the Mayor of Mackay Regional Council, said the issue was more complicated than a private foreign company antagonising residents, ABC reported.

In a statement, Resources Minister Scott Stewart said that the issues raised by a small number of subleaseslocal residentsdo not fall under the terms of the lease and are a commercial matter between them and the head lessee.

Both parties have legal rights to undertake mediation or arbitration under the Land Act 1994 but, to date, these have not been exercised, he said.

In response to residents concerns, Queensland-based member of Parliament, George Christensen, said that Queenslanders should not be blocked from free, safe and fair access to their own island!

Keswick Island is part of Queensland and Australia, not Communist China.

The Palaszczuk Government must support Queenslanders over the Chinese! Christensen said.

An online petition titled Reclaim Keswick, which is calling on the Federal government to rescind the current leasehold, currently has close to 19,000 signatures.
A day after a low intensity IED blast took place near the Israel Embassy in the high-security central Delhi area, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) which also inspected the blast site, is likely to register a case, sources said on Saturday.

A team of NIA officials had visited the blast site Friday evening and collected materials from the site. The team of the NIA officials also carried out complete mapping of the area to identify the route and the persons involved in the blast.

According to sources, the NIA also had a chat with the Delhi Police officials and the bomb squad.

The source said that the agency is soon likely to register a case in the blast incident.

According to Delhi Police, a low intensity bomb exploded near the Israel Embassy on Aurangzeb road around 5.05 p.m. on Friday, in which windowpanes of three vehicles were damaged. No one was injured in the blast.

The source said that the NIA will also try to find out the nature of the bomb used in the blast as it has got the ammonia nitrate and ball bearing particles from the blast site.
Eddie McCartin (88) from Drumgownagh Co.Leitrim receiving the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine at Arus Carolan Nursing Unit, Mohill, earlier in January. He was the first person in residential services in (Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan and Sligo) to be vaccinated

From the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the response in Ireland has been anchored in seven key ethical principles: solidarity, fairness, minimising harm, proportionality, reciprocity, privacy and a duty to provide care.

In March 2020, the Department of Health published the Ethical Framework for Decision-making in a Pandemic, which sets out these principles that have guided our collective response to this unprecedented public health emergency.

This pandemic has adversely affected every person in Ireland in diverse and challenging ways. In working together to suppress the virus, we have made sacrifices at an individual and societal level - and in doing so, made many difficult personal choices.

Similarly, difficult decisions have been faced by policymakers and clinicians. Having multiple principles in our ethical framework, reflecting a plurality of values, has been and will continue to be vital to ethical decision-making. These core principles have also laid the foundation for Ireland's approach to rolling out a vaccination programme to protect us all against COVID-19.

The pandemic has brought into sharp relief questions regarding what we owe to each other - and what values we wish to prioritise as a society

It has forced us to examine how and to what extent public goods are valued in our society. The emphasis on solidarity during the pandemic has been a welcome one and has been important for societal cohesiveness. Solidarity is about standing beside and up for others, in facing a common threat and in achieving our shared common goal of containing this virus. It is a recognition of our shared humanity and interconnectedness and is characterised by people acting in mutual support of each other. Solidarity has been described by the philosopher Jurgen Habermas as "the other side of justice".

COVID-19 has exposed, as well as exacerbated pre-existing health and social inequities, with a disproportionate burden falling on vulnerable and disadvantaged populations. We need to take care that the decisions we make during this pandemic do not deepen these inequalities.

Vaccination is the one of the most important things we can do to protect ourselves and others against ill health. Simply put: getting a vaccine is something we do for each other, as well as ourselves. The starting point for deciding which groups should receive the earliest allocations of vaccine especially during this period of constrained supply, is to recognise that every person deserves equal respect and consideration.

The vaccine allocation strategy seeks to balance the requirement to produce the most good while ensuring the equitable treatment of people. The latter involves giving special consideration to those who are most vulnerable.

Those who have an increased risk of dying or developing severe disease have been prioritised to receive a COVID vaccine. Increasing age is the clearest risk factor associated with dying or becoming very ill if you contract the virus. This risk is amplified for older persons living in long term residential care as they have a higher risk of exposure to infection.

In Ireland in the first wave of COVID-19, 56% of deaths occurred in this setting. This is likely compounded by the presence of underlying conditions which increase with advancing age.

Frontline healthcare workers have also been prioritised in this initial phase. This group is also at high risk of exposure to the virus.

In the first wave, over 30% of cases of COVID-19 were in this group. If our healthcare workers contract the virus this will not only affect their own health but will also impact on their ability to provide essential care.

Prioritising healthcare workers recognises the significant burdens they carry daily in protecting wider society and our healthcare system.

Some people with underlying health conditions will be vulnerable to developing severe infection and are at increased risk of dying compared to healthy individuals of the same age.

It is also clear that socio-economic factors including occupation, as well as living or working in crowded conditions can increase susceptibility to COVID-19 and impact on outcomes following infection with the virus.

From the perspective of fairness, it makes sense to afford these vulnerable groups early access to vaccination.

No-one is protected until everyone is protected. Solidarity becomes a very thin concept if we only apply it to those who are very much like us and if it comes with terms and conditions.

Efforts to control the pandemic at the national level will only succeed if we play our part in the global effort. Human dignity and respect is due to everyone, not just those who live within our borders.

While we in Ireland and the rest of Europe have already commenced vaccinating our priority groups, it is a sobering thought that nearly a quarter of the world's population mostly in low- and middle-income countries, will not have access to a vaccine before 2022.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has described this as a "catastrophic moral failure". Equitable, global distribution of COVID vaccines is not only the right thing to do, but in protecting the most vulnerable we are protecting ourselves. Importantly, the ethical principles which have guided the vaccine allocation strategy are grounded in and informed by the WHO values framework for the allocation and prioritisation of COVID-19 vaccination.

In 2020, we saw how we can collectively make a difference at a population level by abiding by public health measures.

It has never been more clear that our own actions impact on other people, both at a national as well as a global level. Solidarity remains a relevant ethical lens through which to view our pandemic response.

Dr Siobhan O'Sullivan is the Chief Bioethics Officer in the Department of Health and is a member of the National Public Health Emergency Team. Dr O'Sullivan isbthe Vice-Chair of the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies and has recently been elected Vice-Chair of the Committee on Bioethics in the Council of Europe. She is a honorary Professor in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland where she teaches Health Care Ethics and Law.
For the past month, the nationwide, bipartisan effort to force a return to in-person learning has centered on the countrys third largest school district, Chicago Public Schools (CPS). The resistance of rank-and-file educators in the city has inspired educators and huge sections of workers across the US and globally. Every effort is being made by the political establishment and the bourgeois media to vilify Chicago educators and wear down their opposition, to pave the way for mass school reopenings at the most dangerous stage of the pandemic in the interests of corporate profits.

Chicago educators teach outside at Brentano Math and Science Academy on January 4

On January 4, CPS began a phased reopening of schools with the cooperation of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU). The CTU has reported that there have already been over 150 infections in Chicago schools since schools began reopening. On Thursday, it was reported that Marshall High School custodian and SEIU Local 73 member Marcus Young died from COVID-19. Only last week did the union finally take a vote to stop the deadly return to buildings and keep learning remote, which won overwhelming support among teachers and parents.

The CTU and CPS have been stalled in negotiations for the past week, attempting to reach an agreement that the union feels they can sell to their members. CPS CEO Janice Jackson made public statements throughout the week indicating her expectation that some 71,000 K-8 students will return to buildings on Monday, February 1, as the district has long planned. In response, parents and students are organizing a student sick out on Monday, refusing to send children back into dangerous buildings.

Late Friday evening, Chicagos Democratic Mayor Lori Lightfoot held a press conference to announce that no deal had been reached with the CTU. The union also issued a statement declaring negotiations had fallen apart.

In her brief remarks, Lightfoot said that a deal is within reach. She commented, We need to get it done, and added that teachers need to be there in buildings on Monday. Lightfoot pledged to take action if teachers do not report to buildings on Monday, but did not elaborate.

The CTU continues to advocate a phased reopening of schools, but on a more extended timeline, in which teachers should first be vaccinated. This unscientific position will not adequately protect educators or other CPS staff, and places students, their families and the wider community at enormous risk of further infections and deaths.

Under these conditions, it is urgent that teachers and other education workers organize independently of the unions, join the Chicago Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee, and attend this Saturdays national meeting of the network of Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committees across the US, and in the UK and Germany.

As CPS teachers and students worked remotely again on Friday, the district instructed principals to continue to refuse their telework requests, meaning that some teachers are working unpaid and must file a grievance to get paid for those days. The district and union have not publicly stated how many of the more than 100 teachers who have been locked out since January 11 remain locked out.

Numerous statements from Democratic Mayor Lori Lightfoot, along with Biden administration officials, the President himself, and Democratic state and local leaders all underscore that the aim of reopening schools is to get workers back to work. In this the Democrats enjoy the support of the teachers unions, led by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and National Education Association (NEA).

A critical lesson to be drawn from the experience of the pandemic is that the lives and health of teachers and the entire working class do not matter to the capitalist class. This has been further laid bare by the aggressive propaganda campaign aimed at wearing down social opposition to reopening schools, demanding the working class simply accept the illness and death that will follow.

There have been dozens of right-wing articles denouncing Chicago teachers over the past week.

In a representative column published in the New York Times Friday, David Brooks turned reality on its head by stating, Theres a wave of anti-intellectualism sweeping America. There are people across the country who deny evidence, invent their own facts and live in their own fantasyland. We saw it in the Republicans who denied the reality of the Biden election victory and we see it now in the teachers unions that are shutting down schools and marring childrens lives.

The facts are that the reopening of schools is a criminally reckless endeavor. Over 2.7 million children have tested positive for COVID-19 in the US, coinciding with the steady reopening of schools throughout the fall. At least 530 K-12 teachers in the US have succumbed to the virus over the past year. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in July estimated that closing US schools at the start of the pandemic saved over 40,000 lives.

The vast majority of students in the largest districts that have reopened, including Chicago and New York City, have not returned to classrooms due to widespread recognition of the risks to their lives and health. Parents and teachers know the official claims of air purifiers, PPE and social distancing for young children in old and ill-maintained buildings are politically motivated nonsense.

The reason Chicago has taken on such enormous significance is because educators have openly defied the dictates of the Democratic Party. In reopening the third largest district in the country, Lightfoot is trying to set a precedent to facilitate the implementation of Bidens plan across the country.

Beyond Chicago, there is a concerted push students and teachers back into buildings in every major school district in the US. Four of the eleven largest school districts in the country are currently pursuing reopening: Chicago, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Fairfax County, Virginia.

The largest school district in the country, New York City, reopened in the fall, the first among Democrat-led cities. This was followed by Democrat-led Houston, the seventh-largest district, which reopened in October. Democratic officials in Los Angeles pushed to reopen the second largest district in the country throughout the fall, which was only halted in December when the city became the epicenter of the pandemic.

On Wednesday, LA County Public Health Department Director Barbara Ferrer declared that the districts elementary schools could reopen within two to three weeks if new infection rates continue to decline. In order for Pre-K through 6th grade classrooms to reopen, the seven-day average of daily cases only has to be below 25 or fewer per 100,000 residents, which is still a highly elevated figure.

Clark County School District, which covers the Las Vegas metro region and is the fifth largest school district in the US, recently reached a deal with the Clark County Education Association that was approved by the school board on January 14. The current timeline is for Pre-K through 3rd grade teachers to begin returning to their classrooms on February 22, with their students returning the following week on March 1. The district aims to have all 315,000 students and 42,000 employees back in classrooms by the end of the year.

Fairfax County School District, the 11th largest in the US, has also pressed to reopen in recent weeks. Superintendent Dr. Scott Brabrand aims to send students back to class on February 16, with the goal of having 100,000 students across multiple grade levels in class by March 9.

If the drive to reopen these four major districts is successful, along with others in Maryland and North Carolina, then by March the 17 largest schools in the US would offer in-person learning. The reopening of these districts and hundreds of other smaller districts in every region of the country, which the Democrats and unions are conspiring to implement, would vastly accelerate the spread of the pandemic and have devastating consequences for the working class.

More than 447,000 people have now died from COVID-19 in the US, and over 2,216,000 around the world. There is no limit to the capitalist class tolerance for death and social dislocation from COVID-19. What they will not tolerate is any brake on the extraction of profits from working people.

The struggle of educators, parents and students to keep learning online until the pandemic is contained and vaccines are widespread must form part of a broader set of demands to unite the working class in defense of its lives and safety. These must include the provision of economic support for households and small businesses, a massive investment in education to fund remote learning and lower class sizes, and universal access to free, high quality healthcare.

To achieve these aims requires the broadest possible mobilization of the entire working classincluding manufacturing, health care, logistics and service workersin a nationwide general strike. The Socialist Equality Party is assisting in the formation and development of a network of independent rank-and-file committees among educators, autoworkers, Amazon workers, healthcare workers and others, to prepare for the massive struggles on the horizon. We urge all teachers and education workers to get involved and attend todays national meeting of the Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee.
A vial of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine displayed during a press conference in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Dec. 23, 2020. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Fake News About Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Becomes Most Searched Trend on Chinas Social Media

A negative news report on Modernas COVID-19 vaccine recently set off a debate on Chinas social media.

On Jan. 27, an article titled WHO Does Not Recommend MODERNA COVID-19 Vaccines appeared on a host of Chinese state media outlets, including the Global Times, Guancha, iFeng Tech, and official accounts of local governments. This topic became so heated that it rocketed to fourth place on the list of the most searched hashtags on Chinas social media Weibo.

But the report turned out to be a misrepresentation of information from the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO guidance issued on Jan. 25 had advised against the use of the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based firms vaccine by those under 18 or who are pregnant.

Some netizens said the false news reports were an attempt to cater to xenophobic and nationalist sentiment among the Chinese.

Screenshot of the Weibo social media platforms most searched keywords list. The false news about the Moderna vaccine is ranked No. 4. (Screenshot)

Some believed Chinas state-run media outlets were smearing foreign vaccines in order to help promote domestic ones.

Moderna and Pfizer are two major competitors to Chinas Sinovac and Sinopharm in the global vaccine market. So far, only Sinopharms vaccine has been approved by Chinas health regulators.

Fake news gets circulated on the website of iFeng Tech. (Screenshot)

Theyre playing it up, one netizen commented.

Others said: If they [Chinese vaccines] had got it right, it couldnt have become a hot word, and Smart guys. Doing whatever they like just to meet their own goals.

Several hours later, iFeng Tech changed the headline of its article to WHO Does Not Recommend Pregnant Women to Take Moderna Vaccines.

While both the Global Times and Guancha deleted their articles following the public outrage, the search keyword phrase remained on the Weibo ranking list long after the news was debunked.

Its not the first time the CCP media has tried to discredit foreign COVID-19 vaccines.

The Global Times, a tabloid published by the Peoples Daily, the official newspaper of the CCP, published more than 10 reports in mid-January that were critical of vaccines and inoculation schemes in the West.

On Jan. 16, Liu Xin, journalist and anchor of an English-language Chinese state TV channel, posted on Twitter that 10 people died several days after they received Pfizer vaccines in Germany. Since then, Germany has said the deaths were determined not to be linked to the inoculations.

Brigitte Keller-Stanislawski, head of the department of safety of medicinal products and medical devices at the Paul Ehrlich Institute in Germany, defended the Moderna vaccine. She said at a press conference that the deaths were among seriously ill patients ranging in age from 79 to 93, and had no causal relationship to the vaccination, reports said.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Jason Powell/Courtesy of StyxStyx is bringing back its "Styx Fix Live" series of special streaming concert events for 2021, and kicking things off this Saturday, January 30, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT at the band's official YouTube channel.

The presentation will feature audio of a June 2018 show that the band played in Alpharetta, Georgia, enhanced with exclusive photos and video clips.

Among the many classic songs Styx played at the concert were "Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)," "The Grand Illusion," "Lady," "Rockin' the Paradise," "Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)," "Too Much Time on My Hands," "Come Sail Away," "Mr. Roboto" and "Renegade."

The band is asking fans who watch the "Styx Fix Live" stream to donate to the Recording Academy's MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund, which aids in-need musicians affected by the coronavirus pandemic. You can visit Grammy.com to contribute to the fund.

Meanwhile, this month marks the 40th anniversary of Styx's classic 1981 concept record Paradise Theatre, which is the band's only album ever to top the Billboard 200 chart. The album yielded two top-10 singles, the Dennis DeYoung-penned ballad "The Best of Times" and the Tommy Shaw-written rocker "Too Much Time on My Hands," which peaked at #3 and #9, respectively on the Hot 100.

Paradise Theatre has gone on to sell more than 3 million copies in the U.S. You can check out a lengthy feature about the album at the band's official website, StyxWorld.com.

By Matt Friedlander

Copyright  2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
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Przepraszamy!

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wygaso z dniem 2021-01-31



Ta propozycja bya zozona przez Nordea Bank Abp SA Oddzia w Polsce

Mozliwe przyczyny wygasniecia ogoszenia to:

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rekruter zakonczy proces rekrutacji uzyskujac odpowiednia ilosc pracownikow

firma zmodyfikowaa tresc zlecenia i jest ono dostepne pod innym adresem WWW

dostawca tresci usuna ogoszenie z bazy danych

bedny adres url ogoszenia

Jezeli poszukujesz pracy w branzy Informatyka / Telekomunikacja, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca Informatyka / Telekomunikacja

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Pamietaj, ze mozesz takze rozpoczac poszukiwanie pracy od strony gownej, kliknij tutaj.

Inne ogoszenia, ktore mogy byc w kregu Twoich zainteresowan:
Kolkata:

Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur is interested in recruiting doctoral students and post-doctoral fellows in the US as faculty members at this premiere institute.

An IIT-KGP team would visit San Francisco, Houston and Washington DC early next month for meeting interested faculty candidates.

The team will also visit campuses of Johns Hopkins, Purdue and Wisconsin-Madison.

"IIT Kharagpur is rated as the top Institute in India for its research outcome and value addition in its academic programmes, both driven by a highly motivated faculty", IIT-KGP director Prof P P Chakrabarti said.

Read more: DU releases 1st cut-off list for BA and B.Com courses of NCWEB

"In recent times, we have recruited some highly qualified faculty members who are already at the forefront of teaching and research award and peer recognition", he said.

"Faculty members are the true catalyst and harbinger of change here at IIT Kharagpur. Talented faculty members are our driving force", Prof Subhasish Tripathy, Dean Faculty of IIT KGP said.

"We are expanding our frontiers and are keenly looking to have among us the future leaders in teaching and research", he said.


A hospital near Vancouver went into lockdown Friday night, as protesters gathered outside the building, apparently on behalf of a woman who they claimed had refused a COVID-19 test while in the care of the medical facility.

According to a live stream shared online, protesters said a woman in her 70s had been hospitalized at Legacy Salmon Creek the previous night with a urinary tract infection, and declined to take a coronavirus test. A woman narrating the livestream said hospital employees did not allowed her to leave, prompting demonstrators to gather outside.

Videos posted online show a woman who identified herself as the hospital patients daughter standing at the door without a mask, yelling at officers and demanding to be allowed inside.

The live stream attracted thousands of views, in part because it was posted on the YouTube channel of Ammon Bundy, one of the men who led the armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in 2016. Bundy himself was not visible on the livestream, and its not clear if he was in attendance.

The Clark County Sheriffs Office did not immediately respond to messages left about demonstrators claims. A security dispatcher at Legacy Salmon Creek refused to confirm any details about the protest or the lockdown.

Independent journalist Laura Jedeed first reported on the protest.

The live stream posted to Bundys page showed a crowd of about 30 protesters outside the hospital, most of whom werent wearing masks. A group of police officers stood just inside the doors of the hospital, and said they werent letting anyone in or out of the hospital. Several protesters said they were waiting for the woman to be released.

Some of the demonstrators identified themselves as members of a Peoples Rights group founded by Bundy to oppose government coronavirus mandates.

This story has been updated.

-Jayati Ramakrishnan; 503-221-4320; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com; @JRamakrishnanOR
Corrupt Nigerian politicians, including those convicted by the courts, paid millions of naira to British schools as their students school fees, a report has stated.

This occurred while public schools in Nigeria deteriorated under the watch of some of these officials.

The report named two convicted former Nigerian governors, James Ibori and Joshua Dariye, as some of the politically exposed persons (PEPs) who sponsored their wards in British schools, likely using funds from corruption.

The report stated that United Kingdom private boarding schools and universities are top destinations for scores of children of top Nigeria politicians, many of whom have unexplainable sources of income.

The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in its report released Thursday revealed how some Nigerian PEPs spent millions on their children in UK schools and the payment they made.

The report titled West African elites spending on UK schools and universities: a closer look said many past and serving senior Nigerian politicians that have held office since 1999 had sent one or more of their children to a UK private boarding school or university.

All of Nigerias presidents and vice presidents, for example, during that period, had done so, the report said. Likewise, roughly 40 percent of Nigerias current and former state governors have educated their children in the United Kingdom.

A comprehensive review of current and former senators, representatives, ministers, top military officers, and other senior officials almost certainly would reveal hundreds of more examples of Nigerian PEPs whose children went to British schools, the report noted

Although some would have had the legitimate assets and earnings to do so, it is likely that many more used unexplained wealth to pay for some or all of their family members tuition fees, it added

PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported how the research paper poked an accusing finger in the eyes of Nigerian political elites, saying they are using the British educational system as a money laundering shield in the guise of seeking better schooling opportunities for their children.

The report named Messrs Ibori and Dariye as high-risks Nigerian elites that made payments to UK schools and universities.

In particular, the report said former Plateau State governor, Joshua Dariye, who faced corruption charges in 2007 and was convicted in 2018 of stealing public funds was able to send his children to UK boarding schools and universities where he paid an estimated fee of 240,000 or N122 million.

Similarly, ex-Delta governor James Ibori, convicted in 2012 by a British court on the grounds of fraud and money laundering continued to send his children to UK schools and universities. He paid an estimated amount of 286,000 (N145 million) within that period.

Apart from the two former governors, the report said, a prominent career politician from northern Nigeria with minimal income outside official earnings sent several children to UK private schools and universities about 861,000 which is equivalent to N441 million.

The politicians spouse allegedly owns a high-end property in the United Kingdom.

It also said a senior Nigerian legislator who has been a career politician for the last twenty-four years has had multiple children attend independent British schools and universities where he spent an estimated fee of 665,000 or N339 million. This, the report stated, is the same for a career Nigerian politician who has served in various government positions over two decades and has had multiple children in top British boarding schools and universities.

The said politician also owns high-end property in the United Kingdom having paid an estimated fee of 447,000 (N227 million), the report found.

The report cited an example of an unnamed prominent career politician from southern Nigeria who sent multiple children to top British boarding schools and universities. He spent a fee of 343,000 aside owning a luxury property in the UK.

ADVERTISEMENT

Huge gap between earning and spending

In one part, the paper showed how payments of students tuition fee in the UK exceeds official salaries of Nigerian politicians and civil servants.

Even Nigerias most senior government officials earn relatively modest salaries according to the public officials salaries regulator, RMAFC, in 2020, the report stated.

It further presents a breakdown of data showing how a Nigerian President earns N14 million annually while his vice gets N12 million which is equivalent to 28,866 and 24,742 respectively.

A Nigerian cabinet minister takes home roughly 16,000 or N7.8 million annually, consisting of a modest base salary plus several large allowances and gratuities.

The Chief Justice of the country gets N6.7 million; a Nigerian senator, N5 million; and N4 million for member of the house of representative, the report found

The report focused only on the legal earnings of political office holders in Nigeria and not the questionable ones such as the N13.5 million allowance each senator receives monthly in addition to their legitimate salaries and allowances.

Meanwhile, at state level, the data shows that while a governor is entitled to N7.8 million annually, his deputy receives N7.4 million. A state commissioner gets N4.9 million and N2.5 million for a state legislator.

By comparison, the average annual fee for a UK boarding school is N17.1 million or 35,000 in 2020 which is about twice the annual pay package of a Nigerian governor or minister and about N3 million higher than the annual earnings of a president, assuming he spent all his earnings on tuition fee of a child, the report found.

But the figure is even thrice the annual salary of a senator and four times the pay package of a member of the House of Representatives.

This argument justifies the papers claim of the use of unexplained wealth by Nigerian politicians to pay for some or all of their family members tuition fees in the UK.

Nigerian universities deteriorate

While the politically exposed people in Nigeria are spending billions to send their wards to UK schools, Nigerias educational sector faces long-standing mismanagement, underfunding, incessant strike by staff unions and a decline in teaching standards.

Data analysed by this newspaper has shown that Nigerian lecturers have gone on strike 15 times since 1999, spanning about 51 months, including the nine-month-long strike that was suspended last December. Put simply, in every five years since 1999, Nigerian universities spent one year on strike.

This probably informed why many Nigerians criticize their political leaders who have their wards scattered across schools abroad.

In recent years, some of the top Nigerian politicians who have celebrated their wards graduations from foreign schools include President Muhammadu Buhari; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar; a former senate president, Bukola Saraki and his deputy Ike Ekweremadu; and a serving senator and former Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha.

VP Osinbajo is in the UK attending his son's graduation today. He returns to Abuja tomorrow  Laolu Akande (@akandeoj) July 17, 2019

Please, join me in congratulating my darling daughter, Sonia Chinonso Ekweremadu, BA Media and Communications, on her graduation. Well done, girl. Proud of you. I celebrate you. pic.twitter.com/gTk5imIjFI  Ike Ekweremadu (@iamekweremadu) July 18, 2019

My daughter, Hasfat, graduated today. Wishing her the very best! pic.twitter.com/xjbekyswHQ  Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) June 3, 2016

Meanwhile, the calls for increased funding and reformation of Nigerias education sector has continued, especially by the university lecturers union, ASUU. In 2021, the federal government earmarked only 5.67 per cent of its budget to education.

The Carnegie report found that most of Nigerias public primary and secondary schools are in terrible condition. Public universities are in a similarly poor state too, caused by funding cuts, labour disputes, and violent crime on campuses.
Nigerian troops in collaboration with the Multi-Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have killed additional Boko Haram commanders. The coordinated opera...





Nigerian troops in collaboration with the Multi-Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have killed additional Boko Haram commanders.

The coordinated operation was carried out on Friday, 48 hours after a similar offensive.

Top insurgents, Ali Bor and Maleum Modu were taken out.

Other Boko Haram members were eliminated at different locations in Borno bushes infested with terrorists.

A military intelligence source gave details of the operation to PRNigeria on Saturday.

Alai Bor, a leader of Boko Haram in Buwari village in Bama, was killed while attempting to cross Gwoza-Pulka highway with six others in his entourage.

The other commander, Maleum Modu and three Boko Haram fighters were also gunned down by the Nigerian troops, he said.

Modu and the rest were discovered as they conducted surveillance around Mafa axis.

After the battle, motorcycles, weapons, and other items were recovered.
Wilkes-Barre, PA (18701)

Today

Cloudy with occasional rain...mainly in the morning. High 54F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Cloudy. Low near 45F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.
So now the AMA has come out and finally said that early treatment of COVID patients with hydroxychloroquine, Z pack and Zinc can be beneficial to curing COVID. This is after nine months of a nationwide ban of its use.

Hydroxychloroquine or HCQ is a drug that has been used for 50 years for various things like arthritis and malaria, Why was HCQ banned you ask? Simply because President Trump mentioned that it "could be" helpful in saving lives and protecting people from getting COVID.

Now after nine months have gone by and 431,000 people have died in the U.S., the AMA now says this: "RESOLVED, That our American Medical Association rescinds its statement calling for physicians to stop prescribing hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine until sufficient evidence becomes available to conclusively illustrate that the harm associated with use outweighs benefit early in the disease course. Implying that such treatment is inappropriate contradicts AMA Policy 7 H-120.988, Patient Access to Treatments Prescribed by Their Physicians, that addresses off label prescriptions as appropriate in the judgement of the prescribing physician (Directive to Take Action); and be it further RESOLVED, That our AMA rescind its joint statement with the American Pharmacists Association and American Society of Health System Pharmacists, and update it with a joint statement notifying patients that further studies are ongoing to clarify any potential benefit of hydroxychloroquine and combination therapies for the treatment of COVID-19 (Directive to Take Action); and be it further RESOLVED, That our AMA reassure the patients whose physicians are prescribing hydroxychloroquine and combination therapies for their early-stage COVID-19 diagnosis by issuing an updated statement clarifying our support for a physicians ability to prescribe an FDA approved medication for off label use, if it is in her/his best clinical judgement, with specific reference to the use of hydroxychloroquine and combination therapies for the treatment of the earliest stage of COVID-19 (Directive to Take Action); and be it further RESOLVED, That our AMA take the actions necessary to require local pharmacies to fill valid prescriptions that are issued by physicians and consistent with AMA principles articulated in AMA Policy H-120.988, Patient Access to Treatments Prescribed by Their Physicians, including working with the American Pharmacists Association and American Society of Health System Pharmacists.

So that means the media, Fauci, the Democrats, all the governors who banned its use caused the deaths of hundreds of thousands of American lives because they hated President Trump. They all lied and Americans died. Some doctors said it didn't help even though many doctors testified before Congress that it did help people recover and prevented people from getting it. These doctors testified before Congress and the Senate and were flat out attacked for their views - views that were provable. One hundred clinical studies that proved it helped were ignored. President Trump was right and tried to save those lives but the before mentioned wouldn't help and walked away.

Remember last summer when a group of doctors held a press conference. They called these doctors quacks, especially the black female doctor who worked in Houston. They called her a witch doctor because she is from Jamaica, I think.

The people who said HCQ would help were right and the media and every Democrat were wrong. The evidence was there, but they lied and people died - 300,000 deaths since July 2020. Blood is on their hands.

We had a drug that would have saved lives and doctors weren't allowed to use it.

Jeff Burns

* * *

Mr. Burns, I only have two things to say.





1. Fact check is your friend.





2. The article you reference was published in AJM (American Journal of Medicine) and not AMA (American Medical Association).





Oh, and there's a third:





3. The article in AJM doesn't say that. AJM doesn't endorse HCQ for COVID-19 treatment. Articles presented to AJM are written by outside authors with different and at times opposing views about various medical conditions and treatments.

a. The article I believe you reference was actually put together last spring and published in August while Trump was still in office. IOWs, it's not a 'new article' at all.





Have a great day, sir. Let your fingers do the tap dancing on your keyboard and use your browser to carry out a simple less than three-second search.





Most of all and finally, stop regurgitating stuff you lift from some right wing site filled with misinformation, hate and outright lies.





Brenda Washington


US law enforcement agents found bomb-making instructions inside the home of a member of the Proud Boys right-wing extremist group who was charged with participating in the siege of the Capitol on January 6, prosecutors said on Friday.

Dominic Pezzola, 43, had weapons- and bomb-making manuals on a thumb drive device found within his home near Rochester, New York, prosecutors said in a court filing, arguing that he should be jailed pending trial.

The assault on the Capitol on January 6. Credit:Bloomberg

More than 135 people have been arrested so far in connection with the rampage by supporters of then-president Donald Trump that interrupted the formal congressional certification of President Joe Bidens election victory, forced lawmakers to rush to safety and left five people, including a police officer, dead.

The Justice Department said Pezzola and another member of the Proud Boys, William Pepe, 31, of Beacon, New York, were indicted on charges including conspiracy, civil disorder and unlawfully entering restricted buildings or grounds.
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New Delhi, Jan 30 : The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has strongly criticised US-based lobby group USIBC for objecting to an initiative of DPIIT to reframe the Press Note 2 of FDI policy.

"The uncalled-for intervention of USIBC shows utter desperation of US companies like Amazon and Walmart and which are part of this lobby group, as they have understood that their sinister game of controlling and dominating e-commerce and retail trade of India will soon be over and they are trying to block initiative of DPIIT for bringing a new Press Note and e-commerce policy," CAIT said.

"However, the 85 million-strong business community of India will ensure that reforms in e-commerce landscape should take place as soon as possible," the traders body said.

The CAIT has sent a strongly-worded letter to USIBC President Nisha Biswal stating that without knowing the true facts and under pressure of Amazon, Walmart and others, USIBC's intervention is unwarranted which runs against the interests of the 85 million traders of India.

USIBC has urged the Indian government not to tighten e-commerce rules and not to make any more material restrictive changes to e-commerce investment rules as it will limit e-commerce firms from leveraging their scale.

CAIT National President B.C. Bhartia and Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal said that at a time when in a recent judgement, the Delhi High Court has found Amazon guilty of violation of FDI policy and FEMA, the intervention of USIBC shows both Amazon and Walmart are trying every route for an embargo over proposed changes in Press Note.

Bhartia and Khandelwal said that such a hue and cry is not understandable. CAIT said the government is not bringing any new law or policy and it is just trying to include Dos and Don'ts of the Press Note. Further scaling of any business can't be stopped by law or any policy. However, the scaling or growth in business has to be within the purview and parameters as defined in the policy or the law. "Why any entity should worry when the government is clarifying the policy?" CAIT asked.

Bhartia and Khandelwal said that USIBC is mistaken in terming the business of these companies as an investment in India. The capital which these companies are using is meant to operate their business activities whose return in shape of revenue is accrued by these companies as their profit. Therefore, terming such capital as investment is factually wrong.

CAIT said they are using this so-called investment as burning of capital to support their unethical business practices and also to violate the FDI policy of the government and the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). In a recent judgement of Delhi High Court, the court has taken on record that Amazon is violating FDI policy and FEMA, it added.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
One of the most popular but completely untrue stories and visuals of the week. This isnt legit, even though it was shared widely on social media. The Associated Press checked out the facts:

CLAIM: President Joe Biden swore on a Masonic/Illuminati Bible during his inauguration last week.

THE FACTS: Following Bidens inauguration, false social media posts spread about the Bible he used to take his oath of office. Some social media users falsely suggested that the several-inches thick Bible, a Biden family heirloom, was Masonic or associated with an Illuminati conspiracy.

Conspiracy theorists suggest the Illuminati, a purported secret society, wants world domination. Freemasons, a fraternal organization, have been the subject of conspiracy theories since the group was founded over 300 years ago. Some founding fathers were even part of the group.

Sooo has anyone else realized this yet or???? Masonic/Illuminati Bible that Biden swore on yesterday wrote one Facebook user along with a photo of Bidens hand on the Bible. The false post had 19,000 shares.

But in fact, Biden was sworn in on a Douay-Rheims Bible, an English translation of a Latin Bible. The Bible has been in the Biden family since the 1890s. He used the same Bible when he was sworn in twice as vice president and seven times as a senator from Delaware, The Associated Press reported.

Nothing even vaguely Masonic would have been anywhere near these Bibles, Robert Miller, professor of biblical studies at The Catholic University of America, told the AP in an email. Same thing for the Illuminati, to the extent that such a thing existed: repeatedly condemned by the Popes and certainly coming nowhere into contact with Catholic Bibles.

Rev. Brent A. Strawn, a professor of Old Testament and law at Duke University, told the AP in an email that theres no conspiracy behind the Bible. He explained that the Douay-Rheims Bible is a translation of the Vulgate, a Latin translation of the Hebrew Old Testament and Greek New Testament. Douay-Rheims is simply an English translation of the Latin Bible so popular in Catholic piety and worship, he said.
Claire Allan is well used to deadlines. The author has written 15 books and her current, Ask No Questions, is her fifth thriller. What's incredible is that her first thriller - a genre where she continues to grow in skill and talent - was released only two-and-a-half years ago.

"When you're in the middle of writing, I don't think about the timescale, I'm just hitting the deadlines," she says.

If you add Claire's two romantic comedies - under the pen name of Freya Kennedy - into the mix, that's four published novels since January 2020.

With the addition of a pandemic and uncertainty all around, it means that writing during the last year has been a 'really strange mix' for the author.

"It's been a really strange mix of being able to escape into writing to a world you can control and outcomes you can control, which we do when we're creating characters," she says.

"But also, with there being so much uncertainty, for example, with kids at home and there's home schooling. You have your worries, you're watching the news, you're stressed out, there's times, and a lot of other writers are saying this, that you're completely paralysed thinking, 'What's the point?'

"For me it's either been, 'I need to write to get away from this' or, 'I'm never writing again'.

"But thank god for deadlines! That's what keeps me focused. If I didn't have a deadline, I think I'd be in my pyjamas, drinking tea all day."

Available as an eBook and in selected independent bookshops, Ask No Questions details the 25th anniversary of eight-year-old Kelly's Doherty's disappearance and subsequent discovery, found floating face down on the banks of the Creggan Reservoir.



Expand Close Ask no question  Claire Allan / Facebook

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Whatsapp Ask no question  Claire Allan

No-nonsense journalist Ingrid Devlin, who fans of Claire's previous books will know, was only two years older than Kelly when she disappeared and is asked to compile a piece for the local paper.

It should be a straightforward article, until Ingrid is contacted by someone who wants to tell their side of the story. She continues to investigate, even after her editor asks her to stop concentrating on Kelly's case, and despite a series of intimidating tactics. Can she discover what really happened in a case that's now a quarter of a century old?

Unlike other books which have featured Ingrid, the reader is given much more of an indication into what makes the journalist tick.

Claire - who is a former journalist - says that including Ingrid as an important character helped with writing.

"The core of her personality was already fully formed before I even started writing the book," says Claire.

"I find her a really fascinating character. I know from having a background in journalism, it's a really, really competitive industry and in some areas it's kill or be killed. You have to get the story; there's no coming back to the office with, 'I don't have the story.' That doesn't cut it."

The 'morally questionable' character has a good side at her heart.

"I wanted to let people see her a bit differently; when they've met her in the other books, they see that really competitive side. I wanted to go in and show people that this is why she is the way she is. This is what has happened in her life and how she gets caught up and actually became the story herself."

For those willing Ingrid on, expect more to come.

"She's a brilliant character to write and I know for a fact that we've not the seen the last of her because she's in the book that I'm writing currently," says Claire.



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"She has more of a cameo role and I think she will recur through the books because I think there's mileage in her.

"She was only ever meant to be in [first thriller] Her Name was Rose and then I thought I was done. When I writing Forget Me Not, I was on a writing retreat at the River Mill and I was sort of stuck. I knew I needed to inject something into it.

"[Author] Liz Nugent was at the retreat that week and we had dinner together every night [as part of the retreat]. She said, 'I really like that character Ingrid Devlin, you should bring her back.'

"That brought her back into Forget Me Not and once she was back I knew she was a very interesting character. I don't think I can let her go. She's probably the one stuck in my head the most."

It was important too that Claire shows Ingrid not as someone exclusively focused on a newspaper credit - but as three dimensional.

"At the heart of my stories, no matter who it is - apart from one character I've written about who has no humanity at all - with every character, I try and show, whether they're perceived ultimately as bad or good, they're human and they're flawed, and everybody can do the right thing and everybody can do the wrong thing and it just all depends on the circumstances that you're in," she says.

"I wanted to show that she gets it wrong and makes mistakes and gets herself into messes. But at the end of it all, her heart is in the right place and when push comes to shove, she'll generally do the right thing."

Location is paramount to set a novel's appropriate tone but in her books, Claire's use of her home city has seen it become a character in its own right.

"Probably in this one, even more so than the others because it really is set in the heart of the working class community in Creggan," she says, speaking of the community in which she grew up.

"Those streets are where the young me spent her childhood. For me while writing it, I did drive around the streets again to get a feel for it. Those are the things Ingrid does: goes up to the country park, to get that feeling again. I drew on stories that we would have been told and the warnings we'd have been given such as not going up to the reservoir because you didn't know who would be there.

"It's very much focused on the reality of what my childhood experience was and what that community is, the tightness of the community and the difficulties that exist within the community, be it poverty, be it addiction, be it a legacy of the Troubles.

"It is very much a Northern Irish book and very much a Derry book and I think, more than the others, it had to be told in this city."

When she began writing, Claire concentrated on the 'universality of experience,' keeping location more general, letting readers set the story in their heads.

"When I moved to [publisher] Avon, I was so surprised, a UK publisher was saying to me, 'Why are you not writing more about the history, the streets? Put that in, we want to get the flavour of it.'



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"Others writers do, they put in London or Dublin or even Belfast, but in Derry, we've kind of shied away a wee bit from setting stories in the heart of our community. But it works really well. I love reading Brian McGilloway's books as I can recognise everywhere he's talking about."

Her favourite bit of writing thrillers? What she calls 'leaving wee breadcrumbs', those red herrings which can make or break an intriguing plot.

"So when the reader does get to the end, they can flick back and think, 'Ah, that's why she said or did that' and work it out from there. That's the fun part, like putting a jigsaw puzzle together."

And with red herrings come plot twists - now expected when reading the genre.

"To be quite honest, most of the time when I start writing the books, I know that there's going to be a twist but I don't know what that's going to be, or what I originally think it's going to be," says Claire.

"By the time I get so far into the book, I think, 'That's really obvious' so I change it or something else comes into mind.

"I have been writing books where the killer has changed quite near the end because it seems to be an even better twist.

"I always think I'm never going to be able to do it again, I'm never going to be able to come up with another twist, but we always get there."

Female noir has grown in popularity in recent years and it is the emotional connection that these authors showcase that helps drive their success, says Claire.



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"I think it's being able to get into the characters and a lot of women's crime fiction is really character-led.

"A lot of the male crime fiction is a bit more plot-led. There are strong characters there but I don't think you delve into their psyche quite as much as women did, because we do like to pick at what's behind people.

"The Irish female writers writing crime I don't think there's any other country that's producing such a high standard. It blows me away that this is such a tiny island and we have these incredible writers."

The support and guidance offered within the writing community is equally paramount, says Claire.

"We know that this is a really tough industry and we acknowledge that every one of us is working in a really tough industry.

"It's hard to break through - it's harder to break through if you're a woman than if you're a man. It's definitely harder to be taken seriously if you're a woman than a man in writing so we're there for each other.

"I think it was Marian Keyes who said if we're all supporting each other, nobody loses. If someone buys a book and loves it, they're going to buy other books; they're not going to buy one author.

"If we're all chatting about each other's books, everybody's book is getting bought and it's making the readers' market bigger."

Social media has never been more important to authors - being able to promote new publications and keeping fans updated on writing progress - but it can be a blessing and a curse, says Claire, especially when living in uncertain times.

"There have been times during the pandemic where I've had to take a few days off, deactivate the account for a few days so I can't even sneakily log in because everybody's in a heightened emotional state.

"But it's also a huge comfort because no matter morning, noon or night, you go on and there is going to be somebody who sort of gets what you're going through.

"It might be another writer, a reader or god knows how you've connected with somebody. I think that's all we want at the minute: a sense of connection and we don't have a full-on hug from a friend so it's important that we have that wee sort of nice echo chamber.

"I quite like my echo chamber; people say you shouldn't just stick with people you agree with but it's nice to stick with people you agree with.

"And when you do feel yourself getting too wound up, to realise it's ok to switch off."

Being honest with followers is imperative, says Claire, praising the support can be found on social media.

"You can think everybody else has got this lovely life and I'm sitting here feeling a bit depressed," she says.

"It doesn't have to be something huge; it could be that you woke up and you can't shake the cloud over your head. Just to have somebody acknowledge it and say, 'You'll be grand,' even if that's a complete stranger, it does help.

"The entire conversation helps. There's a lot of talk about protecting our mental health at the minute. Talk's great but people have to take active steps. Being understanding that everybody is emotional and going through their own stresses is a huge part of that. If people talk more openly about how they're feeling, that's going to benefit everybody."

The USA Today bestseller always has 'something ticking over' in terms of ideas and finds inspiration from all around.

"Me and my daughter who's 11 - she's a very mature 11 but she's 11 - took the dog for a walk the other day and got into a discussion - because we were walking around a country park - about where in the country park would be a good place for a body to be found, and then what kind of injuries, what kind of murder it might be and who would have done it," she says.

"She's a wee wannabe writer as well and we were plotting it the whole way around. I thought, if anyone was walking past us they would have thought, 'What on earth are they talking about?'

"Even my friends have now started saying, if we're going out a walk, 'That would be a good place for a body.' You're always seeing things, firing ideas at you and it's great, it's just sort of catching the right one."

Ask No Questions, published by Avon, is available as an eBook and in trade paperback from independent stores and easons.com
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WASHINGTON - The self-appointed guardians of the fence that separates Black Lives Matter Plaza in the District of Columbia from the federal parkland of Lafayette Square and the White House grounds gathered once again in the street Saturday as the sun rose.

They waved Black liberation flags and danced to the music of Pussy Riot, just as they have on many mornings before. Then, they did something new.

They carefully photographed each decorated panel of fence - 78 of them - and archived the contents, making detailed notes of each. Then, after a final look, the group began to take it all down.

They clipped zip ties and unfastened pipe cleaners, cut through thick layers of tape and unhooked bungee cords. Volunteers collected the pieces one by one in large plastic bags before carrying them to a waiting car.

Some of the pieces will be donated to museums and schools. Howard University and the Library of Congress have already selected some items for their respective collections. District Deputy Mayor John Falcicchio said recently that the District had reached out to the Smithsonian Institution about taking some of the works, though no official agreement had been reached.

National Park Service officials have prodded the Smithsonian, which in June sent representatives to collect artifacts that had accumulated in the square amid ongoing racial justice demonstrations. The Park Service also had planned to preserve some of the signs in the agency's own museum collection, but Nadine Seiler, a racial justice activist and the unofficial curator of the display, said she had no word from the government about that.

"I haven't heard from them at all," she said Saturday as she unclipped an American flag from the metal. "It's not like those people don't know where to find me. I'm out here every day."

Seiler, 55, had been among the hundreds of thousands of protesters who took to the streets of the District after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis to demand criminal justice reform and protest the country's long, painful history of racial inequality.

As signs carried by demonstrators began to accumulate on and around the security fence erected at Lafayette Square, Seiler started to do what she does best: organize.

Before the coronavirus pandemic made working in other people's houses impossible, Seiler had been a professional home organizer. She helped others order their closets and inventory their collections. She enjoyed making order from chaos.

In August, Seiler began to make near-daily trips from her home in Waldorf, Md., to Black Lives Matter Plaza, where volunteer medics would gather for shifts throughout the day and protesters would meet for rallies or meandering marches about town.

Seiler, meanwhile, would tend to the pieces on the fence. She learned that each one had its own needs - more tape, a stronger foundation, a protective plastic coating.

Then, on Oct. 26, a small group of conservative activists who had come to the District for the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett, attacked the fence. They snatched signs, ripped posters, threw items to the ground. Many pieces were destroyed.

Seiler and a small army of volunteers restored what they could. Before long, a collection of salvaged signs and new additions refilled the fence.

But Seiler had made a decision. She would not let anything like that happen again.

That meant maintaining a vigil at the fence, day and night. It meant defending the fence with her body, raising her arms and standing between would-be vandals and the pieces they sought to destroy. It meant recruiting others to keep watch and feeding the homeless individuals who helped fill out her team of volunteers.

It meant being there all day, all night, no matter what.

Since that late October day, Seiler said, she has spent no more than a few hours at a time away from her post. She coordinates with others, including Karen Irwin, 45, so they can take turns sleeping, eating or using the bathroom.

The rest of her time is spent minding the pieces on display, negotiating with police officers who have closed the plaza several times over the past few months, or helping tourists with questions about the art, the protests, the best place to attempt a photo of the White House.

After President Joe Biden was inaugurated and Seiler had folded up her flags that opposed the former president - "He's gone," she had said, "so we don't need these anymore" - Seiler decided the time had come to step away from the daily work of protecting the fence. Her protest of the former president was over, she said. It had become harder to imagine staying out there all day and night as temperatures fell and heaps of snow were forecast to hit the region.

So she and her team of volunteers conferred and determined that the best way to make sure the fence and its art would live on - with or without her standing watch - was to create a digital archive, to preserve the fence exactly as it was for anyone to see, forever.

Aliza Leventhal, an archivist with the Library of Congress, offered to help guide the group in recording and archiving each piece.

She told Seiler to number each panel of the fence, so every piece could be recorded and stored in order.

Over three days, Seiler adjusted the art a final time. She hung pieces that had fallen, made sure folded corners were upright.

By the time the sun rose on Saturday, several dozen panels had been photographed and recorded.

A team of six made quick work of the rest in the morning cold. Jogging in place at times to keep their feet from freezing, they plucked homemade shields, painted tarps, mixed-media works of art from their positions.

"This is going to be the ugliest fence in the world when we're all done," Irwin said.

Runners and dog walkers paused to watch the process. Some had questions.

"Where's this stuff going to end up?" asked a man, his hands stuffed deep into the pockets of a puffy red jacket.

"Are you all taking this to a museum or something?" asked a young woman as she took pictures with her phone.

"Yes," Seiler said, cutting through plastic zip ties.

"That's awesome," the woman said. "Thank you for taking care of this."

By midday, only a handful of more than 1,200 pieces remained.

Colorful ribbons tied to the fence to form the words "we keep us safe" and "defend Black lives" would stay. So, too, would streamers on which activists had written the names of Black people killed by police. Items deemed too difficult to preserve in their current form - a circle of streamers, dried flower petals taped individually to the fence - were also left behind.

As she surveyed the rapidly emptying panels, Seiler was flooded with relief.

The art pieces and posters she cared so deeply about would be stored and protected from the elements and far-right groups that already were discussing plans to return to the District. They would not be torn down unceremoniously when federal law enforcement decides to remove the barricade - a date that has yet to be determined.

One of the last pieces to go was a black and blue painting of a man's face. Across the top, the artist had scrawled the words, "free your mind," but Seiler had spent all week worrying about it.

On Wednesday, she said, members of the white supremacist group Patriot Front wandered through the plaza, pasting "Biden lost" stickers on whatever they could find. Before she could intervene, Seiler said, a man slapped a sticker on the corner of the painting, which had been among those selected by the Library of Congress. She acted quickly, lifting one corner then another, trying to peel it off the paper.

She couldn't sleep that night, worried about more trouble and afraid that the next time she looked away, someone could slap a sticker - or something worse - across the downcast eyes of the painting.

As the piece was unclipped Saturday, smoothed out and tucked away in a plastic bag, Seiler breathed in, then out.

She would sleep well Saturday night, knowing that the painting, and so many others, were safe, knowing her work at the fence was finally done.
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Historian Tom Holland has joined the rector of London's oldest parish church in calling for financial help from both sides of the Atlantic to fix the roof in part of the building where Benjamin Franklin once worked.

The beams holding up the roof of the Lady Chapel at the 12th-Century St Bartholomew The Great church in Smithfield, Central London, are rotting, causing water to cascade down the treasured medieval walls.

Although nearly enough money was raised to fund the repairs last year, the work was delayed by the coronavairus crisis and the cost has now more than doubled to around 280,000.

Though it is now part of the church, the Lady Chapel was sold off during King Henry VIII's Reformation and it was there that Benjamin Franklin, who would go on to be one of the United States' founding fathers, worked in a printing workshop in the 1720s.

Now that the historic building - which has also been visited by The Queen, Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother - is at risk of serious damage, historian and parishioner Mr Holland urged wealthy benefactors to 'give what you can' to safeguard the building.

His words were echoed by the church's rector Marcus Walker, who highlighted how one of newly elected Joe Biden's first acts after taking office as US President this month was to put Franklin's portrait in his office.

'It links the City of London with the Oval Office,' he said. 'It would be an absolute tragedy if this sacred and historic place were to fall into ruin.'

The church must pay for all repair work through its own funds and does not receive any money from the Church of England for this purpose.

Historian Tom Holland has joined the rector of London's oldest parish church in calling for financial help from both sides of the Atlantic to fix the roof in part of the building where Benjamin Franklin once worked. The beams holding up the roof of the Lady Chapel at the 12th-Century St Bartholomew The Great church in Smithfield, Central London, are rotting, causing water to cascade down the treasured medieval walls

The church, along with the better-known nearby hospital, was founded by 12th-Century priest Rahere, during the reign of King Henry I.

It is the oldest extant - continuously surviving - parish church in the city of London.

The Lady Chapel is celebrated by Christians as being the only place in the city of London in which the Virgin Mary is said to have been sighted, by a previous rector.

The church would also have been witness to the terrified prayers of Londoners during the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918, the Great Plague of 1665 and the 14th-Century Black Death.

Speaking of the chapel and the church's incredible history in relation to the coronavirus pandemic, Mr Holland said: 'There are very few buildings in England, let alone London that have borne witness to people's attempt to cope with and understand and survive pandemics.

'I can't think of a building really anywhere in Britain that better exemplifies what we are going through at the moment.

Mr Holland's has presented TV programmes and published bestselling books on topics including classical and medieval history.

His most recent book, Dominion, traces the impact of Christianity on Western countries. He also regularly attends services at St Bartholomew The Great.

He was formerly a non-believer but penned an article for the New Statesman magazine in 2016 titled, 'Why I was wrong about Christianity' in which he argued that the West's cultural values stem from its Christian inheritance.

His latest book then expanded on this notion.

Though it is now part of the church, the Lady Chapel (pictured) was sold off during King Henry VIII's Reformation and it was there that Benjamin Franklin, who would go on to be one of the United States' founding fathers, worked in a printing workshop

Now that the historic building - which has also been visited by The Queen, Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother - is at risk of serious damage, historian and parishioner Mr Holland urged wealthy benefactors to 'give what you can' to safeguard the building. Right: The portrait of Franklin which is now hanging in the Oval office

A photo taken last October shows the water which has poured into the Lady Chapel as a result of the damaged roof

The church has previously featured in films including Four Weddings and a Funeral (pictured), Sherlock Holmes and Shakespeare in Love

'People went to that Church and prayed during the Spanish flu, during the Great Plague of 1665, during the Black Death,' he added.

'Those stones have borne witness to the ability of humans to survive and prevail over the experience of pandemic.

'The fact that the church was founded by someone who themselves was sick, came back and founded a hospital, this is an emblem of 900 years of people coping with and living with sickness.'

Addressing the building's connection with Franklin, Mr Holland then urged Americans to help to finance the church's repair costs.

'A huge amount about what makes the American republic derives from England. Franklin is the perfect exemplar of that,' he said.

'He worked as a printer in what was formerly the Lady Chapel.

St Bartholomew's was most recently visited by The Queen in 2004, when she was joined by her husband Prince Philip

. The monarch and her husband previously toured the church in 1968. Pictures from the day show parishioners lining the church's walkway to watch them walk through its main doors

Other incredible photos show both the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret in the church following the wedding of her niece Mary Bowes-Lyon to Lieutenant Timothy Colman

'It is a reminder that the roots of America are older than the American Republic.

'If that is significant to you, if the roots of your political system matter to you then this building should matter to you. So please give what you can,' he added.

Following the Reformation  in which King Henry VIII wrested authority from the Pope in Rome and established himself as the supreme head of the English Church  the Lady Chapel was sold off and became a printing workshop.

It was there that Benjamin Franklin, one of the United States' founding fathers - who was visiting from what were then Britain's American colonies - worked as an apprentice and lived in a street nearby.

He described in his autobiography how he worked at the 'famous printing-house', named Palmer's, and was 'pretty diligent'.

Among the works he said he helped to produce was a well-known text by cleric and philosopher William Wollaston, The Religion of Nature Delineated.

Speaking of the perilous state of the roof, Father Walker said it could ultimately be at risk of falling in.

'The roof is leaking and staining the medieval wall,' he said.

'The beams holding up the roof are rotting. You can see the water marks on the wall and bits of the roof are falling to the floor.

'The end result of that is that if we don't move quite quickly the roof could collapse.

'We can always have buckets out but the end of the Lady Chapel is if the roof caves in.

'And that is possibly also the end of a person. Right now it is manageable but if we allow it to keep going.'

'This is the only place in the entire world that has recorded visits of both Virgin Mary and Benjamin Franklin,' he added.

'It links the City of London with the Oval Office. It would be an absolute tragedy if this sacred and historic place were to fall into ruin.'

Father Walker said that the church applied for emergency repair funding from English Heritage but was unsuccessful.

After Mr Biden took office earlier this month, one of his first acts as President was to put a portrait of Franklin on the wall of the Oval Office

And his wife Jill Biden, the new First Lady, attended her husband's inauguration in a blue coat which featured a quote from Franklin inside

A fundraising campaign was launched two years ago and around 180,000 had been raised just before the March coronavirus lockdown halted works which were set to take place.

The state of the roof then deteriorated last year, causing the repair costs to double.

The church's finances have also been further hit by the coronavirus lockdown, because it has meant they have been unable to hire out the historic building for filming and weddings have not taken place.

The church has previously featured in films including Four Weddings and a Funeral, Sherlock Holmes and Shakespeare in Love.

'It's like every institution, Covid has hit us hard. We have sustained periods of lockdown, people haven't been able to come in,' Father Walker said.

'We haven't been able to hire the building out for filming. Which is the main way that we subsidise all the rest that we do.'

Mr Holland added: 'It's very hard to think of any space that contains so much history.

'To have a place where the Virgin Mary appeared to a monk and where Franklin was printing off radical tracts. It is amazing.'

The church boasts incredible stone columns and arches with high windows which allow light to stream into it. Right: A 1951 photo of the church

Speaking of the perilous state of the roof of the Lady Chapel, Father Walker said it could ultimately be at risk of falling in. 'The roof is leaking and staining the medieval wall,' he said. Pictured: The church in 1951

St Bartholomew's was most recently visited by The Queen in 2004, when she was joined by her husband Prince Philip.

The monarch and her husband previously toured the church in 1968. Pictures from the day show parishioners lining the church's walkway to watch them walk through its main doors.

Other incredible photos show both the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret in the church following the wedding of her niece Mary Bowes-Lyon to Lieutenant Timothy Colman.

After Mr Biden took office earlier this month, one of his first acts as President was to put a portrait of Franklin on the wall of the Oval Office.

And his wife Jill Biden, the new First Lady, attended her husband's inauguration in a blue coat which featured a quote from Franklin inside.

The quote read: 'Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.'

To donate to St Bartholomew The Great's fundraising campaign, click here.
Ceviche has become tightly associated with Peruvian food, but the team at Jaranita  which opened Friday  is hoping to expose the city of San Francisco to another side of Peruvian cuisine  particularly the region's wonderful dishes kissed with fire by a charcoal grill.

"Jaranita is a great opportunity for us to keep showing Peruvian food to not only San Francisco, but to the world," chef Javier Cussato told SFGATE. "Most of the Peruvian places, they offer a lot of seafood options, as we are very well known for the ceviches. But here we're gonna present a little twist and focus on the grill part of Peruvian cuisine."

Cussato is taking the lead at Jaranita, the new restaurant from the La Mar Cebicheria Peruana group opening in the former Bistro Aix space in the Marina. Having spent over seven years at the La Mar space, he is spreading his wings and expanding his repertoire to include a new roster of dishes that show off the fiery side of Peru.

The showstopper of Jaranita is the pollo a la brasa, a rotisserie chicken marinated overnight in black pepper, cumin, oregano, rosemary ginger and cloves. The chicken is then slowly cooked over both charcoal and wood to give it a unique twist, Cussato said, since typically the chicken is just done over charcoal in Peru. The chicken comes in whole, half and quarter sizes, and comes with two sides and sauces to help form a complete meal.

But Cussato doesn't want Jaranita to be known only as a rotisserie chicken spot  there's plenty more to explore, he assured. Cussato pointed us toward the anticuchos, one of which is made of grilled beef cullote and the other the more traditional grilled beef heart found in Peru. Both are served with choclo, huancaina sauce, fries, and chimichurri for the beef cullote, and rocoto anticuchero sauce for the beef hearts.

The team is hoping to expand the menu a bit, once they get their feet under them, with Cussato teasing dishes such as a whole lamb leg roasted over charcoal or some pork dishes he hopes to add in the future. But for now, they're keeping things relatively simple with its offerings; alongside the larger menu items, Jaranita also has an all-day menu filled with perhaps more lunch-appropriate items such as the brasa, which folds in the pollo a la brasa into a sandwich with tomatoes, lettuce and avocado over an Acme bread bun. The churrasquito is Jaranita's tri-tip steak sandwich offering, which will also come with tomatoes and avocado, as well as a chimichurri and huacatay cream.

If you're feeling dessert-y, Jaranita has a unique "purple corn cheesecake" that is chicha morada-flavored, chicha morada being a Peruvian drink made of purple corn and pineapple, and also featured on Jaranita's drink menu. The chocolate lucuma roll is also something you shouldn't snooze on, as it's made with the lucuma fruit from Peru, which Cussato said he is hoping to make popular in San Francisco.

Jaranita's name comes from the word jarana, which Cussato described as a "very festive and loud party in the street" with plentiful anticuchos and food from the neighborhood. Jaranita, then, is a "little" version of that, and Cussato says he is hoping to bring that vibe to the Marina District "when everything goes back to normal." Still, whenever that day arrives, the restaurant's vibe is bringing that Peruvian flavor to its decor in the meantime, with murals done in the style of Peruvian artist Jose Tola; the olive tree from Bistro Aix is also still intact at the back of the restaurant, and Cussato said there are plans to decorate it in the style of a yunza tree, which Peruvians decorate "with their wishes and grievances," during parties in Peru, Cussato described. (Although, traditionally- and technically-speaking, a yunza tree is typically struck down with a hatchet by party guests  "for their wishes to come true," Cussato said  but I'd venture a guess that the 100-year-old olive tree will remain for more years to come.)

Jaranita's parklet is still wrapping up its construction, but Cussato said he expects it to open for customers by February 8. For now, hungry customers can head to the restaurant for takeout and delivery.

Jaranita, located at 3340 Steiner St. in San Francisco, is open starting Friday, January 29. Their hours of operation are 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

Here are some other exciting restaurant openings for the month of January:

Huangcheng Noodle House is back after a fire burned down the original outpost in Oakland in September. The group has landed at a spot in Swan's Market in Oakland, bringing back its signature handmade noodles for fans that have missed it in the four months Huangcheng has been gone. Read more from Eater SF here.

Ocean Beach Cafe is focusing its San Francisco beachside offerings on non-alcoholic (NA) drinks, driven by new owner Joshua James's exploration of the expansive NA world. James has taken over the former Kawika's Beach Deli and along with the drinks is a healthy, vegetarian and vegan-friendly menu of coffee, breakfast burritos and kale salad, along with a dose of Hawaiian food like huli huli chicken and mac salad (a nod to James's connection to Hawaii). Read more here.

Rolling Snack definitely lives up to its snack-y name, with a focus on Sichuan street food, all tucked inside a Newark strip mall. Picture 24 different types of fried skewers, like beef tripe and squid, all at an eye-catching $0.69 a stick  and there's plenty more dishes to explore beyond that. Read more from Eater SF here.

Senor Sisig has become a staple food truck in San Francisco, along with its brick-and-mortar Mission District restaurant that came later, and now the Filipino fusion food spot is opening another spot in Oakland, Senor Sisig Vegano. As you may have surmised, there is a vegan focus at this location than Senor Sisig's typical offerings, but expect the same style of food you've come to know with the original Senor Sisig lineup  just meatless. Read more here.

Sweet July is a new part-cafe, part-shop in a beautiful Oakland space, and a surprising celebrity tie-in to Ayesha Curry. That tie-in won't be a surprise to those who have been keeping up with Curry, however, as it shares its name with the magazine she launched in 2020. Read more details on the cafe here, from Hoodline.

Underdog Tres opened in January under plenty of duress: Its sister restaurant, Underdogs Too, had just burned down in December, with just weeks left in construction on the new outpost. Still, owner Doug Marschke managed to keep the momentum going on Underdog Tres, opening to plenty of neighbors who came out to support the new location. Read more about the opening, the fire at Underdogs Too and more, here.
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Consistently ranking in the bottom 10 of states is not the fault of New Mexicos culture. But we have become accustomed to it  so much so that our elected officials have convinced us that the table scraps we fight over are precious.

I believe that New Mexico deserves to rank among the top 10 of states. Our elected officials should focus on taking us there.

Why is New Mexicos rank among states important? Because our elected officials cant skew our national performance by manipulating statistics the way they do here. Albuquerques government has altered its crime categories to make it difficult to compare current crime rates with the past or with other cities. New Mexicos governors have changed education standards for the same reason. But they cannot skew the national statistics: our state ranks at the bottom for crime and education.

Our elected officials are not focused on what will move New Mexico to the top. Gov. (Susana) Martinez took pride in finishing her term with a budget surplus. Gov. (Michelle) Lujan Grisham is focused on supporting unions. But once again, the national judges are not fooled: New Mexico ranks at the bottom for both infrastructure and employment.

Our elected officials want to expand their failed strategies. New Mexicans who enjoy nearly free health care have the lowest life expectancy. Yet, our leaders want to expand free health care to lower life expectancy for more people. New Mexicos tax laws force hard-working taxpayers to subsidize businesses that relocate here. Meanwhile, our tax laws do nothing to support local entrepreneurs whose businesses not only add jobs but grow wealth.

New Mexicos drive to the top starts in 2021 and it starts with government transparency. All New Mexicans should receive a quarterly status report covering education, crime and public safety, tax revenues and tax exemptions, government spending, infrastructure, environment and our citizens physical and financial health. Each category should include objective comparable statistics with our national ranking and county rankings within the state.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

The challenges that keep us on the bottom are all solvable. It is up to us, New Mexicos citizens, to demand that our elected officials focus on those categories that will lift us all up.

Mick Rich is the host of To the Point with Mick Rich on Albuquerque Comcast Channel 26.
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Detectives believe a woman who suspiciously vanished near a bikie gang clubhouse more than 20 years ago was murdered - as they offer a $1million reward to help solve the case.

Lisa Govan was 28 years old when she disappeared from 'wild west' Kalgoorie, Western Australia, in October 1999.

She was last seen on Boulder Road near the Foundry Hotel - close to the then Deroes bikie gang clubhouse in the town 600km to the east of Perth - in the early hours of October 8 that year.

Ms Govan never returned home.

Police are offering a $1million reward for clues about missing WA woman Lisa Govan

As part of their investigation, WA cops have released photographs of a white 1985 Toyota Landcruiser ute in the hopes they will find its current owner to obtain DNA from the car.

Police allege a similar vehicle arrived at the Deroes clubhouse on the morning of Lisa's disappearance, departed and later returned.

They have also released CCTV of Ms Govan at the Safari nightclub, just hours before she was last seen.

Police Minister Michelle Roberts says she hopes progress in the case might help Ms Govan's family find some closure.

'She had her whole life in front of her, she had a family that loved her, and for 21 years that family has suffered in silence,' Ms Roberts said.

Ms Govan was described as smiley, chatty, attractive and the 'life of the party' by those who knew her.

Lisa Govan (pictured) disappeared from Kalgoorie, in Western Australia, in October 1999

WA cops have released brand new information into Ms Govan's disappearance

Her disappearance has haunted her parents, Ian and Pat, who have three other children.

The parents faced the media at a press conference as the new $1million reward was announced.

They hope the new reward will help solve the case.

'This is something we're pondered over for 21 years,' Mr Govan said.

'Finding out where Lisa is would be a big stepping stone for us.

'The Police Force today is far more dedicated than the one from 21 years ago. Back then Kalgoorlie was a cowboy town.'

In 1999 when Ms Govan went missing, Kalgoorie was referred to as the 'wild west'.

Detectives believe people in Kalgoorlie know what happened to Ms Govan, but so far they have not spoken up.

Police have released photographs of a white 1985 Toyota Landcruiser ute (pictured), in the hopes they will find its current owner to obtain DNA from the car

A similar vehicle to the landcruiser (pictured) arrived at the Deroes clubhouse on the morning of Ms Govan's disappearance

'Police never give up on cases like this one,' Ms Roberts said.

Ms Roberts said police are prepared to provide protection for anyone who can help them crack the case.

Homicide detectives from the Special Crime Squad recently reviewed Ms Govan's case, and requested an increase to the $250,000 reward for information.

The state government has agreed to offer a reward of up to $1million for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for the suspected abduction and murder.

Extra police officers are manning Crimestoppers phone lines on 1800 333 000 in the hope that people can provide fresh information.

In 1999 when Ms Govan (pictured) went missing, Kalgoorie was the 'wild west', said people who lived there

The Chhattisgarh State Government is going to host its first-ever bird festival in the villages of Gidhwa and Parsada village of Bemetara district from January 31 to February 2, said Additional Principal Conservator for Forest Arun Pandey. Three days festival will be launched on January 31st and ends on February 2, he said while speaking with FPJ over the phone.

The forest department has started preparations for it. In maintaining wildlife diversity and environmental conservation birds play a major role. Gidhwa attracts and nests more than 150 varieties of birds including migratory (overseas) and local. This includes 106 varieties of local birds and more than 11 types of foreign migratory birds such as from European countries, Mangolia, Burma and Bangladesh.

Gidhwa and Parsada area has an old lake sprawling over 100 acres and 125 acres of catchment area and every year migratory birds start arriving in the area in October month and stay up to March. We have planned to make the area as bird sanctuary and start conservation, District Forest Officer Durg Ganveer Dhammshil said. But to sustain the concept we need a broader level of awareness, sensitization of local populace and good connection. Thus, we have linked it with tourism, which will generate jobs for the local youth, the DFO added. And for the programme we have engaged youth volunteers, specialists, bird lovers and others so that it will create awareness and job opportunities both, he added.

Himanta Biswa Sarma Lays Foundation Stones for two Govt Model Colleges and Bridge in BTR

TMC leader Madan Mitra says, 'Parashurama did not eat food without beef...'

Air services on Bilaspur Delhi-Mumbai-Kolkata route becomes a reality soon.
Heres the latest from the crossroads of faith, media & culture: 01/29/21

The Hawaii-set family adventure film Finding Ohana drops today (1/29) on Netflix. The movie stars Kea Peahu, Kelly Hu (L.A.s Finest, Arrow, The Orville), Branscombe Richmond (Chicago Med, Soul Surfer, The Scorpion King, Renegade), YouTube star Alex Aiono, Lindsey Watson, Owen Vaccaro (Arrested Development) and Ke Hu Quan (The Goonies, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom). The film is directed by Jude Weng and written by Christina Strain.

Synopsis: 12-year-old Pili (Kea Peahu) and her older brother Ioane (Alex Aiono) are abruptly moved from New York City to a rural portion Oahu life by their widowed mother Leilani (Kelly Hu) so they can get to know their grandfather Kimo (Branscombe Richmond) who is in danger of losing the familys ancestral land. When Pili discovers an old book containing information on finding a treasure deep hidden with a Hawaiian cave (and ancient burial ground) she sets out to find it  embarking on an adventure that involves her brother, her friend Casper and Hana, a pretty local teen with dreams of attending the Julliard School for Performing Arts in New York. Through the journey, Pili learns to respect and love her familys cultural roots and that the real treasure in life is ohana (which means family).

IMHO: The film is being compared to 1985s The Goonies with which it shares a similar plot involving kids on a quest for buried treasure. Im probably one of the few people my age who hasnt seen that movie so I cant really say how it compares to it. What I can say is that, IMHO, the fantastic adventure element of the story is the weakest part of the film. The story never really comes close to achieving the action-packed, heart-pounding suspense it appears to be going for.

But thats not to say the movie doesnt have a lot of things going for it. First  and this is crucial  it has very likable characters and appealing actors who bring them to life. Then theres the storys underlying concept about a New York City family of Hawaiian heritage rediscovering their roots. Thats what really sets it apart.

In fact, if you ask me, I think Netflix has a pretty good pilot here for an ongoing series. Sure, there have been lots of shows set in Hawaii  but nearly all of them have been crime dramas and most, if not all, of them have featured non-native protagonists. The genius of this concept is that the viewers gateway into learning about Hawaiian culture isnt a Steve McGarrett or Thomas Magnum but a family rediscovering their native roots.

Plus, theres a scarcity of family dramas or dramedies on television these days that are actually very appropriate for families. True, theres NBCs This is Us (with its complex, time-shifting serialized plot) and CBCs Heartland (airing in the US on UPtv) but in terms of episodic, American-made hour-long (or even half-hour) shows about families, the pickings are slim. I think Ohana (which, as mentioned above, means family) is an excellent candidate to fill that void.

Though the opening treasure-hunting plot didnt quite land with me, there is a treasure here to be salvaged. Id actually like to see the film treated as a pilot for a more grounded TV series. I like these characters and would be interested to follow their stories.

So, the bottom line is Finding Ohana is recommended as a potential TV series that should be called simply Ohana.

___



New Delhi, Jan 30 : Several leaders belonging to different political parties on Saturday visited the Ghazipur border -- one of the major sites of the ongoing farmers' protest -- to show solidarity with Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait after he 'complained' of police excesses and conspiracy against the farmers with tears in eyes two days ago.

Rakesh is the son of Mahendra Singh Tikait, a popular farmer leader from the western Uttar Pradesh, who had held a massive farmers' rally in Delhi's Boat Club over 30 years ago. His emotion-laden and teary-eyed speech on Thursday is being seen as one of the major turnaround moments in the farmers' protest.

Most of them already intimidated by the massive police presence began leaving the site but Tikait's speech prompted them to re-join the stir.

First to reach the Ghazipur border was Jayant Chaudhary, the grandson of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh. He went to meet Tikait after the police poured in to disperse the farmers.

He said that former Union Minister Ajit Singh, the president of Rashtiya Lok Dal, has said "this is a do or die situation for the farmers and we have to unite for the cause".

Besides, Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Kumar Lallu, Delhi Congress leader Alka Lamba and Congress MP from Haryana, Deepender Hooda also visited Ghazipur border to extend support to Tikait.

The politicians refused to make my comments. They were, however, welcomed on the protest site contrary to the farmers' earlier stance in which did not warm up to any political leader.

Also on Saturday, Delhi Congress chief Anil Kumar Chaudhary visited the protest site and said "the Congress is in support of farmers".

Congress leader and former party chief Rahul Gandhi on Friday again said the party wants an early resolution to the farmers' issue. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi must talk to the farmers to resolve this issue... there has been a concerted effort to discredit our farmers." Sounding a warning, Gandhi said: "If the BJP doesn't find a solution, soon these agitations will spread across India." Congress General Secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka Gandhi also spoke to Rakesh Tikait and expressed her support for the farmers' cause.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
With the pandemic still raging, most businesses cannot boast of having as good a year as Amazon.

As families and workers have retreated indoors to stop the coronavirus spreading, internet shopping and the demand for parcels has gone through the roof.

That helped the e-commerce giant deliver a string of blowout quarters in 2020, with analysts expecting the fourth to be no different.

Fuelled by Christmas shopping, Black Friday deals and Amazon's own Prime Day, Wall Street is predicting that the company smashed through the $100billion revenue mark in the final three months of 2020.

They predict it has raked in 87billion ($119.7billion) over the period  equivalent to an astonishing 650,000 every minute. That would also be up from 63.6billion ($87.4billion) the previous year.

However, Amazon's profits for the quarter are expected to be almost flat at 2.7billion ($3.7billion) after boss Jeff Bezos vowed to invest more in safety equipment and expanding the company's infrastructure.

With the rollout of vaccines now under way globally, analysts will be looking for hints of how the company plans to approach life after the pandemic, with at least some of the rise in e-commerce bound to return to physical shops.

The firm's answer will likely have several prongs, including Amazon's hugely important cloud computing business, AWS, grocery deliveries and the firm's new foray into delivering prescription drugs.

The company's shares have surged by more than 70 per cent in the past 12 months.
Srinagar: Three militants were killed and another injured in an encounter in the southern district of Pulwama, according to police in Indian-administered Kashmir.

The two separate shootings were the first in Indian-administered Kashmir this year.

Earlier, three militants were killed in a brief shootout on Friday evening in the Mandoora village of the Tral area. The three were identified as Waris Hassan, Arif Bashir, and Ahtishamul Haq, all locals and members of the Hizbul Mujahideen outfit, Kashmir region police chief Vijay Kumar said in an official statement.

The two shootings took place after a gap of 30 days. On Dec. 30, the government forces in Kashmir claimed that they had killed three militants in Srinagar, the regions main city.

But their families later alleged that a fake encounter was staged by the security forces and killed Athar Mushtaq Wani (16), Zubair Ahmad Lone (22) and Aijaz Ahmad Ganai (24). Two of them were students, their families said, and one was a laborer.

On the next day, the three killed mens families organized demonstrations against government forces demanding return of their relatives bodies.

Kumar in Fridays media briefing said they have had enough evidence that the boys who were killed in the Srinagar encounter were involved in the militancy and the police will put it before the court.

Kumar added that the security agencies in the region are trying to persuade local youth to lay down their arms.

Before the pandemic, a large number of people used to gather in Kashmir to bury their dead. But now police allow only the families of those killed to attend their last rights and bury them in isolated places.

According to official figures, 225 militants including many top commanders were killed in 103 operations in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir last year.

GIG HARBOR, WA  The COVID-19 transmission rate is shrinking, case counts and hospitalizations are on the decline and Washington state's top health leaders are expressing cautious optimism for nearly the first time this year.

Per the latest situation report from the Washington State Department of Health, the transmission rate is down to about 0.73 in Western Washington  meaning that for every four patients who catch the coronavirus, only three will pass it along. That's good news, though the state says now it means residents have to keep up their good behavior so that case counts will continue their decline.

That's because, while case counts are shrinking alongside the transmission rate, they remain extremely high across the state. Out of Washington's 39 counties, 22 had more than 200 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents in the two-week period ending Jan. 5. Of those, five had rates above 500. To put that in perspective, the DOH says case counts in many counties are closer to what we saw in mid-November. That's less daily cases than say, December or early this month, but its also more daily coronavirus cases than the state had ever seen before the holiday surge.



Hospitalization rates, which typically lag behind transmission rates and case counts, have also begun a decline, according to the DOH. Their data shows hospital bed occupancy actually plateaued in late December and early January, and has since shown early signs of improvement.



Another issue to keep an eye on is the appearance of a COVID-19 variant that spreads faster and more easily that the more common strain. The so-called U.K. variant has been confirmed in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties, and will likely continue to spread. The CDC has predicted it will become the dominant strain of COVID-19 in America in a matter of months  and its foothold in Washington is another reason health officials say that right now, it remains critical to exercise caution and follow coronavirus safety guidelines like wearing masks and avoiding social gatherings.

Story continues

Pierce County is one of the counties that the DOH singled out as seeing mid-November levels of case counts, but the county is in a precarious position. The DOH logged 3,727 new COVID-19 cases inside the county this week, more than any other county. To combat that growth, the Tacoma - Pierce County Health Department this week began a series of free vaccination clinics which, despite some hiccups in registration, have already helped vaccinate several thousand residents.

In the Gig Harbor area, there have now been 1,034 coronavirus cases, and 14 deaths due to the pandemic.

Catch up on this week's coronavirus headlines:



Seven counties will enter Phase 2 Monday



Thursday, Gov. Jay Inslee announced that Washington would be loosening the requirements to lift pandemic safety regulations, and allowing seven counties to move ahead to Phase 2 of the Healthy Washington Plan.

Those counties are: King, Pierce, Snohomish, Lewis, Thurston, Pacific and Grays Harbor counties.

Before the governor's announcement, the state required a region to meet four guidelines before moving ahead to the next phase:

A 10 percent decline in COVID-19 case rates over the past two weeks

A 10 percent decrease in COVID-19 hospital admission over the past two weeks

An ICU occupancy under 90 percent

Test positivity of less than 10 percent

Under the changes announced Thursday, however, a region only needs to meet three out of the four guidelines to move ahead.

After the counties move ahead, they will be evaluated by the state every two weeks. Unlike the previous Safe Start phases, if a region begins to fail those metrics or sees a significant uptick in cases, it can be downgraded back into Phase 1.

Phase 2 provides a number of benefits, including the return of indoor dining, movie theaters, and gyms, albeit at a reduced capacity.

Read more: 7 Washington Counties Begin Phase 2 Reopening Monday, Inslee Says

Washington opens mass vaccination sites

Last week, state leaders announced plans to triple the number of COVID-19 vaccines administered daily to 45,000. While the state still has quite a ways to go to meet that goal, it's one step closer thanks to the opening of four mass vaccination sites this week.

Now that they're up and running, residents can make an appointment to get a shot at any of the four sites at:

To start, each of the sites will be providing about 500 vaccinations each day, though health officials say they hope to increase that number as the state receives larger, more regular vaccine shipments.

Related: Washington's First Mass Vaccination Sites To Open This Week

When freezer fails, hundreds get the vaccine early

A malfunctioning freezer pushed Seattle-area clinics to perform hundreds of emergency vaccinations before the doses contained within spoiled Thursday night.



The Seattle Times reports a freezer at Kaiser Permanente holding hundreds of doses of the Moderna vaccine failed around 9 p.m. Thursday. Not wanting the doses to spoil and go to waste, the hospital called on its neighbors to begin an emergency mass vaccination event. Thanks to a successful campaign to get the word out over social media, they managed to distribute the roughly 1,600 doses of the vaccine by 3:30 a.m. Friday.



"Last night was unusual, just by virtue of the large number of doses," said Dr. Jeff Duchin, King County's top health official. "We would never have expected to have over 1,000 doses all of a sudden that needed to be used quickly, for which there were no appointments."

Read more: Hundreds Vaccinated In Seattle After Late Night Freezer Failure

OSPI releases plans to quickly vaccinate teachers

Washington's teachers and school staff aren't yet eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, but school leaders want to be ready to get them vaccinated quickly when they are.

Chris Reykdal, Washington's superintendent of public instruction, announced Friday the new "Get Ready" program, which he said will help vaccinate as many school staff as possible the second they qualify for the vaccine.

The program, created through a partnership with Kaiser Permanente, will establish between 14 and 20 vaccination sites that exclusively serve school employees. Currently, sites are planned along the Interstate 5 corridor in Western Washington and around Spokane in the east. Together, those locations should be able to offer vaccines to 80 percent of Washington's public school employees.

However, the plan is notable for one thing it will not do: help teachers jump up the queue to get the vaccine earlier. Despite concerns from educators and some lawmakers, teachers are still largely ineligible to receive the vaccine under the current distribution phase.

Read more: How Will WA Vaccinate Teachers? Superintendent Gets Ready

Total coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths by county:



Editors note: Patch is now updating these totals on a weekly, rather than daily, basis. Readers should keep in mind that the increases below represent infections, hospitalizations and deaths over a seven-day period.

Also, note that the totals below include 13,940 probable cases.

County Confirmed Cases Hospitalizations Deaths Adams 1,788 (+54) 88 (+1) 19 Asotin 1,227 (+22) 57 (+1) 26 Benton 14,239 (+443) 741 (+22) 189 (+3) Chelan 5,713 (+174) 251 (+8) 49 (+4) Clallam 893 (+34) 39 (+5) 5 Clark 17,386 (+747) 907 (+26) 189 (+12) Columbia 97 (+4) 15 (+1) 4 Cowlitz 3,661 (+246) 171 (+9) 43 (+5) Douglas 3,017 (+68) 124 (+7) 19 (+1) Ferry 1987 (+1) 13 (+1) 4 Franklin 10,139 (+254) 482 (+11) 90 (+2) Garfield 103 (+1) 12 4 Grant 7,109 (+207) 327 (+4) 58 (+4) Grays Harbor 2,993 (+116) 139 (+5) 33 (+2) Island 1,182 (+57) 72 (+1) 22 Jefferson 291 (+12) 22 2 King 77,691 (+2,740) 4,791 (+91) 1,242 (+39) Kitsap 5,108 (+215) 256 (+11) 67 (+7) Kittitas 2,064 (+68) 55 (+1) 30 Klickitat 606 (+20) 27 5 (+1) Lewis 3,288 (+186) 201 (+13) 37 (+1) Lincoln 309 (+11) 17 4 Mason 2,102 (+75) 65 (+2) 17 (-1) Okanogan 2020 (+45) 119 34 (+1) Pacific 656 (+19) 25 (+2) 8 Pend Oreille 558 (+18) 37 (+1) 5 (+1) Pierce 33,736 (+3,727) 2,391 (+105) 467 (+25) San Juan 96 (+5) 5 0 Skagit 4,061 (+163) 233 (+9) 50 (+3) Skamania 241 (+7) 9 1 Snohomish 27,633 (+860) 1,819 (+36) 489 (+19) Spokane 33,095 (+1,399) 1,748 (+64) 464 (+26) Stevens 1,457 (+71) 84 (+2) 21 (+2) Thurston 6,335 (+318) 379 (+16) 67 (+2) Wahkiakum 67 (+2) 2 0 Walla Walla 4,156 (+112) 212 (+6) 49 (+1) Whatcom 5,491 (+349) 273 (+23) 64 (+5) Whitman 3,145 (+67) 82 (+1) 36 (-2) Yakima 24,219 (+685) 1,218 (+22) 368 (+8) Unassigned 1,431 (-3) 16 4 Total 309,801 (+11,552) 17,543 (+506) 4,285 (+171)

The above numbers are provided by the state Department of Health, and some numbers differ from the totals provided separately by county health agencies.

This article originally appeared on the Gig Harbor Patch
Before we get too far into the new Biden administration, we need to talk for a moment about the dangers of former President Donald Trumps pardons. We should all be aghast, and I say this as a conservative Republican.

Indeed, if you care about what the Founding Fathers created in checks and balances, if you care about the idea of an independent judicial system  or even in the simple idea of right and wrong  you should care deeply about what's occurred here.

President Trump has long lived by the notion of going big or going home, but the scale of what he's now done undermines, and is corrosive to, the very nature of justice and the justice system in the United States.

The presidential pardon was designed by the Founding Fathers to right a wrong. No system designed by man is perfect, and accordingly they built into ours a last-gap measure to right wrongs the a pardon. This president took that system and twisted it to do nothing more than reward people who have been loyal to him or to quiet those who might hurt him. Certainly a few legitimate pardons were thrown in, but they served as cover for his injustice of letting people escape from the legitimate workings of our justice system.

And this is poison.

Has poison entered our system before with injustice pardons? Absolutely. President Bill Clinton pardoned Marc Rich. It was raw cronyism and pay-to-play politics. It was wrong. And there have been other abuses as well, but nothing remotely on the scale of what unfolded with Trump.

If you look at the overwhelming majority of pardons in recent history, they were used as intended by the Founding Fathers in righting a wrong, or what that administration perceived as a wrong. In recent political history, there have been about 450 pardons per president. The Justice Department has a process to bring them forth, and through the Ford, Carter, Reagan and Clinton presidencies, there were a little more than 400 pardons per president.

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The Bushes came in low at 77 and 200 pardons, respectively, and Barack Obama set new records at 1,927 pardons. But this was a matter of policy. There was no personal connection as Obama commuted sentences for a large number of nonviolent drug offenders. In many cases, they had served 15 years of a 20-year sentence, and he commuted the last 5 years of their sentence. One could have a long debate on the fairness of very different sentencing guidelines between crack and cocaine, but no one can debate that commuting the penalties that came with this difference is indeed based on policy.

Not so with Trump's pardons. He has set a strong precedent for nothing more than tribalism: Ill cover for you if you cover for me. This makes a mockery of the process we have operated under for more than 200 years. It undermines the legitimacy of those who work as dedicated professionals in law enforcement, the courts and our judicial system. What exactly are they working on if every four years a new king can toss aside their thousands of hours of work and the process of laws in which they operate?

It also makes all of us who attempt to play by the rules suckers. Why don't we all do insider trading? Or if in elected office, why not use our campaign accounts as personal slush funds as a now-pardoned California congressman did? If those in favor with the king'' can get away with it, why can't we?

At some level, it sends a signal to good people across our country that the way to success is not by working hard and playing by the rules, but by bowing before the king. Just do it, and then you too can be absolved of your sins and skip the consequences that might come to those who stupidly don't. Beholding to any officeholder is exactly what the Founding Fathers designed our entire system to guard against, but here we are.

What's at play goes to the core of what we try to teach our children about consequences and living by the rules. I'm not a lawyer, but I know at a gut level what occurred is not just. As a society, what we accept as right and wrong sadly defines right and wrong for society. Accordingly, we should all speak up on this before we bake into the cake of our republic the mistaken idea that the pardoning of the likes of Steve Bannon or Paul Manafort is justice.

Mark Sanford is a former governor of South Carolina and a former congressman.
By Celestin Monga





CAMBRIDGE  In recent decades, the U.S.-Africa relationship has disappointed both sides. Republican and Democratic U.S. presidents alike have treated the continent with benign neglect, if not with outright contempt, and the United States has duly fallen behind China, India, and France in terms of overall trade with Africa.



Although Barack Obama, America's first black president, launched a modest "Power Africa" initiative, his four trips there are mostly remembered for his lectures on "good governance." And this from an administration that turned a blind eye to autocrats in countries hosting U.S. military bases, and then joined forces with French President Nicolas Sarkozy in a misguided and costly military intervention in Libya. The consequences for the Sahel and beyond have been catastrophic.



Then came Donald Trump, who did not even consider Africa a destination worth visiting. His racist insults about the continent ("shithole countries") confirmed his disdain, and will not soon be forgotten or forgiven. True, Trump's administration did acknowledge that lasting stability, prosperity, independence, and security in Africa are in America's national interest.



But his pledges to advance trade and commercial ties, and to counter Islamic terrorism, did not materialize. Instead, the administration weaponized trade policy by suspending duty-free status for some African exports under the U.S. African Growth and Opportunity Act, in retaliation against Rwanda for its efforts to protect its garment industry.



Now, the arrival of President Joe Biden's administration provides an opportunity to rekindle the U.S.-Africa relationship. Typically, articulating an Africa strategy is not a top priority for new American presidents. In Biden's case, he has taken office at a time of heightened global fears about COVID-19, ongoing economic uncertainty, and deep geopolitical division. And for its part, Africa is suffering its worst economic performance in a generation, setting the stage for persistent misery, social unrest, and violent conflict in the future.



Nonetheless, the sheer depth of these problems makes this a perfect time for bold initiatives. To be sure, Africa  a dynamic region with great resilience, high aspirations, abundant resources, unbounded creativity, and plenty of ideas  should not rely on any foreign power for its political and economic future.



The fuse of prosperity and peace must be lit from within. But, because trade is the main engine of growth and socioeconomic development for African economies (all of which are small and open), and because the U.S. remains the world's dominant economic player, Africans are looking to the Biden administration to propose a new course.



To that end, the U.S. can reap major political and economic benefits by acting symbolically, strategically, and operationally. For starters, the Biden administration can set the tone for a new partnership with several costless overtures. Official statements acknowledging Africa's enormous contribution to human civilization and the urgent need for it to reclaim a prominent role in world affairs would convey respect and help change perceptions.



And a U.S. commitment to support permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council for the African Union, and to co-finance peacekeeping missions in the Sahelian region and the Lake Chad Basin would cement this.



At the strategic level, the U.S. should offer a new vision for its approach to the continent, shifting from a focus on geopolitical stakes and countering China, which led to disastrous results during the Cold War, to a true partnership based on mutually beneficial business relationships and delivering visible results. That means going beyond meager bilateral projects that aim only to plant an American flag.



For example, the U.S. should take a leadership role in ensuring that COVID-19 vaccines quickly make their way to Africa. This would be consistent with Biden's priorities and send a strong signal that the era of benign neglect is over.



For too long, the U.S. has been content to support any African dictator who offers cooperation in the fight against terrorism (or secure access to mineral extraction), on the grounds that doing so is necessary to prevent chaos. But this policy has failed: the U.S. has ended up with dictators and chaos at the same time.



Without falling into the self-righteous trap of pursuing regime change, the Biden administration should treat bad African leaders the way the U.S. treated communist autocrats in Eastern Europe. Moral clarity is of the essence.



Finally, at the operational level, renewed pragmatism toward Africa could deliver quick and valuable wins. The first task should be to de-politicize the macroeconomic policies promoted by international institutions and development banks where the U.S. dominates.



African monetary policies should be open to domestic intellectual and policy debates, just as they are in other parts of the world. Similarly, African strategies for fiscal policy, financing, and debt management should reflect current knowledge, not old static accounting orthodoxies.



With these considerations in mind, a first bold objective for the Biden administration would be to set a target date for ending U.S. foreign aid to Africa, with the goal of replacing the current politicized bilateral aid instruments with new trade finance and facilitation programs.



Second, America could improve its standing in Africa by recognizing that its distortionary agricultural subsidies negatively affect global prices for many commodities, thereby lowering growth rates in Africa. By reforming its own agricultural financing, the U.S. could trigger similar positive policy changes across OECD countries, as well as encourage African industrialization  all of which would benefit both America and Africa.



Third, engagement by the U.S. with China, the European Union, Japan, India, and public and private financiers would help to de-risk investment in Africa and facilitate financing for productive infrastructure. By targeting sectors where African countries have a comparative advantage (agroindustry, light manufacturing, and cultural and creative industries), and by supporting the construction of special economic zones and industrial parks, the U.S. can help stimulate global demand, generate growth, and create employment in Africa and advanced economies alike.



Finally, collaborating with private investors to build first-rate educational and cultural institutions in Africa would strengthen America's soft power there. The best response to China's export of Confucius Institutes is not Sinophobic rhetoric, but concrete action to foster learning and knowledge accumulation in Africa.



The new U.S. administration cannot rely on symbolism alone. Strategically and operationally, too, a new relationship with Africa requires a cooperative framework that embodies the principles of dignity and mutual respect.





Celestin Monga, a former managing director at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and a former senior economic adviser at the World Bank, is visiting professor of public policy at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. His article was distributed by Project Syndicate (www.project-syndicate.org).


Photo: Extinction Rebellion Vancouver

One of the coordinators of a pipeline protest near the Port of Vancouver is speaking out after four individuals were arrested by Vancouver Police.

Today, Extinction Rebellion  a grassroots movement that uses nonviolent action to drive systemic change in the face of the climate crisis  blocked access to the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge to demonstrate their opposition to the Trans Mountain Expansion Pipeline.

The protesters gathered at Callister Park in East Vancouver at noon and made their way to the intersection of McGill and Commissioner Streets

Just before 1:30 p.m., Vancouver Police warned drivers to avoid the area due to congestion. Shortly thereafter, four protesters were arrested "for mischief after refusing to clear an intersection," explained Cst. Tania Visintin via email to Vancouver Is Awesome.

"They received multiple requests and warnings," added Visintin.

"We have the right to be here under Indigenous law"

Maayan Kreitzman, a volunteer coordinator in Vancouver with Extinction Rebellion, told V.I.A. in a phone interview that the people who were arrested were peacefully demonstrating on Unceded Coast Salish Territories, and that they have the right to be there.

"We have the right to be here under Indigenous law," she said. "And we are a completely peaceful movement. There is no violence."

Kreitzman added that police moved into the area almost immediately after the demonstrators gathered, which she feels is an aggressive escalation. She said it demonstrates that they wanted to shut the peaceful demonstration as soon as possible to carry on with "business as usual" a the port.

Extinction Rebellion chose the Port of Vancouver because it is one of the largest ports in North America and it is a key player in the Trans Mountain Expansion Project.

The project is opposed by the Squamish Nation, Tsleil-Waututh Nation and Coldwater Indian Band, who were recently denied leave to appeal by the Supreme Court of Canada. It also conflicts with Canada's commitment under the Paris Climate Agreement to keep global temperatures from rising above 1.5 degree Celsius.

With this action, were telling the truth about the governments grievous failure to reduce GHGs, and failure to act as if the science on this impending climate catastrophe is real, said Janice Oakley, another volunteer with Extinction Rebellion.

We are calling for mass mobilization among everyday people and an urgent call to action by the government to do what is morally required for the survival of life on Earth as we know and love it. Indigenous communities have been naming these issues for decades, and we settlers are mostly late to the table on recognizing our ways of life are fundamentally interconnected with the wellness and presence of clean air, water, foods, and whole ecosystems. We need to have the courage to look at the truth. To listen to the science. And we need the government to help us turn this around. Are we up for the challenge to be courageous?

Vancouver Police say the protesters who were arrested will be released on conditions pending their court date.


The Mail on Sunday today launches a major campaign to roll out rapid Covid-19 testing in workplaces across Britain  and help reboot the economy. An investigation by this newspaper found that a string of giant companies had recorded astonishing successes in large-scale trials of regular testing for their employees.

John Lewis, Tata Steel, Jaguar Land Rover, Bentley and Octopus Energy told us they had saved tens of thousands of employee hours and hundreds of thousands of pounds in business that would have been lost due to staff having to stay at home.

They said in some cases the regular rapid testing programme had helped avoid entire factories being shut down. The results indicate that rapid testing could play a vital role in reopening the economy and getting millions of people back to work. Several of the companies took part in a Government pilot scheme to conduct routine tests on staff who display no Covid symptoms. In most cases, these were so-called 'lateral flow' tests which cost as little as 5 a test.

What a result: Testing of staff in the workplace means they can carry on with their jobs  and boost the economy

After the tests, employees waited in isolated areas to receive their results within 15 to 60 minutes. If they tested positive, they were sent home to isolate. If they tested negative, they were allowed to go into the workplace.

Under the trials, even staff who had been in contact with a Covid sufferer were allowed to go to work each day, provided they kept testing negative for seven consecutive days. Two of the largest participants using this strategy, Tata and John Lewis, have together saved around 8,000 sick days for thousands of staff who would have had to self-isolate.

The Government's support package for the pilot scheme paid for testing kits at companies across the food, manufacturing, energy and retail sectors, as well as public sector organisations including transport networks, job centres and the military.

Now The Mail on Sunday wants workplace testing to become commonplace across the UK. Our Tests at Work campaign calls for:

More companies to launch rapid Covid testing in the workplace to bring staff back to factories, plants, shops and offices;

The Government to help pay for the testing kits by extending the deadline for its pilot support scheme beyond the current date of March 31;

An official marketing campaign informing businesses how to apply and how to implement Covid testing in the workplace;

A major expansion of the Government support scheme to include businesses based in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Last night the British Chambers of Commerce threw its weight behind our campaign.

Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith, president of the BCC, said: 'We have been campaigning for mass workplace testing throughout the pandemic. We are delighted to support The Mail on Sunday's campaign to help make it a reality. Mass testing is crucial to help businesses restart, rebuild and renew, and alongside the vaccines it will help build the economy and keep it open.'

Lord Bilimoria, the president of the Confederation of British Industry, Britain's biggest business lobby group, said: 'To truly get to grips on this stubborn virus, we must not only continue with a successful vaccine roll-out, but get more businesses testing in the workplace. Lateral flow tests in factories, shops and work sites would mean we can catch new cases quicker when there are no symptoms.'

About one in three people who test positive for Covid display no symptoms and may be unknowingly spreading the virus.

The Government's official advice remains to work at home if you can, but many companies and staff have no choice but to go to a workplace to enable their businesses to function. Government departments and NHS Test and Trace launched the testing pilot scheme late last year to pay for kits, and to support companies in the roll-out.

Most companies used both mass testing and so-called daily contact testing. This is where employees without symptoms who believe they may have been in contact with Covid sufferers  for example, because they received a notification on the NHS contact tracing app  are allowed to go to work each day if they keep testing negative.

John Lewis Partnership told the MoS it is now testing 21,400 employees a week across 57 sites, including at warehouses and Waitrose stores. More than 45,700 tests have taken place with fewer than 1 per cent of results positive. John Lewis said it had saved 6,643 working days for 2,286 employees by using daily contact testing.

Boost: John Lewis Partnership said it is now testing 21,400 employees a week across 57 sites, including at warehouses and Waitrose stores

The retailer, which launched testing in November, said it had helped manage absences more effectively during the Black Friday and Christmas sales rush and now with increased demand for John Lewis online and Waitrose food stores during lockdown.

Andrew Murphy, group operations director at John Lewis, said the company had concerns over how smooth and effective the testing scheme would be before entering the pilot.

But he told the MoS: 'There was serious consideration, but we felt that having the knowledge [of Covid test results] ultimately couldn't be a bad thing for our partners [as the retailer calls its staff] or for us. And we recognised that unless businesses like ours played a part, the pace at which society in general would come to any real usable conclusions and gain knowledge [from the trials] would be slowed.

'If there was an unintended consequence of doing this testing that was worrying on the infectiousness or illness side, we would be seeing it at Magna Park.' The park is the company's 1,000-staff campus near Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire.

Murphy said: 'But instead we're seeing lower absence, lower cases, lower spread. All the metrics are better, not just the fact we're releasing people to come back to work sooner than would normally be the case when asymptomatic. That feels really exciting, if you think about what lateral flow tests  if properly administered  could do for the country at scale.' Tata Steel launched daily contact testing  alongside mass testing  in late December and told The Mail on Sunday it had saved 'hundreds of thousands of pounds' as a result.

The testing programme helped it to avoid five potential production stops at its vast Port Talbot steelworks, which employs 4,000 people. The system allowed major maintenance works at the South Wales site, and at Shotton in North Wales, to continue using outside contractors, who were tested each day.

Tata estimates 12,500 work hours have been saved as staff who would have had to self-isolate were allowed to continue to work. In total, it has completed 5,627 tests with 88 positive case identified. It now plans to roll out contact testing to all of its 18 UK sites.

Dean Magill, head of central operations at Tata Europe, said: 'You can't easily switch off our process. It's a 24/7 operation and with the potential isolations that we would have had in place if we had not had the daily contact testing scheme, we would have found it very difficult to run the plant.' Magill said Tata had drawn up early-stage plans to use its on-site 'testing village'  which has dedicated test administering and waiting areas  to be used for vaccinations for employees, their families and contractors.

Octopus Energy chief executive Greg Jackson said, though testing was voluntary, 'almost 100 per cent' of staff use its testing facilities.

Help: Octopus Energy chief executive Greg Jackson said, though testing was voluntary, 'almost 100 per cent' of staff use its testing facilities

He said: 'By getting up and running quickly, we were aiming to help other companies and the Government learn how workplace testing could contribute to tackling the pandemic.'

Smurfitt Kappa's UK chief executive Eddie Fellows said the FTSE 100-listed packaging giant had begun testing earlier this month and had found 26 asymptomatic Covid cases. He told an online conference: 'Our view is to do something is better than to do nothing. The cost of a test is relatively modest compared to the cost of bringing this into your factory.'

Bentley has provided nearly 15,000 tests to staff at its Crewe factory since May last year, which revealed just 272 'mostly asymptomatic' cases. The carmaker has had no proven cases of on-site transmission.

Jaguar Land Rover  which was forced to transfer employees from its plant in Castle Bromwich, in the West Midlands, seven miles south to Solihull to cover Covid-related absentees  is also part of the pilot. Employees who may have been in contact with a person with Covid must be tested each day for seven consecutive days  either at work or at an NHS site.

Routine: Jaguar Land Rover  which was forced to transfer employees from its plant in Castle Bromwich to Solihull to cover Covid-related absentees  is also part of the pilot

Defence giant BAE Systems is conducting thousands of tests a week at its submarine factory in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, which has 3,500 staff on site. It plans to roll out the scheme to sites in Lancashire, Portsmouth and Glasgow.

A CBI survey showed that 87 per cent of businesses were currently not testing in the workplace, with a lack of expertise, unclear guidance and logistical constraints cited as key barriers.

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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: The Canadian Press Alberta Premier Jason Kenney speaks at the Rideau Club in Ottawa on Thursday, March 12, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

The Alberta government has given an inquiry into the funding of oil and gas industry critics another deadline extension to complete its report.

The inquiry headed by Steve Allen was to have completed the report by Sunday.

Late Friday, the United Conservative government released an order-in-council amending the inquiry's deadline to May 31.

"Cabinet has granted the commissioner's request for an extension to ensure he is able to complete a comprehensive investigation into a possible well-funded foreign campaign aimed at discrediting the provinces energy sector," Peter Brodksy, press secretary for Alberta Energy Minister Sonya Savage, wrote in an email.

"Cabinet allowed the extension to ensure that potential participants have a fair opportunity to provide input."

Brodksy said no additional funds will be provided to complete the inquiry.

Premier Jason Kenney and his government contend that foreign interests have long been bankrolling campaigns against Canadian fossil fuel development.

Allan, a forensic accountant, was tapped in 2019 to lead the public inquiry with an initial budget of $2.5 million and a July 2020 deadline.

Last summer, Allan was given a four-month extension and a $1-million budget increase.

In October, the inquiry got another 90-day extension, but no new money.

Savage must publish the final report within 90 days of receiving it.

Earlier Friday, the Opposition NDP called on the government to immediately release the results of the "overdue, over-budget, scandal-tainted, not-so-public inquiry" once it's received.

"Albertans have waited long enough to hear back from this kangaroo court," energy critic Kathleen Ganley said in a statement.

She noted that thousands of energy sector workers are without a job, projects have been cancelled, investment has fled and new U.S. President Joe Biden has cancelled the Alberta-to-Texas Keystone XL oil pipeline expansion.

Environmental law group Ecojustice filed a lawsuit in November 2019 that alleged the inquiry was politically motivated, biased and outside provincial jurisdiction. Late last year, Ecojustice lost a court bid to have Allan's work paused until there was a ruling in the lawsuit.

Eleven groups and individuals were granted standing to be a "participant for commentary" before the inquiry, but their identities are not being disclosed.

Participants were provided reading material, including links to reports commissioned by the inquiry that contained passages denying or downplaying the broad scientific consensus around human-caused climate change. Those materials no longer appear to be on the website.

One commissioned report, by University of Calgary political scientist Barry Cooper, argued that philanthropic foundations have been captured by ideological environmental activists. It mentioned "growing scientific skepticism regarding the so-called consensus view regarding anthropogenic climate change" and "apocalyptic" and "alarmist" "rhetoric" around the issue.

Another report the inquiry requested from T.L. Nemeth contended there was a "transnational global movement" afoot to replace the current capitalist world order with "a new global low-carbon, net-zero civilization." In it, the author suggested climate change is not due to human activity, but natural phenomena, and that carbon dioxide is not a pollutant, but "a gas essential to all life on Earth."

The inquiry said on its website that the reports were meant to "obtain perspectives" from participants and didn't represent any findings or positions it has taken. Allan does not consider the science of climate change to be part of the inquiry's mandate, the website originally said.

Those comments were part of the same section that appears to have been taken down.

No matter who investigates police shootings or other alleged crimes committed by cops, there will always be a public perception of a police bias.

No matter who investigates police shootings or other alleged crimes committed by cops, there will always be a public perception of a police bias.

However, there are a few things the province could do to put more light between Manitobas Independent Investigation Unit and law enforcement.

The IIU announced this week that no criminal charges would be laid against a Winnipeg police officer who fatally shot 16-year-old Eishia Hudson on April 8, 2020.

Indigenous teen's dad expected officer would be cleared in fatal shooting Click to Expand SUPPLIED Eishia Hudson Posted: 1:44 PM Jan. 28, 2021 The father of an Indigenous teen, who was fatally shot after a liquor store robbery and high-speed chase in rush-hour traffic last year, said he was certain the police watchdog's investigation would not yield criminal charges against the Winnipeg officer who pulled the trigger. During an emotional news conference Thursday, William Hudson, the father of Eishia Hudson, said he knew what the decision was going to be before hearing the report. Read Full Story

The Indigenous teen was shot twice after an alleged robbery at a Sage Creek liquor store and a police chase that ended in multiple collisions.

Critics say the shooting was racially motivated; the IIU was accused of conducting a pro-police investigation.

Police shootings are rarely cut and dried. They are further complicated when an Indigenous person is involved, given how Indigenous people in Canada are disproportionately prosecuted and jailed in Canada.

Could police have avoided lethal force, even though it appears one or more officers were in jeopardy of being struck by the vehicle Hudson was driving? Perhaps. Had the officer not used lethal force and others died, what would the narrative have been?

Even with the benefit of hindsight and the ability to review evidence, its difficult to fairly assess the split-second decision this cop had to make.

There is no reason to believe the IIU investigation was not thorough. It appears investigators spoke with every available witness and searched extensively for video evidence (there wasnt much, except for footage taken by a motorist, which turned out to be crucial).

Based on what they compiled, the prosecution branch found the officer in question used allowable force under the Criminal Code. They determined there was no likelihood of a criminal conviction.

That doesnt mean what the officer did was right or wrong. There may have been other options. It simply means there wasnt enough evidence to convict beyond a reasonable doubt.

There is more to this than process and legal technicalities, though. There is a perception among many that the IIU is too closely tied with law enforcement; that there is a tightly-knit culture within policing and legal circles that could taint the process. Those are valid concerns.

Most IIU investigators are former police officers; the head of the organization, Zane Tessler, worked as a Crown attorney. It doesnt mean they cant take on new career roles and act impartially within them. But from the outside looking in, it seems a bit cosy.

There are some legislative safeguards: the civilian head of the IIU cannot be an active or former police officer. Also, if charges are pursued against a police officer, the case must be handled by an outside prosecutor who does not live in Manitoba.

The province could go further. The act could require that the civilian director be neither an ex-cop nor a former Crown prosecutor.

The province could prohibit the IIU from seconding cops from police services to work as investigators. That doesnt happen often (the IIU says its only happened once and there are none now). But under the act, a police officer can take a leave of absence and work as an IIU investigator. That option should be eliminated.

There should also be a greater push to hire fewer ex-cops as investigators. The argument in favour of hiring former police officers is that its difficult to find people outside of policing with the experience to investigate criminal matters. That may be. But its not impossible. Three of the IIUs eight investigators now are not former cops.

The IIU should also have to use out-of-province prosecutors when deciding when to lay charges. Right now, outside prosecutors are required only when charges are pursued in court. In the Hudson case, public confidence would have been enhanced if an outside Crown was used to decide whether charges should be laid.

Police oversight will always be thorny area of public policy. But there are improvements that could be made. With proposed changes to Manitoba's Police Services Act expected this year, now is the time to make them.

tom.brodbeck@freepress.mb.ca
To answer the question thats been on everyones mind: Yes, there will be Winter Carnival at Michigan Tech this year. But, its going to look a bit different.

For just shy of a century, Winter Carnival at Michigan Technological University has entertained and awed countless students, alumni, visitors and locals with a plethora of activities and its world-renowned snow statues. This year, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Carnival will go on  but the driving force is the safety of all involved. Carnival takes place Feb. 3-7 with the theme Our Favorite Cartoons for Snowy Afternoons.

Scott Sviland is president of Blue Key Honor Society, the student organization that has organized Winter Carnival since 1934. The graduate student from Escanaba said some Carnival events have been canceled this year and others have been augmented to account for COVID-19 protocols. But rest assured, the tradition of mammoth snow sculptures carries on.

Safety First

Our top priority is safety, Sviland said. Everyone involved has worked so hard to make sure all stay safe, especially with snow statue construction. In putting safety first, Blue Key adopted MTU Flex protocols, he noted. All groups in the month-long competition are following COVID-19 protocols  wearing face coverings, maintaining six-feet social distancing and keeping the number of people working on each statue under 25. Additionally, Sviland said most statue crews are keeping in their own social groups. Most of those in Greek organizations live together where theyre building the statue.

Kellie Raffaelli, associate dean of student engagement, agreed the students efforts to ensure a safe Carnival have been impressive. Michigan Tech students have gone above and beyond to follow all COVID-19 protocols to keep campus safe, she said. I am confident they will continue that hard work and diligence throughout Winter Carnival.

Not Your Parents  All-nighter

In normal times, one of the highlights of Carnival is the Wednesday all-nighter, when the final touches are put on the month-in-the-making statues. The frenetic one-night competition sees piles of snow transform into works of art in a matter of hours. Usually the Carnival atmosphere, with food vendors, games and hundreds dancing on a dance floor of snow, draws thousands of visitors from throughout the region.

Sviland says there will be an all-nighter this year  but it will be different. There will be no vendors this year. People can watch the statue construction, but many of the traditional activities wont be happening, he explained. It should be noted that most of the activities of this years Carnival are focused on students.

Theres still going to be music Wednesday night, but on a different scale. Instead of the large snow dance floor, there will be smaller DJ spots scattered throughout campus that will play various types of music to continue the ambiance that makes the Carnival all-nighter special. I think if that goes well, we may keep it for future all-nighters, Sviland said.

Some Traditions Canceled, Others Adapted

In order to adhere to COVID-19 protocols, Sviland said many popular Winter Carnival events wont be happening this year. There wont be all-nighter broomball, sleigh rides, dogsled rides, SnoBall or fireworks, he said. We have kept many popular activities but modified them to adhere to the protocols.

A number of events will be held virtually. There will be a skits competition of sorts, Sviland said, but groups will produce short TikTok-type videos which will appear on a YouTube channel and be voted on.

This years Winter Carnival comedian will entertain audiences with his outrageous brand of comedy without stepping foot on campus. Were having a Q&A over Zoom with Steve-O from MTVs Jackass, and its going to be wild, said Sviland.

Steve-O, who has added stand-up comedian, actor, and best-selling author to his resume since his Jackass days, will field questions from 9-10 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 5.

Ambassadors Will Reign Over Carnival

New this year is the Ambassadors competition, in which 11 candidates look to become one of three Ambassadors who will preside over Carnival events and activities. We have so many amazing students, and this event is a way to showcase some of these impressive individuals and the incredible things theyve accomplished, Sviland stated.

Even though things are different, the public is invited to check out the statues and all that Carnival entails. All the statues are located near sidewalks, so viewing the statues isnt difficult. We just ask that everyone practice social distancing and adhere to COVID-19 protocols, said Sviland.

Despite the challenges of hosting a Carnival in the time of COVID-19, Sviland is confident. Everyone has been so supportive  the organizations, the University and the local community, he said. The community has been beyond supportive and we cant thank them enough.

A complete schedule of Winter Carnival events, including links for virtual events, can be found on the Winter Carnival website.

Michigan Technological University is a public research university, home to more than 7,000 students from 54 countries. Founded in 1885, the University offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, and social sciences. Our campus in Michigans Upper Peninsula overlooks the Keweenaw Waterway and is just a few miles from Lake Superior.


New Delhi, Jan 30 : After the violence that broke out during the farmers' tractor rally in the national capital on January 26, the Delhi Police have arrested 84 persons in various cases of rioting and causing damage to public property, besides registering 38 cases at different police stations.

Multiple raids are being conducted by the Delhi Police at various places in Punjab and Haryana. On Saturday, the Delhi Police conducted raids at different places in Jalandhar in connection with the vandalism at the Red Fort on Republic Day.

Acting upon the information that two persons -- Jugraj Singh and Navpreet Singh of Tarn Taran -- had hoisted the Nishan Sahib flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort on January 26, the Delhi Police raided the Basti Bawa Khel area of Jalandhar.

The police are also probing the role of foreign organisations and individuals in the violence that broke out in the national capital on Republic Day, thus widening the ambit of the probe.

After slapping sections of rioting, criminal conspiracy and attempt to murder on the rioters, the Delhi Police have pressed more serious charges such as the Unwlawful Activities (Prevention) Act on the protesters found involved in the violent protests.

Meanwhile, the Crime Branch of the Delhi Police has reached out to the people seeking evidence in the form of mobile/video footage or recording statements regarding the January 26 violence.

The police have also appealed to the media to provide the investigating agency the footages captured during the violent protests on January 26.

At least nine farmer leaders have been sent notices by the Crime Branch in connection with the violence to join investigation.
The Hacienda de Colchado, an estate with about 400 hectares of olive trees, is in Cartaojal, in the municipality of Antequera. In winter, it is normal to see frost and ice here, while in summer nobody is surprised if the thermometer goes above 40C.

The distance in a straight line between Cartaojal and the US capital, Washington DC, is about 8,500 kilometres, but in October 2019 this did not stop the long arm of the now ex-president, Donald Trump, reaching here. And Perfecto Matas knows that only too well. He is 31 and is the second generation of a family of olive growers. In 2014 he decided to expand and launched his own line of premium olive oils. The American market was a very attractive one: a vast number of potential clients with high purchasing power. The path was clear: liquid gold for the American El Dorado. "It was the way to go," said Matas.

The USA consumes one-tenth of all the world's olive oil, but it is not easy for a producer to be in the American market. It needs a great deal of hard work.

"You have to go to the fairs there to make your product known. If you spend five days in America it will end up costing you at least 10,000 euros. The supermarkets ask you for promotion if they are to stock your product and you have to pay an intermediary," he explained. "You need to invest a huge amount of money just to get started. Imagine if you wanted a major presence there."

The first time a bottle of olive oil with the Hacienda de Colchado label went through an American supermarket checkout was in 2016, but there is something else Matas will also never forget. The day everything changed. 19 October 2019.

That was the day the duty introduced by Donald Trump on various food products came into force. Overnight, bottled olive oil and olives exported to the USA had tariffs of 25 per cent slapped on them. Only oil sent unbottled escaped. "We went from having a presence in America to having none at all in less than a month," said Matas.

The situation of Hacienda de Colchado is representative of other small and medium producers in the region. Figures from the Malaga Chamber of Commerce speak for themselves. Exports of tinned foods, olives and frozen products dropped by 48 per cent in 2020, which was the first full year to be affected by these tariffs.

"A lot of companies withdrew from that market because it was no longer profitable. A differential of 25 per cent can only be absorbed by a very specific product which is of particular interest," said the president of the Malaga Chamber of Commerce, Sergio Cuberos.

The change of president in the White House, and the arrival of Joe Biden in the Oval Office, is now being watched with great interest. Is it possible that Biden might revoke the tariffs?

Esteban Carneros, the head of Corporate Relations at Dcoop, hopes so. The cooperative is a giant in the agricultural food sector and its situation is not comparable with that of small and medium-sized producers.

Dcoop has been operating on the other side of the Atlantic for some time and has its own bottling plants in the USA. This means it can avoid the duty by exporting its oil in bulk and bottling it in America. But Dcoop also hopes for other companies' sakes that the tariffs will be scrapped, and the situation will return to the status quo of before, where olive oil from Spain was not penalised in this way.

"We are radically opposed to this duty. It is a tremendous injustice through which the agricultural producers are paying the cost of a war over aircraft," said Carneros. "The consequence, and I'm talking in general for the sector, is that Spanish oil is no longer being bottled for the United States. The companies have looked for alternatives, such as building bottling plants there. This has negative consequences for Andalucia: a loss of productive capability and of jobs in the region."

The arrival of Biden has led to hope of a change in this protectionist policy against the Malaga olive sector. For small producers such as Perfecto Matas, it would be a blessing. They don't have the resources to build bottling plants in the US, so they are missing out. The sector swings between hope and scepticism. "Of course we want them to get rid of the duty, but at the moment there is no sign of that," said Carnero.

Francisco Ruiz of Linkingmarket, a consultancy that helps small businesses to enter the American market, is also cautious.

"Biden represents an opportunity, but this has to be a negotiation at European level. The European Commission must dissociate agricultural foods from other tariffs," he stressed.

To the Editor,

Once again the Schlafly brothers have embarrassed themselves by presenting their readers with falsehoods and myths. They are incorrigible!

They complain the second impeachment of Donald Trump is moot because he is no longer in office. Lets break that down. The House of Representatives impeached Trump while he was in office for insurrection against the USA. They charged him with trying to stop the legitimate election results presented by the Electoral College from being accepted by Congress. He did so by inciting a crowd to attack and take over the Capitol, which they did and five people lost their lives in that attack.

The Schlaflys whine that this will only empower Trump and boost his standing in the former Republican Party. So be it.

They also claim, based on a procedural vote, the question will be moot in the U.S. Senate. They do this while the Senate Minority Leader says he is unsure how he will vote. Lets consider that for a moment.

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is one of the most shrewd strategists the U.S. Senate has ever seen. If he plans to vote to convict Trump, does anyone really believe he will do so alone and be left in the minority of Republicans because he has momentarily found a conscience? I think not. In addition, the boys think disqualifying Trump from seeking future office is absurd.

The U.S. Senate has the power to convict a president after being impeached by the House of Representatives. That is without question. It goes beyond that, as the 14th Amendment to the Constitution allows under section three:

No Person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.

So, it is clear the Senate, if they convict Trump of insurrection, will ban him from future office.

What I find odd is the Schlaflys position is so out of line with the Law & Order president they support.

If we continue to allow insurrection with impunity, as well as allowing those who caused the insurrection through incitement and material support, then Jan. 6 was nothing more than a practice exercise for what is next. It is imperative that those responsible for the insurrection be held accountable and be punished as called for by laws, including the President.

If not, we are no longer a nation of laws, merely a bunch of thugs.

Jim Grandone

Edwardsville
TACKLING COVID

 Mount a national vaccination program, contain COVID-19, and safely reopen schools, including by setting up community vaccination sites nationwide, scaling up testing and tracing, eliminating supply shortage problems, investing in high-quality treatments, providing paid sick leave to contain spread of the virus, addressing health disparities, and making the necessary investments to meet the president-elect's goal of safely reopening a majority of K-8 schools in the first 100 days.

 Deliver immediate relief to working families bearing the brunt of this crisis by sending $1,400 per-person checks to households across America, providing direct housing and nutrition assistance, expanding access to safe and reliable childcare and affordable healthcare, increasing the minimum wage, extending unemployment insurance, and giving families with kids and childless workers an emergency boost this year.

 Support communities that are struggling in the wake of COVID-19 by providing support for the hardest-hit small businesses, especially small businesses owned by entrepreneurs of color, and protecting the jobs of the first responders, transit workers, and other essential workers we depend on.

In addition to addressing the public health and economic crises head on, the president-elect's plan will provide emergency funding to upgrade federal information technology infrastructure and address the recent breaches of federal government data systems. This is an urgent national security issue that cannot wait.

President-elect Biden's $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan is ambitious, but achievable, and will rescue the American economy and start beating the virus. Congress should act expeditiously to help working families, communities, and small businesses persevere through the pandemic.

This legislative package is needed now to address the immediate crises. In the coming weeks, President-elect Biden will lay out his economic recovery plan to invest in America, create millions of additional good-paying jobs, combat the climate crisis, and build back better than before.

VACCINES, TESTING AND PUBLIC HEALTH

The pandemic is raging, with record high infection and death rates. A new strain of the virus that is even more contagious is appearing in communities across the country. Meanwhile, Americans are waiting to get their vaccines, even while doses are sitting on shelves. More than ten months into the pandemic, we still lack necessary testing capacity and are suffering from shortages of supplies like basic protective equipment for those on the front lines. Americans of color are being infected and are dying from COVID-19 at greater rates because of lasting systemic racism in our health care system. And, older Americans continue to suffer at disproportionate rates.

We can't wait to slow the spread of this virus. And, we can't fight this pandemic in fits and starts. President-elect Biden is putting forward a comprehensive plan to deal with this crisis and launch a whole-of-government COVID-19 response plan that will change the course of the pandemic by ensuring we have necessary supplies and protective gear, increasing testing to mitigate spread, vaccinating the US population, safely reopening schools, and addressing COVID-19 health disparities.

To support this plan, President-elect Biden is calling on Congress to provide the $160 billion in funding necessary to save American lives and execute on his plan to mount a national vaccination program, expand testing, mobilize a public health jobs program, and take other necessary steps to build capacity to fight the virus. He is also calling on Congress to ensure our schools have everything they need to safely reopen and to provide emergency paid leave so people can stay home when needed to help contain the spread of the virus. Altogether, this would put over $400 billion toward these critical measures for addressing COVID-19.

President-elect Biden's rescue proposal will:

Mount a national vaccination program. Current vaccination efforts are not sufficient to quickly and equitably vaccinate the vast majority of the U.S. population. We must ensure that those on the ground have what they need to get vaccinations into people's arms. The president-elect's proposal will invest $20 billion in a national vaccination program in partnership with states, localities, Tribes and territories. This will include launching community vaccination centers around the country and deploying mobile vaccination units to hard-to-reach areas. The Biden Administration will take action to ensure all people in the United States  regardless of their immigration status  can access the vaccine free-of-charge and without cost-sharing. To help states ensure that all Medicaid enrollees will be vaccinated, President-elect Biden will also work with Congress to expand the Federal Medicaid Assistance Percentage (FMAP) to 100% for the administration of vaccines.

Scale up testing to stop the spread of COVID, safely reopen schools, and protect at-risk populations. While we are working to vaccinate the population, we need to focus on what we know works. Testing is a critical strategy for controlling the spread of COVID-19, yet the U.S. is still not using it effectively. Despite innovations to improve testing, tests are still not widely available. The president-elect's plan invests $50 billion in a massive expansion of testing, providing funds for the purchase of rapid tests, investments to expand lab capacity, and support to help schools and local governments implement regular testing protocols. Expanded testing will ensure that schools can implement regular testing to support safe reopening; that vulnerable settings like prisons and long-term care facilities can regularly test their populations; and that any American can get a test for free when they need one.

Mobilize a public health jobs program to support COVID-19 response. The president-elect's plan includes an historic investment in expanding the public health workforce. This proposal will fund 100,000 public health workers, nearly tripling the country's community health roles. These individuals will be hired to work in their local communities to perform vital tasks like vaccine outreach and contact tracing in the near term, and to transition into community health roles to build our long-term public health capacity that will help improve quality of care and reduce hospitalization for low-income and underserved communities.

Address health disparities and COVID-19. While COVID-19 has devastated the entire country, it has hit some groups and communities of color much harder than others. President-elect Biden is committed to addressing the disparities evident in the pandemic at every step, from ensuring equitable distribution of vaccines and supplies to expanding health care services for underserved communities. His proposal includes funding to provide health services for underserved populations, including expanding Community Health Centers and investing in health services on tribal lands. These funds will support the expansion of COVID treatment and care, as well as our ability to provide vaccination to underserved populations.

Protect vulnerable populations in congregate settings. Long-term care residents and workers account for almost 40% of all U.S. COVID-19 deaths. Further, African-American and Latina women, who have borne the brunt of the pandemic, are overrepresented among long-term care workers. The president-elect's proposal provides critical funding for states to deploy strike teams to long-term care facilities experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks  which may impede vaccination of residents and workers  and to conduct better infection control oversight.

1 in 5 state and federal prisoners in the U.S. has had COVID-19, and African Americans and Latinos are overrepresented among incarcerated individuals. The proposal also supports COVID-19 safety in federal, state, and local prisons, jails, and detention centers by providing funding for COVID-19 mitigation strategies, including supplies and physical distancing; safe re-entry for the formerly incarcerated; and the vaccination of both incarcerated people and staff.

Identify and address emerging strains of COVID-19. The identification of new strains of SARS-CoV-2 in the United Kingdom and South Africa highlight a key vulnerability in our nation's COVID response: we simply do not have the kind of robust surveillance capabilities that we need to track outbreaks and mutations. Tracking the way the virus is changing and moving through the population is essential to understanding outbreaks, generating treatments and vaccines, and controlling the pandemic. The president-elect's proposal includes funding to dramatically increase our country's sequencing, surveillance, and outbreak analytics capacity at the levels demanded by the crisis.

GET OUT THE GUARD AND DEAL WITH PPE SHORTAGES

Provide emergency relief and purchase critical supplies and deploy National Guard. Persistent supply shortages  from gloves and masks to glass vials and test reagents  are inhibiting our ability to provide testing and vaccination and putting frontline workers at risk. The president-elect's plan will invest $30 billion into the Disaster Relief Fund to ensure sufficient supplies and protective gear, and to provide 100% federal reimbursement for critical emergency response resources to states, local governments, and Tribes, including deployment of the National Guard. The president-elect will call for an additional $10 billion investment in expanding domestic manufacturing for pandemic supplies. These funds will support President-elect Biden in fulfilling his commitment to fully use the Defense Production Act and to safeguard the country by producing more pandemic supplies in the U.S.

Invest in treatments for COVID-19. Months into this pandemic, we still do not have reliable and accessible treatments. The federal government urgently needs to invest to support development, manufacturing, and purchase of therapies to ensure wide availability and affordability of effective treatments, as well as invest in studies of the long-term health impacts of COVID-19 and potential therapies to address them.

Protect workers against COVID-19. Millions of Americans, many of whom are people of color, immigrants, and low-wage workers, continue to put their lives on the line to keep the country functioning through the pandemic. They should not have to lie awake at night wondering if they'll make it home from work safely the next day, or if they'll bring home the virus to their loved ones and communities. The president-elect is calling on Congress to authorize the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to issue a COVID-19 Protection Standard that covers a broad set of workers, so that workers not typically covered by OSHA, like many public workers on the frontlines, also receive protection from unsafe working conditions and retaliation. And, President-elect Biden is calling on Congress to provide additional funding for OSHA enforcement and grant funding, including for the Susan Harwood grant program, for organizations to help keep vulnerable workers healthy and safe from COVID-19. These steps will help keep more workers healthy, reopen more businesses safely, and beat the virus.

Restore U.S. leadership globally and build better preparedness. Protecting the United States from COVID-19 requires a global response, and the pandemic is a grave reminder that biological threats can pose catastrophic consequences to the United States and the world. The president-elect's plan will provide support to the international health and humanitarian response; mitigate the pandemic's devastating impact on global health, food security, and gender-based violence; support international efforts to develop and distribute medical countermeasures for COVID-19; and build the capacity required to fight COVID-19, its variants, and emerging biological threats.

HOW TO GET SCHOOLS OPEN

Provide schools the resources they need to reopen safely. A critical plank of President-elect Biden's COVID-19 plan is to safely reopen schools as soon as possible  so kids and educators can get back in class and parents can go back to work. This will require immediate, urgent action by Congress. The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges for K-12 schools and institutions of higher education, and the students and parents they serve. School closures have disproportionately impacted the learning of Black and Hispanic students, as well as students with disabilities and English language learners. While the December down payment for schools and higher education institutions was a start, it is not sufficient to address the crisis. President-elect Biden is calling on Congress to provide $170 billion  supplemented by additional state and local relief resources  for K-12 schools and institutions of higher education. These resources will help schools serve all students, no matter where they are learning, and help achieve President-elect Biden's goal to open the majority of K-8 schools within the first 100 days of his Administration.

 Provide $130 billion to help schools to safely reopen. Schools need flexible resources to safely reopen and operate and/or facilitate remote learning. The president-elect's plan will provide $130 billion to support schools in safely reopening. These funds can be used to reduce class sizes and modify spaces so students and teachers can socially distance; improve ventilation; hire more janitors and implement mitigation measures; provide personal protective equipment; ensure every school has access to a nurse; increase transportation capacity to facilitate social distancing on the bus; hire counselors to support students as they transition back to the classroom; close the digital divide that is exacerbating inequities during the pandemic; provide summer school or other support for students that will help make up lost learning time this year; create and expand community schools; and cover other costs needed to support safely reopening and support students. These funds will also include provisions to ensure states adequately fund education and protect students in low-income communities that have been hardest hit by COVID-19. Districts must ensure that funds are used to not only reopen schools, but also to meet students' academic, mental health and social, and emotional needs in response to COVID-19, (e.g. through extended learning time, tutoring, and counselors), wherever they are learning. Funding can be used to prevent cuts to state pre-K programs. A portion of funding will be reserved for a COVID-19 Educational Equity Challenge Grant, which will support state, local and tribal governments in partnering with teachers, parents, and other stakeholders to advance equity- and evidence-based policies to respond to COVID-related educational challenges and give all students the support they need to succeed. In addition to this funding, schools will be able to access FEMA Disaster Relief Fund resources to get reimbursed for certain COVID-19 related expenses and will receive support to implement regular testing protocols.

 Expand the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. The president-elect's plan will ensure colleges have critical resources to implement public health protocols, execute distance learning plans, and provide emergency grants to students in need. This $35 billion in funding will be directed to public institutions, including community colleges, as well as, public and private Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority Serving Institutions. This funding will provide millions of students up to an additional $1,700 in financial assistance from their college.

 Hardest Hit Education Fund. Provide $5 billion in funds for governors to use to support educational programs and the learning needs of students significantly impacted by COVID-19, whether K-12, higher education, or early childhood education programs.

PAID SICK LEAVE AND FAMILY LEAVE

Provide emergency paid leave to 106 million more Americans to reduce the spread of the virus. No American should have to choose between putting food on the table and quarantining to prevent further spread of COVID-19. And yet, nearly 1 in 4 workers and close to half of low-income workers lack access to paid sick leave, disproportionately burdening Americans of color. Lack of paid leave is threatening the financial security of working families and increasing the risk of COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. Congress did the right thing last year when it created an emergency paid leave program through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. That action decreased daily infections by 400 cases per state per day in states that previously had no paid sick leave requirement. While the December down payment extended the Families First employer tax credits through March 2021, it did not renew the requirement that employers provide leave. President-elect Biden is calling on Congress to:

 Put the requirement back in place and eliminate exemptions for employers with more than 500 and less than 50 employees. He will also make it clear that healthcare workers and first responders get these benefits, too. Closing these loopholes in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act will extend emergency paid leave to up to 106 million additional workers.

 Provide expanded paid sick and family and medical leave. The president-elect will provide over 14 weeks of paid sick and family and medical leave to help parents with additional caregiving responsibilities when a child or loved one's school or care center is closed; for people who have or are caring for people with COVID-19 symptoms, or who are quarantining due to exposure; and for people needing to take time to get the vaccine.

 Expand emergency paid leave to include federal workers. This measure will provide paid leave protections to approximately 2 million Americans who work for the federal government.

 Provide a maximum paid leave benefit of $1,400 per-week for eligible workers. This will provide full wage replacement to workers earning up to $73,000 annually, more than three-quarters of all workers.

 Reimburse employers with less than 500 employees for the cost of this leave. Extending the refundable tax credit will reimburse employers for 100 percent of the cost of this leave.

 Reimburse state and local government for the cost of this leave.

 Extend emergency paid leave measures until September 30, 2021. With so much uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, extending paid leave until the end of September will help to limit the spread of COVID-19 and provide economic security to millions of working families.

$1,400 CHECKS TO TOP UP $600

Deliver Immediate, Direct Relief to Families Bearing the Brunt of the Crisis.

As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, millions of Americans are hurting through no fault of their own. More than 10 million Americans are unemployed, and 4 million have been out of work for half a year or longer. The jobs crisis is particularly severe in communities of color, where 1 in 10 Black workers and 1 in 11 Latino workers are unemployed. Large numbers of families are struggling to pay rent or their mortgages and put food on the table. And, last month, it only got worse: we lost 140,000 jobs in December, including 20,000 public educators, and nearly 400,000 jobs at restaurants and bars.

President-elect Biden is calling on Congress to take urgent action to deliver immediate, direct relief to Americans bearing the brunt of this crisis. Altogether, this would devote about $1 trillion towards building a bridge to economic recovery for working families and, according to researchers at Columbia University, cut child poverty in half.

President-elect Biden's plan will:

Give working families a $1,400 per-person check to help pay their bills, bringing their total relief payment from this and the December down payment to $2,000. More than 1 in 3 households  and half of Black and Latino households  are struggling to pay for usual household expenses like rent and groceries during the pandemic. In this crisis, working families need more than the $600 per person that Congress passed last year. President-elect Biden is calling on Congress to increase that direct financial assistance to $2,000. An additional $1,400 per person in direct checks will help hard-hit households cover expenses, spend money at local businesses in their communities, and stimulate the economy. President-elect Biden's plan will also expand eligibility to adult dependents who have been left out of previous rounds of relief and all mixed status households. And, his plan will ensure that the Treasury Department has the flexibility and resources it needs to deliver stimulus checks to the families that need them most, including the millions of families that still haven't received the $1,200 checks they are entitled to under the CARES Act.

Extend and expand unemployment insurance benefits so American workers can pay their bills. Around 18 million Americans rely on the unemployment insurance program. Congress did the right thing by continuing expanded eligibility and extending the number of weeks unemployed workers can receive benefits. One study estimates that extending pandemic unemployment insurance programs through 2021 could create or save over five million jobs. But these benefits are set to expire in weeks  even as the COVID-19 pandemic worsens. Millions of Americans are receiving benefits through unemployment insurance programs that will no longer serve new beneficiaries starting in mid-March.

President-elect Biden is calling on Congress to extend these and other programs, providing millions of hard-hit workers with the financial security and peace of mind they need and deserve. And, he believes Congress should provide a $400 per-week unemployment insurance supplement to help hard-hit workers cover household expenses. The president-elect is committed to providing these emergency supports to families for as long as the COVID-19 crisis continues and employment opportunities remain limited. The president-elect is proposing to extend these emergency unemployment insurance programs through September 2021, and will work with Congress on ways to automatically adjust the length and amount of relief depending on health and economic conditions so future legislative delay doesn't undermine the recovery and families' access to benefits they need.

President-elect Biden's plan will:

 Extend financial assistance for workers who have exhausted their regular unemployment compensation benefits. Extending and increasing the additional weeks provided under the emergency unemployment insurance program will ensure that approximately 5 million Americans continue to receive assistance in the months ahead.

 Extend financial assistance for unemployed workers who do not typically qualify for unemployment compensation benefits. The president-elect believes Congress should extend unemployment support for self-employed workers, like ride-share drivers and many grocery delivery workers, who do not typically qualify for regular unemployment compensation. And, he supports increasing the number of weeks these workers can receive the benefit to provide long-term financial security to the program's approximately 8 million beneficiaries.

 Fully fund states' short-time compensation programs and additional weeks of benefits. Short-time compensation programs, also known as work sharing, help small businesses stay afloat and economically vulnerable workers make ends meet by enabling workers to stay on the job at reduced hours, while making up the difference in pay. These programs avoid layoffs and pave the way for rapid rehiring and an accelerated recovery.

Help struggling households keep a roof over their heads. The economic fallout of COVID-19 has made it more difficult for working families, especially families of color, to cover their housing expenses. Across the country, 1 in 5 renters and 1 in 10 homeowners with a mortgage are behind on payments. Congress took an important step in the right direction by securing $25 billion in rental assistance and extending the federal eviction moratorium until January 31. However, American families already owe $25 billion in back rent, and the threat of widespread evictions will still exist at the end of January. Further, more than 10 million homeowners have fallen behind on mortgage payments. Failing to take additional action will lead to a wave of evictions and foreclosures in the coming months, overwhelming emergency shelter capacity and increasing the likelihood of COVID-19 infections. And Americans of color, who have on average a fraction of the wealth available to white families, face higher risks of eviction and housing loss without critical assistance.

EVICTION AND FORECLOSURE BAN AND AID FOR SMALL LANDLORDS

President-elect Biden is calling on Congress to take immediate action to forestall a coming wave of COVID-related evictions and foreclosures.

 Ensure that families hit hard by the economic crisis won't face eviction or foreclosure. The president-elect is calling on Congress to extend the eviction and foreclosure moratoriums and continue applications for forbearance on federally-guaranteed mortgages until September 30, 2021. These measures will prevent untold economic hardship for homeowners, while limiting the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. The president-elect is also calling on Congress to provide funds for legal assistance for households facing eviction or foreclosure.

 Help renters and small landlords make ends meet by providing an additional $30 billion in rental and critical energy and water assistance for hard-hit individuals and families. While the $25 billion allocated by Congress was an important down payment on the back rent accrued during this crisis, it is insufficient to meet the scale of the need. That's why President-elect Biden is proposing an additional $25 billion in rental assistance to provide much-needed rental relief, especially for low- and moderate-income households who have lost jobs or are out of the labor market. The president-elect is also proposing $5 billion to cover home energy and water costs and arrears through programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, for struggling renters. These funds will ensure that the hardest-hit renters and small landlords, including those in disadvantaged communities that have suffered disproportionately in terms of pollution and other environmental harms, aren't put in the position where they can't cover their own housing expenses. This program includes a competitive set-aside of funding for states to invest in clean energy and energy efficiency projects that reduce electricity bills for families in disadvantaged communities.

 Deliver $5 billion in emergency assistance to help secure housing for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This funding will allow states and localities to help approximately 200,000 individuals and families obtain stable housing, while providing a downpayment on the president-elect's comprehensive approach to ending homelessness and making housing a right for all Americans. Specifically, these funds will provide flexibility for both congregate and non-congregate housing options, help jurisdictions purchase and convert hotels and motels into permanent housing, and give homeless services providers the resources they need to hire and retain staff, maintain outreach programs, and provide essential services.

EXTEND FOOD STAMPS BOOST

Address the growing hunger crisis in America. About 1 in 7 households nationwide, including more than 1 in 5 Black and Latino households and many Asian American and Pacific Islander households, are struggling to secure the food they need. While the December down payment provided $13 billion to strengthen and expand federal nutrition programs, it will not solve the hunger crisis in America. President-elect Biden is calling on Congress to ensure all Americans, regardless of background, have access to healthy, affordable groceries. The president-elect's plan will:

 Extend the 15 percent Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit increase. Maintaining the increase through the summer  when childhood hunger spikes due to a lack of school meals  is a critical backstop against rising food insecurity. This change will help keep hunger at bay for around 40 million Americans. The president-elect is calling for this to be extended through September 2021. He is also committed to providing this boost for as long as the COVID-19 crisis continues, and will work with Congress on ways to automatically adjust the length and amount of relief depending on health and economic conditions so future legislative delay doesn't undermine the recovery and families' access to benefits they need.

 Invest $3 billion to help women, infants and children get the food they need. This multi-year investment in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is needed to account for increased enrollment due to growing hunger and to increase outreach to ensure that low-income families have access to high-quality nutritious food and nutrition education.

 Partner with restaurants to feed American families and keep restaurant workers on the job at the same time. The FEMA Empowering Essential Deliveries (FEED) Act will leverage the resources and expertise of the restaurant industry to help get food to families who need it, and help get laid-off restaurant workers across the country back on the job.

 Support SNAP by temporarily cutting the state match. The president-elect is calling for a one time emergency infusion of administrative support for state anti-hunger and nutrition programs to ensure that benefits get to the kids and families that need it most.

 Provide U.S. Territories with $1 billion in additional nutrition assistance for their residents. Bolstering the Nutrition Assistance Program block grant will help thousands of working families in Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands put food on the table for the duration of the pandemic.

$15 FEDERAL MINIMUM WAGE AND END TO TIPPED MINIMUM WAGE

Raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour. Throughout the pandemic, millions of American workers have put their lives on the line to keep their communities and country functioning, including the 40 percent of frontline workers who are people of color. As President-elect Biden has said, let's not just praise them, let's pay them. Hard working Americans deserve sufficient wages to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads, without having to keep multiple jobs. But millions of working families are struggling to get by. This is why the president-elect is calling on Congress to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour, and end the tipped minimum wage and sub-minimum wage for people with disabilities so that workers across the country can live a middle class life and provide opportunity for their families.

Call on employers to meet their obligations to frontline essential workers and provide back hazard pay. Essential workers  who are disproportionately Black, Latino, and Asian American and Pacific Islander  have risked their lives to stock shelves, harvest crops, and care for the sick during this crisis. They have kept the country running even during the darkest days of the pandemic. A number of large employers, especially in the retail and grocery sectors, have seen bumper profitability in 2020 and yet done little or nothing at all to compensate their workers for the risks they took. The president-elect believes these employers have a duty to do right by their frontline essential workers and acknowledge their sacrifices with generous back hazard pay for the risks they took across 2020 and up to today. He and the vice president-elect will call on CEOs and other business leaders to take action to meet these obligations.

Expand access to high-quality, affordable child care. We are facing an acute, immediate child care crisis in America, which is exacerbating our economic crisis. Due to increased costs and lower enrollment, a recent survey of child care providers showed that most child care providers expect that they will close within a few months without relief or are uncertain how long they can stay open. If left unaddressed, many child care providers will close  some permanently  and millions of children could go without necessary care, and millions of parents could be left to make devastating choices this winter between caring for their children and working to put food on the table. Early childcare providers are almost entirely women, among whom 40 percent are people of color, and so these closures could devastate engines of opportunity for minority- and women-owned businesses. President-elect Biden is calling on Congress to take immediate actions to address this crisis by helping child care centers reopen and remain open safely, and by making that care affordable to families who need it.

CHILDCARE SHAKE-UP

In addition, too many families are unable to afford child care, while early educators earn wages so low that they can't support their own families. This challenge existed before COVID-19, and the pandemic has exacerbated it. President-elect Biden is calling on Congress to ease the financial burden of care for families, expand financial support for child care providers so that this critical sector can stay afloat during the pandemic and beyond, and make critical investments to improve wages and benefits for the essential child care sector. President-elect Biden's plan will:

 Help hard-hit child care providers, including family child care homes, cover their costs and operate safely by creating a $25 billion emergency stabilization fund. This Emergency Stabilization Fund will help hard-hit child care providers that are in danger of closing and provide support to nearly half of all child care providers. It will also assist those that have had to shut down meet their financial obligations during the pandemic, so that they can reopen. It will help providers pay for rent, utilities, and payroll, as well as increased costs associated with the pandemic including personal protective equipment, ventilation supplies, smaller group sizes, and modifications to make the physical environment safer for children and workers.

 Expand child care assistance to help millions of families and help parents return to work. Millions of parents are risking their lives as essential workers, while at the same time struggling to obtain care for their children. Others have become 24/7 caregivers while simultaneously working remotely. Still more are unemployed, caring for their children full-time, and worrying about how they will make ends meet or afford child care when they do find a job. And, the limited access to child care during the pandemic has caused more women to leave the workforce. While the December down payment provides $10 billion in funding through the Child Care and Development Block Grant program, the president-elect's proposal expands this investment with an additional $15 billion in funding, including for those who experienced a job interruption during the COVID-19 pandemic and are struggling to afford child care. This additional assistance with child care costs will help the disproportionate number of women who left the labor force to take on caregiving duties reenter the workforce. And, this expanded investment will also help rebuild the supply of child care providers, and encourage states to take meaningful steps towards increasing the pay and benefits of child care workers.

 Increase tax credits to help cover the cost of childcare. To help address the childcare affordability crisis, President-elect Biden is calling on Congress to expand child care tax credits on an emergency basis for one year to help working families cover the cost of childcare. Families will get back as a tax credit as much as half of their spending on child care for children under age 13, so that they can receive a total of up to $4,000 for one child or $8,000 for two or more children. The tax credit will be refundable, meaning that families who don't owe a lot in taxes will still benefit. The full 50 percent reimbursement will be available to families making less than $125,000 a year. And, all families making between $125,000 and $400,000 will receive a partial credit so they receive benefits at least as generous as those they can receive today.

Bolster financial security for families and essential workers in the midst of the pandemic. The lowest income families are particularly vulnerable in the midst of the pandemic, and President-elect Biden is calling for one year expansions of key supports for families on an emergency basis. The Child Tax Credit should be made fully refundable for the year. Currently, 27 million children live in families with household incomes low enough that they didn't qualify for the full value of the Child Tax Credit, and this measure would give these children and their families additional needed resources. The president-elect is also calling to increase the credit to $3,000 per child ($3,600 for a child under age 6) and make 17 year-olds qualifying children for the year.

He is also calling for an expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit for the year to ensure that the lowest income workers get critical support including millions of essential workers. He is proposing to raise the maximum Earned Income Tax Credit for childless adults from roughly $530 to close to $1,500, raise the income limit for the credit from about $16,000 to about $21,000, and expand the age range that is eligible including by eliminating the age cap for older workers and expanding eligibility for younger workers so that they can claim the credit they deserve. Expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit for childless adults would give a needed boost to the earnings of several million workers, including cashiers, home health aides, delivery people, and other people working in essential occupations. The president-elect also is committed to making sure that Americans who see their earnings fall in 2021 due to the pandemic don't see the Earned Income Tax Credit reduced as a result.

Lastly, the president-elect is calling for an additional $1 billion for states to cover the additional cash assistance that Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) recipients needed as a result of the pandemic crisis. The pandemic has led to increased TANF caseloads, generated higher costs for many TANF recipients  from higher utility costs to the need for internet access for remote schooling  and longer periods of joblessness given high unemployment. These funds will provide sorely needed relief.

Preserving and expanding health coverage. Roughly two to three million people lost employer sponsored health insurance between March and September, and even families who have maintained coverage may struggle to pay premiums and afford care. Further, going into this crisis, 30 million people were without coverage, limiting their access to the health care system in the middle of a pandemic. To ensure access to health coverage, President-elect Biden is calling on Congress to subsidize continuation health coverage (COBRA) through the end of September. He is also asking Congress to expand and increase the value of the Premium Tax Credit to lower or eliminate health insurance premiums and ensure enrollees  including those who never had coverage through their jobs  will not pay more than 8.5 percent of their income for coverage. Together, these policies would reduce premiums for more than ten million people and reduce the ranks of the uninsured by millions more.

Expanding access to behavioral health services. The pandemic has made access to mental health and substance use disorder services more essential than ever. The president-elect is calling on Congress to appropriate $4 billion to enable the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Health Resources and Services Administration to expand access to these vital services.

Ensure adequate funding for veterans' health. COVID-19 has put enormous pressure on America's veterans and on the Veterans Health Administration that is charged with providing and facilitating top-notch care for them. The president-elect is committed to ensuring America delivers on its promise to the people who have served our country. To account for increased usage as many veterans have lost access to private health insurance, higher overall costs, and other pandemic-related impacts, the president-elect is immediately requesting an additional $20 billion to make sure that veterans' health care needs can be met through this crisis.

Combat increased risk of gender-based violence. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated domestic violence and sexual assault, creating a 'shadow pandemic' for many women and girls who are largely confined to their home with their abuser and facing economic insecurity that makes escape more difficult. President Biden is calling for at least $800 million in supplemental funding for key federal programs that protect survivors.

Provide Critical Support to Struggling Communities.

COVID-19 and the resulting economic crisis has devastated communities across the country. Schools remain closed, with students struggling with remote learning and parents  1.6 million mothers this fall  leaving the workforce. Small businesses, the backbones of their communities that employ nearly half of American workers, are unable to keep their doors open. And, some state and local essential workers are seeing their wages reduced or their jobs disappear. President-elect Biden is calling on Congress to send a lifeline to small businesses; protect educators, public transit workers, and first responders from lay-offs; and keep critical services running at full strength. Altogether, his plan would provide approximately $440 billion in critical support to struggling communities. This is in addition to funds that President-elect Biden is requesting for safely reopening schools throughout the country.

President-elect Biden's plan will:

Provide small businesses with the funding they need to reopen and rebuild. Small businesses sustain half of the private sector jobs in America, and they have struggled in the wake of COVID-19. Black- and Brown-owned small businesses, and those in hard-hit industries like restaurants, hotels, and the arts, have suffered disproportionately. Nationally, small business revenue is down 32 percent, and at least 400,000 firms have permanently closed. To help hard-hit firms survive the pandemic and fully recover, President-elect Biden is calling on Congress to:

 Provide grants to more than 1 million of the hardest hit small businesses. This $15 billion in flexible, equitably distributed grants will help small businesses get back on their feet, put the current disaster behind them, and build back better.

 Leverage $35 billion in government funds into $175 billion in additional small business lending and investment. With a $35 billion investment in successful state, local, tribal, and non-profit small business financing programs, Congress can generate as much as $175 billion in low-interest loans and venture capital to help entrepreneurs  including those in the clean energy sector  innovate, create and maintain jobs, build wealth, and provide the essential goods and services that communities depend on.

In addition, the president-elect wants to work with Congress to make sure that restaurants, bars, and other businesses that have suffered disproportionately have sufficient support to bridge to the recovery, including through the Community Credit Corporation at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Provide support for first responders and other essential workers. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, first responders, frontline public health workers, and countless other essential workers have risked their lives to keep our communities safe and functioning. Educators have worked tirelessly to keep our children learning and growing, coming up with new ways to reach and engage their students, often while balancing caring for their own children. Without these front line workers, we will not be able to effectively respond to the pandemic, administer the vaccine, or safely reopen our schools. President-elect Biden is calling on Congress to provide $350 billion in emergency funding for state, local, and territorial governments to ensure that they are in a position to keep front line public workers on the job and paid, while also effectively distributing the vaccine, scaling testing, reopening schools, and maintaining other vital services. The president-elect is also calling on Congress to allocate $3 billion of this funding to the Economic Development Administration (EDA). Grants from EDA provide resources directly to state and local government entities, tribal institutions, institutions of higher education, and non-profits to fund initiatives that support bottom's up economic development and enable good-paying jobs. This funding  double the amount provided by the CARES Act  will support communities nationwide with a broad range of financial needs as they respond to and recover from COVID-19.

Protect the future of public transit. Safe and dependable public transit systems are critical for a robust and equitable economy recovery. The president-elect is calling for $20 billion in relief for the hardest hit public transit agencies. This relief will keep agencies from laying off transit workers and cutting the routes that essential workers rely on every day while making these transit systems more resilient and ensuring that communities of color maintain the access to opportunity that public transportation provides.

Support Tribal governments' response to COVID-19. COVID-19 has exacted an especially high toll in Indian Country. People living on reservations are four times more likely to have COVID-19 and American Indian and Alaska Natives are nearly twice as likely to die from COVID-19 than white Americans. While the December down payment had many beneficial provisions, it included little direct funding to help Tribal governments respond to COVID-19. President-elect Biden is calling on Congress to give Tribes the resources they need to obtain sufficient personal protective equipment, increase access to clean water and electricity, and expand internet access so that children can learn remotely and more families can obtain basic health care through telemedicine. President-elect Biden's plan would invest $20 billion in Indian Country to support Tribal governments' response to the pandemic. These resources will help to reduce stark and persistent inequities in COVID-19 transmission, hospitalization, and death, while improving economic conditions and opportunity.

Modernize federal information technology to protect against future cyber attacks.

In addition to the COVID-19 crisis, we also face a crisis when it comes to the nation's cybersecurity. The recent cybersecurity breaches of federal government data systems underscore the importance and urgency of strengthening U.S. cybersecurity capabilities. President-elect Biden is calling on Congress to launch the most ambitious effort ever to modernize and secure federal IT and networks. To remediate the SolarWinds breach and boost U.S. defenses, including of the COVID-19 vaccine process, President-elect Biden is calling on Congress to:

 Expand and improve the Technology Modernization Fund. A $9 billion investment will help the U.S. launch major new IT and cybersecurity shared services at the Cyber Security and Information Security Agency (CISA) and the General Services Administration and complete modernization projects at federal agencies. In addition, the president-elect is calling on Congress to change the fund's reimbursement structure in order to fund more innovative and impactful projects.

 Surge cybersecurity technology and engineering expert hiring. Providing the Information Technology Oversight and Reform fund with $200 million will allow for the rapid hiring of hundreds of experts to support the federal Chief Information Security Officer and U.S. Digital Service.

 Build shared, secure services to drive transformational projects. Investing $300 million in no-year funding for Technology Transformation Services in the General Services Administration will drive secure IT projects forward without the need of reimbursement from agencies.

 Improving security monitoring and incident response activities. An additional $690M for CISA will bolster cybersecurity across federal civilian networks, and support the piloting of new shared security and cloud computing services.
The latest figures from the Ministry of Health show that 159 new cases of coronavirus were discovered yesterday.

2 deaths from COVID-19 were reported today, increasing the total death toll in the Grand Duchy to 579.

9,075 tests were carried out in the last 24 hours. The positivity rate was 1.75%.

There are 58 patients in standard hospital care, up 5 from yesterday, and the number in intensive care has dropped by one to 11.

As a reminder, on weekends the government only releases data on the number of tests, cases, deaths and hospitalisations.

According to Friday's update, there were 2,196 active infections in Luxembourg, while 47,615 patients have recovered from the virus.

The R rate stood at 1.08, up from 1.05

9,890 people had received the first vaccine dose in Luxembourg by Thursday, and 1,483 had received a second dose. 922 doses were administered in the last 24 hours.

For the latest updates on the coronavirus both in Luxembourg and abroad, see our live ticker.
The Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry has said there is nothing the panel can do if the army fails to appear before it with respect to the Lekki toll gate shooting.

Dorris Okuwobi, a retired judge heading the panel, spoke on Saturday while responding to a counsel who appeared before the panel to clarify issues with the Nigerian Army.

The judge said the panel cannot force the army to come to state its case in the Lekki shooting incident.

Mrs Okuwobi also alleged that reports about Akinlolu Kehinde, the counsel who represented the Nigerian Army in the earlier proceedings, and his refusal to appear before the panel are not accurate.

We cannot force them to come. We will take on the petitions as if they are not present, I made that very clear in the ruling. We have tried our best, served the legal summons, served the Chief of Army Staff, beyond that, there is no more the panel can do.

The reports by the press have not presented the rulings of the panel, we never said he (Mr Kehinde) refused to come. The reports were not accurate, so do let him know that we did not in any way make such report, she said.

Background

At Saturdays proceedings, Samuel Agweh, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, was prompted by Olumide Fusika, counsel to victims of Lekki incident, to announce his appearance since he was representing the Nigerian Army.

Mr Fusika made the call while cross-examining a surgeon from Reddington Hospital, who gave evidence of several people sustaining bullet wounds on the night of October 20, 2020.

Responding to the call, Mr Agweh said he was appearing for Akinlolu Kehinde, the counsel who represented the Nigerian Army. He said the army authority has disbanded the legal team.

I am not here to represent the Nigerian Army, I have brought a message from Mr Kehinde Akinlolu SAN. Before now, Mr Kehinde has written a letter to this panel because what we read in the new media and some other things that led Mr Kehinde to ask me to come this morning is that the counsel representing the Nigerian Army has refused to show up.

Mrs Agweh said the reports in the media portrayed that Mr Kehinde refused to show up, which is not true because his brief for the Nigerian Army has been terminated.

My Lord, the letter written by Kehinde, dated 20th January, which was already submitted to this panel explains it all that the team of legal practitioners led by Kehinde SAN, who represented the Nigerian Army at this panel based on the summons issued on October 28, 2020.

My Lord, that team had been disbanded, our job finished on the 21st or 25th of November, we do not have further mandate to represent the Nigerian Army in any subsequent proceedings.

Mr Agweh said it is not a matter of disrespect that the team was no longer appearing before the panel but the situation is that the team no longer exists.

When these cases were called, I did not even know that the army is in the matter. Because as at that time, these cases were not before this Tribunal, we had finished our business before these cases came up. So, any subsequent summons issued by this panel was not brought to us to come and represent the Nigerian Army.

As a matter of respect to the panel and is members, that is why I did not announce my appearance, because I did not have any mandate to represent the Nigerian Army in any matter after the 21st of November, Mr Agweh said.

Judge responds

Reacting to the senior counsel, Mrs Okuwobi said she appreciated that Mr Kehinde showed due respect to the panel by not only writing to them but also asking the senior lawyer to explain to the panel further.

The reports by the press have not presented the rulings of the panel, we never said he refused to come. The reports were not accurate, so do let him know that we did not in any way make such report.

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His position as stated to the panel are quite clear, but having served so many summons on the Nigerian Army and they are absent, we felt he, as counsel on record, could assist the panel and at least let us know why the Nigerian Army are not appearing in this matter. We didnt go beyond that, she said.

Mrs Okuwobi said she appreciates the position of Mr Kehinde and the panel will no longer bother him.

If he says his brief had terminated, we cannot revive the brief, she said.

Counsels reacts

Olumide Fusika and Adeshina Ogunala, the counsels to victims of the Lekki Shooting, reacted to the position of the retired judge.

Mr Fusika said even though the tribunal cannot compel any lawyer to represent any party and Mr Kehindes brief has been terminated, the case against the Nigerian Army has not been terminated.

I want that to be made very clear, so if they decided not to come and they told any lawyer not to represent them, that is their own decision.

Mr Ogunlana also said he is taken aback at the position of the panel.

I wish to say that with due respect, I am taken aback by the position that if the Nigerian Army decide not to come, there is nothing the panel can do.

He said the refusal can frustrate the panel and also does not portray the panel well to civilians.

Mrs Okuwobi said the panel has made it very clear that he Nigerian Army should come so their side will be heard.

It will not frustrate the panel, we have our rules of proceedings. If a party refuses to come or appear before the panel to do their case, it is deemed that they are abandoning their case.

We cannot force them to come. We will take on the petitions as if they are not presented, I made that very clear in the ruling. We have tried our best, served the legal summons, served the Chief of Army Staff, beyond that, there is no more the panel can do.

All other petitions affecting the Nigerian Army on which complaints have been made against them have been forwarded to the Chief of Army Staff and a summons for them to appear. If they fail to appear, there is nothing the panel can do, the judge said.

Mrs Okuwobi adjourned the matter till February 27 for further hearing.
Berger said when he read the findings of the first probe, "it was pretty clear to me we needed to do a follow-on...

Tribal clashes in Sudans Darfur region have killed at least 250 people and displaced more than 100,000 people since erupting earlier this month, the U.N. refugee agency said.The violence in the provinces of West Darfur and South Darfur has posed a significant challenge to the countrys transitional government.

Among those displaced were some 3,500 people, mostly women and children, who fled into neighboring Chad, according to Boris Cheshirkov, a spokesman for the UNHCR said Friday.

Those fleeing the violence into eastern Chad's Ouaddai province have been overwhelmingly forced to seek shelter  often nothing more than a tree  in remote places that lack basic services or public infrastructure, the spokesman added.The U.N. agency said that Chad's current COVID-19 measures would require people to quarantine before accessing existing refugee camps. Before the latest influx, there were more than 350,000 Sudanese refugees in Chad, according to the agency.

The fighting in West Darfur between members of the Arab Rizeigat tribe and the non-Arab Massalit tribe grew out of a fistfight Jan. 15 in a camp for displaced people in Genena, the provincial capital. Four days later, the clashes in South Darfur erupted between Rizeigat and the non-Arab Falata tribe over the killing of a shepherd.The violence has been a major test for the Sudanese governments ability to protect civilians in the war-torn region following the end of the joint U.N.-African Union peacekeeping forces mandate in Darfur this month.Sudan is on a fragile path to democracy after a popular uprising led the military to overthrow strongman Omar al-Bashir in April 2019, after nearly three decades of rule. A joint military-civilian government is now in power.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
January 29, 2021





The better the technology, the higher the cost is the reason behind the utmost success of rental business in the US and Canada. Despite the big-budget, the need to avail of the latest technology is ever-rising in the developed countries.







The demand for electric smart beds, wheelchairs, and innovations in the healthcare industry has created a hype of rental searches like hospital bed rental Vaughan on search engines reducing the buying keywords. Instead of opting to purchase, small healthcare setups are preferring to use the services for one-off times.

Hyper-connected, ultra-modern, and state of the art, business with smart technology is the tending future. Be it healthcare, financial organizations, educational reconciliation, or health science. Smart technology has become the major incorporate into a journey towards technological maturity and modern adaptation in businesses.

The world was moving at a slow pace towards digitalization and innovation yet, the recent outspread of COVID-19 resulted in a wake-up call to the healthcare industry. Pandemic has created urgency and accelerated the demand for small businesses to invest in smart technologies, especially in medical and healthcare systems.

The simple implementation of fully-equipped electric and fast-tracked beds and med-tech technology in hospitals has opened the safe room for virtual care rather than manual nursing care and allowed more personalized healthcare for carefully monitoring the patients in the hospital.

Fast forward to the post-pandemic world, businesses that will invest in health tech innovations will have opportunities to lead the industry and maintain rapid growth in the future.

Technology will fuel growth in the future; the question is how we are going to use it to improve patient care." Marwan Janahi, Director Science Park, Dubai.

According to the latest insights, the global value of the smart hospital market had crossed 22.43 billion dollars in 2019 and investors are hopeful that the expansion would be at higher CAGR in the coming decade from 2021 to 2031.

Now is high time that smart businesses consider investing in the fastest growing industry to meet the needs of variations in the latest business models and aid efficiencies for the hospital staff behind the screen.

The potential to invest in smart technology is skyrocketing for each day to come. Be it telemedicine, teleradiology, and telepathology, or high-tech and advanced electric beds and wheelchairs.

This healthcare optimization will save the time of patients and medical practitioners without losing the quality and accuracy.

While a general health practitioner visits 25 patients a day but if businesses utilize teleconsultation through investing in smart technology, the ratio could go up to 50 patients a day with reduced cost and patient satisfaction.

This optimization would also help medical staff analyze the patient's sensitive data and statistics with the highest accuracy requiring the least manual assistance.

Investing in wireless sensor networks (WSN), an ultra innovation used in smart beds will probably help to bring down any associated risk and ensure patient safety with its comprehensive and multidisciplinary design. It will lead to a related interconnectedness between the patients and doctors.

If we discuss the global size of the smart hospital bed and mattress industry alone, the ratio was close to 1.04 billion dollars in 2018 that was expected to reach 2.1 billion dollars or more in 2025. But because of the high incidence rate of COVID-19, the industry will experience a 100% growth rate. The only concern for medical scientists is the high-cost variations for these innovations.

The investment in the high-priced smart bed technology is growing at a slow pace. That is why the smaller healthcare systems in the US and Canada prefer to opt for authentic rental services for medical equipment instead of purchase decisions.
Tinka Resources (CVE: TK- OTC: TKRFF) CEO Graham Carman joined Steve Darling from Proactive to bring the latest drill results from their Ayawilca Project in Peru.

These results part of a 7000-metre program. Carman telling Proactive some of the results and what this tells them about where they go next after the completion of their current program.

It is now almost one year since Covid-19 barrelled its way into Northern Ireland. The first case of the virus was diagnosed on February 27 last year and the first coronavirus-related death was confirmed less than three weeks later, on March 19.

Even as the virus claimed its first victim and with Health Minister Robin Swann warning of a tragedy of "biblical proportions", it was difficult to imagine what lay ahead.

How could anyone predict that schools would shut down for months at a time, that it would be illegal to visit family and friends, that patients dying in hospital would be denied the reassuring presence of a loved one in their final moments, or that we would become virtual prisoners in our own homes?

There are, of course, naysayers and conspiracy theorists who insist the virus is nothing more than a bad flu and who refuse to adhere to public health guidance.

But for most people, social distancing has become the norm, phrases such as self-isolation, clinically extremely vulnerable and herd immunity have become so entrenched in our psyche that it's almost impossible to imagine a return to life as we knew it before the arrival of Covid-19.

It is true that the last year has been incredibly tough for the majority, and a steep learning curve for everyone - not just for those who have been in charge of the pandemic response. But what do we know now that we didn't know last February?

The effect of the virus

According to Chinese government records, the first case of a person suffering from Covid-19 can be traced back to November 2019. Early reports from the country suggested their hospitals were dealing with cases of a pneumonia-style illness.

While the main symptom of Covid-19 is a cough and it is certainly very much a respiratory illness for many, we now know that the virus doesn't just attack the lungs.

In fact, a recent study by the University of California has found that the virus can shut down energy production in cells of the heart, kidneys, spleens and other organs.

It has also emerged that Covid-19 causes abnormalities in blood-clotting and that patients with a severe Covid-19 infection appear to be at greater risk of developing blood clots in the veins and arteries.

This means they are at risk of complications such as a pulmonary embolism or stroke, both of which can be fatal.

In addition, it is now thought that one in 10 people who are infected with Covid-19 go on to develop Long Covid, which can include a range of debilitating symptoms such as chronic fatigue, breathlessness, chest pain, brain fog and even kidney failure.

This means there are now more than 10,000 in Northern Ireland living with long-term physical effects of the virus and that will ultimately put further strain on the health service in future.

Symptoms

From March 12 last year, health authorities advised that anyone who had a new and continuous cough, or a high temperature, should isolate for 14 days. Within days, the British Rhinological Society was arguing that a sudden loss of smell was a strong indicator that a person may have Covid-19.

As a result, the organisation wanted this added to the official list of Covid-19 symptoms.

In March, the British Association of Otorhinolaryngology (ENT UK) published a statement outlining that loss of taste and smell, known as anosmia, had been found among "a number of patients" in the "absence of other symptoms".

On May 13, the World Health Organisation (WHO) added loss of smell and taste to the list of Covid-19 symptoms and, on May 18, they were added to the UK's symptom list.

A continuous cough, anosmia and fever remain the three symptoms to which the public must remain alert. Of course, nothing about Covid-19 is straightforward and a long list of other symptoms has emerged over the past year, including nausea, headache and rash.

And this week, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed people infected with the Kent variant are more likely to get symptoms than those who have caught older strains, but they are less likely to lose their smell and taste.

The ONS found cough, sore throat, fatigue and muscle aches were all more common in the new variant than the older strains.

Mutations

All viruses mutate - replication involves making many errors - and this is why the flu vaccine must be modified every year to ensure that it is effective against new strains. Compared with the flu virus, SARS-CoV-2 is changing much more slowly as it spreads.

This is because, unlike the flu virus, coronaviruses proof-read their replicated genome.

Experts warned that mutations of SARS-CoV-2 were inevitable, but it is only really in recent months that it has become a matter of real concern for the public here.

This follows the emergence of a number of strains, including one that appears to have originated in Kent, which subsequently ripped throughout the UK and prompted Prime Minister Boris Johnson to limit Christmas relaxation plans.

While most mutations are not a huge cause for concern, sometimes they make a virus more infectious, or it can result in a more severe disease.

There has been disagreement over whether the Kent strain is making people sicker, although it believed it may be up to 70% more transmissible.

This, in itself, makes it more dangerous, because the more people it infects, the more people who can potentially end up seriously ill in hospital, while the chief medical officer, Dr Michael McBride, has stressed it will make the job of flattening the curve in Northern Ireland "twice as hard".

As well as the Kent strain, there are also concerns over new strains that have originated in South Africa and Brazil.

Work is ongoing to establish the risk posed by all of the strains, but it has brought to the fore how important it is that we do everything we can to stop the emergence of a vaccine resistant strain.

Vaccines

With striking speed, UK regulators granted emergency use authorisation to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at the start of December. Less than a week later, the first dose was administered to the nurse heading up the roll out of the vaccine programme in Belfast. Within a few weeks, the Oxford/AstraZeneca was also approved.

The Pfizer vaccine must be stored at minus 70c, while the AstraZeneca vaccine can be stored in a normal fridge. This means it is being distributed to GPs for them to administer to their patients, beginning with those who are aged 80 and over.

The trusts have instead been given responsibility for administering the Pfizer vaccines, primarily at mass vaccination centres, but they have also successfully rolled it out to care home residents and staff.

The vaccination programme has not been without controversy - the British Medical Association has accused the Government of treating healthcare workers as guinea pigs after it decided to delay the second dose of vaccines to 12 weeks.

The UK's chief medical officers lengthened the gap between doses to allow more people to receive the first dose and therefore the number of people with a proportion of protection from the virus.

However, a range of organisations, including the US Food and Drug Administration, European Medicines Agency and even Pfizer have all said there is not enough evidence to guarantee the delay is safe.

More recently, anger has erupted over the fact that healthcare staff working from home, their family members and people aged between 65 and 69 are being vaccinated ahead of over-80s and people who are clinically extremely vulnerable.

Borders

Brexit has been made even more complicated as a result of Northern Ireland's unique relationship between the Republic of Ireland and Britain. That same relationship has caused headaches when it comes to the pandemic response.

The control of borders has played a crucial part in suppressing the spread of Covid-19 in countries such as New Zealand, Thailand and Australia.

But how do you deal with borders when they are as controversial as in Northern Ireland? The Executive has been repeatedly urged to implement an all-Ireland response and while it has given assurances that it links closely with Dublin, there has been a significant issue over the sharing of information.

Almost one year on, the authorities in Dublin are still refusing to hand over data from passenger locator forms that would allow officials here to monitor the movement of international arrivals into the Republic who cross the border into Northern Ireland.

Helen Dolk is a Professor of Epidemiology and Health Services Research at Ulster University and she is also a member of the Independent Scientific Advocacy Group, which is made up of a group of experts calling for an elimination strategy for the island of Ireland.

Not only has she expressed her disappointment at the failure to reach an agreement on the sharing of passenger data, but she has also said plans to force arrivals from some countries to quarantine in hotels do not go far enough.

"I would favour a blanket hotel quarantine requirement, and then see where exemptions can safely be made, rather than the other way round," she said.

Dr McBride recently said he was not convinced quarantine hotels will be effective in stopping the spread of variants, although Mr Swann has said he is in favour of the measure.

However, whether Northern Ireland follows England's lead, or develops its own policy, remains to be seen.

Government response

The vaccines have been hailed as the road map out of the pandemic, but until they take effect, lockdowns appear to be the weapon of choice for the Government.

The first lockdown was imposed in March last year and at the time, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced it would be reviewed within three weeks.

As it turned out, the weeks turned into months and measures only started to lift in the summer as the virus was finally brought under control.

Before that came weeks of health professionals crying out for proper PPE and the care home sector claiming it had been forgotten by authorities, leading to a succession of deadly outbreaks in facilities across Northern Ireland.

By the end of June, only a handful of cases were being diagnosed each day in Northern Ireland, but the reprieve was short-lived.

First came Eat Out to Help Out, which a study from the University of Warwick subsequently found contributed to a "significant" rise in new Covid-19 infections.

Next, despite claims to the contrary by officials, the track-and-trace system when schools reopened in September was woefully inadequate, which contributed to the virus regaining the advantage.

On September 1, Northern Ireland recorded 49 new cases; on September 30, 424 new cases were reported.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) itself said it had underestimated the demand the return of schools would have on the test system.

Since then, Northern Ireland has consistently struggled to contain the virus, culminating in the latest lockdown, which we now know will drag on until at least March.

Mr Swann has said there will be a review of the Government response to the pandemic but has largely stood by the decisions that have been taken.

Although, he recently admitted that the relaxation of restrictions over Christmas was a mistake due to the subsequent devastation wreaked on the health service.

Funding of public services

Just over a year ago, thousands of healthcare workers took the unprecedented step of strike action in a fight over pay and conditions.

The industrial action shone a spotlight on the effects of years of chronic underfunding of the health service.

No one could ever have imagined that within weeks of unions reaching a deal with Mr Swann and suspending the strike, that the decades of cuts would have such a devastating impact on the population.

Northern Ireland's health service was fragile before the pandemic; now, one year in, it has been decimated.

There were not enough nurses beforehand and after a relentless and traumatic 12 months, staff are reaching breaking point, with some exhausted staff walking away from their jobs.

As well as the impact on workers, thousands of operations have been cancelled and hospital waiting times are expected to spiral further, with chronic underfunding and a lack of workforce planning both playing a role in the crisis.

It isn't just the health service that was massively under prepared for the ravages of a pandemic.

Martin McKee, a Professor of European Public Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said underfunding of the education system has also made homeschooling during the lockdowns even more difficult.

"If you look at other countries, they have invested more in their schools over the years, they have invested in things like text books," he said.

"Simple things like that have made it much easier for families in those countries, whereas we haven't invested the same and so textbooks aren't as common, meaning parents and pupils are relying on printouts and computers to do school work at home.

"Then, when you look at the preparations for the return of schools in September, so much more could have been done, including putting in proper ventilation systems to reduce the spread of the virus."

Lisa Smyth is the Belfast Telegraph's health correspondent
Here what to do in Ocean City on rainy days
Alternative asset manager Brookfields announcement of its Rs 3,800-crore initial public offer (IPO) for its real estate investment trust (REIT) further strengthens Indias story of attracting global institutional capital for commercial real estate.

It allays fears of disruption in office space due to COVID-19 and the emphasis on work from home, say real estate experts, adding that it would encourage more real estate asset owners to come up with REIT listings in the future.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, alternative asset manager Brookfield on January 29 announced its Rs 3,800-crore initial public offer (IPO) for its real estate investment trust (REIT), giving investors a share of over 1.4 crore square feet of its commercial properties across the country. This is the first REIT in Asia for Brookfield.

The global asset manager said there is no data to suggest that the work-from-home concept is the new normal and exuded confidence that benefits like closely working together for productivity purposes will eventually get teams to work from offices. The issue will open for subscription on February 3 and close on February 5, and bids can be made for a minimum of 200 units and in multiples of 200 thereafter by bidders other than anchor investors.

So far two REITs have been listed in India. While the Embassy REIT was launched in April 2019, the Mindspace REIT was launched in July 2020 in the midst of the pandemic.

This activity on the REIT front demonstrates long-term hope on the commercial office market and that investors have faith in organised investment tools as compared to investing in physical real estate despite the COVID-19 pandemic, experts said.

Currently, the top seven cities of India have more than 550 million sq. ft Grade A office supply, of which 310 - 320 million sq. ft. is REIT-able.

The announcement of Brookfield IPO further strengthens Indias story of attracting global institutional capital and retail penetration of Investing in stable income-generating assets. This is also allaying fears of disruption in office space due to COVID-19, said Piyush Gupta, Managing Director, Capital Markets and Investment Services (India) at Colliers International.

The listing of another large commercial REIT is a testimony to the resilience of the commercial real estate which shall continue to attract further FDI investment in Indian real estate. It also offers investors (both institutional and retail), in these times of uncertainty, an opportunity for diversification into stable yielding asset backed by large sponsors and Grade A tenants, said Sumit Suri, Senior Director  Capital Markets, JLL India.

The Brookfield REIT IPO launch definitely helps strengthen the overall India real estate investment trust space. With the initial two REITs from Embassy Group and K Raheja Corp garnering very good support from investors, we have seen more and more new investors coming into the listed real estate assets space via REIT. We expect this trend to continue and Brookfield's REIT IPO is a logical extrapolation of this trend, said Shobhit Agarwal, MD & CEO - ANAROCK Capital.

Brookfield is a very large private equity investor and this move certainly helps boost the overall credibility of REIT offerings. The success of the first two REITs, along with the expected success of the Brookfield REIT, will definitely encourage many more real estate asset owners to come out with REIT listings in the future, he said.

The listing during COVID-19 times reflects the confidence in commercial real estate, especially for Grade A Properties in Tier I cities. This is also an outcome of strong fundamentals of lower vacancies, strong collection and rental values being held on as per pre-COVID values.

The major positive of the recent listing is that the geographical spread of the overall REIT portfolios has got widened.

However, the successful listing in the current market conditions reflects that investors expectations on rental values are unlikely to see any kind of significant correction. In fact, there have not been any significant increase in vacancies or renegotiations or deferral of receivables, say experts.

The launch of this REIT during the pandemic is interesting.

It lends great credibility to the inherent demand and strong fundamentals of the Indian commercial office market, as well as REIT as an investment vehicle itself, said real estate experts.

However, some experts are of the opinion that, while the launch could not have come at a better time and is suggestive of the fact that the commercial real estate market in India has matured, there could be a correction within three months of the end of the loan moratorium period.

It is a smart move on the part of the company to go in for a listing while the markets are riding high and there is a deluge of foreign capital into the Indian stock market. Having said that, there may be significant financial stress in the Indian real estate ecosystem right after the RBI moratorium period ends, says Anckur Srivasttava of GenReal Advisers.

Who should invest? Long term investors and those seeking low beta stocks with moderate risk returns expectations over a period of time after taking into account the rental distribution returns and capital gains appreciation.

REITs are listed entities that invest in income-generating properties and distribute at least 90 percent of their income proceeds to unit-holders through dividends. After registration with SEBI, units of REITs will have to be mandatorily listed on exchanges and traded like securities.

SEBI notified REIT's regulations in 2014, allowing setting up and listing of such trusts, which are popular in some advanced markets.
What's Happening?

Forgive me if I depart from my weekly advice on what to do with your hard-earned cash, and highlight one thing not to do.

Those of us of a certain age will recall Private Walker in Dad's Army, the caricature wartime Cockney spiv who, for the right price, could get you whatever you needed  legal or otherwise, and mostly otherwise. What then is a Spac?

First some history. Back in the early months of 1720, a raft of new companies were floated on London's burgeoning stock market, which was mostly operating in coffee shops around the Royal Exchange and Exchange Alley.

Be on your guard: For the moment Spacs look far too much like the old spivs

In fact, you can still see the site of the first one, which was called Jonathan's. This was the era of the South Sea Bubble and other such scams. The most commonly quoted of these ventures was a 'company for carrying an undertaking of great advantage, but nobody to know what it is'.

Sadly this description did not apply to a real company and was actually just a myth. But it highlighted very well the madcap ventures set up to part fools from money.

Why Does It Matter?

That was history and now we have a (largely) well-regulated market with professional advisers. That idiotic investment offering would never be tolerated today.

Now let me introduce you to a 'Spac', or Special Purpose Acquisition Company. This is an investment firm designed to invest in, well, something, somewhere at some time. So could we really be so foolish as to repeat the failings and stupidity of something like the infamous South Sea Bubble?

When you look at the number of Spacs in the USA and now coming to the UK, the answer would seem to be  yes!

What Should I Do?

I was always taught by my elders and betters in the investment world that the first rule of money was clear  do not lose the stuff! Rule 2  refer to Rule 1.

These companies have been designed for the primary benefit of their founders and private investors would only benefit from what might be left.

The London Stock Exchange is considering adjusting its rules to encourage more of these to float in the UK as they have proved very popular in the US.

You are in effect being asked to invest alongside venture capitalist funds, but you will have no idea where your money is going and when you might get it back.

Any Suggestions?

There are going to be some great opportunities in markets this year and not just on the main London Stock Exchange.

For the moment these Spacs look far too much like the old spivs  but at least I knew what I would be getting from Private Walker, even if they were only silk stockings!

Justin Urquhart Stewart co-founded fund manager 7IM and is chairman of investment platform Regionally.
A restoration of Seaside Heights beloved antique carousel will not be complete before Fall 2022, according to officials of the Shore resort town and the Ohio-based firm that will do most of the restoration work.

A pavilion to house the 111-year-old carousel now under construction along the boardwalk is tangible evidence of progress in the boroughs years-long, multi-million dollar effort to acquire the 111-year-old merry-go-round, restore it inside and out, and then operate it as a public amenity emblematic of the boroughs history and revival as a family-friendly resort.

The pavilion, along with an attached Seaside Heights history museum, will also serve as a restoration workshop, with its completion still anticipated for this spring, when officials say the public will be able to watch paint touch-ups and other cosmetic work being done.

But heavier work, particularly restoration of the century-old mechanisms that drive the main platforms circular motion and the bobbing of its 53 hand-carved, hand-painted horses, is a more highly specialized job that will be done at a shop in Ohio, and will have to wait for artisans there to finish other projects already underway.

So, following earlier projections to have the carousel painted, polished and back up and running this summer, borough officials and the restoration firm that will do the work say the project wont be completed for least another year, until the fall of 2022 at the earliest.

Were anticipating 2022 being the grand, grand opening, Borough Administrator Christopher Vaz said this week, acknowledging that the restored carousels first summer season would likely be in 2023.

A schematic drawing of the carousel pavilion now under construction along the boardwalk on Seaside Heights' north end.Anuto Architecture/Borough of Seaside Heights

One of the carousel projects biggest boosters has been the administrators father, Seaside Heights Mayor Anthony Vaz, who had to admit he was disappointed that it wouldnt be spinning along the boardwalk this summer, after all.

I am, the mayor said. But Im realistic that we need talented people to do it right.

Restoration of the carousel is a key component of the Vaz administrations ongoing effort to remake Seaside Heights into a family-friendly resort and year-round community, after it built a reputation as a honky-tonk beach town epitomized by the Jersey Shore reality TV series that was taped there.

A carousel is exactly that, the administrator said. Its one of the most family-friendly amusement rides that (has) ever been invented.

The carousel was built in 1910 by renowned amusement artisans William Dentzel and Charles Looff, and has been operated in Seaside Heights since 1932, most recently in a pavilion across the boardwalk from the Casino Pier amusement park. The carousel has been taken apart, and its components now await restoration in a specially-built shed known as pole barn a few blocks from the waterfront.

In a controversial deal that dates back at least to 2014, the borough acquired the carousel from its private owners, the Storino family, who also own Casino Pier, but were ready to sell the carousel, which despite no longer being profitable as an amusement includes dozens of antique figures highly valued by collectors.

Horses from the Floyd L. Moreland Carousel in Seaside Heights are stored in a custom-built shed known as a pole barn, while they wait to be restored in advance of the carousel's return to operation in a new location on the boardwalk. (Russ DeSantis | For NJ Advance Media)Russ DeSantis | For NJ Advance Media

Thanks largely to a prior restoration in the 1980s, officials said many of the ornately carved horses, carriages and other components of the carousel were in reasonably good shape, and minor work on them has been done by a local artist, Marie DeSaules.

The Ohio restoration firm that will do the heavier restoration work, Carousels and Carvings, is busy with two other projects: a more comprehensive restoration of a carousel from Buffalo, New York; and a full-restoration of one from Burlington, North Carolina, said the firms project manager, Ralph Loreno. Those jobs should be done in the fall, Loreno said.

Once the borough ships the disassembled carousel components to the companys shop in Marion, Ohio, the restoration job should take about a year, Loreno said, meaning the job will not be completed before Fall 2022. Were going to do all the mechanical and electrical work, and some touch-up work on some of facade panels, said Loreno.

The work will require painstaking removal of a century of paint, grease and grime, as well as the manufacture of worn-out metal parts that are no longer made, for the specialty firms 17 employees, who include painters, welders, machinists and woodworkers.

Both Loreno and the borough administrator said the restorations estimate cost was $900,000, though a contract for the job has not been signed.

The pavilion and museum space are being built by Piscataway construction firm, Epic, at a cost of $2.6 million, bringing the projects total total projected cost to $3.5 million. Seaside Heights issued bonds for the construction, and hopes to pay them off and finance the restoration work with funds raised by the Seaside Heights Historical Society, in conjunction with a pair of state grants that would reimburse local spending by up to $750,000 each, Vaz said.

Two of the 53 hand-carved wooden horses from the Floyd L. Moreland Carousel in Seaside Park lay on the floor of the arcade where the carousel had long been housed. A crew began to disassemble the carousel on Monday, Nov. 11, 2019. (Russ DeSantis | For NJ Advance Media)Russ DeSantis | For NJ Advance Media

Officials had originally envisioned creating an event space as part of the pavilions construction that would have taken advantage of the fun and photogenic carousel as a backdrop for weddings and other occasions. But that would have added another $1 million to the cost, and the venue portion was shelved.

Vaz said the venue is still envisioned for sometime in the future, on the same borough-owned lot where the pavilion and museum are located. But it would be developed separately, Vaz said, built and paid for privately under what could be a long-term lease arrangement.

Another change in the project involves personnel.

Floyd Moreland, a retired dean and classics professor at the City University of New York who had led the private drive to restore of the carousel four decades ago, stepped down last winter as president of the Seaside Heights Historical Society, a body created by the borough in part to raise funds for the project. The owners at the time of the earlier restoration officially dubbed it the Floyd L. Moreland Carousel.

Morelands successor as president is Joe Verderosa, a commercial videographer who grew up in the area in a family that operated boardwalk amusements. Verderosa said contributions had slowed slowed since Morelands departure, mainly due to the coronavirus outbreak last March, which has made fundraising for many causes difficult.

To date, officials say the historical society has raised more than $70,000 for the project, the bulk of it through contributions made during Morelands brief tenure by two of his academic colleagues. Moreland, who grew up in Passaic but spent summers riding the carousel as a child, would later take colleagues and students down from their ivory towers to the Jersey Shore to introduce them to his lifetime passion.

But as head of the historical society, Moreland soon found he had little patience for the politics involved in his second, official effort to restore the carousel. And after a love affair with the merry-go-round that lasted more than 70 years, he said, my time with the carousel really is over.

Floyd L. Moreland led a volunteer restoration of Seaside Heights' beloved carousel in the 1980's, then headed a borough fundraising committee for the carousel's current restoration project, before stepping down early last year. Moreland, a retired dean and classics professor at the CUNY Graduate Center, began riding the carousel more than 70 years ago.David Gard | For NJ Advamce Media

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com.
BEIJING : Amid a flare-up of Covid-19 cases across the country, Chinese citizens may have to undergo an embarrassing anal swab test for virus detection, prompting some of them to vent their ire on social media.

Beijing has rolled out the anal swab tests for key groups, focusing on persons returning from abroad and living in high-risk areas, state-run Global Times reported on Thursday.

According to health experts, taking an anal swab can increase the accuracy in detection of the virus, as according to studies the virus survives longer in the anus or excrement than in samples taken from the upper body tracts, the report said.

An internet user on Xiaohongshu, a social media platform, said that she had a "mental meltdown" when she was informed that anal swabs were needed along with other samples, including nasal swabs, throat swabs, blood draws, and saliva tests, after she returned from overseas and was quarantined for 28 days.

Another netizen spoke of feeling a sense of shame though not discomfort.

Given the unpleasant experience when taking such tests, some have asked whether it is necessary to adopt the method on top of the current ones, which have proved effective, the Global Times report said.

Addressing such concerns, Deputy Director of the Infections Department at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Cao Wei, explained that they have found both from follow-up data of people infected with COVID-19 and from SARS in 2003 that the human body's detoxification through defecation is a phenomenon that occurs during infection.

Furthermore, studies have shown the coronavirus lives longer in the anus or excrement than in upper body tracts, and for some silent carriers, the virus may be present in their throats for only three to five days, resulting in some tests providing false-negative results, said Li Tongzeng, deputy director in charge of infectious diseases at Beijing You'an Hospital.

As for the controversy over the anal swab method, Cao noted that people are still developing their understanding of the virus. "It's unsure whether the defecated virus is still infectious," he said.

China has administered 22.77 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines and increased its daily testing capacity for the virus to 15 million in a stepped-up drive to combat the latest resurgence of coronavirus cases in the country ahead of the Chinese New Year holidays in February.

A team of experts from the World Health Organisation is currently in the central Chinese city of Wuhan to start field-work in a fact-finding mission on the origins of the virus that caused the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2019.

China on Wednesday reported 54 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 41 locally transmitted ones, the National Health Commission said on Thursday.

Twenty-eight locally transmitted cases were reported in Heilongjiang, nine in Jilin, three in Hebei and one in Shaanxi, the commission said in its daily report.

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases on the mainland reached 89,326 on Wednesday and 4,636 people have died as a result of the virus, according to the commission.

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Several leaders belonging to different on Saturday visited the Ghazipur border -- one of the major sites of the ongoing farmers' protest -- to show solidarity with Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait after he 'complained' of police excesses and conspiracy against the farmers with tears in eyes two days ago.

Rakesh is the son of Mahendra Singh Tikait, a popular farmer leader from the western Uttar Pradesh, who had held a massive farmers' rally in Delhi's Boat Club over 30 years ago. His emotion-laden and teary-eyed speech on Thursday is being seen as one of the major turnaround moments in the farmers' protest.

Most of them already intimidated by the massive police presence began leaving the site but Tikait's speech prompted them to re-join the stir.

First to reach the Ghazipur border was Jayant Chaudhary, the grandson of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh. He went to meet Tikait after the police poured in to disperse the farmers.

He said that former Union Minister Ajit Singh, the president of Rashtiya Lok Dal, has said "this is a do or die situation for the farmers and we have to unite for the cause".

Besides, Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Kumar Lallu, Delhi Congress leader Alka Lamba and Congress MP from Haryana, Deepender Hooda also visited Ghazipur border to extend support to Tikait.

The politicians refused to make my comments. They were, however, welcomed on the protest site contrary to the farmers' earlier stance in which did not warm up to any political leader.

Also on Saturday, Delhi Congress chief Anil Kumar Chaudhary visited the protest site and said "the Congress is in support of farmers".

Congress leader and former party chief Rahul Gandhi on Friday again said the party wants an early resolution to the farmers' issue. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi must talk to the farmers to resolve this issue... there has been a concerted effort to discredit our farmers."

Sounding a warning, Gandhi said: "If the BJP doesn't find a solution, soon these agitations will spread across India."

Congress General Secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka Gandhi also spoke to Rakesh Tikait and expressed her support for the farmers' cause.

--IANS

miz/pgh/

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Ohio Harness Horsemens Association has obtained ownership, intellectual property, and publication rights for the Huffs National Fair Directory.

The 2021 guide will mark the 115th annual edition of the Ohio Harness Racing Guide.

OHHA Executive Director Renee Mancino said, the sudden loss of the Horseman Publishing Company and their 144-year-old industry publications is significant, we will do what we can to carry forward the legacy and goodwill that the Huffs Guide National Fair Directory represents to Ohios Horsemen.

In a Facebook post, publisher Lynne Myers thanked everyone at the fairs for their support and friendship. Its been my pleasure working with you in producing Ohios fair racing Bible.

The Ohio Harness Horsemens Association will immediately begin production of the 2021 guide with an expected publishing date in March.

(Ohio Harness Horsemens Association)
Local

East Texans express hopes, fears in upcoming redistricting process

More than a dozen residents from across the region and Texas on Friday asked state leaders to promote transparency and stop gerrymandering during the redistricting process.

The Senate Redistricting Committee held an online public hearing Friday morning for East Texas residents during which many expressed their frustrations over how the process was conducted in the past.

This is a technical process and there has been a lot of research on how to do it correctly, Michael Strong, Ph.D., of Nacogdoches, said. I hope that we can avoid the court battles that will take place if it is done incorrectly.

Strong requested the state: establish an independent citizen redistricting commission; take additional public input after census data is received; hold additional virtual hearings throughout the drafting period; provide the public with at least 14 days to review the proposed maps before any hearing; provide the public with changes to the maps before any vote; provide a bill analysis for the map proposals including how that will affect communities of color; and asked that all documents regarding redistricting, including emails and draft maps, be fully available to ensure transparency.

Many speakers in the hour following Strongs testimony issued similar sentiments. They wanted to see redistricting done properly, without the political gerrymandering that has separated many of them from neighbors with their same values, in essence silencing their voices.

Roman Griffin, of Sabine County, said Sabine County sits near Sam Rayburn Reservoir and Toledo Bend. Because the community has the same vested interest as its neighbors, he believes they should be in the same district.

I would like to see our district aligned so we are aligned with counties that have similar circumstances that we do, he said.

Roshin Rowjee, of Lufkin, discussed the political history of the southern portion of the U.S. Congressional District 1, which is now represented by Rep. Louie Gohmert but used to be a primarily Democratic district.

He believes Lufkin and Nacogdoches have vastly different opinions from their Tyler and Longview neighbors to the north and that by keeping what he believes should be two districts conjoined, its silencing Lufkin and Nacogdoches voices. He also blamed this problem for the loss of manufacturing in the region, saying Gohmert has failed to do what Rep. Charles Wilson did in his tenure  to protect East Texas manufacturing and livelihoods.

Eddie Morgan and Laura Odom, who live in Dallas and Northeast Texas, respectively, asked lawmakers not to manipulate the maps and said they agreed with the statements made before they spoke.

Caroline Salter, of Palestine, asked that Texas move toward an impartial, transparent redistricting process that does not favor one single party over the other. She wants to see competition and prosperity, which Republicans have long favored but failed to produce, she said.

Gerrymandering in Texas districts from the congressional to the state House to the Senate levels has led to noncompetitive races, non responsiveness to constituents and it has not produced prosperity in our rural areas, she said.

If 20 years of gerrymandering in Republicans prospects was an effective way of governing, we would have high-speed internet, bustling locally owned small businesses and excellent schools.

Jennifer Cantu, of Fort Bend County, said the current gerrymandering process has kept the Latino community out of leadership because it split up their vote in Fort Bend County. She asked that in the upcoming process, they anchor the district in Fort Bend so the Latino community has the opportunity to vote for the candidate who represents them, rather than their neighbors to the north.

Julia Beechinor, of El Paso, agreed with the previous comments and spoke to the geography of the state, asking that the committee remember how the geography of an area impacts its economy and the mindset of its residents.

In closing, she echoed Strongs request to establish an independent citizens commission that would be tasked with the issue of redistricting in a more fair, less political, manner.

Mary Koch, of Houston, proposed that the committee enforce transparency, let their constituents know the process to redraw maps, have a citizens review committee and draw maps that connect communities of interest.

I know this is a big ask, but please do not use partisan information to draw the maps, she said.

Districts should reflect communities of interest, as has previously been said by a lot of folks. Politically diverse groups in a district allow, and in most cases encourage and maybe even force, diverse groups to find common ground. We can do that. And that supports our elected officials.

Lines drawn that ensure one party has a majority increases polarization and discourages participation in civic life.

Yongyin Huang, a 17-year-old student from Katy, told the committee she was missing her English class because she wanted the committee to hear from her. As a high school student, she is watching this process and realizes the decisions made this year will impact most of her early adult life.

We need to have a fair and open redistricting plan, because we need the people who are unrepresented to be represented fairly.

Jeffrey Dixon, of Wharton County, had reservations about commenting on redistricting before census data was released and asked that people be given another opportunity to speak when the information is available. He then commented on the current maps in hopes the committee would consider his insights as they move forward.

His county is not divided, which is a positive, he said. But his county is grouped with other counties which makes it difficult for the election process to really work.
Head of the Party Central Committees Commission for External Relations Hoang Binh Quan talks about achievements of the Partys external relations during the term of the 12th Party Congress and orientations for the 13th Party Congress.

Head of the Party Central Committees Commission for External Relations Hoang Binh Quan. VNA/VNS Photo

With achievements that Vietnam has made over the past 35 years of oi moi (Renewal), the 13th Party Congress has drawn the attention of many foreign parties and international friends. How have international parties viewed the Partys renewal cause and the development orientation of Vietnam?

The development of Vietnam always gets attention from the international community. International friends are paying great attention to the 13th National Party Congress. Many political parties, organisations and state leaders have sent congratulatory messages and letters to Vietnam on this special event of the Party and country. They praised the traditional struggle for independence as well as traditional leadership of the Party over the past 90 years. International friends also acknowledged and spoke highly of achievements recorded by Vietnam during the renewal process with many huge achievements with special historical meaning.

Amid the complicated global context, particularly from the economic crisis at the end of the first decade of the 21st century, the development of Vietnam was considered a proper model. Many foreign leaders considered Vietnam a model of development.

Particularly during the current context, international friends highly applauded Vietnam for its success in fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic. The dual goals of containing the pandemic and maintaining economic growth as well as the spirit of Vietnam, the sound leadership of the Party, the determination of the Government and the solidarity and sharing of Vietnamese people have brought in huge achievements.

With the 13th Party Congress, international friends have attached great importance to and had many expectations that the congress will open up a new chapter, a new development step for Vietnam.

How have the Partys external relations tasks been implemented during the 2016-21 period and what are key results?

In Vietnam, the Partys external relations, State diplomacy and people-to-people diplomacy are combined harmoniously. Over the past five years, the Partys external relations have made important development steps.

Firstly, we have enhanced relations with foreign political parties around the world. We focused on promoting relations with ruling communist parties in neighbouring socialist countries and political parties of our traditional friends together with political parties of key and big partners of Vietnam. With this policy, we have achieved the target of increasing political trust and continuing to enhancing the friendship to help promote the bilateral relations of Vietnam with countries sustainably.

The expansion of relations with ruling parties has not only helped to foster bilateral relations but also to learn and share experience and to help improve leadership and management capacity of the Party.

It could be seen as an outstanding feature in external relations of the Party over the past years. At present, we have relations with many ruling parties.

I also want to mention that through the external relations of the Party, we have learned and got consultation from key political parties around the world. We have also signed training programmes to send thousands of officials to get training with the Communist Party of China, the Peoples Party of Singapore and main parties of Australia.

Besides, the Party has proactively played a role and effectively taken part in main Party multilateral mechanisms. The Party of Vietnam is one of the important political parties and has its voice heard at forums of communist parties and workers parties in the world such as the European and Latin American regions. This is an important political support zone of Vietnam. We have relations with many communist parties and left-wing parties there. And lastly, the Partys external relations have helped to raise the position and role of the Vietnamese Party and country in the international arena.

In the current context, which measures will the Partys external relations need to continue promoting its pioneer role in maintaining a peaceful and stable environment while taking advantage of external resources to develop the country and raise the countrys position and prestige in the international arena?

Vietnams diplomacy is a comprehensive diplomacy that not all countries in the world have. We have Partys external relations, State diplomacy and people-to-people diplomacy. Therefore, promoting the Partys relations means effectively implementing these three aspects to uphold the countrys strength in the diplomatic field, fulfilling the key goals of maintaining a peaceful and stable environment for development and keeping national sovereignty and territory as well as maintaining a friendly situation for future development.

Therefore, the Partys external relations will have some orientations in the future. Firstly, together with State diplomacy, to acknowledge, update and carefully analyse the world situation thoroughly in order to have effective recommendations in diplomatic policies and to respond to external relation situations.

Secondly, in order to adapt to a changing and complicated world, the Partys external relations need to enhance and expand relations with main political parties in the world. We need to be flexible and creative to adapt to the new situation.

Also, we need to continue to enrich the Partys intelligence by taking advantage of international sources, including leadership capacity and experience of political parties, resources in terms of science and technology and human resources training.

As expected, the Partys external relations, together with other sectors, will contribute to fulfilling targets set by the 13th Party Congress. VNS

Looking back at Vietnams external affairs over the past 35 years The draft political report submitted to the 13th National Party Congress has shown the importance and the pioneering role of foreign affairs in the cause of building and safeguarding the country.

No need to hassle with expensive, time-consuming trains to visit Germany for a day. Visit Cologne with your own private party of maximum six travelers during the most festive time of the year and explore the beautifully decorated Christmas Markets. Start your private experience to Cologne comfortably, as your guide picks you up from any address southeast of Amsterdam. The transfer to Cologne takes about 2.5 hours, but depends on your exact location and traffic. Upon arrival, set off on a private guided walking tour for your own party and pass by Cologne's famous sights and Christmas markets. After the walking tour you have personal time to explore the city on your own or with your private guide. Get a taste of the city and try locally brewed Kolsch beer in a typical Kolsch brewery. Discover the city's world class museums or eat, drink and shop your way through the markets. Then it's time to meet with your guide again for the transfer back to the Netherlands.
Chief Economic Adviser K V SubramanianChief Economic Adviser K V Subramanian on Friday said economic growth leads to debt sustainability and even if India were to have real GDP growth rate as low as 3.8 per cent each year from 2022-23 to 2028-29, the country's debt levels will still come down. Subramanian further said India has a track record of having adopted expansionary fiscal policy focused on infrastructure spending.

"Growth leads to debt sustainability, but not vice versa Even if India were to have the real GDP growth rate as low as 3.8 per cent each year from FY23 to FY29, the debts will still come down," he said during a press conference. Subramanian further pointed out that in advanced economies, there is a conflict between outcomes delivered by inequality and growth.

"While in India, there is a convergence  both inequality and per capita income have similar impact on socio-economic indicators," he said. The CEA stressed that India must continue to focus on growth so that "we expand the pie, enabling redistributive policies that lift people out of poverty", adding that growth can mitigate 85 per cent of poverty.

Subramanian said when history judges India for its response to this once-in-a-century health crisis, it will be hailed for its mature and bold measures. He also pointed out that an increase in spending on public healthcare to 2.5 per cent of GDP can bring down a typical household's out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare from 65 per cent to 35 per cent.

Subramanian also called for increasing India's expenditure on R&D from around 1.5 per cent to 3 per cent. "India has been an outlier in its global innovation performance. India must aspire to increase its gross expenditure on R&D from around 1.5 per cent to 3 per cent of GDP," he noted.
KENT COUNTY, MI -- Several fire departments responded to a house fire southwest of Sparta on Friday, Jan. 29.

The fire was reported about 4:10 p.m. and responding firefighters reported heavy smoke as they approached the scene, in the 3700 block of 10 Mile Road NW.

A witness reported that flames were coming out of every window of a ranch-style house.

There were no immediate reports of injuries.

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Walker police investigating bank robbery

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Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High 94F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. Low 57F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.
On January 29, 1941, Harry Malcom 'Mac' Lilley was born and 80 years later the longtime horseman is still very much a part of the harness racing industry.

Ruleen Lilley penned the following release on behalf of Mac Lilley Farms in honour of the breeding operation's namesake.

It was a cold and blustery day when Mac was born.

It was -10 degrees Celsius and the snow from the night before had collected in small drifts on the inside his mothers and fathers bedroom windowsill.

His Mother, Cassie, had felt the well-known twinges of the early stages of labor as she packed the childrens lunches. She and her husband Harry already had nine children: three boys (Alen, Cliff and Don) and six girls (Flossie, Ella, June, Martha, Sadie, Peggy)

Mac would be their tenth.

Cassie squeezed Harrys arm as he was bundling the older children up for their sleigh ride to school. You might want to swing by and pick up the doctor on your way home. Number ten is on the way.

Harry left their oldest daughter, Flossie, at home to care for her mother.

He made haste getting the younger kids to school and hurried back with the doctor in tow.

Harry Malcolm Lilley was born January 29, 1941.

He was special.

He not only shared the same name as his father, Harry Elmer Lilley, but also his grandfather, Harry George Lilley and now he also celebrated the same birthday as both men.

January 29th.

This year on January 29, 2021, Mac celebrates his 80th birthday.

These are some of his fondest memories.

The Lilley family was not prosperous in any material ways, but they had as much joy and love as any family could have. They were just like the Waltons.

They enjoyed skating on the ponds as they froze over each winter.

The boys loved hunting with their faithful hounds.

Even the most difficult tasks were made fun, by adding competition to the job. I bet I can load this wagon with hay before you can fill yours.

They had no running water and no electricity until well into the 1960s.

Mac chuckles as he recalls a vacuum cleaner salesman that came to their house one day.

The salesman took a big bag of feathers and dirt and poured it all over the living room carpet.

He extolled the many fabulous things his vacuum cleaner could do, as he was assembling the nozzles and hoses. Ok, he said, Now where is your electrical outlet, so I can plug it in?

We dont have any electricity, they told him.

His blank stare sent them into hysterical laughing.

No sale for that fellow, but a lifetime of laughter retelling the story to all the family, friends and neighbours.

The Lilley family got everywhere: on foot, on a tractor, or in a horse drawn buggy until 1957 when they purchased their first International truck for $1,700.

When Mac was 17, he had the opportunity to work on a pipeline in Stratford, to make the big bucks. He worked alongside John Jeffery and his sons from Appin. Mac would boast about his weekend escapades and dates to the crew as he worked.

When Mac knocked on the Jeffery door to take Johns daughter, Ann, on a date there was all hell to pay.

But as hard as John Jeffery tried to dislike this young buck, he could not help but see how good Mac was for his beautiful red-headed daughter.

Mac married Ann Jeffery on April 4, 1959.

Their first home was the Campbellton Schoolhouse. It was the same one room schoolhouse that Mac had walked to every day for his schooling. They soon filled the home with children. They had five boys (Dave, Jeff, Jerry, Doug and Hank) and a girl: (Barbara).

Farming was in their blood, so when a nearby farm came on the market, they traded their schoolhouse and $17,000 for the farm.

When Macs parents were ready to retire, Mac and Ann sold their first farm and purchased the 100-acre home farm for $20,000. This is the present site of Mac Lilley Farms.

In 1972 Mac and Ann started into the Standardbred breeding business by purchasing their first stallion, Zip Tar. Since that leap into the horse business, Mac Lilley Farms has stood over 50 different stallions and bred more than 12,000 broodmares.

From 2000 to 2013, Mac and Ann travelled to Georgia to manage the Hawkinsville Training Centre. They mentored their grandchildren when they came to help in the track kitchen, or help grandpa train the horses.



The Lilley Family circa 2016 in Mac's truck The Lilley Family circa 2016 in Mac's truck

In 2007 while training a young horse in Georgia, Mac was thrown from the jogger and had a massive head injury. The ambulance drivers were not sure he would survive the trip to the hospital. They did not realize what a fighter Mac was. He took quite a while recuperating from that accident.

A few years later, a slip on the ice broke his femur. A few years after that he had a spill from the jog cart resulting in broken ribs. These injuries finally convinced Mac he should take care of his precious self.

In 2017 the Raceway at Western Fair District inducted Mac into their Hall of Fame. What a wonderful night for Mac. There were hundreds of family members, friends, neighbors and fellow horse people that filled the winners circle for the race named in Macs honour. And to top off the evening, as if written as a Hollywood screenplay, it was a Mac Lilley Farm-bred mare that won the race.

Macs greatest joy came from a hard days work and the accomplishments it produced. He overcame struggles with the help of many friends and family along the way.

Mac and Ann will soon be celebrating 62 years of marriage. In those 62 years Ann has prepared almost every meal Mac has eaten. He once tried to make a grilled cheese sandwich when she was away, but the sandwich was a disaster. The butter was on the inside of the sandwich, so it stuck to the pan, and he had forgotten to take the plastic wrap off the cheese.

Mac has witnessed so many changes in his 80 years.

Now most nights you will find Mac sitting in front of his TV watching the races (when they run) and he cannot wait to tell his visitors how fast this horse or that horse raced. He can tell you the quarter-pole speed, the half and finish times, but do not ask him to make you a grilled cheese. That skill is still out of his reach.

Happy 80th birthday Mac!

(Mac Lilley Farms)
Joseph Anthony Materna, Esq., of Princes Bay, a noted Staten Island attorney known as much for his love of family as his legal expertise, died Wednesday, Jan. 27, after a short and aggressive battle with Covid-19. He was 73 and died in Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan.

He was surrounded by his wife, Dolores, daughters Jodi Marie (son-in-law Tad Davis), Jennifer, and Janine. He and his wife just celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary Dec. 14.

Mr. Materna achieved many accomplishments in life but beamed when he was recognized by Columbia University as the first alumnus of Columbia College in its history who had three daughters who also graduated from Columbia College.

His family remembered how he enjoyed being a lawyer and giving lectures in his spare time on behalf of the N.Y. Archdiocese -- and also how he adored spending time with his family, especially while vacationing to nearly 50 countries.

Most recently, Mr. Materna was honored by the Top 100 Registry as the 2020 Attorney of the Year in the State of New York.

Janine Materna, left, Dolores Materna, Joseph Materna, Jodi Materna-Davis, and Jennifer Materna at his Cayman Islands birthday celebration.

His family recalled how was known for his speeches and toasts, whether profound eulogies, or toasts at graduation parties or weddings. His toast for daughter Jodi Maries wedding in November 2019 still has people talking about how it was the best wedding toast they ever heard, family said.

He loved to tell jokes, whether at a will signing, family gathering or when meeting new people. He was definitely a girl dad, they said, in loving gossip, the story, shopping and getting a deal.

Mr. Materna was born in Garfield, N.J., to Peggy and Anthony Materna on June. 13, 1947. He received his B.A. degree from Columbia College and his J.D. degree from Columbia Law School, both of Columbia University. He served his country in the military, and will receive a military funeral.

He started his career with an established law firm, and later established his own firm: the Law Office of Joseph A. Materna, Esq., primarily focusing on Trusts & Estates Planning. He served as a lecturer in the field and an expert witness in Trusts and Estates field court litigations. He also provided pro bono work to those in need.

He was a member of a host of professional organizations -- the American Bar Association, The Association of the Bar of the City of New York, New York County Lawyers Association, New York State Bar Association, Committee on Estate and Trusts Administration, Richmond County Bar Association, Queens County Bar Association, Florida Bar Association, and the New Jersey Bar Association.

Also, the New York City Civil Court Arbitrator, American Arbitration Association Panel of Arbitrators, Association of the Bar of the City of New York, American Judges Association, Estate Planning Council of New York City, Planned Giving Board of the Arthritis Foundation, Bequests and Planned Gifts Committee of the Archdiocese of New York, National Association of the Estate Planning Council, Memorial Sloan-Kettering National Trusts and Estates Association, Columbia College Alumni Association Alumni Class President, Columbia Law School Alumni Association, and Richmond Town Historical Society.

He was a member of the Bar of New York, New Jersey, and Florida, and admitted to all local State and Federal Courts, U.S. District Court Southern District of New York, U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York, U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, U.S. Court of Appeals Federal Circuit, U.S. Tax Court, U.S. Supreme Court, and Probate Courts in all counties in Florida.

Notably, he held the Peer Review AV Rating from Martindale-Hubbell for over 25 years. Since 2010, he also possessed the Highest Possible Peer Review Rating in Legal Ability and Ethical Standards.

He was presented with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Whos Who; International Whos Who; Whos Who in the World; Whos Who in America; Whos Who in American Law; Whos Who in the East; Continental Whos Who; Strathmores Whos Who.

He was named Top Trusts & Estates Attorney in New York City by Avenue Magazine; Whos Who Lifetime Achievement; named Top 100 Trusts & Estates Attorney in New York State by The American Society of Legal Advocates, 2014-present; named Top 10 Best Estate Planning Attorneys in New York for Exceptional and Outstanding Client Service by the American Institute of Legal Counsel  2019; and Lawyers of Distinction Recognizing Excellence in the Practice of Law.

He has been published in The Arthritis Reporter, writing about wills and tax law.

Our hearts are heavy for the sudden loss of my extraordinary loving husband, said his wife, Dolores. He shall be remembered for being a loving father and honored for his gifts of love, inspiration, patience, kindness and immeasurable warmth.

From left, Jodi Marie Materna-Davis, Jennifer Materna, Dolores Materna, Joseph Materna and Janine Materna.

He had numerous professional accomplishments in his life, but what he felt was his most profound accomplishment was his marriage to his loving wife, Dolores . . . and the accomplishments of his three daughters, Jodi Marie, Jennifer and Janine, read one tribute.

In addition to his wife, Dolores, and daughters Jodi Marie (son-in-law Tad Davis), Jennifer, and Janine, he is survived by two brothers, Dr. Thomas Materna and Kevin Materna.

Colonial Funeral Home at 2819 Hylan Boulevard, New Dorp, is handling arrangements. A wake will be held Sunday, Jan. 31, from 3 to 7 p.m. A funeral Mass will be Monday, Feb. 1, at 10 a.m. in St. Clares R.C. Church, 110 Nelson Ave., Great Kills.

All Covid-19 face mask and social distancing restrictions will be in place.
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High around 65F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Clear skies. Low 42F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph.
The top leaders in the House and Senate have given approval for the U.S. Capitol Police officer who sustained fatal injuries during the siege at the Capitol earlier this month to lie in the Capitol rotunda as an honor to his service.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., announced Friday that Brian D. Sicknick, a former member of the New Jersey Air National Guard, will lie in honor in the Capitol, a rare recognition typically reserved for members of the federal government who have served their country with distinction.

Read Next: These Are the Official Space Force Ranks

Officials will hold a ceremonial arrival at 9:30 p.m. next Tuesday on the east front entrance of the Capitol, the announcement said.

"A viewing period will commence at 10:00 p.m. for members of the U.S. Capitol Police and continue overnight. Members of Congress are invited to attend the viewing period from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 3rd," it said.

Sicknick will lie in honor, rather than in state, in the Capitol rotunda, because he is a private citizen. Members of the public will be able to pay their respects during this period.

Others who have lain in honor in the rotunda include Civil Rights icon Rosa Parks. Jacob Chestnut and John Gibson, both Capitol Police, were the first law enforcement members to lie in honor in the rotunda in 1998. Chestnut, also an Air Force veteran, and Gibson were killed in the line of duty when a gunman entered the building and opened fire.

"The U.S. Congress is united in grief, gratitude and solemn appreciation for the service and sacrifice of Officer Brian Sicknick," Pelosi and Schumer said in a joint statement. "The heroism of Officer Sicknick and the Capitol Police force during the violent insurrection against our Capitol helped save lives, defend the temple of our democracy and ensure that the Congress was not diverted from our duty to the Constitution. His sacrifice reminds us every day of our obligation to our country and to the people we serve.

"On behalf of the House of Representatives and the Senate, it is our great privilege to pay tribute to Officer Sicknick with this lying-in-honor ceremony; may this ceremony and the knowledge that so many mourn with and pray for them be a comfort to Officer Sicknick's family during this sad time."

Sicknick enlisted in the New Jersey Air National Guard in 1997 and served for six years, spokeswoman Lt. Col. Barbara Brown told Military.com Jan. 8.

Sicknick's duties included serving as a fire team member and leader with the 108th Security Force Squadron at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Brown said. He deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1999 as part of Operation Southern Watch and to Kyrgyzstan in 2003 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was honorably discharged in 2003 as a staff sergeant, she said. The Daily Beast first reported Sicknick's Guard affiliation.

"Staff Sgt Sicknick's commitment to serve and protect his community, state and nation will never be forgotten," Brown said. "Our condolences and thoughts are with his family, friends and those who worked with him during his law enforcement career."

The week of the Jan. 6 insurrection, Pelosi ordered Capitol flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Sicknick. His death is under investigation.

At least 120 people have been arrested following the siege. Five people were killed that day, or, like Sicknick, died as a result of injuries that week.

Two other police officers have died by suicide this month.

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.

Related: Capitol Police Hero and Army Vet Eugene Goodman Promoted, Escorts VP to Inauguration
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Tom Wu, the CEO of Whales English, said that in order to enable more Chinese children to enjoy the world's top education concepts and resources, Whales English will continue to increase investments based on the "original reading product matrix" after obtaining this round of financing.

With this new round of funding the company will focus on three areas: 1. Catering to different age groups. The focus will be on refining the company's products and exploring new ways to teach to Chinese students of different age groups. 2. While still adhering to the 1V2 small group class style, the company will launch larger group classes to meet the needs of all customers. 3. Product effectiveness. Whales English has introduced the world's first evaluation system published by National Geographic Learning and will introduce more optimized evaluation systems in the future. These systems will adopt the process and outcomes evaluation approach which really focuses on the four basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. This process and outcomes evaluation approach conducts qualitative and quantitative evaluation which looks at the 'Learning before, during and after', so that parents and teachers can have a better sense of where students are with their learning at any given time, and quickly and efficiently adjust the teaching methods and curriculum accordingly. This evaluation system evaluates students' learning more accurately and comprehensively.



8 years of the original reading method  a double win through reputation

Whales English is an online English education brand focused on "cultivating excellence" for students between the ages of 3 and 18 years old. The school helps students improve their English comprehension skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing from the point of having no English skills at all to full English competency and proficiency. This is achieved through intensive reading and heuristic teaching styles of English-speaking teachers, original American textbooks and the "Three-fixed model" (Fixed teacher, Fixed students and Fixed schedule).



Whales English has been active in the K-12 English education for 8 years. Since its establishment, it has been adhering to the original English teaching products. Creating effective and superior teaching content and educational products, is a time-intensive venture that should not be rushed through. In the first five years, the founding team has refined and updated teaching methods and materials through experimenting with their own children. This does not only demonstrate their confidence in the products, but it also reflects their sense of responsibility to students. At Whales English, the team considers every student to be as important as their own children.

With such confidence and determination, Whales English insists on refining and improving its original reading based teaching system and thereby making available the most efficient English products for Chinese students. It is Whales English's high-quality teaching products that helped the company gain a large number of loyal users that was the catalyst for the start of its large-scale exploration in 2017.

In the past three years, Whales English stood out in the highly competitive market with its high-quality products and incomparable teaching effectiveness that really helped to create a win-win situation for brand reputation and commercialization. Currently, the monthly revenue of Whales English is 150 million yuan. The cumulative number of students the company serves is over 1 million. The profit of the first UE is 15%, while the renewal rate remains at about 80%, and the referral rate is up to 70%. The company has entered a healthy stage of large-scale growth and has become the No.1 online K-12 English group class education brand in China.

Online K-12 English Education 2.0 - Original reading method creates more effectiveness



In 2020, the year of the global pandemic, the education and training industry was exposed to great challenges and changes. As a result, users' acceptance of online education is rapidly improving, and the online English education industry is showing an obvious iterative and incremental trend.

With self-developed teaching methods that combine "Foreign teachers + Self-developed teaching materials + ESL teaching method", 1.0 game based online education products were born. Although this new design helps to focus children by making them sit down and willing to make an attempt to learn through games and interactive teaching methods, it also has obvious shortcomings:

The teachers are not professionals

The teachers lack teaching experience and can only read the materials

The self-developed teaching materials are not professionally rigorous and systematic enough

This kind of 1.0 game-based teaching method that focuses mainly on listening training, is relatively simple and mechanical. It seems to encourage students at the beginning, but it does not go far enough to explore and unpack children's understanding and application abilities in the actual learning process. Compared with the 2.0 model, the 1.0 model lacks learning effect verification and performance measurement. The poor learning effect and homogeneity of 1.0 model products put online K-12 English learning under siege and can lead to an industry dilemma.



As the user demands for measurable learning outcomes continue to increase, online English products have entered the era of 2.0. Whales English strives to reproduce the native English classroom online as much as possible by implementing "Experienced native English-speaking teachers + original textbooks + ELA original reading teaching method". With professional teachers, textbooks and native English teaching method, Whales English continues to be favored by parents who have a preference for higher quality products and learning objectives that are more in line with the current national standards Quality English learning trend.

Whales English has been prioritizing the concept of effective teaching, and thereby taking the lead in launching the industry-leading original teaching reading method all in an effort to create original courses that are more suitable for Chinese children.



Whales English courses adopt the original reading based teaching method based on ELA teaching method (based on English as mother tongue), which focuses on listening, speaking and writing through original reading. It is synchronized with children's language classes in Britain and America. It is also in line with the expression and thinking mode of English native speakers so that children can quickly improve their comprehension abilities of listening, speaking, reading and writing in English. The courses at Whales English encourage independent expression and cultivate in students excellent English reading and writing abilities.

At the same time, the courses cover a wide breadth of knowledge in areas of nature, history, humanities and other disciplines. This really helps to continuously stimulate students' interest and expand their knowledge base. These kinds of courses also help to cultivate children's "critical thinking" skills, encouraging more thoughtful and complex expressions; to think more critically, to express opinions from an early age, and ultimately developing a broader perspective about life and about their future.

Entering English teaching 2.0 together with New Oriental, with education as the fundamental core



In the face of new development opportunities and growth cycles, Whales English strives to actively embrace the 2.0 era as it joins hands with New Oriental, an institution with the same educational aspirations and philosophy that sees the need and benefit of continuing to focus on the original reading strategy.

This is all in an effort to benefit young Chinese English learners of different age groups, and to accommodate children with different needs with more diversified products that would ultimately result in the spread and promotion of high-quality education to all corners of the country.

As the leading investor and founder of New Oriental, Yu Minhong said that the times we are in call for effective and long-term educational products. Quality education has always been highly regarded in China. Excellent quality education should not only improve children's subject matter skills but should also play a role in children's thinking ability, personal development, social skills and other comprehensive abilities and core qualities that are very important for future society. These skills are necessary as they help children cultivate their abilities to broaden their horizons, understand the world they live in, and think independently.



The New Oriental strategic investment team also recognizes the concept and effectiveness of Whales English products, and believes that the education concept and product features meet the expectations of New Oriental for quality English education products. They believe that it is very challenging to make education products that can stand the test of the market.



To be able to achieve this, a company needs excellent teaching content, a superior teaching design, a conducive teaching environment and competent teaching staff, as well as a sustainable commercial operation. Whales English checks all those boxes. As the first batch of online education institutions, Whales English has experienced many ups and downs in the online education industry. The company's achievements today are not only due to the continuous improvement of their products, but also due to their strong education mindset and attitude. New Oriental will vigorously support the development of Whales English in terms of resources as they work together for a better future for Chinese children.



Sino Ocean Capital, a previous shareholder, continues to make additional investment in this round of funding. Lin Chuan, Deputy General Manager of Sino Ocean capital and General Manager of equity investment business center, pointed out that at present, in order to compete for traffic, the online education industry generally uses the traditional marketing methods of spending a lot of money on advertising, signing spokesmen and embedding variety shows. He however noted that, education is not a business purely about traffic and customer acquisition, but also about impact and learning effect. Education should also be about how it impacts our children.

Whales English is a rare educational institution in the industry that really pays attention to the teaching and learning outcomes. For quite a long time it has invested in effective teaching and learning experiences. In so doing the company has established its own reputation, not only for enjoying brand power and a sustainable business moat, but also for its high-quality teaching and excellent learning outcomes.

At the same time, Whales English is well versed in the logic of the education business and uses the advantage of the "word-of-mouth" strategy to drive growth, thus truly achieving the balance between growth and economic model. It can be said that Whales is a unique institution in the industry, which not only pays attention to the learning outcomes, but also to better balances, rapid scale development and a sustainable economic model. We are very proud and enthusiastic about our products and learning models.

Jiang Kaiyang, Director of Taihe Capital, and who also serves as the exclusive financial consultant for this round of financing, said that Whales has formed a strong differentiated position with its value proposition of "cultivating excellence". This idea of cultivating excellence focuses on the learning effect and peer competition, which is significantly different from the children's oral English education which purely focuses on conversational skills. This also enables Whales English to cover the learning needs of subjects in the K12 stage.

In addition, "Cultivating excellence" can only happen with the adoption of a more efficient teaching method, and the best way to learn a language is to adopt a more heuristic and conversational teaching style instead of the scripted and follow-up method. Finally, "cultivating excellence" is a universal demand. Whales English courses incrementally take students from zero English to college entrance examination level. It is clear that cultivating excellence in children of all ages is the best way forward in English comprehension and communication.

We are highly optimistic about the team's persistence and understanding of the underlying goals and purpose of education. We hope that we can help more Chinese children learn English more efficiently and confidently.

SOURCE Whales English
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Confusing Robin Hood Society with Robinhood app, thousands of netizens started following the former on Twitter in a day.

Robinhood app came in news after the Reddit shares trading frenzy.

The app has restricted its users to trade in stocks that have gone up recently like GameStop. It has also restricted people to purchase stocks of Nokia, Bed Bath & Beyond, AMC, Koss Corporation, Naked Brand Group, BlackBerry and Express Inc. Users started following the handle of the World Wide Robin Hood Society mistaking it for the Robinhood app and started asking questions to the British society based out of Nottingham instead of the trading app.

Taking to Twitter, the Society asked its followers if they know that they are following the handle of this UK based society and not of the app.

Lovely to have all these new followers .. can we just check that you know that youre following The World Wide Robin Hood Society in Nottingham and not the Robin Hood App .. if so .. a big welcome from Sherwood   Robin Hood (@robinhood) January 28, 2021

The handle of the Robin Hood Society also took a dig at the Robinhood app. They said that at the World Wide Robin Hood Society, they rob the rich to give to the poor and as much as they would like to help everyone with their grievances, the Robinhood app does not respond to them as well. They requested Twitterati to message the handle of the Robinhood app directly.

Huzzah fine people. Greetings from Nottingham, England. Here at the World Wide Robin Hood Society, we rob the rich to give to the poor. Much as wed like to help with your grievances, @robinhoodapp doesnt reply to us either, so please can you message them directly! Thank you  Robin Hood (@robinhood) January 28, 2021

It seems like most of the new followers have decided to stick to the Twitter handle of Robin Hood Society. Many users were also sympathetic to the social media person handling the account, which has been bombarded with tweets and messages.

A user asked if someone can give them a drink or donate to a charity that they hold dear. Robin Hood Society replied that they would appreciate virtual cheers.

On behalf of the internet, can one buy you a drink, dear beleaguered social media person? Or is there, you know, a charity you hold dear or anything?  Li0ness (@Li0ness_tweets) January 28, 2021

Speaking to BBC about the incident, Lisa Douglas who handles the Twitter account of the Society said that they knew about the trading app from some time because they have been receiving mean messages from its customers, however, things went crazy now.

She said that it is their responsibility to keep their Twitter followers entertained and informed. Therefore, they are going to build on the website and Twitter. Lisa also said that she hopes that the reopening of the Nottingham castle along with an increase in interest in Robin Hood brings a boost to the city.

The Twitter handle of the Society has more than 58,000 followers now. The increase is massive because till Thursday, January 28, they had only 400 followers.

The Robinhood app is in controversy after it stopped investors from trading in certain stocks via its app. A class-action lawsuit has been filed against the app alleging that it is manipulating the market to protect the wealthy hedge funds. GameStop saw huge gains because of the small investors of the Reddit community called Wall Street Bets. The price of GameStops shares increased from $5 to $450 per share between late 2020 to January 28.
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Homebuyers can now view properties virtually before they are even built.

A Ballyclare homebuilder's partnership with a software firm is allowing it to offer house hunters a virtual viewing experience off plan, in what it says is a first for Northern Ireland.

Local property company Simpson Developments has invested in software to enable the viewings, including properties at its new 4m Ballyclare development.

The company says it is the first here to use new Computer Generated Illustration (CGI) software to offer potential buyers an insight into residential builds set to go on the market even before the foundations are laid.

The service has been made possible by a link-up between Simpson Developments, Belfast based BLOCK CPM Limited and a European VR specialist firm.

Simpson Developments has adapted the software to add several unique features too, including interactive brochures and videos on the TV screens, all of which provide a customer house viewing experience yet to be seen here.

It will mean that house viewers can now soak up the interiors of Simpson Properties on a bespoke VR tour that uses a model of the interior built from architect plans and virtually furnished and decorated by their interior designers.

It is a service that had been in the development pipeline for the company but was fast-tracked due the coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns.

A team dedicated to the project took six months to design and develop the software.

Speaking about the service, David Simpson said: "Our new VR tours accompany Simpson Developments' brand-new website and both launches signal the completion of a rebranding process of the firm.

"Some of our plans for the future have been pushed forward given the pandemic we are operating in, including the need to social distance and, in some instances, the complete halt of viewings. So this allows us and our home buyers to continue house hunting from the safety of their own homes in what is a very unique experience.

"Given that we are in another lockdown I think it's important we offer an even better service, one that allows our image galleries and viewing processes to be as close to reality as possible because while the world may be at some sort of a standstill, there is opportunity to adapt and operate during these challenging times."

Among the company's upcoming developments is a Ballyclare site which is set to feature 20 residential properties in the heart of the town. The 4m project has created 50 jobs.

"We are in the market to purchase more land this year than we ever have and with that will come major growth. We are very much looking forward to what 2021 brings," Mr Simpson added.
A notice of motion from Cllr Mags Crean on protests outside healthcare facilities women are trying to access was deemed beyond the powers of the local authority by the council's Law Agent, but the sentiment of her motion received support from her fellow councillors.

A special Zoom meeting of Wicklow County Council was held on Monday in order to get through a build-up of some 17 notice of motions, some of which date back to over a year ago.

Cllr Crean's notice of motion was from January 7 of last year and stated: 'That this council recognises the phenomenon of protests outside medical centres in Ireland and the need to ensure that women can access healthcare services safely. In doing so, that this council agreed to explore the drafting of bye-laws for the regulation and control of public roads and footpaths adjacent to health care facilities in Wicklow. This will ensure that patients, service providers, health care staff and members of the public can enter premises without fear of intimidation or harassment as evidenced by the nuisance presented in situations where such protest have taken place.'

Senior Executive Officer for Wicklow County Council, Lorraine Gallagher, read out the reply from the law agent, stating that a legal opinion had already been established through a similar notice of motion which came before Louth County Council. The Local Authority has no jurisdiction over public order offences, which are a matter for the gardai. Powers belonging to the gardai can't be duplicated by the council, meaning the intent of the notice of motion to make bye-laws is 'Ultra vires', or beyond the powers of Wicklow County Council.

However, Cllr Crean still sought support for the notice of motion, and suggested that an independent legal opinion could be sought.

She said: 'Other legal experts say the current legislation doesn't satisfy this kind of protest. It is left to the health care staff to call the gardai every time. The recent Mother and Baby Home report shows the legacy of shame and our treatment of women in this country. These protests are using intimidation to shame people. Women should be able to access legal health care, whether you believe in abortion or not.'

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Cllr Anne Ferris commended Cllr Crean for bringing forward the motion.

'Our mothers, sisters and daughters have a right to access health care services and information. They shouldn't have to pass by people waving graphic photos and protesting. It's very intimidating. This is an issue close to the hearts of many women in Wicklow, and not just women, also husbands, partners and family members. We need to push the Government to introduce the relevant legislation so bye-laws won't be needed.'

Cllr Lourda Scott also felt the protests were held to intimidate women and opened up about her own experiences as she shared that she had 'lost several pregnancies.'

She added: 'Some of these protesters are holding up grotesque images. I felt personally upset viewing them from far, never mind having to pass through them. There are women who lost full-term babies and had to go through those intimidating protests.'

Cllr Aoife Flynn Kennedy stated: 'This is not an abortion issue. It's a women's health issue. Women should be able to access services without being shamed.'

Cllr Grace McManus said: 'We have to try and find the best way to make the call for these exclusion zones outside medical centres. This is all about protecting people who are in a vulnerable situation.'

Cllr Joe Behan commended Cllr Crean for the 'diplomatic way' she made her case in the notice of motion.

'In my point of view, people should be able to access legal health care provisions peacefully and without any opposition or harassment,' said Cllr Behan.

Cllr Gerry Walsh said: 'There is a right to peaceful protest but when that crosses the line to harass people then that has to be stopped.'

Cllr Gerry O'Neill said: 'I have heard no mention of people protesting in this county. I would be against intimidation of any type of person, especially vulnerable people, but I would also be concerned about the right to assemble and protest. But not when it involves intimidation.'

Cllr Crean said she would work on a revised notice of motion which she hopes to present at the March meeting of Wicklow County Council.
The last Holden car built in Australia was auctioned on Saturday, selling for an eye-watering $750,000.

The bright red 2017 Holden VF was the last vehicle to be assembled, welded together and painted in an auto body shop on Australian soil.

The last Holden made in Australia. Credit:Llloyds

Holden ceased production in Australia after the closure of its last factory in Elizabeth, 24 kilometres north of Adelaide, in October 2017. Holden has since switched to imported models from Germany.

According to auctioneers Lloyds, workers at Australias now-shuttered Holden factories took photos with the car and held signs emblazoned with the words last Holden. The car also bears the number plate FINL 01.
Related Destructive fire burns down 22 shops in Downtown Cairo Friday Egypts prosecution has ordered on Saturday a four-day detention pending investigations for a man over intentionally setting a large number of shops in a busy downtown market ablaze.

The prosecution said it questioned 19 witnesses, all owners of the destroyed shops at Tawfiqia, where some of them accused the defendant of intentionally setting their shops on fire due to a financial dispute.

The witnesses included the defendants uncle and son, who said they have received an earlier threat from the defendant on setting their shops ablaze.

The defendant confessed after his arrest of setting the shops on fire due to the financial dispute with his relatives.

The early morning fire, however, did cause damages to around 22 shops, according to an earlier statement by the Cairo governorate.

The Tawfiqia market, a wholesale market for a variety of goods - mainly car accessories - is located in the crowded Al-Azbakeya district.

Short link:


16 naxalites surrender in Chhattisgarh

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

Dantewada, Jan 30: At least 16 Naxals, two of them carrying cash rewards on their heads, surrendered before police and CRPF officials in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district on Saturday, an official said.

The lower-rung cadres, who were active in Bacheli and Kirandul areas of the district, surrendered in Kirandul town, citing that they were impressed by the rehabilitation drive 'Lon Varratu' and disappointed with the "hollow" Maoist ideology, Dantewada superintendent of police Abhishek Pallava said.

Deputy sarpanch in Chattisgarh killed by naxals

With this, 288 Naxals have so far quit violence in the district under the 'Lon Varratu' (return to your home/village) campaign, launched in June last year, the official said.

According to him, the surrendered cadres also took part in a 'Tiranga' (tricolour) rally with the police and planted saplings, while a seminar was held to commemorate the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary.

Of the 16 Naxals, Madkam Hurra (28), a Maoist militia commander, and Hunga Barsa (35), the head of the local unit of Dandakaranya Adivasi Kisan Majdoor Sangthan (the frontal wing of Maoist), were carrying a reward of Rs 1 lakh each on their heads, Pallava said.

As many as 14 surrendered cadres hail from Madkamiras village, he said.

Each of the surrendered Naxals was given an immediate assistance of Rs 10,000, and they will be provided additional facilities as per the government's surrender and rehabilitation policy, he said.

Under the 'Lon Varratu' (term coined in local Gondi dialect) initiative, Dantewada police have put up posters and banners in native villages of 1,600 Naxals, mostly those carrying cash rewards on their heads, and appealed to them to return to the mainstream.

Moradabad-Agra highway accident | Gandhi statue vandalised in US | Oneindia News

Surrendered cadres are also being provided skill development training in different disciplines for their rehabilitation as a part of the drive, the official said.

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Story first published: Saturday, January 30, 2021, 16:20 [IST]
An American doctor has told how he and his team were 'brutally beaten' by police as they tried to tend to those injured in violent clashes during protests against farming reforms in India.

Dr Swaiman Singh from New Jersey said they were set upon by stick-wielding officers - leaving three doctors with broken arms and a volunteer with a cracked skull.

In disturbing footage of the attack one of the medics in a first aid high visibility vest is chased by officers in full riot gear before being viciously battered as he falls to the floor.

Horrified onlookers can be heard screaming 'Don't hit the doctors' as they watch batons rain down on the men.

Footage showed the medic being 'brutally beaten' by police during protests against farming reforms in India

Dr Swaiman Singh from New Jersey said the volunteer medics had been helping an injured policeman when they were attacked

Another clip showed volunteers forming a human chain in an effort to protect the medic

Ironically, the American College of Cardiology fellow said the volunteer medics had been helping an injured policeman when they were attacked by 10 to 15 officers.

'They hit us brutally.They fractured the arms of three doctors, hit a guy in the skull, nearly opened up his skull,' he said in a video message detailing the violence.

'Hit guys in the leg who have bruises all over their legs, one of them was actually holding an IV pole as we were suturing up a police officer at the time.'

Dr Singh, who completed his medical residency at Drexel University in Philadelphia, said the attack only came to an end when another group of police officers intervened and apologised for the violent unprovoked assault.

Another video showed the volunteers forming a human chain in their efforts to protect a doctor treating a badly injured farmer as officers beat people around them moments before.

The shocking images were recorded on Thursday when thousands of farmers in a convoy of tractors were met with tear gas and police with batons at barricades in the capital New Delhi.

At least one farmer was killed while many police officers and protestors were left injured in a series of demonstrations in which the city's historic Red Fort was also stormed.

Dr Singh has been providing aid on the borders of Delhi where tens of thousands of farmers from all over the country have been camping peacefully at the capital's outskirts for two months.

The American had travelled to India for a family emergency in November but upon seeing the mass protest felt unable to return to his home on the East Coast and was instead compelled to stay on to help.

Dr Singh (left and right) had travelled to India for a family emergency but upon seeing the protest felt compelled to stay on to help

The doctor said the attack came to an end when another group of police officers intervened

His charity the 5 Rivers Heart Association  which normally helps underserved communities in Punjab  set up 32 ambulances and 220 volunteers to provide support at Thursday's rally.

He said things went wrong when a flare was fired at the face of a farmer who was driving a tractor causing him to lose control and crash into a barrier injuring many officers and protestors.

'Next thing we know we had to set up a field hospital there, we were treating police officers, injured farmers' he said adding that none of the state's emergency services were on standby.

'Our team was suturing up these people, putting IV lines in and giving injections.

'Farmer, police officers or CRPF (the armed Central Reserve Police Force).We didn't see any difference to us they were all humans and as doctors it was our duty to serve.

'But after about an hournext thing you know a group of about 10 to 15 police officers rushed towards where we were and starting hitting these two guys (nearby) with sticks.

'And in hitting them they started hitting us, hitting us brutally. The images are shocking, you can see in the videos from bystanders,' he added.

The assault on medics has been condemned by the NGO Indian Doctors for Peace and Development.

Mr Singh said the aggressive behaviour appeared to be an attempt to provoke protestors and derail the demonstration which is proving to be the biggest challenge Narendra Modi's government has faced.

The scenes saw thousands of farmers met with tear gas and police with batons at barricades in the capital New Delhi

Delhi police arrested 200 people on Thursday and accused those who breached barricades at the rally of 'violence and destruction'.

The farmers are demanding the withdrawal of new laws, which they say will favour large private buyers over producers and will destroy their livelihoods.

Up until this week the protests have been largely peaceful and cheerful with locals showering flower petals on the farmers who in turn have been feeding the homeless.

But the situation has grown tense since Thursday's violence with the government cutting the internet connection at the main sites.

Protestors have also complained that their electricity has been cut off and their food and water supplies blocked by the police.

Criminal charges have also been filed against journalists, activists and opposition politicians speaking out against police brutality accusing them of 'sedition' and inciting violence ahead of the clashes.

Today Labour MP for Slough Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi said he was 'shocked and saddened' to see footage of mobs and police officers trying to clear the farmers protest.

Taking to Facebook he wrote: 'Shocked and saddened to see footage of mobs and police trying to intimidate and clear Delhi #FarmersProtest, having first stopped their supply of water, electricity and internet.

'Perpetrators of violence cannot be condoned, but if people in power abuse the human rights of peaceful protesters, itll merely make their movement stronger. #TheWorldIsWatching.'

Yesterday tensions escalated at Singhu Border after a group of 200 men  believed to be from Hindu nationalist groups  descended on the farmers.

Local TV news reports showed the men throwing stones at the protestors and pulling down their tents as Delhi Police watched on.

The disturbing video report also showed one Sikh farmer being pulled from the site and viciously beaten and stripped of his turban and trousers before being carried off by the police.

Mr Singh fears that the increasingly volatile situation will result in the deaths of many more protestors  many of whom are elderly men and woman  in the coming days.

Appealing for action from the international community, the doctor who had provided aid at the Black Lives Matter protests in the US, said: 'People are going to die here, we are being squeezed, food lines are being cut, water is being cut and internets connections are being cut.

'This is devastating. People are going to start to die in one, two or three days if not today.These farmers are literally dying.'

Eleven rounds of talks between the farm unions and the government have so far failed to break the deadlock.
Image: AP

It has been a year since India reported its first COVID-19 case in Kerala. On January 30, 2020, a medical student, who returned to Thrissur from the Chinese province of Wuhan - the epicentre of the virus, tested positive for coronavirus.

Soon after, the second and third cases in the country were reported on February 2 and 3, both of whom had also returned from Wuhan.

From the first COVID-19 case in Kerala to over 1 crore cases a year later. Here's a timeline of how the virus progressed in India:

January 30, 2020: India's reports first COVID-19 case in Kerala.

March 2, 2020: Delhi-NCR reports the first case outside Kerala in India. Total cases rise to 5.

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

March 3, 2020: India suspends visas of foreign nationals who travelled to China, Iran, Italy, South Korea and Japan on and after March 1.

March 12, 2020: India reports first death due to coronavirus. A 76-year-old man from Kalaburagi in Karnataka dies.

March 14, 2020: With the increasing number of confirmed cases, coronavirus was declared a notified disaster.

March 20, 2020: India suspends all scheduled international flights.

March 25, 2020: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces nationwide lockdown. The first phase of lockdown came into effect on March 25. Scheduled domestic flights were also suspended.

May 17, 2020: To combat the spread of novel coronavirus, lockdown in India extended till May 31, making it one of the longest lockdowns imposed by a country.

May 19, 2020: India's COVID-19 tally crosses one-lakh mark.

June 8, 2020: After more than 2 months of nationwide lockdown, India begins phased reopening with Unlock 1.0.

June 30, 2020: The DCGI approves Covaxin for human trials, making it Indias first domestic vaccine candidate.

July 6, 2020: India becomes the third worst-affected country due to rising COVID-19 cases

July 24, 2020: Phase-1 clinical trials of Bharat Biotechs Covaxin begin.

August 26, 2020: Serum Institute of India (SII) starts clinical trials of Covishield  the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca.

September 17, 2020: India reports the highest single-day rise of 97,894 coronavirus cases.

October 3, 2020: India COVID-19 death toll crosses 1 lakh.

December 2, 2020: The UK became the first country to formally approve a COVID-19 vaccine for public use as it granted emergency use authorisation to Pfizer-BioNTech's candidate. Many countries followed the suit.

December 19, 2020: Confirmed cases of COVID-19 crossed the 1-crore mark in India on December 19, according to data from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

December 28, 2020: First dry run held across four states  Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat and Punjab  to test the preparedness of vaccinators and assess mechanisms.

January 2, 2021: First nationwide dry run held across all states and Union territories.

January 3, 2021: DCGI grants restricted emergency use authorisation for SIIs Covishield and Bharat Biotechs Covaxin.

January 16, 2021: Indias first phase of COVID-19 vaccination begins.

January 30, 2021: With 13,083 fresh cases, India's COVID-19 tally rises to 1,07,33,131. As many as 1,04,09,160 patients have recuperated so far. There are 1,69,824 active coronavirus cases in the country currently.

India remains the second worst-affected country after the United States.
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Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-30 14:22:13|Editor: huaxia

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Afghan security force members are seen at the site of a car bomb next to a military base in Shirzad district of Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, Jan. 30, 2021. Eight soldiers were killed as a car bomb went off next to a military base in Shirzad district of Afghanistan's eastern Nangarhar province on Saturday, said a statement of provincial government released here. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

JALALABAD, Afghanistan, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Eight soldiers were killed as a car bomb went off next to a military base in Shirzad district of Afghanistan's eastern Nangarhar province on Saturday, said a statement of provincial government released here.

"The terrorists detonated an explosive-laden military vehicle in Gandumak area of Shirzad district today morning killing eight soldiers," the statement said.

The statement further noted that the security forces also captured another explosive-laden vehicle from the same district that the militants were attempting to detonate in Nangarhar provincial capital Jalalabad city.

In the meantime, Taliban outfit has claimed responsibility for the blast in Shirzad district.

Zabihullah Mujahid who claims to speak for the Taliban group in a statement sent to media said, "A suicide bomber Mullah Mohammad Yusuf Kandahari blew himself up along with his explosive-borne vehicle in Shirzad district at 05:30 a.m. local time killing and injuring 50 soldiers" besides destroying the military base. Enditem
In a first, ITBP starts online liquor distribution system for troops guarding the LAC with China

Ladakh: ITBP gets new commander

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 30: The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), which guards the Line of Actual Control with China, has posted a new officer to head its frontier in Ladakh, official sources said on Saturday.

Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo, a 1999-batch officer of the Manipur cadre, will be replacing ITBP Inspector General (IG) Deepam Seth, who was commanding the force troops deployed along the LAC with China in Ladakh.

Seth, a 1995-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Uttarakhand cadre, has been transferred to the ITBP Headquarters in Delhi, as per an order issued by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Headquarters here.

Watch: ITBP jawans celebrate Republic Day on an ice body in Ladakh

Lhatoo had recently joined the border guarding force. He has earlier served in the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Special Protection Group (SPG).

"The transfer has been done on administrative and strategic grounds. IG Seth has been posted in the same capacity and will handle the personnel and vigilance charge at the ITBP Headquarters in Delhi," a senior officer told PTI.

The new IG is expected to take charge in Ladakh in the next few days, he said.

Leh is the base for the ITBP north-west frontier and an IG-rank officer, equivalent to a Maj General rank in the Army, commands the formation that is responsible for the deployment of the troops in this part of the 3,488-km long Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China that runs from the Karakoram Pass in the Himalayas to Jachep La in Arunachal Pradesh.

Seth has been a part of various military talks, as a representative of the Union Home Ministry, being held with the Chinese to move forward on the long-negotiated disengagement process in eastern Ladakh as thousands of troops from both the sides remain deployed at friction points under freezing conditions since May last year.

He also oversaw induction of additional ITBP troops in Ladakh that was undertaken in the wake of the standoff.

Moradabad-Agra highway accident | Gandhi statue vandalised in US | Oneindia News

The officer was posted to head the newly-created formation in mid-2019 and was decorated with the president's police medal for distinguished service this Republic Day.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, January 30, 2021, 16:35 [IST]
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Sligo man Mike Willis with the twin foals at the farm in Illinois

There are only a few pairs of twin donkeys in the world - but a Sligo native is celebrating the arrival of two foals in Illinois, USA.

Mike Willis, a native of Coola in east Sligo, welcomed the twins into the world on January 21st on his farm near the village of Onarga.

The unique pair have also picked up some appropriate names. Having been born the day after the Presidential inauguration, the male twins have been dubbed 'Biden' and the female twin 'Harris' after Joe Biden and Kamala Harris who were sworn into office last Wednesday.

What's more, the arrivals weren't even planned.

Mike picks up the story: "We were surprised. She got bred unintentionally because she's so old. We didn't mean for her to get bred, I acquired her from a Clare man just to breed her to get one foal, and she's going to be two in June. We had the Jack separated but he obviously broke out and bred her again."

The foals were born early in the morning and discovered by the family living on the farm - Mike and his family are based around an hour away.

"We have a family that lives on our farm, I'm a contractor and I live like an hour away from the farm and I come here every weekend and whenever but they live here, the family that lives here and takes care of the stock so it was one of the girls that actually named them, she's the one that found them first."

It's a story that has captured the imagination of many, but Mike's primary focus on the agricultural front is his 50-strong herd of Angus cows on the 200-acre holding.

Mike moved to the United States in 1987 and has worked in construction.

He comes from a family of 14 in Coola, and has also felt the impact of Covid-19 as he was unable to travel home for his father Mick's funeral last year due to the pandemic.

He retains a strong interest in all things Sligo, and is in touch with his family regularly over the phone.

"I've a brother in New York, he came here the year before me in 1986, I came over in '87.

"There's a family of 14," he explains, "and they're all at home now except me, my brother in New York and another who lives in Kerry. But all the rest of them are within a ten mile radius of the home place.

"We're on Whatsapp all the time."
Day care shortage creates barriers for working parents

With a labor shortage plaguing the state, working parents are ready to fill these positions. The lack of childcare options creates barriers.
CUPERTINO, Calif. (AP)  Apple is urging iPhone and iPad users to update their devices to fix security flaws that might have been actively exploited" by hackers.

Apple made the software upgrades available Tuesday, adding a rare note suggesting it was a serious threat.
Deputy FM stresses better support for OVs

The Party and State will double their efforts to provide better support and assistance for overseas Vietnamese (OVs) in the years to come, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Minh Khoi.









Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Minh Khoi (Photo: VNA)

Khoi, also Chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, made the statement in an interview granted to Vietnam News Agency reporters on the sidelines of the ongoing 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) in Hanoi on January 29.



He said that in the political report delivered at the Congress, Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong stressed that in the coming years, Vietnam must make greater efforts to support Vietnamese living abroad in order to help them consolidate their legal status, integrate better into the host countries, and boost socio-economic development.



It is necessary to do the good job of protecting the legitimate interests of overseas Vietnamese, and help them continue studying the Vietnamese language to preserve the national identity, he said.



 We must also better information work towards Vietnamese expatriates so that they can come closer to the homeland, look more towards the homeland, and have more trust in the country, he noted.



According to the Deputy FM, last year, his ministry conducted fact-finding trips to a number of localities across the country, including Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong and central provinces and found that the local leaders had paid great attention to implementing policies for overseas Vietnamese.



Especially, the localities have many initiatives to connect overseas Vietnamese and those at home, he said, citing HCM City holds an annual get-together for OVs to look into their difficulties as well as partly meet their aspirations.



These policies have seen positive outcomes and received warm response from Vietnamese abroad, he stressed.



However, he noted that the 5.3-million-strong OV community is very diverse, featuring many generations with different educational levels and economic conditions.



Therefore, Vietnamese agencies, sectors and localities need to have more specific and flexible approaches to OVs so that they can contribute more to the nation, he stressed.



The Politburos Resolution No. 36 on overseas Vietnamese issued in 2004 has affirmed that the Party and State always consider the OV community an inseparable part of the Vietnamese nation.



Over the past time, many mechanisms and policies had been issued and implemented to create more favourable conditions for overseas Vietnamese.



According to Deputy FM Khoi, the number of Vietnamese living abroad increased from 4.5 million people in 109 countries and territories in 2015 to 5.3 million in 130 countries and territories in 2019.



As of October 2020, overseas Vietnamese from 27 countries and territories had invested in 362 foreign direct investment projects in Vietnam with a total registered capital of 1.6 billion USD.



From 2015 to 2019, the total remittances totalled 71 billion USD. The figure was forecast by the World Bank to reach about 15.6 billion USD in 2020.



Overseas Vietnamese have always responded positively to calls for donation and support for local people in overcoming the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as natural disasters, evidenced by their response to recent historic floods and storms in central Vietnam, Khoi said.



The Party, State and Government of Vietnam always appreciate the valuable contributions of the Vietnamese community abroad, and also want them to accompany and continue making contributions to national development, he affirmed.
The Azerbaijani government is considering a smart city concept for new urban planning projects in the Karabakh region. President Ilham Aliyev said technology would be a key element in the rebuilding of territories in the region, which were liberated from Armenian occupation last year, Caspian News reports.

"Cities and villages to be established in the liberated areas should be based on the concept of a "smart-city" and "smart-village". It would be best if you planned this work now to use the world's most advanced technologies in urban planning and project implementation," President Aliyev said Tuesday in a virtual reception of the country's newly appointed minister of transport, communications and high technologies, President. Az reports.

A smart city uses information and communication technologies (ICT) to deliver higher operational efficiency, create an effective municipality-to-resident interaction model by improving both the quality of government services and citizen welfare, address quick and reliable solutions to city problems, and improve social and economic quality. Smart applications receive, analyze and manage data in real-time to help municipalities, enterprises and citizens make better decisions. Citizens acquire direct engagement with smart city ecosystems via smartphones and mobile devices and connected cars and homes. Distant communication with a citys physical infrastructure and services help cut costs and improve sustainability. Among the most common efficient outcomes of a smart city concept are improved energy distribution, streamlined trash collection, decreased traffic congestion and even improved air quality.

President Aliyev said the cutting-edge technologies should be brought in every sector outlined in the development plans for the liberated territories, including the construction and infrastructure projects, agricultural activities, energy efficiency and others. The president added that there are ample opportunities to transform the liberated areas into a green energy zone since the region has vast water resources, wind and solar energy potential.

The Azerbaijani government's development plans for the Karabakh region follows its liberation from the occupation of Armenia in a counter-attack operation codenamed "Iron Fist". The war between the two countries erupted on September 27 after a blatant violation of the ceasefire by Armenia. The Azerbaijani army took retaliatory measures to push back the assault. The non-stop exchange of fire turned the clashes into an all-out war, which was the largest since the ceasefire came into effect in 1994.

The 44-day war ended in a tripartite ceasefire statement signed by Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia. By this time, Azerbaijani forces liberated more than 300 settlements, including the cities of Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Zangilan, Gubadli and Shusha. Armenia returned the occupied Aghdam, Kalbajar, and Lachin districts to Azerbaijan by December 1 as part of the obligations it took under the ceasefire deal.

Azerbaijan's victory paved the way for the legal involvement of various interested parties in the development of once occupied and devastated lands. A major state-run restoration and reconstruction campaign in the liberated areas got support and interest from Turkey, Great Britain, Italy, Hungary, Japan, Israel, Iran and others. A leading GOSB techno-park of Turkey is expected to team up with the Azerbaijani counterparts to create a joint high technologies park in the region, which will be dedicated to research and the production of high-tech devices. The British ambassador to Baku, James Sharp, confirmed discussions about the creation of smart cities in the Karabakh region with the Azerbaijani government officials.
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How do we live out our faith and share the love of Jesus in an Islamic culture without offending or even worse, ostracizing the very souls we are seeking to reach? We wondered about this delicate dance before we launched our work in the Muslim World in 2001 just after 9/11.

What we found was that Jesus so often beautifully led the way into easily formed relationships with Muslims by preparing the hearts of those we are about to meet. He often did this through endearing Jesus dreams, unforgettable visions, and mind-boggling miracles. After that, Muslims were more than ready to hear that He was more than a prophet and the true savior of the world.

Jesus heart is especially for those who are brokenhearted, hurting, or those suffering in some way. So, He intimately pursues and woos them with His divine love. In response, these dear men and women are so absolutely unashamed and completely confident in who Jesus is and nothing will stop them from sharing about their transformed lives and the Transformer  Jesus.

Over the last two decades, we have had the privilege of meeting many brave Muslim women living in Middle Eastern nations who are choosing to put their faith in Jesus, willing to count the cost, even if it means losing their lives.

Although some of these women live in radical, fundamentalist villages, we have discovered a golden thread of truth woven in the fabric of their culture.

What we found was that no matter the religion or region, women are the spiritual gatekeepers of their families. This includes the religion of Islam. Though Muslim women often have few rights in their society, they are the ones to pass their beliefs onto their children.

You see, God has gifted all women with the imperishable gift of spiritually influencing their families, communities and even their world. This Biblical pattern is seen throughout the pages of Scripture. Deborah, Esther, Elizabeth, and Lydia are just a few examples of women who lived lives of risk for the Kingdom of God.

There was a group of faithful women who went against what society expected to follow and provide for Jesus and the apostles. They faithfully remained with Jesus as He suffered and died on the cross while all the apostles (except John) fled in fear. Three days later, the eleven remained in hiding, but this same group of valiant women ventured out arms laden with anointing spices to Jesus grave, only to discover the astounding truth that Jesus was alive! These spiritually influential woman carried the miraculous truth of Jesus resurrection back to the men in their lives.

And the world has never been the same.

We see this same model lived out today. Muslim women are often the first ones to discover the Good News of salvation in Jesus and bring the life changing message back to their families. To expect these women to have no concerns about living or sharing their faith would be unloving and unwise, knowing what risks they face.

But more often than not, these former Muslim women, now followers of Christ, radiate the love of Christ and their families sit up and take notice. These dear women whose lives have been forever changed fearlessly rise up with a holy boldness sharing this new hope within them.

This holy boldness is unique, standing out in our evil world in which we live. The holy part of boldness is cloaked in the fruit of the Spirit. Its a joy-filled, patient, peaceful, kind and loving boldness that reflects the image of the One they represent, Jesus Himself.

Typical boldness can be arrogant, prideful, opinionated, or self-serving. The reason we are not particularly attracted to this type of boldness is because it reflects Satan.

Instead, we are drawn to men and women who stand up for what they believe in with purity and winsomeness. So are the people who know these women best and they want to discover the Source.

The days are growing increasingly dark and God is looking for people with holy boldness. Men and women who will not be afraid to share the Gospel of truth. Followers who will stand up for Him against all odds reflecting His image as they do so.

So, its no wonder that the Middle East is the region with the fastest growing church per capita in the world. Jesus has raised up women from a Muslim background and they are ready to follow Him to the death. Theyre the new unstoppable force in the Middle East.
Jacob Chansley, center, and other protesters are seen inside the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Manuel Blace Ceneta/AP Photo)

Sen. Graham: Calling QAnon Shaman as Impeachment Witness Would Turn Trial Into Circus

Calling the so-called QAnon Shaman as a witness in the upcoming impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump would turn the proceedings into a circus, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) charged Friday.

I cannot think of a better way to turn the upcoming impeachment trial into a complete circus than to call the QAnon Shaman as a witness on anything, Graham wrote in a tweet.

The man in question is Jacob Chansley, who gave himself the moniker widely used in the press and by the senator. Chansley was seen shirtless, wearing a distinctive hat with horns during the Jan. 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol.

Chansley told a U.S. Capitol Police officer and an FBI agent the following day that he traveled to Washington because Trump called for all patriots to go there to protest as Congress met in a joint session.

Trump was impeached on Jan. 13 for alleged incitement of insurrection. Democrats and 10 Republicans voted for impeachment because they felt his repeated claims of a stolen election and statements he made on Jan. 6 during a speech, such as if you dont fight like hell youre not going to have a country anymore, led to the breach.

Trump also called for protesters to go to the Capitol peacefully and patriotically and has defended his speech as totally appropriate. He had not finished speaking about two miles from the Capitol when the violence started.

Chansleys lawyer told the Associated Press that his client is offering to testify at Trumps trial.

Albert Watkins, the lawyer, said he had not spoken to any members of the Senate but believes its important for senators to hear from someone who was allegedly incited by Trump.

Chansley was horrendously smitten by the former president but feels betrayed because he wasnt pardoned, Watkins said.

No witnesses were called in the House prior to Trump being impeached, a stark contrast to the first impeachment inquiry against the president. Graham has said calling witnesses in the Senate would prolong the new trial, causing it to go for months, not days.

Chansley was charged with civil disorder, disorderly conduct, and obstruction of an official proceeding, among other counts.

6th INFOGEST Webinar on Food Digestion

Event Time 2pm

Venue Online



6th INFOGEST Webinar on Food Digestion, focusing on in silico models of digestion

INFOGEST is an international network with the aim of Sharing Information on the Digestion of Food, now consisting of scientists from academia and industry from over 45 countries, with some financial support by the French Research Organisation INRAE. The INFOGEST Webinar Series on Food Digestion is held on the first Wednesday of every month at 2PM and will continue in the lead up to the next International Conference on Food Digestion 3-5 May 2022 in Cork, Ireland .

The next webinar of the International INFOGEST Webinar Series on Food Digestion will take place on Wednesday, 3rd of February at 2PM. The theme this month is in silico models of digestion. The webinar will feature presentations by Dr Steven Le-Feunteun (INRAE, France) and Andrea Rivera del Rio (Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands). A question and answer session will be held after the presentations, moderated by Dr Andre Brodkorb (Teagasc) and Choi-Hong Lai (University of Greenwich).

File photo of John Kapoor, the founder of Insys Therapeutics, speaking at TiEcon 2015 in Santa Clara, Calif. In January 2020, the Indian American entrepreneur was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in federal prison. As part of his sentencing, a multi-million dollar monetary obligation was imposed on Kapoor, which he owes jointly and severally with his co-defendants. (India-West/Sameer Yagnik photo)

'I am doing my school work, 9am to 4 every day, just five or six steps from where I sleep, so the world can feel very small at times,' says Fiachra (16), as he joined a virtual discussion with The Argus this week looking at how life has changed for young people over the last year.

The Covid-19 pandemic has presented each of us with new challenges, and had a huge impact on the way we live, work, communicate, and interact with the world around us.

For our young people, the impact of a virtual education, isolation from friends and wider family, and the uncertainty of when life might return to normal is proving exceptionally difficult.

'I spend most of my day in this one room, and the only time I leave is to get food and in the evenings. It begins to feel like there is no space between where you relax, and where you work,' adds Fiachra.

He said school seems 'more stressful than ever' with continuous work being sent through from teachers.

'At a time when you really need to be able to relax, to switch off, you don't get that at home. It starts to meld into one space.'

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He went through Junior Cert last year when the pandemic first broke, adding 'It was tough, I was very tense over it.'

'You have to get outside when schools finishes at 4pm, or do something other than sitting on your phone and wasting hours away.'

That very space is where Dundalk Youth Centre finds itself trying to bridge the gap for teenagers, and young people, providing an outlet that will allow them to socialise and to develop their talents outside of school work.

The centre had reopened last summer, with Covid restrictions very similar to schools, enabling it to remain open throughout the Autumn.

Centre manager, Kevin Moran admits that there are fears of a 'lost generation', an adolescence which is very different to those who came before, or after, them.

'There are two main things which we are hearing over and over from our young people. Firstly, the impact of all of this on their education, the fact they have no stability, and no certainty about what is happening, particularly around their exams.'

'A lot of kids have also really highlighted the conditions in schools when they did attend last term. Windows opened in classrooms, and they can't wear their coats, and teachers absent because they are isolating, it's a very strange environment for them.'

But, he points out that separation from their friends has been 'absolutely the biggest challenge.'

'When you think of rural kids in particular, they are really cut off. There is one kid who told us she walks the legs off her poor dog every dog every day up and down her road, just to see if she can meet someone to talk to.'

'For others, he says, it has hit their motivation for schoolwork, whilst some teenagers have been left in a caring role for younger siblings, if parents are working.

'And in the midst of all this they are just not getting an outlet from any of it, because of the Covid restrictions.'

He praises the 'resilience' so many young people are showing, and their ability to cope during what has been incredibly difficult and confusing time in their young lives.

'We've been trying to do what we can for them, it is tough in different ways for everyone. But we do have a lot of things going on to try to support them.'

'We are linked with the youth council in the county, and we have a range of projects happening to support that. There is a lot of work going on to help young people have their voices heard.'

The youth centre has linked in with Louth County Council on the Superconnectors project, an inter generational initiative which is inspiring older people across the county to digitally keep in touch through tablets and phones.

'We also have a number of arts projects running at the centre, podcasts and other initiatives which provides something a bit different,' says Kevin.

'In the last week we launched the youth cafe, with hang out sessions on Friday evenings, which just allows kids to link up with each other and to chat about how they're week is going.'

Youth workers join in the cafe sessions, providing supports where needed.

'Everything is going on online at the moment obviously, and we're trying to do as much as we can with this virtual environment we're in, with options to join music, arts and crafts projects.'

Despite concerns that young people might be weary of online projects, Kevin said there has been uptake in the numbers joining since the beginning of this current lockdown.

'Since the start of the new year we can definitely see a lot more people wanting to register to take part in different programmes.'

'There is no comparison to face to face interaction, we acknowledge that. But it's about trying to find ways to keep connect during this time.'

Chatting with a number of young people last week, it's clear that restrictions have been different for everyone, with some positive aspects to the 'new norm.'

'Surprisingly, I actually don't mind this lockdown! I was TY last year, so it wasn't too bad, it kind of felt like a very long summer,' says Jack(16).

'I think that when we started 5th year last September, there was a more gradual introduction to things, which helped. Schools are more organised during this second lockdown, so I don't mind.'

Keeping active has proved essential to being mentally healthy, although he adds 'not being able to see my grandparents is really tough.'

Aisling (15) admits that the Autumn term spent in school was 'stressful.'

'Sometimes we didn't feel that safe in school, with the COVID restrictions, and sometimes it was just really cold, which wasn't very pleasant' (schools were encouraged to keep windows and doors open to improve ventilation).

'The hardest part of all this for me is not being able to see my friends, the isolation is difficult.'

'Even when we are on the phone or texting, we're not talking the way we used to, it's difficult.'

Virtual learning is challenging in so many ways, she adds. 'I guess it's just that I have the option to get up and do something else in this room I'm in, the entire structure of the day has fallen apart.'

Fiachra agrees, adding: 'Before you had that very natural break between classes, where you got up from the desk and went out into the corridor to move on, now I just move from one class to another with the click of a button, it's not the same.

When asked if there is one thing they miss most during this current lockdown, the youth panel highlight the lack of face to face interaction as a real longing.

'I think its just not meeting people anymore that I miss,' adds Fiachra.

Jack adds: 'I really miss seeing my granny. Before the pandemic I would have seen her every day, and now we can't even go into the house, it's hard. I miss seeing my little nephew too, every time I have seen him he's that bit bigger and it feels like I'm missing out.'

Aisling adds: 'Aw, I just miss seeing my friends face to face. Online is not the same. But what I have learned during all of this is to really take in the outside world. to go for a walk in a forest, and really appreciate where I am,. That's not something I thought much about before.'

Dundalk Youth Centre will continue to operate its online programmes until at least the end of March, and invites young people who are interested in taking part to contact them, either through their Facebook page, or by email on info@dundalkyouthcentre.ie.
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A taxi driver who sexually assaulted a late night passenger after she passed out in his car has been jailed for four years.

The victim told gardai that she woke up to find Gerard Gunnery Snr (60) with his hand inside her and masturbating himself. He then became aggressive and threw her out of the car, leaving her in a heap on the side of the road.

Gunnery Snr of Ellenfield Road, Whitehall, Dublin pleaded guilty to sexual assaulting the woman in Dublin city on December 23, 2017. Evidence was originally heard in the case last November and Gunnery was then remanded in custody.

On Friday, Judge Karen O'Connor commended the courage of the injured party and noted her powerful victim impact statement which outlined the profound effect the offending had on her and how she continues to live with the devastating impact of Gunnery's behaviour.

She said the offending had been a massive breach of trust in his role as a taxi driver. She said holders of public service vehicle licences had certain responsibilities and these had been breached.

Judge O'Connor said the woman had been taken advantage of when she was vulnerable. She noted when the victim questioned Gunnery's behaviour she was dragged from the vehicle and left on the side of the road but still managed to take a picture of his registration plate.

Judge O'Connor took into account Gunnery's age, health, testimonials and previous good character.

She noted he was now a registered sex offender and that incarceration would be particularly difficult for someone of his age in these times with lack of visitation rights but said a custodial sentence could not be avoided.

Judge O'Connor imposed a four and a half year sentence with the final six months suspended.

At the hearing last November the victim addressed the court and said that a regular girls night out in town turned into a nightmare when she woke up in the front seat of the taxi parked outside her home.

Neighbours later told gardai they heard a woman shouting get off me and stop, don't touch me and saw the driver pulling the woman out of the taxi. She was screaming that her leg was stuck under the taxi and he came out and threw her out of the way.

She was found on the ground crying and screaming. The court heard she suffered bruising to her elbows, kneecaps and her jaw.

Gunnery made a statement to gardai claiming that the woman had told him to go for it and that he wouldn't have touched her if she hadn't said that.

I am really sorry. She was drunk. I was sober, he told gardai.

In her victim impact statement the woman told Gunnery that you took advantage of me when you should have taken me home.

She said she suffered crippling guilt and shame and entertained thoughts like I drank too much, my skirt was too short, my knee high boots were too inviting.

She feared that her attacker was still out driving a taxi and knew whereabouts she lived and said she still suffers flashbacks and becomes upset if she sees a silver coloured taxi. She said Christmas time last year is difficult because of her fear of drinking and being in town again.

Lawyers for Gunnery asked Judge O'Connor not define him for these ten minutes of a life which was otherwise all of good.

Dominic McGinn SC, defending, said his client's actions that night were completely out of character. He handed in testimonials describing Gunnery as a hard working, good man with a kind heart.

Mr McGinn told the court that Gunnery has not fared well during the last two months in custody. The court heard Gunnery was the victim of an attack by a fellow inmate and underwent surgery on a cancerous growth on his face.

He said his client had also had significant difficultly accessing medical care.

The court previously heard that since details of Gunnery's offending were published, his son has been threatened and had his car vandalised. Judge O'Connor asked that any publicity should distinguish between Gunnery Snr and his son.

Additional Evidence

Detective Sergeant Brian Hunt told Eoin Lawlor BL, prosecuting, that the woman had gone out that night to a hen party and at around 3am she decided to go home.

She was standing around Harcourt Street in Dublin city centre when Gunnery stopped his taxi. He had two other women in the car and they were going in the same direction as the victim.

She later told gardai that she was so relieved to get the taxi that she didn't care there were two others in the car.

Mr Lawlor told the court that CCTV footage from the area showed there were other taxis with their lights on ready to take a fare and said that this was noteworthy because of the circumstances in which Gunnery had stopped his taxi for the woman.

The court heard after a short conversation with the other women about paying for the fare, the woman fell asleep in her seat. She said she awoke when the car stopped at an ATM in Ballsbridge and the other two women had been dropped off.

She said she used the ATM to get cash for the taxi and then got into the front seat of the car. She said the driver put his left hand on her knee and she told him what are you doing and brushed it off.

She fell back to sleep and awoke at her destination to Gunnery attacking her. The driver had his hand inside the woman and was moving it aggressively and fast while also masturbating himself inside his trousers.

She said she asked the driver what the hell was he doing and he became aggressive and began demanding payment of the fare. She said she was trying to stay in the car to locate his ID badge in order to identify him when Gunnery walked around to the passenger door.

Dt Sgt Hunt said that woman had a cast around an arm from an earlier fracture and that Gunnery pulled her out by the arm with enough force to break the strap of her handbag.

He left her in a heap on the side of the road and went to get back into his taxi but then got out again and dragged her out of the way of the car. She managed to take a photo of the taxi number plate as Gunnery sped off in the car and gardai later used this to track him down.

Mr McGinn told the court that one of the most valuable aspects of the guilty plea for a victim was that it affirms what she did was completely blameless and that the defendant was the wrongdoer.

He handed into court a heartfelt letter written by his client in which Gunnery apologised abjectly to the victim.

Work references handed in described Gunnery as hard working and trustworthy. Two close friends, including a community leader, wrote that they were shocked, troubled and surprised on hearing about the assault.

Mr McGinn said this was evidence that his behaviour that night was out of character and that he was otherwise a fine upstanding citizen.

In a statement made to gardai, Gunnery claimed that the woman first took his hand and held it. He said she began holding his hand and told him to go for it and he began rubbing her on her underwear.

He claimed she said stop and he did but he began masturbating himself and she said what are you doing. He claimed she was then getting out of the car and he said he stupidly asked about the fare and she kicked off and wouldn't get out.

Gunnery was due to go on trial in February last year but this was adjourned. He pleaded guilty to the charge in October.
Laredo and Webb County officials confirmed 62 positives and three deaths in their daily coronavirus update Saturday. Its the second straight day in which the area has seen a noticeable drop in positives compared to the amount reported the past few weeks.

The 62 cases reported is less than half of Fridays 127. Before that, the previous low this month was 69 positives on Jan. 6. Since that day, Laredo had been averaging over 500 new cases daily. Januarys records are up to 13,087 cases and 126 deaths, averages of 436.2 cases and 4.2 deaths per day. The previous records were 6,923 cases in December and 117 deaths in August.

Since March, 40,054 people have tested positive and 631 have died. The most recent deaths were recorded on Friday, Jan. 29. Two deaths, a man in his mid-60s and another man in his late-80s, were reported. On Thursday, a woman in her early-70s died due to the virus.

As of the update, 226 people remain hospitalized with COVID-19, 74 of which were in the ICU. Though capacity remains high, Laredo Morning Times reported Friday that the Laredo Health Authority said hospitals have begun seeing more space open in medical-surgical units and limited space in ICUs.

The news comes as city leaders believe there is a light at the end of the tunnel for Laredo when it comes to COVID-19.

On Friday, city leaders opened COVID-19 vaccine appointments, offering 3,000 slots for citizens in Phase 1A and 1B to get vaccinated. According to officials, slots for all online appointments were booked within 30 minutes.

In total, 5,000 vaccines will be disbursed by the City of Laredo health department next week, with the city partnering with Laredo and United ISD to decentralize the distribution of the vaccine. Twenty-five locations, including some school campuses, will be converted to designated vaccine points of distribution. Two locations will also be in operation in Rio Bravo and El Cenizo.

The decentralized points will allow citizens who have already booked a vaccine appointment to receive it more easily, especially as the city begins to receive more supply. Next weeks distribution will hopefully show the state that Laredo is ready to accept more vaccines and quickly distribute them to the community.

Despite the positive news, local health officials are anticipating the effects of gatherings due to Super Bowl weekend, seeing the dip in cases as a calm before the storm.

As of noon Saturday, 270,038 tests for the virus had been administered in Laredo. There are 1,954 active cases, and 37,469 people have recovered from a previous infection.

Archaeologists in Turkey have uncovered paw prints belonging to a dog embedded in the floor of a house dating some 1,500 years.

The canine likely stepped on a terra cotta tile that was drying before being fired in a kiln and placed on the floor.

The team uncovered a goat's hoof print in another tile, as well as the outline of a chicken made with someone's fingers and a plaster wall painted to look like marble and draped curtains.

The unusual decor was uncovered in the remains of a house belonging to an important fifth-century family in Sardis, an excavation site in western Turkey.

Scroll down for video

A paw print belonging to a dog was discovered in the excavation of a 5th century house from the ancient city of Sardis. Archaeologists say the pup probably stepped on the terra cotta tile while it was drying before being fired in a kiln

Frances Gallart Marques, former curatorial fellow at the Harvard Art Museums, presented the artifacts at the joint annual meeting of the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) and the Society for Classical Studies (SCS) earlier this month.

They suggest a 'fanciful' design aesthetic in the house, Gallart Marques told Live Science, which was in use for over 200 years before being destroyed by an earthquake in the early seventh century.

Drawings depicting chickens or ducks that were also found on the floor tiles 'were finger-drawn before the tiles were fired.'

The tiles were formed with terra cotta, also known as 'baked earth,' which is a type of clay-based material.

Researchers also uncovered the image of a duck or chicken, made with someone's finger in wet clay, as well as a plaster wall painted to look like a drawn curtain and marble column

Sardis was the ancient capital city of Lydia, in Turkey's Manisa Province, pictured. Its location and wealth made it an important city in the Persian Empire, as well as into the Roman and Byzantine eras

It's easy to imagine being 'surrounded by the somewhat surreal fakery of painted marble and drapery' with light coming through the windows and 'shining on those birds' marks on the terracotta floor,' Vanessa Rousseau, an art history professor at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, told attendees, Live Science reported.

But there was a sober side to the house as well: Five Roman longswords, called 'spathae,' were also discovered, suggesting the family may have been involved in the military.

Archaeologists also found buckles with military-style emblems and a lead seal likely for official documents.

Located on an important route leading from the Aegean to the interior of Turkey, Sardis has had strategic value for centuries: It was the capital of the Lydian empire before being taken over by the Achaemenid Persians and then, in 133 AD, the Romans

These finds, together with the house's central location, suggest the people in the house were part of the city's military or civil authority, the researchers said.

Sardis was an ancient city located in modern-day Sart in Turkey's western Manisa Province, some 270 miles from Istanbul.

Located on an important highway leading from the Aegean to the interior of Turkey, its had strategic value for centuries: In 600 BC it was the capital of the Lydian empire before being taken over by the Achaemenid Persians.

It was later conquered by the Romans in 133 AD and is even referenced in the Book of Revelations as the home of one of the seven major churches of Early Christianity.

Excavations at Sardis have uncovered Lydian burial mounds and a Roman-era bath-gymnasium complex that was converted into a synagogue (pictured)

Excavations at Sardis began in 1958 by archaeologists from Harvard and Cornell. Pictured: An researcher analyzes the wall of a late Roman house.

Excavations began in 1958 by archaeologists from Harvard and Cornell have uncovered extensive remnants of Roman culture  including houses, shops, a bath-gymnasium complex and synagogue as well as Lydian burial mounds and areas for processing gold and silver.

Currently, the Sardis Expedition of Harvard University is being led by Nicholas Cahill, a professor of ancient history and mediterranean archaeology at the University of WisconsinMadison.
Minister of Education and Training Phung Xuan Nha told the press on the sidelines of the 13th National Party Congress that Vietnams education has the opportunity to take off in the time to come.

Minister of Education and Training Phung Xuan Nha

He said in the 2021-2026 period, science and technology will play an important role in intellectuals innovation and in the building of the digital economy and digital society. Once going the right way, people will raise their awareness and take the initiative in grabbing opportunities.

The next period is the time for Vietnams education to take off as there is clear direction, the support of information technology and digital transformation, as well as the strong determination of the entire educational sector.

He mentioned the concern about the lack of teachers of English and informatics for third graders when applying the new general education program.

If we think the traditional way, the shortage will occur. However, if we apply information technology, organize online teaching and use lesson plans from digital resources, we wont need too many teachers as in traditional teaching, he said.

With online teaching, students in remote and difficult areas will also be able to approach the original versions of lessons.

When following traditional teaching, schools have to have laboratories, machines and tools. But nowadays, with virtual simulated laboratories, teachers and students can carry out experiments.

Nha believes that with the application of information technology and digital transformation, digital resources will be shared, which will improve education quality.

I believe that the quality of the countrys human resources will be different. We will make every effort to make Vietnam one of the leading countries in digital transformation in education, Nha said.

I trust the Vietnamese youth. They are good at mathematics, enthusiastic in technology and quick in innovation, he commented.

Talking to reporters, Nha put emphasis on higher education. This is the segment that needs reshuffling, he said.

In current conditions, the strong development of science and technology gives a great opportunity to develop Vietnams tertiary education.

We encourage good higher education establishments and good disciplines to cooperate with partners to organize joint training programs in accordance with international curriculums, Nha said.

Currently, the Ministry of Education and Training is strictly supervising training curriculums. All curriculums must satisfy minimum outcome standards.

Schools nowadays enjoy autonomy in opening training majors and announcing outcome standards. However, the standards must be examined and made public, Nha said.

He went on to say that one of the focuses of the educational sector for 2021 and the next five years is digital transformation. As for tertiary education, going digitized builds digital resources and combines training in in-person and online classes. MOET also is paying attention to applying information technology to make quality assurance conditions transparent.

Thu Hang - Thanh Hung

9x youth seeks to offer the best education to families of all income levels Nguyen Quang Tung spent one gap year taking a trans-Vietnam trip, but his aim was not just to travel.
Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) -- Cathie Woods recent travails have been a boon for some of her peers in money management.About two dozen investment advisers including Balyasny Asset Management and a unit of Blackstone Group Inc. bought bearish put options during the first quarter on the Ark Innovation exchange traded fund, her firms main investment vehicle, regulatory filings show.While money managers often buy puts on ETFs to protect their portfolios against market declines, the options are typically tied to passively managed index funds such as the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust.Yet technology-focused Ark Innovation grew so large so quickly -- to $28 billion in mid-February from $1.9 billion at the end of 2019 -- that some managers saw the actively managed fund as a better alternative to buffer against a slump in stocks that surged during the pandemic.Big Take: Cathie Woods Bad Spring Is a Blip When Future Is So MagnificentThe Ark Innovation fund had a tremendous run over the course of 2020 and early 2021, Efrem Kamen, the head of New York-based Pura Vida Investments, said in an email. However, the level of fund flows into the ETF appeared to be extreme.Representatives of Woods Ark Investment Management didnt reply to phone and email messages seeking comment.Ark Innovation, with the ticker symbol ARKK, returned 153% last year, buoyed by investments including Tesla Inc. and Zoom Video Communications Inc. Its fortunes began to sour in mid-February, as signs of inflation spurred investors to ditch tech stocks in favor of value plays that would benefit from rising prices, such as banks and mining companies.The ETF proved more volatile than some of the index funds that have traditionally served as a proxy for the tech sector, making it a more profitable way to bet against such stocks or hedge other holdings. ARKK tumbled 29% through Wednesday from its Feb. 12 peak, while the Invesco QQQ ETF, which tracks the Nasdaq 100, fell 0.7%.If you were sitting on some serious gains heading into this year and you want to protect those gains, it was an effective strategy, Chris Murphy, co-head of derivatives strategy at Susquehanna International Group, said of buying ARKK puts.Investors pay a premium to acquire put options, which in turn entitle them to sell shares of a public company or an ETF to another investor in the future at a set price. While some managers and market-makers hold a combination of ARKK shares along with put and call options, the firms analyzed by Bloomberg held such puts exclusively or predominantly.Deer Park Road Management Co., a Steamboat Springs, Colorado-based firm that trades asset- and mortgage-backed securities and corporate debt, bought put options during the first quarter on 2.15 million ARKK shares, according to its quarterly 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The shares covered by the puts had a face value of almost $258 million at the end of March.The put options were priced too low when viewed in terms of the ETFs past volatility, making them more attractive as a tool for hedging risk, Deer Park Chief Investment Officer Scott Burg said in a phone interview. Deer Park bought them to protect against rising interest rates, he said.As rates have been going up, the tech stocks have been getting crushed, said Burg, whose firm managed about $3.7 billion at year-end. You could see that in the first quarter.Read more: Cathie Wood Fans Buckle Up as ETF Assets FallPura Vida acquired put options on 622,500 ARKK shares with a face value of almost $75 million during the first quarter, according to its filing. The hedge funds portfolio had exposure to some of the same areas as the ETF, including genomics and telemedicine, according to Kamen.Volatility on Ark Innovation ETF was an efficient way to hedge some of the factor risk in our portfolio, Kamen said. Factors refer to the characteristics of a stock, such as being a growth or a value play.Blackstone Alternative Solutions disclosed that it bought put options on 1.3 million ARKK shares in the first quarter, while Balyasny acquired puts on 436,500 shares with a face value of $52 million as of March 31. Other buyers of the puts during the period included Taconic Capital Advisors, Ikarian Capital and Davidson Kempner Capital Management.Sometimes hedge funds look at Tesla and Ark, and think This is just way too much and I can make a killing here, said Eric Balchunas, an ETF analyst for Bloomberg Intelligence. If you made a few of those trades, youve probably done OK in the last couple months.More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P.
TAOISEACH Micheal Martin welcomed the decision by the European Union to withdraw the "mistaken" Article 16 invocation - and rejected Unionist claims that the incident represented "a hostile act" by Brussels towards post-Brexit Northern Ireland.

Mr Martin insisted that Article 16 of the Northern Ireland-Brexit deal always required fine-tuning and he said the entire incident was part of the escalating dispute between the EU and AstraZeneca over supplies of the Covid-19 vaccine.

He said everyone had been "blindsided" by the vaccine row with the Northern Ireland protocol effectively proving "collateral damage."

Unionist politicians insisted the EU triggering of Article 16 required a response from the British Government and a move to scrap the entire protocol.

Brussels withdrew from using Article 16 after the intervention of the Irish Government which was blindsided by Northern Ireland being singled out in the EU-AstraZeneca dispute.

"From my perspective, the whole issue was a fall-out from an increasingly tense and acrimonious row between AstraZeneca and the European Commission in respect of the contracts that had been entered into with regard to the supply of the vaccines and the significant reduction in what (the firm) are prepared to allocate to EU member states," Mr Martin said.

"There is a very serious row there and in my view the protocol became collateral damage and we have pointed out that clearly this was not the correct approach and lessons have to be learned from it."

"We have to stand back and understand the importance of the protocol for everybody living on the island of Ireland."

"I dont accept the assertion by some Unionist leaders that this was a hostile act. It certainly wasnt a hostile act in relation to Northern Ireland. It was very much something that was related to the row with AstraZeneca and the need for full transparency that the Commission are seeking in relation to the manufacture and destination of their product."

The Taoiseach, speaking in Cork, insisted the protocol was vital for Northern Ireland - as well as the entire island economy and access for Northern Ireland to the EU Single Market.

"That is the function and purpose of the protocol from our perspective  it benefits everyone on the island of Ireland and we should appreciate that."

Mr Martin said it was clear that "fine-tuning" was now required for Article 16.

He acknowledged that Brussels had also erred in triggering the mechanism in the first place.

"It clearly was a mistake in that regard. However what is important is that the channels of communication are open and they are constructive ones."

"They (Brussels) took on board what we said and they relatively quickly pulled back and looked at alternative ways of dealing with the issue of transparency in relation to AstraZeneca and the vaccines."

The Taoiseach said lessons had to be learned from the episode on all sides.

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"I think this can be retrieved and the very quick response by the European Commission is a positive in that respect."

"There is also a sense within the Commission that there will be further engagement to avoid situations like this occurring again and occurring in the manner in which it occurred so all round."

"I had constructive discussions with British Prime Boris Johnson last evening on this issue and I think we understand the importance of facilitating the smooth operation of the protocol in terms of trade and facilitating economic development so that (is) the spirit in which I intend to proceed both in my engagement with both the Commission and the European Union member states and indeed the UK Government."

He said he understood the frustration that may underpin Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster's remarks about Article 16 but he stressed it was vital for Northern Ireland to have access to the EU Single Market and that is what was at stake.

"So in my view, it would be a retrograde step for Northern Ireland if the protocol was undermined in any way and thats why we moved so quickly last evening to ensure no damage was done."

He insisted lessons can be learned and the situation salvaged.

"I think this can be retrieved. Mistakes are made, calls are made  (it shows) the importance of diplomacy, the importance of politics  we worked very quickly to remedy them and learn lessons from them and thats what happened last evening."

"We got the situation reversed and I think there is greater clarity around now in terms of future travel - there is an ongoing issue about the vaccine and what it does illustrate is  if anything else  it illustrates that real sense on the Commission's side about an absence of transparency about AstraZenecas fulfillment of the (vaccine) contract with the European Union."

"The same sense of acrimony doesnt appear in any relationship with any other company and I think that needs to be worked through as well because thats not ideal either."

He said it was against this background that the protocol became "collateral damage."

"This should not have happened without question and, as I said earlier, there was a very quick realisation of the implication of this on behalf of the Commission hence  the decision by the Commission to reverse that decision and move in a different direction."

Mr Martin insisted the EU Commission fully understands the sensitivities of such issues on the island of Ireland.

"That is the context for this and wasnt in any way an act of hostility towards Northern Ireland but it seems to me people were blindsided in an exclusive focus on the row with AstraZeneca - blindsided in relation to the very serious negative implications for the operation of the protocol."

Critically, he admitted Dublin had no inkling of what was going to happen with Article 16.

"No, the Government did not have advance warning. That is something that has formed part of our discussions as well  that as part of any future decisions of this kind that would have an impact on the protocol and the withdrawal treaties. That is something we made clear as well."

"We always anticipated there would be early issues around the Northern Ireland protocol but not something of this kind."

"It reflects overall tension and concern out there in relation to Covid 19  this row is all about Covid 19 in terms of the vaccine  the protocol became collateral damage."

Maryland Episcopal church to give $500,000 in reparations for social justice causes

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An Episcopal church in Maryland has announced that it will be donating $500,000 to reparations and social justice organizations over the next five years.

Memorial Episcopal Church of Baltimore released a statement on Monday announcing that the funds would go into the Guy T. Hollyday Memorial Justice and Reparations Initiative.

The initiatives namesake, Hollyday, was an activist who campaigned on behalf of issues including civil rights, environmentalism, and the LGBT movement.

The funds will go to various organizations that focus on housing inequality, education, civic involvement, and environmental issues.

According to the statement, the decision to fund these organizations as reparations derived from the knowledge that the church had a history of being supported by slave-owners.

Since 2017 this parish community has focused on uncovering the truth of our past and studying the true impact that Memorial inflicted on our neighbors through housing segregation and redlining, disenfranchisement of black voters, and inequity in school and youth programs here in Baltimore, stated the Rev. Grey Maggiano, rector at Memorial Episcopal.

As a faith community dedicated to social justice, we acknowledge how our history has shaped our present reality. This initiative is one more step toward repairing that harm.

Memorial Episcopal has also removed plaques dedicated to its slave-owning founders and has commissioned an artist to create an art piece to honor the founding rectors slaves.

In recent years, many churches and Christian schools in the United States have grappled with how to handle having histories that included supporting slavery and racial segregation.

Last October, the Minnesota Council of Churches announced that it was creating a 10-year plan to educate residents about racism and offer reparations to minority communities.

The Rev. Stacey Smith, the presiding elder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Minnesota and MCC board member, told the Star Tribune that we have a responsibility to respond as a church and talk about these things.

There has been such a vacuum of missing stories, not only from black and brown people, but indigenous people and others, Smith said last year.

When it comes to the general debate over reparations for slavery, many, including John Carpenter of Covenant Reformed Baptist Church in Yanceyville, North Carolina, have denounced the idea.

Calling for reparations ignores the enormous sacrifice already given to end slavery and the (failed) attempt to re-organize the South (i.e. reconstruction), like the 300,000 lives lost, Carpenter posted to Twitter in 2019.

I dont know if those calling for reparations are intentionally race baiting but I dont see how they cannot see that their campaign is certain to inflame racial animosity. Its irresponsible.
Congressman Scott Perry must be stopped. Law enforcement identified white supremacists as the most lethal domestic terrorist threat to our country. The US issued a terrorism alert warning of politically motivated violence. We have over thirty hate groups reportedly active in PA and our House and Senate have moved to introduce hate crime legislation.

Yet Perry, a U.S. Army War College grad, with a Masters in Strategic Studies weaponized disingenuous and dangerous misinformation, calling all Pennsylvanians to action with his lies. Perry posted January 5th, When Members of our PA General Assembly have concerns, and its my duty to have concerns as well. The PA Senate has overwhelmingly asked Congress to DELAY certification of the Electoral College to allow for due process in the pursuit of election integrity in a key case before SCOTUS  Im obliged to concur. "

He doubled down on his lies following the riots that left a police officer dead, I object to the electoral votes of my beloved commonwealth of Pennsylvania on the grounds of multiple constitutional infractions. He lied to the joint session of Congress.

Perry conspired with a member of our Justice Department to subvert election results and continued lying to his constituents, leading Pennsylvanians to be arrested and killed amid the civil unrest in Washington D.C.

We can stop Perry. Our National Guard can recall him for court-martial. The House Ethics Committee can convene to expel him. He can be forced to resign for inciting violence, engaging in insurrection, or just because he is a liar.

Robin B. Agerton, Mechanicsburg, Pa.
The Newcastle Road, outside Seaforde, was closed in both directions for a number of hours on Saturday evening following the discovery of a suspicious object. Photo credit: Cllr Alan Lewis.

Residents have been allowed to return to their homes after a security alert in Co Down came to an end following the discovery of a suspicious object by a member of the public on Saturday.

The Newcastle Road in Seaforde was closed in both directions for several hours but has been re-opened.

The suspicious object, which was examined by ammunition technical officers, was taken from scene for further examination.

Inspector Steven Weatherald said: "I would like to thank the residents in the Newcastle Road area for their patience as we worked to make the area safe.

"I would ask anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in and around the Newcastle Road to contact police on 101, quoting reference 1015 30/01/21. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

SDLP MLA Colin McGrath said the discovery of the device was very concerning and that it was found by a local resident.

"This device was found by a good spirited local resident who was clearing rubbish along the side of the road," he explained.

"If this device turns out to have been dangerous the repercussions could have been devastating. Such devices are a thing of our past and have no place in our modern society.

"The inconvenience and impact of this on the local community will be considerable and I utterly condemn those that placed that device."

Sinn Fein's South Down MLA Emma Rogan condemned those responsible and said the alert had caused disruption and inconvenience to residents.

This is disgraceful especially at a time when emergency services are already under pressure during a public health emergency," she stated.

Those responsible have nothing to offer local people apart from disruption and inconvenience.

I would appeal to anyone with information on this incident to contact the PSNI.



Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa are considered as one of the most adorable couples in the Indian television industry. They never miss any chance to impress fans with their comic timing and crackling chemistry. Writer-host Haarsh Limbachiyaa turns 34 today, and to make this day special, Bharti Singh penned a special birthday post for husband dearest.

Taking to Instagram, the comedian shared a beautiful picture of the birthday boy and captioned it as, "happy birthday my life line @haarshlimbachiyaa30 i love you soooooo much." In the photo, Haarsh looks dapper in a designer black sherwani. Apart from Bharti, celebs like Monalisa, Karishma Chavan and others wished him on his birthday.

Notably, Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa tied the knot in 2017. The couple has hosted various reality shows such as Super Dancer, Khatra Khatra Khatra and so on. Bharti Singh has been an integral part of The Kapil Sharma Show, which will go off-air soon. Talking about Haarsh, the writer recently made a guest appearance inside the Bigg Boss 14 house with dancer Raghav Juyal.

Filmibeat wishes Haarsh Limbachiyaa a happy birthday!

Also Read : Rohanpreet Singh, Haarsh Limbachiyaa And Bharti Singh To Grace The Sets Of Indian Idol Season 12

Also Read : Bharti Singh & Haarsh Limbachiyaa Summoned By Narcotics Control Bureau Again In Drugs Case
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Srinagar, Jan 30 : The Jammu & Kashmir Police have arrested an associate of proscribed Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba in south Kashmir's Awantipora and recovered incriminating materials from his possession, officials said on Saturday.

"Awantipora police along with 50 RR and 110 Bn CRPF arrested one terrorist associate of proscribed terror outfit LeT," police said.

He has been identified as Junaid Altaf, resident of Konibal, Pampore. Police said as per records he was involved in providing shelter, logistics and other support to active terrorists in Pampore and Khrew areas of Awantipora.

Police said he was also in touch with Pakistani terror commanders through various social media platforms.

"Incriminating material of proscribed terror outfit LeT has been recovered from his possession. All the recovered materials have been taken into case records for further investigation," police said.

Police have filed an FIR and further investigation is in progress.
Republican Sen. Mitt Romney and QAnon-supporting Congressman Marjorie Taylor Greene took swipes at each other on Twitter Saturday after Green said she'd had a 'great call' with former President Donald Trump.

In a series of tweets, Greene wrote that Trump had given her his support despite the recent backlash against the controversial Georgia lawmaker, claiming that the American people are 'absolutely 100% loyal' to Trump and that she 'won't back down' as she battles against the 'enemy within'.

'I had a GREAT call with my all-time favorite POTUS, President Trump!' Greene wrote in the first of her Saturday tweets.

'I'm so grateful for his support and more importantly the people of this country are absolutely 100% loyal to him because he is 100% loyal to the people and America First.'

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene announced on Twitter on Saturday morning that she had spoken to Donald Trump. They are pictured together above on January 4

Greene spoke about the call with her 'all time favorite POTUS' in a Twitter rant on Saturday

Sen. Mitt Romney took to Twitter to call out Greene's claims as being 'nonsense'

News of her tweets caught the eye of Romney, who tweeted: 'Lies of a feather flock together: Marjorie Taylor Greenes nonsense and the big lie of a stolen election.'

Greene - who had pushed unfounded claims of election fraud - responded by tweeting '"Republican" Senator Mitt Romney obviously cares nothing about the peoples number one concern. Please grow a pair or a spine.'

Romney did not bother to respond to the tweet.

In addition to tweeting about having Trump's support, Greene - the first person to serve in Congress and openly support the QAnon conspiracy theory - blasted Democrats over the coronavirus shutdowns and Black Lives Matter protests as she claimed they had failed to protect the American people.

She branded the Democrats a 'never-ending blood thirsty mob' and compared herself to Trump, due to the recent criticism she has faced.

Greene also vowed to 'never apologize' despite a week of backlash over her support of school shooting conspiracy theories and her branding of the Parkland and Sandy Hook shootings as a 'hoax'.

Earlier this week, video emerged of her harassing a Parkland mass shooting survivor in 2019, and Facebook posts were unearthed in which she showed support for executing top Democrats.

Sen. Mitt Romney (on January 19) rebuked Greene and Trump when he tweeted 'Lies of a feather flock together' Saturday

Greene responded to Romney by telling his to 'grow a pair or a spine.' Romney didn't bother to respond to Greene's tweet

Trump's support also comes after it emerged she berated fellow freshman Congresswoman Cori Bush in a hallway and footage surfaced of her saying 'gangs control' black and Hispanic men.

After declaring Trump's loyalty to the people and America First, Greene wrote, 'You can never beat him because We the People have his back.'

She then mounted her attack on the Democrats.

'The blood thirsty media and the socialists hate America. Democrats are attacking me now just like they always attack President Trump.

'I can promise you this. I won't back down. I'll never apologize. And I'll always keep fighting for the people. For me, it's America First!!!

'Any elected politician that isn't putting America First doesn't deserve their position or the people's trust.'

Greene then complained that the Democrats are guilty of 'America Last policies', which are for 'sell outs and losers'.

'In these divisive times, real leaders must be determined and strong to be able to withstand the rabid mob that preys on weakness in order to get their way, which is to destroy our country,' she claimed.

'Yes, there is an enemy within. And that enemy is a poisonous rot of socialist policies and America last sell outs who are pompous hypocrites that believe they are untouchable elites.'

Congresswoman Greene's long Twitter rant praised Trump and claimed that the American people support him as she lashed out at Democrats branding them 'socialists'

Greene's Twitter rant continued even further as she accused Democrats of bring in 'devastating shutdowns' while they 'wined and dined maskless', referring to California Governor Gavin Newsom who was caught indoor dining without a mask.

'They promoted, supported, cheered, and funded deadly violent Antifa/BLM riots that burned cities, attacked our police hurt innocent people, and terrorized Americans,' she added.

While stating that she condemned the violence seen on the Capitol on January 6 as a pro-Trump mob stormed the building - and claimed that she too was a victim - Greene also took a hit at the decision to bring in 25,000 members of the National Guard to protect the inauguration as a result.

'Where was this type of protection for all of the people and American cities that have been ravaged over the last year?' she asked.

'Where is the outrage for the regular people who were left to endure the Democrat riots with no one swooping in to save the day? They only care about themselves.

'This is why I will never back down and will stand up against the never-ending blood thirsty mob who has addicted their followers to hate, in order to everything I can to protect our freedoms,' Greene concluded.

'I'm so thankful to say the people have my back and I will always have theirs.'

Greene went after Democrats for coronavirus shutdowns and the BLM protests

Greene gained national headlines as she ran for election due to her unwavering support for Donald Trump and the QAnon conspiracy theory, which centers on the ex-president making moves against a Satan-worshiping, cannibalistic, child sex trafficking ring filled with Democratic politicians and prominent liberals.

She has repeatedly pushed other unfounded conspiracy theories including that late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was replaced by a body double; the 2017 Las Vegas massacre that left 58 dead was organized by Democrats; and that there is no evidence a hijacked plane hit the Pentagon on 9/11.

This week, she refused to quit despite the overwhelming amount of old footage and Facebook posts now resurfacing and causing backlash.

On Friday, Democratic Rep. Cori Bush revealed that she is moving office after an altercation with Greene in the hallway as she called for her to be expelled from Congress.

She said that Greene 'berated' her, as Bush branded the Georgia lawmaker a 'white supremacist'.

Bush, the freshman Democratic Congresswoman of St. Louis, tweeted Friday that she had asked for the office move following an incident earlier in the month in which Greene 'came up from behind me, ranting loudly into her phone while not wearing a mask'

Greene tweeted Friday afternoon claiming it was Bush that started it the incident over the mask on January 13 and accused the Democrat of leading a 'Black Lives Matter terrorist mob'

Bush also pointed to Greene's 'repeated endorsements of executing top Democrats before taking office' as well as her 'renewed, repeated antagonization of the movement of black lives' as 'serious concern.'

'All of this led to my decision to move my office away from Taylor Greene's for the safety of my team. My office is currently being relocated from the Longworth House Office Building,' Bush said.

TAYLOR GREENE'S BIZARRE CLAIMS The California Camp Fire which killed at least 85 was caused by a space laser linked to the Rothschilds and the state's high-speed rail. PG&E admitted it was caused by a faulty power line and went into bankruptcy to fund a $13.5bn settlement and pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Hillary Clinton and Huma Abedin cut off a child's face while she was alive, Clinton wore it as a mask so the terrified child would produce 'adrenachrome' and then organized the killing of a cop who knew about it.

The Las Vegas massacre was organized by Democrats to help them ban guns and shooter Stephen Paddock was not a lone wolf.

There's no evidence of a plane hitting the Pentagon on 9/11.

The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre which cost the lives of 17 students was a 'false flag planned shooting.'

' I am told that Nancy Pelosi tells Hillary Clinton several times a month that we need another school shooting in order to persuade the public to want strict gun control.'

Seth Rich leaked Hillary Clinton's emails and was murdered in revenge by her aide John Podesta because the emails revealed that a D.C. pizza restaurant had a child-smuggling operation in its basement. It does not even have a basement.

The world is run by a cabal of Satan-worshiping pedophiles and the Q in QAnon exists and is the 'best chance to take them out.'

Barack Obama and Valerie Jarrett are Muslims.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was replaced by a body double.

She wasn't the person who posted a call to assassinate Nancy Pelosi to her own Facebook page. Advertisement

Bush insisted she was not relocating 'out of fear' but said that she cannot do her job while looking 'over my shoulder wondering if a white supremacist in Congress is conspiring against me and my team'.

Yet Greene has claimed that it was Bush who berated her and that Democrats hate her only because she's 'a threat to their goal of Socialism'.

She lashed out on Friday and accused the Democrat of leading the 'Black Lives Matter terrorist mob' to the home of a St. Louis lawyer couple in the summer.

The McCloskeys were the white Missouri couple who gained notoriety after they were pictured waving and pointing guns at Black Lives Matter protesters from the front yard of their mansion.

They went on to become speakers at the 2020 Republican National Convention.

'Rep. Cori Bush is the leader of the St. Louis Black Lives Matter terrorist mob who trespassed into a gated neighborhood to threaten the lives of the McCloskey's,' she wrote.

'She is lying to you. She berated me. Maybe Rep. Bush didn't realize I was live on video, but I have the receipts.'

Also on Friday, footage of Greene surfaced in which she states 'gangs hold down black and Hispanic men - not white people' and that 'if you want Islam and Sharia law you stay over there in the Middle East' because 'we don't want [the US] messed up'.

'Okay so going on, you know what keeps, and I'm going to cover this too, but the generations of Black and Hispanic men, do you want to know what holds them down? Gangs,' she says in the footage.

'Being in gangs and dealing drugs is what holds them down. The lack of education is what holds them down.'

'That's not a white person thing. But gangs control them. They tell them, they tell the young men in their communities 'Don't go to school. Don't you, no, don't you move out of this, out of this project. Don't you move out of this community. You join this gang. And that's where you belong. You belong with us.''

She added: 'The gangs are holding them back. It's not white people. It's crazy.'

CNN also shared separate footage of Greene where she told Muslims to 'stay over there in the Middle East.'

'If you want Islam and Sharia law you stay over there in the Middle East. You stay over there and you got to Mecca and you do all your thing and you know what you can have a whole bunch of wives or sheep or whatever you want. You stay over there,' she says to the camera.

'But in America, you see we've made it this great, great, great country. We don't want it messed up.'

It is not clear when either of the pieces of footage were taken but they are thought to be in the last few years.

QAnon-supporting GOP congresswoman Greene now faces more accusations of racism after footage surfaced of her saying 'gangs control' black and Hispanic men (above)

Earlier this week, Greene also hit headlines after it was reported that she had shown support on Facebook for executing top Democrats including Nancy Pelosi in 2018 and 2019.

Greene had liked a post that said 'a bullet to the head would be quicker' to remove Pelosi from office.

In an April 2018 post of Greene's on the Iran nuclear deal, Greene responded to a commenter who asked her 'Now do we get to hang them ?? Meaning H & O???,' the individual asked, referring to former President Barack Obama and ex-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

'Stage is being set. Players are being put in place. We must be patient. This must be done perfectly or liberal judges would let them off,' Greene replied.

On Wednesday, she faced even more calls to resign as a March 2019 video emerged of Greene stalking Parkland school schooting survivor David Hogg as he met with senators to discuss increased gun control.

She accused Hogg, who was only 18 at the time, of being funded by George Soros, and of 'using kids' to 'attack our Second Amendment rights'.

A video of Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene confronting a then 18-year-old David Hogg about gun reform in Washington D.C. in March 2019, emerged this week

On Thursday, Pelosi went after Greene and Republican leadership over the congresswoman's previous comments about school shootings.

Greene, who was sworn in earlier this month, was placed on the House Education & Labor Committee over the objection of the Democratic chair of the panel.

'What could they be thinking? Or is thinking too generous a word for what they might be doing. It's absolutely appalling and I think that the focus has to be on the Republican leadership of this House of Representatives for the disregard they have for the death of those children,' Pelosi said Thursday at her weekly press conference in response to Greene's appointments.

Pelosi said top Republicans were willing to 'overlook' Greene's comments 'when she has mocked the killing of little children,' pointing specifically to the massacres at Sandy Hook Elementary and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Yet more controversy was to come as at a town hall Thursday night when Greene said that members of the media deserved the 'electric chair'.

At her Paulding County outing, Greene read a question from a constituent: 'What can be done to hold the liberal biased media accountable for their incessant lies and slander?'

'That's a good question,' she said, chuckling. 'This is his words not mine, 'I suggest the electric chair,'' she said, without skipping a beat.

She also continued to push unfounded claims of election fraud.

'See, this wasn't a conspiracy of several people that got together and created a story. This is literally thousands of people in different states and different voting precincts different counties. And they all signed these affidavits,' she said at a town hall in Dallas, Georgia.

Her persistence comes even after state recounts got the same results, courts tossed out dozens of lawsuits and the Trump administration itself admitted the election was fair and legal.

It is also after the claims of election fraud riled up Trump supporters to storm the Capitol in the riot that left five dead.

India will unveil its closely watched budget on Monday, expected to get it back on track as the worlds fastest-growing major economy by boosting spending on job-creation and rural development while battling back the coronavirus.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will likely make a generous allocation for development, put more money in the hands of the average taxpayer to boost consumption and ease rules to attract foreign investments when she presents the budget at 11 a.m. in New Delhi.

Expectations are high, going into this budget," said Samiran Chakraborty, an economist with Citigroup Inc. Expenditure profile could move from survival to revival as the focus on infrastructure increases."

That spending may continue to keep the fiscal deficit far wider than the 3% of gross domestic product mandated by law. The budget gap for the year to March will probably be 7.25% of GDP, according to a Bloomberg survey. The same poll shows the target for the next fiscal year will likely be 5.5%.

Missing deficit goals will be the least of the worries for Prime Minister Narendra Modis government. It has to contend with creating jobs for the millions who lost their livelihoods to lockdowns to combat the worlds second-largest coronavirus outbreak, quelling protests by farmers against agriculture reforms and reviving growth in an economy headed for its biggest annual contraction on record.

Indias GDP will shrink 7.7% in the year ending March, according to the statistics ministry. The government estimates GDP will likely expand 11% next fiscal year, a forecast that will make the South Asian nation the worlds fastest-growing major economy ahead of Chinas estimated 8.1% pace.

To help achieve this goal, Sitharaman said her budget would be unlike anything seen so far.

A pickup in tax collections in recent months will offer some respite for Sitharaman, who will also seek to raise record amounts by selling state assets in the new financial year starting April after the pandemic all but ruined disinvestment plans in the current year. Her efforts will also get a boost from the annual dividend paid to the government by the central bank, which is expected to also complement fiscal steps with more monetary stimulus when it meets later next week.

Opinion is divided about new tax measures in the budget, with some calling for a tax on the rich to fund pandemic-related expenditure and others opposing any such move.

A 4% tax on the nations 954 richest families could raise the equivalent of 1% of Indias GDP," Oxfam said in a report released Monday. Economists including Nomura Holdings Inc.s Sonal Varma think a Covid levy is a bad idea given that the economy is still normalizing after a strict and vast lockdown.

What Bloomberg Economics Says...

The trend over the last few years has already raised the total taxes for high income earners to 42.7%, including cess and surcharges, from around 30%."

-- Abhishek Gupta, India economist

For the full report, click here

Still, improved tax collections and income from privatization should help the finance minister pare borrowings next fiscal year.

She may announce a gross borrowing plan of 10.6 trillion rupees ($145 billion) for the 12 months starting April, according to a median forecast of 15 analysts surveyed by Bloomberg News. Thats less than the record 13.1 trillion rupees estimated for the current year.

Key Themes

The total spending plan for next fiscal may surpass last years 30.4 trillion rupees, with focus likely on expanding a jobs guarantee program to cities and increasing allocation on education, housing, and health as India rolls out a vaccine drive to inoculate 1.3 billion people. Outlay for defense may also see an increase, in a signal to China that India is prepared and capable of dealing with the border standoff.

Unsurprisingly, many of the key themes in the budget will revolve around Covid-19, either directly on health issues, or regulatory support to sectors most affected" such as hospitality, retail, aviation, said Nomuras Varma. Infrastructure, agriculture, the social sector, promotion of domestic manufacturing, alongside incentives to boost construction and housing are likely to be the focus."

While Modis popularity with voters has remained undiminished, theres an expectation his government may use Mondays budget to win over protesting farmers. The protesters have been opposing Indias new agriculture laws that they say will hurt incomes and leave them vulnerable to big corporations.

The government has no choice but to loosen up their purse strings," said Yamini Aiyar, president and chief executive of Centre for Policy Research in New Delhi. They will have to be more generous with social security spending like expanding jobs programs to correct rising urban joblessness, health spending, expanded housing and more fiscal support for states and local governments."

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Illinois Governor Sending 500 National Guard Troops to Washington

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker this week activated 500 National Guard members and is sending them to Washington to help with the continued military presence in the nations capital.

The activation was at the request of the U.S. Department of Defense.

We are deploying these forces in support of civilian law enforcement based on threat-levels against the U.S. Capitol. These threats were assessed by the FBI and other federal agencies, Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, the adjutant general of Illinois and commander of the Illinois National Guard, said in a statement. Our soldiers and airmen are committed to the defense of both our nation and our state. We have asked a lot of them in the last year and each time these men and women have answered the call and upheld their oath to defend and support the U.S. Constitution.

Major General Neely and I are ready to ensure that the state of Illinois continues its proud legacy of protecting our democracy. Ultimately, we must root out the dark forces of racism, white supremacy, and disinformation that have created this moment, but until we do that, our extraordinary troops will deploy with honor, Pritzker, a Democrat, added.

The troops are slated to be in Washington by the beginning of next week. Theyre expected to stay there until mid-March.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, a Republican, and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, also approved sending personnel to Washington this week.

Other governors have recalled their troops and are not sending them back.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin visits National Guard troops deployed at the U.S. Capitol and the surrounding area, in Washington on Jan. 29, 2021. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/Pool/Getty Images)

Approximately 7,000 troops have been requested to remain in Washington for the coming weeks. That level will likely go down to 5,000 by mid-March, acting Army Secretary John Whitley told reporters this week. The personnel are armed.

Members are providing a variety of support, including security, logistics, and medical evaluation.

Over 25,000 members poured into Washington after the Jan. 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol, in preparation for President Joe Bidens inauguration. Practically no incidents were recorded, with only three arrests made by any agencies.

A number of lawmakers have said the presence makes them feel safer but others have challenged the continued deployment.

Their presence, coupled with tough federal charges against the Capitol rioters, deterred any further violence; the presidential inauguration occurred without incident, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) wrote in a recent op-ed. With the inauguration complete and threats receding, now its time, yes, to send home the troops.

House Republicans are seeking a briefing on the deployment, asking for justification for the decision.

Asked why troops are staying in the city for so long, Whitley told reporters that there are several upcoming eventswe dont know what they areover the next several weeks, and theyre concerned that there could be situations where there are lawful protests, First Amendment-protected protests that could either be used by malicious actors or other problems that could emerge.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin visited troops on Capitol Hill on Friday.

I want to tell you were really grateful for your service. And we know its not easy to leave home, come out here and help us out, he told them. But youre doing a great service on behalf of your country in protecting the Capitol so that our lawmakers can rest at ease and do the work that they got to do on behalf of this country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday told leaders of various political parties that his government has been continuously trying to resolve the issues raised by protesting farmers through talks, sources said. Addressing floor leaders of various political parties at the customary all-party meeting convened by the government for the smooth conduct of the Budget Session, Modi said the Centre's proposal on the three new agriculture laws still stands, the sources added.

Modi said the government still stands by the proposal given to the protesting farmers of suspending the three contentious farm laws for 18 months.

The Prime Minister assured that the government is approaching the farmers' issue with an open mind.

Citing Modi's address at the virtual meeting, the sources said he told the leaders that Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar was just a phone call away for protesting farmers and the latter had conveyed the same to farmer leaders earlier this month.

Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi said, "During the all-party meet, PM Narendra Modi assured that the government of India is approaching the farmers issue with an open mind. PM said the GoIs stand is same as it was on January 22nd - proposal by Agriculture Minister still stands. He reiterated what Tomar said - that he is a phone call away for talks."

During the All-Party meet PM @narendramodi assured that GOI is approaching the farmers issue with an open mind. PM said GoIs stand is same as it was on 22nd- proposal by Agriculture Minister still stands. He reiterated what Tomar Ji said - that he is phone call away for talks. Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) January 30, 2021

Modi said the "law will take its own course", said Joshi, referring to "the unfortunate incident on January 26". On Republic Day, clashes took place at several spots in Delhi between the police and farmers. Groups of protesting farmers entered Red Fort, where a few even climbed atop the historic monument to unfurl a Sikh religious flag. They were later removed by the police. Hundreds of police personnel as well as protesters were injured in the violence.

The all-party meeting was convened for the government to put forth its legislative agenda before political parties.

At Friday's meeting, various leaders including Ghulam Nabi Azad of Congress, Sudip Bandyopadhyay of Trinamool Congress, Balwinder Singh Bhunder of Shiromani Akali Dal and Vinayak Raut of Shiv Sena raised the issue of protesting farmers, sources said.
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Dubai has announced that its trade with Israel has reached AED1 billion registering 6.2 billion tonne in trade volume, according to Dubai Customs statistics.

Of this, imports were valued at AED325 million (718 tonnes), exports at AED607million (5.4k tonnes), and transit trade at AED98.7million (52.4 tonnes).

In the light of this exceptional growth, Sultan bin Sulayem, DP World Group Chairman & CEO and Chairman of Dubai's Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation believes opening new markets and stimulating mutual trade between Dubai and Israel will encourage companies to increase production, leading to greater economic growth and more job creation.

DP World signed an agreement with Israels Leumi Bank last September to facilitate trade and logistics services between the two sides, which will promote trade flows in the region.

DP World also signed a series of cooperation agreements on cargo, port and free zone development with Israeli company Dovertower, as part of which they are launching a joint bid to privatise Haifa port.

The agreement will enable DP World to contribute to facilitating trade between private businesses of the two countries. These agreements will also open a window for Drydocks World-Dubai to develop the Israeli dry docks and handle refurbishment projects.

Israel has expressed its interest in leveraging Jebel Ali Port as a re-export hub for Israeli products to enable it to easily access neighbouring fast-growing markets such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, which have a combined population of more than 2 billion, said Sulayem.

The expansion of trade and investment between the two sides will benefit not only the business communities in the UAE and Israel, but also other stakeholders and business communities in the Middle East, he added.

Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director-General of Dubai Customs, stated that the volume of Dubais seaborne trade with Israel amounted to 5.7k tonnes (AED82.8 million), while airborne trade reached 423 kg (AED948.6 million).

Dubais main imports from Israel include vegetables and fruits, diamonds and flat screens, hi-tech devices, and medical and mechanical devices, while exports include diamonds, smart phones, engine spare parts, perfumes and lubricants.

Ahmed Mahboob Musabih stated that Dubai and Israel can both generate new growth opportunities by virtue of possessing exceptional competitive advantages that place them in a good position to promote win-win cooperation between each others business communities.

"Expo 2020 is a golden opportunity for Israel to introduce its services, products and opportunities to the world, remarked Musabih.

"We also look forward to Israels participation in the 5th WCO AEO Conference, to be organised by Dubai Customs in coordination with the World Customs Organization and the Federal Customs Authority. The event, expected to attract more than 2,000 customs, trade, AI, and e-commerce experts, will highlight the UAEs status as a leading player in global trade," he added.
Irvine Wants to Make Ordering In More Affordable

Facilitating takeout deliveries could soon become cheaper for restaurants in Irvine, where councilors are considering capping the amount third-party delivery companies can charge.

A motion set for discussion during Irvines Feb. 9 city council meeting could limit the amount companies such as GrubHub and DoorDash charge customers and restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The item, initially discussed at councils Jan. 12 meeting, claims that delivery companies are taking advantage of restaurants and residents who are hurting financially.

Third-party food delivery services impose significant charges on restaurants owners and their customers who are already struggling under the economic strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Feb. 9 agenda item says.

In an attempt to change this, the ordinance is proposing that third-party delivery service companies cant charge restaurants a delivery fee that is more than 15 percent of the purchase price of an online order. It would also forbid delivery companies from charging restaurants any combination of fees, commissions, or costs for the [restaurants] use of the third-party food delivery service that is more than five percent of the total purchase price.

The proposed ordinance also notes that delivery companies cannot take any part of a gratuity provided to the delivery person.

In an attempt to prohibit a workaround for the delivery companies, the proposed ordinance notes that the companies would not be allowed to raise the prices of food higher than the price set by the restaurant.

Irvine is not the first city to propose this idea, or enact it. According to the memo, Irvine based its 15 percent cap on delivery fees and five percent cap on other costs based on the model of other California cities.

The City of Los Angeles voted to cap delivery and non-delivery fees for restaurants at the same percentages last May, closer to the start of the pandemic.

In the case of Irvine, delivery companies would be required to disclose an itemized breakdown of transactions to customers, including the purchase price of restaurant food, the delivery fee charged to the restaurant, and all other fees charged to both the restaurant and customer.

The agenda said companies looking to get around lowering fees would be met with consequences.

Violators would be subject to a civil action suit in the Superior Court of California to recover all actual damages resulting from the violation and reasonable attorneys fees paid if awarded by court.

The ordinance would end when the local emergency for COVID-19 expires.

The memo classifies the change as an urgency ordinance, which means that it would go into effect immediately if passed by a four-fifths vote from councilors.
Robinhood's GameStop and AMC Theater stock prohibition in the past days has users crying out for unfair stock trading in the platform, pushing them to rate the application negatively on application stores. However, developments show that Google has deleted hundreds of thousands of reviews in the Play Store, with Robinhood maintaining its reputation.

One of the largest internet and technology companies in the world, Google, has recently removed user reviews on its platform, something that it rarely does in the past, with the recent Robinhood Market controversy. While the stock trading application brought back and allowed people to purchase GameStop $GME stocks back, people are still going against the company.

User reviews are there for a reason, and that reason is to let the review rate an application based on its service, and first-hand experience from everyday people that used the smartphone application.

Read Also: MacBook Pro M1 2021 Redesign Leaks: 5 Reasons Why You Should Wait for Official Release Date!

Google Removes Negative User Reviews for Robinhood

Google has deleted almost 100,000 reviews from angry users who protested over the application, especially its performance over the past days. Initially, there were 275,000 negative reviews in the Google Play Store with one-star reviews and comments that go against Robinhood Market.

Google has now removed all of the reviews from today and restored Robinhood's 4.2 rating. boooo they deserve a 'did dumb shit' penalty pic.twitter.com/W3ph1sejMV  Rod Breslau (@Slasher) January 29, 2021

However, upon checking back on Friday morning, it has been removed and stripped down to merely 176,000, with a screenshot that proves it has been taken off the platform and lost indefinitely. People have been in solidarity since Robinhood froze the stock trading for massively-traded companies that boomed recently, with GameStop, AMC Theaters, etc.

Even the popular technology CEO for Tesla and SpaceX, Elon Musk, has given his two cents on the issue, saying that Robinhood's "shorting scam" is a "BS" in the stock trading industry. People who were campaigning for negatively reviewing Robinhood are dismayed of what Google did and are now taking it out on the social media platforms.

Google Says User Abuse Review Systems

According to the New York Post's report, Google has commented on the removal of the negative reviews but has not mentioned anything or the name of the Robinhood Market application. The internet company said that they removed these negative reviews because people were abusing the review systems because of negativity in the platform.

Google added that people have been manipulating the "average star rating" of the application, detected by a system that notices whether or not abuse has taken place.

Robinhood Market: Back to 4.2 Stars in Play Store

After the removal of the negative reviews, Robinhood Market's initial rating of 1.1 stars on Thursday jumped back to 4.2 stars last Friday noon. However, the application is currently on 3.4 stars as users continuously update their reviews and put negative one-stars on the Play Store platform, based on the user experience and opinion.

Related Article: Elon Musk Calls Out Robinhood for 'BS' Shorting Scam on Stock Trading-Only Allows Small-Time Investors!





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Written by Isaiah Alonzo

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
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Some of Britain's biggest firms have prevented thousands of sick days and kept entire factories from shutdowns by rolling out rapid Covid-19 tests for staff.

John Lewis, steelmaker Tata and carmakers Jaguar and Bentley saved hundreds of thousands of pounds after they set up schemes for employees, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Business chiefs last night said that the stunning results from the mass workplace checks  which can take as little as 15 minutes  showed they can play a vital role in rebooting the economy.

The MoS today launches a campaign to make Covid tests at work commonplace across the UK and help bring staff back to factories, plants, shops and offices as the vaccine drive gathers pace.

John Lewis revealed it had conducted more than 45,700 tests, with fewer than one per cent of results positive. The retailer, which also runs Waitrose, said it had saved 6,643 working days for 2,286 employees.

John Lewis, steelmaker Tata and carmakers Jaguar and Bentley saved hundreds of thousands of pounds after they set up schemes for employees, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. Pictured: A John Lewis employee takes a Covid test

It is among the firms taking part in a Government pilot scheme which has so far paid for more than 1.5 million tests across the public and private sectors.

Most firms are testing all staff without virus symptoms several times a week using 'lateral flow' tests, which can cost as little as 5 each.

Those who have been in contact with Covid sufferers are allowed to keep going to work  rather than self-isolate  provided they test negative each day for seven consecutive days.

John Lewis group operations director Andrew Murphy said such 'daily contact testing' had been a huge success at its 1,000-staff Magna Park campus near Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire.

He said bosses had seen 'lower absence, lower cases, lower spread'. 'That feels really exciting, if you think about what lateral flow tests  could do for the country at scale.'

Tata Steel said daily swabs had saved it 'hundreds of thousands of pounds' and avoided five potential stops in production at its steelworks in Port Talbot, South Wales.

John Lewis group operations director Andrew Murphy said such 'daily contact testing' had been a huge success at its 1,000-staff Magna Park campus near Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire. Pictured: Stock image

Including the use of mass testing, it has completed 5,627 checks and estimates that 12,500 work hours have been saved.

Dean Magill, head of central operations at Tata Europe, said it would otherwise have been 'very difficult to run the plant.' Tata now plans to roll out the scheme to all its 18 UK sites.

Luxury carmaker Bentley has provided nearly 15,000 tests to staff at its factory in Crewe, Cheshire, since May last year and said there had been no proven cases of transmission.

Other large businesses including Royal Mail, Jaguar Land Rover, Octopus Energy, BAE Systems and Tate & Lyle Sugars are using testing regimes.

However, research by the Confederation of British Industry shows 87 per cent of businesses are not following suit, citing a lack of expertise and logistical barriers.

The MoS Tests At Work campaign calls on the Government to fund more workplace checks across the UK and launch an official marketing drive to tell businesses how to implement testing.

Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith, president of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: 'We are delighted to support The Mail on Sunday's campaign. Mass testing is crucial to help businesses restart, rebuild and renew, and alongside the vaccines it will help build the economy and keep it open.'

The Department of Health said it wanted as many firms as possible to sign up to 'ensure vital public and economic services can continue'.

BEIJING, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- China will no longer recognize the so-called British National Overseas (BNO) passport as a travel document and ID document from Jan. 31, and reserves the right to take further actions, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a regular news briefing Friday.

The decision was made after the British government announced that it will begin accepting citizenship applications for BNO-eligible Hong Kong residents starting from Sunday.

Ignoring the fact that Hong Kong has been returned to China for 24 years and China's solemn position, the British side blatantly violated its commitment and insisted on issuing the so-called "tailored policy" for Hong Kong residents with BNO passports to stay and naturalize in Britain, and has repeatedly expanded the scope of application, Zhao said.

He pointed out that such a move, in an attempt to turn a large number of Hong Kong people into second-class British citizens, has completely changed the original BNO nature agreed between the Chinese and British sides.

"This has seriously violated China's sovereignty, grossly interfered with Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs, and seriously breached international law and the basic norms governing international relations," Zhao said, expressing China's strong indignation and firm opposition to the British side's move.

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The Executive Committee for the International Feature Film (IFF) category of the Oscars has confirmed the eligibility of Nigerias official submission, The Milkmaid, among other contenders for the 93rd Academy Awards.

The Academy released a list of eligible films from 93 countries in the IFF category on Thursday.

The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) had submitted The Milkmaid to the Academy in December 2020.

The official acceptance of the film by the Academy is a first-time feat for Nigeria at the Oscars, having disqualified Lionheart, the countrys first submission in 2019 for not meeting the non-English dialogue criteria.

This led to the controversy on whether or not Nigerian pidgin should not be considered a local language.

Although the Oscars has since reviewed the rule, giving approval for dialogues in pidgin, The Milkmaid, shot with Hausa, Fulfulde, and Arabic dialogues appears to have been made with the original Academy rules in mind and had not left anything to chance.

An international feature film, according to the Oscars, is a feature-length motion picture (more than 40 minutes) produced outside the United States with a predominantly (more than 50%) non-English dialogue track.

Shortlist

The first shortlist of 15 films in the IFF category will be announced on February 9, 2021. Another shortlist is expected to be released in March, ahead of the 93rd Academy Awards ceremony on April 25, 2021.

Reacting to the official acceptance of The Milkmaid by the Academy, Chairperson of the NOSC, Chineze Anyaene-Abonyi, said it is heart-warming that the decision of the NOSC has been ratified by the Executive Committee of the IFF.

She also noted that the feat underscores the NOSCs strict adherence to the rules of the biggest film awards scheme in the world.

The Milkmaid

Written, produced, and directed by Desmond Ovbiagele, The Milkmaid is a Hausa language-based thriller on insurgency, especially as it affects women and children in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Inspired by the image on Nigerias 10 Naira note, the film tells the story of a Fulani milkmaid who confronts extremists in a rural African community, in a quest to locate her missing sister, and how efforts to recapture her disrupted past prove complicated.

Since 1948, 11 Italian films have won the Oscar in the International Feature Film category. A South Korean movie won an Oscar in this category for the first time with Parasite in 2020.

Check out the The Milkmaid trailer below
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January is Sanctity of Human Life month. It also happens to be the month that I lost my first child to miscarriage eleven years ago. My husband, Dan, and I had just set out on a new adventure the last day of 2009. After much prayer, we decided to move from Detroit to Peoria, Ill. We spent New Years Eve driving through a blizzard with a full moving truck, two Golden Retrievers, a baby in my belly, and the promise that God would never leave us nor forsake us.

Three days after arriving in Peoria, I miscarried, and my entire world fell apart. I questioned whether God was as good as my Christian faith had always told me He was. Did He really love me any longer? Was anything I formerly thought to be true really true? My new year, my fresh start, had suddenly turned into a nightmare.

Since miscarrying my child, I have heard countless stories from women in similar situations. However, unlike my story, many women choose to suffer this loss alone. Dan and I had ignored the old adage to wait until after the first trimester to tell people about the pregnancy. We had told everyone. In fact, I started wearing maternity clothes immediately because I was so excited. When we lost our little one, the kindness and care that our brand new community showered on us was ultimately what saved me.

I had just arrived in a new, unfamiliar town. After losing my baby, I also felt alone and isolated. However, because we had shared our pregnancy, several people anticipated our arrival. My loneliness did not last long, as Gods body, His Church, began to minister to my hurting soul. Women I did not know began calling me, dropping off meals, inviting me over. Sometimes we would talk about my loss, but most often we would just be. They cried with me. They prayed for me. They loved me when I was at my most unlovable. Soon, I was unable to deny the fact that my hurt was being tenderly cared for with the salve of Christs love in action.

These unselfish acts by women I did not know were what God used to reach down and tell me He saw me. He was suffering this loss with me. I was not a forsaken woman left to carry this pain alone. I was His beloved daughter, and He cared. There was no other explanation for these strangers caring for me so tenderly. And this was a game-changer for me.

One in five pregnancies ends in miscarriage, an article from Market Watch reports. Yet, miscarriage remains a subject hushed. Rayna Markin, a psychologist and associate professor at Villanova University, told Market Watch that women also receive strong messages from society that [miscarriage] details are too disgusting to talk about and should be silenced. While there is risk in publicly processing loss, the reward of community during grief is much greater.

Grieving is an important process that people are often uncomfortable with. The Apostle Paul encourages Christians to rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15, ESV). King Solomon tells us, It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind (Ecclesiastes 7:2, ESV). The American Psychological Association states, Everyone reacts differently to death and employs personal coping mechanisms for grief. Research shows that most people can recover from loss on their own through the passage of time if they have social support and healthy habits. It may take months or a year to come to terms with a loss.

The key here is having support from those closest to you and healthy coping habits in place. After my miscarriage, a community I didnt even know surrounded me and lifted my head up when I could not. I forced myself to exercise, and soon found my daily run helped me work out emotions that had built up physically. Once a few months passed, I realized I wanted a tangible way to memorialize my child, so Dan and I commissioned a small monument in our little ones honor. We settled the memorial in a beautiful spot that we visit often. After several years, I reached the stage in my grief where I could focus my efforts on helping others. I began writing my story. I spoke at several engagements. And I recognized an opportunity within the organization where I work  Samaritan Ministries International.

Samaritan Ministries is a health care sharing ministry of members who are believers in Jesus and who have committed to care for one another spiritually, emotionally, and financially when there is a medical need. It struck me that I continued to see our members posting requests for prayer due to miscarriage, stillbirth, and early childhood loss. My heart broke for these moms and dads as I empathized with their pain. And then I realized what had been done for me could be duplicated here. So, a small team of people created Little One Ministry in May 2018.

We gather monthly to prepare care packages that include small gifts to honor the little ones who have passed away, booklets entitled Mourning with Hope, and hand-written notes of prayer. We hope these parents know they are not alone; God sees them right where they are, and they are loved. We have sent nearly 1,500 packages to date.

It is fitting that I remember my first babys passing during the same month that we honor the sanctity of human life. Life is sacred. The Psalmist recognizes this with, You formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mothers womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139: 13-14, ESV). With the birth of our precious daughter, Michaela Berniece, in 2011, I felt a deep victory over the lies Satan had spun to me about Gods goodness. Two years after Michaela, Dan and I welcomed our son, Boaz Clark, and we pray his strength lies in the knowledge of Gods Word. And now, on New Years Eve 2020 we welcomed our first foster son into our family. Life is sacred in all its forms, and this month we honor that.
The number of patients shot or injured at the Lekki toll gate shooting, who were brought to a hospital, were so many that they overwhelmed the hospital, an official has said.

Babajide Lawson, a trauma and orthopaedic surgeon at Reddington Hospital, Lagos, on Saturday said there was a large number of patients on the night of October 20, after soldiers opened fire on peaceful protesters at the Lekki toll plaza.

Mr Lawson, while testifying before a Judicial Panel of Inquiry investigating the incident, said due to the crowd, there is a likelihood that the hospital did not capture the records of all the patients.

On the night of this event, in the Lekki facility, when patients were brought in, it was a mass gathering situation in which case you have a large number of people presenting at the same time, literarily overwhelming the facility, Mr Lawson said.

In that kind of situation, there are lots of cases that might be compromised. If this patient says he was treated at the hospital, he can present at the hospital and get a medical report.

The surgeon spoke during cross-examination by a lawyer to some of the victims of the shooting, Olumide Fusika, who asked him whether he authored any of the medical reports tendered to the panel.

Mr Lawson said he did not author any of the reports as it was the duty of doctors handling the patients.

You will agree that there is none for Samuel Asola, who is a petitioner before this panel and my own client, Mr Fusika had said.

This client of mine says he was treated of gunshot wounds at your facility. He has pictorial proof of being actually treated. If that were to be true, it means your evidence before this panel is not comprehensive, it is not exhaustive of the people you treated of gunshot of wounds.

The lawyer further asked whether the hospital extracted pellets from the patients as there were many cases of gunshots, especially in the case of Nnaji Mabel who had a pellet in her abdomen.

As indicated in the report, we did not extract the pellet. I admitted the responsibility, we reviewed her CT and records, we determined that she did not need anything extensive, and she was treated and allowed to go, the surgeon responded.

Its normal to have pellets in your body and just go home? Mr Fusika further queried.

Yes, it is possible. If there is a gunshot injury and the bullet does not in any way endanger the body, the pellet can remain, Mr Lawson said.

The surgeon said some pellets were removed but, according to medical protocols, the police will be invited and the pellets handed over to them.

He added that other patients sustained entry and exit bullet wounds.

In normal process, protocol is that if there is a gunshot injury and extracted the bullet, the police will have to come and the bullet be handed over.

For the patients I treated, I did not extract any bullet; the patient that had pellet did not require a removal, he said.

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Earlier, while giving his evidence, Mr Lawson said the number of victims of the shooting who visited the hospital trickled after the first night.

Being in charge of trauma means anybody that is involved in any form of traumatic injury, accident, gunshot and others will have to go through me first. I saw a couple of them, the ones that needed admission, I admitted and the ones that did not were taken care of.

The thing is on that October 20, a lot of patients presented at the Lekki office, thats the Lekki hospital. I was shuttling between there and the VI office, which I represent.

Later on the night of 20th, I also went to the Lekki office to access and determine what amount of assistance they would require from me. I transferred some of the patients from the Lekki Hospital to the VI office.

On the first night, there were about six patients that I saw, subsequently, other patients came, trickled in, as days continued.

The surgeon said the patients had varying degrees of injuries and were treated.

The hospital had earlier appeared before the panel on January 6, to represent medical reports of about 20 patients who were brought to the hospital on the night of the Lekki Shooting.

Medical reports do not add up

Olukayode Enitan, the lawyer to the Lagos State Government, said many of the medical reports presented by Reddington hospital did not add up.

He said he applied for the case notes of the patients to further clarify the position of the hospital.

We applied to Reddington Hospital; we requested the hospital to produce the case notes of the patients whose reports have been presented. The reason for this is that when we went through the reports, too many of them do not add up, some are outrightly contradictory.

We believe that the case notes will more than likely shed light on whatever it is. If it is a summation of actual events, the case not will show that, that is why we made that application.

It is very necessary that we have the case notes before the doctors are presented for cross-examination, Mr Enitan said.

Jonathan Ogunsanya, the lawyer to the panel, said the hospital has been served to present the case notes.

The hospitals lawyer admitted they were served on Friday.

We didnt have enough time to go through the necessary process as required. However, we are able to prepare one or two, because there were different batches of patients that were treated.

Dorris Okuwobi, the chair of the panel, ruled that case notes should not stop the presentation of evidence of the doctors and another date can be given for cross-examination.

Mrs Okuwobi, a retired judge, adjourned the matter till February 12 to allow the state governments lawyer cross-examine Mr Lawson.
Maryland on Saturday became the second state to report a case of a coronavirus variant first identified in South Africa -- a strain that health experts say is more transmissible than previous ones.

The announcement by the Maryland governor's office came two days after South Carolina reported two cases of the strain.

The Maryland case involves an adult living in the Baltimore area who has not traveled internationally, "making community transmission likely," a news release from Gov. Larry Hogan's office said Saturday.

"Comprehensive contact tracing efforts are underway to ensure that potential contacts are quickly identified, quarantined, and tested," the release said.

Health experts have increasingly warned that highly contagious coronavirus variants like this one, labeled B.1.351 by researchers, could soon worsen the spread in the United States.

Although current vaccines are believed to be protective against known variants, some research has suggested they may be less effective against the B.1.351 strain in particular.

More transmissible variants that scientists are tracking include strains first identified in the UK (B.1.1.7) and Brazil (P.1).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said the B.1.1.7 in particular could become dominant in the US by March. More than 400 cases of this strain have been reported across the US, but experts have said surveillance has not been robust, and many more cases could be in the country.

January already is the country's deadliest month of the pandemic, with more than 90,800 Covid-19 deaths so far.

But more-transmissible variants are likely to add to the death toll, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington forecast Thursday.

The US Covid-19 death toll stands at more than 438,200. The model forecasts more than 594,600 total deaths by May 1 as its most likely projection -- 25,000 more deaths than its previous projection.

Rapid variant spread could take that number up to 620,000 by May 1, the IHME said. In a worst-case scenario, nearly 654,000 Americans could be dead of Covid-19 by May 1, the IHME warned.

Meanwhile, the US topped 26 million reported coronavirus cases Saturday, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

It took 311 days for the US to reach 13 million cases, from the first reported case in January 2020 until November 27. It took just 64 days for US to tally the second 13 million cases.

CDC says travelers must wear masks on all forms of public transportation

As the country watches for more-transmissible strains, it is about to require masks on public transportation.

The CDC announced an order late Friday that will require people to wear a face mask while using any form of public transportation, including buses, trains, taxis, airplanes, boats, subways or ride-share vehicles while traveling into, within and out of the US.

The order goes into effect at 11:59 p.m. Monday.

Masks must be worn while waiting, boarding, traveling and disembarking, it said. The coverings need to be at least two or more layers of breathable fabric secured to the head with ties, ear loops or elastic bands -- and scarves and bandanas do not count, the order says.

People can remove their masks briefly to eat, drink or take medication; verify their identity to law enforcement or transportation officials; communicate with hearing impaired people; don an oxygen mask on an aircraft; or during a medical emergency, the CDC website says.

The CDC said it reserves the right to enforce the order through criminal penalties, but it "strongly encourages and anticipates widespread voluntary compliance" and expects support from other federal agencies to implement the order.

President Joe Biden signed an executive order last week requiring interstate travelers to wear a mask, and he challenged Americans to wear masks for the first 100 days of his term.

Outdoor dining returns to Los Angeles

Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles has been serving as a vaccination super site, but operations there were interrupted briefly on Saturday after protesters showed up outside the stadium.

Video from CNN affiliate KCAL/KCBS showed the protesters carrying signs, including one saying "LA Better Dodge The Vaxxx" and another that said "Covid=Scam."

In-person dining returned to Los Angeles County this weekend with strict restrictions in place.

Outdoor dining areas must stay at 50% capacity and tables must be at least 8 feet apart and are limited to six people, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said. Indoor dining is prohibited.

Restaurants are required to inform customers that everyone sharing a table must be from the same household, though it is unclear how it will be enforced.

Restaurant employees who interact with customers are required to wear a mask and face shield, according to the health department's protocols.

But a rule requiring TVs and other screens be turned off at all times worries restaurant owners who were hoping to host diners for the upcoming Super Bowl.

"If you put people out of safe spaces for the Super Bowl, you are putting them literally in danger and putting them into homes and house parties," Angela Marsden, owner of the Pineapple Hill Saloon and Grill in Sherman Oaks, told CNN's Paul Vercammen on Saturday.

Letting people watch the Super Bowl in a controlled outdoor dining environment is a safer alternative, she said.

"Give us the chance to keep people safe and give them a little bit of community because that's what people need right now," Marsden said.

Marsden was forced to shutter her restaurant in November due to shutdown orders from Los Angeles County.

She drew national attention in December when she posted a video to Facebook after spotting an outdoor dining area set up for a movie set next to her restaurant's parking lot. Under Los Angeles County guidelines, the film industry is labeled essential and television and film production has continued to operate.

California officials ended the state's stay-at-home order Monday, saying the latest projections for intensive care unit capacity allowed the restrictions to be lifted.

The state surpassed 40,000 coronavirus deaths Friday, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

While deaths hover near record level, another vaccine option could be near

For now, levels of daily new cases and Covid-19 hospitalizations are dipping in the US after holiday-related surges. Current hospitalizations dipped below 100,000 on Saturday for the first time in almost two months, but the number of deaths reported daily is near a record level.

 Cases: The US averaged more than 155,100 new cases a day over the last week as of Friday -- 38% lower than the peak of around 249,800 recorded on January 8, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

 Hospitalizations: The number of Covid-19 patients in US hospitals on Friday was at the lowest level since December 3, at 101,003, according to the Covid Tracking Project.

 Deaths: The country has averaged more than 3,200 deaths a day across the last week -- not far from the nation's pandemic peak average of 3,357 reached on January 13, Johns Hopkins says.

Health experts have long said that high numbers of deaths can lag behind surges in cases and hospitalizations, as illnesses can last for weeks.

Meanwhile, Johnson & Johnson is preparing to seek authorization from the Food and Drug Administration next week to distribute its single-shot vaccine candidate in the US. If authorized, it would bring the number of vaccines in the US market to three.

Johnson & Johnson's vaccine was shown to be 66% effective in preventing moderate and severe disease in a global Phase 3 trial and 85% effective against severe disease, the company announced Friday. It was 72% effective against moderate and severe disease in the US, the company said.

The vaccines already on the market in the US -- two-dose products from Pfizer and Moderna -- were found to be about 95% effective overall against symptomatic Covid-19, with perhaps even higher efficacy against severe cases.

While it would appear the Johnson & Johnson candidate has lower efficacy rates, it "can't be compared head to head" against the other two, said Mathai Mammen, head of research and development at Janssen, Johnson & Johnson's vaccine division.

That's in part because Johnson & Johnson's vaccine was tested later, when cases were surging even higher in many parts of the world and new variants were already circulating. And part of the Johnson & Johnson trial happened in South Africa while the B.1.351 strain was dominant there.

Health experts have told CNN that they generally think Johnson & Johnson's vaccine would be a welcome addition in a country trying to ramp up its inoculations. Besides requiring only one shot, it also boasts potential logistical advantages: It does not have to be stored in freezers; and it can be stored for three months at refrigerator temperatures, unlike the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

An authorization for the Johnson & Johnson candidate would be "good news, because we urgently need more vaccine," Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School for Tropical Medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine, said Saturday.

Johnson & Johnson also is testing a two-dose regimen of the vaccine, and it could be that two doses would increase the efficacy, Fauci, the NIAID director, has said.
In a major favour to New Delhi, a meeting chaired by Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli vening awarded a project to Indias Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam.

The meeting of the Investment Board Nepal (IBN), whose Chair is the Prime Minister, decided to award the project to the SJVN under the build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) delivery method to develop the 679 megawatt Lower Arun Project, according to an official statement issued here

The IBN had earlier shortlisted joint-venture company of Hydroelectricity Investment and Development Company (HIDC) and Power Construction of China Ltd (Power China); SJVN of India; and joint venture of Green Resources Ltd and Electrical Power Development Company to develop the project which has an installation capacity of 900 mw.

Similar to the Arun III hydel project, which will provide 21 per cent free power to Nepal during the concession period, the developer of the Lower Arun hydel project should also prioritise providing certain percent of power free of cost, according to the IBN.

The project cost for Lower Arun is estimated at over 100 billion Nepalese rupees.

As per the initial study conducted by Brass Power, the installed capacity of the project can be enhanced to around 1,000 MW if it is developed as a storage-type project.

In September 2019, India had expressed interest to construct the Lower Arun Project.

Minister of State for Power, R.K. Singh, had put forth a proposal that the Lower Arun project can be developed by adopting the same model of 900-MW Arun III project.

The developer will hand over the ownership of the project to the government of Nepal after 20 years of commercial operation.

--IANS

str/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.)
The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is not only ensuring the energy security of Germany, but also is an investment in the future, the ex-German chancellor, the chairman of Rosnefts Board of Directors and head of the Nord Stream AG Shareholders Committee, Gerhard Schroeder said in an interview with the Rheinische Post.

Washington cannot dictate to Berlin which gas to buy, since American fracking fuel is inferior to Russian in environmental friendliness, price and quality, he said.



But the union said in its statement: Weve been promised repeatedly that CPS reopening plans are about equity. But it makes no sense to lock out 100 percent of our students when 80 percent of families are keeping their children remote. Thats the opposite of equity. We need a negotiating partner that appreciates every stakeholder in this school district  the educators at the table, the parents who CPS continues to ignore, and the grassroots groups that are pleading for safety in a city that has consistently put their safety dead last.

(TNS)  New facial recognition technology to speed international travelers through customs has arrived at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.A digital camera will snap a picture of an arriving passenger, allowing Customs and Border Patrol agents to instantly verify their identity and automatically complete document checks required to enter the United States.MSP is the 31st airport in the nation to implement the facial biometric screening process called Simplified Arrival. The system debuted Wednesday in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2."The system will improve the experience for our arriving international passengers," said Brian Ryks, CEO of Metropolitan Airports Commission, which operates the airport.With Simplified Arrival, passengers get a touchless screening with an "incredible time savings," said Steven Bansbach, a spokesman with CBP's Office of Public Affairs. In most cases, passengers choosing the scan can skip waiting in line to see a customs agent and in as few as 15 seconds "you are admitted to the United States," he said.MSP had 1.65 million passengers arrive on international flights in 2019, according to the airport commission.Simplified Arrival allows customs to compare the facial photo taken at the inspection point with images the traveler has already provided to the government, such as passport and visa photos. It also allows agents to confirm the identity of foreign travelers who previously visited the U.S. without collecting their fingerprints.New photos of U.S. citizens taken at the airport will be deleted from the system within 12 hours. Photos of most foreign nationals will be stored in a secure Department of Homeland Security system, Customs and Border Patrol said.Travelers whose photos cannot be verified on site will be vetted through traditional screening procedures. That includes meeting in person with a customs agent and producing legal travel documents for inspection."Nobody needs to worry if their picture isn't verified," Bansbach said. "They aren't automatically denied entry."Simplified Arrival comes as MSP is removing self-service kiosks that travelers use to swipe passports, provide fingerprints and answer questions before being admitted to the country. The machines are being removed as the airport commission reconfigures international arrivals security areas for additional queuing and to improve social distancing measures.Simplified Arrivals was rolled out in 2018 and has been operating at a 99% success rate, Bansbach said. Since its debut, the system has been used to screen more than 60 million travelers and allowed the CBP to catch 350 impostors who tried entering the country illegally by using credentials issued to another person, Bansbach said.In addition to major airports such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Dallas-Fort Worth and Las Vegas, Customs and Border Patrol plans to expand to bring Simplified Arrival to more locations this year, Bansbach said.
New Delhi: After the blast in front of the Israeli Embassy, a high alert has been issued in the entire country. Security arrangements have been tightened at 63 airports in the country. Since the blast, checking operations have been started in many cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Jammu, and Lucknow. At the same time, Amit Shah canceled his Bengal tour after the blast and it is being told that Shah can meet again with intelligence agencies today.

The IED blast took place only 150 meters away from the Israeli embassy. According to the information so far revealed in the initial investigation, 4 to 5 cars were damaged in the blast. The intensity of the blast was low, so no one was injured. The Beating Retreat was running just 2 km from where the blast took place on Abdul Kalam Road, in which many big leaders including the President and PM Modi were present.

The place where the blast took place is a very high-security zone. There are many levels of security in this area. It is believed that Parinda cannot be killed here either. Regarding the timing of the explosion, it is coming out that on this day India and Israel were celebrating the 29th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, then it was executed. At the same time, Home Minister Amit Shah has taken full details by talking to Intelligence Bureau and Delhi Police Commissioner.

Also Read:-

Shehnaz Gill Latest Photoshoot Viral On Social Media

Amit Shah canceled Bengal tour after Delhi blast

Prakash Javadekar receives birthday wishes from many well-known politicians

DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 30th Jan, 2021) The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) today announced that it will begin providing the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine to Emirati citizens and Dubai residents who are aged 60 and above, starting 31 January, 2021.

The move is in line with the DHAs keenness to provide the public with an opportunity to select between various types of vaccines available in the emirate.

The Sinopharm vaccine will be available at Nad Al Hamr Health Centre, Al Twar Health Centre and Al Mankhool Health Centre, the Authority said.

"Providing the Sinopharm vaccine is part of the DHAs keenness to ensure the availability of COVID-19 vaccination services to all segments of the community, especially the older age groups who are considered to be among the high-risk categories.

In the first phase of the launch of the vaccine, the DHAs Contact Centre will reach out to those who already have pre-registered appointments for vaccination." said Dr Farida Al Khaja, CEO of DHAs Clinical Support Services and Nursing Sector and Chairperson of the COVID-19 Vaccination Steering Committee.

Dr Al Khaja added that the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine will be available to other segments of the population in future phases.

The health authority reiterated the importance of continuing to adhere to precautionary measures and leading a healthy lifestyle even after taking the vaccine.
The left-hand-drive new-gen Hond City cars will be initially dispatched to Middle East countries. The first batch of sedan models has been exported from the Pipavav port in Gujarat and Ennore port in Chennai.

The company have been exporting the right-hand-drive models of the all-new City from the Indian market. The sedan models are being exported to South Africa since August 2020 and our neighbouring countries such as Nepal and Bhutan from October 2020.

Speaking about the sedan itself, the fifth-gen Honda City will be offered with 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engine options. The 1.5-litre (DOHC) Double Over-Head Cam engine produces 120bhp and 150Nm of torque. The 1.5-litre diesel unit churns out 100bhp and 200Nm of torque. Both engines are offered with a six-speed manual gearbox and an optional CVT automatic transmission.

Speaking on the announcement, Mr Gaku Nakanishi, President & CEO, Honda Cars India Ltd said, "Honda City has been the benchmark of sedans in India and addition of exports of its Left Hand Drive model to completely new destinations is a great opportunity for us to strengthen our India business. We have invested in creating an expansive world-class manufacturing facility at Tapukara which can produce both right-hand and left-hand drive models that allows us to manage demand for domestic and international consumers."

He further added, "The 5th Generation City has been very well appreciated in the Indian market and we hope that we will be able to replicate this success and satisfy our global customers with its best quality & performance. This is in line with our commitment towards Make in India' where HCIL has been manufacturing all its volume models with more than 90% localization and has been integral in developing a strong ecosystem in the country."

Apart from the exports of new Honda City, The company is also exporting models such as the Amaze, WR-V & the old-gen City to Nepal, Bhutan, South Africa and SADC countries. The export of 5th Generation Honda City (both right-hand and left-hand drive) is the newest addition to the export business from India.

Thoughts About The Fifth-Generation Honda City Exports Commence From India To Left Hand Drive Markets

The Fifth-Gen Honda City exports will certainly strengthen the brand's commitment to the Indian market. The fifth-gen Honda City is certainly features packed is one among the most desirable sedan models across the globe. As a result, the increase in demand will also increase export operations, which will in turn help with the country economic growth.

Kerrville, TX (78028)

Today

Thunderstorms, some strong this morning, then partly cloudy during the afternoon hours. Damaging winds with some storms. High 82F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 68F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.
A winter storm watch will begin overnight for much of south-central Pennsylvania, with heavy snow expected on Sunday.

The National Weather Service has announced a Winter Storm Watch beginning at 3 a.m. on Sunday and ending on Monday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. Heavy snow is possible throughout south-central Pennsylvania, with a potential accumulation of six inches or more. The heaviest snowfall is expect south of Interstate 80.

Travel could be very difficult, the announcement read. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.

READ MORE: The Monday morning commute is going to awful, says forecaster calling for nearly a foot of snow in Harrisburg

PennDOT announces travel restrictions ahead of anticipated winter storm

The storm is expected to move into through counties including Cambria, Blair, Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata, Perry, Dauphin, Lebanon and Cumberland. Affected areas may include those near the cities of Johnstown, Altoona, Huntingdon, Mount Union, Lewistown, Mifflintown, Newport, Harrisburg, Hershey, Lebanon, and Carlisle.

Here is the forecast from the National Weather Service for the Harrisburg region for the next several days:

Today

Sunny, with a high near 33. Northwest wind around 8 mph.

Tonight

A slight chance of snow after 3am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 23. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Sunday

Snow, mainly after 1pm. High near 29. Light east wind increasing to 5 to 9 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Sunday Night

Snow. Low around 25. Northeast wind 9 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Monday

Snow. High near 33. Northeast wind 11 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Monday Night

Snow likely, mainly before 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 27. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 21.
YEREVAN, JANUARY 30, ARMENPRESS. Lebanons caretaker prime minister and its president on Friday condemned overnight violence in the city of Tripoli, where protesters angry over a strict lockdown clashed with security forces and set the municipality building on fire, Reuters reports.

Thursday was the fourth straight night of unrest in one of Lebanons poorest cities, after the Beirut government imposed a 24-hour curfew to curb a surge in the COVID-19 pandemic that has killed more than 2,500 people and compounded an economic crisis.

The criminals who set the municipality on fire and attempted to burn the court...represent a black hatred for Tripoli, Prime Minister Hassan Diab said in a statement.

The challenge now is in defeating these criminals by arresting them one by one and referring them to the judicial system. President Michel Aoun also condemned the violence.
Kate Garraway has credited her stint on I'm A Celebrity with 'preparing her to get through' husband Derek Draper's Covid battle.

The Good Morning Britain host, 53, has often spoken candidly about his ongoing fight and supporting their two children Darcey, 14 and William, 11, since he was diagnosed with the potentially deadly virus in March last year.

In a new interview with Good Housekeeping magazine, Kate said: 'Forcing myself to do frightening things in the jungle was definitely good for my soul, and it made me believe I could do things I never dreamed possible.

Prepared: Kate Garraway has credited her stint on I'm A Celebrity with 'preparing her to get through' husband Derek Draper's Covid battle (pictured in Australia in 2019)

'And flippin' heck! I've had to put that knowledge into practice, haven't I? So actually, maybe the jungle prepared me for getting through this.'

Kate also credited her time on the show in 2019 with helping her make some healthy changes, saying she now drinks lots of hot water, after not being allowed tea in the jungle, which makes 'a big difference' to how she feels.

She said: 'The last thing Darcey, Billy or Derek is me getting sick. I'm not doing as much exercise as I'd like, but... strange as it sounds, I drink a lot of hot water.'

The mother-of-two appeared on I'm A Celebrity in 2019 alongside Myles Stephenson, Caitlyn Jenner and Jacqueline Jossa. She finished the show in fourth place.

Foundation: The Good Morning Britain presenter, 53, said 'facing her fears' on the show made her realise she could 'do things I never dreamed possible' (pictured with Derek in Australia after coming out of the jungle in 2019)

Derek was waiting for Kate as she came out of the jungle in December, mere months before his coronavirus battle started in March 2020.

Elsewhere in her interview, Kate admitted she is struggling as a single parent and sometimes finds herself asking 'what would Derek do?' in a situation.

She also detailed how doctors had told her Derek's infection was the 'highest they had seen in a patient who had lived'.

Giving an update on Derek's condition, Kate said the family are in a better place now compared to when her husband was first diagnosed at the start of the pandemic.

It comes days after Kate was told Derek may 'never come out of a coma' amid his ongoing battle against coronavirus.

Family: Kate's husband and their two children - Darcey and William - all supported her during her time in the jungle, with her recently admitting she's now struggling as a single parent (pictured at Heathrow after returning to the UK from Australia in 2019)

Speaking on GMB on Tuesday, her colleague Piers Morgan, 55, urged viewers to take the virus seriously and made the stark revelation the political advisor Derek remains in perilous condition.

In his desperate message to viewers, Piers said: 'We know from our colleague Kate Garraway, whose husband is still in a coma from Covid. He may never come out of that coma. She's been told this, and it's heartbreaking.'

He had previously revealed that Derek now has holes in his heart and lungs and has lost eight stone during his battle against the deadly virus.

Last week, Kate gave a heartbreaking update on her husband's ongoing battle with Covid-19, saying 'his body has been ravaged' by the virus.

Simpler times: The mother-of-two appeared on I'm A Celebrity in 2019 alongside Myles Stephenson, Caitlyn Jenner and Jacqueline Jossa. She finished the show in fourth place

Healthy habits: Kate also said she made some changes, saying she now drinks lots of hot water, after not being allowed tea in the jungle, which makes 'a big difference' to how she feels

Kate spoke to Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid about her upcoming book which will detail the last year of her family's life, admitting she's been feeling 'physically low and at the end of my tether' since Christmas.

The mother-of-two appeared emotional as she also told how a friend's mother-in-law had died from Covid at the age of just 51 after contracting the virus late last month.

Kate told GMB: 'It's been a strange time, I've been a bit low since Christmas - physically low, I felt physically at the end of my tether and had to regroup a bit.

'This week, a friend of mine's mother-in-law, who is 51 - younger than me - died from Covid. She got it at Christmas, it went down very quickly and she died, I just thought I can't believe that here we are so far on.'

Sad: Last week, Kate gave a heartbreaking update on her husband's ongoing battle with Covid-19, saying 'his body has been ravaged' by the virus

While Derek no longer has coronavirus, the disease has left him suffering from multiple health conditions including diabetes and holes in his heart and lungs.

'Derek's still ravaged from the effects of Covid from way back in March, his recovery is incredibly uncertain,' Kate explained last Thursday.

Kate added that she's working with Derek's medical team to come up with new treatments but she's finding the scale of the current Covid death rate 'unbearable'.

Tough year: Kate spoke to her co-stars about her upcoming book which will detail the last year of her family's life. Released in April, the GMB star's book is titled The Power Of Hope

'I'm trying to look for new things and new ways and talking to doctors about what we can do for him meanwhile people are still dying in extraordinary numbers - people that aren't older and haven't got underlying conditions, it's unbearable.'

She added to Piers that he inspired her to write her book The Power Of Hope after he told her to keep a diary since the early days of Derek's illness: 'You and Susanna say: "You're just an inspiration to keep going", and I thought if I could tell my story and some of the people that have helped me then maybe that will be helpful for people.'

Susanna was full of praise for her friend, telling her: 'What I think is so inspiring is that we know the hell that you are going through but you still turn up all of the time, you're always just you.

'You've still got a smile, it's a joy to interact with you and a lot of people think: 'How can she maintain that?'

'And that's one of the things I'd like to know from you - when you're in your lowest, darkest place how can you still look to the light?'

'The book is not a completely written I must admit. I am about a third a way through it,' Kate said, adding that writing the book, which will be released in April, has helped her emotionally.

She also revealing the poignant words Piers told her in March 2020 when Derek was first hospitalised.

Her co-star had referenced a cartoon comic that now-President Joe Biden told him about after losing his son; an animation of someone asking God: 'Why me?', and God replying: 'Why not?'

Kate explained that she sees that cartoon as inspirational, telling Piers and Susanna: 'It works to inspire you with confidence, what was so powerful about taking that message on board is you don't waste energy on the unfairness of the world, you pour it into trying to solve it.

'I then started saying, when they told me that Derek's chances of survival were next to nothing and will probably die But some people were surviving it, and I thought: 'Well, why not? Why can't Derek survive?' and 'Why can't Derek now be the one who bucks his damage and recovers?''

'You can start to flip it to shift away the unfairness and try and take it as a positive, and think why not me be the one who comes through this?

'I think it just takes away that grinding horror of unfairness in all situations.'

Read the full interview with Kate Garraway in the March issue of Good Housekeeping, on sale January 29.


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Snow at Dodge Ridge View Photo

A winter storm will move into Northern California on Monday and bring snow to the upper elevations of the Northern Sierra Nevada.

The snow levels with this system are forecast to remain relatively high, with the majority of the snow accumulation happening around the 6,000 foot elevation and above.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the Northern Sierra Nevada above 6,000 feet, from Monday morning through Tuesday evening.

Heavy snowfall will make mountain travel difficult to near impossible at times, with the likelihood of chain controls and significantly reduced visibility.

As of this morning, Highway 88 Carson Pass remains closed at Carson Spur. Chain and four-wheel-drive requirements begin at the east entrance of Twain Harte on Highway 108 and in Arnold on Highway 4. For the latest road conditions, click the Traffic tab above.

A Winter Storm Watch means that there is the potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size As a child, Suzanne Simard often roamed Canadas old-growth forests with her siblings, building forts from fallen branches, foraging mushrooms and huckleberries and occasionally eating handfuls of dirt (she liked the taste). Her grandfather and uncles, meanwhile, worked nearby as horse loggers, using low-impact methods to selectively harvest cedar, Douglas fir and white pine. They took so few trees that Simard never noticed much of a difference. The forest seemed ageless and infinite, pillared with conifers, jewelled with raindrops and brimming with ferns and fairy bells. She experienced it as nature in the raw: a mythic realm, perfect as it was. When she began attending the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, she was elated to discover forestry: an entire field of science devoted to her beloved domain. It seemed like the natural choice. By the time she was in grad school at Oregon State University, however, Simard understood that commercial clear-cutting had largely superseded the sustainable logging practices of the past. Loggers were replacing diverse forests with homogeneous plantations, evenly spaced in upturned soil stripped of most underbrush. Without any competitors, the thinking went, the newly planted trees would thrive. Instead, they were frequently more vulnerable to disease and climatic stress than trees in old-growth forests. In particular, Simard noticed that up to 10 per cent of newly planted Douglas fir were likely to get sick and die whenever nearby aspen, paper birch and cottonwood were removed. The reasons were unclear. The planted saplings had plenty of space, and they received more light and water than trees in old, dense forests. So why were they so frail? Simard suspected the answer was buried in the soil. Underground, trees and fungi form partnerships known as mycorrhizae: threadlike fungi envelop and fuse with tree roots, helping them extract water and nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen in exchange for some of the carbon-rich sugars the trees make through photosynthesis. Research had demonstrated that mycorrhizae also connected plants to one another and that these associations might be ecologically important, but most scientists had studied them in greenhouses and laboratories, not in the wild. For her doctoral thesis, Simard decided to investigate fungal links between Douglas fir and paper birch in the forests of British Columbia. Apart from her supervisor, she didnt receive much encouragement from her mostly male peers. The old foresters were like, Why dont you just study growth and yield?  Simard told me. I was more interested in how these plants interact. They thought it was all very girlie. Now a professor of forest ecology at the University of British Columbia, Simard, who is 60, has studied webs of root and fungi in the Arctic, temperate and coastal forests of North America for nearly three decades. Her initial inklings about the importance of mycorrhizal networks were prescient, inspiring whole new lines of research that ultimately overturned long-standing misconceptions about forest ecosystems. By analysing the DNA in root tips and tracing the movement of molecules through underground conduits, Simard has discovered that fungal threads link nearly every tree in a forest  even trees of different species. Carbon, water, nutrients, alarm signals and hormones can pass from tree to tree through these subterranean circuits. Resources tend to flow from the oldest and biggest trees to the youngest and smallest. Chemical alarm signals generated by one tree prepare nearby trees for danger. Seedlings severed from the forests underground lifelines are much more likely to die than their networked counterparts. And if a tree is on the brink of death, it sometimes bequeaths a substantial share of its carbon to its neighbours.

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Although Simards peers were sceptical and sometimes even disparaging of her early work, they now generally regard her as one of the most rigorous and innovative scientists studying plant communication and behaviour. David Janos, co-editor of the scientific journal Mycorrhiza, characterised her published research as sophisticated, imaginative, cutting-edge. Jason Hoeksema, a University of Mississippi biology professor who has studied mycorrhizal networks, agreed: I think she has really pushed the field forward. Loading Some of Simards studies now feature in textbooks and are widely taught in graduate-level classes on forestry and ecology. She was also a key inspiration for a central character in Richard Powerss 2019 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Overstory: the visionary botanist Patricia Westerford. In May, Knopf will publish Simards own book, Finding the Mother Tree, a vivid and compelling memoir of her lifelong quest to prove that the forest was more than just a collection of trees. Before Simard and other ecologists revealed the extent and significance of mycorrhizal networks, foresters typically regarded trees as solitary individuals that competed for space and resources and were otherwise indifferent to one another. Simard and her peers have demonstrated that this framework is far too simplistic. An old-growth forest is neither an assemblage of stoic organisms tolerating one anothers presence nor a merciless battle royale: its a vast, ancient and intricate society. There is conflict in a forest, but there is also negotiation, reciprocity and perhaps even selflessness. The trees, understorey plants, fungi and microbes in a forest are so thoroughly connected, communicative and co-dependent that some scientists have described them as superorganisms. Recent research suggests that mycorrhizal networks also perfuse prairies, grasslands, chaparral and Arctic tundra  essentially everywhere there is life on land. Together, these symbiotic partners knit earths soils into nearly contiguous living networks of unfathomable scale and complexity. I was taught that you have a tree, and its out there to find its own way, Simard told me. Its not how a forest works, though. Suzanne Simards hunch about how groups of trees interact revolutionised forest ecology. Credit:Brendan George Ko/The New York Times Licensing Group/Redux

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In mid-2019, I met Simard in Nelson, a small mountain town not far from where she grew up in southern British Columbia. One morning we drove up a winding road to an old-growth forest and began to hike. The first thing I noticed was the aroma. The air was piquant and subtly sweet, like orange peel and cloves. Above our heads, great green plumes filtered the sunlight, which splashed generously onto the forest floor in some places and merely speckled it in others. Gnarled roots laced the trail beneath our feet, diving in and out of the soil like sea serpents. I was so preoccupied with my own experience of the forest that it did not even occur to me to consider how the forest might be experiencing us  until Simard brought it up. These trees are very perceptive. Very perceptive of whos growing around them. Im really interested in whether they perceive us. These trees are very perceptive, she said. Very perceptive of whos growing around them. Im really interested in whether they perceive us. I asked her to clarify what she meant. Simard explained that trees sense nearby plants and animals and alter their behaviour accordingly: the gnashing mandibles of an insect might prompt the production of chemical defences, for example. Some studies have even suggested that plant roots grow toward the sound of running water and that certain flowering plants sweeten their nectar when they detect a bees wing beats. Trees perceive lots of things, Simard said. So why not us, too? I considered the possibility. Wed been walking through this forest for more than an hour. Our sweat glands had been wafting pungent chemical compounds. Our voices and footsteps were sending pressure waves through the air and soil. Our bodies brushed against trunks and displaced branches. Suddenly it seemed entirely plausible that the trees had noticed our presence. A little farther along the trail, we found a sunny alcove where we stopped to rest and chat, laying our backpacks against a log plush with moss and lichen. A multitude of tiny plants sprouted from the logs green fleece. I asked Simard what they were. She bent her head for a closer look, tucking her frizzy blond hair behind her ears, and called out what she saw: queens cup, a kind of lily; five-leaved bramble, a type of wild raspberry; and both cedar and hemlock seedlings. As she examined the log, part of it collapsed, revealing the decaying interior. Simard dug deeper with her thumbs, exposing a web of rubbery, mustard-yellow filaments embedded in the wood. Mycorrhizae in the soil between Douglas firs. Credit:Brendan George Ko/The New York Times Licensing Group/Redux Thats a fungus! she said. That is Piloderma. Its a very common

mycorrhizal fungus  one she had encountered and studied many times before in circumstances exactly like these. This mycorrhizal network is actually linked up to that tree. She gestured toward a nearby hemlock that stood at least 30 metres tall. That tree is feeding these seedlings.

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In some of her earliest and most famous experiments, Simard planted mixed groups of young Douglas fir and paper birch trees in forest plots and covered the trees with individual plastic bags. In each plot, she injected the bags surrounding one tree species with radioactive carbon dioxide and the bags covering the other species with a stable carbon isotope, a variant of carbon with an unusual number of neutrons. The trees absorbed the unique forms of carbon through their leaves. Later, she pulverised the trees and analysed their chemistry to see if any carbon had passed from species to species underground. It had. In the summer, when the smaller Douglas fir trees were generally shaded, carbon mostly flowed from birch to fir. In autumn, when evergreen Douglas fir was still growing and deciduous birch was losing its leaves, the net flow reversed. As her earlier observations of failing Douglas fir had suggested, the two species appeared to depend on each other. No one had ever traced such a dynamic exchange of resources through mycorrhizal networks in the wild. In 1997, part of Simards thesis was published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature  a rare feat for someone so green. Nature featured her research on its cover with the title The Wood-Wide Web, a moniker that eventually proliferated through the pages of published studies and popular science writing alike. In 2002, Simard secured her current professorship at the University of British Columbia, where she continued to study interactions among trees, understorey plants and fungi. In collaboration with students and colleagues around the world, she made a series of remarkable discoveries. Mycorrhizal networks were abundant in North Americas forests. Most trees were generalists, forming symbioses with dozens to hundreds of fungal species. In one study of six Douglas fir stands measuring about 930 square metres each, almost all the trees were connected underground by no more than three degrees of separation; one especially large and old tree was linked to 47 other trees and projected to be connected to at least 250 more; and seedlings that had full access to the fungal network were 26 per cent more likely to survive than those that did not. Depending on the species involved, mycorrhizae supplied trees and other plants with up to 40 per cent of the nitrogen they received from the environment and as much as 50 per cent of the water they needed to survive. Below ground, trees traded between 10 and 40 per cent of the carbon stored in their roots. When Douglas fir seedlings were stripped of their leaves and thus likely to die, they transferred stress signals and a substantial sum of carbon to nearby ponderosa pine, which subsequently accelerated their production of defensive enzymes. Simard also found that denuding a harvested forest of all trees, ferns, herbs and shrubs  a common forestry practice  did not always improve the survival and growth of newly planted trees. In some cases, it was harmful. When Simard started publishing her provocative studies, some of her peers loudly disapproved. They questioned her novel methodology and disputed her conclusions. Many were perplexed as to why trees of different species would help one another at their own expense  an extraordinary level of altruism that seemed to contradict the core tenets of Darwinian evolution. Soon, most references to her studies were immediately followed by citations of published rebuttals. A shadow was growing over my work, Simard writes in her upcoming book. By searching for hints of interdependence in the forest floor, she had inadvertently provoked one of the oldest and most intense debates in biology: Is co-operation as central to evolution as competition? Douglas fir as a seedling. Credit:Getty Images The question of whether plants possess some form of sentience or agency has a long and fraught history. Although plants are obviously alive, they are rooted to the earth and mute, and they rarely move on a relatable timescale; they seem more like passive aspects of the environment than agents within it. Western culture, in particular, often consigns plants to a liminal space between object and organism. It is precisely this ambiguity that makes the possibility of plant intelligence and society so intriguing  and so contentious.

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In a 1973 book titled The Secret Life of Plants, the journalists Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird claimed that plants had souls, emotions and musical preferences, that they felt pain and psychically absorbed the thoughts of other creatures, and that they could track the movement of the planets and predict earthquakes. To make their case, the authors indiscriminately mixed genuine scientific findings with the observations and supposed studies of quacks and mystics. Many scientists lambasted the book as nonsense. Nevertheless, it became a New York Times bestseller and inspired cartoons in The New Yorker and Doonesbury. Ever since, botanists have been especially wary of anyone whose claims about plant behaviour and communication verge too close to the pseudoscientific. In most of her published studies, Simard, who considered becoming a writer before she discovered forestry, is careful to use conservative language, but when addressing the public, she embraces metaphor and reverie in a way that makes some scientists uncomfortable. In a TED Talk Simard gave in 2016, she describes a world of infinite biological pathways, species that are interdependent like yin and yang and veteran trees that send messages of wisdom on to the next generation of seedlings. She calls the oldest, largest and most interconnected trees in a forest mother trees  a phrase meant to evoke their capacity to nurture those around them, even when they arent literally their parents. In her book, she compares mycorrhizal networks to the human brain. And she has spoken openly of her spiritual connection to forests. Some of the scientists I interviewed worry that Simards studies do not fully substantiate her boldest claims and that the popular writing related to her work sometimes misrepresents the true nature of plants and forests. For example, in his international bestseller, The Hidden Life of Trees, the forester Peter Wohlleben writes that trees optimally divide nutrients and water among themselves, that they probably enjoy the feeling of fungi merging with their roots and that they even possess maternal instincts. There is value in getting the public excited about all of the amazing mechanisms by which forest ecosystems might be functioning, but sometimes the speculation goes too far, the University of Mississippis Hoeksema said. It will be really interesting to see how much experimental evidence emerges to support some of the big ideas we have been getting excited about. At this point other researchers have replicated most of Simards major findings. Its now well accepted that resources travel among trees and other plants connected by mycorrhizal networks. Most ecologists also agree that the amount of carbon exchanged among trees is sufficient to benefit seedlings, as well as older trees that are injured, entirely shaded or severely stressed, but researchers still debate whether shuttled carbon makes a meaningful difference to healthy adult trees. On a more fundamental level, it remains unclear exactly why resources are exchanged among trees in the first place, especially when those trees are not closely related. Loading In their autobiographies, Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace each credited Thomas Malthus as a key inspiration for their independent formulations of evolution by natural selection. Malthuss 1798 essay on population helped the naturalists understand that all living creatures were locked into a ceaseless contest for limited natural resources. Darwin was also influenced by Adam Smith, who believed that societal order and efficiency could emerge from competition among inherently selfish individuals in a free market. Similarly, the planets dazzling diversity of species and their intricate relationships, Darwin would show, emerged from inevitable processes of competition and selection, rather than divine craftsmanship. Darwins theory of evolution by natural selection is obviously 19th-century capitalism writ large, wrote the evolutionary biologist Richard Lewontin.

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California's new ethnic studies curriculum, rather than being the "we all love each other, kumbaya" programs nice middle-class progressives imagined, is incorporating hardcore anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism, along with all the other racially divisive, anti-American, pro-socialist material we've come to expect from the left. This has come as a shock to Democrat party Jews who supported "woke" politics.

The Jews I knew in California were nice, caring, people, who were all Democrats. They loathed Trump, believed in the Russia hoax, supported both impeachments, adored Gavin Newsom, were out there protesting with Black Lives Matter, kvelled over Kamala Harris and her secular Jewish husband, and celebrated hard when Biden won the presidency.

They tutted about, but never took seriously, the rise of anti-Semitism within the Democrat party. They weren't pleased when the Women's March took on a strong anti-Semitic tone, but they assured themselves that the real anti-Semitism in America was among those right-wing Trump-supporters.

They couldn't understand how Trump, whom they viewed as a leader of white supremacists, was the strongest ally Israel has ever had in the White House. The same cognitive struggle occurred when Trump started making peace in the Middle East  even as they celebrated it, they lambasted Trump and Jared Kushner and assured each other that Biden would do better.

Things hit close to home, though, when they realized that California is lining up the most openly anti-Semitic effort in America since Father Coughlin and Henry Ford put their heads together back in the 1920s and 1930s. This vile push started in 2016 when then-governor Jerry Brown signed a law mandating an ethnic studies curriculum for California high schools. In California, the fact that students can't read or do math is infinitely less important than making sure that they get racially indoctrinated.

Instead of being like our old 1960s social studies classes, which took us on a cheery voyage introducing us to children around the world (they're just like us only with quaint cultural customs!), the new curriculum is a woke mess of micro-labels, intersectionality, socialism, and hardcore Jew-hatred. In a must-read article, Tablet sums it up:

In one sample lesson, [Kaplan] saw that a list of historic U.S. social movements  ones like Black Lives Matter, #MeToo, Criminal Justice Reform  also included the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement for Palestine (BDS), described as a "global social movement that currently aims to establish freedom for Palestinians living under apartheid conditions." Kaplan wondered why a foreign movement, whose target was another country, would be mischaracterized as a domestic social movement, and she was shocked that in a curriculum that would be taught to millions of students, BDS's primary goal  the elimination of Israel  was not mentioned. Kaplan also saw that the 1948 Israel War of Independence was only referred to as the "Nakba"  "catastrophe" in Arabic  and Arabic verses included in the sample lessons were insulting and provocative to Jews. Kaplan, 53, a Bay Area mother of two grown children who describes herself as a lifelong Democrat, was further surprised to discover that a list of 154 influential people of color did not include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis, or Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, though it included many violent revolutionaries. There was even a flattering description of Pol Pot, the communist leader of Cambodia's Khmer Rouge, who was responsible for the murder of a quarter of the Cambodian population during the 1970s. Kaplan began calling friends. "Have you read this?" she asked, urging them to plow through the 600-page document. The language was bewildering. "Ethnic Studies is about people whose cultures, hxrstories, and social positionalities are forever changing and evolving. Thus, Ethnic Studies also examines borders, borderlands, mixtures, hybridities, nepantlas, double consciousness, and reconfigured articulations. " This was the telltale jargon of critical race theory, a radical doctrine that has swept through academic disciplines during the last few decades. The new curriculum, which will eventually be promulgated throughout the California school system of 6 million children, would "critique empire and its relationship to white supremacy, racism, patriarchy, cisheteropatriarchy, capitalism, ableism  and other forms of power and oppression," according to the proposal. It would "build new possibilities for post-imperial life that promotes collective narratives of transformative resistance." Capitalism was classified as a form of "power and oppression," and although "classism, homophobia, Islamophobia, and transphobia" were also listed as forms of oppression, anti-Semitism was not. Jewish Americans were not even mentioned as a minority group.

(Please read the whole important article.)

My Jewish friends wanted Democrat party governance, and they're about to get it good and hard. As California goes, so goes America. And while I'd love to revel in schadenfreude, I can't. We all need to fight it because anti-Semitism always comes as part of a package of hatred and tyranny. Going back millennia, it's always the canary in the coalmine for the worst that any culture has to offer.
(Photo : Tom Ervin/Getty Images) A new malaria mosquito arises in Africa.

A new study concluded that a new malaria mosquito has been invading the cities in Africa lately.

The emergence of the new malaria mosquito

Besides COVID-19, Africa has another battle that they should face now - the rise of the foreign mosquitoes that are known carriers of malaria.

The new mosquito is India's deadly disease transmitter, the Anopheles stephensi larvae. Presently, the new malaria mosquito is now in big numbers in Africa cities which was confirmed by Armauer Hansen Research Institute in Ethiopia and The Netherlands' Radboud University Medical Center.

According to CNN, these vectors have already appeared some years ago in Africa, but now, their numbers have become even threatening to the people.

Experts said that the abundance of Indian mosquitoes can be seen in the cities of Ethiopia through water containers. They also believed that can also acquire malaria strains from the country.

While the majority of the mosquitoes from Africa make their breeding sites in rural areas, the experts warned that the new vector was also invasive in African urban areas. Researchers concluded that a huge malaria risk posed in the cities of Sudan, Djibouti, and Ethiopia was observed.

"To our surprise, the Asian mosquito turned out to be even more susceptible to local malaria parasites than our Ethiopian mosquito colony," told Teun Bousema, a professor at Radboud University Medical Center in Nijmegen.

Read Also: Apple Car Production Partnership Now a 'Concern of Divided' Hyundai Execs: Second Report

The epidemiology of tropical infectious diseases expert added that the mosquito seems to be an efficient host of two malaria species in the region.

On Wednesday, a journal entitled " Emerging Infectious Diseases" was released on EurekAlert, where the experts noted that the spread of the deadly carriers should be stopped immediately in the rest of African urban areas.

Fitsam Tadesse, one of the authors in the study, said that targetting the larvae of the mosquitoes to spread even in distant areas like seaports and airports should be done. Tadesse added that if the plan will fail, there is a big tendency that the malaria case in urban areas will increase.

For Jo Lines, an expert who specialized in vector biology and malaria control, the results of the study were important. Lines continued that the mosquitoes should get rid of as soon as possible, or else they will be a big problem to the community.

Moreover, Lines said that the whole country should act urgently on the problem. Chances are if preventive and necessary measures are not implemented earlier, the Anopheles stephensi could now be one of East Africa's native mosquitoes.

Early cases of emergence of new mosquitoes in other countries

Lines recalled the case of the Asian tiger mosquito. He said that if negligence and lack of urgency happened, the rise in the number of foreign mosquitoes will be higher.

From 2016 to 2017, Anopheles stephensi first appeared in Sri Lanka. It became abundant in the country since then.

In June 2019, another local mosquito from India has emerged. This time, the Aedes vittatus appeared in North America in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as per BBC.

For some time, these cases raise alarm to everyone that even a mosquito from other places can be a locally 'invasive' mosquito in the long run.

Related Article: Why Some Mosquitoes Spread Malaria and Others Don't

This article is owned by Tech Times.

Written by Joen Coronel

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

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The Wiggles have been given a spot in managed isolation, while Kiwis are still struggling to get home.



On the same day the childrens entertainers were given the green light, Trev Ponting, 46, who was diagnosed with brain tumours and given just months to live, was knocked back. There is no emergency spot for him to come home to see his family.



There is a high threshold for the 150 emergency allocation rooms available each fortnight, but according to the managed isolation and quarantine emergency allocation team, Trevs situation doesnt meet the criteria.



We know at this point that were going to lose him and to have his family here and his children here to help support them, that would just be everything, says Yvonne Ponting of her brother, who lives in Japan with his wife and children.

General public spaces in MIQ have been booked until the end of May.

Even if we manage to get a managed isolation spot just via the general public way, he's going to be dead by the time he gets his spot," says Yvonne.

She feared there was a two-prong risk for the family. Firstly, that Trev would not make it home to New Zealand in time altogether or that he would get back, but not recognise his family due to his worsening brain tumours.

Twelve people from the Wiggles were granted vouchers for spaces left aside for contingencies.

Meanwhile, the countrys managed isolation and quarantine system remains in the spotlight after a staffer of the Grand Millennium hotel in Auckland had an inappropriate encounter with a returnee in their room for 20 minutes. The pair exchanged notes, one on a face mask. The employee was later fired.

The investigation into the Pullman Hotel, the facility at the centre of the latest community cases, continues. All outgoing guests are required to complete self-isolation at home and undergo another Covid-19 test after being released.

And the practice of bussing returnees across Auckland for exercise in a fenced off area has been labelled stupid by a leading epidemiologist.

On the travel bubble front, Australia is planning to review its pause on the green zone, daily. The countrys health minister cited New Zealands tremendous testing blitz as the basis for the ongoing review.

The two-way trans-Tasman bubble is still being worked on in the background, with the belief it may inflate in as little as eight weeks.

And although theres no evidence of community transmission, event organisers have made the decision to cancel Auckland Waitangi Day celebrations.

Global toll

More than 101 million people have been infected by Covid-19 worldwide and over 2.1 million have died as a result, according to Johns Hopkins University.

The United States continues to record the most infections and fatalities - 25.8 million cases and 434,126 deaths.

India and Brazil have also recorded high concentrations of cases and deaths - India has reported 10.7 million cases and 154,010 deaths, while Brazil has just over 9 million cases and 221,547 deaths.

The highly-transmissible South African variant of the virus is sweeping South Africa and exhibiting a terrifying dominance.

The spread of the new variants has forced the United Kingdom to introduce a ban on all incoming flights from the United Arab Emirates, Rwanda, and Burundi.

What should I do?

Anyone who wants to get tested can find their local testing centres by visiting the Ministry of Health website.

New Zealand is at Covid-19 alert level 1.

Masks are mandatory for people travelling on public transport services in and out of the Auckland region; the drivers of small passenger service vehicles in Auckland, such as taxis and app-based ride services; and people travelling on passenger flights throughout New Zealand.

If you are sick, call your GP before you visit, or Healthline on 0800 358 5453.

To avoid contracting and spreading the virus, wash your hands properly, cough and sneeze into the crook of your elbow and throw tissues away immediately.

Reach out, find support from people who care, connect with your community or help a neighbour in need.



Steven Walton/Stuff

Sophie performs at Heaven in London in 2018. (Burak Cingi / Redferns via Getty Images)

Sophie, the Scottish-born producer whose serrated, insatiably imaginative electronic music demolished boundaries between pop and experimental music, has died. She was 34.

The artist, whose full name was Sophie Xeon, fell from the balcony of an Athens apartment very early Saturday morning, according to a local police spokesperson who spoke to the Associated Press. Sophies label, Transgressive, confirmed her death in a statement.

Tragically, our beautiful Sophie passed away this morning after a terrible accident. True to her spirituality she had climbed up to watch the full moon and accidentally slipped and fell.

In less than a decade, Sophie grew from a sly, intentionally cryptic project at the edges of noise and dance music into a commercially powerful figure who co-wrote Madonnas 2015 hit Bitch Im Madonna and earned a Grammy nomination in 2018 for her LP Oil of Every Pearls Un-Insides. She was a favorite collaborator of like-minded progressive pop acts like Lady Gaga and Charli XCX, and rappers like Vince Staples and Nicki Minaj saw a kindred spirit in her witty, sometimes harsh but exultant productions.

The loss of Sophie is huge, wrote super-producer Jack Antonoff on Twitter on Saturday. Shes been at the forefront for a long time and we see her influence in every corner of music. If youre not aware of what she has done then today is the day to listen to all her brilliant work. Youll hear an artist who arrived before everyone else.

Sophie was one of the highest-profile transgender musicians working today, though for much of her early career, she kept her identity in the background.

Born in Glasgow on Sept. 17, 1986, she credited her father with introducing her to dance music.

"He had brilliant instincts, taking me to raves when I was very young. He bought me the rave cassette tapes before I went to the events and would play them in the car and be like, 'This is going to be important for you,' " she told Lenny Letter in 2018.

Story continues

She released her first track as Sophie in 2013. The music was sui generis  nodding to house music, synth pop and mainstream pop, but often ferociously heavy and rippling with tension. She was at the forefront of a loose movement of hyperpop acts, often orbiting around the PC Music artist collective, that treated the margins of noise and club music as if they were Top 40 radio.

In a review of an early show at the Teragram Ballroom, The Times said that Sophies songs cant rely on the promise of gossip or confession; they dont deepen our understanding of a semi-realistic character we think we know from interviews and social media. What the music gets over on instead is pure sensation.

That move was intentional: Sophies music was meant to be heard on its own terms, which were often challenging but always snapped a listener to attention. Songs like Just Like We Never Said Goodbye and Bipp used pitch-warped vocal hooks and hard pivots of synthesizers to play with the idea of a triumphant club moment, but always subverted it.

Without a doubt some of the most interesting sounds Ive heard had come from her, the L.A. producer Flying Lotus wrote Saturday after her death.

Sophie enjoyed the play between artifice and authenticity  her 2015 debut album Product came packaged as a silicone object that strongly resembled a sex toy. She licensed a standout early song, Lemonade, to McDonalds for an advertisement, a move that would seem desperate for most rising acts but felt conceptually transgressive from her (she naturally included the track on Product). In 2015, she moved to Los Angeles to better immerse herself in the pop firmament.

I think of [L.A.] like that because its too perfect to be true, she told New York magazine in 2017. I think you feel more liberated in a foreign country. Youre more open. You understand less about the social constructs that exist in a certain place, so you take people more at face value, and youre also taken more at face value, which makes you more able to be yourself.

Although early tours cloaked Sophies presence with drag-club-style lip-syncing or foggy stage setups, tracks like 2017s Its Okay to Cry began to put her face and unaltered voice front and center, to powerful emotional effect. But other singles like Ponyboy and Faceshopping pushed her sound in even more thrashing, delirious directions. Fame seemed to make her more eager to blow up pop conventions rather than submit to them.

Sophies coming out in 2018, coinciding with the release of Oil, was a milestone for LGBTQ fans and peers, who saw one of their generations most technically gifted and ambitious producers reveal more of herself and her life. While experimental electronic music has long attracted trans and gender-disrupting acts like Wendy Carlos and Genesis P-Orridge, Sophie had designs on pop success, even as her music remained uncompromising.

My music is political, but talking about politics is boring, she told Out magazine in 2018. Id rather have a more emotional conversation through the music. You can say something more multidimensional. Pop music is the most relevant format we have to discuss anything. A song can have meaning to people anywhere, without any context.

Trans-fronted acts like Kim Petras and 100 gecs and queer pop acts like Christine and the Queens pulled from her aesthetic template and took her ideas in new directions. For young LGBTQ fans searching for music that felt like the discovery or invention of a new self, Sophie was perhaps the most important artist working today.

Transness is taking control to bring your body more in line with your soul and spirit so the two aren't fighting against each other and struggling to survive," she told Paper magazine in 2018. "On this earth, it's that you can get closer to how you feel your true essence is without the societal pressures of having to fulfill certain traditional roles based on gender.

Generations of songwriters, from veterans of '70s disco to cutting-edge Gen Z producers, found much to look up to.

Rest in Power SOPHIE! You were one of the most innovative, dynamic, and warm persons I had the pleasure of working with, wrote Nile Rodgers, the founder of Chic and one of Sophies forebears in conceptual dance music.

Rest In Peace to SOPHIE. I found myself so consistently inspired by her and in awe of her production. Heartbroken to hear this, said Finneas, Billie Eilishs brother and producer.

Her label's statement did not name any survivors, and representatives did not immediately return requests for information.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Most employees in Florida nursing homes and assisted living faciities are refusing to take the COVID 19 vaccine. Investigative Reporter Katie LaGrone reports on the growing concerns and what state leaders hope will ease fears.
The Senate hasnt even begun Mr. Trumps second impeachment trial and an acquittal already appears preordained. This week, 45 of 50 Republicans in the Senate backed an objection raised by Senator Rand Paul, Republican of Kentucky, arguing that trying an ex-president would be unconstitutional  essentially trying to invalidate the entire process.

The partys rush to judgment is even more surprising given that Senate Republicans are all witnesses, as well as jurors, in this trial. Most were in the chamber during the attack, eventually fleeing to shelter within the Capitol complex. A few could even be considered co-defendants for stoking the baseless claims about election fraud that incited the riot.

Of course, new information about the attacks could emerge, prompting Senate Republicans to change their mind about the former presidents culpability. But while the country still reels from the bitter division, baseless claims and armed militias that marked the last election, politicians have already begun casting their eyes to the next one.

In the House, the 10 Republicans who supported impeachment face primary challenges, censures and other rebukes from their party. Others who offered mild criticism of Mr. Trumps role in the attack are now trying to hustle their way back into his good graces. Representative Kevin McCarthy, the House minority leader and a staunch Trump ally, notably added a stop at Mar-a-Lago to his schedule during a fund-raising swing through Palm Beach, Fla.  an effort to try to repair his relationship with the former president.

A third group is expected to opt out of the dance all together. Some senior Republicans worry that Senator Rob Portmans surprise announcement that he would not seek a third term in Ohio could be a harbinger, as more mainstream members grow weary of navigating the G.O.P.s rightward shift. As Mr. Portman put it: This is a tough time to be in public service.
The FBI seal is seen before a news conference at FBI headquarters in Washington on June 14, 2018. (Jose Luis Magana/AP Photo)

Ex-Trump Advisers Lament Light Sentencing for FBI Lawyer Who Falsified Evidence

Former President Donald Trump advisers said Friday an ex-FBI lawyer who admitted to falsifying evidence in Crossfire Hurricane avoiding jail time was an example of a double standard of justice.

[If] this was a Trump individual who had done this to the Obama administration or to the incoming Biden administration, this person would be in jail for the rest of their livesand rightfully so, Corey Lewandowski, a former Trump adviser, said on Newsmax.

Kevin Clinesmith, a former FBI lawyer, was sentenced to one year of probation, a $100 fine, and 400 hours of community service for changing an email. Clinesmith altered a message from the CIA to state that Trump aide Carter Page was not an asset for the agency, when the agency had said he was. The altered email was used to obtain spy warrants against Page.

Page, accused of being a spy for Russia, was probed by federal agents and smeared in media outlets. Officials later said the spying was improper and concluded Page was innocent.

Ruined a guys life, hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees, cant get a jobthis is the system at work, Stephen Bannon, another former Trump adviser, said on War Room.

Clinesmith told the court Friday that the email forgery was a critical error in judgment and an unnecessary shortcut.

Page told The Epoch Times previously that Clinesmith had an important position in this very serious process.

GOP lawmakers also panned the light sentence.

Are you kidding me?! This man used his position in the FBI to forge evidence and abuse the FISA court in order to SPY on Trump campaign officials. HE BROKE THE LAW. Any other person would be sitting in prison, Rep. Brian Babin (R-Texas) wrote in a tweet.

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) noted that government prosecutors recommended Clinesmith receive jail time, which is very rare.

Carter Page, petroleum industry consultant and former foreign policy adviser to Donald Trump, in New York City on Aug. 21, 2020. (Brendon Fallon/The Epoch Times)

Lawyers in the chain of prosecution altering documentsto mislead the Courtis one of the most damning things that can be done to the Rule of Law, Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) wrote on Twitter. They clearly altered documents and withheld exculpatory information from the FISA Court to continue a false narrative against an American citizen: Carter Page. This sentence will only further erode the American peoples confidence in DOJ and FBI, after they took the law into their own hands.

FISA stands for the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which established a shadowy court that has little oversight. The vast majority of spy applications are approved by judges behind closed doors, including the error-riddled applications to spy on Page.

Special Counsel John Durham is investigating the origins of Crossfire Hurricane, the FBIs probe into Trump and his campaign, but has brought no criminal cases except for Clinesmith.

Lewandowski said that to this day, no one has truly been held accountable at the FBI for lying to the FISA court, such as former top FBI officials James Comey and Andrew McCabe.

And we know that this whole thing was a made up fake story that came from Hillary Clintons staffer to justify why they lost the election, he added, referring to the unsubstantiated dossier compiled by ex-British spy Christopher Steele.

Ivan Pentchoukov and Jan Jekielek contributed to this report.
A 48-year-old Lyons man was booked into jail Friday and accused of setting his neighbors house ablaze after the Beachie Creek fire left both their homes untouched.

William Hopson is charged with arson and burglary, among other crimes, in connection with a Sept. 9 fire at his neighbors home, according to Oregon State Police. The Beachie Creek fire burned a devastating path through Marion County and forced residents of several towns to evacuate.

State and local fire investigators believe Hopson returned to the evacuated area the same day the fire broke out at his neighbors house on North Fork Road.

Troopers have not yet released any other details about the residential fire, and no court documents have been filed in the case.

Hopson will likely be arraigned in court Monday, Oregon State Police said.

-- The Oregonian/OregonLive
Im not sure its a good thing to be told by a restaurant that yours is one of the biggest orders theyve ever had  but thats what happens when we go to pick up our Saturday night dinner from Dash Burger. In fairness, there are five of us eating and Im under a professional obligation to try as many items on the menu as possible  but still we arent holding back. If you think that a burger is a burger is a burger, and theres not much difference between them, think again. (Certainly the lads who attempted the trip from Meath to collect their order from  allegedly  Grainne OKeeffes BuJo in Sandymount, only to be turned back in Ringsend and fined by spoilsport guards, would not agree. Yes, you can go beyond 5km to collect a takeaway, but 80km is pushing it). George Motz is a burger scholar (hows that for a job description?) who has made it his lifes work to traverse the burger belt of the United States on a mission to identify as many different regional variations as he can. Youll find Motz on YouTube and Instagram and his Great American Burger Book will teach you how to make many of these burgers at home. During lockdown last year, Dash Burgers Barry Wallace went down a burger rabbit hole, specifically a smashburger rabbit hole. According to Motz, its the cooking method that distinguishes one regional burger from another. Some burgers are poached, others baked or grilled. Smashburgers involve taking a ball of beef mince, seasoning it with salt and pepper and smashing it on the griddle with a heavy meat pestle to flatten it out until it is very thin, and then cooking it on a high heat until the Maillard reaction creates a dark, crisp crust. The particular smashburger that caught Barrys eye was the Oklahoma Onion burger, developed in the 1940s by someone who had the brilliant idea to reduce the amount of meat in the burger by 50pc, and add a quantity of very finely shaved onions on top. When the burger is flipped, the onions cook and their juices rise as steam into the meat. The resulting patty is crisp, craggy, juicy  and supremely tasty, with lacy edges that bring a bumper quotient of flavour to every mouthful. The double smash cheeseburger at Dash combines two patties with American cheese, onions, pickles and a secret burger sauce sandwiched inside a soft, pillowy potato roll. The roll is akin to those served at US burger temples such as Shake Shack and In-N-Out  pleasingly squishy, yet with enough grip to keep the burger contained within, so its not an overly messy eating experience. As well as being super-tasty, its notably not greasy. (Barry says he aims to make a burger you can eat at lunchtime without needing a nap afterwards). The key to a good burger is the ratio between lean meat and fat, 80:20 is considered ideal. Any less fat and the flavour will suffer. Barry is shy about naming the specific cuts he uses, but his burgers are made to order by Pat McLoughlin  the butcher who supplies many of Dublins best restaurants, including the two Michelin-star Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud  using 28-day aged beef. The chipotle version is pretty fine too, but for my money, the double smash cheeseburger is the one to go for as the flavour of the meat shines through. The chips are not too skinny, double-cooked and seasoned with a seaweed salt. Have them with a smoky, cheesy chipotle sauce if you are throwing all caution to the wind. Id prefer if they were more crisp, but thats a minor quibble. Free-range chicken tenders are pleasantly juicy. Dash Burger has quietly become the chefs burger joint of choice since it opened last September. I knew the trend was coming, says Barry, who applies the lessons he learned in a career in street fashion to fast casual dining. In the last couple of years, all the places winning the best burger competitions in the US  Goldburger, Burgers Never Say Die, Tripp Burgers and Easy Street Burgers  were serving smash burgers. Dinner for five costs 87.12.

The rating

9/10 Food

10/10 Experience

10/10 Value

29/30



ON A BUDGET

The Lil Dash  a small cheeseburger with ketchup and fries, for children or those with commendable discipline  costs 6.50.

ON A BLOW OUT

The triple smash cheeseburger with chipotle cheese fries and a secret sauce will set you back 31.90 for two.
[January 29, 2021] Small Business Owners: Second Round PPP Applications Are Now Being Accepted Through LendingUSA

SHERMAN OAKS, Calif., Jan. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As the pandemic continues, small business owners are facing tough financial times. LendingUSA, in partnership with Cross River Bank, is bringing relief to small business owners by assisting them with the provision of additional funds, not just to survive but to thrive in 2021. As the second round of the PPP launches, small business owners can apply for a loan of up to $2 million dollars for eligible expenses, subject to varying exceptions and eligibility criteria that may apply. The PPP is open for both first-time and second-time borrowers and requires no collateral or personal guarantees. PPP loans also provide qualifying eligible borrowers with loan forgiveness of up to 100% if loan proceeds are used for designated expenses while maintaining salaries and headcount for the covered period in accordance with the rules. Business owners applying for a second draw loan may have no more than 300 employees and must show at least a 25% reduction in revenue in accordance with the requirements. "LendingUSA is proud to be able to play a role to help small businesses by offering them the opportunity to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program in partnership with Cross River Bank," says Camilo Concha, founder and CEO of LedingUSA.



With the PPP, even seasonal employers are eligible for loans, defined as businesses that do not operate for more than seven months in a calendar year or earned no more than one-third of their receipts in any six months in the prior calendar year. LendingUSA and Cross River Bank are long-standing partners. Their partnership was formed with the intention of supporting small businesses, and they hope this latest round of PPP loans by the SBA will provide a sense of relief and financial reprieve to those small business owners who need it most and allow them to continue to provide quality services and products.

Apply for your PPP loan here, or call LendingUSA at (855) 416-8240 before the application deadline on March 31, 2021. All loan terms and program requirement are subject to change pending additional guidance, rules, and updates issued by the SBA. About LendingUSA LendingUSA is an award-winning point-of-sale fintech company that offers merchants a seamless financing solution with access to loan decisions in seconds, promotional financing terms, and low monthly payment options for its customers across various niche markets. Founded in 2015, LendingUSA has enrolled over 10,000 merchants nationwide and has processed over $2 billion in borrower loan requests. LendingUSA is committed to creating the best financing experience available through its proprietary point-of-sale lending solution. The company boasts a consumer rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on BirdEye. All loans are made by Cross River Bank, a New Jersey state-chartered bank, Member FDIC. Press Contact Amanda Krebs, Marketing Manager amanda@lendingusa.com Related Images apply-for-your-ppp-loan-today.jpg

Apply for your PPP Loan Today View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/small-business-owners-second-round-ppp-applications-are-now-being-accepted-through-lendingusa-301218408.html SOURCE LendingUSA

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A district court judge dismissed the second Lee High School-related lawsuit brought against Midland ISD last fall.

Judge Tryon Lewis, sitting by assignment in the District 238th Court, dismissed the lawsuit filed by Carie McNeil and the nonprofit organization Save Lee Rebels.

The original copy of the lawsuit filed on Oct. 29 showed a petition calling for the removal of James Fuller of District 1, Rick Davis of District 6, Robert Marquez of District 2, John Trischitti III of District 5 and John Kennedy of District 4.

That petition was amended to include Davis, Marquez and Trischitti. Kennedy opted not to run for reelection and Fuller lost a runoff for the District 1 seat.

The lawsuit stated that according to subchapter of Chapter 87 of the Texas Local Government Code, a district judge may  remove from office a member of the board of trustees of an independent school district and that Local Government Code 87.013 states a school board trustee may be removed for incompetency, which is defined as gross ignorance of official duties, gross carelessness in the discharge of those duties, or unfitness or inability to promptly and properly discharge official duties because of a serious physical or mental defect that did not exist at the time of the officers election.

In the order denying the request for citation and dismissing action, Lewis wrote, Having considered the statutory authority and the pleading of record, the court finds the petitioners request for citation is not well-taken and should be denied.

The cause of action was dismissed with the costs of court assessed against the petitioners.

In November, a lawsuit brought forth by Jeremy Shane Mansell against Midland ISD was dismissed. Mansell was seeking a temporary restraining order and temporary and permanent injunction against Midland ISD as the district attempted to rename Robert E. Lee High School and freshman school.

Older people across Ireland are invited to write a line of poetry for a Poemathon with Older People

Poetry Ireland with the Global Brain Health Institute (Trinity College Dublin) and Neuroscience Ireland is inviting older people across the island of Ireland to write a line of poetry for a Poemathon with Older People.

The contributions will be combined to form a longer poem that captures the thoughts and imaginings of older people right now in society. John Sheahan, one of Ireland's best known musicians and member of The Dubliners, has penned the opening line of the poem: 'intrepid intruder, stalker of unwashed hands'.

John, who is a frequent visitor to Dundalk where he has offspring living, will also be contributing the final line of the poem, which will be curated and edited by poet and editor Seamus Cashman.

Speaking about the project, John said: 'The Poemathon with Older People is helping to give a voice to an older generation - a wonderful way to bring us together creatively from all parts of the island of Ireland in a collaborative poem. I look forward to seeing how each contribution steers the poem, meandering like a river, towards its final destination when the finished poem is launched in March.'

Submissions to the Poemathon can be made through a form on Poetry Ireland's website until 5pm on February 12.

Niamh O'Donnell, Director of Poetry Ireland, said that the project is designed to give an opportunity to create, to imagine, and to write.

'The Poemathon is a creative opportunity to express reflections, reactions and responses to what is currently happening in society including the great number of changes to our lives, and particularly to the lives of older people, due to the Covid-19 restrictions,' she said.

'I'm really looking forward to reading their specific and deep insights into issues of isolation and togetherness, community and belonging, vulnerability, resilience and hope. It's really vital at this time to provide a space for their voices and thoughts while celebrating creativity for everyone and we're delighted John Sheahan is working with us on the Poemathon, along with the Global Brain Health Institute and Neuroscience Ireland.'
Controls for this years Protein Aid Scheme will for the first time be undertaken remotely through the use of the Area Monitoring System.

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD explains that Checks by Monitoring is an automated and continuous process. It will use satellite data along with other data sources to determine the agricultural activity on all land parcels declared by farmers under the Protein Aid Scheme in 2021.

To facilitate the implementation of the Area Monitoring System (AMS), which will be compulsory in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post 2020, a phased introduction is being implemented by Ireland for various schemes over the interim period. The first phase will see Checks by Monitoring (CbM) is being used for the Protein Aid Scheme in 2021.

Minister McConalogue said: The introduction of these new Checks by Monitoring in 2021 is a positive move towards the simplification of the CAP through the use of technology and in turn offers many benefits to farmers. These include reduced number of on-farm inspections and quicker notification when problems arise, allowing farmers the opportunity to amend their payment claim without penalty, where queries arise. The new notification system aims to minimise the occurrence of non-compliance.

Protein Aid Scheme

The Protein Aid Scheme is a voluntary coupled support scheme introduced in 2015. It provides support for the growing of protein crops to counteract the dependence on imported protein for use in animal feeds. In addition, these crops, which are nitrogen-fixing, provide important environmental benefits. The rate of payment varies from year to year depending on the number of hectares claimed in any given year, within a financial ceiling. In 2020 this ceiling was 3m and remains at 3m for 2021.
Brazils exports to the Arab countries continue to surge, driving the trade surplus to $6.11 billion in 2020, according to the latest figures released by the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC).

The South American countrys exports to the bloc of Arab countries generated $11.47 billion in revenue during the same year. Up 16.2 per cent from 2019, the $6.11 billion accounts for 12.2 per cent of the $50 billion all-time record trade surplus witnessed by Brazil throughout the year.

The ABCC report further showed that Brazilian sugar was the number one exported product to the Arab world last year, edging out poultry in terms of regional market share. The revenue from the commodity amounted to $2.87 billion, or 32.5 per cent higher compared to 2019.

Sugar was followed by poultry ($1.99 billion), iron ore ($1.40 billion), maize ($1.12 billion), beef ($968.03 million), and soy ($323.1 million). The UAE ($2 billion), Saudi Arabia ($1.89 billion) and Egypt ($1.75 billion) were the top three export destinations.

ABCC President Rubens Hannun said: "Arab countries remain to be one of Brazils leading international trade partners, only behind China and the US. The Arab-Brazil trade relations are only further growing."

"The region is also the second largest destination of agribusiness exports from Brazil. All these elements point to Arab states vital role in Brazils production sector," he stated.

Hannun pointed out that ABCC also assisted last year several companies from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, the UAE, Kuwait, Morocco and Sudan assigned by their governments to import beef, poultry, fish, sugar, rice, dairy, maize and fruits to address the surging demand for these products.

The ABCC report comes at a time when Arab countries are strengthening their trade ties with Brazil, which only has a free trade agreement with Egypt, as part of their food security strategies amid the pandemic.

The Chamber has supported calls for the creation of direct logistic lanes between the country and the Arab nations to further support stronger export and import activities. It has also backed the resumption of talks on free trade agreements post pandemic, particularly between Mercosur and Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine and the GCC.
SpaceX and Elon Musk were supposed to hold the test flight for the SN9 Starship on Thursday afternoon, and a rescheduled Friday morning, in which the company had already evacuated the area, but are not permitted. The FAA has yet again delayed SpaceX from continuing the launch, without any explanations and only saying that they have been in talks with the company.

The popular aerospace manufacturer and space technologies company, SpaceX, is met with another delay for their next-generation spacecraft that are meant for the journey to Mars in the coming years. The stainless steel Starship lineup has the SN9 scheduled for launch testing earlier this week after its static fire test earlier this month, it has not followed through.

SpaceX has met several delays on its launching with the Starships this month, after the static fire test that was perfect, having no RUDs (rapid unscheduled disassembly) or failures in any of its Raptor engines.

Read Also: Elon Musk Tweet Boosts Shopify, CD Projekt Red Stocks, Yet Again

Elon Musk Shares Photos of SN9, SN10 Starships But No Launch

CEO Elon Musk has recently shared photos of the towering pair of SN9 and SN10 Starships as they stand alone on an open field, waiting for the former's launch in Boca Chica, South Texas. The photo shows the SN9 and the farther SN10 that is yet to have its round of testing before it goes alongside SN8 and SN9 in their feat to test its Raptors in the air.

Starship SN9 & SN10 pic.twitter.com/urtPJn7amo  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 29, 2021

The multiple delays this week have frustrated the technology CEO, primarily with the FAA or Federal Aviation Authority's Space Division who is the main body that enforces rules among space agencies. Musk even went as far as calling the FAA Space's rules and regulations to be "broken structure" in a tweet, with the CEO verbally expressing his dismay.

Unlike its aircraft division, which is fine, the FAA space division has a fundamentally broken regulatory structure.



Their rules are meant for a handful of expendable launches per year from a few government facilities. Under those rules, humanity will never get to Mars.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 28, 2021

Elon Musk also said that under the FAA's rules and regulations, "humanity will never get to Mars," which is the CEO's goal, backed by his company, SpaceX.

SpaceX SN9 Starship High Altitude Flight Test Reschedules

SpaceX has released a press release on its website, detailing that the company would reschedule yet again as early as Monday, February 1, for the high altitude test flight of the SN9 Starship in Boca Chica. The company said that the public should stay tuned for any announcements on their social media pages, but as soon as the launch test is a go, it would live stream on the website.

FAA Space Reschedules and Coordinates with SpaceX for Next Launch

According to a Twitter user, Jeff Foust (@jeff_foust), he reached out to the FAA Space Division to confirm the launch but was ultimately canceled by the FAA's Operations Plan Advisory. According to Foust, a spokesperson for the FAA said that it would continue its work with SpaceX for the approval of the next test launch for the SN9.

Contacted the FAA about the mixed messages and got this response from an agency spokesperson: We will continue working with SpaceX to resolve outstanding safety issues before we approve the next test flight. Similar to what they said yesterday.  Jeff Foust (@jeff_foust) January 29, 2021

Related Article: Elon Musk Calls Out Robinhood for 'BS' Shorting Scam on Stock Trading-Only Allows Small-Time Investors!

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Written by Isaiah Alonzo

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
WASHINGTON  As the Biden administration considers whether it should pull remaining U.S. troops out of Afghanistan in the coming months, some fear for the fate of an American who could be left behind: an abducted contractor believed held by a Taliban-linked militant group.

On the one-year anniversary of Mark Frerichs abduction, family members and other supporters are urging the Biden administration not to withdraw additional troops without the Navy veteran being released from captivity. Frerichs was abducted one year ago Sunday while working in the country on engineering projects. U.S. officials believe he is in the custody of the Haqqani network, though the Taliban have not publicly acknowledged holding him.

We are confident that he's still alive and well, his sister, Charlene Cakora, said in an interview with The Associated Press. We don't have any thinking that he's dead or that he's injured.

For U.S. diplomats, Frerichs' captivity is a piece of a much larger geopolitical puzzle that aims to balance bringing troops home, after a two-decade conflict, with ensuring regional peace and stability. Biden administration officials have made clear that they are reviewing a February 2020 peace deal between the United States and the Taliban, concerned by whether the Taliban are meeting its commitment to reduce violence in Afghanistan.

The Trump administration, which had made the release of hostages and detainees a priority, ended without having brought home Frerichs, who is from Lombard, Illinois. He is one of several Americans the Biden administration is inheriting responsibility for, including journalist Austin Tice, who went missing in Syria in 2012, as well as U.S. Marine Trevor Reed and Michigan corporate executive Paul Whelan, both of whom are imprisoned in Russia.

It is unclear to what extent, if at all, Frerichs' fate will be complicated by the declining American military presence in Afghanistan committed to by the Trump administration. Days before President Joe Biden took office, the Trump administration announced that it had met its goal of reducing the number of troops in Afghanistan to about 2,500, part of a broader plan to remove all forces by May.

The Biden administration must determine how to handle that commitment.

New Secretary of State Antony Blinken held his first call Thursday with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and told him the administration was reviewing the peace deal. A State Department description of the conversation did not mention Frerichs. Separately, the Pentagon said the Talibans refusal to meet commitments to reduce violence in Afghanistan is raising questions about whether all U.S. troops will be able to leave by May.

Frerichs' supporters are concerned that a drawdown of military personnel from Afghanistan leaves the U.S. without the leverage it needs to demand his release.

Further troop withdrawals that are not conditioned upon the release of American hostages will likely make it harder to subsequently secure their release, the two Democratic senators from Illinois, Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin, wrote Biden in a letter provided to the AP.

In an interview, Duckworth said she wrote Biden and Blinken to stress that this needs to be a priority, that we need to bring him home. She said Lloyd Austin, the new defense secretary, had given assurances that any negotiations about military presence would include discussion about detainees as opposed to us just unilaterally pulling out of there.

Representatives of the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, which advocates for hostages, told new national security adviser Jake Sullivan in a conversation during the presidential transition period about concerns that Frerichs and Paul Overby, an American writer who disappeared in Afghanistan in 2014, weren't adequately prioritized during discussions with the Taliban, according to the organization's executive director, Margaux Ewen.

The State Department is offering $5 million for information leading to Frerichs' return.

American citizen Mark Frerichs has spent a year in captivity. We will not stop working until we secure his safe return home, said State Department spokesman Ned Price.

Frerichs remains in Afghanistan despite a year of steady diplomatic negotiations, including peace talks in November with then-Secretary of State Pompeo and Taliban and Afghan negotiators. The U.S. and Taliban signed a peace deal last February, but much to the family's frustration, Frerichs' return was not made a predicate for the agreement even though he had been abducted weeks earlier.

I dont want any troops to start packing up and heading out until Mark gets home safely, because I don't think we really have a leg to stand on once they're all out of there, Cakora said. You dont leave Americans behind, and I just really want to make sure that hes home safe.

Blinken told reporters Wednesday that the Biden administration wanted to take a detailed look at that deal, saying. We need to understand exactly what is in the agreement before deciding how to proceed. He said the administration had asked Trumps special envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, to remain on the job for continuitys sake.

In his call with Ghani the following day, according to the State Department, Blinken expressed robust diplomatic support for the peace process but said the U.S. was reviewing the peace deal to assess whether the Taliban were living up to their commitment to cut ties with terrorist groups.

There were other internal government discussions in the Trump administration.

The Taliban had asked for the release of a combatant imprisoned on drug charges in the U.S. as part a broader effort to resolve issues with Afghanistan. The request prompted dialogue between the State Department and the Justice Department about whether such a release could happen, though it ultimately did not, according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to discuss the private discussions and spoke on condition of anonymity.

It is unclear whether those conversations will pick up in the new administration.

A Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment.
A few weeks ago I asked what I thought was a reasonable question: How many people test positive for Covid when theyre already in hospital?

Ive been hard at it, but still dont know.

Its complicated you see.

Here are two ways its complicated.

The first is how we report the number of new cases each day. The second is how we report the number of new hospitalisations.

Every day people test positive for Covid inside our hospitals, but the term hospital acquired infection has a very specific meaning.

It only applies to people admitted to hospital for a non-Covid illness who test positive on day seven of their stay or afterwards. Its the formal ECDC (European Centre Disease Control) definition and Ive no dispute with this. If you test positive on days one to six, you probably came in with the disease.

On the other hand, the average hospital stay is 5.8 days, so patients could pick up Covid, test positive at home up to 10 days later, and infect other household members. But contact tracing only goes back 48 hours so those cases will never be traced back to the hospital.

Meanwhile, when a new case is diagnosed in hospital, before or after day seven, its assigned in the daily league tables to the patients county of residence, not the hospital.

They could publish a league table of hospitals as well as counties, and split the cases between those who test positive before and after day seven to distinguish between the likely community cases and hospital acquired cases.

What we get instead is a fortnightly report showing the day seven cases on a national basis, but not identifying the hospitals. Its not exactly transparent, but I can just about buy this approach.

But I dont buy for a second the next step.

Every day we are told how many additional hospitalisations there are due to Covid. This number is all-important because as we are relentlessly warned, we must keep infection down to avoid swamping hospitals.

Anyone would understand additional hospitalisations to mean new patients being admitted with Covid.

In fact, thats what Liam Woods, the Director of Acute Hospitals at the HSE, told me - twice.

Yet when I checked with the Department of Health they confirmed it means patients freshly admitted to hospital with Covid and patients who were already in hospital who tested positive after admission. Theyre not an additional hospitalisation. They were already hospitalised.

I dont blame Liam Woods for being confused about it and he graciously admitted his error. Also, he made the mistake at two separate NPHET briefings in front of his colleagues, none of whom corrected him. Perhaps they didnt know either.

The point is; at best this kind of reporting is confusing. At worst, misleading.

When the hospitalisation number is announced, it should say how many are new admissions, and how many were already in hospital.

I understand why they dont.

People are already scared to go to hospital with non-Covid illnesses. No one wants to scare them even more. Personally I resent being infantilised, but I can see why its preferable to have us judging Belmullet not Beaumont.

Also, everyone understands hospital staff are exhausted and creating a situation in which they are criticised for spreading disease would be hard on them. Theyve been getting sick in high numbers and need support not criticism. I sympathise.

But there is a downside.

Just as with trolley counts each year, some hospitals are better managed than others. Im willing to bet some are better at controlling infection than others. Shining a light on the poor performers would create demand for intervention just as we intervene in nursing home outbreaks.

In fact, NPHET has expressed its concern to the HSE that outbreaks arent being detected fast enough, theres no mass testing when there is an outbreak, and theres no national control team to ensure consistency of management of outbreaks in hospitals.

Furthermore, one third of Covid deaths are linked to nursing homes, one third to the community and one third to hospitals. The nursing home problem gets massive attention and the death rates in each home published. But will they ever tell us how many patients in which hospitals died from Covid. Why the double standard? Nursing home staff have feelings too. The deaths may follow a one third rule, but the information and attention certainly doesnt.

The official response is to argue that infection trickles in from the community. Thats true.

But the story of Paddy Clancy, a 77 year old man on Prime Time on Tuesday who caught Covid in Sligo General, was interesting.

He said a patient in his general ward of five became symptomatic and was removed to a Covid-ward. The remaining four patients were asked to wear masks, not leave the ward and fewer staff came in. It was too late. They all caught it.

But weve been consistently warned to behave as if were infected already.

So why arent all patients and staff treated as if theyre already positive? Patients shouldnt be wandering around corridors or out of the hospital to meet visitors as was described elsewhere. A UCD study described how nurses spread transmission by removing their masks at the nursing station.

I know its hard on hospital staff who are extremely vulnerable. But you cant fix problems until you name them.

So publish the data, and stop making it so convoluted even the people in charge dont know what it means.
Three unidentified assailants shot at two persons, including cousin of late Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, in Bihar's Saharsa district on Saturday.

Lipi Singh, SP of Saharsa confirmed the incident. One of the victims was critically injured in the incident and is battling for his life in a private hospital.

The incident occurred at around 11.30 a.m. on Saturday when Raj Kumar Singh, the cousin of Sushant Singh Rajput, and his aide Ali Hasan were on their way to adjoining Madhepura district.

Raj Kumar owns three showrooms of Yamaha motorbikes in Saharsa, Madhepura and Supaul districts. He used to visit these three showrooms every day to monitor the business.

"When Raj Kumar and Ali Hasan reached at Baijnathpur Chowk near Saharsa college, three unidentified men overtook their vehicles and opened fire at them. We have vital leads of this incident and the accused will be arrested soon," SP Lipi Singh said.

The victims were immediately rescued by passersby and taken to nearby private hospital for treatment. The condition of Ali Hasan is serious.

"Prima facie its look to be a case of property dispute between Raj Kumar Singh and the assailants. However we are not ruling out the extortion angle. We are investigating all angles," an official of Saharsa police said.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently rolled back some of the restrictions for the region Kendall County is in. Kendall is part of the states region 2, which is now in Phase 4 of the states coronavirus restrictions. This phase is the least restrictive set of rules since the pandemic began, and is the same set of rules that was in effect for much of the state during the summer.
January 30, 2021 / 11:07 PM IST

being retained. Multiple rounds of talks between the Centre and the farmers union leaders have ended in a stalemate. Protesting farmers fear that the new laws will dismantle the MSP system and corporatise farming. The Supreme Court had earlier ordered a stay on the implementation of these contentious laws, hoping it will end the protest. The farm union leaders have also rejected Centre's proposal to suspend implementation of the laws for the 18 months. Some protesters breached barricades and clashed with police on January 26 when the farmers were staging a tractor rally in the national capital. Some also stormed the historic Red Fort. Hundreds of individuals from both, the police and protesters, were injured during the violent incident. The Delhi Police has issued notices to around 20 farmer leaders over the incident, asking why legal action should not be taken against them.

Farmers' Protest Highlights: The 'Delhi Chalo' farmers' protest at border points of New Delhi has entered the 66th day today. Thousands of farmers, especially from Punjab and Haryana, are staging a sit-in protest along Delhi borders. The protest started on November 26. The farmers are demanding a complete rollback of the new farm reform laws and a guarantee on the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system
The Telegraph

The daughter of Radovan Karadzic, the former Bosnian Serb leader serving life for genocide and crimes against humanity during the 1990s Yugoslav wars, has claimed her father is living in unhealthy and uncivilised conditions in a British prison. Karadzic, 75, who was convicted in 2016, was transferred from a detention unit in Holland to a UK jail earlier this month following an agreement struck between the UN and the Home Office. But his daughter, Sonja Karadzic-Jovicevic, has complained about the conditions at her fathers new prison after speaking to him on the phone. "As for the physical condition in which he is accommodated, it is unacceptable, she told SRNA, a news agency based in the Republika Srpska, the Serb enclave of Bosnia. If we add to that the fact that he is in a building full of carcinogenic asbestos that is banned around the world, it is clear in what condition he will be in. Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic also claimed that moving her father to the UK was a deliberate act of spite against his family. "My father is in a very uncivilised situation, and as far as his family is concerned, his relocation to the south of England was deliberately made to keep him far away, outside the rules of the United Nations Resolution adopted by the Security Council, she said. It will be very difficult for us physically, financially and procedurally, because of visas, and immunisation during the pandemic, and even after that, to ever go there and visit him," she continued. She added that he had been deprived of his books and his computer, and will be completely removed from his language and his culture. A spokesman for the Justice Ministry said: "UK prisons meet health and safety standards." Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic, who has a political career in Bosnia, has fought to defend her fathers name despite his brutal role in the wars as the Yugoslavian federation separated in the 1990s. Known as the Butcher of Bosnia, Karadzic went down in infamy, in particular for ordering the Srebrenica Massacre in July 1995. Some 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were rounded up by the Bosnian Serb army in and around the town of Srebrenica and then killed in the worst single massacre in Europe since the end of the Second World War. Karadzics lawyers had objected to his clients transfer to the UK, arguing that his life would be in danger owing to Muslim inmates in British prisons. They also argued that owing to possible threats to Karadzics life he would be kept in conditions resembling solitary confinement, but the UN court dismissed the objections. Given his role in the slaughter of Muslims, the experience of another Serb convicted of war crimes may also weigh upon the Karadzic family. In 2010 Radislav Krstic, a former Bosnian-Serb general, was stabbed by three Muslim prisoners while serving a sentence in Wakefield prison, in apparent retaliation for Srebrenica.



An award-winning group that supports boys without fathers in their lives, is seeking more kind-hearted adult males to volunteer with them in 2021.

Big Buddy has won an Excellence in Community Contribution category at the 2020 Westpac Business Awards in Auckland and has a waiting list of more little buddies needing support.

The concept is simple: Big Buddy matches up volunteer men with youth who dont have a father-figure in their life, in order to provide consistent support and mentorship for the boys.

Theres currently a waiting list of little buddies out there and more men are being invited to apply to become a Big Buddy in 2021.

The charity operates in Wellington, Auckland and Waikato, and expanded to the Bay of Plenty earlier this year due to increasing enquiries from mums and caregivers here.

Big Buddy CEO Paul Burns was in Tauranga earlier this week to meet with volunteers and supporters.

He is proud that the Westpac Award means Big Buddies are being acknowledged for the contribution theyre making to their communities.

A great guy showing up, spending time - and importantly, coming back - makes a huge difference in the life of a boy who doesn't have his dad around, says Paul.

A marked increase in confidence, happiness and general wellbeing are among the benefits reported by participating boys, and their mums and caregivers.

Being a Big Buddy involves a commitment of around two to three hours a week for at least one year.

A generous yet simple gesture, it makes a big difference to these boys, some of whom have had a particularly difficult childhood or upbringing.

Its important for me to say that just because they dont have dads in their lives, these boys arent broken, says Paul.

Their mums and caregivers are doing an incredible job by themselves. What the Big Buddy is doing in a lot of cases is backing up mum or the caregiver by demonstrating and reinforcing good behaviour.

The essence is these men are putting these boys first and great things are happening because of that.

Little buddies are aged between seven to 14 years and those are the most important impressionable years for a boy, Paul says.

There are many reasons why they may not have a father-figure in their life. Some have never met their fathers, or they may have lost them at an early age.

Te Tuinga Whanau Support Services Trust CEO Tommy Wilson attended the gathering this week and says hes backing Big Buddy because the two organisations share a similar kaupapa in seeking to support families.

Thousands of children in this country are affected by a parent in prison  most of them fathers  so theres a gap there that we need to fill, says Tommy.

Everything were doing with Mike King around suicide is all about not letting these kids fly solo, so thats why Big Buddy is a great kaupapa and we should support it.

As for the Big Buddies, they come from all types of backgrounds and life stages, and include businessmen, sportsmen and filmmakers.

However theyre a humble bunch when it comes to talking about their Big Buddy efforts.

Sid Russell is one such volunteer. Now a businessman and married with three daughters, he says he came from a bit of a broken, disjointed home as a youngster.

Having experienced first-hand what the lack of a consistent father-figure was like, he now wants to provide another boy with the kind of support he missed out on.

His wife and daughters supported his decision and Sid says signing up for a couple hours a week out of his life seemed miniscule in the whole scheme of things.

The little buddy Sid has been matched with is 10yrs old and they meet up on Sundays.

Hes a part of my life, says Sid.

We spend a bit of quality time together in a variety of different ways, whether its throwing a ball around in a paddock, shooting hoops, or going fishing or bowling.

Last weekend they went to the rugby.

Big Buddys mentoring manager for the Tauranga region is Matt Anderson-Smith and he too grew up without a mentor after his father left when he was young.

That left a pretty massive gap in my life, where I made a lot of decisions that could have been better, says Matt.

Some of the people he chose as role-models werent the greatest and it took him a long time to learn what a good mentor was and the value of one.

So its pretty personal for me what were doing here.

I get to put a good man in a childs life with the boys here in Tauranga, says Matt.

Matts made seven successful matches so far and there are another 36 boys on the waiting list.

A further 27 volunteers are currently going through the Big Buddy application process.

The feedback from little buddies and their mums has been amazing and Matt says he feels very grateful to be in the position hes in.

Potential buddies can apply at: www.bigbuddy.org.nz

The New NAU and Dallas College Partnership We are excited to work with Dallas College to offer continued accessibility to higher education for degree-seeking students

National American University (NAU) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Dallas College (formerly the Dallas County Community College District) to enhance educational opportunities for its staff and graduates.

The relationship between the two institutions allows Dallas College graduates to continue their education in an NAU online bachelors degree program including Information Technology Cybersecurity Forensics, Terrorism, Intelligence Management, Criminal Justice and Strategic Security and Protection Management. Under the agreement, NAU will provide Dallas College graduates the opportunity to participate in online classes at a reduced tuition rate and study when and where they choose.

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 work with Dallas College to offer continued accessibility to higher education for degree-seeking students, including servicemembers and veterans wishing to transform their specialized training into a degree, commented Dr. Ronald Shape, National American University President.

For more information, please contact Amanda Oppel at 816.412.7702 or aoppel@national.edu.

About Dallas College

Dallas College, founded in 1965, consists of seven campuses serving more than 83,000 credit and 25,000 continuing education students during the fall and spring semesters. Dallas College also offers dual credit for students in partner high schools and early college high schools throughout Dallas County. Dr. Joe May, the Colleges 7th chancellor, has established the Dallas College higher education network in partnership with school districts, colleges and universities, businesses, community organizations and others to support student success and college completion by removing barriers and providing services that help them earn a college credential and start their professional careers.

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.
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Rachel Griffiths shot to fame in the 1994 Australian romantic comedy, Muriel's Wedding.

Looking back at herself in that iconic role 27 years ago, in which she played Muriel's best friend Rhonda Epinstalk, the 52-year-old says that she marvels at her slim form back in the day.

Asked by The Weekend Australian what her children think of seeing her in the film, the actress replied: 'I was skinny and my teeth were funny.'

Changes: Rachel Griffiths shot to fame in the 1994 Australian romantic comedy, Muriel's Wedding. Looking back at herself in that iconic role 27 years ago, the 52-year-old says that she marvels at her slim form back in the day. Pictured in 2019

The Golden Globe winner, who lived in the US for years before relocating back to Melbourne in 2012, went on to reveal that she has gained weight while in lockdown.

'I gained eight Covid kilos I'm not sure how to lose,' she said, adding that she took up some hobbies.

[I spent lockdown] mostly in my laundry as my office was taken by home schooling. I took up the violin and a lot of things got tie-dyed,' she joked.

Asked by The Weekend Australian what her children think of seeing her in the film, the actress replied: 'I was skinny and my teeth were funny.' Pictured in Muriel's Wedding with Toni Colette

Back then: Rachel played Muriel's best friend Rhonda Epinstalk in the 1994 hit film (pictured)

After she shot to fame in Muriel's Wedding, Rachel starred in the HBO series Six Feet Under, for which she won a Golden Globe.

The Hacksaw Ridge actress went on to appear in the ABC family drama Brothers & Sisters.

Rachel made her directorial debut on Ride Like a Girl, a biopic about Michelle Payne, the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup in 2015, starring Teresa Palmer.

Time out: The Golden Globe winner, who lived in the US for years before relocating back to Melbourne in 2012, went on to reveal that she has gained weight while in lockdown. 'I gained eight Covid kilos I'm not sure how to lose,' she said

She now has a new role on the Amazon series, The Wilds, which was filmed in New Zealand.

The Wilds is an adventure drama that follows nine teenage girls who find themselves stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash.

The group are on the way to an all-girls empowerment retreat run by Rachel's character Gretchen Klein.


Police hunt men for gang assault in Koh Kaew over borrowed motorbike

PHUKET: Police are hunting for a group of men who kicked open the door to a room and assaulted three men at an apartment building in Koh Kaew last night (Jan 29) over what at this stage is believed to have been dispute over a borrowed motorbike not returned.

violencecrimepolice

By Eakkapop Thongtub

Saturday 30 January 2021, 02:17PM

Phuket City Patrol Police were called to the apartment building, in Soi Laem Hin, Moo 7, at about 9:30pm.

Officers arrived to find blood stains on the floor and on the bed in the room.

Police were told that three men staying in the room together already had been taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital for treatment of their injuries.

Of the three men attacked, Suksawat Srirakhot, 31, was stabbed in his left chest and stomach, and suffered deep cuts to his right arm.

The other two, Damrong Suksai, 26, and Kittiphot Khamsopha, 25, both suffered heavy bruises to their head and bodies.

Witnesses told police that the assailants, about 10 men in total, arrived in a car and on four motorbikes.

They parked near the building and walked inside directly to the room where the three men were staying.

The assailants ordered the three men to open the door. After not receiving a response, the men kicked the door until it opened then proceeded with their attack.

Police believe that the motive for the attack was that one of the three men staying in the room had not returned a motorbike he had borrowed.

Police said they are now checking CCTV footage of the area in the hope of tracking down and identifying the assailants.
Courtesy Harris County Constable Precinct 4

Fourteen-year-old Mackenzie Tubbs went missing after school on Jan. 28, according to a post from Harris County Constable Precinct 4 Mark Herman.

The constable's office is asking for the public's help to find the girl. Tubbs had walked to Twin Creeks Middle School at 271000 Cypresswood Drive, attended her classes but never came home.
Louth is well represented at Showcase, Ireland's annual Creative Expo which traditionally takes place in the RDS each year. Lasting four days, it is a huge opportunity for small Irish companies to meet global buyers for their products. As with so many things this year, COVID-19 restrictions have prevented the physical event from taking place but it is going ahead this week as a fully virtual event.

Established local craft makers such as Garrett Mallon Jewellery, Sarah McKenna Ceramics, Celtic Valley Pottery, Martina Scott, and Soilse Candles are among the hundreds of exhibitors from around the country who are exhibiting once again.

Louth Local Employment Office has provided support to two other local enterprises, Emma's So Naturals and AromaBuff.

Ardee based Emma says 'Showcase can be daunting, if you haven't attended before. But this our third year so we know what to expect. Normally, after Christmas, our focus turns totally to Showcase: prepping our stand and our offering as well as making and finalising new products. This year, the rush consists of technical and website preparations to ensure our web portal and presentation area will entice and wow visitors.'

Lisa Heeney of Aroma Buff continues: 'For a small business like AromaBuff, being part of Showcase is a great opportunity to present our products on an equal footing to bigger, more established brands. Showcase allows smaller producers to show off their creations to a varied and diverse audience of buyers, both Irish and international. Attending Showcase is an exciting launch pad for SMEs, offering both validation and inspiration in equal measure.'

A virtual showcase presents challenges for scent bases businesses like AromaBuff and Emma's So Natural, and Lisasays "Yes - there is definitely a need for smell-o-vision! However, until that becomes the norm, we have to rely on high quality images and presentations that show off the packaging, and use the power of story-telling to instil in the buyer a desire to learn more about the products."

Expand Close Lisa Heeney of Aroma Bruff / Facebook

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Whatsapp Lisa Heeney of Aroma Bruff

Emma points out that 'both AromaBuff and Emma's So Naturals are used to trading online, both to buyers and direct to consumers. We have a lot of our brand and product work done for the online environment already, which gives us a great start."

Her husband David explains 'The format is very structured, so we have to begin by working within that. Our listings need to be correct for buyers. Pictures must catch people's eye. And, if successful, our story needs to create a hook that will begin the all-important conversation. After that it is down to a smile, personality and identifying common interests and goals with a retailer. We have a lot of great selling points to communicate within the Emma's So Naturals collection. Buyers understand the appeal of our truly natural, vegan and handmade message, which is a big help.'

Social media is very important says Lisa. 'Keeping our social media updated, interesting and attractive is another means of attracting a buyer's notice, This is why positive reviews and feedback from customers matters so much. It allows buyers to see other happy customers and to assess which products will sell well for them.'

She notes The virtual Showcase Showroom provides us with detailed information about the buyers attending. This made it easier to follow them on social media and contact them directly before the event - which I think is very positive.'

'Communication to buyers in advance has probably been our biggest challenge, but meeting requests have already started to roll in and we're looking forward to a busy week at Showcase,' says Emma.

Both companies have appreciated the support of Irish customers during what has been a very challenging year.

'The positive upsurge in the desire to support small businesses and to buy Irish, has been a huge boost for AromaBuff, not only nationally, but now approximately one in 10 of our orders being sent to USA. We have also received interest from new retailers in Europe which provides us with more exciting opportunities,' says Lisa.

Emma and Dave agree 'Irish consumers came out in force to support small businesses and we appreciated it so much. They shopped direct and also with trusted retail brands who were also focused on supporting local. The media also worked diligently to give the country a positive boost. But behind all this was the support from our Local Enterprise Office. Honestly most small Irish businesses would not have the confidence or aptitude to leverage the opportunities without their support and guidance.'

Lisa Heeney (AromaBuff, Drogheda) and Emma & David Fallon (Emma's So Naturals, Ardee) will be showcasing their local products at Showcase 2021.
Spains Constitutional Court, empowered to determine the constitutionality of all laws in the country, has ruled that the 1939-1978 fascist regime under General Francisco Franco did not commit crimes against humanity. The ruling constitutes an endorsement by a top European Union court for a four-decade fascist regime and its policy of mass murder and repression.

Adolf Hitler and Francisco Franco meeting in 1940 (Wikimedia Commons)

It is part of the unfolding global ramifications of the January 6 coup in Washington spearheaded by Donald Trump, with much of the Republican party and of the state apparatus. Emboldened by the US Democratic Partys calls for unity with the fascist coup plotters, the adoption of far-right agenda by European governments, and the role of pseudo-left groups in downplaying the fascist threat, the Constitutional Court can publicly deny the atrocities committed by Spanish fascism.

Workers and youth internationally must be warned. If the crimes of fascism are being rehabilitated, it is because powerful sections of the ruling class are plotting to carry out a preemptive counterrevolution against the mass opposition against social inequality and murderous herd immunity policies.

On Wednesday, the Constitutional Court ruled 9 to 3 to reject the appeal filed by Gerardo Iglesias over tortures he suffered under the Franco regime. Iglesias, the former secretary general of the Communist Party of Spain (PCE) and founder of PCE-led United Left, appealed the decision of a regional judge not to hear his complaint in May 2018.

Iglesias filed the complaint along with those of two anti-Franco activists who also suffered tortures, Vicente Gutierrez Solis and Faustino Sanchez Garcia. The defendant, Pascual Honrado, was a former head of the Political-Social Brigade in the region of Asturias. This was a secret police unit, modelled on Nazi Germanys Gestapo, tasked with repressing opposition movements. Honrados extradition requested by an Argentine court was denied by the conservative Popular Party (PP) government in 2015.

Gerardo Iglesias described Honrado as real beast in a 2018 press conference. According to the complaint, Iglesias was subjected to police torture on three occasionsin 1964, 1966 and 1974due to his political and trade union activities.

The Court argued against Iglesias appeal on the basis that the statute of limitations on the presumed crimes has been reached. In addition, the 1977 Amnesty Law, which was backed by the PCE during the Transition, protects all crimes committed by the fascist regime.

Iglesias then argued that they represented crimes against humanity, for which there is no statute of limitations. The judges responded by shamelessly arguing that crimes against humanity did not exist in the Spanish Penal Code at the timethat is, when the fascist regime still held power and was committing these crimesand provocatively asserted that the alleged crimes do not fit the category.

It is unquestionably established, however, that the torture of Iglesias is part of the crimes against humanity committed by the fascist regime of General Francisco Franco. Despite the attempts to enforce collective amnesia of its crimes, the Spanish ruling class, both under the dictatorship and the current post-Franco regime, have had to face the fact that its crimes were recorded in countless waysin tens of thousands of books, films, songs and artworks. Moreover, just over half of the Spanish population was born before the Spanish fascist regime founded by Franco fell.

The Francoite regimes crimes include:

 The killing of around 200,000 political oppositionists, intellectuals and left-wing workers during the Civil War. Approximately 75,000 were extra-judicially executed behind fascist lines.

 The deliberate targeting of civilians in bombing raids which killed around 10,000 civilians.

 Support to Nazi Germany in its war of extermination against the Soviet Union during the Second World War. It sent 45,000 fascists, the so-called Blue Division, to the Eastern Front.

 Detention of between 700,000 and one million people in 300 concentration camps from the Spanish Civil War into the 1940s. Many died of malnutrition and starvation.

 The use of approximately 400,000 left-wing workers as slave laborers for infrastructure construction.

 The theft of 300,000 babies from poor or left-wing mothers.

 Outlawing all trade unions and political parties and criminalizing strikes and protests.

 Widespread torture of political detainees in police stations and jails.

 Censorship of left-wing newspapers and books.

 Suppression of national minority languages and traditions, including those of Catalans, Basques and Galicians.

To date, only one person has been judged over these crimes: Baltasar Garzon. In 2008, the former judge opened an inquiry into the crimes against humanity committed by the fascist forces during the Spanish Civil War and the years that followed. He was accused of abusing his judicial authority. On this basis Garzons career, spanning over three decades, was terminated.

That the Constitutional Court can claim that all the above are not crimes against humanity exposes the rotten character of left populist Podemos, the main government coalition partner of the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE). Confident that it will not be opposed by what the ruling elite passes off as left in Spain, the Court can make the most reactionary and grotesque assertions.

To date, Podemos has not even posted a Tweet, let alone made a statement on the reactionary ruling. This is despite the fact that the PCE, to which the torture victim Gerardo Iglesias belongs, is part of Podemos.

The ruling has barely received any media coverage. The last thing Podemos wants is to raise the issue of the fascist threat and the international ramifications of the ruling, concerned, above all, it would spark a movement against its own government.

Podemos only acknowledges the far-right danger when mass anger erupts, but otherwise tries to maintain total silence on the issue. One of the few times it spoke out on the issue was last December, when WhatsApp chats were leaked of a group of dozens of retired generals proclaiming their loyalty to Franco and calling for mass murder of left-wing voters to extirpate the cancer. One former general wrote: I think what Im missing is to shoot 26 million people!!!!!!!!

Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias remained quiet for days, only to emerge in prime-time public television after mass anger erupted in social media. He brazenly insisted that What these gentlemen say, at their age and already retired, in a chat with a few too many drinks, does not pose any threat.

In the following weeks, Iglesias cynical ploy was exposed. Videos emerged of Spanish soldiers singing fascist and neo-Nazi songs and making the fascist salute and WhatsApp chats revealed active duty members supporting the fascist generals appeals to kill 26 million people. Then, on January 6, as Trump launched a fascist coup in Washington, retired Lieutenant General Emilio Perez Alaman sent a letter to Spains Defence Minister demanding a change the course of the PSOE-Podemos government.

All these fascist threats are part of an intensifying coup plot by sections of the Spanish ruling class, now emboldened by the developments in the US and internationally, aiming to establish a dictatorship to impose the banks herd immunity diktat.

This reactionary court ruling of the Constitutional Court underscores that European workers should support the demand of the Socialist Equality Party (US) for an open, public, live-streamed investigation of all aspects and all the allies of the January 6 fascist coup in Washington. The exposure of the coup plotters in Washington will only strengthen the demands for a full exposure of the coup plotters in Spain.

As part of standard patient protocol, doctors inform women of the risks of pregnancy. But there is one exception to this standard: stillbirth.

University of Arkansas law professor Jill Wieber Lens argues that women have a right to know of the risk of stillbirth, and, consistent with the evolution of informed consent law, this right should be enforceable through a medical malpractice tort claim.

Stillbirth, or pregnancy loss after 20 weeks but before birth, is not uncommon. Annually, 26,000 U.S. women give birth to a stillborn baby, or roughly one out every 160 pregnancies. The United States' stillbirth rate is higher than the stillbirth rates of many other high-income countries and has not decreased as have other countries' rates.

Numerous countries have reduced their stillbirth rates through initiatives that include requiring doctors to disclose the risk of stillbirth to women and to educate women on simple preventative measures. A tort claim enforcing a woman's right to disclosure of stillbirth could have a similar effect in the United States." Jill Wieber Lens, Law Professor, University of Arkansas

In "Medical Paternalism, Stillbirth, & Blindsided Mothers," published in the Iowa Law Review, Lens contends that women remain ignorant of the possibility of stillbirth because of the remnants of medical paternalism -- doctors choose not to disclose the risk because they think women don't need to and shouldn't know about it, because the risk is low, and they think it might cause anxiety in patients.

There could be other reasons. Doctors might believe that anxious women would want additional visits, which might not be covered under current insurance billing standards.

"Possibly the only one benefiting from current non-disclosure is the doctor," writes Lens, "as he or she may be motivated by billing incentives more than what is best for the patient and her unborn child."

In the article, Lens explained that doctors historically were obligated to disclose only those risks they thought patients needed to know. However, decades ago, courts rejected this paternalism in favor of a patient's right to information and self-determination. This led to the adoption of a so-called "materiality standard," which requires doctors to disclose all risks that a reasonable patient would want to know.

Lens applied this materiality standard and the evolved principles of informed consent law to a pregnant woman's right to know about the risk of stillbirth. The right easily satisfies the materiality standard, she said. Additionally, Lens argued, there is no evidence to support the myth that disclosure will cause anxiety for pregnant women.

In current routine practice, doctors disclose many risks associated with pregnancy, including the risks of miscarriage and fetal abnormalities, such as down syndrome and fatal trisomies. But empirical studies confirm that pregnant women remain unaware of the possibility and reality of stillbirth.

"The narrative of the irrational and emotional pregnant woman does not justify the doctor's non-disclosure," she said. "This narrative is common, but there is no evidence to support it. Keeping women in the dark about stillbirth only prevents them from taking actions that could prevent stillbirth, such as not smoking, sleeping on one's side and monitoring the baby's movements."

In addition to patient and fetal health, there are other benefits that could be achieved through a tort claim, Lens explained. Educating women will likely reduce the number of malpractice claims filed after stillbirth, as patients are less likely to sue when they feel informed and are satisfied with doctor-patient communication. Though stillbirth will still be devastating for women, knowing about the risk ahead of time might help alleviate some of the shock. Finally, informing women of the risk of stillbirth might increase public awareness and help reduce the stigma and taboo surrounding stillbirth.
After more than a week into the Biden presidency, Democrats adopt a more muscular approach to woo Republicans. The party declared they would work with Republicans if they can but are also prepared to move past if they must.

Democrats reportedly energized by their political strength

Top Senate Democrats are planning to hold a speedy impeachment trial to prevent derailing President Joe Biden's legislative agenda while laying the groundwork for the COVID-19 relief package to be passed immediately after.

In a brief interview with CNN last week, President Biden said the trial "had to happen," but he doubted there would be enough Republican votes that will convict former President Trump. Several days after his comments, 45 Republicans cast a vote asking the constitutionality of challenging the former President, indicating that Trump will avoid a conviction for the second time.

After Biden launched his administration without Republicans in his Cabinet, the moves came after. They began issuing dozens of executive orders; a clip was far more rapid than any recent predecessors.

According to The Washington Post, the moves are energizing Democrats to flex their political power. However, the stricter approach could jeopardize one of Biden's chief goals, which is achieving more bipartisanship in a capital gripped by polarization.

Republicans are unlikely to work with Democrats, and waiting for them to do so would be a mistake, many Democrats conclude. The President seemed to heed the argument to some degree, as per The Washington Post.

The two parties have many opportunities to work together, including issues like foreign policy and infrastructure. But President Biden is signaling that once he has asserted his willingness to work for the GOP, he will not delay his initiative in hopes despite his longtime emphasis on bipartisanship as a major campaign theme.

Read also: Republicans To Invite Trump To Gathering for Donors and Potential 2024 Candidates

Biden signals support for COVID-19 relief without GOP backing

Democrats could move to a fast-track budget process that would let the stimulus plan pass without Republican votes as early as next week. On Friday, Biden said he supports passing the COVID-19 relief package if they can get it with support from Republicans. "But the covid relief has to pass. There's no ifs, ands or buts," Biden added.

Since being sworn in, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen urged to pass Biden's proposal quickly, which has met the crucial Republican resistance, in her first appearance with Biden since being sworn in. Yellen explained that the price of doing nothing is higher than the price of doing something as well as doing something big.

In his first days in office, Biden started reaching out to a handful of Republicans. The President spoke with Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) last week after Portman has announced that he is not seeking reelection. Although the Senator's office would not reveal what was discussed, Portman has since expressed reservation regarding the cost of Biden's proposal and the possibility that Democrats would move unilaterally.

Senator Collins urge Biden to lower the COVID-19 relief package

Last week, the President also called Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) to discuss various issues, including the COVID-19 relief package, as per Collins' Senate office.

Collins told NECN that the relationship she has with Biden is closer than the relationship she had with former Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump. She added that since the election is an excellent sign, Biden called her twice for them to have an 'extremely friendly conversation.'

Collins also said she expressed her worries about Biden's relief package's scope and urged the President to lower the cost to win Republican votes. The Senator claims Republicans would support more funding for COVID-19 testing and vaccine production, with aid to cities and states.

Many Democrats worry about repeating their mistakes when they controlled the White House and Congress last time. The error happened when Democrats' top priorities languished as other Democratic leaders and President Obama sought bipartisan compromises.

The Affordable Care Act and a significant stimulus package endured months or weeks of hammering in the end, as both parties discussed, but attracted little GOP support after being scaled back. Meanwhile, climate and immigration bills failed to pass at all.

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Whats most rewarding to me is that while we were forced to shut down and switch to virtual learning last March, weve been able to serve our children in person since the start of the school year, Davis said. Its been challenging, but we were able to reopen our school, and reopen safely, which is the biggest thing.

The far-left Democrats in charge of our government are the true extremists who pose the greatest threat to our nation, not Trump voters. Our side has the facts, the truth, and the moral high ground, and we are not handing over our freedom.

The Biden/Harris edicts last week include weaponizing government against an undefined group of "right-wing extremists" along with a sweeping abortion law that will solidify their financial power base, expand censorship, and exert extreme control over every aspect of American's lives. In tandem, these pronouncements are death sentences for the nation.

It is no coincidence these poisonous moves were made on the 48th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the most divisive, anti-American, anti-constitutional sham foisted on the American public since the Dred Scott decision.. Along with Doe v. Bolton, the framework was set for a weaponized government against its governed, starting with the voiceless and then moving on to the rest of us.

The irony is, the radical abortion ideology espoused by Biden/Harris/Obama is extreme relative even to Roe v. Wade, yet it's off most Americans' radar. It is horrifying.

Refusing to oppose their radical death manifesto is the greatest mistake of the GOP, and disenfranchised Trump voters need to pay attention if they are to unite beyond their righteous anger over election malfeasance.

Abortion is not a mere social issue. It is the greatest defining moral question facing Americans since slavery. It is the one point on which most Americans would agree if they were given clear facts, and it illustrates brilliantly why the country cannot survive with only one political party.

The Republican platform states an affirmation of the sanctity of human life and its God-given freedoms and promises to protect it. The Democrat platform promises unlimited access to abortion.

One is based on our founding principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The other is not.

Evidence shows that Planned Parenthood is a racist abortion industry functioning as a financial arm of government, giving rich returns to those who vote to fund it. Perhaps it's the same also for those who pay lip service only to defunding it.

Planned Parenthood was founded by racist eugenicist Margaret Sanger, who called blacks and immigrants "human weeds." Sanger would be pleased to know that more black babies in New York City are killed than are born today. She has in fact done more to decimate the black community than slavery could have ever dreamed possible.

Consider the fact that the population of black citizens in 1880 was 6 million, increasing to 18 million by 1960. Compare this to 20 million black babies aborted since Roe. These brief human lives leave a silent vacuum of untold millions who might have descended from them. The Epoch Times quotes a Radiance Foundation estimate that "if this trend continues it will be irreversible by the year 2050."

This is a tragedy for the entire nation and a good reason to insist that all lives matter.

Two American medical studies published in the latter part of 2020 show further savage effects of unfettered abortion. One, published by the University of Pittsburgh on humanized rodent models, grafted second-trimester aborted babies' scalps and back flesh onto rats and mice in order to study the human immune system. Photos show images of dark, fine human baby hair growing in stark contrast to the short white hair of the lab rat. This study was funded by the National Institutes for Health and the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases, the same branch collaborating with Moderna on the COVID-19 vaccine.

Another study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, studied racial differences in fetal exposure to flame retardants. In four studies of 249 women scheduled for second-trimester abortions, permission was obtained from the mothers to draw their blood, use their placentas, and dissect the livers of their aborted babies to be studied by the University of California and the California Environmental Protection Agency. This study was funded by the EPA.

These studies are only some among many using human remains collected from abortions, and they rival any of the experiments performed by the Nazi doctor Josef Mengele.

One could argue in both cases that practical use was being made of human victims who were destined for legal death anyway, but this is not the argument a civilized society makes.

In defense of such practices, Kamala Harris had David Daleiden's home raided in California in 2016 while she was attorney general of California. Daleiden exposed Planned Parenthood's trafficking organs and brains of aborted babies, and he is still fighting five lawsuits because of it. His undercover videos, which can only be described as horrific, were viewed by Congress in 2015 in a push to defund Planned Parenthood of its tax dollars. Nothing but lip service was paid to the effort except by Senators Ted Cruz and Mike Lee, who were willing to leverage a government shutdown over it.

Instead, Mitch McConnell shut them down with the pallid statement "this is another issue that awaits a new president with hopefully a different view toward Planned Parenthood."

Enter Donald Trump.

He defunded Planned Parenthood squarely from the Republican platform, affirming the sanctity of life. He was the first president in American history to attend the March for Life. He appointed three pro-life judges to the Supreme Court.

He requested an investigation into Planned Parenthood's potential violations of HIPAA that the Office of General Counsel never answered. He proclaimed January 18, 2021 National Sanctity of Human Life Day, stating that "every human life is a gift to the world." And finally, he opposed the selling of human remains and asked that this be added to the Republican platform  but was slapped down by moderate Republicans as adversarial.

These are the same moderate Republicans who refuse to absolve taxpayers of reprehensible acts of murder rivaling ancient and barbaric practices of child sacrifice.

And they are the same moderate Republicans who stand with Democrats ridiculing Trump as a traitor while shoving the rest of us toward Communist Chinese practices of forced abortion and human organharvesting.

These historically ignorant Democrat radicals and moderate Republicans need to understand something very clearly.

Our founding principles affirm that "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."

Our founding fathers were not perfect men, but they were grounded in these perfect truths when they wrote our founding documents. Abraham Lincoln proved (in his Cooper Union Address) that almost every single one of them opposed slavery on principle as a moral wrong and intended it to end, and it did.

Donald Trump is not a perfect man, either. But he stood on the same founding principles that freed the slaves to protect innocent human life, and this is why he will be remembered as the most life-affirming president in American history.

The rabid backlash by a radical government to silence Trump and his supporters proves that a government weaponized against innocent babies will eventually weaponize against all of its citizens.

It appears that the thousands of peaceful Americans who desire to breathe the fresh air of liberty are the real threat to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. These Americans love their friends and family and have a long memory for betrayal, and they are not willing to hand over their young to be sacrificed on the altar of social progress.

The radical left Democrats and moderate Republicans have shown by word and deed what they hold most dear and sacred. It is time for Trump voters to do the same.

Image: Rachel Gleaves via Pixy.

By Josh Horwitz SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Xiaomi Corp filed a complaint in a Washington district court on Friday against the U.S. Defense and Treasury Departments, seeking to remove the Chinese smartphone maker from an official list of companies with ties to China's military. The Defense Department, under the Trump administration in mid-January, added Xiaomi and eight other companies to the list, which requires American investors to divest their holdings in the firms by a set deadline. In the complaint, addressed to Biden-appointed Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Treasury ...
New Delhi: A terrorist organization has taken responsibility for the blasts on Friday at the Israeli embassy in Delhi, the country's capital. However, the investigating agencies are not convinced about this claim. According to the information received, a terrorist organization named Jaish-ul-Hind claimed responsibility for the blast in front of the Israeli embassy in Delhi.

It is allegedly claimed to be confirmed through the message of the messaging app Telegram. This message states that - 'With the grace and help of Almighty Allah, the soldiers of Jaish-ul-Hind were able to carry out the IED attack by infiltrating a high-security area of Delhi. This is the beginning of attacks targeting major Indian cities.' An ISIS group has also claimed responsibility for the attack, but the agencies are not convinced about their involvement. After the blast, a flight to Iran was also delayed last night and all passengers were investigated but nothing suspicious was found.

Additional Public Relations Officer of Delhi Police, Anil Mittal said that some cars were damaged in the blast in an over-protected area and initial investigation showed that someone had done this mischief to create a stir. At the same time, Police Commissioner SN Srivastava said after inspecting the spot that the Special Cell of Delhi Police is investigating the IED blast case which took place outside the Embassy.

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They have been beset by engagement rumors.

However a source told People that even though Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly 'plan on spending the future together,' the couple 'are not engaged now.'

Earlier this week Megan, 34, was spotted out in New York flashing a large ring on her left hand, sparking rumors that the Bird Box actor had proposed.

Contrary to the rumors: A source told People that even though Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly 'plan on spending the future together,' the couple 'are not engaged now'

But on Friday she appeared to address the engagement speculation as she posted a picture to Instagram showing her hand sporting a ring on her engagement finger with the words 'F*** YOU'.

'They are very serious and plan on spending the future together. There will be an engagement at some point, but they are not engaged now,' said the People source.

'Megan needs her divorce to be finalized before she can fully move on. She is very happy though,' the insider dished to the magazine.

Her estranged husband Brian Austin Green announced their split last May and she finally filed for divorce the day before Thanksgiving.

Brian and Megan have been married since 2010 and are the proud parents of three sons - Noah, eight, Bodhi, six, and Journey, four.

Earlier this week Megan, 34, was spotted out in New York flashing a large ring on her left hand, sparking rumors that the Bird Box actor had proposed

Nope: Megan, 34, posted an Insta Stories picture this Friday in which she wore a ring that said: 'F*** YOU' on her engagement finger

Megan filed for divorce from Brian in 2015 citing irreconcilable differences, but she was back with him and pregnant with Journey the following year.

Three years after they got back together, Megan took the legal step of filing to dismiss the divorce petition in April 2019.

Before the coronavirus lockdowns Megan and Kelly were in Puerto Rico as co-stars filming their upcoming movie Midnight In The Switchgrass.

Then this May the dynamic duo were glimpsed grabbing takeout in his Aston Martin amid rumors she was self-isolating separately from Brian.

Side by side: Her sizzling estranged husband Brian Austin Green announced their split last May and she finally filed for divorce the day before Thanksgiving

A couple of days later Brian emotionally announced on his podcast ...With Brian Austin Green that Megan had left him.

She has since moved on with Machine Gun Kelly, even getting a tattoo in his honor that reads: 'el pistolero' which is Spanish for 'the gunman.'

Meanwhile Brian had a fling with the Maxim model Tina Louise and is currently dating Dancing With The Stars pro Sharna Burgess.

There were also rumors of a fling with Courtney Stodden after she posted a video of them in a hot tub together, but he has suggested they were never an item.
Southwestern Vermont Medical Center to Host Women's Health Webinar Series

BENNINGTON, Vt.  This February, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) will host four webinars focused on a range of public health topics designed for women in the community.

In this webinar series, women will gain knowledge and skills aimed at improving their physical, emotional, and social wellbeing from knowledgeable community partners.

"Healthy women are an integral part of a healthy community," said Rory Price, SVMC's coordinator of Population Health. "We are thrilled to provide opportunities for learning, sharing, and discussion, all within a judgment-free environment."

The webinar series will be held 6  7:15 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays over the course of two weeks beginning on Tuesday, Feb. 16. All are free. Interested individuals are invited to sign-up for the series or just the sessions that interest them. Those interested in attending should visit svhealthcare.org/classes- events to register.

"This webinar series will be especially useful for any woman currently navigating a substance use disorder," said Lindsay Spitz, a SVMC's AmeriCorps VISTA fellow, who is organizing the event. "Though we are confident that the series offers something for every woman in our community."

Each session will feature mini-lectures led by dedicated medical staff and community partners, followed by a short question-and-answer session with the evening's presenters. The series will also feature an opioid education component, including a Narcan administration training. Topics include:

Sexual Health 101

6  7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021

Speakers include Kelsey Dueland of the Project Against Violent Encounters (PAVE); a local provider from Planned Parenthood, Bennington Health Center; and Kimberley Sampson, MD, of SVMC OB/GYN. They will cover sexual and reproductive health for women and address relationship dynamics, sexual health, and long-term contraception in a series of mini-lectures.

Opioid Safety

6  7:15 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021

Speakers Julea Larsen, of the Turning Point Center of Bennington County, and Sue Conely of AIDS Project of Southern Vermont (APSV), will demonstrate NARCAN administration and share information on syringe services. This session will be especially useful to any woman currently navigating Opioid Use Disorder, whether it be her own or that of a loved one.

Social Health 101

6  7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021

Speakers including Stephanie MacCrea of the Vermont Department of Health; Shelly Faris of BROC; Wendy Callert of the Vermont Association of Business, Industry, and Rehabilitation (VABIR); Wendy Morse of the Vermont Department of Labor; Kara Pallman of the Vermont Department of Children and Families Economic Services Division; and Maria Burt of Vocational Rehabilitation of Vermont in Bennington, will address food access and nutrition, employment, and financial literacy in a series of mini-lectures.

Opioid Recovery

6  7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2021

Speakers including Pamela Aulicino, MSN, RN, of Southwestern Vermont Healthcare and Vermont Blueprint for Health; Themarge Small, MD, of SVMC OB/GYN; and Julea Larsen of the Turning Point Center of Bennington County will cover recovery resources available to local women. Together, they will discuss pregnancy and OUD, medically assisted therapy (MAT), and community recovery resources in a series of mini-lectures. This session will be useful to women looking to begin their recovery journey, especially expectant mothers.

Those interested in attending should visit svhealthcare.org/classes- events to register.
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A total of 8,774 people were administered vaccine against the in on Saturday, the highest daily figure since the vaccination started on January 16, officials said.

Ten cases of adverse event following immunisation (AEFI) were reported during the day, they said.

A total of 8,774 people out of a target of 10,600 were administered vaccine at 106 centres. Each centre has a target of 100 vaccinations per day, said a senior government officer.

"The vaccination percentage was 82.77 per cent. The highest percentage was recorded on Monday 91.5 per cent, but in terms of number today's figure is the highest," he said.

When the vaccination percentage was 91.5, the target was 8,100 people as 81 centres were functional then, he said.

There were 43 centres where 100 per cent or more vaccination was achieved. These included 13 centres set up at government hospitals, officials said.

Out of 8,774 people who were administered vaccine on Saturday, 8,378 received Covishield and 396 Covaxin, showed official figures.

Seven persons who were administered Covishield showed AEFI while three persons given Covaxin developed it, data showed.

Under the nationwide vaccination programme, health workers are being administered the vaccines first. The priority group who will receive the vaccine include health workers, frontline workers, people above 50 years of age and those with co-morbidities.

vaccination in Delhi is held on four days a week, barring Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

(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.)
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in his first conversation with Italian counterpart Lorenzo Guerini on Friday discussed global security challenges, including and Russia.

"Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone today with Italian Minister of Defense Lorenzo Guerini to reinforce our steadfast commitment to our bilateral defense relationship. The leaders discussed views on shared global security challenges including a rising and threats from Russia," Defense Department spokesperson John Kirby said in a release.

Secretary Austin thanked for continuing to host US forces and noted the importance of the presence of US forces in to NATO's collective security.

He also thanked for being an exporter of security through its many deployments worldwide, including its leading roles in both Afghanistan and Iraq.

Since the arrival of the Biden administration, both Defense Secretary Austin and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been holding talks with allies and friends around the world.

Highlighting the need to build on shared values between the US and India, Austin on Wednesday had emphasised Washington's commitment to the Major Defense Partnership with New Delhi, during his phone conversation with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

"Secretary Austin noted the great strides made in the US-India defense relationship, and he pledged to work collaboratively with the Defence Minster to sustain progress," Kirby had 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.)


Opponents of Gov. Kay Iveys plan to lease three new mens prisons today released a letter to legislators urging them to try to stop it.

Thirteen organizations are listed at the end of the letter, which says it was written on behalf of a coalition that includes almost 300 college students, farmers, and activists.

We demand the legislature do everything in their power to intervene in this process and stop Governor Ivey from trapping us into a 30-year mistake, the letter says.

The Ivey administration plan calls for the state to pay up to $88 million a year to lease the three prisons over 30 years, a total cost of $2.6 billion. The developers will finance, build, and maintain the prisons, while the state will operate them. Most of the states 13 mens prisons would close.

The three new prisons would hold about a total of about 10,000 inmates, more than half the inmate population.

In December, the Department of Justice sued the state, alleging Alabama violates the constitutional rights of inmates by failing to prevent prisoner-on-prisoner violence and sexual abuse, failing to prevent excessive use of force by correctional officers, and failing to provide safe conditions.

The letter from prison plan opponents said leasing new prisons wont fix the problems the DOJ found.

The DOJ report on Alabama prisons details 5 pages of actions Alabama could take to become compliant with the 8th Amendment prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment, the letter says. Not a single recommendation mentions new construction. Though part of the DOJ lawsuit does highlight infrastructural deficiencies, these primarily could be addressed by installing more cameras and repairing broken locks.

Among the groups listed at the end of the letter are residents in Bibb and Elmore counties, where two of the prisons are planned -- Block the Brierfield Prison and No Prison for Tallassee. The other new prison will be in Escambia County. Other groups listed on the letter are Alabama Students Against Prisons, The Ordinary Peoples Society, Prodigal Child Project, Alabama Justice Initiative, Auburn Students and Community for Change, Emerge at Auburn University, Fight Toxic Prisons, ACLU of Alabama, Black Lives Matter Alabama, Faith and Works Collective, and Alabama Appleseed Center for Law and Justice.

Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner Jeff Dunn told lawmakers this week he expects Ivey to make announcements on the negotiations with two private developer teams very soon. The ADOC has kept the negotiations confidential.

Several legislators pressed Dunn for more information about the financial details at a budget hearing this week but he did not reveal anything new.

State Auditor Jim Zeigler opposes the lease plan and called for an independent audit of the Department of Corrections this week.

The Ivey administration says new prisons will be safer, more efficient to staff, and will enable the ADOC to offer education and treatment programs to reduce recidivism. The prison lease plan does not require legislative approval.

Iveys predecessor, Gov. Robert Bentley, proposed building new prisons with a bond issue but the Legislature did not approve the plan.
A prominent Iranian-born scholar arrested Monday was secretly paid to write columns favorable to Tehran and lobby at least one U.S. lawmaker on its behalf, federal prosecutors say.

Why it matters: Kaveh Afrasiabis writings showed up in prominent publications such as the New York Times and The Guardian as he drew regular payments from the Iranian government and communicated frequently with the countrys diplomatic staff, per the Justice Department. None of these professional or financial conflicts was disclosed.

Whats new: Federal officers charged Afrasiabi with acting as an unregistered foreign agent.

Prosecutors say Irans mission to the United Nations paid him more than $265,000 from July 2007 through November 2020. Many of the checks described payments to Afrasiabi as a salary.

Prosecutors say Afrasiabi also received health insurance benefits from the Iranian UN mission since 2011.

During that time, Afrasiabi made media appearances and published writings in major publications that described him as an independent scholar and expert on Iranian affairs.

Afrasiabis columns have appeared in the New York Times, The Guardian, and HuffPost. Hes also appeared on Chinese and Russian state media in the U.S.

His writings uniformly aligned with Tehrans position on world affairs, and according to the indictment, were often written in consultation with Iranian diplomatic staff.

Prosecutors say Afrasiabi also helped craft an April 2015 column in the New York Times written by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

Afrasiabis work also included direct communications with an unidentified member of Congress and his staff, prosecutors say.

According to the indictment, Afrasiabi helped write a December 2009 letter from the unnamed congressman to then-President Barack Obama regarding Iranian nuclear negotiations.

Be smart: DOJs indictment was unsealed on Tuesday, as the Trump administration unveils last-minute measures going after foreign powers it considers top U.S. adversaries.

Go deeper: U.S. declares China's actions against Uighurs "genocide"

Security has been tightened in Mumbai at all locations including near Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station and Mumbai Police is on high alert following a low-intensity explosion that took place near the Israel Embassy in Delhi.

A low-intensity explosion took place near the Israel Embassy this evening. No injuries have been reported in the incident so far. Windscreens of several cars parked in the vicinity of the Embassy on Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road were found damaged.

The explosion took place not far from Vijay Chowk, where several VVIPS including President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in attendance during the 'Beating Retreat' ceremony.

Investigators have recovered an envelope, with text written on it related to Israel Embassy officials, from the site of the blast near the Israeli Embassy here on Friday, according to sources.

"The envelope has a text related to an Israel embassy official. It is a case for investigating officers to see whether or not it has any link with the case. But, it has been recovered from the blast site," a senior government official told ANI.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar assured Israeli Foreign Minister of "fullest protection".

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is in touch with senior Delhi police officials and is constantly monitoring the situation. (ANI)

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A teen in Nigeria had his 10-year sentence for a blasphemy conviction overturned, according to his lawyer.

Nigeria teen had his blasphemy conviction overturned on appeal

Omar Farouq's sentence was set aside by the Kano State High Court's appellate division because he did not have any legal representation during his first trial, Kola Alapinni, Omar's counsel, told CNN.

In August 2020, a Sharia court in Kano State convicted the teen and sentenced him to ten years in prison after being accused of blasphemy toward Allah in an argument with a friend.

After being in captivity for more than five months without having any access to his family or lawyer, the Nigeria teen will finally be released on Monday. The Sharia court judgment that was nullified described Omar as a 17-year-old. But Alapinni claimed his client is 13.

Farouq's mother fled to a neighboring town after mobs descended on their home due to his arrest, Alapinnin said. "We now need to arrange a safe passage for Omar. His life is in danger in Kano and it will never be the same."

In a tweet, the Auschwitz Memorial in Poland offered fundraising to pay for the Nigeria teen's education, saying that "we are all part of one humanity."

Before or during his trial, he could not have legal representation in contravention of Nigerian citizens' constitutional rights, Omar's lawyer said. On August 10, 2020, the teen was convicted for allegedly making a blasphemous statement against Mohammed.

Nigeria teen's sentence sparked wide international outrage

Another blasphemy conviction saw Yahala Sharif-Aminu, an assistant at a music studio, sentenced to death on the same day. He was hung after being convicted of blaspheming in a song he shared on WhatsApp in late February last year. The recording was widely shared that caused mass outrage in a highly conservative majority Muslim community, as per the previous reports.

During the hearing on January 21, presiding judge Justice Nasiru Saminu ordered a retailing of Sharif-Aminu's case because the proceedings at the lower court were characterized by irregularities, while Umar Farouk's sentence was overturned because he is still a minor. Kano state authorities are considering appealing against the ruling, BBC reported.

Read also: British Royal Family Documentary Leaks Online After Being Banned for Decades

According to The Nigeria Voice, the sentences drew international condemnation, including the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, UNICEF's country representative in Nigeria, UN human rights experts, and the director of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in Poland, Dr. Piotr Cywinski. Piotr has offered to serve Omar Farouk's sentence and 119 volunteers who would serve a month in prison.

Under Section 204 of the country's Criminal Code, Blasphemy is prohibited, while Nigeria's constitution ensures the right to freedom of religion or belief. Besides, since 1999, 12 of Nigeria's 36 states enacted the Shari'a penal code.

The constitution transformed Islam into a state religion in defiance of the federal law and empowering Shari'a courts to implement such sentences as amputation or execution for crimes like adultery and blasphemy.

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The second shipment of the second batch of COVID-19 vaccines developed by China's Sinovac Biotech arrived early Friday in Turkey, Daily Sabah reported.

A Turkish Airlines (THY) plane that departed from Beijing landed at Istanbul Airport at 6:10 a.m. local time (3:10 a.m. GMT) carrying 3.5 million doses of the vaccine.

A total of 10 million doses of the vaccine were imported in the second batch.

The first batch of vaccines consisted of 3 million doses.

Turkey has signed a deal with Chinese drug maker Sinovac Biotech to buy 50 million doses to vaccinate 25 million people.

Mass vaccinations in Turkey began on Jan. 14.
In a rare move by the gulf nation where the status, as well as the welfare benefits, are guarded, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on January 30 opened a pathway for citizenship for selected foreigners. UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed Al-Maktoum said that foreigners such as investors, specialised talents, among other professionals would be eligible for naturalism under the new amendment.

He also informed that the UAE cabinet, local Emiri courts and executive councils will nominate those eligible for the citizenship under clear criteria set for each category while also noting that the law allows receivers of the UAE passport to keep their existing citizenship.

UAE government has also said that the latest amendment to the citizenship law aims at appreciating the talents and competencies present in the UAE and attracting more bright minds to the Emirati community. The officials UAE citizens reportedly only make up the small minority of the gulf nations population even though it houses huge migrant labour force, mostly from South Asia. As per reports, some of them are even second or third-generation residents. The United Arab Emirates even has a growing community of expats that are attracted by the low-tax regime along with the luxury megaprojects and tourist spots.

UAE PMs office said in a statement, The step aims at appreciating the talents and competencies present in the UAE and attracting more bright minds to the Emirati community in a way that contributes to the development and prosperity of the country.

Categories that can qualify to acquire the Emirati nationality include investors, doctors, specialists, inventors, scientists, talents, intellectuals, artists and their families (spouse and children), meanwhile the amendments allow retaining the current nationality, it added.

Read - UK Bans Flights From UAE, Burundi And Rwanda Shutting World's Busiest International Route

Read - Joe Biden Administration Suspends Sale Of F-35 Fighter Jets To UAE

What are the conditions?

The amendment approved by the UAE government also lays down the conditions that must be met in each category such as investors required to own property in the Gulf nation. It said in a statement, Investors are required to own a property in the UAE. Doctors and specialists must be specialised in a unique scientific discipline or any other scientific principles that are highly required in the UAE, the applicant must have acknowledged scientific contributions, studies and research of scientific value and a practical experience of not less than 10 years, in addition to obtaining membership in a reputable organisation in his field of specialisation.

Read - Abu Dhabi T10: Shahid Afridi Shockingly 'Denied' UAE Visa, To Miss Qalandars' 1st Match

Read - Shilpa Shirodkar Receives 2nd COVID-19 Vaccine In UAE, Says 'I'm Done'
Simon Baker was spotted out on Saturday for the first time since announcing his split from wife Rebecca Rigg.

The 51-year-old actor appeared solemn as he chatted on his phone while standing at the front of his home in Sydney.

The Mentalist star looked stylish in a casual blue buttoned shirt and beige pants.

Out and about: The Mentalist actor Simon Baker (pictured) was spotted out for the first time on Saturday since announcing his shock split from wife Rebecca Rigg after 29 years of marriage

Downcast: The 51-year-old actor appeared solemn as he chatted on his phone while standing at the front of his home in Sydney

He completed the ensemble with a pair of sunglasses and a beige coloured hat.

Simon and Rebecca announced their split after 29 years of marriage on Saturday, having quietly separated some time last year.

'We remain close friends and our three children will always be the most important focus of our lives.' the pair said in a joint statement obtained by People Magazine.

Style: The Mentalist star looked stylish in a casual blue buttoned shirt and beige pants

Final touches: He completed the ensemble with a pair of sunglasses and a beige coloured hat

No ring: Simon wasn't wearing his wedding band as he entered his car

Simon first met Rebecca in the early '90s and the former couple share three children together, Stella, 27, Claude, 22, and Harry, 19.

The pair tied the knot in 1998 after five years of living together.

Speaking to People Magazine in 2018 about their marriage and why they never celebrated their wedding anniversary, Simon said: 'We've never really been big on it. Anniversaries, they're an odd thing, aren't they?'

Over: Simon and his wife Rebecca (pictured) announced their split after 29 years of marriage on Saturday, having quietly separated some time last year

History: Simon first met Rebecca in the early '90s and the former couple share three children together, Stella, 27, Claude, 22, and Harry, 19

Marriage: The pair tied the knot in 1998 after five years of living together

'I think we put too much pressure on it. It's not like that with us. We're a team. Most of the time, 99 percent of the time, we're really great friends. So I don't need to mark it with great things.'

He went on: 'When we put too much pressure on something, everything gets a little clipped and we don't feel like we're ourselves.'

'And I think the most important thing in our relationship is that we're both able to be ourselves. I think it's probably the most important thing in most relationships, isn't it?'

Private: The actor previously gave an interview where he revealed the couple did not celebrate wedding anniversaries
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 29) - The country's health chief plans to convince embattled Contact Tracing czar Benjie Magalong to keep his post, despite his "irrevocable" resignation.

During a chance interview with reporters Friday afternoon, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said he intends to try and talk to the Baguio City mayor, who was tasked to lead efforts in tracing contacts of those who contracted the coronavirus.

"Kakausapin ko pa si Contact Tracing czar, si Mayor Magalong, at I will try to convince him to reconsider his resignation," Duque said.

[Translation: I will talk to the Contact Tracing czar, Mayor Magalong, and I will try to convince him to reconsider his resignation.]

Duque had nothing but praises for Magalong, who was appointed as the government's contact tracing czar last July 2020.

"Ayoko din siyang bumitiw sa kanyang posisyon dahil napakalaki ng kanyang tulong sa ating pangkalahatang pandemic response. He is a very, very important component of our pandemic response," Duque said.

[Translation: I don't want him (Magalong) to resign because he had great contributions to our pandemic response.]

Duque adds, Magalong helped "a lot" in training local chief executives, city and provincial health officers, as well as complementing the efforts of local surveillance officers.

Magalong earlier wrote National Task Force chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. to hand in his resignation, saying "several lapses in protocol were committed" during an incident which violated quarantine protocols in Baguio City.

The incident in question was eventologist Tim Yap's birthday party which was held despite strict mass gathering rules. The event has since drawn widespread backlash.

"I am committed to hold myself accountable and do what is necessary to rectify this misstep," Magalong wrote. This resignation was not accepted, according to Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

RELATED: Baguio mayor Magalong offers to quit as contact tracing czar, but resignation not accepted Palace

Before Magalong became Baguio City mayor in 2019, he was formerly a police Major General who became the country's fourth-highest police official. He also once headed the Philippine National Police's Criminal Investigation and Detection Group or CIDG.

His strategy as Contact Tracing czar involved the use of electronic tools in a manner similar to police investigations, such as COVID-19 data collection tool, a GIS (geographical information system) platform, and a Link Analysis Tool.

CNN Philippines messaged Magalong for comment on Duque's remarks, but he has yet to respond as of publishing time.
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Nama Ramen is preparing to welcome guests back into its dining room for the first time in roughly a year, but the noodle-slurping will now take place in a new, larger space.

Owner Kevin Chu is seeing a 6-year-old vision come to fruition with the upcoming Nama Ramen spot opening at 6526 Babcock Road, just down the street from the original outpost. Chu, who grew up in the local restaurant scene thanks to his parents' different businesses, branched off to launch his own restaurant, Nama, when he was 24 in 2015.

"It's almost been a mission of mine since my late teens to bring something a little more cultured to San Antonio," Chu said. "I want to do my little part to highlight the Asian dining experience."

RELATED: J. Alexander's opening Redlands Grill concept near The Rim this spring

Chu said the updated digs are double the size of the original restaurant. He worked throughout the pandemic-related shutdowns to keep his vision on track, even if that meant not taking a salary for a year.

"I was able to keep my main staff employed and keep the prices the same," he added. "It was not the time to jack up the prices on our people."

Chu and staff now putting the finishing touches on the new space and looking back at what got them to this point.

"Every bowl of noodles, every piece of sushi has gone to the plan," he said.

RELATED: Las Palapas extending outside of San Antonio area with College Station, North Texas spots

His roots in the restaurant scene shine in the eye-catching mural on the exterior of the restaurant. Chu's sprinkled "Easter eggs" throughout the facade with the names and addresses of his family's businesses creating a scribbled fill for the sun bursts breaking out from the entrance.

Family and friends are enjoying a soft opening phase and an expanded menu that includes more options for teppanyaki, ramen, sushi and omakase. The grand opening to the public is expected to happen the first week of February though an exact date has not been set.

Chu is relishing in being able to serve his close circle in the dining room after a year of to-go orders. The restaurant will temporarily pause to-go and delivery while the staff focuses on provided a safe dine-in experience.

"There's no feeling better than having familiar faces that have been there from the start coming in," he added.

Madalyn Mendoza covers news and puro pop culture for MySA.com | mmendoza@mysa.com | @maddyskye
The entrance to Camp VI, a prison used to house detainees at the U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on March 5, 2013. (Bob Strong/Reuters)

Pentagon Pauses Plan to Give COVID-19 Vaccines to Guantanamo Prisoners After GOP Criticism

The Pentagon has paused a plan to administer COVID-19 vaccines to prisoners held at the Guantanamo Bay detention center in Cuba after the move was heavily criticized by Republican representatives and 9/11 survivors.

No Guantanamo detainees have been vaccinated. Were pausing the plan to move forward, as we review force protection protocols. We remain committed to our obligations to keep our troops safe, Pentagon press secretary John Kirby wrote on Twitter on Jan. 30.

No Guantanamo detainees have been vaccinated. Were pausing the plan to move forward, as we review force protection protocols. We remain committed to our obligations to keep our troops safe.  John Kirby (@PentagonPresSec) January 30, 2021

Republican lawmakers took aim at reports that the Pentagon was to offer COVID-19 vaccines to the 40 detainees at Guantanamo Bay, while millions of vulnerable Americans wait in line for their turn to get inoculated. Those detained at Guantanamo Bay include Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks, which killed 2,977 Americans.

There have been no reported cases of COVID-19 among the detention center prisoners. Early in the pandemic, the U.S. military stopped reporting cases at individual bases for security reasons.

The move sparked anger among Republican lawmakers, with some accusing President Joe Biden of putting the needs of accused terrorists ahead of law-abiding Americans.

It is inexcusable and un-American that President Biden is choosing to prioritize vaccinations for convicted terrorists in Gitmo over vulnerable American seniors or veterans, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) said in a tweet on Jan. 30.

Outrageous. The Biden Administration is giving vaccines to terrorists at Guantanamo Bay. What do they say to American seniors and veterans still waiting for theirs? Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) wrote in a Jan. 30 tweet.

Nothing says #unity like letting the 9/11 mastermind & Gitmo detainees skip in front of millions of Americans for the COVID #vaccine, said Rep. Dan Bishop (R-N.C.), in a tweet.

The U.S. Naval Station at Guantanamo began inoculating its 6,000 residents earlier this month, although detainees werent believed to have been included.

Biden has made ramping up vaccinations a priority, announcing a plan to inoculate 100 million Americans in his first 100 days in office.

The move to include the detainees in the vaccination rollout also sparked outrage from New Yorkers who witnessed the 2001 collapse of the World Trade Center firsthand and helped respond to the fallout.

You cant make this up. The ridiculousness of what we get from our government. They will run the vaccine down to those lowlifes at Guantanamo Bay before every resident of the United States of America gets it is the theater of the absurd, said Tom Von Essen, who was city fire commissioner during 9/11 and whose department lost 343 firefighters that day, according to The New York Post.
A pregnant nurse who thought she was just suffering a bad headache is now having to undergo two life-threatening surgeries to remove an aneurysm from her brain.

Jaylee Clayton, from Brisbane, was working on January 18 when she suddenly had to lie down due to a severe headache.

An aneurysm had ruptured in her brain and within minutes she was unconscious while a co-worker desperately performed CPR.

After being rushed to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, the mum-to-be was placed into an induced coma with her family being told to expect the worst.

In another blow for Ms Clayton, doctors discovered a second aneurysm had formed in her brain which urgently needs to be removed before it too bursts.

One of her three sisters, Kara Geale, said the sudden illness had rattled their family - especially Ms Clayton's husband Josh who has been staying with her night and day.

Jaylee Clayton, 29, from Brisbane, is in hospital after suffering a ruptured brain aneurysm with doctors since discovering a second aneurysm

One of her three sisters, Kara Geale, said the sudden illness had rattled their family - especially Ms Clayton's husband Josh (left) who has been staying with her night and day

'We were told by the neurosurgeon that night that she was unlikely to survive,' Ms Geale told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

In a small win for her loved ones, Ms Clayton has woken from her coma and been moved out of the ICU.

But as she is still recovering, the 29-year-old has developed Aphasia, a speech impairment, and is unable to speak.

'She can't recognise her own name or anything like that, but I think she knows our faces when we get in,' Ms Geale said.

Now Ms Clayton faces two more surgeries, the first being to replace a piece of skull that was taken out to alleviate the swelling of her brain.

Surgeons will then operate on the second brain aneurysm, instead performing the operation through her groin so to reduce more injury to her head.

Ms Clayton and her husband have been together for 12 years and recently celebrated their first pregnancy after three IVF attempts.

Ms Clayton (pictured with husband Josh) faces two more surgeries while her husband has taken time off work to be by her side night and day

Mr Clayton, who has taken time off work to be by his wife's side, said she was such a 'pure and positive' person.

'Even now I can see in her eyes how frustrated she is, but she will keep fighting,' he said.

Doctors remain hopeful both Ms Clayton and her unborn son will recover.

Loved ones have since set up a GoFundMe page to help cover expenses.

'Jaylee is fighting, and so is her baby boy,' the page reads.

'Jaylee is a nurse and worked every day caring for others. Her husband Josh, as you can imagine is not working at the moment and is it at Jaylee's bedside day and night.

'They are expecting their first baby and I would love to take away the stress of bills and making ends meet in this time of need which will be a long road.'

Somalia is under growing pressure to explain the fate of soldiers whose families fear they were secretly deployed from training camps in neighbouring Eritrea to fight in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region.

The government has strenuously denied allegations that Somali troops were sent to battlefields in Tigray, where Ethiopian federal troops have been fighting with regional forces since November.

But some lawmakers have written to Somalia's president appealing for information on behalf of desperate parents who say their sons in uniform have gone missing, and they have reason to believe they could be in Tigray.

Hussein Ibrahim said his son was told he was going to Qatar for training, but wound up in Eritrea.

"I last spoke with my son 22 days ago. He told me he was fine but concerned, because some of his comrades were relocated from the camp and he didn't know to where," he said.

"I don't know who to ask about his fate. There are reports everywhere that those taken to Eritrea were sent to fight in Ethiopia, and that some had died."

Information minister Osman Abukar Dubbe on January 19 said "there were no Somali troops fighting in Tigray, and no such request made by the Ethiopian government", describing reports to the contrary as "propaganda".

'Alive or not'?

But the whereabouts of the missing soldiers remains unclear, and the plight of their families has struck a chord in Somalia and raised difficult questions for politicians preparing for a fraught national election which had been scheduled for next month but is beset with delays.

"We need the Somali president to hear our appeal, and tell us if our children are alive or not," said Fadumo Moalim Abdulle, who believes her son was sent to Eritrea after being told he was going to Qatar.

In a letter dated January 18, the foreign relations committee asked President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, better known by his nickname Farmajo, for "details about the number of soldiers in Eritrea for training, and when they are coming back to the country".

"We also understand that many parents have not been able to contact their children for some time, only to hear they were killed fighting in Tigray with government forces," the letter stated.

"Confirm where these soldiers are now, and put them in touch with their parents."

A military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that some recruits were sent to Eritrea for training "but these reports about Somali soldiers sent to Tigray are baseless".

But Abdisalam Guleid, a former Somali deputy spy chief, told AFP that "Somalia had indeed entered the war, and that many soldiers had died," citing intelligence from Ethiopian counterparts.

'Hush hush'

After three weeks of fighting, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared victory in late November against the TPLF, the ruling party in Tigray, after the army captured the regional capital Mekele.

But the TPLF leadership remains on the run and has vowed to fight on. Thousands have died so far in the conflict, according to the International Crisis Group.

The fighting has raised concerns for stability in the wider Horn of Africa, with fears that Ethiopia's neighbours could be dragged into a regional conflict.

Ethiopia last week denied the presence of Somali troops in Tigray, and continued to dismiss witness accounts of Eritrean involvement in the conflict.

"Ethiopia has never invited any of the neighbouring countries or others to be part of this conflict. This is an internal matter; the Ethiopian army has done it by itself," said Dina Mufti, spokesman for Ethiopia's foreign affairs ministry.

In December, the US State Department said it was "aware of credible reports of Eritrean military involvement in Tigray" and called for their withdrawal. This month the state-affiliated Ethiopian Human Rights Commission accused Eritrean troops of looting in Tigray.

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.

Abiy also forged a three-way regional security arrangement with Eritrea and Somalia.

Analysts say it is plausible small numbers of Eritrean-trained Somalis were sent to Tigray, given Eritrea's long history of using regional forces under its tutelage for its own strategic gain.

"What's clear is that troops have gone to Eritrea. Some have come back. But the government has never given any details about these troops, not even their numbers or the fact there are cohorts," said one regional security analyst, who asked not to be named.

Short link:


Mumbai:

Three staff members of a private school in Mumbai, including a director and a teacher were arrested for chopping off the hair of 25 students in order to punish them for not abiding by the prescribed dress code, police said on Saturday.



The incident took place at suburban Vikhroli on Friday after the morning prayers following which accused were arrested late last night on a complaint lodged by the parents of some students. These 25 boys (from Class V-VIII) were punished for not keeping a short hair cut as per the school orders, they said.

ALSO READ: Playschool owner hangs himself to death in Northeast Delhi's Harsh Vihar



The school had allegedly asked children a few days ago to maintain a cropped hairstyle but some of them failed to do so following which school Director Ganesh Bata (40), physical training teacher Milind Zanke (33) and office assistant Tushar Gore (32) decided to teach them a lesson, police said.



During the mass hair cut session, two boys were injured by the scissors, allegedly used by the trio to hand out the punishment, they said.



We registered an offence against the three accused under sections 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 335 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt on provocation) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code, and section of 75 (cruelty to child meted out by the custodian) of the Juvenile Justice Act and arrests were made subsequently, Sridhar Hanchate, Senior Police Inspector of Vikroli Police Station told PTI.



All the accused were produced before a local court on Saturday and further probe is on, he said.

ALSO READ: Gujarat board GSHSEB fails 670 students after discrepancy in marks

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
The last four years have been a roller coaster of emotions. The stress that has always accompanied my undocumented status has been amplified since his diagnosis, given the Trump administrations attempts to end DACA. What would happen if we lost our status and health insurance? What would become of my son if he lost access to the care that is so vital to his development? My stomach turned each time I heard a court handed down a decision on one of Donald Trumps many challenges to the program.

President Biden has already taken various actions on immigration, including fortifying DACA. He also sent Congress The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021, which would offer a pathway to citizenship to the millions of undocumented immigrants living in the United States. The plan has been hailed as bold, but undocumented people have been here before. Barack Obama also made big promises he couldnt keep. We cant go on like this.

Mr. Trump dehumanized and terrorized the immigrant community. But the truth is that racist laws and politicians targeted undocumented people long before he arrived on the scene. In 2008, former Sheriff Joe Arpaio gloated about having his very own concentration camp, where he jailed undocumented people. An Arizona statute, Senate Bill 1070, in 2010 gave officers the power to arrest anyone without a warrant that they believed to have committed a crime that could make that person subject to deportation, among other things. In 2012, Gov. Jan Brewer sought to ban drivers licenses for DACA recipients in the state.

Through my work in the immigrant rights movement, I have witnessed so many examples of how lack of status, combined with criminalizing immigration policies, cast dark shadows over the lives of our community not only in Arizona but across the country. From allegations of forced sterilization of women in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody to children left orphaned by deportation.

It sometimes feels as if undocumented people are persecuted for simply existing in a country they have given so much to. Our contributions are not limited to playing a key role in the nations economy and paying billions in taxes each year. Many have also worked to keep Americans fed during the pandemic, losing their lives in the process, all the while with no permanent legislative solution in sight. Thinking about all this fills me with rage. Then I look at my son, and think that I have no other option but to continue to fight, even though I am tired. I am so tired.

Cuba frees Christian pastor, confiscates nearly $2K in tools needed for his business

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A bi-vocational pastor was released from jail in Cuba last Friday after authorities accused him under false pretenses of hoarding tools for his bicycle repair shop.

Authorities held Pastor Karel Parra Rosabal in prison for 10 days before his release from the police unit in Jobabo, Las Tunas, according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide, a nonprofit that serves persecuted believers in over 20 countries.

The prosecutors office dropped the charges and allowed the pastor of the Fuego y Dinamica Apostolic Church in Jobabo to present proof-of-purchase documents for his work tools. The government didnt return the tools he needed to make a livelihood, however.

The economic situation in Cuba is really bad right now, CSW Head of Advocacy Anna Stangl told The Christian Post. For someone like [Rosabal,] this business would have been his only or main source of income. This puts him at serious risk of not being able to feed his own family. Cubans do receive rations from the government but its not enough to survive on.

Cuba likely let Rosabal free while still intending to destroy his ministry, Stangl contends.

First, the government released the pastor so that the world could believe the fight for his freedom was over, she added. Once people stop paying attention, it will likely keep the tools Rosabal needs to make a living.

He will either give up pastoring for a job, or his family will go hungry, warned Stangl. Most Cuban pastors persecuted by the government in similar ways continue to preach the Gospel.

In the words he used, he was kicked out of his cell and told to go home, she recalled. Once the harassment starts, it will continue. It looks good on paper. Hes out of jail. But he cant support his own family.

Cuba forbids the ownership of tools without proof of purchase. Rosabal had proof of purchase. The government took the equivalent of nearly $1,900 worth of tools from his house anyway, CSW reports.

The advocate explained that communist leaders would likely take months to return the tools if they do so at all.

A press statement from CSW states the government likely targeted Rosabal because he was part of the Pentecostal Apostolic Movement. Cubas government does not allow churches in the Apostolic Movement to register with the government legally.

Rosabals imprisonment and release is a visible instance of a common secret, said Stangl, adding that many Cuban pastors are held prisoner by the government without the worlds knowledge. When a case like Rosabals gains publicity, Cuba often lets the pastor go.

Rosabals case gained publicity last week as reports emerged that he was kept incommunicado for the first two days of detention and had gone on a hunger strike.

Compared to other communist countries, Cuba caves to public pressure for religious freedom relatively easily, she said.

The nation depends on tourism to drive its economy, so its government wants people to imagine Cuba as a socialist paradise. However, Persecution continues nonetheless. Cuba is listed in the U.S. State Departments special watch list of countries that engage in or tolerate severe religious freedom violations, joining Comoros, Nicaragua, and Russia.

Like other pastors that have drawn the government's ire, Rosabal will almost certainly suffer the indignity of government surveillance, pressure and economic hindrance for the rest of his life, Stangl added.

Ive been working on Cuba for about 20 years now. Persecution has remained steady. It takes different forms over the years, she said. Rather than trying to eliminate religion, they try to control it. And theyre always changing their methods.

According to Voice of the Martyrs, Cuba hires gangs to smash church buildings, imprisons Christians for short periods, and places them under de-facto house arrest. Voice of the Martyrs warns that no Christians are currently known to be in prison currently in Cuba.

The governments most recent strategy has been to spread lies on social media about pastors to discredit them. Short term jail sentences to intimidate pastors have also become more common, said Stangl.

The U.S. The Commission on International Religious Freedom, the bipartisan body tasked with advising the federal government and Congress, has spoken out about religious freedom violations in Cuba many times.

Last March, USCIRF released an update report on conditions in Cuba, voicing concerns about the status of freedom for human rights activists and journalists. The report details how authorities manipulate the legal system to wage persistent harassment against religious leaders and control religious activity.

In 2019, Cuba barred four evangelical leaders from traveling to the United States to participate in the State Department's Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom.
Iran will not accept U.S. demands that it reverse an acceleration of its nuclear programme before White House lifts sanctions, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Friday. The demand is not practical and will not happen, he said at a joint news conference in Istanbul with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu. The new administration of U.S. President Joe Biden has said Tehran must come back with the compliance with curbs on its nuclear activity under the world powers 2015 deal before it can rejoin the pact.

Iran breached the terms of the contract in a step-by-step response to the decision by Bidens predecessor Donald Trump to abandon the deal in 2018 and reimpose sanctions on Tehran. Earlier this month, Iran resumed enriching uranium to 20% at its underground Fordow nuclear plant - a level it achieved before the accord. However, Iran has said it can quickly reverse those violations if U.S. sanctions are removed.

If the United States fulfills its obligations, we will fulfill our obligations in full, he said. Irans parliament, dominated by hardliners, passed legislation last month that demands the government to harden its nuclear stance if U.S. sanctions are not eased within two months.

Zarif also condemned U.S. sanctions against Turkey over Ankaras decision to buy Russian S-400 defence systems. The U.S. government is addicted to sanctions  and this harms the world and the U.S. itself, he said.

Iran, six other nations lose right to vote in UNGA

China's Hualong one nuclear reactor begins operations

Italy blocks Missile sale to Saudi Arabia and UAE

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Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaks at the permanent Cabinet meeting. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi  Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has asked for extra efforts to quickly stamp out new COVID-19 outbreaks before the lunar New Year festival, which falls in mid-February.



The PM made the request at a permanent Cabinet meeting on the situation of zoning off and dealing with newly-detected infections on January 29, just one day after an urgent meeting with the National Steering Committee on COVID-19 Prevention and Control on the sidelines of the ongoing 13th National Party Congress.



He said that several leaders, who are delegates to the congress in Hanoi, returned to their localities to direct, or chaired online meetings with their localities on disease prevention and control work.



The Health Ministry has also sent many experienced staff to support the affected localities in the fight against the pandemic.



The PM stressed that the new variant of SARS-CoV-2 is spreading very quickly, that needs to take more rapid actions and extensive testing, and quickly trace for anyone with possible contacts with the confirmed patients.



Localities with community-transmitted infections should practice social distancing at high-risk areas.



The Prime Minister also urged the Health Ministry to submit a plan on buying COVID-19 vaccines to try serving people within the first quarter of 2021.
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Saturday, January 30, 2021

Over the last week, I believe I have shown that Raymond Broshears was a crackpot. His provable lies, his fanciful tales, and his ridiculous claims would make any reasonable person ignore his value as a witness. As Stephen Roy has written, it is unlikely that Broshears ever met David Ferrie, let alone was his roommate.

The HSCA interview was laughable. And, they knew he was a fraud, which is why his name is not mentioned in any of their volumes. But, let's have a look at what conspiracy theorists have written about Broshears.

First, let's go back to the conference Jim Garrison had with his investigators on September 21, 1968. Here is a short segment in which they are dismissive of Broshears' claim that the assassins had flown out of Dallas but had crashed near Corpus Christi. Note that Box = Bill Boxley, a Garrison investigator; F = Bernard Fensterwald, a Warren Report critic; T = William Turner, a Garrison investigator and writer for Ramparts Magazine; and G = Jim Garrison.

But, we've already seen that Jaffe looked for confirmation of a plane crash in the newspapers and could not find any. Did Garrison not know that?

Desoite this, Garrison expressed confidence in Broshears as a witness (Broshears is spelt wrong).

So, there you have it, Garrison thought that Broshears "could be very creditable," but ruled him out as a witness because he had spent time in an institution - not because his testimony was ridiculous. Further, Garrison believes Broshears on the nonsense about sleeping with Thornley - and as I mentioned in a previous post - he believed that Thornley's body is in the Oswald backyward photographs.

Garrison devoted two full pages to Broshears in his book, On The Trail of The Assassins.

Garrison tries to hedge his bets in the last paragraph saying that "or so Broshears states." However, anybody reading these two pages would have to conclude that Garrison believes most of what Broshears claims. He doesn't mention that Broshears said that the plane with the two assassins (later amended to three assassins) crashed off of Corpus Christi - and Garrison doesn't mention that, at the time, he thought it wasn't a great lead (let alone that Jaffe found no confirmation of a crash).

Dick Russell interviewed Raymond Broshears and discusses him in his book, The Man Who Knew Too Much.

Broshears tells Russell that he would refuse to testify before Congress (on the last page). Yet, as we showed yesterday, he was interviewed by the HSCA in 1977. And, Broshears now makes up this story about Leon Oswald, a fake Oswald, whom he had sex with.

And, this is picked up by James DiEugenio in his book, Destiny Betrayed. He tries to make the case that there was a second Oswald, named Leon Oswald, who was at the party at David Ferrie's in September 1963. Broshears is one of his corroborating witnesses. Here is an excerpt from page 248:

DiEugenio's footnote refers to Russell's book.

DiEugenio also uses Broshears as a witness who corroborates that Clay Shaw knew David Ferrie (page 209):

In a future post, we will examine all of the witnesses in the above paragraph.

Joan Mellen has a field day with Raymond Broshears who is mentioned 13 times in the text. Here are a key paragraph:

Joan Mellen proves here that she is a very good stenographer, but not such a good historian.
Is it safe to go to the grocery store? Why did that restaurant close its doors for a day?

A year after officials identified the first case of the coronavirus in the Bay Area, local health departments mostly arent saying which businesses have seen infections at work. A patchwork of rumor, employee notifications and media reports have taken the place of the systematic reporting seen elsewhere.

The Bay Areas approach stands in stark contrast to Los Angeles County, which has been transparent about workplace outbreaks well before a state law requiring some reports on outbreaks, AB685, took effect on Jan. 1.

Of the 10 local health departments, only one divulged the names of businesses that had seen outbreaks. Some cited policies protecting medical privacy for withholding it. Experts said health officials must balance public safety benefits with the risks of tarnishing businesses reputations or discouraging them from reporting infections.

The backers of AB685 sought to push for more transparency, requiring public reporting by the state health department on coronavirus outbreaks at workplaces by industry. The state health department has not yet made the information available, and it would not give the public the kind of detailed information available in Los Angeles and Oregon, which began a statewide disclosure system in May.

It is unclear whether publicly revealing the specific names and locations of affected businesses and the number of infections, as Los Angeles does, has helped slow the spread of the disease. The pandemic remains more severe in Southern California than in the Bay Area, while Oregon has been one of the best-performing states in fighting the pandemic.

The gravity of the pandemic and the need to share information is an important factor that can help protect the public, an L.A. County Department of Public Health spokesperson said in an email, adding that the county shares outbreak and contact tracing information to protect the public.

Jessica Christian / The Chronicle

L.A. County does not attach dates to its outbreak information, which makes it unclear where the virus is currently circulating.

There are so many confounders, its hard to ascertain what role releasing the data in L.A. County has had, said John Swartzberg, an epidemiologist at UC Berkeley. Theres a lot of noise in the system. I dont know how you would identify that this particular intervention works, and that study would be impossible to do.

But spotlighting businesses with direct interaction with customers could keep people safer, Swartzberg and other health experts said.

The California Department of Public Health would not say what information it is collecting from county departments on coronavirus outbreaks at businesses, or when it will begin publishing the AB685-mandated information on its website. The department does publish data about cases at skilled nursing facilties by county, including business names, which is also available on some local health department websites.

The law doesnt prevent health departments from listing business names as long as they protect sensitive information, like employee names, said Pam Dixon, a privacy expert and executive director at the nonprofit World Privacy Forum. AB685 prohibits the release of personally identifiable information about employees.

Listing outbreaks across the state by industry is the minimum requirement under the new law, Dixon said, and counties could do more if they chose to. Thats the floor and then theres wiggle room above that, she said of the new disclosure requirements.

Oregon limits its weekly workplace outbreak disclosures to ones involving at least five people at sites with at least 30 employees.

In California, reporting outbreaks is largely left up to businesses, with only a few hundred state workplace safety inspectors spread out statewide.

Business groups like the California Chamber of Commerce are worried that even general information about outbreaks could hamper economic recovery.

Any time an industry is labeled as having a COVID-19 outbreak  thats not good for business, said Erika Frank, the trade groups general counsel. Industry-specific numbers also dont reflect steps a business has taken to curb the spread of the virus, or whether someone got it at work, Frank added.

Already struggling businesses could face enduring damage to their reputation and revenues if outbreaks, regardless of their cause, become public knowledge, said Rodney Fong, CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce.

Legislation and executive orders signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom last year expanded a presumption in certain professions that workers infected with the virus got it on the job for workers compensation cases. Without those changes, workers might have struggled to prove where they got infected.

Many frontline workers in food and agriculture work in crowded conditions where social distancing is difficult but also live in cramped housing and share transportation to work, blurring the origins of viral spread. Studies have shown that essential workers passing the virus to one another at work is a significant risk, not just to themselves but their families.

Labor groups and unions have pushed hard for more transparency from employers during the pandemic.

Unions and workers advocated successfully last year for emergency regulations at the states Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board. Those rules, which partly overlap with the new law, took effect last year. They require businesses to tell employees about outbreaks, along with creating plans to curb the virus, among other requirements. Regulators can issue fines and citations against companies that do not follow the new requirements. They do not require broad public disclosure, however.

Last week the U.S. Department of Labor also released guidance for businesses on creating infection prevention plans. That guidance is similar to the new California rules but is not binding

Groups including the state chamber opposed the new rules, calling them unclear and a burden on businesses.

Employees may be getting more information about the virus at work, but the public is still largely in the dark about outbreaks at businesses.

Only one Bay Area county, Contra Costa, released information on workplace coronavirus outbreaks to The Chronicle on request. That list showed almost 70 businesses with confirmed ongoing outbreaks as of Jan. 22. Fewer than 20% of recorded virus exposures happened in the workplace, according to an email from a county spokesman. Gatherings at homes or elsewhere made up about 70% of exposures while 10-15% happened at long-term care facilities.

Other health agencies declined to release names of businesses, offering varying justifications that some experts said did not always stand up to legal or logical scrutiny.

San Francisco said it does not provide public data on workplace infections.

Due to asymptomatic transmission and incomplete data, providing this sort of data could mislead the public, a spokesperson said.

Interactive Vaccine Tracker: Latest developments Detailed information about the coronavirus vaccines as it becomes available.

Santa Clara County said it did not have workplace outbreak information to share and could not explain how it planned to comply with the new law requiring them to collect that information.

Napa County said that that since Jan. 1 there have been eight workplace-associated outbreaks reported affecting 34 workers, but declined to provide specifics, including the industry breakdown required by AB685.

Alameda County claimed HIPAA, a federal medical-privacy law, limited what they could disclose. Dixon, the privacy expert, said that law likely did not apply to the situation.

Solano County specified outbreaks at nursing homes and other assisted-living facilities but declined to provide names, citing ongoing health investigations. Officials said the responsibility of notifying employees about positive cases at work rests with employers.

Sonoma County declined to provide the names of businesses that had experienced outbreaks.

Laine Hendricks, a spokesperson for Marin County, said it was not required to by law to disclose detailed information and chose not to release it. Marin has seen at least 54 workplace coronavirus outbreaks since the start of the pandemic, she said, and nearly 1,400 employees who tested positive for the coronavirus have been referred for investigation to the county.

San Mateo County also cited HIPAA in its response.

Berkeley, which has its own health department, tracks and investigates workplace outbreaks and cases, but does not disclose business names. Our primary goal for public health information has been to notify the public when there is actionable information that can protect public health and save lives, City Communications Director Matthai Chakko said in an email. We have publicized incidents, such as measles, when that information can help the public take action, he added.

Outing and punishing companies that knowingly and negligently put their workers, and by connection the public, at risk of infection could be a more effective approach than the blanket disclosure practiced in L.A., said Dr. John Balmes, a professor at UC Berkeley and UCSF and a workplace health expert.

He pointed to meatpacking plants that allowed the virus to run rampant through cramped facilities in California and elsewhere in the U.S. as examples of businesses the public should be made aware of.

The lack of a centralized approach to releasing and acting on such information posed public health risks, he added.

Grocery store outbreaks could also be crucial information for people in deciding where to shop, said Swartzberg, the epidemiologist. But even then, more information would be necessary, like how many workers were affected. What if only a single employee got sick, and they got infected at home? Swartzberg said he could see businesses viewing disclosure in such cases as unfair.

He pointed out that health departments disclose other health and safety violations: I certainly appreciate public health announcements of salmonella outbreaks or rats at restaurants.

Health departments are trying to thread a needle between doing everything they can to protect the public but at the same time, trying not to harm businesses that are hanging on by their fingernails, he said.

Chase DiFeliciantonio and Shwanika Narayan are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: chase.difeliciantonio@sfchronicle.com, shwanika.narayan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ChaseDiFelice, @Shwanika Narayan

Update: This story has been updated to include San Mateo Countys response.
Vietnam logged 34 new community cases of COVID-19 in the northern provinces of Hai Duong and Quang Ninh, the Ministry of Healthy confirmed Saturday morning.

Of the two patients in Quang Ninh, one patient, who resides in Ha Long City, had connection with a previously-confirmed patient in Hai Duong, while the other patient, who lives in Van Don District, came into contact with patient No.1,553.

The remaining 32 patients in Hai Duong had epidemiological connection with a cluster in Chi Linh City.

Vietnam has reported 185 infections in the latest coronavirus outbreak, which began on Thursday and has spread to five northern cities and provinces, including Hanoi.

The national tally mounted to 1,739 patients, with 1,448 recoveries and 35 virus-related deaths as of Saturday morning.

Authorities are conducting quick and extensive contact tracing to contain the new wave of infections, at a time when the Lunar New Year holiday, Vietnams biggest festival, is only two weeks away.

Following the morning update on new infections, the Ministry of Heath revealed details of a new vaccine that will soon be available nationwide.

Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long said on Saturday morning that the ministry had approved the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

This is the first inoculation licensed for distribution in Vietnam.

AstraZeneca has committed to provide 30-50 million doses in 2021, 50,000 of which should be available in Vietnam in February, according to the health ministry.

A source familiar with the matter told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that AstraZeneca sells the vaccine to Vietnam for less than US$10 per two injections on the not-for-profit principle.

Meanwhile, clinical trials are still taking place for two made-in-Vietnam vaccines -- Nano Covax and Covivax.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
About two hours into our drive around Utrecht, a city of 358,000 near the center of the Netherlands, the display providing a real-time readout of ambient methane levels begins to freak out.

The Samsung tablet was consistently showing concentrations close to the atmosphere's background level of around 2 parts per million. But suddenly, the chart's scale expands in order to follow a sudden spike to 300 ppm. Behind the wheel, Hossein Maazallahi, a PhD candidate at Utrecht University, says the reason is clear: A natural gas pipeline has sprung a leak.

Maazallahi, 30, is part of MEMO2, a seven-country, public-private research project that's training scientists to find methane leaks in fossil fuel production and municipal infrastructure across Europe. Methane is the primary component of natural gas, which is supplanting its dirtier cousins as a source of electricity.

Researchers however are finding that the pipes delivering all that gas are a lot leakier than utility companies understand. Maazallahi's study of methane levels in Utrecht and Hamburg, Germany, recently published in the scientific journal Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, found 81 apparent leaks in Utrecht's network and 145 in Hamburg. Natural gas also contributes to ground-level ozone, which exacerbates asthma-a pressing health concern in communities of color, where the condition is more prevalent. It can also explode, if allowed to build up in a closed space.

But beyond more localized safety issues, the problem has a planetary component: it's playing a significant role in global warming. Now, as the U.S. rejoins the climate fight being waged in Europe and elsewhere, with President Joe Biden's plan to "supercharge" his nation's efforts, finding new ways to rein in greenhouse gases will be even more of a priority. Tackling decrepit natural gas networks is likely to be high on the list.

Methane, also known as CH4, is the second-most abundant anthropogenic greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide. But it's 25 times more effective at trapping heat. The higher potency combined with a shorter lifespan-maybe a dozen years rather than a century or more for CO2-has brought it to the forefront of climate mitigation strategies.

In the long run, say by 2100, we'll need to significantly reduce CO2 emissions if we want to avoid agricultural catastrophe. But to hit goals set for 2030 by the Paris Agreement-namely emissions levels that keep warming below 2C-focusing on methane reduction makes better sense.

"Anything we can do to reduce methane emissions now helps buy us more time to address CO2 emissions in the future," said Robert Jackson, professor of earth system science at Stanford University and director of the Global Carbon Project, a collaboration of hundreds of scientists worldwide seeking to make greenhouse gas data available to the public.

But the big obstacle to tackling methane emissions is that, while we know the amount of CH4 in the atmosphere has more than doubled since around 1750, we don't know all of its sources. Besides production of fossil fuels, methane also comes from landfills, livestock, agriculture and wetlands.

Conveniently for researchers, methane derived from fossil fuels has a chemical signature that differs from other sources. That distinction helped Benjamin Hmiel figure out how much of it we've been pumping into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels. For his PhD dissertation, published in Nature, Hmiel tapped pockets of air in ancient ice in Greenland to measure the proportion of fossil methane. Then he subtracted it from what's in the air today, and determined the fossil methane humans are responsible for.

"We didn't realize how clear of a picture we had until after the measurements," said Hmiel, now a researcher with the Environmental Defense Fund. It turns out that our fossil fuel-based methane emissions are 25%-40% higher than we previously thought, though the scientific community continues to debate the findings.

So where is all this extra methane coming from? Some of it from leaks, apparently.

The oil and gas industry and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency had previously estimated methane emissions from drilling operations by taking measurements in a few locations and then extrapolating. But recently, scientists have rigged satellites with instruments to provide a more accurate picture. The more they looked, the more they found how far off-base those estimates were.

Last year, researchers from SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research figured out that methane from the Permian Basin, a hub of drilling activity in Texas and New Mexico, was double earlier estimates.

"The largest area of production of oil in the U.S. is emitting a lot more methane than the industry says," Sudhanshu Pandey, the study's lead author, said. The contribution to global warming of methane leaked and vented from the Permian is equivalent to the CO2 emissions of all U.S. households over a 20 year-period, his study found.

Some of the emissions from fossil-fuel extraction are unavoidable, like when methane trapped in coal mines must be vented to avoid hazardous conditions. But some is avoidable, and operators are unlikely to pay fines for accidental release, according to research by the Niskanen Center of Washington. Norway is a leader in taxing these emissions, and thus incentivizing leak reduction. But fossil fuel industry lobbyists in North Dakota and Wyoming-two of the largest petroleum-producing U.S. states-have shot down efforts in America to emulate the Scandinavians.

While fossil fuel production facilities are by far the biggest source of leaks, the pipelines that extend from those installations to consumers are vast, able to circle the Earth 120 times if laid end-to-end. EPA estimates are that fossil fuel distribution accounts for only 7% of methane emissions in the natural gas system-but recent studies indicate that number may be low.

A 2015 study of the city of Indianapolis found leaks there were producing the global warming equivalent of the electricity consumption of up to 42,000 households. In Boston, a 2.7% leak rate was discovered in that city's distribution network.

Washington D.C. "is very leaky, Baltimore is very leaky, [as is] Providence, Rhode Island," said Nathan Phillips, acting director of the Sustainable Neighborhood Lab at Boston University, who has published research on leakage from natural gas distribution systems. And with America's disintegrating infrastructure, the problem is only getting worse. By comparison, areas where pipelines were recently replaced have up to 95% fewer leaks per mile, Jackson said. Margaret Hendrick, one of Phillips' students, showed in a 2016 study published in Environmental Pollution that just 7% of leaks are responsible for 50% of the gas escaping from utilities' pipes.

Capping even a small portion of them could go a long way toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Despite generally having better-maintained infrastructure than America, Europe isn't immune to old pipes, either.

Back in Utrecht, Maazallahi was circling the block, returning to the street corner where his electronic display first spiked. He pulls into a parking spot across from a Domino's Pizza. Jutting out of his Volkswagen's front grill is a quarter-inch plastic tube no different from one you might find bubbling in a home aquarium. It winds along the fender, through a crack in the passenger door and under a floormat to the backseat-where it attaches to a device that can cost as much as $90,000.

It's called a cavity ring-down spectrometer, and it could be a critical tool in the fight to slow global warming. The gadget, made by Silicon Valley's Picarro Inc., contains three highly polished triangular mirrors. Inside a 1-liter container kept at 80% vacuum, a laser pulse tuned to the wavelength at which methane absorbs light bounces between the mirrors. The faster the light decays, the more methane in the cavity. Simultaneous measurement of CO2 levels reveals whether a high methane reading is just from a passing car whose catalytic converter needs adjustment, or something more insidious.

Maazallahi exits the vehicle in search of the exact location of the leak. Wearing jeans, a blue bomber jacket and Elvis Costello glasses, he starts walking along the street with a portable version of the larger spectrometer in the van's backseat. After holding a tube over cracks beside a few metal sidewalk plates, Maazallahi investigates a drain by a curb. Bingo.

The reading is similar to the one he first measured. "A pipeline leak could easily find its way through this outlet," he said. Maazallahi planned to notify the utility company, which has previously fixed leaks found by MEMO2 (which stands for Methane goes Mobile - Measurements and Modeling.)

Maazallahi said utilities use decades-old technology to discover leaks, but often can't quantify how big a leak is.

Else de Kwaasteniet, a spokesperson for Utrecht utility Stedin, said the leaks detected by Maazallahi were mostly below its threshold for alarm. Stedin checks its entire network at least every five years, she said. Bernd Eilitz, a spokesperson for Hamburg's utility, city-owned Gasnetz, said it checks lines every four years, with high-pressure pipes getting more frequent scrutiny. He said Gasnetz fixed the leaks Maazallahi found there.

Phillips said his project has made U.S. inroads, having mapped the natural gas infrastructure of a Boston suburb, and that he's in negotiations with a major U.S. East Coast city about capturing methane samples on bicycles and scooters, which can get into alleys and other places that cars can't.

The cavity raindown spectrometer, which is also made by Los Gatos Inc. and others, is "a very stable, very elegant, very precise way of measuring methane," Phillips said. Eilitz seemed to agree, saying Gasnetz sees "vehicle-based sensors as an interesting addition" to their current routine checks.

Bridger Photonics Inc., a Bozeman, Montana-based company that provides methane emissions data to the oil & gas industries using airborne lidar, found approximately four significant leaks per square mile in preliminary scans of metropolitan area gas distribution networks.

Pete Roos, Bridger's CEO, said his company can find big leaks from the air even faster than Maazallahi's method-and that demand for such services is growing.

"Natural gas is getting pushed from all sides," Roos said. "There's been an evolution of understanding that for this industry to survive, they've got to have responsible operations and keep that gas in the pipe."
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New Delhi:

US Congressman Ted Poe on Saturday labelled Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism. He also said that Congress needs to do this so that the latter suffers consequences.

Earlier, on June 28, Poe, a top American lawmaker of the Trump administration had said that US should cut off military aid to Pakistan, declare it a "state sponsor of terrorism" and revoke its non-NATO ally status.

Poe alleged that since 1990, Pakistan has been supporting terrorist groups in Kashmir like the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in its proxy war with India.These terror groups, he had said, have carried out attacks inside India, such as the 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament.

ALSO READ: PM Modi meets President Trump: 5 things to know about | Video

Pakistan must be labelled a state sponsor of terrorism.Congress needs to do this so that latter suffers consequences: US Congressman Ted Poe  ANI (@ANI_news) July 1, 2017

"Since the 1990s, Pakistan has allowed these terrorist groups to openly raise funds in the country", he said. Beginning in the 1990s, Pakistan provided training, advisers, intelligence, and material support for the Afghan Taliban, a specific terrorist group that operates in Afghanistan based in Pakistan, he said.

READ: Modi-Trump bilateral meet: Strategic issues likely to be discussed

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As I pressed send on a message to my familys WhatsApp group and waited for the blue ticks that showed theyd viewed my photos, I felt a now familiar emotion  guilt. The photos showed a number of sun-drenched images, a collage of me and my three children, aged four, two and six months, in the ocean on a warm afternoon in Australia.

As I looked at our beaming faces enjoying our day out at the beach  I seriously thought about hitting unsend.

Ever since I emigrated from London to Sydney eight years ago, Ive become used to my life looking different to my familys. They live in Buckinghamshire; I live two hours from Sydney. They walk through the Chilterns. I hike through rainforests. But never have our differences been more apparent  or made me feel more torn.

Amy Molloy, pictured with her children, suffers from GOGO  guilt of going out.

As of January 25, Australia has gone a week with no community transmission of COVID-19  only cases in hotel quarantine. As I write this, there have been a total of 909 deaths in Australia since the first case was reported in the country. One headline at the weekend dubbed us the luckiest country on the planet.

An expert on global futures and learning responds to Simon Browns Speaker. This story and essay, and the accompanying art, are the first in a series presented by Arizona State Universitys Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, as part of its work on Learning Futures and Principled Innovation. The series explores how learning experiences of all kinds will be shaped by technology and other forces in the future and the moral, ethical and social challenges this will entail.

Living in the Anthropocene is fraught with paradox. For centuries, we have convinced ourselves that we, humans, are special and superior to other species and the rest of the natural world. We stand as self-appointed speakers for the planet, as though no other beings can feel, think, or communicate.

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Today, however, we are forced to acknowledge that we are not so special after all. On the one hand, we wonder and worry whether artificial intelligence will become conscious, leading us down a dystopian spiral of human irrelevance. On the other hand, we see a major shift in scientific thinking about plant intelligence and animal consciousness, suggesting that the difference between human and nonhuman species is just a matter of degree, not of kind. Meanwhile, our hyperseparation from the natural world is threatening every species on Earthincluding humans.

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Simon Browns story Speaker helps us imagine a near future in which humans step off the pedestal of human exceptionalism and learn to communicate with other species. The story introduces Project Sentience, which is designed to facilitate a dialogue between human and nonhuman Speakers from more than 20 species.

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Although early modern Western philosophers thought that only human species were sentient (see Descartes), today most scientists agree that the circle of sentience extends beyond the human, including vertebrate animals such as human companion species (cats, dogs, or parrots) and farm animals (cows, pigs, or sheep). Western scientists have not yet conclusively determined whether sentience extends to nonvertebrates (such as octopuses or insects), leaving the question of nonhuman sentience subject to continuous debate. Yet, many non-Western cultures attribute sentience to all living and nonliving beings on the planet, including rivers, mountains, or stones. Some nonhuman entities have been granted legal personhood, as with the Whanganui River in New Zealand, the Gangotri and Yamunotri glaciers in India, and Lake Erie in Toledo, Ohio. From this perspective, the debate over nonhuman sentience may point to the human mind, at least in modern Western culture, failing to grasp the interconnectedness of the world.

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While the current debate over sentience continues, the short story Speaker fast-forwards into a future in which sentience does not belong to humans alone. Project Sentience enables a joining of minds between human and nonhuman species through a pair of protein microchips inserted in each of their brains, bypassing language to get to actual mental processes and thoughts. Each species is represented by their own Speaker with the goal of enabling different Speakersand ultimately all speciesto learn from one another and work together. We meet Samora, a Project Sentience human staff member, who is paired with Akata, a Speaker for the hyena clan. Alongside exciting opportunities afforded by technosciencefrom interspecies collaborations and rescue missions to fascinating conversations and even jokeswe find the remnants of human exceptionalism still at play. Samoras father is fully dismissive of the project, finding it demeaning to have his son connected so closely to a hyena, of all species (You really need to get a life, son, he tells Samora). Samora occasionally doubts the intelligence of his hyena partner, while Akata needs to remind her human partner that she too needs some privacy now and then. The project itself struggles to secure more attention, more funding, more research, and more Speakers to boost its worldwide reputation.

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Overcoming the modernist assumption of human exceptionalism and reconfiguring our relationship with a more-than-human world is a complex and long-term project. It cannot be achieved by technoscience alone, as the story so cleverly reminds us. Although inserting a microchip in our brains may help facilitate interspecies dialogues, nothing will fundamentally change until we change ourselves and the culture of human exceptionalism that defines us.

According to the Australian environmental philosopher Val Plumwood, we must reimagine the world in richer terms that will allow us to find ourselves in dialogue with and limited by other species needs, other kinds of minds. This is, she argues, a basic survival project in our present context.

One way to do so is through radically reimagining education. Today, schools (especially in Western cultures) remain deeply rooted in the ideals of Western Enlightenment, perpetuating the logic of human exceptionalism and justifying the hierarchical idea of man over nature. Its Cartesian logic divides culture and nature, mind and body, self and other, in deliberate and systematic ways. Curriculum and pedagogy endow humans with agency, reason, and rationality, while simultaneously reducing naturecommonly portrayed as mute and blind (yet always knowable) to its exploitable value to benefit humans. Even when teaching about environmental stewardship, we insist on thinking of ourselves as caretakers, protectors, and saviors in order to better manage nature as a resource in pursuit of economic growth and progress. David Abram, an American cultural ecologist and philosopher, notes the tragic consequences of such education, which makes people literate while simultaneously making stones fall silent  trees mute, the other animals dumb.

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For those of us schooled within Cartesian logic, it is difficult to think beyond the dominant model of schooling, let alone reimagine and rebuild its foundations. However, some radically different visions are gaining momentum. Learning to Become With the World, a discussion paper written by the Common Worlds Research Collective (which I belong to) and published by UNESCOs Futures of Education Initiative, explores approaches that include existing education practices rooted in Indigenous knowledge traditions, land-based and place-based pedagogies, ancestral knowledge systems, African cosmologies, South American eco-activist movements, Asian philosophical traditions, and Western education alternatives inspired by ecofeminist and decolonial work, among others. These alternative visions of education share a commitment to relational, animate worldviews, which presuppose that there are, as Learning to Become With the World puts it, infinite human and more-than-human worlds within worlds, all of which are radically interdependent. First and foremost, they acknowledge that human and planetary survival are one and the same thing. As an inseparable part of the Earths ecosystem, we cannot continue to learn about the world from a safe, privileged distance. Instead, we must learn to become with the world around us, with all of its violent inheritances, troubling contradictions, and painful uncertainties.

The power of the Speaker lies in its ability to playfully bring these big existential questions down to Earth, reminding us that such a radical reimagination of our relations with a more-than-human world is already happening all around us. Of course nonhumans can speak! Even if we dont always understand their language, most of us have had very personal experiences of communicating with our own companion species or nonhuman others such as trees or stones. Just as Samora did with his hyena partner, we too can learn from and with nonhuman speciesno brain implant required.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.

A man with two puncture wounds was found dead Friday in a drainage canal along Washington Avenue in Gert Town, New Orleans police said.

Police said the body was discovered at about 2:20 p.m. in the 4700 block of Washington Avenue, about one block upriver from Norman C. Francis Parkway. Authorities pronounced the man dead at the scene.

No other details were immediately released.
When state officials launched the statewide COVID-19 vaccine scheduling system Jan. 5, it sounded promising. Register with some basic information and when you become eligible youll be notified and sent a link to the states dashboard where you can make an appointment.

But its proving to be far from simple.

Instead of one centralized system to streamline the onerous task of vaccinating 4.7 million people  70% of the adult population  in six months, eligible people desperate for a vaccine have been faced with a fractured approach spread out among dozens of health care systems, counties and municipalities that created their own scheduling process.

There are now more than 200 vaccination sites, 90 phone numbers to potentially call, and 79 different websites to check daily if you want a shot at finding an open appointment when more doses are made available.

Several hospital leaders who spoke with NJ Advance Media said the main reason vaccination sites are doing their own scheduling is because the states portal cant do what they need it to  mostly transferring patient data  and even days before it launched, some still had limited information about its functionality.

Some health systems decided early on that they would rather retrofit their existing appointment systems or build new ones. But other vaccination sites ended up scrambling to create scheduling setups when they realized the states would require them to manually transfer patient records since there was no way to integrate the two systems.

Others that did use the state system  including a mega-site run in conjunction with Gloucester County that blamed the states portal for not being capable of making second dose appointments  have threatened to abandon it.

Too little too late

Dr. Joshua Coren, who runs the vaccination site at the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, said he first heard from the state about the scheduling system in early December, but the details werent clear at that time.

I dont think the global features were really discussed until it was about to come out. And at that point, we started asking about what it could or couldnt do, and how it was going to be utilized within our system to help our day to day operations. We had an internal discussion saying, this is not going to meet our needs, he said.

Examples of the messages people are greeted with while checking dozens of websites for vaccine appointments.

The site had been scheduling appointments since Dec. 24 via a call center but it was overwhelmed with thousands of calls, so they built their online scheduling system that went live on Jan. 13.

At the Camden County vaccination site, run in conjunction with Cooper University Health Care and Jefferson Health, county spokesman Dan Keashen said that timing was one of the reasons the county used an existing system instead.

Based on our timeline, we wanted to get the software built, tested, and up and running prior to the Christmas holiday, he said. The state software rollout wasnt quite there at the time so we moved on to work with Coopers hospital scheduling system.

Many other states also have a patchwork of scheduling systems, and the hospital leaders told NJ Advance Media they dont think that one centralized appointment system would have improved things much. The main issue remains the lack of vaccine, and it was always going to be an immense public health mission to meet the states goal of vaccinating 70% of the adult population in six months.

I dont even think it has much to do with the scheduling system. I think it has to do with the supply of vaccine, Dr. Daniel Varga, chief physician executive of Hackensack Meridian Health. I mean, if instead of getting 100,000 or so... if we got a million doses a week, who knows what we would do.

A limited state system

Asked about the scheduling system at a media briefing Wednesday, Gov. Phil Murphy and Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli both said the state was doing its best to create a workable system in tough circumstances.

Persichilli said the registration part of the system is working well, with over 2 million people registered, but putting it into the appointment system proved to be a little bit more difficult. We are doing this with our own information technology experts at the state level and at the department level, and in collaboration with a Microsoft team. It was a big undertaking, and were still working out some of the bugs; its something weve never done before at the Department of Health.

It has unfortunately been plagued with problems from day one when the site was so overloaded by people trying to pre-register that the state had to ask only healthcare workers to use it.

In the weeks since the Jan. 5 launch, residents have reported getting emails that say theyre eligible when theyre not, or conversely, never getting notified that they can get vaccinated even though they do qualify. And when they get emails that they can schedule now, the appointments are gone.

Hundreds wait in line for one of the only COVID-19 vaccinatino walk-in locations at International High School in Paterson Wednesday, January, 20, 2021. Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

Only one of the states megasites  at the Rowan College of South Jersey  is relying on the states scheduling system and isnt working with a hospital system. After patients there reported not being able to schedule second doses, the county said the state portal didnt have a way for patients to do that and it was working to create its own scheduling system.

On Thursday, the county said the state system was down for two hours and erroneously canceled and rebooked appointments, thus double-booking the already busy site.

The Gloucester County Mega Site is now dealing with yet another catastrophe we did not create, the county said.

Inspira Health had been using the states portal to schedule since it started vaccinating the public, but is currently transitioning to its own new, in-house system.

Dr. Alka Kohli, Inspiras chief population health and clinical officer, said the system will provide more flexibility and efficiency. It will go online when Inspira gets its next shipment of doses, he said.

Coren and other hospital execs said the states system has some benefits  like confirming eligibility and interfacing with the states vaccine registry  but using it would mean having to create a new medical record each time a new patient walked in the door, even though they already gave that information to the state.

They built it for registration, scheduling and sending future reminders. Theres some good functionality with it, but its not necessarily good for the system thats trying to put it into their system from the medical record aspect, Coren said. He also said there was no easy way to get a list of the patients coming to get vaccinated ahead of time.

The Department of Health did not answer several questions about the system NJ Advance Media asked this week. But in documents circulated to vaccine distribution points in early December, the department said the sites might have to enter the data into their own medical records systems. The document said the department was working to fix this, but its not clear if thats still in process or expected any time soon.

Varga said that it is also necessary to gather patients insurance information, if they are insured, and to have records of the vaccination in case the system needs to show proof the vaccinations occurred.

This is just an issue of, we need to collect the appropriate data, so that we can show the government if theres ever a CARES Act, or if theres FEMA relief, that we actually incurred the costs, he said.

Finding a better way

For those using their own scheduling system, it wasnt as simple as putting the system online and walking away. Its been a constant process of troubleshooting, streamlining and rejiggering to make it as easy as possible for people to get appointments, hospital leaders said.

Health systems including RWJ Barnabas and Virtua Health, which run megasites in Edison and Moorestown respectively, have booking systems where patients receive a notification when they can schedule an appointment, instead of just checking the website every day in hopes that appointments are available.

Dr. Joshua Coren, Interim Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs and Chair of Family Medicine at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, gives a tour of the COVID-19 Vaccination Center on the Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine campus in Stratford, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021.Lori M. Nichols | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Holy Name Medical Center  which already created its own scheduling system for the Richard Rodda Center Vaccination Site in Teaneck  is hoping to roll out a similar update next week. Their appointments have been snapped up so fast  as many as 900 slots gone in 10 minutes  that the website usually says there are none available.

The frustration and the emotion around this yo-yo-ing of the sites up, the sites down, the sites up, the sites down is just, its not helping. Its adding to the anxiety and the desperation thats out there, said Michael Maron, CEO of Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, which designed its own scheduling system. Its not good and thats what were looking to change.

Other health systems have worked within their existing health record system, a national system called Epic, to schedule the appointments. At Hackensack Meridian Health, Varga said the system already allowed online scheduling so it was a matter of scaling it up to deal with the demand.

At Virtua Health, where people can but dont have to create a mychart account to get an appointment, the health system had to use additional servers to accommodate all the registrations, said Dr. Reginald Blaber, Virtuas executive vice president and chief clinical officer.

Now it runs quite well, for all the people that are hitting it, he said. We scheduled 50,000 appointments in the 24 hours after we opened the website and weve had over 300,000 requests so far for appointments.

Problem of equitability

It wasnt until Monday that the state opened up a hotline for COVID-19 vaccine questions and to help with scheduling for those who dont have access to a computer or arent savvy enough to know to open 79 tabs on their internet browser.

It is yet another way that the pandemic could disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, said Bob Atkins, director of New Jersey Health Initiatives, which is working on the problem of equitably vaccinating hard-to-reach populations.

He said that on the final day that the Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine accepted walk-ins before switching to solely online appointments, he spent seven hours waiting in line with his 85-year-old father to get him vaccinated.

The reason I was able to get my dad in like that is because I had the information and I have resources that I can rely on. But most people dont have some of these, said Atkins, also an associate professor at Rutgers University. So thats kind of what the challenge is. How are you going to serve those that have the least amount of resources?

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.

Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.
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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it would not participate in the forthcoming local government election in Rivers State.

The election has been fixed for April 17.

The Chairman of the APC caretaker committee in the state, Isaac Ogbobula, who disclosed this on Saturday to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the electoral process is faulty.

Mr Ogbobula some of the members of the Rivers Independent Electoral Commission were card-carrying members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

PREMIUM TIMES could not independently verify Mr Ogbobulas claims.

The electoral process is already faulty with the constitution of the commissions membership, so they cannot conduct a free and fair local government council election.

We decided that as a party, we are not going to contest to give credit to an illegitimate process, and we have the backing of the national secretariat of our party, the party chairman said.

He urged the APC members and supporters in the state to ignore any counter-directive on the matter.

I call on our party members to continue to go about their activities without bothering whether anybody wants to give the impression that they are going to partake in the elections.

According to Mr Ogbobula, the APC in Rivers was focused on sensitising and mobilising its members for the forthcoming membership revalidation and registration of new members.

We have a court judgment backing us to carry out the exercise and our interest is to have a hitch-free and successful exercise in the state.

There is no court order stopping All Progressives Congress in Rivers from participating in the partys membership registration and revalidation, he said.

Mr Ogbobula urged APC members and intending members to participate in the membership registration exercise in preparation for the 2023 general elections.

The PDP-control Rivers State Government last year approved N2 billion for the conduct of the local election.

(NAN)
Purple-dyed fabric dating back to the purported Biblical reigns of David and Solomon has been discovered in Israel for the first time, according to archaeologists.

Possibly invented in Phoenicia as far back as 1570BC, using the distilled glands of sea snails, royal or Tyrian purple dye was associated with regality and wealth in the ancient world and is believed to have been more valuable than gold.

Its use on fabrics in the Southern Levant during the Iron Age is referenced in numerous Christian and Jewish texts  including in connection with Solomons Temple.

But scientists had never previously found direct evidence of this esteemed ancient industry in the region save for remnants of mollusc shell and traces of purple on pottery fragments.

While examining coloured textiles from Timna Valley  an ancient copper production district in southern Israel  researchers were surprised to find remnants of woven fabric, a tassel and fibres of wool dyed with royal purple.

Radiocarbon dating confirmed the samples date from approximately 1000 BC, corresponding to the supposed monarchies of David and Solomon in Jerusalem.

"This is a very exciting and important discovery, said Dr Naama Sukenik, curator of organic finds at the Israel Antiquities Authority.

"This is the first piece of textile ever found from the time of David and Solomon that is dyed with the prestigious purple dye. In antiquity, purple attire was associated with the nobility, with priests, and, of course, with royalty.

The gorgeous shade of the purple, the fact that it does not fade and the difficulty in producing the dye, which is found in minute quantities in the body of molluscs, all made it the most highly-valued of the dyes, which often cost more than gold.

According to the study published in the PLOS One journal, true purple (argaman) was produced from a gland located near the rectum of three species of mollusc indigenous to the Mediterranean Sea, by means of a complex distillation process lasting several days.

The fragment of purple fabric excavated from the Timna Valley (Israeli Antiquities Authority/AFP via Getty)

Until the current discovery, we had only encountered mollusc-shell waste and potsherds with patches of dye, which provided evidence of the purple industry in the Iron Age, Dr Sukenik added. Now, for the first time, we have direct evidence of the dyed fabrics themselves, preserved for some 3,000 years.

The archaeological expedition at Timna  a vast ancient copper mine  has been excavating continuously since 2013, said Professor Erez Ben-Yosef, from Tel Aviv University's archaeology department.

As a result of the region's extremely dry climate, we are also able to recover organic materials such as textile, cords and leather from the Iron Age, from the time of David and Solomon, providing us with a unique glimpse into life in biblical times.

The Iron Age equivalent of modern-day oil, copper smelting required advanced expert understanding that was a guarded secret and those who held this knowledge were considered the hi-tech experts of the time.

Science news in pictures Show all 20 1 /20 Science news in pictures Science news in pictures Pluto has 'beating heart' of frozen nitrogen Pluto has a 'beating heart' of frozen nitrogen that is doing strange things to its surface, Nasa has found. The mysterious core seems to be the cause of features on its surface that have fascinated scientists since they were spotted by Nasa's New Horizons mission. "Before New Horizons, everyone thought Pluto was going to be a netball - completely flat, almost no diversity," said Tanguy Bertrand, an astrophysicist and planetary scientist at NASA's Ames Research Center and the lead author on the new study. "But it's completely different. It has a lot of different landscapes and we are trying to understand what's going on there." Getty Science news in pictures Over 400 species discovered this year by Natural History Museum The ancient invertabrate worm-like species rhenopyrgus viviani (pictured) is one of over 400 species previously unknown to science that were discovered by experts at the Natural History Museum this year PA Science news in pictures Jackdaws can identify 'dangerous' humans Jackdaws can identify dangerous humans from listening to each others warning calls, scientists say. The highly social birds will also remember that person if they come near their nests again, according to researchers from the University of Exeter. In the study, a person unknown to the wild jackdaws approached their nest. At the same time scientists played a recording of a warning call (threatening) or contact calls (non-threatening). The next time jackdaws saw this same person, the birds that had previously heard the warning call were defensive and returned to their nests more than twice as quickly on average. Getty Science news in pictures Turtle embryos influence sex by shaking The sex of the turtle is determined by the temperatures at which they are incubated. Warm temperatures favour females. But by wiggling around the egg, embryos can find the Goldilocks Zone which means they are able to shield themselves against extreme thermal conditions and produce a balanced sex ratio, according to the new study published in Current Biology journal Ye et al/Current Biology Science news in pictures Elephant poaching rates drop in Africa African elephant poaching rates have dropped by 60 per cent in six years, an international study has found. It is thought the decline could be associated with the ivory trade ban introduced in China in 2017. Reuters Science news in pictures Ancient four-legged whale discovered in Peru Scientists have identified a four-legged creature with webbed feet to be an ancestor of the whale. Fossils unearthed in Peru have led scientists to conclude that the enormous creatures that traverse the planets oceans today are descended from small hoofed ancestors that lived in south Asia 50 million years ago A. Gennari Science news in pictures Animal with transient anus discovered A scientist has stumbled upon a creature with a transient anus that appears only when it is needed, before vanishing completely. Dr Sidney Tamm of the Marine Biological Laboratory could not initially find any trace of an anus on the species. However, as the animal gets full, a pore opens up to dispose of waste Steven G Johnson Science news in pictures Giant bee spotted Feared extinct, the Wallace's Giant bee has been spotted for the first time in nearly 40 years. An international team of conservationists spotted the bee, that is four times the size of a typical honeybee, on an expedition to a group of Indonesian Islands Clay Bolt Science news in pictures New mammal species found inside crocodile Fossilised bones digested by crocodiles have revealed the existence of three new mammal species that roamed the Cayman Islands 300 years ago. The bones belonged to two large rodent species and a small shrew-like animal New Mexico Museum of Natural History Science news in pictures Fabric that changes according to temperature created Scientists at the University of Maryland have created a fabric that adapts to heat, expanding to allow more heat to escape the body when warm and compacting to retain more heat when cold Faye Levine, University of Maryland Science news in pictures Baby mice tears could be used in pest control A study from the University of Tokyo has found that the tears of baby mice cause female mice to be less interested in the sexual advances of males Getty Science news in pictures Final warning to limit "climate catastrophe" The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has issued a report which projects the impact of a rise in global temperatures of 1.5 degrees Celsius and warns against a higher increase Getty Science news in pictures Nobel prize for evolution chemists The nobel prize for chemistry has been awarded to three chemists working with evolution. Frances Smith is being awarded the prize for her work on directing the evolution of enzymes, while Gregory Winter and George Smith take the prize for their work on phage display of peptides and antibodies Getty/AFP Science news in pictures Nobel prize for laser physicists The nobel prize for physics has been awarded to three physicists working with lasers. Arthur Ashkin (L) was awarded for his "optical tweezers" which use lasers to grab particles, atoms, viruses and other living cells. Donna Strickland and Gerard Mourou were jointly awarded the prize for developing chirped-pulse amplification of lasers Reuters/AP Science news in pictures Discovery of a new species of dinosaur The Ledumahadi Mafube roamed around 200 million years ago in what is now South Africa. Recently discovered by a team of international scientists, it was the largest land animal of its time, weighing 12 tons and standing at 13 feet. In Sesotho, the South African language of the region in which the dinosaur was discovered, its name means "a giant thunderclap at dawn" Viktor Radermacher / SWNS Science news in pictures Birth of a planet Scientists have witnessed the birth of a planet for the first time ever. This spectacular image from the SPHERE instrument on ESO's Very Large Telescope is the first clear image of a planet caught in the very act of formation around the dwarf star PDS 70. The planet stands clearly out, visible as a bright point to the right of the center of the image, which is blacked out by the coronagraph mask used to block the blinding light of the central star. ESO/A. Muller et al Science news in pictures New human organ discovered that was previously missed by scientists Layers long thought to be dense, connective tissue are actually a series of fluid-filled compartments researchers have termed the interstitium. These compartments are found beneath the skin, as well as lining the gut, lungs, blood vessels and muscles, and join together to form a network supported by a mesh of strong, flexible proteins Getty Science news in pictures Previously unknown society lived in Amazon rainforest before Europeans arrived, say archaeologists Working in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, a team led by archaeologists at the University of Exeter unearthed hundreds of villages hidden in the depths of the rainforest. These excavations included evidence of fortifications and mysterious earthworks called geoglyphs Jose Iriarte Science news in pictures One in 10 people have traces of cocaine or heroin on fingerprints, study finds More than one in 10 people were found to have traces of class A drugs on their fingers by scientists developing a new fingerprint-based drug test. Using sensitive analysis of the chemical composition of sweat, researchers were able to tell the difference between those who had been directly exposed to heroin and cocaine, and those who had encountered it indirectly. Getty Science news in pictures Nasa releases stunning images of Jupiter's great red spot The storm bigger than the Earth, has been swhirling for 350 years. The image's colours have been enhanced after it was sent back to Earth. Pictures by: Tom Momary

The largest smelting site in the Timna Valley is known as Slaves Hill, and is filled with piles of industrial waste, such as slag from the smelting furnaces.

One of these heaps yielded three scraps of coloured cloth, which immediately attracted the attention of researchers  who found it hard to believe they had found true purple from such an ancient period.

Archaeologists are looking for King David's palace, Prof Ben-Yosef said.

However, David may not have expressed his wealth in splendid buildings, but with objects more suited to a nomadic heritage such as textiles and artefacts.

Additional reporting by PA
By the end of February, Georgia will receive the first doses of Pfizer coronavirus vaccine, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia wrote on Facebook.

The head of government expressed special gratitude for the unprecedented support to the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedro Adanom Ghebreyesus.

I want to thank a friend of our country and personally my friend, Director-General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adanom Ghebreyus. According to the national plan, the vaccination of our medical personnel will begin immediately after receiving the vaccine. The vaccine is working!" Giorgi Gakharia wrote, Georgia Online reports.
Czech Republic: EU investigation into aid to fake SMEs EPP accuses premier Babis again over a 'conflict of interest.

(ANSA) - BRUSSELS, 13 GEN - The European Commission launched an in-depth investigation into the state aid that the Czech Republic had given to some agricultural companies, defined as SMEs, when, in reality, they were large companies.



Agrofert, the company founded by the Czech Prime Minister, Andrej Babis, has received this type of help in the past, according to allegations by the European People's Party.



Last summer, the European Parliament had also passed a resolution against the Czech leader's interest conflict. At the end of 2020, the European Commission's audit highlighted both the interest conflict and the irregularities in the EU funds' use by the same company.



"The Commission's investigation could resolve a case - said Markus Ferber, head of the EPP for economic affairs -, but the Czech system of allocation of public subsidies depends on a PM who takes advantage from them, and as EPP we will make sure that all fraud on aid to SMEs does not go unnoticed." (ANSA).





 Copyright ANSA - All rights reserved
Seattle hospitals rushed out COVID-19 vaccines to hundreds of people in the middle of the night after a freezer they were being stored in failed.

Its not clear what caused the freezer failure on Thursday night, but the UW Medical Centres Northwest and Montlake campuses and Swedish Medical Centre received more than 1,300 doses that needed to be used before they expired at 5:30am on Friday, The Seattle Times reported.

A healthcare worker administers the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to an aged care resident in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, US. Credit:Bloomberg

Word of the unexpected doses spread on social media, and a line of hopeful vaccine recipients snaked out the clinic door and through a parking lot at UW Medical Centre-Northwest. A hundred people lined up at Swedish Medical Centres clinic at Seattle University. The hospital tweeted at 11:59pm that it had 588 doses to give out, and within 30 minutes, all the appointment slots had been taken.

At the UW Medical Center-Northwest, assistant administrator Jenny Brackett said the hospital was doing its best to vaccinate those eligible, but that the main objective was to get it into arms and avoid waste.

You (PM) are pursuing vendetta politics as you are yet to come to terms with BJP''s poll defeat in Bengal: CM Mamata Banerjee.to terms with BJP's poll defeat in Bengal: CM Mamata Banerjee.

I appeal to PM Modi to end political vendetta, withdraw order recalling Chief Secretary Alapan Bandopadhyay, allow him torecalling Chief Secretary Alapan Bandopadhyay, allow him to work for COVID-infected: Mamata Banerjee:

If prime minister asks me to touch his feet for welfare of Bengal people, I am ready to do that; but I should not be Bengal people, I am ready to do that; but I should not be insulted: CM Mamata Banerjee.
Courtesy photo /

A Mexican citizen illegally residing in Laredo has been arrested for operating a stash house according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

Law enforcement arrested Maria San Juana de Hoyos, 43, on Thursday at her home in the 200 block of Valladolid Avenue in the Santa Rita neighborhood in south Laredo.
Los Angeles, Jan 30 : Hollywood star Jared Leto says his new film, John Lee Hancock's The Little Things, comes with questions about guilt, innocence, assumptions and identity.

"I have wanted to work with John Lee for quite some time, he's such an incredible writer and director. When I first read the script, I really was taken in by the characters and he did a great job of keeping you on the edge of your seat," Leto said while talking about collaborating with the director.

"The story poses questions not just about guilt or innocence, but assumptions and identity. It was surprising and I think people are going to be shocked by the ending," he added.

In the psychological thriller, Denzil Washington is seen as Kern County Deputy Sheriff Joe "Deke" Deacon, who gets involved in tracking a serial killer who is terrorising the city of Los Angeles. Rami Malek as L.A. Sheriff Dept. Sergeant Jim Baxter is leading the investigation.

Leto is seen as an inscrutable yet enigmatic appliance delivery man named Albert Sparma.

Talking about his character, Leto said: "Albert Sparma could be a villain, he could be a red herring. He could even be a sort of saviour. He is definitely an outcast who doesn't really fit into society and probably feels a little under-appreciated, but he is highly intelligent.

"He sees the world in a different way and the world-the police especially-see him as different, which I liked. He probably gets under the skin of everybody he interacts with, especially the police," he added.

The film also stars Natalie Morales,Terry Kinney, Chris Bauer, Joris Jarsky, Isabel Arraiza and Michael Hyatt. The film, distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, released in India on January 29.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Officer Sicknick was killed by rioters in the attack on the Capitol Building (Andrew Harnik/AP)

A police officer who died at the hands of a mob who staged a siege at the US Capitol will lie in honour at the building next week.

Brian Sicknick was on duty when rioters seething over US President Donald Trumps election loss stormed the building, and was hit in the head with a fire extinguisher.

Congress will hold a ceremonial arrival for Officer Sicknick on Tuesday night, after which a viewing period will be held overnight for members of the Capitol Police.

Politicians will pay tribute on Wednesday morning before a ceremonial departure for Arlington National Cemetery, where he will be interred.

His sacrifice reminds us every day of our obligation to our country and to the people we serve Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer released a joint statement saying: The heroism of Officer Sicknick and the Capitol Police force during the violent insurrection against our Capitol helped save lives, defend the temple of our democracy and ensure that the Congress was not diverted from our duty to the Constitution.

His sacrifice reminds us every day of our obligation to our country and to the people we serve.

Officer Sicknick, 42, from South River, New Jersey, enlisted in the National Guard six months after graduating high school in 1997, deploying to Saudi Arabia and then Kyrgyzstan, and joined the US Capitol Police in 2008.

In their joint statement, Mrs Pelosi and Mr Schumer added: On behalf of the House of Representatives and the Senate, it is our great privilege to pay tribute to Officer Sicknick with this lying-in-honour ceremony.

May this ceremony and the knowledge that so many mourn with and pray for them be a comfort to Officer Sicknicks family during this sad time.
KYODO NEWS - Jan 30, 2021 - 11:10 | All, Japan

NASA said Friday that it is targeting April 20 at the earliest for another launch of a SpaceX ship that will this time carry Japan's Akihiko Hoshide and three other astronauts to the International Space Station.

It will be the third manned flight to the ISS by the Crew Dragon capsule, developed by the U.S. company Space Exploration Technologies Corp. The previous flight, known as the Crew-1 mission, took place in November, carrying three NASA astronauts and Japan's Soichi Noguchi.

The upcoming Crew-2 mission, which will lift off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, will be joined by Hoshide, 52, two NASA astronauts and another astronaut from the European Space Agency.

The return of Crew-1 astronauts is currently scheduled for late April or early May and that of the Crew-2 mission is targeted in the fall, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Related coverage:

Japan launches data relay satellite to improve disaster response

Japanese astronaut Noguchi says still "adapting" to life on ISS

FOCUS: Japanese startup to establish U.S. lunar lander development hub

Noguchi, 55, became the first non-American astronaut to be ferried by NASA's first-ever certified commercial human spacecraft system.

The SpaceX system is intended to serve as a successor to NASA's Space Shuttle program that was in service for 30 years through 2011, its development ending the subsequent years of reliance on the Russian Soyuz vehicle as the sole means of accessing the ISS.

NASA said that it and SpaceX are also continuing preparations for the launch of the Crew-3 mission, which currently is targeted for the fall.

Corey Lewandowski, campaign manager for Donald Trump, leaves the Four Seasons Hotel after a meeting with Trump and Republican donors, in New York City on June 9, 2016. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Lewandowski PAC to Target 10 Republicans Who Voted to Impeach Trump

Former Trump Campaign Manager Corey Lewandowskis new political action committee will target the 10 Republicans who joined the Democrats in voting to impeach President Donald Trump.

Lewandowski told WMUR that he is focused on finding and supporting primary challengers to the 10 Republicans, starting with Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) Cheney issued a scathing statement announcing her intention to vote for impeachment, drawing a broad backlash from her constituents. A poll commissioned by Trumps political operation showed that 73 percent of Cheneys constituents having an unfavorable opinion of her.

These 10 House members have to have accountability at the end of the day, I believe, Lewandowski told WMUR. The one big vote is obviously the vote to impeach the president.

You have to look at individual districts, he added. Ive had a number of conversations with candidates who want to run against these individuals to hold them accountable for their vote against the president.

Lewandowski said he intends to be a key player in the 2022 election by supporting who he called America First candidates. The political action committee he is heading, Fight Back Now America, was formed in November last year, Federal Election Commission records show.

Our PAC is designed to focus on districts that will allow us to obtain and expand our majority in Congress and also focus on those candidates who, if you win a Republican primary, will ensure that the likelihood of losing the district is very slim, Lewandowski said.

New Hampshires 1st Congressional District seat could be among those districts next year, he added.

Lewandowski said he is still interested in running for governor but noted that he would not challenge Republican Gov. Chris Sununu if he ran for re-election. Lewandowski also said he has zero interest in running for the U.S. Senate.

Until Gov. Sununu makes his decision on what hes going to do, Im going to continue to focus on raising money and helping people around the country, Lewandowski said. If and when the governor decides hes going to do something different, I would look at that.

Would Lewandowski run for the U.S. Senate?

I have no interest in serving in federal elective office in Washington, D.C. None  zero, he said.

Lewandowski said that former President Donald Trump is likely a little disheartened by President Joe Bidens flurry of executive orders dismantling Trumps agenda.

I think the president is concerned about seeing all of the work hes been able to do over the past four years to rebuild our economy, rebuild our military and put America first being undone, Lewandowski said.

I dont speak for the president, but I speak with him. I think it is a massive transition from being the leader of the free world to being a private citizen.
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Disturbing footage of the attack captured on a mobile phone showed the group of males repeatedly kicking and punching teenagers in the dunes at the popular beach on Tuesday night.

The group of Perth teenagers were enjoying a gathering at the popular beach when they were bashed, robbed and had their heads stomped on after being ambushed by the violent mob.

Police have arrested and charged five teenage boys over a vicious attack on a group of young revellers celebrating Australia Day at City Beach last week.

The vision shows one victim on the ground not retaliating as he is repeatedly struck, while another video shows a boy with his arms over his head attempting to break free from an assault.

The violent group can be heard shouting run that shit ... get it, get it, get his wallet ... I got his phone as someone can be heard pleading, stop, stop ... please mate, please.

Lisa Melvin told Radio 6PR her teenage son was taken to hospital after being bashed by a ring of ten people.

He originally went in - one of his mates was getting threatened with a knife - so he went in to ty and get that to calm down, and after that they sort of came after him, this large guy, and punched him, she said.

About 10 other people just surrounded him and he was just down on the ground and they were kicking him and punching him and hes come out with bruises all over his head, his shoulder can hardly move, and hes got bruises just all over his body just from defending his mate.

Mexico plans to import about 870,000 doses of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine from India in February, as well as producing it locally, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Friday.

Mexico and Argentina have a deal with AstraZeneca to produce its vaccine for distribution in Latin America, with financial support from the foundation of Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim.

"We are also getting AstraZeneca vaccines, apart from the agreement we have with them  these vaccines are being made here in Mexico  we will bring AstraZeneca from India," Lopez Obrador said in a video broadcast on social media.

Meanwhile, deliveries of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine to Mexico would "very probably" resume on Feb. 10, Lopez Obrador said, after global delivery delays by the U.S. company. Mexico was expecting about 1.5 million doses from Pfizer, he noted.

Mexico is trying to secure as much vaccine supply as possible amid delivery delays and a surge in cases. Mexico's death toll from COVID-19 was 156,579 on Friday.

Lopez Obrador, speaking publicly for the first time since revealing on Sunday he had COVID-19, said Mexico would also receive 870,000 doses of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine in February.

Additionally, Lopez Obrador said 1.8 million vaccine doses would arrive next month through a U.N.-backed mechanism, an apparent reference to the global COVAX facility.

Mexico has secured enough vaccines to cover 20% of its 126 million people through COVAX, led by the GAVI vaccines alliance and the World Health Organization to promote equitable access.

Six million doses of the CanSino Biologics vaccine, which is due to share its clinical trial results soon, should arrive in Mexico in February, Lopez Obrador said.

It would also be "no problem" for Mexico to have 12 million doses of the Chinese vaccine in March, he added.
You are here: China

China shut down 18,489 illegal websites in 2020, and issued warning notices to 4,551, according to the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC).

Some of the websites were shut down for promoting online games or dating information in the guise of online courses, while others were punished for spreading illegal material including pornographic and violent content.

Cyberspace administration departments in 2020 also launched a series of campaigns to purge cyberspace of platforms promoting illegal activities, exerting a negative influence on society and containing information harmful to juveniles.

The CAC continues to direct provincial-level cyberspace administration departments in dealing with illegal websites and online platforms and intensifying law enforcement in this regard.

Related Tunisian presidents office gets letter with suspicious powder: Source Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi phoned Tunisia's President Kais Said on Saturday to check on his health on the back of the poison letter mailed to the Tunisian presidency lately, Egyptian Presidential spokesman Bassam Rady said.

President Said expressed his appreciation for the wholehearted wishes of the Egyptian President, stressing the "deep and extended relations that unite both Egyptian and Tunisian people.

On Wednesday, sources told Reuters that the office of Tunisias president received a letter containing suspicious powder substance but President Kais did not open the letter.

The Tunisian authorities have been investigating the matter, the sources added.

Some local websites reported that lethal toxin ricin had been found in the envelope, and that it had been addressed to the presidency at the Carthage Palace, according to Reuters.

During Saturday's call, El-Sisi and Said also agreed to continue the intensive consultations and coordination on various Arab and regional issues during the upcoming period, Rady added.

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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| 2021-01-29 04:25:25|Editor: huaxia

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A medical worker prepares a dose of Chinese Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine in Rabat, Morocco, Jan. 29, 2021. Morocco launched a nationwide COVID-19 vaccination campaign on Thursday, a day after receiving the first batch of Chinese vaccines. (Photo by Chadi/Xinhua)

CAIRO, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Morocco launched a nationwide COVID-19 vaccination campaign on Thursday, a day after receiving the first batch of Chinese vaccines. Meanwhile, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Turkey surpassed 2.45 million.

Moroccan King Mohammed VI received the first shot of COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday as a nationwide vaccination campaign was launched across 3,000 locations, a day after Morocco received the first batch of COVID-19 vaccines from China's Sinopharm.

Moroccan Health Ministry said the mass vaccination campaign will gradually reach health professionals over the age of 40, school teachers, members of public authorities, troops and people over the age of 75, before extending to the rest of the population.

Morocco reported on Thursday 756 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of infections in the country to 469,139. Its death toll rose by 17 to 8,224, while the total recoveries increased to 447,076.

Turkey reported 7,279 new COVID-19 cases, including 670 symptomatic patients, pushing its total confirmed cases up to 2,457,118.

The death toll from the virus in Turkey rose by 129 to 25,605, while the total recoveries climbed to 2,340,216 after 8,902 more cases recovered in the last 24 hours, according to the Turkish Health Ministry.

Turkey started mass vaccination campaign on Jan. 14 after the authorities approved the emergency use of the Chinese CoronaVac vaccine. More than 1.69 million people have been vaccinated as of Thursday.

Iran reported 6,527 new COVID-19 cases, raising the total nationwide infections to 1,398,841.

The pandemic has so far claimed 57,736 lives in Iran, up by 85 in the past 24 hours. A total of 1,189,975 people have recovered from the disease, while 4,017 remained in intensive care units.

The Iraqi Health Ministry reported 943 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total nationwide number of cases to 617,202.

The ministry also reported six new deaths, raising the death toll from the infectious virus to 13,024, while 1,933 cases recovered during the day, bringing the total recoveries to 588,260.

Israel's total number of coronavirus cases rose by 3,224 to 624,814, of which 74,821 are active cases.

The COVID-19 death toll in Israel rose by seven to 4,612, while the number of patients in serious condition increased to 1,178, out of 1,779 hospitalized patients.

The number of active coronavirus cases among Israeli soldiers reached 2,042, with 96 new cases added, the highest figure since the outbreak of the pandemic, according to the Israel Defense Forces.

Lebanon registered 3,497 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number in the country to 293,157, while its death toll from the virus went up by 68 to 2,621.

Lebanon launched on Thursday a platform that allows citizens to register their names to have access to COVID-19 vaccines as the country is expected to receive the first batch of vaccines by mid-February.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) confirmed 3,966 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total cases in the country to 293,052.

It also reported 3,294 new recoveries and eight more deaths, taking the tally of recoveries in the UAE to 267,024 and the death toll to 819.

Kuwait's tally of COVID-19 cases surged by 588 to 163,450, while the death toll rose by one to 958. It also announced the recovery of 648 more patients, taking the total recoveries to 156,387.

In Oman, the total number of confirmed cases rose by 154 to 133,728.

The tally of recoveries from the disease in Oman climbed by 86 to 126,572, while two new deaths were reported, taking the death toll to 1,527.

In Qatar, 347 new COVID-19 infections were announced, raising the total number of confirmed cases in the Gulf state to 150,280.

Qatar's tally of recoveries increased by 163 to 145,414, while its total fatalities remained unchanged at 248 for the 11th day.


GRAND RAPIDS, MI  The vaccination booths are in place.

So are the computers, walkways and signage that have been set up to help staff greet and register patients at the large-scale West Michigan Vaccine Clinic at DeVos Place convention center in Grand Rapids. But on Friday, four days after opening, one thing was absent at the clinic: patients waiting to be vaccinated.

The clinic, a partnership between Kent County Health Department, Spectrum Health and Mercy Health Saint Marys, had exhausted its initial supply of roughly 8,000 COVID-19 vaccines on Thursday, and was not performing vaccinations Friday.

The good news is that we can care for so many people so quickly and were ready to move tens of thousands of doses, said Kent County Health Director Adam London. The bad news is that we just dont have tens of thousands of doses. We wish we had more so we could be open every day.

Like their counterparts across the state and country, hospital and health officials are eagerly awaiting more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine so they can put more shots in arms and do their part to help bring the global health pandemic under control.

But a shortage of the vaccine is making that a challenge.

Demand has been high, said Brian Brasser, chief operating officer at Spectrum Health. Were ready to give more vaccines, and I think the community is eager to have those available.

There have been about 83,125 doses of the vaccine administered in Kent County, according to the latest state data. Kent County is Michigans fourth most populous county, with more than 656,000 people, estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show.

Despite the shortage, London and Brasser said they were pleased with the clinics first week of operation. They said getting the clinic up and running has been a team effort, and that everyone from medical personnel to customer service personnel have assisted in moving thousand of patients through the clinic since it opened its doors Monday, Jan. 25.

Its been a really good week, Brasser said. We have provided over 8,000 first-dose vaccinations to our community members. We have really learned where some of the pain points are, and so how to improve the experience. People have been generally thrilled with the setup. Were focused on making it as patient friendly as possible.

Officials say their goal is to eventually administer 20,000 doses of the drug per-day at the clinic. However, its unclear when they will reach that goal, considering that the vaccine is in high-demand and low-supply.

For example, on Wednesday, Jan. 27, there were 24,653 first doses and 10,863 second doses of the vaccine administered statewide, state data show. On Jan. 22, there were 39,183 first doses and 5,258 second doses administered.

While the vaccine is in short supply, having the DeVos Place clinic ensures that West Michigans healthcare providers are ready to administer the vaccine, once more becomes available, in large-scale fashion, London said. It also may ensure more doses of the vaccine make their way to Kent County.

I know the governors office knows about what we have set up here in West Michigan, he said. I know that they look favorably upon that. Their hands are kind of tired right now because they only get so much vaccine from the federal authorities. So, were hoping that people at all levels of government recognize the ability that this clinic has to care not just for Kent County but are entire West Michigan region.

When asked about the vaccine shortage, Lynn Sutfin, a spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, said the state remains committed to its goal of vaccinating 70 percent of state residents over age 16 as quickly as possible.

Over the past seven days, 241,256 vaccines were administered (first and second doses) averaging about 34,465 doses a day statewide, she said. We are working toward reaching a goal of vaccinating 50,000 Michiganders a day.

As of now, the vaccine  per state guidelines  is being offered to people age 65 and older, as well as teachers, childcare workers, law enforcement and other essential frontline workers.

London urged the public to remain patient as they wait to receive a dose of the drug.

Its incredibly frustrating for us, because we see the enormous need in the community, he said. I speak every day and hear from every day, people that have chronic health conditions, people that are really scared. I understand their fear. I share their fear. Its frustrating when we know there is an effective vaccine and people want it so badly.

He added, Ive told the community a number of times please stay calm. Be patient. Were doing our very best to get as much as we can as quickly as we can.

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State-owned Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) has entered into agreements with two Bihar utilities for installation of 23.4 lakh smart prepaid meters in Bihar. This is the first time that smart prepaid meters are being installed at this scale, and are set to have a transformative impact on the state's energy landscape, EESL said in a statement.

"EESL... signed agreements with South Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd (SBPDCL) and North Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd (NBPDCL) for the installation of 2.34 million smart prepaid meters in Bihar, under its Smart Meter National Programme," it said.

The agreements were signed in the presence of Bihar Energy Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav.

"The power sector is facing high aggregate technical and commercial losses and implementation of smart prepaid meters can play a crucial role in addressing these challenges in Bihar. I am confident that these meters will be a boon for the state's energy landscape and will help DISCOMs in shoring up their finances," Yadav said.

The smart prepaid meters will optimise the DISCOM operational performance by increasing the billing and collection efficiency, reduce the operation and maintenance cost, and enhance the quality of service, along with providing the consumers with demand side management (DSM) options, the statement said.

"We have made significant progress in this journey in the state of Bihar, which has become the first state in the country to witness smart prepaid meter installation at this scale. Now, with the commercial launch of the smart prepaid system for Bihar utilities, we're certain that this will help bring a transformation in the entire power sector," Saurabh Kumar, Executive Vice Chairperson, EESL, said.

The smart prepaid meters are connected through a web-based monitoring system, which will help reduce commercial losses of utilities, enhance revenues and serve as an important tool in power sector reforms.

EESL's smart metering initiative is revamping the current manual system of revenue collection, which suffers from low billing and poor collection efficiencies.

The implementation of these meters will also enable considerable energy and monetary savings for consumers, who will have an avenue to track their power usage in real time.

The prepaid functionality of the smart meters is also an added advantage, as it provides distribution companies (DISCOMs) with an option to switch to prepaid mode, wherein the consumers pay upfront for the electricity.

The utility of this feature was quite apparent during the lockdown, as DISCOMs in Bihar were able to generate a daily revenue of Rs 5,00,000, with consumers on an average recharging their prepaid smart meters with a credit balance of Rs 20 daily.

The immediate generation of working capital for DISCOMs is also highly advantageous, as the revenue is generated at the point of sale, which otherwise takes a couple of months.

Some other key benefits of smart prepaid metering include, a marked reduction in peak power purchase cost, the ability to conduct power quality analysis in near-real time such as power factor, maximum demand, and a sharp reduction in carbon footprint.

The Smart Meter National Programme aims to replace 25 crore conventional meters with smart meters in India.

Under this programme, EESL and Intellismart have installed over 16 lakh smart meters in the country.

A joint venture of NTPC, Power Finance Corporation, REC and Power Grid Corporation of India, EESL was set up under the Ministry of Power to facilitate implementation of energy efficiency projects.

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A Baton Rouge man was arrested in a recent homicide after East Baton Rouge Sheriff's detectives traced his DNA from a cigarette butt left at the scene of the crime.

Marlon Richard, 25, was arrested Thursday and booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder and illegal use of weapons.

+2 East Baton Rouge marks deadliest month in over a decade as murder rate surges into 2021 With gun violence surging across Baton Rouge, the parish has recorded its deadliest month in more than a decade after 2020 became the most mur

The shooting took place on Jan. 20 in the 4500 block of Sherwood Commons Boulevard around 11:30 p.m., according to booking documents. Detectives with the East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office learned that, before the shooting, 26-year-old Andre Johnson Jr. and a female juvenile had driven to Sherwood Commons to meet a man the juvenile didn't know, the documents say.

When the man showed up, he smoked a cigarette while he sat in the front passenger seat of the vehicle, documents say. He eventually threw the cigarette butt out the window and then fired shots at both Johnson and the juvenile without provocation.

Johnson, who was found in a vehicle, died from his wounds and the female juvenile received injuries that were not life-threatening, documents say.

Casey Rayborn Hicks, spokesperson for EBRSO, said Johnson had made arrangements for the suspect to meet him with the female juvenile, who had recently escaped from a juvenile detention facility. After the shooting she was returned to the facility.

Hicks added that the reason for the arranged meeting was still under investigation.

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After obtaining video surveillance from the scene of the shooting, detectives collected the cigarette butt and sent it to the Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory for analysis.

While waiting for the results of the analysis, detectives discovered that Johnson had communicated with someone to receive directions to Sherwood Commons before the shooting. Using a search warrant for Johnsons cellphone records, they learned that the number he was communicating with  and that placed the cell phone at the scene of the shooting using GPS data  belonged to Richard.

Richards number was on file with the states Probation and Parole and the U.S. Federal Probation and Parole, documents say. His criminal history includes armed robbery, among other charges.

Then, at the end of January, when an unknown DNA profile was extracted from the cigarette butt and submitted to an index system, it generated a match with Richard, who was already on file.

The motive for the shooting was not immediately available.

It has been a particularly violent start to the new year, with 16 homicides reported since Jan. 1  more than one every other day  according to Advocate records.

After 2020 made history as the most murderous year on record, January has already seen more homicides than during any other single month since at least 2008, according to data collected by the East Baton Rouge District Attorney's Office.
Clinton, N.Y. - A number of local colleges are preparing to start the spring semester next week.

Testing, quarantine periods and distanced learning are just a few of the ways local colleges will combat the coronavirus this semester

Hamilton College, Herkimer College, and SUNY Poly each begin classes on Monday, February 1.

Utica College will also start on Monday but classes will be online for the first week with in-person instruction beginning February 8.

Mohawk Valley Community College is preparing to begin classes on Tuesday, February 2nd.

At the end of the fall semester Hamilton College, sent on-campus students home with coronavirus test kits to take at least 3 to 5 days (depending on where they are traveling from) prior to their arrival on campus for the spring.

Were testing everybody, both employees and students, said Karen Leach, Vice President of Administration and Finance who also heads Hamiltons Covid-19 Task Force.

The students right now as they return, theyre being tested three times a week. Employees, if theyre student facing, if theyre in contact with students, they get tested twice a week. If theyre (employees) not in contact with students they get tested once a week.

Hamilton, with assistance from WellNow, was able to provide rapid testing on campus.

Similar to other schools reopening next week, Hamilton will have students go through a quarantine period upon arrival.

Anybody who's late arrival - because today (Friday) is our last day of student arrivals so anybody that comes after this - they will go to a hotel to quarantine through the same testing cycle we'll actually test them in the hotels. Their pre-test, their arrival test and then their four-day test and that's to try to eliminate any positives. This Monday and Tuesday, we'll still have some students in quarantine because they roll in over four days, they'll take the first two days of classes online," said Leach.

About 1,700 students will be returning to Hamilton's campus. About 170 of them will be learning fully remote.

Students are to not gather in groups of more than 10 unless it is approved. Food delivery has also been provided for students so they do not travel into the town area.

Due to the delay of the start of the spring semester and the state of the pandemic, Hamilton will not hold spring break. Instead the college will offer wellness days.

We dont want to send people away, have them go get exposed to Covid, and then come back and bring it into the community, said Leach.

Hamilton College commencement is May 23, 2021. The College says spring semester will complete close to this date.
Kate Langbroek and her family have finally returned home to Melbourne, after spending two years living abroad in the idyllic Bologna, Italy.

And while the 55-year-old has 'no regrets' about the move overseas, she said that the once-in-a-lifetime experience did not come without it's challenges - particularly for her four children.

She told the Herald Sun on Friday that her first emotional hurdle was during a holiday to France in 2019, when she and her husband Peter Lewis told their kids that they were extending their Italian stay for another year.

La dolce vita! Kate Langbroek has 'no regrets' about her family's time two years living in Bologna, Italy, despite experience some challenges - particularly for her four children

The comedian recalled that they were out at a restaurant when they broke the news to their children - sons Lewis, 17, Artie, 13, Jan, 11, and daughter Sunday, 15.

She said: 'Lewis had tears in his eyes, Sunday started crying and the two young boys were fine with it all, but then the French waiters must have thought "what's wrong with these people?"

The hardest hit by the news was her eldest son Lewis, 17, who she revealed did not speak to her for three days.

Emotional moment: The comedian recalled her children - sons Lewis, 17, Artie, 13, Jan, 11, and daughter Sunday, 15 - cried when she and her husband, Peter Lewis, revealed they would be extending their stay for another year

'Lewis had tears in his eye': The hardest hit by the news was her son Lewis, 17 (pictured), who she said did not speak to her for three days. She said her eldest son, who battled leukaemia as a child, found the move abroad hard because he had a secret girlfriend back home

She explained that her eldest son, who battled leukaemia as a child, found the move abroad hard because he had a secret girlfriend back home.

Kate said they split up two months before the family returned Down Under last year.

She added the despite him being upset about extending their stay overseas, he eventually 'loved it at the end' and even once got a ride with his friend in his mother's red Ferrari.

The radio presenter also talked about living under Italy's brutal restrictions and having almost no freedom to move during height of the pandemic.

Hard times: The radio presenter also talked about living under Italy's brutal restrictions and having almost no freedom to move during height of the pandemic

'I gather the second lockdown in Melbourne was brutal but we were over there going, "but you can go 5km," she said, saying they needed a permit to get groceries and could only go up to 500m outside of their home.

Kate noted that she has began writing a memoir about her family's time in Italy, adopting the lifestyle, as well as life in lockdown.

Despite all the struggles of living in a foreign country, getting used to different customs, the culture, as well as the language barrier, Kate does not look back at the experience in disappointment.

'Not once did I regret any of it': Despite all the struggles of living in a foreign country, getting used to different customs and culture, as well as the language barrier, Kate does not look back at the experience in disappointment

Quarantine: Kate, her husband and their four children returned home to Melbourne in December where they stayed in hotel quarantine for two weeks before their release on Christmas Eve

'Not once did I regret any of it,' she added.

Kate, her husband and their four children returned home to Melbourne in December where they stayed in hotel quarantine for two weeks before their release on Christmas Eve.

The comedian has returned to radio as a co-host on the 3PM Pick-Up, replacing Rebecca Judd.
RTHK: Irish PM welcomes EU vaccine backdown on NI border

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin welcomed a decision by the European Union executive not to invoke the safeguard clause in the Brexit Northern Ireland Protocol, having earlier expressed his concern to Brussels over initial plans to do so.

The EU on Friday abruptly reversed course on a plan to use emergency Brexit measures to restrict exports of Covid-19 vaccines through the Irish border to the United Kingdom after it sent shockwaves through Belfast, London and Dublin.

Martin's foreign minister, Simon Coveney, also welcomed the move and said lessons should be learned: "The Protocol is not something to be tampered with lightly, it's an essential, hard won compromise, protecting peace and trade for many," Coveney said on Twitter. (Reuters)

This story has been published on: 2021-01-30. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Amazon is fuelling alcohol addiction by offering customers a discount if they subscribe to regular deliveries of their favourite tipple, experts warn.

The online retailer knocks up to 10 per cent off some high-strength spirits if customers commit to receiving a new bottle as regularly as every fortnight.

And the savings can rise to 15 per cent if they take five or more at a time. A typical five-bottle delivery would contain enough units of alcohol to last one person at least ten weeks, according to Whitehall guidelines.

Online retailer Amazon has been accused of promoting problematic drinking by offering discounts if they sign up for regular orders on a subscription basis

Professor John Britton, from the University of Nottingham, said: A subscribe and save scheme like this is bad for public health. If people are having bottles of spirits delivered at regular intervals there is a risk they will get into a habitual rhythm of drinking that may lead to addiction'

Critics claim the combination of a subscription and discount is a recipe for disaster that encourages people to buy more than they need and drink to a deadline.

Professor Tony Rao, an expert in alcohol harm at Kings College London, said: People may be persuaded to subscribe to benefit from the discount. But having bottles of alcohol delivered at regular intervals effectively sets a target for finishing the previous order.

That pressure to meet the deadline may encourage people to drink faster and more than they usually would. This pattern of drinking can lead to addictive behaviour. It is a recipe for disaster. A 700ml bottle of Sipsmith London Dry Gin can be bought for 27.89 on the site, with next-day Amazon Prime delivery.

But it costs just 25.10 with the subscribe and save scheme, which offers repeated deliveries at intervals from two weeks to six months. The price falls further to 23.71 if customers order five or more eligible bottles.

Similar deals are available on other big-name brands, including Bacardi rum, Talisker whisky and Grey Goose vodka. A typical 700ml bottle of spirits, at 40 per cent volume, contains 28 units of alcohol, meaning there would be 140 units in five bottles.

The UKs chief medical officers suggest adults consume no more than 14 units each week.

Professor John Britton, from the University of Nottingham, said: A subscribe and save scheme like this is bad for public health.

If people are having bottles of spirits delivered at regular intervals there is a risk they will get into a habitual rhythm of drinking that may lead to addiction. They could then go from a sustained to increasing level of consumption. More than 2.5million people in England drink at severely dangerous levels, a Public Health England survey revealed this week.

The number downing more than 50 units a week  equal to five bottles of wine  has risen by 1million during lockdown, the poll found.

Andrew Misell, from Alcohol Change UK, said: Discounts for buying alcohol in bulk are common in supermarkets and, it seems now, online.

Retailers often claim that they are simply offering customers a good deal and that people consume these bulk purchases moderately over an extended period. We have yet to see any evidence from them that that is the case. However, there is quite a bit of evidence showing that having a large stock of alcohol in the house is an incentive to drinking to excess.

With recent figures showing real and concerning increases in drinking among heavier drinkers during the pandemic, promotions such as this should be discouraged to avoid a further escalation of the serious mental health and physical problems caused by drinking too much and too often.

Amazon said the maximum frequency of a subscribe and save alcohol order is every two weeks.
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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

The Pueblo of Acoma has filed a lawsuit in federal court against the Indian Health Service and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services over the closure of emergency services and in-patient care at the Acoma-Canoncito-Laguna hospital.

IHS first announced the changes in November. After briefly resuming emergency care, the agency now plans to close those services at the facility on Feb. 1. The hospital would essentially become a daytime urgent care clinic serving a population of about 9,000 in Acoma and Laguna pueblos and the satellite Navajo community of Tohajillee.

The closure could not have come at a worse time, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Acoma Pueblo Gov. Brian Vallo said.

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The toll on the daily lives, the health and welfare of my people has been overwhelming, Vallo told reporters Friday.

Vallo recalled an elder tribal member who recently died after having a heart attack. The ACL hospital was not open for emergency care at the time.

EMS staff in a nearby community did not arrive in time to transport the patient, who had also tested positive for COVID-19, to an Albuquerque hospital an hours drive away.

The emergency injunction filed Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia asks that a federal court require IHS to maintain full hospital service.

An IHS spokesperson did not immediately respond to Journal questions Friday.

Gregory Smith, a Washington, D.C., lawyer representing Acoma Pueblo, said IHS is violating a law that requires the agency to notify Congress of hospital closures a year in advance, and provide an evaluation of the closures impacts.

This is a life or death matter, Smith said.

In meetings and legal briefings, IHS has cited an exception allowing for temporary closures and an eventual permanent closure if the agency cant fund safe hospital services.

A Jan. 5 post on the ACL hospitals Facebook page notes that the emergency department reopened for 24/7 operations at the start of the new year.

However, the post said, there remains a possibility that the IHS may have to temporarily discontinue Emergency Room services at ACL Service Unit for medical, environmental, or safety reasons after January 31, 2021.

The changes also affect womens health care, optometry and pediatrics.

In New Mexico, Native American communities have been some of the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

IHS is saying we have to do triage with hospitals, but what that really means is we have to do triage with Native communities, and that cant be acceptable, Smith said. The larger question really goes to convincing Congress that theyve chronically fallen short on the funding of the Indian Health Service.

Acomas legal team briefed the previous presidential administration about the issue, and have also briefed the Biden transition team.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham wrote a letter to President Joe Biden earlier this week, encouraging the administration to rebuild trust by keeping the hospital open.

This Administration has the opportunity and, indeed, the responsibility to cure the historical institutional racism that has created disparities in access to quality health care for American Indians, Lujan Grisham wrote in a Jan. 24 letter.

Vallo said he is hopeful that the Biden administration will intervene to prevent the closure and the need for a long legal battle.

Acoma leadership met several times last year with IHS officials. But Vallo said the officials did not indicate any intention to keep the emergency services.
There is no long-term academic advantage gained from holding a child back from starting school, a study has found.

Children who began kindergarten later were slightly ahead in reading and numeracy after three years, but their advantage diminished in years 5 and 7 and had disappeared completely by year 9, University of New England researcher Sally Larsen found.

Anna Serelas daughters Jaime, Elisabeth and Bianka Polatoglou play at home before they start school. Jaime and Elisabeth started school at 4 and a half Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

Ms Larsen said the results showed schooling itself played a more significant role in literacy and numeracy progress than age discrepancy.

Earlwood mother Anna Sarelas, who sent her first daughter to school at four and a half  her birthday is July 27, four days before the kindy cut off  and is about to send her second at a similar age, said the results were happy news.
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Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-30 20:54:23|Editor: huaxia

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United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (L) receives a dose of COVID-19 vaccine at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in the Bronx, a few miles uptown from the UN headquarters in New York, the United States, Jan. 28, 2021. (Eskinder Debebe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

The clock is ticking for President Joe Biden to deliver on his promise to vaccinate 100 million Americans in the next 100 days while new, mutant versions of the virus are spreading in the country.



by Matthew Rusling

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Erin Blake, a resident of New York City in his 70s, said he received the COVID-19 vaccine last week.

Getting the shot was a relief, Blake told Xinhua, as the virus targets those aged over 65.

Sally, a retiree from the state of New Jersey who just gave her first name, said she has not yet received her shot. Neither has her boyfriend, Ryan, semi-retired and a heart patient.

These three cases illustrate what's happening now with the vaccine rollout in the United States which has recorded more than 25.86 million COVID-19 cases with over 435,000 deaths as of Friday afternoon.

The clock is ticking for President Joe Biden to deliver on his promise to vaccinate 100 million Americans in the next 100 days while new, mutant versions of the virus are spreading in the country.

Photo taken on Jan. 20, 2021 shows the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua)

NEW GOVERNMENT VS COVID-19

Biden has unveiled his national strategy for addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and signed several orders including improving supply chains for the pandemic, expanding treatment for COVID-19 and requiring masks and physical distancing in all federal buildings, on all federal lands and by federal employees and contractors.

"The first 100 days of the Biden presidency will be dominated by COVID and vaccination delivery," Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West told Xinhua.

"Biden has promised to vaccinate over 100 million people during this time and his administration will be judged on his ability to meet that target," West said.

Biden earlier this week said he expects the United States will be able to inoculate 1.5 million people per day -- around 500,000 per day more than initially planned -- within around three weeks.

The former administration's vaccine distribution plan was blasted as leaving it up to county and city administrators, who have zero experience with vaccine distribution plans, especially not one of this magnitude.

Clay Ramsay, a senior research associate at the Center for International and Security Studies at the University of Maryland, noted that the vaccine distribution has ramped up steadily since it began in December.

Across the Trump administration there were "elements of a plan, but there was no White House effort at coordination. So Biden's own team is starting from a low baseline, and they can certainly improve on Trump's performance rapidly," Ramsay told Xinhua.

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)

VARIANTS INCREASE CONCERN

The spread of more infectious variants of the coronavirus has increased concern over a new surge across the country and heightened the urgency of vaccinations.

The first cases of a coronavirus variant that recently emerged in South Africa have been confirmed in South Carolina, the state's Department of Health and Environmental Control said on Thursday.

It is a "wake up call" that new clinical trial results from Johnson & Johnson showed that its vaccine is less effective against the variant circulating in South Africa, said Dr. Anthony Fauci, the country's top infectious-disease expert, during the White House's coronavirus briefing on Friday.

The level of protection of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine candidate against moderate to severe COVID-19 infection was 72 percent in the United States, 66 percent in Latin America and 57 percent in South Africa, 28 days post-vaccination, announced the company earlier in the day.

"It is an incentive to do what we've been saying all along: to vaccinate as many people as we can, as quickly as we possibly can," Fauci told reporters.

Another variant, first identified in Britain, has now been confirmed in 379 cases in 29 states, said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who was also at the briefing.

Walensky also called on Americans to continue wearing masks and practice social distancing, and to avoid travel.

The virus will continue to mutate, and vaccine manufacturers will have to be "nimble to be able to adjust readily" to reformulating the vaccines if needed, said Fauci.

The first U.S. case of a coronavirus variant discovered in Brazil was also confirmed in the state of Minnesota.

A model developed by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington shows that the United States is projected to see more than 566,000 COVID-19-related deaths by May 1.

A resident receives a dose of COVID-19 vaccine in Pasadena, Los Angeles County, California, the United States, Jan. 15, 2021. (Xinhua)

MORE HURDLES AHEAD

The vaccine will be the first of many hurdles the new administration must deal with as it addresses not only the pandemic, but also the economic damage that occurred due to nationwide lockdowns.

Christopher Galdieri, assistant professor at Saint Anselm College, told Xinhua that hitting the vaccine distribution target is an "early, major test, but it's not the only one."

"Along with getting more people vaccinated, there's also the question of what a relief bill looks like, how big that bill will be, and how many policy objectives can be bundled up in it," Galdieri said.

"I think an early stumble will be forgiven if they're corrected quickly and Americans' lives can begin to resemble what they were like pre-pandemic," Galdieri said.

Biden has unveiled a 1.9-trillion-U.S. dollar COVID-19 relief proposal, which draws opposition from a growing number of congressional Republicans. It's unclear whether the Biden administration would secure enough votes for a new massive relief package.

White House economic adviser Brian Deese has recently warned that the United States risks falling into a "very serious economic hole" without decisive action, urging the Congress to approve more COVID-19 relief as soon as possible.

The U.S. economy contracted 3.5 percent in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the largest annual decline in U.S. gross domestic product since 1946, according to data released by the U.S. Commerce Department on Thursday.

The Congress approved a 900-billion-dollar COVID-19 relief package at the end of last year following months of deadlock over the size and scope of the package. But economists and some lawmakers say it isn't enough to bolster a ravaged economy. Enditem

(Xinhua correspondents Yang Shilong, Tan Jingjing, Gao Pan, Xiong Maoling contributed to the story)
Another 455 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in Northern Ireland, the Department of Health has reported.

There have been another 17 Covid-19 related deaths in Northern Ireland, the Department of Health reported.

Thirteen of those deaths occurred in the 24 hours up to 10am on Saturday and four happened previously.

The death toll has risen to 1,831.

Another 455 new cases have been identified in testing.

There have been 3,841 positive cases in the past week, down from 5,329 in the previous seven days.

Hospital occupancy is at 91% with 2,773 people in beds. A total of 69 patients with Covid-19 are in intensive care - 56 of those are ventilated.

And 127 care homes are dealing with an outbreak of the virus.

It comes after chaos reigned in Brussels on Friday night after the EU Commission was forced to backtrack over plans to introduce a hard vaccine border in Ireland as part of a no-warning bid to ban EU vaccine exports to the UK.

The EU had triggered an article of the Northern Ireland Protocol which would have enabled the EU to place checks on goods entering Northern Ireland from the Republic to ensure no EU-manufactured vaccines were present.

It was feared by the EU that Northern Ireland could be used as a back door for EU vaccines into the rest of the UK - in breach of EU ban on exports.

Read More

Under the Brexit deal agreed between the UK and EU, goods are permitted to move freely between the north and south of Ireland.

Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol allows either side to introduce controls on goods in emergency situations.

First Minister Arlene Foster described the EU plans as an incredible act of hostility.

Deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill called for cool heads on Saturday and said that both the EU and UK Governments must honour their agreements.

Now is a time for solidarity as we fight this global pandemic together, she said.

I have spoken to the Irish Government and expressed my serious concerns that the EU did not consult with the political administrations on this island, before moving to trigger Article 16.

This unilateral action was clearly unwise, ill-judged and totally unnecessary.

I welcome the fact the decision has now been reversed. Regrettably it has caused political harm.

It has given those shameless Brexiteers now opposed to the consequences of their own actions, the opportunity of using it to their advantage.

Ms ONeill added that the Northern Ireland Protocol was imperfect but it must be preserved.

The protocol exists as a solution to avoid a hard border on the island, thereby enabling the all-island economy and Good Friday Agreement to be protected, she continued.

Our citizens need timely access to lifesaving vaccines, not trade disputes between the EU and the British government.

The Withdrawal Agreement and Irish Protocol were negotiated and agreed by the EU and British government, and the onus is on them to honour and implement both.


The federal government has been forced to arrange repatriation flights for residents and visitors stranded on Norfolk Island after the only airline catering to the remote territory withdrew its services.

Air New Zealand suspended its services after the Australian announcement that quarantine-free flights between New Zealand would stop as health authorities sought to trace new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases reported by our trans-Tasman neighbours.

Norfolk Island Administrator Eric Hutchinson said he would provide an update in coming days about air services beyond Wednesday. Credit:Getty

This meant crews operating flights between Norfolk Island and the Australian mainland would need to undertake 14 days in hotel quarantine or be based in Australia, an Air New Zealand spokeswoman said.

The travel arrangements between the two countries were extended from Thursday, January 28, for three days until 2pm on Sunday after two cases of the new highly contagious strain of COVID-19 were detected in Auckland.
Posted Friday, January 29, 2021 4:08 pm

Within a year following the catastrophic 2007 Chehalis Basin flood, hydrologists were retained by the Lewis County PUD to model the flows from that flood if 65,000 acre feet of water flowing out of the Willapa Hills above Pe Ell was stored behind a dam.

The findings, which have been reviewed and updated several times by the state of Washington, show that storing that much flood water would reduce the flood peak across the Chehalis Basin from Pe Ell, through the Twin Cities, past Montesano in Grays Harbor County and all the way to Cosmopolis.

Immediately, talk of a dam in the mainstem of the Chehalis River triggered a fight between those more focused on the problem of a declining fishery and those who wanted flood protection for families and communities across the basin.

This battle has been fought for nearly a century in the Chehalis Basin.

It has included lots of fighting with every little progress. The three largest floods in more than a century have occurred in the last 35 years with increasing flood damage while the key salmon and steelhead runs continue to decline.

The fighting prompted then-Gov. Chris Gregoire to form the Governor's Chehalis Basin Work Group composed of three people from each side of the fish vs. flood fight with a charge to come up with a single plan to address both problems with fish enhancement and flood protection.

Slowly, fighting turned into collaboration, a process that has continued to receive support from Gov. Jay Inslee and legislators on a bipartisan basis.

One decision was made early in the process: we are not going to build another fish-blocking dam, like the Elwah, on the Chehalis River.

That led to a worldwide search by experts hired by the state to determine the latest technology and engineering to make emergency flood water storage compatible with aquatic species, especially salmon runs. The result of that research is a proposal from the Lewis County Flood Zone District to build a flood facility that does not have a reservoir and does not block fish passage, but does provide the basinwide flood reduction benefit.

The open gates at the bottom of the proposed structure will allow fish to pass upstream and down. It will also mean that there is no reservoir except for a few weeks every seven or more years during a catastrophic flood. Having no regular reservoir also means that the facility could not generate hydro-electricity.

The flow of the upper Chehalis River above Pe Ell fluctuates greatly during the year, but in summer and early fall months, the flows there are low enough that even if a dam was built holding a reservoir only 2-4 megawatts of power could be generated.

That level of electricity would not warrant the $400 to $500 million cost of the facility.



This is the second installment of a new series focusing on the proposed dam on the Chehalis River. Installments in the ongoing series will be published in the Saturday edition of The Chronicle.

Animal lover Carrie Symonds is returning to work as a green campaigner after landing a new job at a high-profile conservation charity.

Nine months after giving birth to son Wilfred, Boris Johnson's fiancee has been appointed head of communications for the Aspinall Foundation, initially working from her spacious Downing Street flat.

And as this photo shows, Ms Symonds is already acquainted with her new boss, Damian Aspinall, and some of her 'clients' in the form of cheetahs Saba and Nairo following a visit to the charity's headquarters in Kent last year.

The 32-year-old  who is known for her love of eco-fashion  made sure she was suitably dressed for the occasion, topping off a khaki coat with a cheetah-print hair band.

Nine months after giving birth to son Wilfred, Boris Johnson's fiancee has been appointed head of communications for the Aspinall Foundation, initially working from her spacious Downing St flat. Above, Ms Symonds (sporting a cheetah-print hair band) is already acquainted with her new boss, Damian Aspinall, and some of her 'clients' in the form of cheetahs Saba and Nairo following a visit to the charity's headquarters in Kent last year

Above, Ms Symonds in 2019. The Aspinall Foundation is dedicated to protecting endangered species and returning captive animals to the wild

Her mother, Josephine McAffee, has joined the Downing Street 'household bubble', prompting speculation she will help take care of her grandson when her daughter and Boris Johnson are working.

The Aspinall Foundation is dedicated to protecting endangered species and returning captive animals to the wild. Saba and Nairo were born in Britain but have now been successfully rewilded in South Africa  a world first.

The charity also funds and manages animal protection projects in Congo, Gabon, Java and Madagascar, as well as supporting schemes in India and Cambodia.

As well as the two cheetahs, eight black rhinos, 159 primates and more than 70 gorillas have been returned to the wild thanks to the foundation.

Mr Aspinall said: 'Carrie takes up her role at an exciting time for the foundation and we are delighted to have someone of her calibre on the team.

'She is a passionate champion for wildlife and conservation, whose energy and expertise will be a huge asset to us.'

A patron of the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation, Ms Symonds was named activist group Peta's 2020 person of the year for her 'unwavering voice for animals'.

Last July, supermarkets stopped selling coconut products marketed by several Asian brands after she highlighted how chained monkeys were being used to harvest the fruit from trees on farms in Thailand.

Before having Wilfred, she spent two years with the marine conservation group Oceana. She will continue to advise it as a consultant.

She was previously director of communications for the Conservative Party, having earlier worked for Tory MP John Whittingdale and the former chancellor Sajid Javid as a special adviser.

Carrie's mother, Josephine McAffee, has joined the Downing Street 'household bubble', prompting speculation she will help take care of her grandson when her daughter and Boris Johnson are working

Everybody wants to get their hands on the best next-gen consoles that the gaming industry could offer now, like Sony's PlayStation 5. Unfortunately, in Japan, Sony's very own home country, fans still have a hard time purchasing one of the long-awaited consoles.

As Kotaku reported, full-scale chaos erupted at the Yodobashi Camera electrics megastore in Akihabara after a vast shipment of PS5 restocks arrived. As the video below reveals, people pushed and shoved each other to the point where cash registers and staff went to save themselves.

"I've never seen that kind of insanity in japan before," Dave Gibson, Tokyo-based lead UI/UX designer of Pokemon, tweets.

To make the matter even worse, the Japanese authority has declared a state of emergency following the resurging number of COVID-19 outbreaks in the country, with Tokyo being the city with the highest number of cases.

Read Also: 'Halo Infinite' Update Confirmed, Now Includes New Customizable Control Scheme for Xbox and PC Gaming.

What Did Go Wrong?

Up to this writing, several retailers require a black credit card to purchase a PS5 in the country to avoid third-party purchasers that could potentially ruin the market price by reselling the console at an extremely high price.

The store's region, Akibahara, is only one of two Yodobashi Camera stores in the city that does not require such provision, hence the riot. Police were called to the scene, and the sale was canceled.

Sony seems to have a rocky relationship with players from Japan. Many experts and fans accused the tech giant of prioritizing the West over the Japanese market. The US and Canada market has seen more PS5 restocks than its own home turf. Sony's decision to move PlayStation HQ to California in 2016 also added more fuel to the fire.

However, PlayStation boss Jim Ryan vehemently denies the reports as inaccurate and reassures Japan's instrumental role in promoting the PlayStation 5 to what it is today.

"The Sony stance is that the Japanese market remains incredibly important to us. We have not been as excited about the engagement of the Japanese game development community as we are now for many years," says Ryan, as reported by Essentially Sports.

When Will Sony Restock PS5?

This is a question that almost nobody has an answer to.

Like Amazon UK, several retailers have quietly added more stocks of PS5 and sold out in a matter of minutes earlier this month. Others, including Walmart, GameStop, Argos, and Target, have also sold out their remaining stocks.

However, reliable leaker @Ps5Instant revealed on Twitter that Sony is gearing up to ship over three million units of PS5s worldwide until April. Although it's still unconfirmed information, the Twitter account has amassed over 62,3k followers, so here's hoping.

Related article: Valve's Steam Game Festival On the Roll in February; Events, Other Details, and More!.
Oil prices were little moved this week as small moved upward were negated by similar moves downward as oil demand recovery remains uncertain.

West Texas Intermediate on the New York Mercantile Exchange dipped 14 cents Friday to close at $52.20 a barrel, down from $52.77 at Mondays close. The posted price ended the week at $48.68.

Natural gas prices on the NYMEX could not overcome Mondays 16-cent drop despite climbing 11 cents the next two days. Prices ended the week at $2.564 per Mcf, a drop of 10 cents for the day.

We are still 8 million barrels of oil oversupplied, Travis Stice, chief executive officer of Diamondback Energy, told the Reporter-Telegram after participating in a roundtable discussion on oil and gas issues with Gov. Greg Abbott this week.

Though Saudi Arabia acted unilaterally to remove an additional 1 million barrels from the market, he said, Its incumbent on oil producers to be aware this is an oversupplied world, and we dont need to grow volumes.

Producers should be cognizant that members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries have made clear they are seeking to take market share from US shales.

Clint Walker, general manager of Cudd Energy Services, which hosted the roundtable discussion, said his company is taking a cautious approach to the improvement in oil prices.

Its been a really tough year, and our objective is to get our equipment out there and generate returns for our investors, he said.

Bloomberg reported that Fridays decline capped a third straight week with New York futures stuck near $52 a barrel. U.S. equities weakened amid lingering concerns over volatile retail trading. While Johnson & Johnsons COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough allayed some worries about the deterioration of consumption, its clear the demand environment remains tepid. Chevron Corp. posted a fourth-quarter loss after weak fuel consumption hit its refining business, Bloomberg reported.

Theres a lot of issues out there when it comes to demand going forward, Tariq Zahir, managing member of the global macro program at Tyche Capital Advisors LLC, told Bloomberg. A massive amount of the population still is not going out anywhere. Demand will definitely see a big snapback, but who knows when thats going to be?

But while headline prices have been treading water, the futures curve is pointing to a more balanced market as OPEC+ output curbs and restrained U.S. shale production help further draw down inventories accumulated during the pandemic, the news agency reported.

According to Bloomberg, the nearest contracts for both Brent and West Texas Intermediate have moved further into a premium relative to the next month, a pattern known as backwardation that signals tighter supplies and strong demand.

At the same time, low processing rates from refiners are keeping fuel supplies more or less in check. The incentive for processing a barrel of oil is growing, with the combined refining margin of gasoline and diesel back near levels last seen in May, Bloomberg said.

Still, Bloomberg reported, the outlook for a consumption recovery remains shaky. The virus variant identified in South Africa has reached the U.S. just as Europe is set to tighten its rules on the export of vaccines.w
Amid the ongoing farmers' agitation against the Centre's three contentious farm bills, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday said that there has been an increase in weapons coming from Pakistan since October when the farmers began their agitation. Stating that he has been cautioning the Centre against the designs of the Western neighbour to cause a disturbance in the border state, the Punjab Chief Minister told ANI that Pakistan has been sending weapons through drones and is trying to cause infiltration.

Amarinder Singh said, "There has been a spurt in 'drone delivery' since the farmers' agitation started and 'weapons, money and heroine' have been coming in. Pakistan has sleeper cells which they can activate because a disturbed Punjab suits Pakistan's policy."

READ | Punjab CM Amarinder Singh Denounces Farmer Rally Violence, Issues 'vacate Delhi' Appeal

Punjab CM: 'Pakistan has increased smuggling of weapons'

Asserting that Pakistan and China are going to collude and 20 per cent of Indian Army soldiers belong to an area where there has been concern among farmers about farm laws and the morale troops can't be allowed to go down, the Punjab CM said, "I have a hostile country on my western border. On the north of us, we have China."

Amarinder Singh said, "These two countries are going to collude. About 20 per cent of the Indian army belongs to this area and we can't allow their morale to go down. I think we should be very careful in our choice of putting out news which should not create a situation where the morale of our troops goes down."

READ | Punjab CM Seeks PM's Intervention In Designating Punjabi As J&K's Official Language

When asked if he blames Pakistan for the violence that took place on Republic Day in the national capital during the tractor rally march, Amarinder Singh said that is for the investigation agencies to find out. Asserting that he doesn't blame anyone, the Chief Minister asked, "When this movement started, why has there been a spurt in the drone delivery? Why weapons, money, and heroine is coming in?"

Giving out further details about his November meeting with Shah, Punjab CM Amarinder said, "I went to see Amit Shah when everyone started making big news about farmers' struggle to discuss the issue that has taken place."

He said, "Since the farmers' struggle started in October, the number of weaponry that is coming to Punjab (from Pakistan) has increased. It is drones that are bringing it in. That was what was concerning me because those drones that bring weapons are meant for something. They are not sent as a present here. We may capture 30 drones, but there are 20-30 that may get past us, to their objectives. I have been warning the government for a long time that "Pakistan is trying to infiltrate".

READ | 'This Is What Pakistan Wanted': Captain Amarinder Singh Condemns Singhu Border Violence

Urging the Centre to be on its toes, the Punjab CM said that the sleeper cells of Pakistan can awaken anytime. When asked about the narrative of the presence of "Khalistani" elements in the farmers' agitation, he said, "This is what Pakistan wants to do. I don't say that they are Khalistani. Khalistan, Naxal and Urban Naxal just names. There are people with different ideologies."

Speaking about the violence that took place in Delhi at Red Fort, Amarinder Singh said that the historic monument is a symbol of the country's independence and democracy. Stating that he was deeply saddened by the incidents of violence on January 26, he said that it is for the investigative agencies to probe the incidents of violence and fix responsibility. This is something of which no Indian can be proud, he added.

Calling the incident on the Republic Day a very sad day, he said that the protesting farmers have made it very clear that they do not believe in violence. Claiming that he doesn't believe that the farmers were involved in the violence, he said, "I think it is people who infiltrated this movement. there are plenty of people. We are sitting on the border here and the government knows very well what is happening at our border."

READ | 'Wanted Amarinder Singh Dead' Poster Surfaces In Punjab's Mohali; Investigation Underway
We never thought wed see her again: Family celebrates Chibok girls escape from Boko Haram

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One of the more than 100 schoolgirls who remain missing since their abduction from the Nigerian town of Chibok by the Boko Haram terror group in 2014 has escaped her captors, and her family is rejoicing while awaiting her return after seven long years.

Halima Ali Maiyanga was 15 when she was kidnapped. Shes returning home as a 22-year-old woman.

Halima was in tears. She told us she was with the military and needed some clothes because she had nothing, her brother, Muhammad Maiyanga, who spoke to Halima on the phone, told The Wall Street Journal. We never thought wed see her again.

Halima was among the 276 girls kidnapped from a boarding school, an incident that gained international attention with the #BringBackOurGirls campaign. Some of the schoolgirls fled soon after the mass abduction in 2014, while others were released as part of a deal with the Nigerian government in 2016. Dozens more were released in 2017 as part of a prisoner exchange.

Halima managed to flee during a Nigerian military offensive against Boko Haram fighters in the Sambisa Forest in the countrys northeast, according to the Journal, which said her older sister, Maryam Ali Maiyanga, was released in 2017 along with an infant son born after her forced marriage to a jihadist fighter.

People have been coming to rejoice with us, the sister was quoted as saying. I cant wait to reunite with my sister again.

Last month, alleged Boko Haram terrorists kidnapped a large number of boarding school students from Kankara Government Science Secondary School in Kankara, Katsina state.

They commanded the crowd like a herdsman herd the sheep, Hassan Abdul-Bashir told CNN at the time. They shot the policeman guarding our school. I saw them driving many students. There could (be) as much as 200 students, but I am not sure.

Days later, security forces managed to rescue the boys without any fighting, though not all of those captured were rescued.

Boko Haram grooms the boys it captures to become terrorists, Save the Persecuted Christians Executive Director, Dede Laugesen, told The Christian Post at the time, adding that in some cases, the group forces children as young as 8 years old to execute Christians.

Boko Harams opposition to education creates a vicious cycle that leads to more terrorism, said Laugesen. Children are afraid to attend school because terrorists attack education centers. Without education, they cant get jobs to provide for themselves as adults. Jobless, uneducated young adults often become terrorists.

Nigerias government often lets terrorist groups operate unopposed, she said. Nigeria receives lots of international money to help it fight terrorists. Keeping them around means more cash in the hands of its leaders.

No adverse reactions or side-effects have so far been reported by 5,286 people who were vaccinated in Sri Lanka on Friday with Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine Covishield, provided by India, health officials said on Saturday. Sri Lanka on Friday launched its national coronavirus immunisation campaign by administering the first shots to frontline health workers, soldiers and security personnel, a day after India gifted 500,000 doses of Covishield vaccine to the island nation.

As many as 5,286 people were administered the jabs at nine hospitals, including two military hospitals, on the first day. No adverse reactions or side-effects have so far been reported from anywhere, the health officials said. The Oxford-Astrazenecas Covishield vaccine, manufactured by Serum Institute of India, was approved for emergency use by the Sri Lankan government.

Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, who is in the ICU after being tested positive for COVID-19, issued a statement on Saturday from her hospital bed, thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government for making the vaccine available free to Sri Lanka.

The gift from India is in line with Indias continued support to Sri Lanka in fighting the COVID pandemic. Four consignments of medical supplies weighing around 25 tonnes were donated by India, which also organised online experience-sharing programmes for Sri Lankan medical professionals.

The two nations have also put up a joint front in the COVID-19 battle with India and Sri Lanka being the largest contributors to the COVID-19 Emergency Fund for SAARC. Prime Minister Modi had complimented Sri Lankas leadership on containing the pandemic.

On Thursday, Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa thanked India for its generosity after he received 500,000 doses of the Covishield vaccine. The president was personally present at the airport to receive the vaccines. A total of 250,000 people, mostly health frontline workers, members of the security forces and police and the vulnerable aged, will get the vaccine on a priority basis.

The Sri Lankan health authorities said the immunisation programme is ongoing in nine hospitals across the country. Sri Lanka has recorded over 300 deaths so far due to COVID-19. Sri Lanka witnessed a fresh outbreak of the disease in October last year when two clusters - one centered on a garment factory and the other on the main fish market - emerged in Colombo and its suburbs.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)

Ireland has the most potential alien visits of any other European country, according to research from PsychicWorld.com.

The zany figures were released this week and revealed that 105 UFO sightings have been recorded for the country by the National UFO Reporting Center in the US.

Members of the public use the database to report activity in the sky, from bright lights, egg-shaped objects and translucent figures.

Ireland's most common report was for lights.

PsychicWorld.com analysed these reports of sightings from across Europe, documenting the frequency of sightings, duration and what kind of UFO was seen.

Ireland's sightings lasted an average of thirteen minutes, apparently. Irish reports were mainly of unexplainable bright lights described as being either red, white or blue.

So, have you ever seen a UFO?


It was always going to be ballet.

A musing from Katherine Skelton, who has dedicated most of her life to the centuries old art form.

Katherine started dancing at age four and although she gave jazz and contemporary a try, Ballet is her passion.

As a kid, I just loved ballet and I tried other things, but that was what I wanted to do.

The professional dancer credits her very supportive father for helping her through the times when it felt too hard and she nearly gave up.

He didn't want me to give up, because it was too hard. He wanted me to give it my all and see what could happen.

As a teenager ballet became her whole life and as well as being physically demanding Katherine sacrificed trips to the movies with friends and other teenage follies to excel at her craft.

All of those times I did want to stop, I just kept working and working and it pays off.

Her devotion has been fruitful, because this year she has been promoted to soloist in the Royal New Zealand Ballet.

Katherine has been with the company for ten years and says the promotion is quite special because it will enable her to perform more prominent roles more often.

Her family moved from England to Tauranga when Katherine was six, she loved growing up here and fondly recalls spending downtime walking around Mauao and taking the family dog to Fergusson Park.

Fergusson Park was a huge part of my childhood.

Tauranga is also much sunnier than her current city of Wellington and she loves coming home when she can.

It was at Baycourt Community Arts Centre that Katherine met her husband Joseph, they were both 16 and competing at a Performing Arts Competitions Association of New Zealand event.

Katherine and Joseph in Salute. Photo: Supplied

The pair got in trouble for laughing back stage and although it took a few years for them to become a couple they always knew there was something there.

Joseph did his training in England and Katherine did hers at the New Zealand School of Dance in Wellington, but they kept in touch despite the distance.

Joseph joined the Royal New Zealand Ballet in 2011 and the pair married in April 2017.

While most people are adamant they couldnt work with their significant other, for the dancing duo theyve always done everything together so dont know any different, says Katherine.

We're best friends, so we just carry on at work and at home the same.

Katherine and Joseph Skelton on their wedding day. Photo: Supplied

A typical day for Katherine starts with an hour warm up, ballet class followed by a three hour rehearsal, lunch and another three hour rehearsal, then she finishes it off with an hour warm down.

While this might sound monotonous, it is anything but, the 31-year-old says there are many facets to the job and the rehearsal process has different stages in preparation for each show.

Its always changing, so you can't really ever get bored.

RNZB does three or four seasons a year so there is always new roles and dances to learn and it can be years before you repeat the same ballet, if ever, says Katherine.

Another pro is getting paid to stay in shape and her feet are used to the new normal of dancing en pointe.

It's like a guitarist develops calluses on his hands, as nice as that is to think about, she laughs, We kind of do all that stuff to our feet.

Katherine Skelton and Kihiro Kusukami in Wayward by Kiara Flavin. Photo: Supplied.

Massage and warm ups help prevent injury and care for her feet that can spend hours each day holding her body weight up on just her toes, aided by pointe shoes.

Although Katherine shunned contemporary for ballet growing up, it is now an integral part of her career but her heart still lies with classical.

I love the tutu kind of ballet - tutus and pointe shoes, that's my jam.

Her favourite ballet is Sleeping Beauty where she performed her dream role of Princess Aurora, it was a great way to finish 2020.

After a Christmas break in Christchurch with family, Katherine is rehearsing for Tutus on Tour, where RNZB take ballet to different theatres across the country.

This year will showcase well-loved classics the White Swan pas de deux and Jules Perrots Pas de Quatre as well two new ballets Andrea Schermolys Within Without and Sarah Foster-Sproulls Ultra Folly.

Tutus on Tour will be at Baycourt on March 6.
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New Braunfels, TX (78130)

Today

Thunderstorms likely, especially this morning. High around 85F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 70F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.
Last week the Nouveau Parti Anti-Capitalistes (NPA) youth wing published a statement on the NPAs Revolution Permanente web site demanding the immediate reopening of universities. Titled Student misery, emergency: we need funding to be able to reopen universities, the statement aligns the NPA with President Emmanuel Macrons herd immunity policy. It states:

The closure of universities for several months must end. Students perennial isolation, the lack of social life except on Zoom plunge most of us into distress. What Covid has shown is that that lack of university funding is a structural problem that thus connects the reopening of schools to the need for mass personnel hiring, requisition of new infrastructure, the installation of a coherent health plan starting with free masks and testing centers in each institution. We should not wait for directives from a government who believes that opening windows is enough to keep schools open, we should collectively work out coherent health protocols with staff, teachers and students, as many secondary schools in the Paris region did in the autumn.

Students leave their school in Cambo les Bains, southwest France, Thursday November 5, 2020 (AP Photo / Bob Edme)

The immediate consequence of what the NPA is proposing would be a surge of Covid-19 infections and deaths both among students and in the wider population. The reopening of schools in France has been a catastrophe: two-thirds of clusters occurred in schools and workplaces that Macron kept open in the autumn and winter. The result of this herd immunity policy, pursued across the EU, is that 200,000 Europeans contract COVID-19 each day, and 100,000 die every three weeks. Yesterday, 22,858 people contracted the virus and 513 died of it in France.

The danger, including specifically to students, is increased by the rapid spread of the more infectious B.1.1.7 (or UK) variant. According to Sante Publique France, 47 people under 30 have died of COVID-19 and a further 35 people in that age range are on ventilators in France. Testimony from nurses and doctors in the UK suggest that the new variant is deadlier among younger people than the previously dominant strains.

Universities have undoubtedly been starved of necessary resources over decades of austerity, but more personnel and funding will not make universities safe. Scientific studies have shown that even with proper protective equipment and social distancing, significant spread in educational settings is inevitable. Even if universities reopened with the best possible additional measures, they would still significantly accelerate the contagion.

The NPAs claim that fighting COVID-19 means having a few more masks on hand echoes the lies of Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer. Time and again, Blanquer has denied results of scientific studies and ignored mass outbreaks, telling parents and teachers that schools are safe. Many lives have already been lost as a result. The reopening of schools and workplaces after lock-downs were ended last spring, in France and EU-wide, led to dramatic resurgence of the virus.

The NPAs attempt to justify its support for the Macron governments herd immunity policy by citing students mental health reeks of cynicism and bad faith. On January 18, it published an article titled New student suicide. The policy of the government is criminal! This article tried to exploit the tragic suicides of two students, after results of first-semester exams were published, to justify the NPAs murderous herd immunity policy:

Both of them were studying medicine, and their deaths came at the same time as the first semester exam period, which is particularly elitist in this discipline. Effectively, increased selectiveness in recent years, and especially the economic crisis and the specter of mass unemployment have tended to intensify student unhappiness, as one sees from student distress expressed since the exams in January after the end of the holidays.

The NPA concluded that it is crucial to reopen the universities to end the enforced isolation of students. Because the Macron government has imposed distance learning in the universities, the NPA asserted, the government has blood on its hands.

The government has blood on its hands, but not because of the few limited social distancing measures it has adopted. It is because Macron ended the spring lock-down prematurely and without preparing proper contract tracing, and then pursued an EU herd immunity policy. This has led to over 75,000 deaths in France, and 700,000 in Europe. While scientists and doctors tried to halt the pandemic by adopting stronger social distancing, Macrons herd immunity policy could rely on the support of the NPAwhich also has blood on its hands.

Relieving student stress and preventing suicides requires first and foremost ending the pandemic. This will eliminate students fears they will contract and die of COVID-19 and, by ending the current economic recession caused by the pandemic, make more jobs available to graduates. However, this requires first of all ending the murderous herd immunity policy advocated by both Macron and the NPA, which only spreads and prolongs the pandemic.

The fight to halt the pandemic requires the political mobilization of the working class and the youth in France, and across Europe and internationally. Independent committees of rank-and-file workers in workplaces, and students and staff in universities, are necessary to oversee security and fight for a scientifically-guided lock-down policy. However, for such bodies to be effective, they must be organized in opposition not only to capitalist governments like that of Macron, but to petty-bourgeois supporters of herd immunity like the NPA and the union bureaucracies.

Obtaining the resources to properly fund a safe lock-down, with every member of society receiving a full living wage, halt a post-lock-down resurgence of the virus, and rebuild the economy requires a revolutionary and socialist struggle to expropriate the financial aristocracy. The French and European ruling class has gorged itself on trillions of euros in public funds given to them by EU and European Central Bank bailouts. As 700,000 people died across Europe and tens of millions fell into poverty, the wealth of Europes billionaires skyrocketed.

Affluent petty-bourgeois layers of the union bureaucracy, academia and middle class professionals which the NPA represents stood to gain, however, from these bailouts. The CGT, CFDT, FO, CFTC, and UNSA union confederations issued a statement to expressly welcome the EU bailouts designed by Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel in May 2020. Indeed, they no doubt received their share of the billions of euros in bailout funding pouring through the coffers of corporate management and works council offices.

This underlies both the NPAs support for herd immunity and its malign indifference to workers struggles against Macrons pandemic policy. Indeed, the unions isolated teachers wildcat strikes in November, which were violently attacked by Macrons riot police.

The course of the pandemic has vindicated the warnings of the Parti de legalite socialiste on the necessity of determined, scientifically-guided lock-down and social distancing measures, and on the petty-bourgeois and reactionary character of the NPA. The PES appeals to workers, students and youth in struggle to end the nightmare of the pandemic to support it against the NPA and its herd immunity policies.

WASHINGTON - A police riot shield used to break a window, then a door kicked open from the inside - new court documents detail the first moments of the Jan. 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol that left five people dead and more than 100 police officers injured.

A criminal complaint against two Montana brothers and a detention memo against a prominent member of the Proud Boys help explain how, the government believes, one segment of a mob overran a small, poorly defended line of Capitol Police officers. In these and other filings, prosecutors trace the actions of possible key instigators in the storming of the Capitol, including members of the Proud Boys - a far-right nationalist and nativist group with a history of violence - and other right-wing extremist groups.

According to prosecutors, citing surveillance video and social media, Proud Boy Dominic Pezzola was one of the first to lead the charge both outside and inside the Capitol, helping overwhelm police defenses after stealing an officer's riot shield.

Starting at about 1 p.m., Pezzola, known as "Spaz," was among the first protesters to charge and overwhelm a line of police behind a pedestrian gate on the west-front Capitol grounds, prosecutors said. The crowd advanced toward a second set of waist-high metal barricades at the Capitol's west plaza, where Pezzola was flanked by an unidentified man in an American flag bandanna who dragged a piece of the fence away, leaving police unprotected and helping thousands follow onto the Capitol grounds, prosecutors said. Pezzola next was among the first to reach another police line at the base of the Capitol, prosecutors said.

As a scuffle broke out after a member of the mob was hit by a projectile, possibly fired by police, Pezzola can be seen on video pulling out a riot shield, according to prosecutors. He is then seen in images using the shield to break a building window at 2:13 p.m., according to court documents.

"Pezzola was not the only person trying to break windows and forcibly enter the Capitol at that time, but he appears . . . first to breach a window so successfully that he and other rioters could enter the Capitol through it," Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik Kenerson wrote. "The defendant's actions show planning, determination, and coordination."

Late Friday, a federal grand jury returned a new indictment adding a conspiracy charge against Pezzola, 43, of Rochester, N.Y., and another man previously charged in the riot, William Pepe, 31, of Beacon, N.Y., also an alleged member of the Proud Boys. Prosecutors said the men conspired to obstruct and impede police protecting the Capitol, including by removing metal barricades meant to hold back crowds.

Prosecutors say two brothers from Montana, Joshua Calvin Hughes and Jerod Wade Hughes, followed Pezzola into the window and then helped kick down a door from the inside, giving more rioters access.

The Hughes brothers were charged late Thursday with felonies related to destruction of property, obstructing law enforcement and disrupting a government proceeding. They could not be immediately reached for comment.

Pezzola faces similar charges. Prosecutors said Friday that there was also evidence that he assaulted police and stole the riot shield, two additional crimes of violence.

"I've been provided the government's memorandum and will be filing a responsive memorandum prior to the detention hearing Monday," his attorney Michael Scibetta said.

According to prosecutors, members of the Proud Boys used walkie-talkie-style communication devices to coordinate during the attack. On Pezzola's computer, Kenerson said, FBI agents found information on making homemade firearms, poisons and explosives.

Once inside the Capitol, authorities say, Pezzola and the Hughes brothers engaged in a confrontation with Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman at the foot of a staircase, according to an FBI agent's affidavit, "advancing . . . in a menacing manner." While Doug Jensen, 41, of Des Moines, Iowa, is identified as the "primary aggressor," the Hughes brothers "followed immediately" behind him, the agent wrote. Pezzola, according to prosecutors, was also part of the group.

Standing beside Pezzola in a confrontation with officers inside the Capitol was Robert Gieswein, 24, a Colorado paramilitary trainer and alleged member of the anti-government Three Percenters right-wing group, according to prosecutors, who have charged Gieswein. He was also recorded multiple times inside and outside the Capitol in military gear, moving with Proud Boys, prosecutors alleged.

Jensen, a self-described believer in the Q-Anon extremist ideology, was arrested the weekend after the riot.

Goodman lured the rioters away from the Senate chamber by lightly pushing Jensen, a tactical maneuver that experts say preempted a violent confrontation and may have saved lives. He has since been made acting deputy sergeant-at-arms, and he escorted Vice President Kamala Harris on Inauguration Day.

Internal and congressional investigations are examining the failure to fend off the rioters, who forced lawmakers to hide in corners of the building as the angry mob called for their deaths. In the court filings, authorities say police were outnumbered by rioters at every turn. While Goodman called for backup and was joined by other officers in an upstairs atrium, the FBI said they still lacked the manpower to attempt any arrests.

"So instead they used their training to try and de-escalate the situation by talking with individuals in an attempt to calm them down," an agent wrote in an affidavit. The crowd refused, shouting, "This is our house," "This is our America," and "We're here for the corrupt government."

When one rioter slammed a fire extinguisher on the floor, sending up a cloud of smoke, the agent said, the shock helped quell the crowd's anger, and it dispersed. But the Hughes brothers did not leave the building, prosecutors say, and made their way onto the Senate floor, where they sat in lawmakers' chairs and rifled through their desks.

Meanwhile, Kenerson wrote, Pezzola filmed himself smoking a "victory cigar" in another part of the building.

Prosecutors alleged that Pezzola said in the video: "Victory smoke in the Capitol, boys. . . . I knew we could take this motherf---er over [if we] just tried hard enough."
The e-commerce giant Myntra has decided to change its logo after a Mumbai-based woman activist lodged a complaint with the state cyber police alleging it to be insulting and offensive towards women.

A Mumbai-based activist Naaz Patel who is associated with the Avesta Foundation NGO lodged the complaint in December 2020. Patel sought the removal of logo by the Flipkart-backed e-commerce giant and appropriate action against the company. She also took up this matter across various forums and platforms on social media.

DCP Rashmi Karandikar of Mumbai Police's Cyber Crime Department said, "We found that the logo was offensive in nature for women. Following the complaint, we sent an email to Myntra and their officials came and met us. The officials said they will change the logo in a month's time."

Following all the controversy surrounding the issue, the online shopping app decided to change the logo on their website, their app and on packaging material. Myntra has already issued printing orders for packaging material with the new logo.

Myntra is one of the largest online retailers for clothes and accessories in India. The annual winter sale proved to be massive for Myntra as it logged a 51 per cent increase in the website traffic during 2020.

Also read: Former L&T Infotech CFO Ashok Kumar Sonthalia appointed as Titan's CFO
The Federal Government on Saturday inaugurated its N20,000 cash grant project for 3,500 rural women drawn from the 20 local government areas (LGAs) of Ogun.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Faruq, performed the ceremony at the Obas Complex in Abeokuta.

Mrs Faruq, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Bashir Alkali, said the grant was designed to give a lifting hand to some of the poorest and most vulnerable citizens.

She said that President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration had paid priority attention to the welfare of the poor and vulnerable since its inception, in spite of its revenue challenges.

The minister said: Poverty reduction has become a major objective of governments all over the world.

This informed the presidents decision to initiate the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) as a strategy for poverty reduction and enhancement of social inclusion.

The NSIP is adjudged as the largest social protection programme in Africa with over one billion dollars earmarked annually to cause positive change in the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable.

Since its introduction in 2016, the social investment programme has impacted positively on the lives of the poor and vulnerable in Nigeria.

It is on record that so far, over 12 million households have benefitted from NSIP interventions.

This includes the payment of a monthly Conditional Cash Transfer of N5,000 to one million indigent Nigerians to protect them against economic shocks and lift them out of poverty.

No fewer than 1.1 million micro and small business owners accessed loans to boost productivity, increase income and reduce poverty under the Government Enterprise Enhancement Programme (GEEP).

The N-Power programme provided temporary income-generating opportunities for 500,000 unemployed youths.

She added that, about 8.6 million primary 1-3 pupils in public schools are currently receiving one meal per day under the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme.

It is in view of this, that Buhari graciously approved the expansion of the programme to touch more lives and lift more Nigerians above the poverty line.

With the creation of this ministry in 2019, these programmes have been restructured and revamped to respond to the peculiarities of different parts of the country.

This is to ensure that the right beneficiaries are targeted and to enhance impact on the beneficiaries, she said.

Mrs Faruq said that the ministry was also working tirelessly to address some of the socio-economic problems that bedevilled all parts of the country.

According to her, the grant for rural women was introduced in 2020 to sustain the social inclusion agenda of the president.

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It is consistent with the presidents national vision of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years, she said.

The minister said that no fewer than 125,000 rural women across the 36 states of the country and the Federal Capital Territory would benefit from the one-off grant.

She advised the beneficiaries to commit the money into any small business venture they deemed fit to improve their living standards.

Mrs Faruq expressed optimism that the grant would increase the income and productive assets of the beneficiaries.

I am optimistic that with the support and cooperation of the Ogun government and other stakeholders, we will remain on track to improving the livelihood of the ordinary Nigerian, she said.

Meanwhile, Abike Adebayo, a beneficiary from Odeda LGA, commended the federal government for the gesture.

She said the grant would go a long way in enhancing her poultry business. (NAN)
It's fashionable in the media to declare the conservative movement doomed following the presidential election. And with razor-thin margins making Wisconsin and other Midwestern states key battlegrounds, its equally fashionable to credit a rebuilt Blue Wall for the outcome.

What is fashionable is often flawed.

When a party is out of power nationally, the states are where it can (and undoubtedly will) rebuild. And Wisconsin  home of the famed Cheesehead Revolution that ushered in sweeping conservative reforms and unrivaled national leadership 10 years ago  is Americas strongest model for a durable conservative movement. The Badger States enduring impact of state reforms, out-sized influence of center-right organizations providing intellectual capital, and unparalleled grassroots political infrastructure all point toward an eventual Cheesehead Revolution 2.0  and demonstrate how conservatives can forge a path elsewhere.

The Cheesehead Revolution began exactly a decade ago when Republicans swept into power in Madison, led by Gov. Scott Walker. To close a $3.6 billion deficit left by the Democrat predecessor, they passed dramatic changes including collective bargaining reform  Act 10, significantly curbing the power of public sector union bosses. In response, tens of thousands of liberal protesters swarmed the Capitol, culminating in the historic failed recall of Walker in 2012. Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan took reform national with his ascension to vice presidential nominee, then Speaker of the House. U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson and Donald J. Trump won upsets in 2016  landing, thats right, Wisconsins Reince Priebus as White House chief of staff.

But it was the reforms of Walker, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald that show how state policy outlasts political winds. During their time in office, expansion of school choice across the state led to an explosion of growth in private school vouchers from 20,189 students in fall 2010 to 40,037 in fall 2018, according to data compiled by School Choice Wisconsin. Income tax cuts and property tax caps have given Wisconsinites their lowest tax burden since 1970, according to the Wisconsin Policy Forum. Public sector employees have the freedom to leave their union and decertify it, resulting in the number of union members decreasing by 31% since 2013, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The structural reforms enacted since 2010 are still paying dividends today, Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform told us. There are also lesser known achievements that dont get as much notoriety but are also noteworthy, serving as models for reform that governors and legislators in other states are looking to adopt in the coming year, such as the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act, which gives the legislature more oversight over proposed regulations.

Walkers successor, Democrat Gov. Tony Evers, has been unable to reverse free market policies in the face of strong public support and a conservative legislature.

Just as conservative solutions endure, so does Wisconsins unparalleled freedom infrastructure. The state, despite being mid-tier by population, boasts nearly a dozen nonprofits (which we work with) dedicated to free markets, limited government, and education reform. This is anchored by The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, which supports organizations with values aligned with their goal of advancing the principles of American exceptionalism. Wisconsins freedom infrastructure is a tour-de-force in pushing back against the progressive wave with timely policy analysis, pro bono litigation, community engagement, and reporting.

The states backbone is grassroots organization. Local county parties and the state party benefit from a grassroots army that is the envy of many states. Even in less triumphant times, Wisconsin conservatives have over-performed  losing the governors race by just one percentage point and maintaining their legislative majorities in 2018 while other key battlegrounds like Michigan and Pennsylvania faced washouts, and bringing the 2020 presidential race to within one point despite national polls predicting a double-digit loss.

All of it adds up to a conservative movement that is not only alive and well, but continuing to show the nation how to engender future revolutions. This is fitting for a state that is not only credited by the left for much of progressivism but is also the birthplace of the Republican Party.

Incoming state Senate President Chris Kapenga (pictured, at right) said Wisconsins still-strong Republican legislative majorities will carry on the conservative tradition of Act 10 with new reform: Because it was the right thing, people have rewarded us. So we want to keep doing the right thing as new leadership comes into the Senate  we recognize the importance of that.

While the Beltway media will spill untold ink fantasizing about a post-Trump Republican Party, for Wisconsin conservatives, there is no time for rest  and certainly too much at stake to even consider it.

Szafir is president of the Institute for Reforming Government, a think tank in Madison, Wis.
By 1903, the salt industry, the dominant local industry for most of the 19th century, was nearing its end. Upon that foundation, the city had developed an impressive manufacturing sector that produced a staggering array of goods. As the nation and the city stood poised on the brink of a new century, one driven by astounding advancements in technology, many of the industries and the products built in the Salt City were integral to this growth. Soda ash, coke, crucible steel, gears, these were just a few of the essential components of Americas emergent economic might made here in this period.

Yet, perhaps no Syracuse-made product had more of a reach than the typewriter. Like the computer in our era, the typewriter changed the nature of communication and business. It became a necessity in every business, and, eventually, in nearly every home. By the end of first decade of the 20th century, over 50 percent of the machines being utilized across the country were made here. At the center of this transformative industry stood Syracuses Smith brothers.

Lyman C. Smith and his three brothers, Hurlbut W., Wilbert, and Monroe formed the Smith Premier Typewriter Company in 1887. Lyman and Wilbert had been in the gun business up to that point, manufacturing a popular hammerless shotgun, known as the Elsie (think L.C.). The Elsie is still highly coveted by collectors. Both the hammerless shotgun and the typewriter that bore the Smith name were invented by Alexander T. Brown. A prodigious inventor and, eventually, a successful businessman in his own right, Brown patented the first double keyboard typewriter in 1884. The Smith brothers started manufacturing the machine, the Smith Premier, in their gun shop, on a small scale. Browns typewriter was so well received that the Smith brothers sold their gun business and went all in on building typewriters.

L.C. Smith and Brothers factory. Corner of Washington and Almond Street, circa 1910. This was the main manufacturing site for the company from 1903 until 1960, housing thousands of employees. In the sixties it became known as Midtown Plaza. It was demolished in 1999. Today, the Syracuse Center of Excellence occupies the site. Photo courtesy of Onondaga Historical Association.

In 1893, Smith Premier joined with other top companies, including Remington, forming the Union Typewriter Company. The formation of industrial syndicates, or trusts, was a common business practice in this era, one that came under increasing scrutiny. The emergence of writing in sight machines, which allowed typists to see their work, caused a disagreement between the Smith brothers and the Union Company. Believing strongly that the future lay with this machine, one they pioneered, the Smiths left the Union Co. On January 27, 1903, the Smith brothers made the fateful decision to leave the Union Typewriter Company, upset with the conglomerates direction and vision. They formed a new company, L.C. Smith and Brothers Typewriter Company, with a capitalization of $5 million ($146 million in 2020). The company focused on producing the increasingly popular visible front-strike typewriters that became the industry standard. They built a massive eight-story factory on the corner of Almond and Washington Streets that opened in September 1903. In addition to L.C. Smith and Brothers, Remington and Monarch Typewriter Co. also operated factories here in Syracuse (The Monarch factory still exists on Plum Street in Franklin Square.) By 1904, Syracuse was re-branded The Typewriter City. By 1926, when L.C. Smith and Bros. merged with Corona Typewriters to form Smith-Corona, the largest typewriter company in the world, Smith-Corona was turning out approximately 155,000 typewriters annually at their factories in Syracuse and Groton, NY. These included machines made with Cyrillic, Chinese, and Japanese characters.

The Smith Premier factory that once stood at 114 Gifford Street, right on the creek side. Built in 1903, Remington produced typewriters there beginning in 1910. During WWII, Remington-Rand Corp., employed nearly 4,000 workers there, making .45 caliber pistols. It was demolished in 1974. Photo courtesy of Onondaga Historical Association.

Since its founding, Smith-Corona was always on the leading edge, driving innovation. During the Second World War, Smith-Corona manufactured a top-secret pin-and-plug cipher machine, the M-209, which was instrumental in the Allied war effort and continued to be used during the Korean War. In 1957, the company introduced the first portable, electric typewriter. Production at the Syracuse factory ceased in 1960, though Smith-Corona maintained offices in Syracuse. Fittingly, in the year 2000, as the country stood on the precipice of a new millennium, Smith-Corona declared bankruptcy for the final time, a casualty of increased foreign competition and the product that had replaced it in homes and business all over the world, the personal computer.

Read more

1911: To make city safer, Syracuse considers taking on a public menace: bristling hat pins

1955: Parents feel relief and hope after Salk Polio vaccine found to be safe and effective

1958: Worn out DPW boss recommends Marine Corps flamethrowers to melt snow in frozen Syracuse

Meet Asa Ladd of Brewerton, who once fell through the ice and kept fishing and was shot in the foot and kept hunting

Stuck inside? Check out our true-crime podcast

An invention from Upstate NY soon became the preferred method of execution across the United States -- the electric chair. In The Condemned, we trace the history of the chair through the stories of five men who were sentenced to death for their crimes. Explore our series here.
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Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long at the government meeting on the afternoon of January 29

The information was announced by Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long at the government meeting on the afternoon of January 29.

According to the minister, AstraZeneca commits to supply 30 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines for Vietnam in 2021. As planned, in the first quarter of 2021, the COVID-19 vaccine of AstraZeneca will be available in Vietnam.

The ministry (MoH) is also working with other partners, including Pfizer, Moderna, and other COVID-19 vaccine producers to increase the country's vaccine reserves.

The MoH continues to keep close eyes on domestically-made COVID-19 vaccines, directing relevant units to fast-track research and clinical trials on humans, enabling them to soon produce COVID-19 vaccines for local use.

At present, home-made COVID-19 vaccine Nanocovax entered the first phase of clinical trials and will enter the second phase in early February 2021.

COVIVAC  the second Vietnamese-made vaccine  entered first clinical trials on January 21, with the second phase to start in March 2021.
Zimbabwe's government is engaged in talks with Russia, China and India on deliveries of their vaccines against the novel coronavirus, Zimbabwean Minister of Finance and Economic Development Mthuli Ncube said in an interview with The Anchor broadcaster

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th January, 2021) Zimbabwe's government is engaged in talks with Russia, China and India on deliveries of their vaccines against the novel coronavirus, Zimbabwean Minister of Finance and Economic Development Mthuli Ncube said in an interview with The Anchor broadcaster.

"We have adequate resources, mobilized adequate resources in our budget to be able to meet the cost of the vaccine. All options are on the table, we are negotiating with China, India and Russia," Ncube said on Friday.

According to the minister, the country has allocated $100 million to procure enough vaccine doses to inoculate 10 million citizens which amount to 60 percent of the population to achieve herd immunity.

"We are having conversations around the COVAX initiative, around the AU [the African Union] initiative which has already sourced 270 million shots of the vaccines and our share is in there," the official added.

To date, the African country has registered 32,952 cases of the coronavirus, including nearly 24,900 recoveries and 1,178 fatalities. In a bid to curb the further spread of the virus, the authorities earlier this week extended quarantine measures and a curfew until February 15.
The bodybuilder husband of Frances Abott, Sam Loch, revealed his shocking skin cancer battle less than a week after announcing they're expecting their first child.

The champion Olympic rower reassured his 16,000 followers on Instagram that he was recovering well from surgery to remove cancerous melanomas in his new hometown of Portland, Oregon.

Loch, 37, said 'it's definitely good news' after doctors removed a melanoma on his shin and four lymph nodes from his groin.

Bodybuilder Sam Loch (pictured) posed for a thumbs up to reassure family and friends he was recovering well from a surgery to remove a cancerous melanoma from his shin

'I have another date with the scalpel this week, but it is much better than it could have been', he wrote online.

Loch posed with his thumbs up in his hospital bed wearing a cat mask and a hair net.

The champion bodybuilder said it was his close friend's cancer battle and his wife's recent pregnancy that made him improve his sun smartness and become proactive to check 'iffy moles'.

Sam Loch (pictured) said everything was 'going well' after his stint in the hospital to remove cancerous melanomas

Frances Loch announced she's expecting a baby with her husband Sam Loch. She shared a candid picture of herself cradling her burgeoning bump on January 22

Loch's pregnant wife Frances Loch, nee Abott, shared support for her husband online.

'Cute cat mask and i'll say it again, you look good in purple,' she said.

Frances Loch, the daughter of former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, announced she's expecting a baby with her husband Sam Loch on January 22.

The 29-year-old fitness instructor - who now lives in America alongside her husband - shared a candid picture of herself cradling her burgeoning bump.

'Big little baby Loch. Joining the party summer '21,' she wrote on Instagram.

The exciting baby news comes after the couple moved from Sydney to the US to start a new life together.

Body Builder Sam Loch (pictured) had a skin cancer scare when he had four lymph nodes from his groin and a melanoma removed from his shin

Husband to Frances Abbott Sam Loch, (pictured) made his his debut for the Australian Rowing Team in 2007

The pair tied the knot in a surprise wedding ceremony on Valentine's Day 2018 just three months after they met in November 2017.

'Two weeks was all it took to know that forever with you was a mighty fine idea,' she wrote in an Instagram post at the time of their shock engagement.

Frances said the proposal happened in the kitchen when Sam popped the question as she was putting peas in the freezer.

Sam Loch and Frances Abbott (pictured together) tied the knot just three months after she met the bodybuilder in November 2017

During the proposal, Sam had a bottle of champagne in his hands and cleverly convinced her to ask him why.

When she obliged, he replied that he bought it to drink after he asked her to marry him.

Former PM Tony Abbott congratulated the couple at the time, tweeting: 'Really thrilled at the news of Francie and Sam's engagement. We are very proud of her and the Abbotts are looking forward to welcoming Sam into the family.'

Frances tied the knot in a surprise wedding with Sam (pictured together) on Valentine's Day 2018 just three months after they met

The pair were legally married at a registry in February 2018 (pictured showing off their wedding bands after getting married on Valentine's Day)

Despite concerns the couple were moving too fast, Frances previously revealed her family, including her dad, were very supportive of their engagement.

'I think meeting Tones [Tony] can be quite intimidating for anyone, but that's what I love about Sam,' Frances said.

'He's so grounded, and so settled in his own skin, it felt totally natural. There was no change in voice, no sitting upright. Dad liked him.'

The couple moved from Sydney to the US to start a new life together after getting married

Frances met Sam, an ex-Olympic rower, in November 2017 - and got engaged two weeks later

Frances said Sam asked her to marry him as she was putting peas into the freezer

As for her mother Margie, she was just as surprised as everyone when her middle daughter told her of Sam's proposal.

'Mum was like, "Frances, you are quite impulsive",' Frances recalled.

The pair were legally married at a registry in February 2018 - but waited to celebrate with their nearest and dearest at Sydney's exclusive Palm Beach in April.

'The celebratory component isn't for a couple of months, but we made it official in the eyes of the law,' Sam wrote on Instagram, alongside a picture of the pair showing off their wedding bands.

'We're the motherf***ing Mighty Morphin Power Rangers of love.'
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Trying to set an example for all and doing their duty towards humanity, two firefighters tried to rescue a goose from a frozen lake, but what actually happened is hilarious.

UPI notes that the Monroe Township Fire Department responded to a call of an injured goose on the River Raisin in Michigan, USA.

Two firefighters, Brian Merkle and Ed Bellman, bravely crossed the ice to rescue the bird, only to realise it was not a bird at all! It was actually a decoy.

Another firefighter, Austin Schmitt, from the same department, shared the incident along with some photos, on Facebook. And the whole thing has left people giggling hard.

Monroe Township Fire, MCA and the DNR were dispatched for an ice rescue this afternoon. On arrival it was found a goose was stuck in the ice for 2 days. MTFD Firefighters Brian Merkle and Ed Bellman bravely went to rescue it. Upon making it out to the goose it was found to be a decoy, wrote Schmitt.

Also Read: This Goose Mother Is Taking Care Of 47 Goslings Along With Her Partner

The post has collected loads of comments ever since it was shared. While some were glad that no one had been injured, others reflected on the entire situation's hilarity.

Absolutely sheer brilliance by all involved, one user commented. Oh my this is hilarious, but great training, commented another. I am dead, wrote a third.

If you wonder what the 'goose' is up to now, then your curiosity will be fulfilled by this post by Merkle. It also has a name now - Sharon.

What do you think of the entire incident and the life-like Sharon?



Also Read: Dolphin Adopts Baby Whale, Takes Care Of It For Three Years
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The first phase of a new 20-bed Kwapra community hospital at Kumasi in the Ashanti Region has been handed over by the GNPC Foundation to the Suame Municipal Assembly pending final completion and commissioning.



The Contractor, Hans Global Ltd, symbolically handed over keys to the completed structure to mark the end of the first phase of the project being funded by the GNPC Foundation to provide the people of the community with improved healthcare delivery.



The hospital has an Outpatient Department (OPD), 2 Consulting rooms, 4 wards comprising a male, a female, a maternity and a childrens ward. It also has a Surgical theater, a pharmacy, sanitary rooms, and an Administrative office among other facilities.



The Executive Director of the GNPC Foundation, Dr. Dominc Eduah, after leading an inspection of the facility, assured that his outfit is in line to complete the final phase of the project which comprises the clinical furnishing and equipping of the facility in order to kick start operations.



In a brief address, he said the hospital, like the many other infrastructural investments made by the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, is expected to make life better for people. This time, in the provision of quality health care for people in this area and surrounding communities, he said.



Dr. Eduah urged the hospital administrators to institute an appropriate maintenance strategy to ensure that the facility remains in good condition to serve the people decades after as part of their share of Ghanas oil money.



Present at the short technical handing-over ceremony was Nana Baffour Adu Gyamfi Kumaniin I  chief of Kwapra, who thanked the GNPC Foundation for reaching his community with a project that would impact the general wellbeing of his people immensely. He was in the company of Nana Kofi Oti  Okyeame of Kwapra, Nana Akwesi Abebrese II  Odum Akyeamehene, and Nana Kweku Ahenkan  Kyidomhene.



Mrs. Nsiah Ababio, the Suame Municipal Health Director in expressing her gratitude, also encouraged the Foundation to facilitate the quick completion of the project to help the Municipal in its efforts to deal with the current COVID19 challenges.



Also present was Abdul Hussein Rasheed, the Municipal Coordinating Director and Abraham Amponsah, Assemblyman of Kwapra electoral area.

Source: peacefmonline.com









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A woman in her 30s, arrested yesterday morning, Saturday 30th January 2021, in relation to the disappearance and murder of William Maughan and Anastasija Varslavanne has been released without charge.

A file will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Meanwhile, the father of a man murdered and disappeared along with his girlfriend, has renewed his appeal for information as gardai released a woman questioned yesterday.

William Maughan and Anastasija Varslavane are missing and believed murdered since their disappearance in 2015.

The couple are suspected to have been killed by members of criminal gang after they were last in Gormanstown, north County Dublin in April, 2015.

Expand Close Willie Maughan and Anastasija Varslavane were last seen on April 14 2015 (Garda/PA) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Willie Maughan and Anastasija Varslavane were last seen on April 14 2015 (Garda/PA)

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One man was arrested last April and in July a further three were arrested and released without charge by the investigation team.

Father of the missing man Joe Maughan has campaigned to have William and Annas killers brought to justice.

He also renewed his appeal for anyone who has information about their disappearance to come forward and end his familys ordeal.

On behalf of me and my family, look at your own kids and say that could be my child thats missing and I want help, he told the Sunday World.

Im asking people out there, look into their hearts, give us closure that we can give the two of them a Christian burial. Please, Ill pray for you to come forward and say the right thing to the guards.

Say it to somebody and point out where they are and our prayers will be with you for the rest of our lives.

Gardai say their investigations are ongoing.

The Police has filed a case against Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai, The Caravan and others for allegedly misleading public regarding the death of a protester at ITO during the violence on Republic Day, officials said on Saturday.

The case has been registered at the IP Estate police station under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, police said.

Earlier, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and six journalists have been booked by the Noida Police for sedition, among other charges, over the violence during the farmers' tractor rally in Delhi, officials had said.

Madhya Pradesh police have also filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Tharoor and the six journalists over their 'misleading' tweets on the violence during the farmers' tractor rally in

On January 26, thousands of protesting farmers had clashed with the police during the tractor rally called by farmer unions to highlight their demand for repeal of the Centre's three farm laws.

Many of the protesters, driving tractors, reached the Red Fort and entered the monument. Some protesters even hoisted religious flags on its domes and the flagstaff at the ramparts.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Kolkata: It was a public rally and the place was Chandannagar in Bengals Hooghly district when Trinamool Congress turncoat Suvendu Adhikari on January 20 sprung a surprise with heaps of praise for Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee.

Then, on January 25, at a public rally in Tamluk in East Midnapore, the Bharatiya Janata Party leader waxed eloquent about big names of the CPI (M) like Promode Dasgupta, Benoy Choudhury, Geeta Mukherjee, Biswanath Mukherjee and Sukumar Sengupta.

I was never against the politics of the Left Front. Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee was a good man. I was against people like Laxman Seth (also a Marxist leader) and harmad (distorted version of the Dutch word armada, which means pirates or goons known for their brutality) of the Left Front, Suvendu said.

He didnt stop there. Suvendu continued to praise CPI (M) leaders like Biman Bose, Buddhadeb and Congress's Bengal unit president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury.

Suvendu stood beside Left Front chairperson Biman Bose, CPI (M) legislator Sujan Chakraborty and Adhir Chowdhury after Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee alleged that Saradha scam kingpin Sudipta Sen had claimed in a letter that these leaders (including Suvendu) took money from him.

Ever since Suvendu joined the BJP on December 19, 2020, he has strategically refrained from offending a majority of Left Front and Congress leaders and this hasn't gone unnoticed among political experts, who feel that the TMC turncoat is trying hard to retain the nearly 33 per cent Left and Congress vote share that shifted towards the saffron party from 2016 to 2019.

This became more evident as the TMC had managed to increase its vote share in this period by 3 per cent.

So the 33 per cent Left and Congress votes that gravitated towards the BJP were actually anti-TMC votes.

And to retain this vote share in the BJP and to stop reverse migration of voters, many in the CPI (M) feel, it is Suvendus calculated move to praise Left Front leaders in public rallies to win the confidence of this section of the electorate.

CPI (M) leader Amiya Patra said, There may be a hype over Suvendu Adhikari but we are not paying much attention towards his statements. The person (Suvendu) who talks about sacrificing himself used to hold many plum posts during his tenure in the TMC. His family members used to hold several posts (including MP, MLAs, chairman of co-operative banks and various boards and organisations). His sudden praise for Left and Congress leaders is nothing but pure politics to prevent the reverse migration of Left and Congress vote share. But I feel that he will not be able to succeed as reverse migration has already started from many districts in Bengal.

Similarly, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee has also worked hard to tap into this 33 per cent vote share which went to the BJP mainly from the Left Front and Congress in her bid to win the assembly polls this year with a comfortable mandate.

In the 2016 assembly elections, the BJPs vote share was 10.2 per cent and in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls it went up to 40.3 per cent. In the past three years, the BJP has managed to cultivate religion-driven politics in Bengal and it has been evident with its significant rise in Bengal in terms of its vote share.

A close look shows that from the 2011 assembly polls to the ones in 2016, the Left Front saw its vote share drop by 9.88 per cent and from the 2014 Lok Sabha polls to the 2019 edition, its vote share further plummeted to nearly 16 per cent.

However, the Congress vote share from the 2011 to 2016 assembly elections went up from 8.91 per cent to 12.3 per cent but it fell dramatically in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls to 9.6 per cent while in the 2019 general elections the party managed to secure only 5 per cent votes.

These votes, most of which were once with the Left Front and Congress, went to the BJP as there was no decline in the TMCs vote share.

In the 2011 assembly elections, the Trinamool's vote share was 39 per cent, which increased to 39.56 per cent in 2016. Similarly, in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls the TMCs vote share was 39.03 per cent, which the party managed to increase to 43.3 per cent in 2019.

The only factor which went in favour of the BJP is about 1 crore Left and Congress voters gravitating towards it, and this is exactly who Suvendu was tasked by the central BJP leadership to work on retaining.

Suvendu was once a close and trusted aide of Mamata Banerjee, but twenty years of his association with Didi came to an end on November 27, 2020, when he resigned from her cabinet.

On December 19, 2020, he formally joined the BJP at a public rally in the presence of union home minister Amit Shah in Bengal.

Will Waldron/Albany Times Union

In "Green energy plan stirs backlash," Jan. 22, a coalition of companies, industry groups and labor unions asked who would shoulder the costs of the state's transition to a carbon-free economy. The answer is that the transition to green energy in compliance with the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act must be funded by the fossil fuel industry and polluters that put the world in the climate crisis it currently faces.

The state Legislature must prioritize funding the transition off fossil fuels this legislative session, and one of the big items they should pass in order to do so is the Climate and Community Investment Act. The act will raise an estimated $15 billion annually from corporate polluters, which will pay for the green energy we need to comply with the goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Instituting a starting fee of $55 per ton of greenhouse gas emissions and co-pollutants on the fossil fuel companies would provide this revenue. New York consumers will be protected because the Climate and Community Investment Act offers a rebate program to those who are impacted by any potential cost increase.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Manchester United's forwards need to be more clinical after a 0-0 draw at an under-strength Arsenal dealt a second setback to their Premier League title challenge in four days.

United threw away top spot with a shock 2-1 defeat by bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United in midweek and are now three points adrift of league leaders Manchester City having played a game more than their local rivals.

The quartet of Marcus Rashford, Edinson Cavani, Anthony Martial and Bruno Fernandes have now scored just once in United's last five league games.

Cavani was the biggest threat for the visitors with two second-half efforts that flew just wide, but Arsenal were worthy of at least a point despite missing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Bukayo Saka and Kieran Tierney.

"We come away with a clean sheet and we had good chances," said Solskjaer. "We need to get our forwards firing again. That's the next step now. We need to be more clinical and get them going again."

A point does at least maintain United's long unbeaten run away from home in the league, which now stands at 18 games, bettering the previous club record held by Alex Ferguson's 1998/99 treble-winning team.

Arsenal edged to within six points of the top four and it was the Gunners who came closest to scoring when Alexandre Lacazette's free-kick struck the bar in the second half.

"The fact we had three of our best players out probably has an impact, but I'm really happy with the players that played today," said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

"In the second half we were so dominant and had some big chances to win it."

Unlike the early days of Solskjaer's reign, when United routinely counter-attacked to great effect against stronger opponents, it is against their traditional top-six rivals that the Red Devils' challenge for a first league title since 2013 has faltered.

United have still yet to beat any of City, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea or Arsenal in the league in six attempts this season.

Story continues

After winning at Old Trafford three months ago, the Gunners went seven league games without a victory but have bounced back in recent weeks.

Arteta's men are now unbeaten in seven to move back into contention for a top-four finish, but will rue missing their chances in the second half to take all three points.

Tierney and Saka were missing through injury, while Aubameyang was also absent for the third consecutive game as he has had to quarantine after travelling back from visiting his ill mother.

After a tentative start from both sides, Bernd Leno made a brilliant save to deny Fred a clever opener for United as the Brazilian tried to lob the ball in from the edge of the box.

- Fernandes goes close -

It is exactly a year to the day since United signed Fernandes and the Portuguese nearly celebrated the anniversary with a curling effort that drifted inches wide.

Fernandes has had a transformative impact on United's fortunes and came closer than anyone to breaking the deadlock before the break with a free-kick that was deflected inches over.

Willian has had the opposite effect since joining Arsenal in August, but the Brazilian was called upon by Arteta for the second half in place of Martinelli.

The former Chelsea winger's lack of confidence was obvious as his weak effort was blocked behind when presented with a great chance two minutes into the second period.

Lacazette's free-kick came even closer than Fernandes's effort from a similar area on the field as the French forward's shot crashed back off the bar.

Moments later Emile Smith Rowe's powerful effort was parried by De Gea.

A swerving effort from Nicolas Pepe just did not have enough curl to nestle in the far corner, but United could still have snatched a win to keep the pressure on City late on.

Cavani pounced on Aaron Wan-Bissaka's dangerous cross only to see his volley fly inches wide.

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Encouraging results from a study of aging dams in the Hudson River Valley bode well for removing similar structures in Western Massachusetts, according to a geologist involved with the study.

The Hudson River Valley and Connecticut River Valley watersheds are about the same. With similar terrain and similar human history, Id expect similar results, said University of Massachusetts research assistant professor Brian Yellen.

Yellen works at the UMass Amherst geosciences department, part of the College of Natural Sciences. His research team found that man-made dams built in the Lower Hudson Valley watershed do not trap nearly as much sediment from riverways as previously believed.

Thats good news for environmentalists and conservationists who have sought the removal of aging dams, not just in the Hudson Valley but also throughout the Northeast, including Western Massachusetts. These structures are often old relics from the regions industrial past, but they interfere with fish and other organisms in the rivers, in relation to migration and life cycles.

The older structures are also often left to deteriorate, adding safety and environmental risk.

Dams make it hard for fish and other animals that live in rivers to move around, Yellen said. Communities want to remove old dams, but some individuals are worried that the mud behind the dams will get washed downstream and hurt fish and turtles and plants.

Our studies show that theres actually not that much mud stuck behind those structures. Hopefully our results will help these communities and their decision-makers continue their efforts to remove dams and restore rivers.

Yellen and Jon Woodruff, assistant professors of geosciences at UMass Amherst, and David Ralston of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, researched more than 1,700 dams in the Lower Hudson watershed. At most, they trapped only a manageable four years worth of sediment.

In 2019, results of an Associated Press study rated at least 1,680 dams nationwide as high-hazard. Potential damage from dams in poor condition included risk to life if they failed.

The AP report listed 39 high-risk dams in Massachusetts. The risk is real: in 2005, a near-breach in Taunton prompted the evacuation of 2,000 people and cost $1.5 million. In 2011, a state audit listed 100 high-hazard dams, and of those, 14 were among the 39 on the more recent AP list.

D11/4/2020 - While repairing the dam at Watershops Pond, the city has had to lower the water level. Aerial photos of the pond and Lake Massasoit show the impact on the drawdown.

In February 2020, the city of Springfield announced $2.5 million in federal funding to improve the Watershops Pond Dam, which is 197 years old. The dam was deemed to pose a flood risk to the South End, but city officials said the upgrades would make the structure viable for another 100 years. Construction was to be completed by 2022, according to the 2020 announcement.

Other dams may not be so salvageable, especially given the high cost of repair.

The big takeaway from the study is that there is a growing movement for dam removal  to knock down dams no longer serving useful purposes, Yellen said.

He said the biggest obstacle has been concern of rising sediment levels being released by removal of the dams. But Yellen said only a couple of years sediment is stored behind the dams, a relatively low level for structures that, in some cases, are more than 100 years old. One dam in Norton is more than 300 years old, according to Patch.com.

Although it might look like a lot, when kept in context to how much the river moves in a year, its not. If there isnt (a sediment problem), let the dams go, Yellen said.

Yellen said research relied on studying selected areas. He said the Taconic Mountains, which run along the Massachusetts-New York border provide results applicable to watersheds deeper into the Massachusetts terrain.

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RSPCA cautiously welcomes new regulations on third party selling of puppies and kittens in Wales

This article is old - Published: Saturday, Jan 30th, 2021

New regulations aiming to end third party selling of puppies and kittens in Wales is being cautiously welcomed by RSPCA Cymru.

The proposals suggest those wanting to sell pets in Wales have to meet minimum animal welfare standards for the first time, with a new licensing scheme introduced for pet sellers.

It means pets under six months of age not bred by the licence holder cannot be sold.

The law also states puppies, kittens, ferrets or rabbits cannot be sold until they are at least eight weeks of age and local authorities need to provide more data on numbers of licensed premises in a locality; meaning an increased understanding of animal welfare across the country.





RSPCA Cymru are therefore seeking assurances from the Welsh Government of their situation regarding the new rules, so they can continue their work of rehoming rescued animals.

David Bowles, RSPCA Head of Public Affairs, said: The publication of this new law is an important moment for Wales puppies and kittens. Wales is the centre of dog breeding in the UK, many of which are bred under poor existing standards, so we welcome the law which mandates anyone who commercially sells an animal has to meet minimum welfare standards.

We also welcome the commitment to ban third party selling of puppies and kittens but are concerned the lessons on this ban in England have not been learnt and unscrupulous dealers could continue to operate.

Poor breeding and rearing conditions, unnecessary transportation and being taken from mothers too early is sadly a grim reality for many pups and kittens  and banning third party selling will be an important event in stopping these young animals from being subjected to such situations.

We welcome the commitment for local authorities to publish data about licensed sellers in their area  a first in the UK. The annual renewal of licences will mean regular checks on premises and more information than ever before about the numbers that are selling pets for profits in different parts of Wales.

Enforcement will be key to ensure this law raises animal welfare standards, particularly for dog breeding, across Wales.

However, were seeking clarification that rescue centres  who often save pups and kittens from situations of neglect, cruelty and abuse  will be exempt from this ban; so animals rescued can be re-homed once it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Should rescue centres be exempt, we also urge the Welsh Government to consider plans like those being proposed in Scotland  which aim to deal with existing third party sellers from reinventing themselves as rescues and exploiting a potential loophole in the legislation.

We look forward to working with the Welsh Government, Members of the Senedd and local authorities ahead of and after the vote on this new law.

It is expected to come into force in September, in what will be the latest step in what must be a wide-ranging and holistic journey in improving the welfare of puppies and kittens in Wales.

More information can be found on the charitys website.
Home > 2021 > How Aakar Patel Under-Read The Character of Hindu Rashtra? A Review Article (...)

by Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd

Our Hindu Rashtra: What It Is. How We Got Here

by Aakar Patel

Westland Publication, 2020

Pages 368

Price 699

Aakar Patel starts his timely and well-researched book Our Hindu Rashtra: What It Is. How We Got Here with a sentence Majoritarianism is primitive and easy to do. He surmises that establishment of Hindu Rashtra, which has only one meaning, that a Kshatriya king should rule the Hindu Rashtra under the supervision of a Brahmin head priest. Such a Hindu Rashtra was in existence in Nepal till abolition of monarchy in 2008.

According to him India had no Varna-Dharmik Hindu Rashtra for a long time in history, therefore, it is not possible to establish it now. It is true that unlike Nepal, which is a small state and fully hegemonic Brahmin-Kshatriya forces with small non-tribal population, India was very vast and never had any one ruler with his/her Brahmin guru/priest ruling entire India. However, we must not also forget that most of the princely states that existed till 1947 were Hindu Rashtras. Wherever Muslim rulers, like Hyderabad and Junagdh, were in power they were basically theological in nature and by administrative and ideological apparatus.

The prototype of Hindu Rashtra ideology goes back to Chandra Gupta Maurya and Kautilya period. When Chandra Gupta refused to follow the directions of Kautilya who was his head priest and Prime Minister, he resigned from his positions and wrote Arthashastra, which is a fundamental source of the statecraft of Hindu Rashtra. Arthashastra is a book of varna dharma and dandaneeti. It does not allow a Shudra king to rule without getting kshatriyahood in a ritual ceremony under a Brahmin head priest, who later assumes the Prime Minister position and controls the king. From the mighty Shivaji to Baroda Maharaja, who could not give a house to Ambedkar in Baroda along with job, with a fear of Brahmin guru, were under such Brahmin priesthood spell.

The Indian Shudras never got out of the view that Brahmin is Bhoodevata. The Shudras surrendered consciousness that the idea of Hindu Rashtra is in operation in a very different form even now. The idea of Hindu majority would not sustain if the Shudras reject the Brahmin authority. Or even if Shudras claim the right to priesthood by rejecting the hierarchical control of varna dharma the idea of Hindu Rashtra gets rejected forever. The institutional operation of Hindu Rashtra to some degree has been in operation in India through Hindu temple system and ritualism under the complete control of the Brahmins even after 1947. The fundamental reason why Sardar Vallabai Patel was sidelined from becoming the first Prime Minister of India was that as Shudra he would not be accepted by the Hindu Brahmin ritual system. A Brahmin, whatever could be his ideology, would be accepted, and thus Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was agreed upon. Let us not forget that Mahatma Gandhi was also a strict follower of varna dharma. He too did not like a Shudra to become the first Prime Minister.

Even in Nepal, inspite of the fact that it is being ruled by the communist conglamoration, only Brahmins beccome the Prime Minister. This is also one of the basic characteristics of the Hindu Rastra. The RSS/BJP combine is tightening the Dwija control over the Indian state and civil society after they came to power. A full scale Hindu Rastra is not meant for only to supress Muslims but also to set back the Shudra/Dalit/Adivasi masses to the classical casteist status. Caste is the critical structure in Hinduism as a religion and Hindu Rastra as a state system.

Aakar Patels main thesis is that the Rastriya Swayamsevak Sanghs idea of Hindu Rashtra is nothing but isolation and marginalization of Muslims by consoliding Hindu majoritarianism. But in varna terms who constitute this majority? What is the place of Shudras who constitute both according to 1931 census and B.P Mandal commission report 52 per cent of the total population? Apart from Shudras 18 per cent Dalits and 7.5 Muslims are treated as part of majoritarianism that the RSS constructed. Aakar Patels majoritarianism also includes them.

The notion of majoritarianism combining Shudras/Dalis/Adivasis and Dwijas has been used not just now for a long time in post-colonial India. Aakar Patel does not see any other form of Hindu Rashtra getting operationalized by RSS/BJP with electoral democracy and the present constitution being in place.

According to him no Kshatriya dynasty rule with a Brahmin priesthood will be possible now. Any other theocratic experimentation by the RSS/BJP also will not work as the theocratic experiments in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Srilanka and Myanmar around India did not succeed and the RSS/BJP leaders know that. Hence the civil society should work to safeguard the interests of Muslims, is his conclusion.

After a promising start, Aakar Patel just left his varna dharma structured Hindu Rashtra analysis there and preemptively moved on to establish that it is not possible to establish Hindu Rashtra in India now given the post-colonial secular constitution and pre-colonial non-existence of Kshatriya-Brahmin Hindu Rashtra. The pre-colonial Indian state because of British rule and Mughal or Muslim rule earlier to that for a long time, the Hindu Rashtra structure got dismantled, hence it cannot be brought back now.

He is mostly silent about Shudra/OBC/Dalit/Adivasi marginalization by the Dwija forces within the structure of Hindu majoritarianism. He does not notice the increasing marginalization of Shudra/Dalit/Adivasis after the RSS/BJP came to power in 2014. Particularly as an intellectual who has come from the Patidar Shudra agrarian community from Gujarat he should have seen the present status of Shudras in the Hindu spiritual system over which the RSS/BJP have a lot of control now.

Why did Patel not think that Shudras who are the main productive force in our agrarian sector and who are completely under the control of Dwija hegemony have seen what their fate is in the present form of Hindu Rashtra, which made farm laws that cut their jaws and make them toothless?

Majoritarianism of Hindutva would be what is only when the Shudras remain under the control of Dwijas, mainly Brahmins. Even the present process of isolation and attack on Muslims became possible with the uncritical consent that Shudrasincluding Patels, Jats, Yadav, Marathas, Gujjars, Kammas, Reddys, Lingayats, Vokkaligas, Naikars, Mudaliayars, Nairs, apart from the whole range of Other Backward Classesgave to the Dwija bhadralok.

Right from the inception of RSS there was no Shudra leader in the formulation of its ideology, or heading its organizational structure. Savarkar, Hedgewar, Golwalkar to Mohan Bhagwat all were Brahmins. In between once Rajendra Singh (popularly known as Rajju Bhaiyya) and Kshatriya lead the RSS. The theory formulation, organizational control, the programmatic agendas and the tactics of the Hindutva movement are worked out by the Brahmin leaders and the Shudra muscle power is deployed against minorities. The Shudra realization is the key in this majoritarian agendas. Unless they challange Brahminism Hindu Rastra would keep operating in different forms and degrees.

At least in the Indian National Congress Sardar Vallabai Patel was visible and in the communist movement Puchalapally Sundarayya was visible, though Brahmins and Baniyas played most critical roles in formulating their ideologies too. In the RSS ranks we cannot see even one visible Shudra. Why did Shudras go with that majoritarian construction and its operations? All along only Brahmins headed the RSS but the Shudras lent their muscle power to sustain their majoritarianism. Is it because the Shudras also have grouse against the Muslims? If there is a grouse how to solve it without driving them into communal carnages. Of course, there is a need for a major reform in the Muslim community in India.

The main fear of Dwijas, however, is that the Shudra/OBC/Dalit/Adiavsis should be kept away from Muslim culture because they fear that these forces might become Muslim, as it happened in Pakistan and Bangladesh in the undivided India.

Unlike many other writers and journalists Patel knows the status of Shudras in institutional Hindu religion now and also historically. He himself comes from Shudra background and the only one, as far as I know, good at writing both in English and Gujarati and knows the caste systems very well. In such an important book he did not examine what is the nature of this Hindu majoritarianism within? Where do Shudras, Dalits and Adivasis stand in Hinduism and Hindutva?

The Shudras do not have a right to become priests in the Hindu temples and cannot become the head of the RSS. The only thing that the Shudras could overcome in the present constitutional democratic system is that they do not have to take to Ksatriyahood with a Brahmin blessing, when they hold positions of power in the state.

After the RSS/BJP came to power at Delhi in North India the regional parties headed by the Shudra leaders have been thrown out of power. In Delhi central Government not a single Shudra leader is visible. Even within Gujarat after Modi came to power in 2012 the Patels were set aside in all major structures of power. The Baniyas control everything capital, politics and the Brahmins control the religion. The Gujarat model is extended to Delhi now. The deconstruction of majoritarian violence essentially depends on the Shudra realization and they must initiate a fight within. Till then Muslims will not be safe nor does secularism comeback in any meaningful form.

However, Aakar Patels book initiates a new discourse about the direction of Hindutva movement. This period of RSS/BJP rule Indian democracy will definitely undergo a change. The Shudra/OBC/Dalit/Adivasis will slowly realize that the Dwija Bhadralok consisting of Brahmins, Banias, Ksatriyas, Kayashtas and Khatris formed a formidable and highly English educated bhdralok. Apart from Savarkar, Hedgewar and Golwalkar (all Brahmins) and Swami Vivekananda (Kayastha) are the bedrock of their ideology. Now Mahatma Gandhi Gandhi is also being roped into their ideological leadership. Recently J.K Bajaj wrote a book on Gandhi, Making of a Hindu Patriot, and Mohan Bhagwat released it in Sabarmati Ashram as part of that larger plan. There is no single Shudra thinker in their list.

One hopes that Aakar Patel will write another book on the Shudra status in the wheel of Hindutva majoritarianism.

(The author is a political theorist, with an upcoming new book The Shudras  Vision for a New Path co-edited with Karthik Raja Karuppusamy (Penguin)

(ANSA) - ROME, JAN 29 - Domenico Arcuri, the government's special commissioner for the COVID-19 emergency, said Friday that Italy has received "at least 300,000 fewer doses" of the COVID-19 vaccine than it should have had by now.

He was commenting after Moderna said it would join Pfizer and Astrazeneca in supplying fewer doses of its vaccine to the EU than it had previously agreed.

"Moderna has just informed us that, for the week of February 9, it will deliver 132,000 of the 166,000 doses planned, 20% fewer," Arcuri said.

"Astonishment, concern and dismay are increasing.

"The forecast deliveries are rectified almost every day".

The commissioner said that one in 23 Italians have contracted COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic.

He said that the "contagion curve remains in a non-explosive sphere" thanks to coronavirus-containment measures.

He also revealed that the government aims to intensify research in order to have a home-grown vaccine. (ANSA).


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At this very moment, someone, somewhere, might be exposing your intimate genetic data. They probably dont realize theyre doing it. They may not even know who you are.

But they have valuable segments of your genetic code  data that tell a story about your family, your medical history, and all sorts of potential vulnerabilities. If your DNA sample is submitted to a genetic testing company, they may be sharing that data with countless researchers, law enforcement, and even the general public.

Someday, that information could be used against you.

Can you stop them? Can you protect whats rightfully yours?

Unlikely.

We believe it is time for policymakers to protect Americans against this risk. The law should make it more difficult for companies to share your genetic data, and it should ensure those data are encrypted and protected in transit. Companies should employ review boards to approve data collection, storage, and sharing protocols, just as federally funded researchers need the approval of panels known as Institutional Review Boards to conduct research in humans.

Never has this challenge been clearer than during the COVID-19 pandemic. Worldwide, researchers are racing to understand our susceptibility to the virus and find better treatments and tracing protocols. In this critical pursuit, genetic analysis is playing an important role.

Jan. 28 was Data Privacy Day, an annual event designated by the United States and 49 other countries to awaken us to serious and growing threats to our privacy.

Most of the coverage will focus on the privacy of our online activities  Amazon purchases, Google searches, and Facebook posts. But even more intimate secrets are being collected by direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies. As legislators line up to investigate Big Tech, few are asking about intrusions into this most personal data.

Protecting your data is not the top concern for most companies. If you have ever swabbed your cheek or spit in a tube to learn about your genealogy, did you bother to read the companys privacy policy? Do you even know if they have one? According to a recent survey, 39% dont. And even if they do, theyre usually not very informative. While there are exceptions, most dont tell you what happens to your sample after theyve analyzed it or what happens to the data they extract from it.

It doesnt end there. What makes genetic data so exceptional is how they link people to relatives who never had a chance to consent  who never even knew they would be implicated. Scientists have shown they can trace 60% of Americans of European descent to their third cousin; soon, they say, theyll be able to trace 90%. You can avoid genetic testing your whole life, and still theyll find you.

In the wrong hands, this data could broadcast personal secrets, like physical vulnerabilities, to the world and be used to prevent you from accessing banks loans, education, housing, disability insurance, and long-term care. Its currently illegal for health insurers and employers to discriminate against you based on your genes, but its hard to prove when it happens  and according to studies of chronic illnesses, it does happen.

Few Americans realize just how much money genetic testing companies can make from their data when combined with those of other customers in large databases. When these subjects find out, they may feel they werent adequately apprised of what they were consenting to and begin to distrust the larger health care system, which can undermine its ability to keep us all safe and well.

The benefits of genetic testing for medical innovation are clear. If people avoid it out of fear or suspicion, they may deny scientists the data they need to make lifesaving discoveries.

To address these concerns, Americans need protection against anyone who might use their genetic data for their own financial gain or access them for uses that might cause harm. Since data subjects cant know where or how their data are being stored and used, someone who does should be looking out for their interests.

The current practice of asking consumers to click consent on a computer screen after a display of complex terms of service, which may not contain adequate privacy safeguards, or any at all, is clearly not sufficient. How can we consent to what we dont understand?

On this Data Privacy Day, we urge the new Biden administration to make genetic data privacy a priority by strengthening oversight and regulation. The autonomy to determine the use of our DNA is not simply a privilege. It is the very essence of individual rights and responsible public health.

Robert I. Field is a professor of law and public health at Drexel University. Anthony W. Orlando is an assistant professor of finance, real estate, and law at California State University, Pomona. Arnold J. Rosoff is a professor emeritus of legal studies and health care management at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

A Jan. 6, 2021, satellite photo of the 34 MW Nam Beng dam in Pakbeng district, Oudomxay province in northern Laos. A release of water from the Chinese-built dam caused property damage downstream in January 2021.

Residents living near a small dam in Laos are calling on its operators to warn them before releasing water after unexpected flooding this week washed away or sunk more than 10 boats used by village fishermen.

The Nam Beng Dam, located in Oudomxay province in the countrys northwest, lies about 10 miles upstream from where the Nam Beng River joins the Mekong River.

The Chinese-operated dam is one of 79 on the Mekong River and its tributaries that together fit into Laos controversial economic strategy to become the Battery of Southeast Asia.

Villagers living in Oudomxays Pakbeng district told RFAs Lao Service Thursday that although no people were harmed when the dam unexpectedly opened its floodgates Wednesday, many boats were washed downstream or severely damaged.

The people are fine, but some of the boats sunk Some of the villagers went fishing in small boats, and nothing happened to them, but the water current is so strong that they were washed down as far as the Mekong River, one villager said.

The villager, who witnessed the incident, said that the deluge produced such a strong current that some of the fishermen had difficulty returning home in their boats.

After the water level stabilized, other villagers went to pull their sunken boats up from the bottom of the river, or brought floating boats to high ground, the villager said.

A tour boat captain in the districts Pakbeng village told RFA that the dam operator never gives advance warning before releasing water.

Each time it happens it catches us by surprise. We have to help each other take our sunken boats out of the water, and after the waters recede, we have to put them back again. Its a lot of work, the captain said.

Nobody helps us because the boats are owned by us individually, so we have to pull together when things like this happen, she said.

She called on the dam operators to inform villagers in advance, so they have time to prepare.

A villager living downstream from the dam told RFA that villagers never know in advance when there will be drastic changes in water levels.

They never notify us in the village, and we never see officials come to warn that there will be a flood. When the water rises it affects us greatly, but nobody ever tells us, the downstream villager said.

Another villager who lives close to the dam told RFA it releases water often, and the dams reservoir has lowered significantly.

Its a small dam, and when it is dry downstream, they like to let some water loose. Normally when they release water, they measure the water level first, the villager living near the dam said.

An official from the Mine and Energy Department of Beng district, which has jurisdiction over the dam, told RFA that the dam operator does not normally inform the government when it releases water.

During the rainy season, they will notify us in advance, but after that they dont need to. If they want to release water, they prefer to do it in the evening, the official said.

The official further said that Nam Beng has released water many times in the past without notifying the villagers, and Wednesdays release was the second of 2021.

He said that the villagers should take the precaution to tie up their boats, as the boats that washed away cannot likely be salvaged.

RFA made several attempts to contact the Nam Beng Dam, but received no answer.

The 34-megawatt Nam Beng dam project became operational in 2017, providing electricity for mostly domestic consumption. The Chinese company that operates the dam has a 27-year concession on the project, and the Lao government owns a 10 percent stake.

Beyond the dozens of hydropower dams on the Mekong and its tributaries, Laos has plans to build scores more in hopes of exporting the electricity they generate to other countries in the region.

Though the Lao government sees power generation as a way to boost the countrys economy, the projects are controversial because of their environmental impact, displacement of villagers without adequate compensation, and questionable financial and power demand arrangements.

Reported by RFAs Lao Service. Translated by Sidney Khotpanya. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
North Korean defector Jiyhun Park is hoping to become a councillor in Bury. - Andrew Fox

It is a familiar refrain in British politics that more elected representatives should come from different backgrounds, with more diverse life experiences.

But few could lay claim to as unusual and distressing a life as Jihyun Park, the 52-year-old Conservative local council candidate for Bury who spent the first 40 years of her life running from the North Korean government.

Her long journey to the UK involved leaving her family behind, being smuggled across the border into China - twice - by human traffickers, serving years in a hard labour camp as a prisoner, and being sold into the sex slave trade.

Mrs Park, now a human rights campaigner and refugee, was born in North Hamgyong Province in the rural north of the country in the late 1960s.

As a child, I didnt know what it meant to have a full stomach because we were always hungry, she says.

The Government totally controlled our freedoms: freedom of speech, the freedom of politicians, everything. Life in North Korea was like slavery.

Mrs Park recalls with pain the North Korean famine, which crippled the country in the 1990s after the USSR collapsed and ended financial support to the regime.

Official estimates of the number killed are uncertain, but her uncle was among hundreds of thousands who died of starvation, while she suspects her fathers death followed shortly after she and her brother decided to try and escape into China.

Everyone saw dead bodies in the street, of their neighbours and family members, she said.

I left my ill father alone in the cold dining room. I still dont know when he passed away or where his body is.

Mrs Park and her brother were smuggled across the mountainous border by sex traffickers, who separated them and sold her to a Chinese farmer, for around 500.

Her brother was captured and sent back to North Korea. She never saw him again.

For five years she lived as a housewife in captivity, sheltering from the eyes of the Chinese authorities, who routinely sent defectors back across the border as political prisoners.

Story continues

On being discovered, she too was returned to North Korea and imprisoned in a labour camp. We were treated like animals, she said.

We worked without shoes in the mountains, and in farming areas, growing corn and beans.

There were stones and glass everywhere, so our feet were often bleeding, and they didnt care.

Her release came only after a cut on her foot became so badly infected she was no longer able to walk.

They let me go because I couldnt work. My temperature was 40 degrees and my leg was oozing yellow fluid, she says.

The swelling was disgusting and my hair and skin colour changed. I looked inhuman, and they said I should not die in the prison - I should die outside.

Mrs Park is also a human rights campaigner - Andrew Fox

But outside the prison gates, and desperate to escape the country and find freedom, Mrs Park contacted another sex trafficking ring and asked them to transport her across the border again in the dead of night.

After scrambling through the mountains on her injured leg with a broker, Mrs Park got into a taxi and convinced the driver, a spy for the Chinese authorities, that she had been injured while out trekking.

The driver decided not to report them to the police, foregoing a handsome reward, and allowed them to continue their journey.

Realising that his life had been saved by the woman he planned to sell into slavery in China, the trafficker let her walk free.

He said that I saved him and his family, who were still in North Korea. So this time, he saved me, she said.

Now free in China but trying to leave the country, Mrs Park met the love of her life in a failed escape attempt across the Mongolian border.

There was a two metre high fence, and Chinese police patrolling the border area, she explains.

I saw a police car right in front of me, and I was really scared I would be caught.

But this man, who had already crossed the border and couldnt find me, came back to rescue me.

He saved me and afterwards, I fell in love with him.

Mrs Park enlisted the help of an American-Korean pastor for her and that man - now her husband - to seek refuge in Europe through the United Nations. In January 2008, they arrived in Britain, ready to begin a new life.

But for a woman who had spent her life in captivity, the difference was stark.

I arrived at Heathrow and I was shocked, she recalls.

I had learned about the history of England when I was in North Korea, and I learned that men always wore a hat, and ladies wore a dress. I had imagined that it was a really romantic country.

But when I arrived, people were wearing the same as us - trousers and jeans, the same as Asian styles.

Mrs Park began work on human rights and advocacy for North Korean defectors, armed with English skills and a Maths GCSE qualification.

Now she is preparing her campaign for Mays local elections, when she will stand as a Conservative candidate in Bury, Greater Manchester.

So, after a life of running from dictators, sex trafficking rings and political imprisonment, why does Jihyun want to spend life as a free woman in local politics?

The last year has been really difficult for people all over the world, she says.

Every day, I sit down and hear how many people have died from Covid. That is really painful for me, because I have already seen the dead bodies piled up in North Korea.

Mrs Park says local people need someone to listen to their voice, and describes the Conservative Party as a beacon of freedom, justice and a happy life with family.

But sidestepping a question about whether she would ever consider running to be an MP, she describes the role of councillor as less politician and more community leader.

When I came to the UK, English people helped me and welcomed me, and I will always be thankful to them, she says.

They gave me challenges and opportunities, and a new life. Now I can pay back the people who helped me.


WASHINGTON - The former FBI lawyer who admitted to doctoring an email that other officials relied upon to justify secret surveillance of a former Trump campaign adviser was sentenced Friday to 12 months of probation, with no time behind bars.

Prosecutors had asked that Kevin Clinesmith, 38, spend several months in prison for his crime, while Clinesmith's attorneys said probation would be more appropriate. Clinesmith pleaded guilty last summer to altering an email that one of his colleagues used in preparing an application to surreptitiously monitor former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page during the bureau's 2016 investigation of Russia's election interference.

U.S. District Judge James Boasberg said that Clinesmith's conduct had undermined the integrity of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, which approved the FBI's flawed applications to surveil Page. "Courts all over the country rely on representations from the government, and expect them to be correct," Boasberg said.

But Boasberg also said he agreed with a prior finding by the Justice Department Inspector General that Clinesmith and other FBI officials' actions were not motivated by political bias, and he believed Clinesmith's contention that he thought, genuinely but wrongly, the information he was inserting into the email was accurate. On top of his probation sentence, Boasberg ordered Clinesmith to perform 400 hours of community service.

The case against Clinesmith is the first and only criminal allegation to arise from U.S. Attorney John Durham's review of the FBI's Russia case, and it has become a political lightning rod.

Clinesmith's lawyers have argued his altering the email was a mistake meant to save Clinesmith time and personal embarrassment. But former President Donald Trump and his political allies have highlighted the case as part of their allegations that the bureau was biased and seeking to undermine Trump with the investigation that explored possible ties between Russia and his campaign. The case was ultimately taken over by special counsel Robert Mueller.

Clinesmith said in a lengthy statement in court that he took "full responsibility" for what he termed a "lapse in judgment."

"I let the FBI, Department of Justice, my colleagues, the public, and my family down. I also let myself down," he said, adding later, "Please do not let my error reflect on those who continue to serve our country."

In arguing that Clinesmith deserved to go to prison, Durham's team highlighted anti-Trump texts Clinesmith had sent and argued that it was "plausible that his strong political views and/or personal dislike of [Trump] made him more willing to engage in the fraudulent and unethical conduct to which he has pled guilty." Clinesmith was suspended for two weeks over the messages.

"While it is impossible to know with certainty how those views may have affected his offense conduct, the defendant plainly has shown that he did not discharge his important responsibilities at the FBI with the professionalism, integrity, and objectivity required of such a sensitive job position," prosecutors wrote.

Prosecutor Anthony Scarpelli said in court that Clinesmith's conduct was "more egregious" than that of George Papadopoulos, whose offhand remark in a London bar in May 2016 helped trigger the Russia investigation and who later pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI. He was sentenced to 14 days in prison.

Federal sentencing guidelines in Clinesmith's case called for a penalty of anywhere from zero to six months in prison, though the U.S. Probation Office recommended a term of probation, according to court filings.

Justin Shur, Clinesmith's lawyer, argued that probation was appropriate. Clinesmith, he said in court, had otherwise lived a life "in service of others." Raised on a farm in Michigan, Clinesmith was the first of his family to go to college, and he was inspired to work in national security after 9/11, Shur wrote in a court filing. Clinesmith is married and is expecting his first child, a son, in March.

Shur wrote that while Clinesmith acknowledged he had "made a grievous mistake" in altering the email, he did so thinking, wrongly, that the information he was adding was accurate. He argued that Clinesmith made the move because of the intense stress that came with the Russia investigation, and because he was trying to help his mom as she dealt with Alzheimer's disease.

"While there is no satisfactory answer, any explanation must start with the considerable pressure he was under at the time - both at work and in his personal life," Shur wrote.

The basic facts of the case are not in dispute, though prosecutors and defense attorneys seem to disagree on what motivated Clinesmith and how sinister his actions were. Clinesmith was an FBI attorney helping investigators on the Russia investigation, and in June 2017, he was asked to clarify whether Page was ever a source for the CIA. That was important because the FBI - with approval of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court - had been surveilling Page as a possible agent of a foreign government, and was applying for permission to keep that surveillance going.

If Page was a CIA source, though, that would have to be disclosed to the court, as it would raise significant questions about whether he should be tracked as a possible foreign agent.

Page had provided information to the CIA as an "operational contact," and when Clinesmith sought clarity, a CIA liaison told him as much, using jargon and pointing to documents that made his role clear. But, according to Clinesmith's lawyers, Clinesmith believed Page was not a direct source, but rather, a subsource of the agency.

He said as much to an FBI supervisor inquiring about the matter, and - when the supervisor asked if the CIA had put that in writing - forwarded an email from the liaison, but added the text, "not a 'source.' "

Testifying at the hearing, Page said he had been harassed on the street and while riding the D.C. Metro, and that he received death threats and was called a "traitor" after the surveillance of him was publicly disclosed and he was cast in media reports as a possible Russian asset. He said, though, he had no desire to see Clinesmith suffer.

"I know what it is like to have your life destroyed, although in my case, it didn't happen because of something I myself did," Page said.

Shur wrote that Clinesmith genuinely believed Page had not been a source, and doctored the email as part of a "misguided attempt to save himself time and the embarrassment of having to backtrack on his assurance he had it in writing." He vigorously disputed that Clinesmith had acted out of animus toward Trump, noting that Clinesmith had separately sent an un-doctored copy of the CIA liaison's email to the FBI case agent. Shur wrote that Clinesmith had initially resisted surveilling Page, rejected surveillance of another Trump campaign adviser and opposed inserting an FBI source into the Trump campaign.

"Had Kevin been personally motivated to harm President Trump, he would never have done any of those things," Shur wrote.

Prosecutors, however, cast Clinesmith's actions as more nefarious, and advocated for a sentence "of incarceration that is at least between the middle and upper end" of what sentencing guidelines called for. In discussing whether Page was an FBI source with the FBI supervisor, they wrote, Clinesmith recognized that disclosing such a fact would be "a terrible footnote," because it would mean the FBI had hid that information in prior applications. They wrote that Clinesmith's misconduct had "fueled public distrust of the FBI and of the entire FISA program itself."

"The act of altering the email to change its meaning may seem simple and a momentary lapse of judgment on the part of the defendant, but the resulting harm is immeasurable," Scarpelli said, adding that Clinesmith's assertion that he genuinely believed Page was not a source was "fanciful."

In the wake of the Justice Department inspector general's findings about Clinesmith, along with other significant errors in the applications to surveil Page, lawmakers have questioned whether the FBI should maintain its authority under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Under pressure from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, the bureau has vowed and implemented reforms. Clinesmith apologized in court for imposing that "additional burden" on his former colleagues.

"This Court's sentence should be designed, in part, to send a powerful message to the community that this type of conduct - falsifying information to hide facts from a court - will not be tolerated," prosecutors wrote.

Shur said that Clinesmith's career already is "in shambles," as he has been unemployed for more than a year and his case has received extensive public attention. Boasberg signaled that he was sympathetic to the costs Clinesmith already had paid, noting he went from being a government lawyer with no public profile to "standing in the eye of a media hurricane."

Durham's investigation is ongoing, though it is unclear who beyond Clinesmith, if anyone, might face criminal exposure, or what public findings it may ultimately produce. In his final months as Trump's attorney general, William Barr appointed Durham as a special counsel, giving him extra legal and political protection from being relieved of his assignment in the Biden administration.
China Gene Firm Providing Worldwide COVID Tests Worked With Chinese Military

BGI Group, the worlds largest genomics company, has worked with Chinas military on research that ranges from mass testing for respiratory pathogens to brain science, a Reuters review of research, patent filings and other documents has found.

The review, of more than 40 publicly available documents and research papers in Chinese and English, shows BGIs links to the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) include research with Chinas top military supercomputing experts. The extent of those links has not previously been reported.

BGI has sold millions of COVID-19 test kits outside China since the outbreak of the new coronavirus pandemic, including to Europe, Australia and the United States. Shares of BGI Genomics Co, the companys subsidiary listed on the Shenzhen stock exchange, have doubled in price over the past 12 months, giving it a market value of about $9 billion.

But top U.S. security officials have warned American labs against using Chinese tests because of concern China was seeking to gather foreign genetic data for its own research. BGI has denied that.

The documents reviewed by Reuters neither contradict nor support that U.S. suspicion. Still, the material shows that the links between the Chinese military and BGI run deeper than previously understood, illustrating how China has moved to integrate private technology companies into military-related research under Chinese Leader Xi Jinping.

The U.S. government has recently been warned by an expert panel that adversary countries and non-state actors might find and target genetic weaknesses in the U.S. population and a competitor such as China could use genetics to augment the strength of its own military personnel.

BGI has worked on PLA projects seeking to make members of the ethnic Han Chinese majority less susceptible to altitude sickness, Reuters found, genetic research that would benefit soldiers in some border areas.

Elsa Kania, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security think tank, who has provided testimony to U.S. Congressional committees, told Reuters that Chinas military has pushed research on brain science, gene editing and the creation of artificial genomes that could have an application in future bioweapons. She added that such weapons are not currently technically feasible.

BGIs pattern of collaboration with the Chinese military was a reasonable concern to raise for U.S. officials, said Kania.

In response to Reuters questions, BGI said it adheres to international standards and Chinese laws related to open science, data sharing and genomic research. It said its collaboration with military researchers was for academic purposes only.

BGI strongly rejects any accusations about links with the PLA, particularly in relation to our COVID-19 test kits, it said in a statement.

Chinas defence ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

Enhance Soldier Strength

Chinese technology companies have come under increasing scrutiny by the United States and were subject to mounting restrictions under the Trump administration. In November, the Department of Commerce proposed a rule to add gene editing software to the U.S. export control list, saying it could be used to create biological weapons. Officials in the new administration of President Joe Biden have signaled a continued tough approach to what they see as a rising threat from Beijing.

A technology industry panel on artificial intelligence, appointed by the U.S. government and chaired by former Google Chief Executive Eric Schmidt, raised the alarm in October about Chinas financial support for its biotechnology sector, its advantages in collecting biological data, and the PLAs interest in potential military applications.

The panel, which will deliver its final report in March, warned about adversaries using artificial intelligence to identify genetic weaknesses in a population and engineering pathogens to exploit them, and genetic research designed to enhance soldiers mental or physical strength.

The panel recommended that the U.S. government take a more aggressive public posture regarding BGI, citing national security risks posed by the companys links to the Chinese government and its trove of genomic data.

The U.S. Department of State did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Reuters findings.

In response to Reuters questions, Chinas foreign ministry said the U.S. government had wantonly misinterpreted and smeared Chinas military-civil fusion policy, and was imposing unreasonable sanctions that would hamper research.

Chinas military-civil fusion policy is aimed at effectively mobilizing military and civilian resources, coordinating socio-economic growth and national defense development, and benefiting the public with scientific and technological progress. This policy is above board and beyond reproach, the ministry said in a statement to Reuters.

It added that this was customary international practice and said the U.S. government had effectively pursued military-civil fusion for more than 100 years.

Key Projects

BGI Group, based in Shenzhen, has grown quickly by selling genetic sequencing services to universities and health systems around the world and amassing a large DNA databank. It created Chinas first cloned pig in 2010.

One science paper authored by BGI founders Yang Huanming and Wang Jian along with the PLAs Key Laboratory of High Altitude Medicine and the Third Military Medical University focused on experiments with the brains of monkeys suffering altitude sickness.

The study, published in January 2020, stated that it was funded as one of the key projects of military science and technology by the PLA. A decade ago, the military universitys research sought to identify genes related to altitude sickness so the PLA could screen for susceptible soldiers. The latest research focused on how drugs interacting with genes could potentially protect a person from brain injury.

An earlier 2017 study designed by BGIs Wang and published in conjunction with a PLA research centre in Xinjiang looked at the effect of rapid mountain ascent on the bodies of young, healthy men.

China has the worlds longest highland border, which includes its border with India, where fighting broke out between the two countries troops in 2020. A 2018 paper by the same PLA laboratory stated that high altitude disease is the main reason for reduced combat effectiveness and health damage to soldiers at high altitudes and influences the results of war.

Reuters was unable to contact Yang and Wang. BGI said its research collaboration with the PLA lab and the Third Military Medical University, where Yang has been a professor for almost two decades, was for academic purposes only.

Sequencing COVID

BGI jointly holds a dozen patents for tests that screen for genomes linked to disease with the military university, the PLAs Academy of Military Medical Science, which is the top medical research institute of the PLA, and PLA hospitals.

One patent was granted in 2015 to BGI and the Academy of Military Medical Science for a low-cost test kit to detect respiratory pathogens, including SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and coronaviruses.

BGIs current chief infectious disease scientist, Chen Weijun, is listed as an inventor on the patent documents. Chen was among the first scientists to sequence COVID-19, taking samples from a military hospital in Wuhan, according to sequence data later shared internationally.

Chen is listed as affiliated with the Academy of Military Medical Science in three science papers reviewed by Reuters. In response to Reuters questions, BGI said in a statement that Chen has not been affiliated with the PLAs Academy of Military Medical Science since 2012. Chen did not respond to a request for comment.

BGIs COVID-19 test kit did not use the method jointly patented with the PLA, the company said in the statement.

Four BGI researchers have also been jointly affiliated with another military institution, the National University of Defence Technology (NUDT), according to publicly available science and conference papers reviewed by Reuters. Hunan-based NUDT is under the direct leadership of Chinas Central Military Commission, the top-level body that steers the Chinese military and is headed by Xi.

The NUDT is on a U.S. blacklist as a threat to national security because its Tianhe-2 supercomputerone of the worlds most powerfulis used to simulate nuclear explosions, according to a Department of Commerce listing. That listing restricts U.S. companies from supplying NUDT with technology.

One researcher, Peng Shaoliang, was instrumental in developing software to speed up BGIs sequencing of human genomes using supercomputing developed by NUDT.

Peng has won military awards for his work. He is a member of an expert group advising the Central Military Commissions Science and Technology Commission, set up in 2016 when Xi began promoting a strategy to integrate Chinas civilian and military research.

Patent applications in 2020 show Peng is also a member of the PLAs Institute of Military Medicine. Liao Xiangke, the head of the NUDTs supercomputer program and a major general in the PLA, has published seven scientific papers either co-authored with BGI researchers or crediting them for providing data and source code.

BGI said in a statement to Reuters that Peng and Liao were two collaborators of BGI for the project at the time for the purpose of academic exchange only. Since the project ended BGI has no more affiliation with them.

Peng and Liao did not respond to requests for comment.

BGI said it uses Tianhe-2 on a commercial basis, as well as other supercomputing platforms, to speed up research. The papers it wrote with the NUDT were for academic purposes only, it said, and were open for public reference, while the programs themselves have ended.

Tianhe-2 has also been used to solve pharmaceutical, cryptology, engineering and climate problems that have no military application, the company said.

By Kirsty Needham



As amateur investors banded together this week to squeeze Wall Street hedge funds by sending GameStops stock prices to dizzying heights, some novice traders, like 10-year-old Jaydyn Carr of San Antonio, have seen their long-term investments pay off.

In December 2019, Jaydyn, then 8, was buying discounted games at GameStop and wishing for an Xbox One. Spying a way to use her sons enthusiasm for video games to teach him about investing, Jaydyns mother, Nina Carr, decided to invest in 10 shares of GameStop at $6.19 a share for a Kwanzaa gift.

Ms. Carr handed her son a certificate she created from an online template to explain to him that he was the owner of a tiny part of GameStop. She told him the gift was in keeping with the spirit of ujamaa, or cooperative economics, one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

She added alerts on her phone and computer to track the stocks progress. Over the past few months, she noticed it steadily rise. But on Wednesday, to the shock of Ms. Carr and her son, the value of GameStop shares surged, soaring 1,700 percent since December after millions of small investors, many spurred on by social media, came together to put a squeeze on at least two hedge funds that had bet GameStops shares would collapse.
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Police officials examine the site of an explosion near the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi, India, Jan. 29, 2021. (Danish Siddiqui/Rueters)

Small Bomb Explodes Near Israeli Embassy in New Delhi, Nobody Hurt

NEW DELHI/JERUSALEMA small bomb went off near the Israeli embassy in New Delhi, causing no injuries, in an incident that an Israeli official said was being treated as terrorism.

Delhi police said the explosion was caused by a very low intensity improvised device and damaged the window panes of three nearby parked cars.

Initial impressions suggest a mischievous attempt to create a sensation, a police spokesperson said in a statement.

The Israeli foreign ministry said no damage was caused to its embassy building and all Israeli diplomats and embassy staff were safe.

The incident is under investigation by the authorities in India, who are in contact with the relevant Israeli authorities, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said he had assured his Israeli counterpart Gabi Ashkenazi of the fullest protection for the Embassy and Israeli diplomats. [The] matter is under investigation and no effort will be spared to find the culprits.

The blast occurred shortly after 5 p.m. (1130 GMT), while Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were participating in a military ceremony a kilometer (0.6 miles) away.

The site of the blast was quickly cordoned off by police.

In 2012, a blast near the Israeli embassy in New Delhi injured an Israeli diplomats wife, her driver, and two others. It coincided with an attack on another Israeli diplomat in Tbilisi, Georgia.

By Alasdair Pal and Rami Ayyub
The Telegraph

The daughter of Radovan Karadzic, the former Bosnian Serb leader serving life for genocide and crimes against humanity during the 1990s Yugoslav wars, has claimed her father is living in unhealthy and uncivilised conditions in a British prison. Karadzic, 75, who was convicted in 2016, was transferred from a detention unit in Holland to a UK jail earlier this month following an agreement struck between the UN and the Home Office. But his daughter, Sonja Karadzic-Jovicevic, has complained about the conditions at her fathers new prison after speaking to him on the phone. "As for the physical condition in which he is accommodated, it is unacceptable, she told SRNA, a news agency based in the Republika Srpska, the Serb enclave of Bosnia. If we add to that the fact that he is in a building full of carcinogenic asbestos that is banned around the world, it is clear in what condition he will be in. Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic also claimed that moving her father to the UK was a deliberate act of spite against his family. "My father is in a very uncivilised situation, and as far as his family is concerned, his relocation to the south of England was deliberately made to keep him far away, outside the rules of the United Nations Resolution adopted by the Security Council, she said. It will be very difficult for us physically, financially and procedurally, because of visas, and immunisation during the pandemic, and even after that, to ever go there and visit him," she continued. She added that he had been deprived of his books and his computer, and will be completely removed from his language and his culture. A spokesman for the Justice Ministry said: "UK prisons meet health and safety standards." Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic, who has a political career in Bosnia, has fought to defend her fathers name despite his brutal role in the wars as the Yugoslavian federation separated in the 1990s. Known as the Butcher of Bosnia, Karadzic went down in infamy, in particular for ordering the Srebrenica Massacre in July 1995. Some 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were rounded up by the Bosnian Serb army in and around the town of Srebrenica and then killed in the worst single massacre in Europe since the end of the Second World War. Karadzics lawyers had objected to his clients transfer to the UK, arguing that his life would be in danger owing to Muslim inmates in British prisons. They also argued that owing to possible threats to Karadzics life he would be kept in conditions resembling solitary confinement, but the UN court dismissed the objections. Given his role in the slaughter of Muslims, the experience of another Serb convicted of war crimes may also weigh upon the Karadzic family. In 2010 Radislav Krstic, a former Bosnian-Serb general, was stabbed by three Muslim prisoners while serving a sentence in Wakefield prison, in apparent retaliation for Srebrenica.

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WASHINGTON  The Republican Accountability Project, an anti-Trump group, is paying for two billboards in the district of U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, telling her to resign.

The billboards going up Monday in Queensbury and Fort Ann will say "You lied about the election. The Capitol was attacked. Stefanik: resign."

The billboards will remain up until the end of February, said Meaghan Leister, chief of National Communications and Outreach for Defending Democracy Together, which runs the Republican Accountability Project.

The billboards are the first phase of a $1 million campaign targeting nine other House Republicans and U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Josh Hawley, R-Mo. All of the lawmakers voted to object to certifying the 2020 presidential election results on Jan. 6, hours after a mob of pro-Trump supporters broke into the U.S. Capitol to try to stop the certification and keep President Donald Trump in the White House.

The campaign is part of a larger effort by Defending Democracy Together, which opposed Trump's re-election, to aid Republicans who voted to impeach Trump and back primary challengers of Republicans, like Stefanik, who objected to President Joe Biden's electoral victory.

"Rep. Stefanik helped incite the attack on the Capitol by spreading lies about the election which proves she is unfit to hold office and should be nowhere near power," Leister said.

Stefanik said she objected to certifying the election results because she believes elections in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan were improperly conducted. She said tens of millions of Americans had concerns about unconstitutional overreach by officials running the elections and judges and those concerns should be discussed.

Her campaign did not respond to a request for comment Friday night.

The other House Republicans targeted by the campaign are U.S. Reps. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, Louie Gohmert, R-Texas, Madison Cawthorne, R-N.C., Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., Mo Brooks, R-Ala. and Dan Bishop, R-N.C.

Trump's campaign and his supporters filed dozens of lawsuits challenging Biden's victory, but judges have not found that election laws were broken in the course of the 2020 election or that fraud occurred. Biden won the popular vote and the Electoral College vote. The House and Senate voted overwhelmingly to certify the election results on Jan. 7.

Since her vote, Stefanik has lost the support of some major corporate donors and was removed from the advisory committee of Harvard Kennedy School's Institute of Politics.
Samsung, Indias most trusted smartphone brand, today announced its partnership with Facebooks photo and video sharing app, Instagram, to introduce a unique initiative called the Hunt for the Next Galaxy Expert. Samsung will also be unveiling the Galaxy Creators Lounge for the first time in India, giving creators access to the latest Galaxy devices for content creation.

Partnership with Instagram

In a worlds first, Samsung is partnering with Instagram to engage with creators by leveraging branded content to promote its flagship Galaxy S21 Series. The partnership also uniquely involves engagement with Instagrams Born on Instagram, which is a program initiated by the platform since 2019, to create a platform for creators across India to learn and grow.

Over the next few weeks, through a series of workshops and contests, the initiative will provide creators with an opportunity to win the latest Galaxy devices, including the latest flagship Galaxy S21. The winner will win the title of Galaxy Expert and will be a part of an elite league of creators across the globe, getting access to upcoming Samsung Unpacked events. Samsung works closely with creators around the globe. Some of the creators under #TeamGalaxy include actor, producer and youngest UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Millie Bobby Brown, award-winning musician and philanthropist Khalid and professional Fortnite Battle Royale Player Myth.

Samsung has always led the way for content creators. With Epic resolution and premium camera features of Galaxy S21 series, our smartphones enable creators to 'Do What You Can't'. With Hunt for the Next Galaxy Expert, we aim to empower content creators to use the advanced camera technology of our latest flagship Galaxy S21 series and reach wide audiences. Partnering with the Born on Instagram community will offer opportunities to creators to showcase their talent and network with fellow Instagrammers, said Aditya Babbar, Director, Mobile Business, Samsung India.

"Instagram is the home for creativity and social video moments spurred by a talented creator ecosystem. We are delighted to partner with Samsung in a first of its kind partnership with the 'Born on Instagram' community and the use of branded content- making the connect between brands and creators even stronger," said Prasanjeet Dutta Baruah, Vertical Head - Tech, Telecom, Education, Health and Automotive, Facebook India.

Introducing the Galaxy Creators Lounge to India

For the first time, Samsung is bringing the Galaxy Creators Lounge, an experiential zone, to India on January 30, 2021. The Lounge is specially designed for content creators to experience Galaxy devices and converge and collaborate with creators around the world. The interactive platform will bring together creators, to get their imagination running and come up with the most engaging content for their audiences. They will get a chance to interact with Galaxy Experts, industry leaders and other creators and get a chance to be a part of Team Galaxy. Ace photographer and Galaxy Expert Auditya Venkatesh will also hold a workshop at the lounge for all the participants.

During a time when a potent virus casts long shadows over everyday life, its not surprising that many are looking for ways to enhance their resistance to disease.

Flavor & the Menu, an online and print publication that tracks restaurant and food service menu trends, has identified immune-boosting as a characteristic that an increasing number of todays consumers would like to see in the foods they enjoy.

With key minerals and vitamins identified as potentially enhancing immune response to COVID-19, a number of savvy restaurant operators have focused on offering functional foods, the generic label applied to those ingredients and menu components thought to be health-promoting. These include a whole array of fruits and vegetables, some familiar, others more exotic superfoods, as well as juices, spices, and various supplements.

Chefs and restaurant owners are currently reacting to this trend by developing menu offerings featuring immunity-boosting foods.

Flavor & the Menu interviewed chefs from across the U.S. who are adding so-called immunity foods into their menus, using superfood ingredients like kale, turmeric, mushrooms, and salmon, all of which are particularly rich in desirable nutrients.

In addition to developing menu items that enhance immune support, chefs and restaurant owners are exploring ways to promote those dishes. Some operators are suggesting a special menu bullet by which to identify such offerings while others are experimenting with separate menu categories where they list supposedly immune-boosting creations.

The beverage category is a second area Flavor & the Menu identified as providing opportunities to promote immune-response enhancement.

The full article, Immunity on the Menu, can be accessed at getflavor.com/january-february-2021-immunity-on-the-menu.

Side dishes

Sue and Mark Tansey of Partners Restaurant in Feeding Hills are standing by to help out those who want to host a Super Bowl party on Feb. 7.

The Tanseys have put together a menu that they describe as a super feeding frenzy. It includes fan favorites like a jumbo cold cut grinder, meatballs in sauce, bacon and cheddar potato skins, Buffalo chicken thighs, and three different dips.

The total package, the Tanseys say, is enough to accommodate six to 10 guests.

Theyre also suggesting add-ons like chili, clam chowder, shrimp cocktail, and jumbo cookies.

The Superbowl Party package must be ordered by Feb. 4 and will be available for pickup on Feb. 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

More information and an online ordering link are available at partnersrestaurant.com. Orders can also be placed by phone at (413) 786-0975.

Boston Market locations have joined in the chicken sandwich wars, launching a limited-time-only Nashville Hot Crispy Chicken Sandwich.

The sandwich features a crispy chicken breast filet drenched in smoky, Nashville-style hot sauce. Prepared on a brioche bun, the sandwich construct is garnished with pickles and ranch dressing

Boston Market is also using its Nashville hot sauce, based on a blend of chili powder, garlic, cayenne pepper, sugar, and secret spices, to create a new version of its signature spit-roasted chicken. The resulting Nashville Hot Rotisserie Chicken comes garnished with pickles and is served with two sides.

There is a Boston Market Rotisserie Kitchen location at 1387 Boston Road (at Parker Street) in Springfield. They answer at (413) 271-3808.

As the winter of Pandemic continues on, a number of well-known area restaurants have decided to take a break and await improved operating conditions later in the year.

Among the operations making this difficult hiatus choice are Spoleto in Northampton and the Blue Heron Restaurant in Sunderland. Both cite the difficulty in doing business with limits on inside seating and a wish to protect the well-being of their respective staff members as motivating the temporary shut-down decision.

Participating Panera Bread Bakery Cafes recently expanded their menu of flatbread pizzas.

Their new Pepperoni Flatbread features pepperoni and fresh mozzarella along with a tomato-bell pepper sauce, while a Four Cheese Flatbread brings together a garlic cream sauce with four cheese varieties - mozzarella, Fontina, Parmesan, and feta.

As well as being available separately, the pizzas can be enjoyed as part of a Flatbread Family Meal Feast, which includes two pizzas and two salads.

Also new on the menu at Panera is a Teriyaki Chicken & Broccoli Bowl.

There are Panera Bread locations in Chicopee, East Longmeadow, West Springfield, and Hadley.

While major chains have relied on strong brand identity, digital platforms, and economies of scale, many small independent restaurants have found themselves struggling in the face of pandemic-related challenges.

Bella Vegetarian Restaurant in Northampton certainly qualifies for such a small independent designation. The establishment does business out of a funky storefront on Gothic Street; in an age when digital payment is dominant, Bella remains a cash-only operation.

One thing that Bella does have going for it is the ability to produce eclectic vegetarian fare. The options its kitchen turns out have an ability to satisfy that can make even the most resolute of carnivores flirt with the idea of going meat free.

Belas current operational strategy is to be open for takeout on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The restaurants menu for the week is available at their Facebook page (facebook.com/BELAVEGETARIAN) or can be accessed by texting MENU to (413) 977-9261. Orders can subsequently be placed by calling the restaurants main number (413) 586-8011. Patrons pick up and pay (cash only, exact change, in an envelope, or by check) from a table in front of the restaurant.

A special pleasure that Bela offers is its selection of vegetarian-inspired, house made desserts. Some recent sweet treats have included a gluten-free German chocolate cake and a masala-chai carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.

The Student Prince Cafe and Fort Restaurant in Springfield is celebrating the return of its socially-distanced Sunday brunch on Feb.7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Billed as a Big Game Day Tailgate Brunch, the menu will feature selections such as meatballs, BBQ pulled pork, Thai chicken wings, and a carving station stocked with pork roast.

February is also Game Month at the restaurant, reflecting a Student Prince tradition that goes back decades.

This years Game Month menu feature appetizers such as game soup, sloppy doe sliders (theyre made with ground venison), crispy duck wings, and deep-fried frogs legs.

Among the entree selections can be found wild things like elk stroganoff, a buffalo ribeye, stuffed quail, and bone-in half pheasant.

The Student Prince is currently observing a five-days-a-week operating schedule; for more information call (413) 734-7475.

Participating Pizza Hut locations are currently promoting Detroit-style pizza as a limited-time-only offering.

A Motor City favorite dating back to 1946, authentic Detroit-style pizza has a number of distinguishing characteristics. These include its distinctive rectangular shape and its reverse layering of sauce over cheese and toppings, with the sauce usually dolloped across the pie in racing stripes. Typically made with processed Brick cheese, a Midwestern specialty, Detroit pizzas depend on a long-fermented dough to produce a crust thats soft, chewy, and yet crunchy at the edges.

Detroit-style pies have become a hot food trend over the last few years, and Pizza Hut is capitalizing on that popularity growth by taking their version of Detroit-style nationwide in four different variations.

Pizza Huts Detroit Double Pepperoni pie features at least 80 slices of pepperoni in two forms - regular and cupped and crispy.

A Double Cheesy employs both mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, while a Meaty Deluxe is made with sausage, bacon, and cupped pepperoni. The Supremo Detroit Pizza gets topped with sausage, peppers, and onions.

The four pies, which Pizza Hut is characterizing as their biggest menu launch of 2021, all feature a richer sauce and the distinctive frico (crispy-edged) crust for which Detroit-style pizza is legendary.

Hugh Robert is a faculty member in Holyoke Community Colleges hospitality and culinary arts program and has nearly 45 years of restaurant and educational experience. Robert can be reached on-line at OffTheMenuGuy@aol.com
Over the past day, Russian-occupation forces in Donbas violated the ceasefire five times, two Ukrainian servicemen were wounded, the press center of the Joint Force Operation (JFO) headquarters has said.

"Over the past day, on January 29, in the area of the Joint Force Operation, five ceasefire violations were recorded. In the area of responsibility of the Skhid [East] task force, not far from the Vodiane settlement, in the Azov region, the Russian-occupation forces used an unmanned aerial vehicle of the 'quadrocopter' type and dropped two VOG-17 rounds over the positions of the Joint Forces. As a result, two Ukrainian soldiers received shrapnel wounds. The military was promptly taken to a hospital, where they were provided with proper medical care," the JFO headquarters said in the statement on Facebook on Saturday morning.

The OSCE representatives were notified of the facts of ceasefire violation through the Ukrainian side in the JCCC.

"Since the beginning of this day, on January 30, no violations of the ceasefire regime have been recorded along the entire contact line," the JFO headquarters said.
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The week saw yet another new entrant in the burgeoning compact SUV segment which would go on sale in March. But the highlight of the week would be the intention made by Indias largest two-wheeler maker to make products in the future having more than just two wheels. More on this later; but first here is a complete look at what else made headlines during the week.

Renault unveils Kiger SUV

French carmaker Renault has taken the sheets off the Kiger which also marks its world debut. This is the first sub four-metre compact SUV from Renault.

Designed in India and France, the Kiger has made its world debut in India. The compact SUV will be commercially launched in March after prices and bookings are announced in the coming weeks.

Auto industry going through structural slowdown

The automobile industry in India is going through a long-term structural slowdown as the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) across all major vehicle segments has witnessed a decline over the last three decades, as per industry body SIAM.

The auto industry has been facing headwinds even before the COVID-19 pandemic derailed the entire sector last year, a research conducted by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has revealed.

Auto sector employees get pay hikes

With factories running at peak capacity and companies struggling to meet demand, it's probably the best time to be an employee with an automotive company.

The better-than-expected turnaround in demand has made automotive and auto parts makers to not only roll back salary cuts but also reward employees with increments.

Hyundai to bring N Line brand to India

Hyundai is finally bringing its set of performance-oriented N-Line brand to India sometime in the next few months.

Similar to Fords RS and Volkswagens GTI, the N performance cars signify Hyundais take on their normal street cars pumped up for more fun and better performance.

Green tax to push up truck rentals

The imposition of green tax on certain categories of vehicles by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) could push up truck rentals as their owners will likely pass on the additional cess to customers.

To be calculated on road cess, the green tax is being imposed to dissuade people from using old vehicles as well as motivate people to switch to newer and less polluting vehicles, the government has said.

Hero to look at segments beyond two-wheelers

About 10 days ago Hero Motocorp, the countrys largest-selling two-wheeler brand, rolled out its 100 millionth two-wheeler from one of its manufacturing plants. Since 1984 the company which was back then a joint venture between the Delhi-based Munjal family and Honda Motor Company and known as Hero Honda, focussed only on motorcycles. It branched out to scooters only in 2005.

But the senior management of Hero MotoCorp has radically different plans to get to the next million. Interviews given by Pawan Munjal, Chairman and Managing Director, Hero MotoCorp to the media suggest that the company would look at other forms of mobility for the future other than motorcycles and scooters. Though Munjal did not specify if the companys intention was to get three-wheelers, four-wheelers of something even bigger he did drop hints about Heros intentions about the future.

In an interview to a daily Munjal said, Hero has rolled out a record 10 crore two-wheelers since its inception in the early 1980s, and the next 10 crore line-up in all likelihood will not only be a motorcycle, scooter or three-wheeler.

However, this is not the first time that Hero has looked at diversification. Back in 2008 Hero formed a joint venture with German heavyweight Daimler for making trucks and buses. Hero pulled out of the JV a year later after the commercial vehicle segment saw one of its worst slowdowns ever triggered by the Lehman Brothers crisis.

Earlier this financial year Hero spoke about getting into the three-wheeler segment in its annual report. We are evaluating various offerings in emerging mobility opportunities, including two-wheelers and three-wheelers, telematics, charging/ swapping ecosystem and mobility as a service (MaaS), Hero MotoCorp had said in its annual report.

Hero Motors Company makes bicycles. Hero Electric makes electric scooters. Both these entities are independent of Hero MotoCorp, having no equity holding. They all do, however, use the Hero brand name.
Celebrating the new year always brings in renewed vigor and energy to face the challenges ahead. This 2021, people will still be adjusting to the new normal brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in working and studying at home. Fortunately, personal computers help keep the world going even under quarantine. But when faced with multiple projects and deadlines, students and employees alike may find that a standard, mainstream laptop for general home use cannot always keep up with current demands. Global technology and innovation leader Lenovo suggests utilizing gaming PCs instead, as they have the performance needed to power through 2021 and beyond.





Gaming PCs are more than capable of bolstering productivity through components such as a dedicated graphics processing unit (GPU) or graphics card, better memory and storage capacity, and the latest processors. Lenovo, through its dedicated gaming sub-brand Legion, offers its newest gaming lineup with devices that transcend both personal and professional use.

The dedicated graphics cards in the devices allow users to see and render images and videos to the highest quality with ease, making the job of digital artists more seamless than ever. Adding to this exceptional performance are the enhanced memory and solid-state drive (SSD) storage options that allow programs to run quickly and simultaneously without any hiccups, as well as the latest Intel and AMD processors that unlock other features for more intensive work tasks. Furthermore, the new Legion devices are sleeker and lighter than ever, allowing them to fit right in even in corporate settings.

We purposely designed and developed our new Legion lineup not only for gamers but also with todays workforce in mind. With current business demands, its no longer enough for devices to only run basic office applications and the usual day-to-day tasks. As the world of work evolves  and at a rapid pace at that, we want to equip professionals with devices that can help them adapt and excel in multiple scenarios, said Michael Ngan, Lenovo Philippines President and General Manager.

That said, Lenovo made some recommendations of Legion gaming PCs ideal for different professions to complement everyones renewed vigor in facing new challenges this 2021.





 For online entrepreneurs/business owners  IdeaPad Gaming 3i (now starts at P 43,995)





Online businesses are booming amid the COVID-19 pandemic and for those wanting to set up shop, Legion recommends the IdeaPad Gaming 3i. Through its up to 10th-generation Intel processor and up to NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti dedicated graphics card, the IdeaPad Gaming 3i assures business owners that they can easily run all the applications they need to reach growth and success. Bolstering the completion of tasks further are the up to 16GB DDR4 memory and either up to 1TB NVME PCIe SSD or 2TB HDD storage options.





 For content creators (vloggers, graphic designers, photographers, video editors, animators, and layout artists)  Legion 5Pi (now starts at P 67,995)





Producing picture-perfect images and videos is critical for digital artists today to stand out. To help achieve this, Lenovo has the Legion 5Pi notebook that comes with a 15-inch In-Plane Switching (IPS) 1080p display with up to a 144Hz refresh rate and 500nits of brightness for high quality and vivid images and videos without tearing. The display is also a VESA-certified high dynamic range (VESA DisplayHDR 400) screen that comes with 100% sRGB color accuracy, making it perfect for more realistic visualization of images while editing photos and videos.





 For musicians  Legion 7i (now starts at P 99,995)





With the ongoing global pandemic making recording sessions difficult, musicians need a home studio setup to continue making music. For the centerpiece of the studio, Lenovo recommends its flagship notebook Legion 7i. Its specifications not only make it the new Legion lineups most powerful notebook for gaming but also produce the best audio through its Dolby Atmos Speaker system. Its specifically made to provide cinema-like sound quality and contains tools that musicians can utilize to get the perfect pitch and sound.





 For programmers and developers  Legion 5/5i (now starts at P 52,995)

A computers processor takes the brunt when it comes to compiling and running code. The better they are, the more programs they can run. Knowing this, Lenovo recommends the Legion 5 and Legion 5i (i is for Intel) gaming notebook for programmers. Equipped with either the acclaimed AMD Ryzen 4000-series processor or Intels high-performing 10th-generation processor, the Legion 5/5i is capable of running any application that developers can think of.





 For teachers and professors  IdeaCentre Gaming 5i (now starts at P 49,995)

Online learning is here to stay under the new normal and to equip members of the academe to address their education tech needs, Lenovo is recommending the IdeaCentre Gaming 5i desktop. Equipped with up to a 10th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and up to an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super dedicated graphics card, the IdeaCentre Gaming 5i, paired with any Lenovo monitor from 21.5 up to 27 (sold separately), can run almost any distance learning tool with ease. It also comes with an up to 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD for storing notes, reports, tests, and worksheets.





 For 3D designers and architects  Legion Tower 5i (now starts at P 69,995)





A computer overheating while performing 3D rendering is common since it requires multiple components operating in unison. Fortunately for 3D artists and architects, theres the Legion Tower 5i gaming battle station. The desktop easily breezes through intensive 3D rendering through its Legion Coldfront 2.0 Cooling System, which is a complex system of inner-working hardware and software allowing better airflow and lower system temperatures. In addition, 3D artists and architects can design everything they can think of from scratch with the Legion Tower 5is NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 dedicated graphics card that enables several perks such as ray-tracing and Variable Rate Shading. Also giving the Legion Tower 5i a boost is its up to 10th-generation Intel Core i9 processor that delivers remarkable performance upgrades when it comes to gaming or productivity. It can reach clock speeds of up to 5.3GHz and comes with 10 cores and 20 threads for faster processing of tasks.

Built to last, Legion gaming PCs for work make a great investment in the long run. Further extending their longevity is Lenovos 3-Year Premium Care warranty solution that comes bundled with the devices upon purchase. The service includes comprehensive technical support for any hardware and software concerns, a 24x7 direct hotline to Lenovo experts, and On-site Repair. It also includes an annual PC Health Check to maintain the computers health. All these features and services in Legions newest devices position Lenovo as an integrated solutions provider capable of helping customers address their most critical needs and prepare for the challenges ahead. Lenovo is dedicated to building and managing smarter IT service solutions that are designed to drive customers intelligent transformation and empower them to be more agile and efficient in pursuit of their desired outcomes.





New Year, New Prices and Promos

click image for a larger view

The Legion lineups new prices for 2021 add another reason to get one for work this year. To celebrate the new year, Lenovo Legion removed up to P 45,000 off from the prices of several of its gaming devices, including those mentioned above. More information about the new prices can be found on <fb.com/lenovolegionPH/posts/1110268429395060>

Also, buyers purchasing a Legion device from now up to January 31, 2021 will earn corresponding Empire points under the extended Empire Christmas Sale. All of the Legion devices discussed above are part of the sale, and participants buying them can get exclusive items such as a gaming keyboard, mouse, and chair upon redemption of points. To learn more about the mechanics of the promo and to redeem points, visit <legion.fan/EmpireSalePH>. The Empire is the exclusive gaming community of Lenovo Legion.

For more information on how Lenovo Legion gaming devices can bolster your productivity this 2021, visit <lenovo.com/ph/en/legion> or get in touch on Facebook at <fb.com/lenovolegionPH>.








The Plainview Independent School District officially announced its partnership with Angelo State University to offer dual credit courses in a news release on Friday.

The two educational institutions entered into a memorandum of understanding in Dec. and finalized the agreement recently.

High school students that want to enter the Angelo State University Presidential Scholars Dual Credit Program will need to have accumulated at least a 3.0 GPA or be in the top 50% of their class with a B average. Students will also need to be granted permission from a high school counselor or administrator and may need certain prerequisite classes to enroll in the program.

The ASU dual-credit program is different from those that will be offered through the Plainview Collegiate High School. PCHS courses will not be paid for by parents or students while ASU courses offered through this program cost $150 for three credit hours.

Students that partake in dual-credit programs could start their first year of college with all core requirements that are transferrable to a Texas public university or college. Other aspects of the program include virtual tutoring, 24-7 advising and automatic admission to ASU for students that earn six credit hours with a 3.0 GPA.

Textbooks may also be required for the courses. Those costs are not factored into the $50/credit hour cost.

The Presidential Scholars Program will begin holding sessions this summer for students that receive permission to enroll by their high school. Sessions are for upcoming juniors and seniors only and run from June 7-July 9 and from July 12-Aug. 13.
Chino, CA (91710)

Today

Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High 77F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. Low 56F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio

Warrant arrest: Superior Road

At 3:40 a.m. Jan. 26, an officer on patrol saw a man walking in the street pushing a grill. Ten minutes earlier, the officer had seen the man standing near the entrance to Cain Park, at Lee and Superior roads, without the grill.

The officer asked the man why he was walking in the street with a grill in 30-degree weather at 3:40 a.m. The man replied that he was retrieving the grill from his cousins house and that he owned it. He could not provide an address or phone number for his cousin.

The officer checked to see if the man had any warrants and found that he was wanted by several agencies. There were warrants for the mans arrest issued by police in Macedonia, for theft; South Euclid, for larceny, possession of criminal tools, theft and trespassing; Strongsville, for larceny; Brecksville, for theft; Mayfield, for trespassing; Maple Heights, for theft; and Middleburg Heights, for liquor possession. There was also a warrant issued by the Greater Cleveland Transit Authority police for trespassing.

South Euclid police agreed to take the man into custody.

During his arrest, police found on the mans person a possible crack pipe, a screwdriver and a coffee cup.

Cleveland Heights police cited the suspect with possession of drug paraphernalia and walking in the street when a sidewalk was available. The grill was taken to the CHPD station for safekeeping.

Domestic violence: Noble Road

At 4:50 p.m. Jan. 23, police were called to a home where a domestic disturbance had taken place. At the home, a woman told officers that the father of her child, who was no longer on the scene, had struck her as the two argued.

The argument involved their work and a Black & Mild cigar shell. The woman told police that, as the argument grew heated, she told the man to leave. She said he responded by punching a hole through a door and pouring bleach on their bed and the childs crib.

The woman, in turn, began to throw his clothes out of a living room window. She said the man then grabbed her hair, slammed her to the floor and punched her in the face.

The woman said she tried to get off the floor, and the man took her by the face and threw her once more to the floor. He then called his sister to come and pick him up.

Police also spoke with the womans sister, who was at the home during the altercation. The sister corroborated the womans story, and added that, as the two argued, the woman pushed the man into their 9-month-old childs high chair.

The sister said the high chair began to fall and she caught the baby before the girl hit the floor. As she did so, the couple continued their fight.

The woman complained of face and head pain, but declined medical attention. She elected to pursue charges against the man for domestic violence, assault and endangering children. Police issued a warrant for the mans arrest and charged the woman with child endangering.

Burglary: Devonshire Drive

At 6:45 p.m. Jan. 22, a woman, 77, called police from her car, which was parked in front of her house. The woman reported that her home had been burglarized.

She told officers that she was upstairs when he heard sounds coming from the first floor. The woman did not immediately investigate, but when she later went downstairs, she saw items out of place.

The woman reported that her 37-inch TV and its remote control device, as well as a mink coat valued at $12,000, were missing.

Only one of the homes doors was locked at the time, and police found no signs of forced entry. Aided by a Shaker Heights police K-9, police searched the area, but were unable to find the suspect. Police have no suspects.

Disturbance: Lee Road

At 1:55 p.m. Jan. 23, police were called to Zagaras Market Place, 1940 Lee Road, where two men were involved in an altercation in a checkout line.

One of the men, 69, said that while he was in line -- admittedly for a longer time than is usual -- the man behind him told him to hurry.

The man said he replied to the impatient man behind him to get in another line or go home. The second man, 51, then allegedly pushed his shopping cart into the older man and attempted to kick him before allegedly stating, Nobody calls my name out!

The older man was uninjured, but later told police that the incident shook him up. He walked to the customer service line and asked an employee to call 911.

Police located the younger man at his home. He said the older man had walked up close to him and he pushed him with his shopping cart out of self-defense. He said that the older man called him the N-word, which incensed him.

Police looked at video and saw the cart being pushed into the older man. The video, however, was not accompanied by audio. Due to conflicting stories as to what was said, no action was taken.

Read more from the Sun Press.
Quebec Premier Francois Legault speaks during a news conference on the COVID-19 pandemic, Thursday, January 28, 2021 at the legislature in Quebec City. Legault says he plans to announce changes to Quebec's COVID-19 restrictions Tuesday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot
Google has agreed to pay 120 French media companies 90 million ($142 million) over three years to participate in its new journalism product, in a sign its proposal to sidestep new Australian regulations may fall short of publisher expectations.

Industry sources told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age Google would pay some of Frances biggest publishers between 25 million and 30 million a year to participate in its soon-to-launch Google News Showcase product.

Google France signed a licensing deal with French publishers last week. Credit:AP

The revelation comes as Google attempts to convince the federal government the Showcase product would be a better way to pay media companies for news in Australia, as it fights back against tough new government proposals to regulate its relationships with publishers.

The governments new media bargaining code, deemed unworkable by Google and Facebook, would force the two digital giants into binding commercial agreements to pay Australian news businesses or risk steep fines of up to 10 per cent of their annual revenues. It will be debated again by a Senate committee next week.
21 runners killed during mountain race in northwestern province of Gansu; Indian variant of Covid-19 found in Guangzhou; Beijing willing to arrange for vaccines to be sent to Taiwan

May 28, 2021 08:15 PM
James Bond star Colin Salmon has revealed he was hospitalised after contracting COVID-19.

The actor, 58, shared his secret health battle in a tweet as he urged his followers to avoid putting themselves at risk and get vaccinated.

Colin starred as MI6 aide Charles Robinson opposite Pierce Brosnan in three James Bond films from 1997 to 2002, and has also starred in Doctor Who, 24, and Arrow.

Worries: James Bond star Colin Salmon has revealed he was hospitalised after contracting COVID-19

Colin revealed he'd contracted COVID-19 after sharing a video featuring a number of BAME celebrities, urging their community to get the coronavirus vaccine.

Revealing he'd taken part in the video, Colin re-posted the clip originally shared by Good Morning Britain presenter Adil Ray.

He wrote: 'Recorded this last week 9 days after my Covid hospitalisation . Im getting there but this is real and affects us all. #covid19 #vaccine. Take a moment of self care and please watch this.'

Screen star: The actor starred as MI6 aide Charles Robinson opposite Pierce Brosnan in three James Bond films from 1997 to 2002

Scary: Colin shared his secret health battle in a tweet as he urged his followers to avoid putting themselves at risk and get vaccinated

Colin's post was soon flooded with messages of support, with Irish actor Emmett J. Scanlan writing: 'Brother!!!! Sending huge f***** love your way.'

After being inundated with messages from fans, Colin took to social media again to thank them for their support.

He wrote: 'Thank you for your kind words. Please take a moment for yourselves, check in, feel how youre doing.

'We are hearty folk but we need to value our lives more. We dont have to always do the extra shift, put ourselves last, be brave. #SelfCareIsNotSelfish.'

Sweet: Colin's post was soon flooded with messages of support, with Irish actor Emmett J. Scanlan writing: 'Brother!!!! Sending huge f***** love your way'

Kind: After being inundated with messages from fans, Colin took to social media again to thank them for their support

Colin's appearance in the video was alongside stars such as actress Shobna Gulati and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, as they specifically reassured members of the BAME community that the vaccine was safe.

He is most well-known for his role as Charlie in the James Bond franchise, starring in Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough and Die Another Day.

The screen star has also had roles in 24, Law and Order UK and the US series Limitless.
The Telegraph

The daughter of Radovan Karadzic, the former Bosnian Serb leader serving life for genocide and crimes against humanity during the 1990s Yugoslav wars, has claimed her father is living in unhealthy and uncivilised conditions in a British prison. Karadzic, 75, who was convicted in 2016, was transferred from a detention unit in Holland to a UK jail earlier this month following an agreement struck between the UN and the Home Office. But his daughter, Sonja Karadzic-Jovicevic, has complained about the conditions at her fathers new prison after speaking to him on the phone. "As for the physical condition in which he is accommodated, it is unacceptable, she told SRNA, a news agency based in the Republika Srpska, the Serb enclave of Bosnia. If we add to that the fact that he is in a building full of carcinogenic asbestos that is banned around the world, it is clear in what condition he will be in. Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic also claimed that moving her father to the UK was a deliberate act of spite against his family. "My father is in a very uncivilised situation, and as far as his family is concerned, his relocation to the south of England was deliberately made to keep him far away, outside the rules of the United Nations Resolution adopted by the Security Council, she said. It will be very difficult for us physically, financially and procedurally, because of visas, and immunisation during the pandemic, and even after that, to ever go there and visit him," she continued. She added that he had been deprived of his books and his computer, and will be completely removed from his language and his culture. A spokesman for the Justice Ministry said: "UK prisons meet health and safety standards." Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic, who has a political career in Bosnia, has fought to defend her fathers name despite his brutal role in the wars as the Yugoslavian federation separated in the 1990s. Known as the Butcher of Bosnia, Karadzic went down in infamy, in particular for ordering the Srebrenica Massacre in July 1995. Some 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were rounded up by the Bosnian Serb army in and around the town of Srebrenica and then killed in the worst single massacre in Europe since the end of the Second World War. Karadzics lawyers had objected to his clients transfer to the UK, arguing that his life would be in danger owing to Muslim inmates in British prisons. They also argued that owing to possible threats to Karadzics life he would be kept in conditions resembling solitary confinement, but the UN court dismissed the objections. Given his role in the slaughter of Muslims, the experience of another Serb convicted of war crimes may also weigh upon the Karadzic family. In 2010 Radislav Krstic, a former Bosnian-Serb general, was stabbed by three Muslim prisoners while serving a sentence in Wakefield prison, in apparent retaliation for Srebrenica.
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MASON CITY, Iowa  CG Public health says people in the 2nd tier for COVID-19 vaccinations can start making appointments at 10 am on Monday.

This includes anyone 65 years old or older, healthcare providers, and those in need of their 2nd vaccine does. CG Public Health says it has 200 does of the MODERNA coronavirus vaccine and appointments will be made on a first come, first served basis.

If you do not fit in the three groups, CG Public Health says you should not try and sign up and this time. To make an appointment, go online to https://cghealth.com/sign-up/ or call 641-421-9321. The vaccine will be administered at the clinic on S. Federal Avenue in Mason City on February 5.

CG Public Health says face masks will be required and social distancing enforced during vaccine appointment. Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, should not go to the clinic.
Ahmedabad, Jan 30 : Baroda and Tamil Nadu will clash in the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament at the Motera here on Sunday.

Both teams have strong batting line-ups.

While Tamil Nadu's N Jagadeesan tops the runs chart this season with 350 runs at an average of 87.5, Baroda captain Kedar Devdhar is third in the list, just 17 behind with 333 runs at an average of 83.25.

Opener C Hari Nishanth has scored 211 for Tamil Nadu although his form in the last few games has been a concern.

TN has some good batsmen in the middle with Baba Aparajith, Arun Karthik and skipper Dinesh Karthik. Shahrukh Khan provides power-hitting towards the end.

For Baroda, the key batsman apart from Devdhar would be Vishnu Solanki who has the ability to hit big. He has 218 runs and averages 54.5. While Devdhar provides a sedate start, the onus will be on Solanki and Kartik Kakade to provide the impetus in the latter half of the innings.

Leg-spinner M Ashwin is TN's leading wicket-taker with 10 scalps while medium-pacer M Mohammed has nine.

Pace bowler Sonu Yadav and left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore have eight wickets each.

Baroda, meanwhile will rely on their highest wickettaker, left-arm seamer Lukman Meriwala who has 14 wickets. He needs just three more to become the top wicket-taker in the tournament. Meriwala's opening partner right-arm pacer Atit Sheth has 10 wickets while left-arm spinner Ninad Rathva has nine wickets.

The two teams have won the title previously -- Tamil Nadu in 2006-07 and Baroda in 2011-12 and 2013-14.

Tamil Nadu were last year's finalists, losing to Karnataka in the final.

Sunday's final will begin at 7 pm.

Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has denied at the Supreme Court that he had told the whole world that John Dramani Mahama won the Election 2020.



According to him he never stated at a press Conference that Mr. Mahama won the elections.



Answering questions under cross examination by Mr Akoto Ampaw, counsel for the second respondent (Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo) at the Election 2020 Petition hearing, the General Secretary of the NDC said My Lords, that was not in my witness statement.



Mr Asiedu admitted that his Party held several press conferences after the elections noting that the Petitioner asserted that the results of the Electoral Commission was not accurate.



He said he made it clear to the public that the NDC had won majority seats in Parliament and same would give the Petitioner upper hand in the presidential results.



Mr Apaw pointed out to the witness that a video of what he had told the whole world was on a pen drive and he wanted it to be played in court since the witness had been evasive.



Mr Ampaw said he wanted to establish the credibility of the witness in the box.

Counsel for Nana Addo therefore put in an oral application seeking leave of the court to have the pen drive played, adding, they were ready to assist the court to ensure that same was played in court.



The seven-member panel, which did not make room for the playing of the video on pen drive hence adjourned the matter to Monday, February 1.



The adjournment would afford the court to get relevant equipment so the court would have access to the video on the pen drive.



Earlier on Mr Aseidu Nketia was given a calculator to make some additions and subtractions of the 2020 Election Results. The way, the General Secretary handled the calculator set audience in the court room laughing.



During an earlier cross-examination by Mr Justine Amenuvor, lawyer for the First Respondent, the Electoral Commission (EC), the General Secretary calculated some figures to make his case.



Mr Mahama in his Petition, had selected the General Secretary of the NDC and another member of the NDC, Dr Michael Kpessah-Whyte, who was in the EC strong room to testify in the case.

As part of Mr Asiedu Nketias witness statement, he had indicated that there had never been any election in which EC had admitted a catalogue of errors than in the 2020 presidential elections.



In all previous Presidential Elections, results collated at each constituency collation centre were transmitted directly by fax from first Respondents regional offices (without collation), to what is usually referred to as the strong room at its head office in Accra, and handed over to the representatives of the candidates, for them to scrutinize and then certify.



In those previous Presidential Elections, when first Respondent declared the final results, they were based on the collated results from the constituencies, which were duly certified by representatives of the candidates in the strong room, Mr. Asiedu Nketia said in his witness statement





Source: GNA









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Majority of evangelicals sympathize with, back Christian nationalism: researcher

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While Christian nationalism is found in all sectors of society, evangelical Protestants are more likely than any other religious group to sympathize with and accept it, according to notable academic researcher Andrew Whitehead.

An associate professor of Sociology at Indiana University Purdue University-Indianapolis, Whitehead was part of a webinar titled Democracy and Faith Under Siege: Responding to Christian Nationalism, which took place on Wednesday. He shared polling information about the extent to which people in the United States sympathized with the worldview and moral framework of Christian nationalism.

Whitehead defined Christian nationalism as a cultural framework that idealizes and advocates a fusion of Christianity with American civic life, with Christianity in this case being more cultural and tribal than spiritual.

He divided Americans into four categories, including "rejecters," those who completely reject Christian Nationalism; "resisters," those who mostly reject it but hold some sympathies; "accommodators," those who sympathize with it but do not fall into the category: and "ambassadors," who largely if not completely accept Christian Nationalism.

Whitehead and his fellow researcher, Samuel L. Perry, associate professor of Sociology at the University of Oklahoma, found that nearly 20% of Americans were ambassadors, while 32.1% were accommodators, 26.56% were resisters, and 21.52% were rejecters.

Rather than being monolithic, Whitehead explained that there were high numbers of accommodators and ambassadors from diverse religious and regional backgrounds.

For example, accommodators are the major classification for four out of five educational groups, namely less than high school, high school graduate, some college, and college graduate, while post-graduate respondents were slightly more likely to be ambassadors than college graduates.

Also, while evangelical Protestants had the largest percentage of ambassadors than all the other religious categories, black Protestants and Catholics had higher percentages of accommodators than evangelical Protestants.

We see that almost 80% of evangelical Protestants are at least accommodators or ambassadors of Christian Nationalism, so very prevalent, said Whitehead.

But even in mainline Protestantism, we see that over 30% are accommodators and just under 20% are ambassadors, so half of mainline Protestants in the U.S. are, again, friendly towards Christian nationalism.

Whitehead mentioned the presence of Christian nationalism at the Jan. 6 riot on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., showing photos from the protest of a group of people praying before a large cross and others holding Jesus 2020 signs.

In order to make sense of this riot, while Christian nationalism is not the only explanation, it is a key part of understanding what took place, said Whitehead.

Christian nationalism is pervasive across all segments of U.S. society, within different religious traditions as well, and is influential in shaping Americans behaviors and attitudes, he concluded.

So it is absolutely a threat to a pluralistic, democratic society and something that needs to be wrestled with in order to move forward and not repeat the events of January 6.

The webinar also featured comments from the Most Rev. Michael Curry, presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church, and the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

During his remarks, Bishop Curry said he believes that there are innocent forms of Christian nationalism, pointing to an example from his childhood in the 1960s.

Curry explained that at his childhood church, there were many members who came from the West Indies and so some disputed whether the sanctuary should display the American flag or the United Kingdom flag.

The compromise was that both the American flag and the Union Jack were both put up on a balcony, he recalled. They werent up front where the altar was.

After reiterating that this was probably, fairly innocent, Curry then talked about the more virulent or dangerous kind that involves people viewing their country as the best out of believing they are Gods favorite.

That borders on blasphemy, idolatry, argued Curry. That kind of nationalism is dangerous. It is dangerous to civic health; it is dangerous to the health of Christianity.

Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, moderated the webinar panel, describing Christian nationalism in her introductory remarks as a troubling ideology that was on the rise and that threatens religious freedom for all.

Christian nationalism is not new, but the frequency of violent acts inspired by Christian nationalism and a resurgent in attempts to legislate and govern from a position infused with Christian nationalism has been on a dramatic uptick in recent years, she stated.

We believe that Christians bear a special responsibility to understand and to root out Christian nationalism, not just in its most obvious and extreme forms, but in the pervasive, deeply ingrained manifestations in our culture, our churches, and ourselves.

The webinar was hosted by the website Christians Against Christian Nationalism, which features a statement signed by more than 19,000 individuals.

While some have argued that American churches need to tackle Christian nationalism, others have argued that the phrase was a way to marginalize conservative Christians.

In a Breakpoint column, John Stonestreet, president of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, and Timothy D. Padgett argued that Christian nationalism was being used as a scare label to dismiss any policy or person more conservative than whoever is using the term.

As an example, they pointed to a recent article by the United Kingdom-based publication The Guardian quoting experts as saying assorted proposed pro-life bills were Christian nationalist in nature.

As seen in The Guardian, were all but guaranteed for the near future that anything vaguely traditional or moral, and any appeal to anything higher than the latest cultural fad, will be smeared with this label. Its silly. Even more, its dangerous, they wrote.

Even so, Christians must not abandon the public square just because people say mean things about us.
Patna, Jan 30 : Three unidentified assailants shot at two persons, including a relative of late Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, in Bihar's Saharsa district on Saturday.

Lipi Singh, SP of Saharsa, confirmed the incident. One of the victims was critically injured in the incident and is battling for his life in a private hospital.

The incident occurred at around 11.30 a.m. on Saturday when Raj Kumar Singh, the cousin of Sushant Singh Rajput, and his aide Ali Hasan, were on their way to adjoining Madhepura district.

Raj Kumar owns three showrooms of Yamaha motorbikes in Saharsa, Madhepura and Supaul districts. He used to visit these three showrooms every day to monitor the business.

"When Raj Kumar and Ali Hasan reached at Baijnathpur Chowk near Saharsa college, three unidentified men overtook their vehicles and opened fire at them. We have vital leads of this incident and the accused will be arrested soon," SP Lipi Singh said.

The victims were immediately rescued by passersby and taken to nearby private hospital for treatment. The condition of Ali Hasan is serious.

"Prima facie its look to be a case of property dispute between Raj Kumar Singh and the assailants. However we are not ruling out the extortion angle. We are investigating all angles," an official of Saharsa police said.

Latest updates on Sushant Singh Rajput Death Mystery

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Leaving Cert students may not go back to school until March, it is feared, as pressure mounts on the Government to make a decision on when the return will happen.

Another intense day of talks between education stakeholders resulted in no clear answers for parents or students.

With just four months left in the traditional school year, students still have no idea when they will be returning to class despite Tanaiste Leo Varadkar having stated on Monday that schools will reopen on a phased basis next month and in March.

Opposition politicians have criticised the Government for failing to meaningfully engage with the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) on what is needed to safely get children back to the classroom.

Read More

It comes as chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said Nphet has given advice, and is available to explain what that advice may mean but its up to the education sector to plan the resumption of activities.

The Irish Independent put 10 specific questions to the department including whether it has sought any advice from Nphet on a phased reopening, what criteria needs to be met for Nphet to recommend the return to education and what dates students are expected to start back.

The department did not respond to the specific questions but said confidential talks with unions and other education partners are

ongoing.

Labour education spokesman Aodhan O Riordain hit out at the department, saying: Theres no sense of partnership, theres no sense of drive, theres no sense of being in control, theres no sense of being ahead of this thing. Its as if the department has almost given up.

He said that if the safe return of schools is a Government priority, Nphet should be allowed play a bigger role.

Meanwhile, talks on plans for the Leaving Cert and Junior Cert were held yesterday and will continue next week.

Education Minister Norma Foley attended another online meeting of the exams advisory group, which is exploring all options in the face of the unexpected closure of schools since Christmas.

The 2021 exam candidates lost 11 weeks in school tuition last year and they have missed almost four weeks since Christmas, with no date set for their return to the classroom.

Separate talks are still going on about the return of the first priority group  23,000 special needs pupils in primary and special schools.

A Department of Education statement said todays meeting of the advisory group included discussion on what further measures could be made to address the demands on students preparing for the exams.

It teased out the scope and form of assessment for the exams, orals and practicals and exam-related coursework.

Ms Foley and the Government are under increasing pressure from the Irish Second Level Students Union (ISSU) to make a decision soon.

Social Democrats co-leader Roisin Shorthall said that education partners need to consider public health advice.

They need assurances that it will be safe to do that (return). I cant see any progress being made in relation to talks with the partners unless theres clear advice from Nphet.
Instead of skill, this trio of suspected thieves allegedly wielded a sledgehammer to force the convenience store gaming machines produce cash.

6ABC cites its sources in reporting Philadelphia police have arrested three men who they believe are connected with a ring of thefts targeting Pennsylvania games of skill machines using a sledgehammer.

A police spokesperson told 6ABC the three suspects, all from Philadelphia, are identified as Tyreek Holmes, 32, Russell Mason-Watts, 20, and Marcus Evans, 36.

They were not immediately charged in the case.

But 6ABC cites police sources in reporting the suspects are believed by police to be the same trio who have been hitting area convenience stores and gas stations, wielding a sledgehammer to destroy the cash boxes attached to the skill game machines.

READ MORE: 19-year-old who stabbed his mother found dead in Pa. state prison

Video of some of the thefts were recorded by surveillance cameras at several stores.

The arrests come on the heels of an unsuccessful theft Thursday night at a 7-Eleven on the 7900 block of Veree Road. As the suspects fled, a highway patrol officer recognized the car they were driving, stopped them and arrested them, 6ABC reports, adding:

A witness from the attempted robbery reportedly identified the trio.

The attempt was the latest in a string of sledgehammer thefts plaguing convenience stores and gas stations in sections of Philadelphia and Bensalem Township in Bucks County.

6ABC quoted Philly Public Safety Director Fred Harran as saying this about the recent wave of skill game thefts:

Its new because the machines are popping up, but now theyre all over the place. Im sure the criminals, they walk into the same convenience stores as everyone else and they see people put cash into a machine and they must think, Wow thats an easy pickings, and theyre right.

Authorities feared the ring was getting bolder and perhaps more dangerous when one of the thieves showed a gun during an incident in the past two weeks, 6ABC reported.
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ARMOOR (Nizamabad): Telangana PCC chief and Malkajgiri MP A. Revanth Reddy said on Saturday that the problems of turmeric farmers in the state will be raised by Congress members in the budget session of Parliament. A padayatra or a tractor rally will be taken out from the state to Delhi, he said.

He alleged that farmers problems are being ignored by both state and Central governments.

The Congress stands with the turmeric farmers. Their issues will be discussed with Rahul Gandhi and a national-level agitation will be organised by us, Revanth Reddy said and asked BJP national leader Ram Madhav and its Nizamabad MP Dharmapuri Arvind to stick to their LS election promise in Armoor that a turmeric board would be set up to ensure minimum support price to the produce.

The Congress observed a Rythu Deeksha in Armoor on Saturday by way of expressing the partys solidarity with turmeric farmers. Former ministers Shabbir Ali, P. Sudarshan Reddy, MLC T. Jeevan Reddy, MLA Seethakka and former MLAs S. Gangaram and Eravathri Anil were among those present. Revanth Reddy offered lime juice to Congress leaders as they ended the Rythu Deeskha at exhibition grounds in the evening.

Turmeric farmers from erstwhile Nizamabad and Karimnagar districts and Congress leaders took part in the Deeskha.

Speaking at the event, Revanth Reddy said Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao had declared a fight against the BJP government in Delhi after the GHMC elections, but thereafter he was remaining silent on the controversial agriculture laws. If they are your real political opponents, why not support the turmeric farmers cause, he asked the TRS leaders.

The PCC chief said the National Crime Records Bureau statistics showed 6,358 farmers died due to agrarian distress. KCR spent Rs 2,000 crore for his official residence Pragathi Bhavan while Rs 3,000 crore was allocated for the work on the new Secretariat which the CM has initiated based on his vasthu beliefs. But, but he is ignoring the problems of the turmeric farmers, he alleged.

The Congress leader suggested to the government to initiate a market intervention scheme to save the turmeric farmers from their present plight. Turmeric farmers have shown their power by defeating former MP Kalvakuntla Kavitha in the last Lok Sabha elections. They can do so again, he warned the TRS government.

MP Arvind will also learn a lesson in the near future, Revanth Reddy said and dared BJP state president Bandi Sanjay to fight a poll on the turmeric farmers issue. Sanjay swings into action on any issue in the state, but why is he neglecting the turmeric farmers, he asked.


Australia-based Lynas Rare Earths Limited entered into an agreement with the US Government to build a commercial Light Rare Earths separation plant in the United States, through a wholly owned subsidiary, Lynas USA LLC.

This collaboration with the Department of Defense is sponsored by the Title III, Defense Production Act program, which sits within the Pentagons office of Industrial Policy, and will ultimately be directed by the Office of the Undersecretary for Acquisition and Sustainment.

This project is scheduled to be completed in accordance with the Department of Defense timetable and as part of the Lynas 2025 plan. Detailed costings are still being finalized; the company expects Department of Defense funding to be capped at approximately US$30 million. Lynas will also be expected to contribute approximately US$30 million under the agreement.

The plant is expected to be located in Texas. Once operational, the plant is expected to produce approximately 5,000 tonnes per annum of Rare Earths products, including approximately 1,250 tonnes per annum of NdPr. The plant will be able to receive material directly from the cracking & leaching plant that Lynas is developing in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia.

The signing of this agreement follows the announcement on 27 July 2020 that Lynas had signed a contract with the US Department of Defense for Phase I work on a US-based Heavy Rare Earth separation facility. Should that contract proceed to the next phase, the Texas facility would house both Heavy Rare Earths and Light Rare Earths processing facilities. The facilities will serve both the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) and the growing commercial market, including electric vehicles and green technologies made in the US as well as in global markets.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

The Bahrain Ambassador to India Abdulrahman Al-Gaoud expressed his countrys sincere appreciation to the leadership, government and people of India for their continuous collaboration and efforts to strengthen bilateral relations, which continue to deliver on the aspirations of both countries. He also noted that the two countries share a historical and ever-growing friendship.

The Ambassador, in a radio interview, indicated that Bahrain appreciates and welcomes India's cooperation in overcoming challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that this interdependent and common threat has created new avenues for global cooperation, as demonstrated by growing coordination with India.

He added that the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the leadership of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and with the support of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has taken proactive measures to combat the spread of the virus, and has extended free of charge testing, treatment and vaccination to both citizens and residents.

He also commended the strides of the Republic of India in containing the spread of the virus, highlighting its efforts in providing the Kingdom of Bahrain with the Covishield vaccine, demonstrating India's pharmaceutical leadership and its commitment to fighting this global pandemic.

He affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain will continue its efforts to safeguard the wellbeing of citizens and residents, including the Indian community, wishing the Republic of India and its people further progress and prosperity.
Albert Einstein once said, Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value. Similarly, in the world of intense competition, every business entity works on certain principles and beliefs which are nothing but the values. Values lay the foundation for sustainability.

Generally, people do a business to earn a profit. Capital is invested to earn returns. However, a person should not focus solely on profitability from business; they should instead equally consider the values of the business.

The main theme of values-based banking (VBB) is to bring the voice of people into finance. Values-based banking is purposively oriented towards the development of a sustainable economy. Values-based banking is characterised by culture and performance.

Human beings are thought to be different from other animals because they are intelligent beings who can think of others. As a human being, we need to think about the protection of the environment as well as the protection of our planet. The principles of VBB are followings:

Triple bottom line (P3: people, planet and prosperity) approach at the heart of the business model Grounded in communities, serving the real economy and enabling new business models to meet the needs of both Long-term relationships with clients and a direct understanding of their economic activities and the risks involved Long-term, self-sustaining, and resilient to outside disruptions Transparent and inclusive governance All of these principles embedded in the culture of the bank

If a citizen does not think about the development of their country and does not contribute to its development, they cannot be considered a responsible citizen. Therefore, the banks also should make policy by keeping the countrys interest in priority and should be able to support in the countrys economic development by investing in the real sector that contributes to the countrys economic development. The banks should join hands with the communities and work for them.

Since banking is a long-term business, we should not think about the short-term benefits only, so it is important to make the long-term benefits and relationships with customers and other stakeholders. Researches reveal that many banks and other businesses have become problematic due to a focus on short-term strategies.

The Institute for Social Banking found in a survey and reviews of the practices of values-based banks that the most mentioned value is transparency. Since the main obligation of banks is to protect the deposits/assets of depositors, there is a need for more transparency in this sector. At present, customers are more confident with banks than in other sectors due to transparency. The Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABVs), an independent network of the worlds leading values-based banks, believes that transparency is the most important driver of change in finance, as it is crucial to informing customer choice.

The banks should adopt all the above principles and develop necessary products, policies and manuals. Thoughts for society should be made a culture of the banks; as a result, this culture should be developed for all employees.

The above data shows that serving the real economy delivers better and more stable financial returns than by the largest banks in the world, the global systemically important banks (GSIBs). Since 2012, the GABV has been publishing research comparing the results of VBBs with the GSIBs.

In total, 55 member banks and seven strategic partners have been associated with the GABP in various countries across Asia, Africa, Australia, Latin America, North America and Europe till the end of April 2019. The NMB bank limited is an only member bank of the GABP from Nepal.

A value-based implementation (VBI) scorecard has been developed to make measurements of values-based banking. The performance in the following sectors measure the VBI:

Financial sustainability Level of support to the real economy Value creation to wider stakeholders

In order to bring good results in these three performance indicators, the bank management should design suitable banking products and policies. The banks goals cannot be achieved without good human resources, so special attention should be paid by the management to develop capable human resources.

The arrangement for monitoring and reporting statement of the VBI should be made at regular intervals. The proactive leaders, an effective organisational structure and management system is essential for the successful implementation of the VBB.

Due to the increasing competition, new risks are evolving in the financial market every day. If the banks fail to manage the risks, it would be a big problem for the economy of the country, and it may lead to the financial crisis.

The VBB sets out to build a stable economy because the banks can perform well in a stable economy. Besides, the VBB is a mission beyond profit to improve the quality of the worlds banking system. This means, in agreeing to be a part of the values-based banking, each bank would be live by the client-centred principle, long-term resilience, transparency, working for the real economy and so on. As such, the VBB brings healthy ecosystems, healthy livelihoods, and healthy human communities enhancing environmental sustainability.
In American Melancholy (Ecco, Feb.), Joyce Carol Oates draws on her storytelling gifts, and her personal grief, to paint an unsettling portrait of America today. These poems explore a deep contradiction inherent in the American psyche, PWs starred review said. Oatess America is physically and psychologically distressed, but it cannot find solace seeking milk, love,/ where theres none.  In an email exchange, the author discussed her first poetry collection in 25 years.

What prompted a new book of verse?

I have continued to write poems, for its in poetry that we feel most intensely and intimately. Poetry is a kind of music. There can be a haunting lyricism that speaks to us beneath the level of consciousness, but there can also be a poetry of droll, startling statements.

Can you talk a bit about the tone of this book, and its implicit and explicit preoccupations?

Exsanguination is a particularly sad poem, I think, expressing the stark bewilderment so many of us have felt over the past four years, that so much idealism has been plundered, and so cheaply, crasslyso, it is a political poem, but also an emotional poem, a parenthesis of a sort. Other poemsDoctor Help Me, Hometown Waiting for You, American Sign Languagesuggest the voices of marginalized Americans.

How would you describe the books arc?

The most exciting challenge for the poet is arranging the material. The first poem is a lyric involving a husband, a hammock, a fleeting sense of mortality; the last two poems in the book are elegies for the husband, who has passed away. So, the overall arc of the bookcharting melancholyis suggested in these bracketing poems.

The sections are divided into like-minded poems, the first focusing upon several notorious instances of scientific misconduct and ending with two poems inspired by famous paintings; the second, short, lyric, personal poems, written during an intense period of grief; the third, more expansive poems ranging over a variety of subjects; the fourth, more philosophical, a poetry of statementHatefugeand an homage to William Carlos Williams, ending with two elegiac poems set in Berkeley, California at the time when my husband Charlie Gross was hospitalized. Themes of loss, injustice, griefindeed, a pervasive American melancholysuffuse these.

What is it like launching American Melancholy at this moment?

Bringing together a book of poems at this point in my life has a valedictory air to it, Im afraid. My late husband Charlie had urged me to collect the poems Id written since knowing himI told him that I had not quite a book yet, I needed to write more poems exploring certain themesbut finally, when I had enough poems to complete a book, it was two poems about him that concluded it.... Such an irony! I find those poems very hard to reread, butthere they are. I think that we discover that, when grief is translated into poetry, or the unspeakable into the speakable, it brings some consolation, for there is a universality in grief that makes us all kin.

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The Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) is building a plan to develop digital human resources for national digital transformation.

The plan Raising awareness, preparing skills and developing human resources for national digital transformation by 2025, with a vision until 2030, calls for training in skills for digital transformation, digital technology, digital services and digital business; and the building of a core force and network of specialists for digital transformation nationwide which will lead, organize and spread the digital transformation process, which will be the key factor that contributes to ensure rapid, effective and sustainable digital transformation, and successful development of digital government, digital economy and digital society.

In addition to the development of the digital transformation network at the national, ministerial and provincial levels, it is necessary to choose, train and offer practice to at least 1,000 specialists in digital transformation for different fields, branches and localities. The specialists, after being trained, will train officers at their agencies and organizations and act as the core force to lead the national digital transformation process.

State agencies, organizations and businesses need to attach importance to providing short-term training courses in digital transformation skills and digital skills to their officers, civil servants and workers.

It is also necessary to build an open online training system so as to organize open training courses in digital transformation skills, and IT application skills to civil servants, workers and people.

Teaching digital skills in education

In order to solve the problem of human resources for digital transformation, especially the development of digital society, it is necessary to teach digital skills in educational establishments at all levels.

It is expected that at least 50 percent of total education establishments from primary to high education levels will organize the teaching of subjects in digital skills, digital technology and organize STEM/STEAM/STEAME education by 2025. The figure will be 90 percent by 2030.

It is expected that at least 50 percent of total education establishments from primary to high education levels will organize the teaching of subjects in digital skills, digital technology and organize STEM/STEAM/STEAME education by 2025. The figure will be 90 percent by 2030.

Vietnam also needs to promote training in digital technology, digital economy and digital society by opening new training majors, increasing the quotas for training engineers, bachelors degree holders and technical workers in digital technology (AI, cloud computing, IoT and Blockchain), digital technology application, digital economy (digital administration, digital business), and digital society (digital communication and digital society management).

Pioneering new movement

Since its launch six months ago, the national digital transformation program built by MIC has created a new digital transformation wave throughout localities, agencies and enterprises. In the process, developing human resources for digital transformation is an urgent and important foundation.

Le Ngoc Han, director of the Quang Ninh Department of Information and Communications, said the provincial authorities have been advised to list the digital transformation training programs among regular, annual training programs for civil servants at ward/commune units and higher levels.

Digital transformation will be one of compulsory modules in the training program applied to officers from hamlet, commune, and ward to district and town levels.

Thai Nguyen province has also decided that developing human resources for digital transformation will be one of the major tasks in the time to come. The province will join forces with institutes, schools, research centers, domestic and foreign partners, and cooperate with Thai Nguyen University to prepare human resources.

Many education establishments consider digital transformation as converting universities into a miniature digital country, where the teaching and assessment methods will change completely and everyone has lifetime study opportunities.

The Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology said it will continue expanding training scale and opening more training majors. In 2020, two new majors were opened, including Control Engineering & Automation (Robotic Orientation) and Fintech. It plans to open Data Engineering and IoT in 2021, and logistics and digital journalism in the near future.

At the national level, one of six issues for cooperation between MIC and the Ministry of Education and Training is joining forces to train, and build outcome standards for digital human resources.

Van Anh

Digital transformation to contribute 25% of HCM City's GRDP by 2025 By 2025, digital transformation will contribute 25% of HCM City's gross regional domestic product (GRDP), said Chairman of HCM City People's Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong.
MOGADISHU: Somalia said on Friday it had lost confidence in Kenyan troops serving in an African Union (AU) peacekeeping force, in the latest sign of worsening relations between the two neighbours.

The friction could strain cooperation in the campaign against the Islamist group al Shabaab in Somalia, where the Kenya Defence Forces provide about 3,600 troops to the AU force.

Last month, Somalia cut diplomatic relations with Kenya after accusing it of meddling in its politics. It recalled its diplomats from Nairobi and ordered Kenyas diplomats to leave Mogadishu.

The government had lost confidence in the KDFs ability to support the effort to stabilize and bring about a long term peace and security, given the overt manner that the government of Kenya has sought to exploit its presence in the country as a pretext to further its national interest," the Somali foreign ministry said.

The KDF cannot both support stability and be an instigator of insecurity in Somalia," a ministry statement added. It did not elaborate.

Kenyas ministry of foreign affairs was not immediately available for comment on the announcement.

In November, Somalia expelled Kenyas ambassador and recalled its own envoy from Nairobi after accusing Nairobi of interfering in the electoral process in Jubbaland, one of Somalias five semi-autonomous states.

On Thursday, Kenyas government spokesman Cyrus Oguna rejected Somali accusations that Nairobi was meddling in Somalias internal affairs.

As a country, we want to state very clearly, that we will not accept to be drawn into internal politics of Somalia," he said in a statement. Allegations by Somalia that Kenya is sponsoring and harbouring militia with the objective of destabilizing Somalia are not based on any merit."

On Monday, at least 11 people were killed after fighting broke out between the Somali federal army and Jubbaland state forces in the Gedo region of southwestern Somalia.

Mogadishu accused Kenya of backing Jubbaland in the fighting, an accusation that Jubbaland denies. Kenyas foreign ministry called for hostilities to cease, warning that the fighting could destabilise the region.

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor


The United States has slammed China for its military activities in the disputed South China Sea and said that recent moves by Beijing reflect a continued attempt of Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) to use force as a tool to intimidate or coerce those operating in international waters and airspace.The US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) in a statement said that the Chinese militarys developments in the past week in the South China Sea at no time posed any threat to American Navy aircraft carrier strike group in the region.

"The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group closely monitored all People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and Air Force (PLAAF) activity, and at no time did they pose a threat to US Navy ships, aircraft, or sailors," the US military's Pacific Command said in a statement.

As per news agency ANI report, INDOPACOM spokesperson, US Navy Captain Mike Kafka said on January 29 that Chinas actions are also the latest example of aggressive and destabilising actions by its military. He said, These actions reflect a continued PLA attempt to use its military as a tool to intimidate or coerce those operating in international waters and airspace, to include their neighbours and those with competing territorial claims. INDOPACOM reportedly said that the US would continue to operate in any area where it is permitted by the international law.

The U.S. has a persistent military presence and routinely operates throughout the Indo-Pacific, including the waters and airspace surrounding the South China Sea and East China Sea, just as we have approached the region for the past 240 years. Our operations are a continued demonstration of our willingness to support a free and open Indo-Pacific for all nations under international law," he added.

Read - China's First Hualong One Nuclear Reactor Begins Operations'

Read - China Frees Tibetan Activist Charged With 'inciting Separatism' After 5 Years

China address military activities

Meanwhile, on being asked about the air force activity by China near the island, Chinese Defence Military spokesperson Wu Qian said that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China. He also touted the military activity near the island as necessary actions to address the current situation in the Taiwan strait and safeguard national security. But, Chinese incursions had coincided with a US carrier battle group entering the disputed South China Sea to promote freedom of seas.

Read - China Executes Former Financial Official Lai Xiaomin In 'especially Enormous' Bribery Case

Read - Will 'no Longer Recognise': China Hits Back At UK Over Visa Scheme For Hongkongers

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A DRUG user caught with nearly 3,000 worth of cannabis in his bedroom was told to hold on to it by dealers and had it for only "a matter of hours" when his home was raided, a court heard.

Michael Doyle (28) had a drug debt and had been told to hold the package "or face the consequences".

Judge Deirdre Gearty gave him a two-month suspended sentence and fined him 150.

Doyle pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to sell or supply at his home at Cherry Orchard Court, Ballyfermot.

Dublin District Court heard gardai carried out a search on November 5, 2018 and found a quantity of cannabis lying on Doyle's bed.

He said it was his bedroom and nobody else had access to it, a garda sergeant said. The drugs were worth 2,934.

The accused made admissions on arrest.

Doyle had started smoking cannabis at the age of 13 before moving on to harder drugs, his solicitor said.

The accused's life "spiralled out of control" when his father died some years ago.

At the time of the offence, he had built up a drug debt of around 900 for his own cannabis and cocaine use and was told to "hold on to the package of drugs or face the consequences", his defence said.

He was told to hold on to the package "for a few hours".

"He only had it for a matter of hours when he was caught," his defence said.

The accused was surrounded by people involved in drugs and they were "more than aware that he has drug issues", so he was very vulnerable.

Doyle had now turned his life around, was working with a manufacturing company and was classed as an essential worker in the pandemic, his defence said.

He was engaged and hoped to marry his fiancee soon.

The solicitor asked Judge Gearty not to send the accused to prison.

The judge suspended the two-month sentence for a year.
Billionaire businessman, Aliko Dangote, has asked a U.S court to clamp a preliminary gag order on his ex-girlfriend, Autumn Spikes, who recently took to the social media to expose their secret affair of nearly 10 years.

Ms Spikes had, on January 1, via her Instagram handle, allarounda1, posted a viral video showing herself and Mr Dangote with part of the buttocks of the African richest man exposed.

Mr Dangote, who recently sued Ms Spikes for allegedly trying to extort $5million from him, hopes to obtain the gag order to stop her from carrying out an alleged threat to expose his private and family life on social media and media talk shows.

He filed the petition for entry of the preliminary injunction, through his U.S.-based lawyers on January 25, five days after he filed the libel suit on January 20.

Wherefore, the plaintiff prays that the court enter order of preliminary injunction and order defendant Autumn Spikes to show cause why she should not be the subject of gag order, Mr Dangotes only prayer in his petition read.

Hearing of petition February 9

PREMIUM TIMES confirmed on Saturday that the Miami-Dade County Court in Florida, U.S, has fixed February 9 for the hearing of the African richest mans petition for entry of the preliminary injunction.

The hearing notice was issued Friday.

Mr Dangotes lawyer, Bruce Fleisher, stated in the petition that defence lawyer, Paul Petruzzi, has not agreed to accept service of process, but this complaint has been provided to him immediately upon filing.

I anticipate an onslaught on social media, talk shows

In the petition, Mr Dangote accused Ms Spikes of making extortive demands of $5million in the form of an alimony.

According to him, there was never a marital relationship between him and Ms Spikes granting her the right to an alimony, which is the money a court orders someone to pay regularly to their former wife or husband after their marriage has ended.

Mr Dangote, who said he anticipates an onslaught of social media, appealed to the court to grant him the protection of a preliminary restraint before evidentiary hearing in his suit.

His court document seen by PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday, read in part, There has never been a marital relationship or dependency relationship between the plaintiff and the defendant.

Nevertheless, the defendant has made extortive demands upon the plaintiff pursuant to Fla. Stat. 836.05 unless he provides her with money or support which he is not obligated to pay pursuant to Fla. Stat. 771.01 et. seq.

The defendant has made a claim tantamount to demand for lump sum alimony of five million Dollars ($5,000,000.00).

Upon knowledge and belief, Autumn Spikes claim is that she will expose the defendants private life and family to talk shows and news media unless he complies with her demands.

The document added, The plaintiff anticipates an onslaught of social media and/or talk show requests with the service of this action.

The protection to which the plaintiff is entitled is a preliminary restraint before evidentiary hearing.

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The Suit

PREMIUM TIMES had exclusively reported how the Nigerian wealthy man, using a pseudonym, John Doe, as a cover from public attention, sued Ms Spikes whom she accused of trying to extort $5million as a condition to keep their private affairs off the public space.

He contended, in his court document, that his business acumen has made him a target for coercion by the defendant, adding that Ms Spikes demanded meritless claims of $5 million in the nature of palimony to which she is not legally entitled.

Palimony is an amount of money a law court orders someone to pay regularly to a former partner whom they were living with but were not married to, but Mr Dangote also states at another point in the suit that the demand was in the nature of an alimony.

Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) after break-up

Mr Dangote, who is seeking damages in excess of $3,000 against Ms Spikes, had instituted the suit following a disagreement between them over the terms of a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) they were to enter into after their recent break-up.

An email exchange between Mr Dangotes lawyer, Mr Bruce Fleisher, and Ms Spikes, Paul Petruzzi, on January 13, provides an insight into the ramification surrounding the NDA.

The email exchange was filed as an exhibit in Mr Dangotes suit.

Mr Dangotes lawyer had, in the email, demanded to know the basis of Ms Spikes demand of $5million.

In his reply the same day, Mr Petruzzi, Ms Spikes lawyer, stated that the money was for the NDA proposed by Mr Dangote.

Mr Petruzzi described the affair between his client and Mr Dangote as an ongoing intimate relationship for nearly the entire past decade since she was pretty young.

He said the relationship was quite involved and pretty interesting but the African billionaire decided to break it off for whatever reason as soon as one of his other conquests broke her silence.

He added, Your client now wants my client to sign an NDA and, through his representatives, offered her money to do so.

While I appreciate your clients desire to continue to exercise his control over mine, she will only agree to the NDA proposed by your client in exchange for the lump sum of 5 million dollars.

Ms Spikes speaks

PREMIUM TIMES had reported how Ms Spikes in an Instagram post, said Mr Dangote insultingly offered her $15,000 and another $2,500 monthly for the NDA.

Ms Spikes claimed she rejected the monetary offers but noted she said she was pressured and influenced to sign the NDA.

The lady, who said she had yet to be served Mr Dangotes suit, denied threatening to expose her private affairs with Mr Dangote to the public.

She added that the businessman had no admissible evidence to prove she made such threats, expressing confidence that the suit would be dismissed by the court.

PREMIUM TIMES also reported how the court gave Ms Spikes 20 days from the day she is served with the suit to file her response.

This newspaper confirmed that Ms Spikes legal team has not filed any response to any of the documents filed by Mr Dangote as of Saturday.


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Johnson & Johnsons long-awaited vaccine appears to protect against COVID-19 with just one shot  not as strong as some two-shot rivals but still potentially helpful for a world in dire need of more doses.

J&J said Friday that in the U.S. and seven other countries, the single-shot vaccine was 66% effective overall at preventing moderate to severe illness, and much more protective  85%  against the most serious symptoms.

There was some geographic variation. The vaccine worked better in the U.S.  72% effective against moderate to severe COVID-19  compared to 57% in South Africa, where it was up against an easier-to-spread mutated virus.

Gambling on one dose was certainly worthwhile, Dr. Mathai Mammen, global research chief for J&Js Janssen Pharmaceutical unit, told The Associated Press.

With vaccinations off to a rocky start globally, experts had been counting on a one-dose vaccine that would stretch scarce supplies and avoid the logistics nightmare of getting people to return for boosters.

Vaccine Tracker: How many Texans are vaccinated? Check our interactive map.

But with some other competing vaccines shown to be 95% effective after two doses, at question is whether somewhat less protection is an acceptable tradeoff to get more shots in arms quickly.

Frankly, simple is beautiful, said Dr. Matt Hepburn of Operation Warp Speed, the U.S. government's vaccine initiative.

The company said within a week, it will file an application for emergency use in the U.S., and then abroad. It expects to supply 100 million doses to the U.S. by June  and a billion doses globally by the end of the year. J&J wouldn't say exactly how much could be ready to ship as soon as U.S. authorities give the green light.

These are preliminary findings from a study of 44,000 volunteers that isnt completed yet. Researchers tracked illnesses starting 28 days after vaccination  about the time when, if participants were getting a two-dose variety instead, they would have needed another shot.

After day 28, no one who got vaccinated needed hospitalization or died regardless of whether they were exposed to regular COVID or these particularly nasty variants, Mammen said. When the vaccinated did become infected, they had a milder illness.

Defeating the scourge that has killed more than 2 million people worldwide will require vaccinating billions, and the shots being rolled out in different countries so far all require two doses a few weeks apart for full protection. Early data is mixed on exactly how well all the different kinds work, but shots made by Pfizer and Moderna appear to be about 95% protective after the second dose.

That makes for a dilemma: Wouldn't people given a choice want a vaccine found to offer much more protection?

J&J's Mammen said direct comparisons are difficult because the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines weren't tested when the pandemic was so severe, with record levels of hospitalizations and deaths plus mutant versions of the virus sweeping some countries.

On HoustonChronicle.com: 'Nobody is getting enough': Why Texas ranks near the bottom for COVID-19 vaccines per capita

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease official, called that a messaging challenge  because the priority is to protect people from hospitalization and death, which J&J's vaccine appears to do. Especially in places where it's hard to get people to return for their second dose, the one-dose version could play a key role.

Maybe more important is a wake-up call from the study that mutating viruses can challenge vaccines. And the best way to prevent more mutations is by vaccinating as many people as you possibly can, Fauci said.

All COVID-19 vaccines train the body to recognize the new coronavirus, usually by spotting the spikey protein that coats it. But theyre made in very different ways.

J&Js shot uses a cold virus like a Trojan horse to carry the spike gene into the body, where cells make harmless copies of the protein to prime the immune system in case the real virus comes along. It's the same technology the company used in making a successful Ebola vaccine.

Rival AstraZeneca makes a similar cold virus vaccine that requires two doses. Both the AstraZeneca and J&J vaccines can be stored in a refrigerator, making them easier to ship and to use in developing countries than the frozen kind made by Pfizer and Moderna.

Its not clear exactly how well the AstraZeneca version, being used in Britain and several other countries, works. Tests in Britain, South Africa and Brazil suggested two doses are about 70% effective although there are questions about how much protection older adults get. An ongoing U.S. study may provide more information.

J&J said its vaccine works consistently in a broad range of people: A third of participants were over age 60, and more than 40% had other illnesses putting them at risk of severe COVID-19, including obesity, diabetes and HIV.

COVID Help Desk: Answering your questions on double masking, vaccine registry and more

J&J said the vaccine is safe, with reactions similar to other COVID-19 shots such as fever that occur when the immune system is revved up.

While it released few details, the company said there were no serious allergic reactions. But occasionally other COVID-19 vaccines trigger such reactions, which can be reversed if promptly treated  and authorities have warned people to be on the lookout regardless of which type of vaccine is used.

J&J had hedged its bets with a study of a two-dose version of its vaccine, which is still underway.

Friday's interim results come on the heels of another vaccine in final testing. Novavax reported this week that its vaccine appears 89% effective in a U.K. study and that it also seems to work  though not as well  against new mutated versions of the virus circulating in Britain and South Africa. A larger study in the U.S. and Mexico is still enrolling volunteers.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
COVID-19 is a common challenged faced by all mankind, and only solidarity and cooperation can defeat it.

The international society is looking forward to an early control of the virus in the U.S., as U.S. President Joe Biden recently unveiled the country's national strategy to cope with the pandemic and signed executive orders to mobilize resources and curb the COVID-19 spread.

The world is also expecting the new administration of the U.S. to enhance solidarity and cooperation with the rest of the world, so as to jointly safeguard global public health security.

The Trump administration shocked the world for its COVID-19 response. It attacked and withdrew from the World Health Organization (WHO) at a critical moment and undermined global health governance system, played political and stigmatizing games by slandering other countries and shifting responsibilities, and forcefully occupied anti-pandemic materials and fanned up the so-called "decoupling" in the name of the pandemic, which seriously threatened the security of global industrial and supply chains.

All these wrongdoing damaged global solidarity and triggered broad criticism. Stephen Walt, professor of international affair with Harvard University once criticized the Trump administration for its "belated, self-centered, haphazard, and tone-deaf response" that ended up costing Americans trillions of dollars and thousands of otherwise preventable deaths. What the administration did also "tarnished the United States reputation as a country," he said.

The U.S. is going through the darkest hours since the pandemic broke out. Around 70,000 Americans lost their lives because of COVID-19 last December alone. The New York Times recently reported that during some weeks this month, the average deaths per day exceeded 3,300, more than the number of people killed in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The U.S. holds around 4 percent of the world's population, but its COVID-19 infections and deaths make up 25 percent and 20 percent of the world's total, respectively. Facing such a fatal crisis, the Americans hope the new administration can turn the table around and enhance cooperation with other countries, so as to play the due role of the country in safeguarding the health of mankind.

As the world's largest two economies, China-U.S. cooperation in fighting COVID-19 conforms to the interests of the two peoples, and is also a common aspiration of the international society.

In the past, the cooperation between the two countries had made positive contribution to coping with global challenges. After the international financial crisis broke out in 2008, the coordination between them was believed to be a key factor stabilizing the global market. In 2014, when Ebola virus emerged in west Africa, the two countries actively responded as major countries and made important contribution to an early control of the epidemic.

Today, COVID-19 is posing huge challenges to people's health and lives, and the cooperation between China and the U.S. is what the world hopes to see as it can boost the confidence of the global community in winning the fight.

Former U.S. Under Secretary of State Robert Hormats believes the U.S. administration's initiative on COVID-19 should include cooperation with China. The cooperation between the two countries' researchers and scientists on development and production of therapeutic treatments and a vaccine for COVID-19 not only conforms to the interests of the U.S., but also can save lives for other countries, he said.

China has always upheld the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind and been committed to promoting global solidarity and cooperation in fighting the pandemic. China supports its cooperation with the U.S. and offered abundant anti-pandemic materials to the latter. It also facilitated the non-governmental cooperation between the two countries to defeat the virus. Between March 1 last year and Jan. 10 this year, China offered, through exportation or donation, more than 42 billion masks, 900 million pairs of surgical gloves, 780 million protective suits, 50.66 million pairs of goggles and nearly 16,000 respirators to the U.S. Sister provinces and cities, friendly societies, non-government organizations and enterprises also donated massive medical materials to the U.S.

China welcomes the Biden administration's decision to halt U.S. withdrawal from the WHO, and has reiterated that it is willing to enhance anti-pandemic cooperation with the U.S. and other countries. The country always believes that only by cooperation can mankind's health be safeguarded, and the victory of the global fight against COVID-19 cannot be achieved until the virus is eliminated in the last country.

As the Chinese saying goes, a wise man changes as time and event change. Facing global challenges, major countries should uphold the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, and demonstrate their due wisdom and responsibilities.

China is willing to enhance anti-pandemic cooperation with other countries, including the U.S., and offer assistance and support for the U.S. in fighting the pandemic within its capacity. If the U.S. can pick up its cooperation spirit and meet China halfway, it would be conducive to not only enhancing the wellbeing of the two peoples, but also strengthening the global health governance system, which will finally help the world walk out of the shadow of COVID-19 as early as possible.

(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People's Daily to express its views on foreign policy.)





This scanning electron microscope image shows SARS-CoV-2 (round blue objects), also known as novel coronavirus, emerging from the surface of cells cultured in the lab, isolated from a patient in the United States. (NIAID-RML/Handout via Reuters)

CCP Virus Variant From South Africa Confirmed in Maryland: Authorities

The B.1.351 variant from South Africa of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus has emerged in a Maryland resident, Gov. Larry Hogan confirmed on Jan. 30.

State health officials confirmed the variants existence in Maryland after consulting with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The case involves an adult residing in the Baltimore metropolitan area who hasnt traveled outside the country; officials are tracing his potential contacts to test and/or quarantine.

While the virus strain appears to be more transmissible than other variants, it hasnt been shown to cause more severity in the illness or risk of death.

State health officials are closely monitoring the B.1.351 variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the state, Hogan said in a statement. We strongly encourage Marylanders to practice extra caution to limit the additional risk of transmission associated with this variant. Please continue to practice standard public health and safety measures, including mask wearing, regular hand washing, and physical distancing.

Chen Cao (C) receives the first dose of a trial COVID-19 vaccine as administrator Dr. Philip Robinson (L) observes at Hoag Memorial Hospital in Newport Beach, Calif., on Oct. 21, 2020. (Courtesy of Hoag Memorial Hospital)

Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and Novavax all have said their vaccines havent been as effective against the B.1.351 strain.

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center said in a Jan. 13 statement that its scientists had also detected a new variant. The scientists say this variant carries a mutation identical to the UK strain, but that it plausibly came into existence from a genus already in existence in the United States.

Additionally, the document asserts that three mutations were found together for the first time in another SARS-CoV-2 strain that evolved in the United States.

This new Columbus strain has the same genetic backbone as earlier cases weve studied, but these three mutations represent a significant evolution, said Dr. Dan Jones, vice chair of the hospitals division of molecular pathology, who led the study. We know this shift didnt come from the UK or South African branches of the virus.

These mutations, the study indicates, likely make the virus more transmissible from human to human.

Another researcher involved in the study presented a concerning problem: the vaccines and current therapeutic approaches efficacy on the new variants.

The big question is whether these mutations will render vaccines and current therapeutic approaches less effective, said Peter Mohler, a co-author of the study. At this point, we have no data to believe that these mutations will have any impact on the effectiveness of vaccines now in use.
Alabama could move closer to having a state lottery in 2021.

A state representative from Birmingham pre-filed a lottery bill.

Democrat Rep. John Rogers bill would set the Alabama lottery to fund both education and general fund projects.

The proposal would split the money three ways, with 40% going to the education budget, another 40% to the general fund budget and the final 20% would be set aside for the corrections department.

A Republican state senator from East Alabama has also said he'll introduce a lottery bill in the session that starts on Feb. 2.

You can read the pre-filed bill below:
A dog who lost part of her nose due to abuse at the hands of Chinese meat traders underwent life-changing facial reconstruction surgery after her owner crowdfunded 4,500 for treatment.

The Belgian shepherd, called Angel, was rescued in 2015 from Changchun, China, when activists seized a truckload of dogs destined for the slaughterhouse.

The six-year-old dog had emergency surgery in Beijing before the Rushton Dog Rescue flew her to England for adoption.

Hollie Cornes, 25, from Witney, Oxfordshire, who is now Angel's owner, later launched a GoFundMe campaign to pay for the pooch's facial reconstructive surgery which has largely been funded by the dog's 30,000 Instagram followers.

The Belgian shepherd, called Angel (pictured before surgery), was rescued in 2015 from Changchun, China, when activists seized a truckload of canines destined for the slaughterhouse

Owner Hollie Cornes said the procedure involved reconstructing Angel's face so her previously-exposed mouth is now protected and the hole she breathes through was made larger. Pictured: Before surgery (left) and after surgery (right)

Hollie said the rescuers attributed the pooch's 'horrific' facial injuries to the metal tools used by dog catchers to seize hold of pets and haul them unwillingly over walls.

Angel had largely learnt to cope with her injuries but the skin around her nose would frequently bleed and she often struggled to breathe.

Hollie, who set up an Instagram page for Angel which now boasts more than 30,000 followers, decided to contact world-renowned vet specialists Fitzpatrick Referrals to see if they could help.

She was told she would need to fork out 2,500 to fund a CT scan to diagnose the severity of Angel's ailments.

Hollie Cornes, from Witney, Oxfordshire, who is now Angel's owner, has since launched a GoFundMe campaign to pay for the pooch's facial reconstructive surgery (pictured before surgery)

Angel (pictured left and right before surgery) had largely learnt to cope with her injuries but the skin around her nose would frequently bleed and she often struggled to breathe

But the sum was paid by one of Angel's generous social media followers and the results revealed her 'nose' was sealed with scar tissue and she only had a 2mm hole to breathe through.

Hollie, who describes Angel as the 'sweetest dog she's ever come across', then decided to launch a GoFundMe campaign to pay for the pooch's facial reconstructive surgery.

Hollie, who set the target at 4,500, said: 'We raised the money really quickly, which I never expected.

'Without the fundraising and her support system it wouldn't have been an option...

Hollie, who described Angel (pictured before surgery) as the 'sweetest dog she's ever come across', set up an Instagram page for Angel which now boasts more than 30,000 followers

The GoFundMe page hit the target in just four days and Angel underwent surgery (pictured) the following week

'She's got so many people that love and care about her [on social media] - it was only because of that that I thought it would be possible to raise that amount of money.

'We were told her initial CT scan would be 2,500 and one lady on Instagram sent the money straight away - which was incredible.

'I personally think this surgery has been life-changing for her.

'I didn't want to put her through any more stress and surgery - none of this was for aesthetic reasons, I loved the way she looked before - it was purely based on her quality of life.'

Hollie said that the injuries Angel had sustained whilst she was around two years old in China meant that she would hear her wake up in the night struggling to breathe.

She contacted oncology and soft tissue experts at Christmas time and a CT scan was booked for January 4 which revealed that extent of the internal damage.

Hollie said she wanted Angel (pictured after surgery) to have the operation to improve her quality of life rather than for aesthetic reasons

Hollie said: 'From looking at pictures of her she's got half a nose, which I always assumed was the side that she could breathe through because aesthetically that looks like the normal side.

'They found that behind her nose was completely sealed over with scar tissue, so she wasn't breathing through that side of the nose at all, but a 2mm hole the other side.

'As soon as we found out she was breathing through that tiny hole - it [surgery] was a no brainer.

Angel's timeline 2015: Angel's rescued from the dog meat trade in China and has surgery in Beijing February 2016: Angel arrives in UK with Rushton Dog Rescue and adopted by Hollie Christmas 2020: Sent inquiry to Fitzpatrick Referrals in Guildford 4th January 2021: Angel's CT scan 8th January 2021: GoFundMe fundraiser started 12th January 2021: Angel's surgery Advertisement

'Even if we can make that hole a little bigger so she can breathe easier it's going to improve her quality of her life.'

The GoFundMe page hit the target in just four days and Angel underwent surgery the following week.

The military dog handler said the procedure involved reconstructing Angel's face so her previously-exposed mouth is now protected and the hole she breathes through was made larger.

Angel had a tough start in life as she was rescued from the dog meat trade and Hollie said she appeared in a video of dogs being transported to a slaughterhouse that went viral.

Hollie said: 'It just so happened that they'd [Rushton Dog Rescue] rescued this breed that I'd always wanted, I came across her and thought it was fate - I had to re-home this dog.

'I read more and looked at her pictures from before she was first rescued, and I suppose I wanted to bring this dog home even more to give her the life she'd never had.

'She ran straight up to us across the field, we bought our other dog with us and they got on straight away - as soon as I saw her I knew I had to take her home with me.

'She's the sweetest dog that I've ever come across - and I come across different dogs every day.'
A scenic stretch of the iconic Highway 1 in California has crumbled into the ocean after storms drenched the Golden State earlier this week.

The collapse was discovered on Thursday afternoon around 15 miles south of Big Sur.

It is unclear how long it will take to fix the road, but repairs will cost millions, officials at the California transport department (Caltrans) said.

Caltrans later published drone footage which showed a missing section of road at least 20m wide.

Our crews are on site securing it, assessing damage & starting clean-up/ repairs, the department tweeted on Friday.

Known as a slip out, such collapses are triggered when soil on either side of the road becomes so saturated it cannot be held in place.

There was 15 inches of rainfall in the region this week, causing mudslides that damaged dozens of structures in the local area.

Winds of up to 120mph swept through parts of California near Lake Tahoe when the storms there peaked earlier this week. The capital city of Sacramento was still grappling with power outages and downed trees on Thursday.

The National Weather Service had issued winter storm warnings for mountainous areas in Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, and flood advisories for much of the agricultural Central Valley.

In Monterey County along the Central Coast, several debris flows forced evacuations earlier this week, heightening concerns that last year's fires could be followed by dangerous mudslides.

The 2020 fire season was one of the worst on record in the most populous US state, burning 4.3 million acres and killing 33 people.

Mudslides often follow fire, because without the roots of living trees holding the soil in place, heavy rains can cause part of a hillside to break away.

Additional reporting by AP
Australia's Covid inoculation rollout has been thrown into disarray after the European Union announced a ban on coronavirus vaccines leaving the continent.

The shock move means Australia might be waiting some time for 80,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine on order from Belgium which were set to arrive in the next few weeks.

Under the new rules announced overnight, the European Commission will stop or slow the rate of vaccine exports to shore up about 450 million doses for citizens living in the EU's 27 member states.

The first round of Covid-19 vaccinations will be administered from 11 New South Wales hospitals from the end of February. Pictured: A woman receives a Covid vaccine in Finland

The first round of vaccines will go to healthcare, aged care and quarantine workers as well as those living in aged care and nursing homes. Pictured: Staff at Liverpool Hospital

It comes after the EU accused the UK of 'hijacking' 100 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured in Belgium and The Netherlands before it was available to European citizens.

Vaccine manufacturers will now have to gain approval before exporting batches from the Continent after politicians from member states raised concerns.

Dozens of countries outside the EU were exempt from the new controls but the UK and Australia were not.

Australia had arranged 3.8 million doses of AstraZeneca Oxford vaccine, produced in Belgium, but that figure has now been slashed to 1.2 million with growing uncertainty around the time frame of delivery.

10 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine have also been secured by Australia and are scheduled to arrive before the end of the year.

The first round of Covid-19 vaccinations in Australia is planned to be administered from the end of February with quarantine workers and aged care residents set to be among the first to get the Pfizer jab.

The EU's health commissioner, Stella Kyriakides, (left) said today that vaccine export controls are not targeting any specific country, while Ursula von der Leyen, (right) the German president of the European Commission, said the EU's deal with the pharmaceutical giant is 'crystal clear'

According to the Department of Health the AstraZeneca vaccine is also 'on track' to roll out shortly after in March - despite German scientists warning it shouldn't be given to patients over 65 - a claim disputed by UK medical authorities.

It remains uncertain what effect the new EU restrictions will have on the rollout.

Who gets Phase 1a vaccine first? Quarantine and border workers - 70,000 doses Frontline health care staff - 100,000 doses Aged care and disability care workers - 318,000 doses Aged care and disability care residents - 190,000 doses Total initial doses of the Pfizer vaccine: 678,000 Advertisement

Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Health Minister Greg Hunt made frantic attempts to lobby the EU for an exemption to the export ban which was granted to countries such as Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, Tunisia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Israel, Moldova, Ukraine, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland and the Vatican City.

But their efforts were rebuffed.

'We understand that the whole world has to deal with supply shortages,' Mr Hunt said.

'But the Foreign Minister has confirmed that Australia will be making representations through the World Health Organisation, and through Europe, with regards to ensuring vaccine supplies and certainty for Australia.'

The EU's dramatic announcement follows a slowdown in vaccine production in recent weeks after manufacturing issues with both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca compounds.

As a result vaccination rates slowed across the EU - and in some countries they were brought to a screeching halt.

Pfizer had to cease operation at its factory in Belgium in order to make adjustments so it can increase its production capacity to 2 billion doses by the end of the year.

Meanwhile AstraZeneca has faced legal threats from various nations after flagging the proposed 80 million doses scheduled to ready for the EU in the first quarter will likely be cut to about 31 million.

Complications have arisen in growing the virus which has to be done inside human kidney cells in bioreactors.

The highly sensitive process can easily be disrupted by variations in temperature and oxygen levels.

Australian biomedical giant CSL has also encountered the same issues - as they prepare to start producing 50 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine in Melbourne.

'Vaccine manufacture is highly complex, and it is not unusual to experience variations in yield levels in the initial product manufacturing runs  particularly for a new vaccine,' CSL said in a statement.

'In close consultations with AstraZeneca, we have leveraged our deep expertise in vaccine development and recombinant drug manufacture to optimise the AZD1222 manufacturing process and achieve higher yields for each batch.'

The company hopes to have doses ready for use across Australia by March.

A nurse prepares to administer a dose of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine in Wales on January 4, 2021

Kang Min Ah shared some of the friendship goals she experienced with the 'True Beauty' cast members.

In a recent magazine photoshoot and interview with Star1, promising actress Kang Min Ah shared her humble and colorful experiences working with some of the rising actors in the Korean showbiz.

Known as the bubbly and adorable Choi Soo Ah in the hit romantic-comedy series "True Beauty," she brightened up the atmosphere with her undeniable charms and even aced the pictorial with her exquisite style and visuals.

The 23-year-old actress started sharing about her character in "True Beauty." According to her, she is thirty percent synchronized with the role as Choi Soo Ah. She revealed, "He (director) wished Choi Soo Ah would be portrayed as a cute and lively character. And because of that, I was able to become the cutest student of Saebom High School."

Besides telling about her previous role, she also expressed her unforgettable and fun experience being part of the show. She was able to work with a lot of good and talented people.

Kang Min Ah also mentioned having interactive and comfortable filming with her co-stars Moon Ga Young, Cha Eun Woo, Hwang In Yeop, Park Yoo Na, and more. Most of the cast are in the same age of early twenties.

She also revealed that before filming, the director wanted them to have a little fun time to get to know each other, so that it will be easier for them to have a friendly and comfortable relationship during shooting.

She shared, "Our director makes sure to give us (actors) time and place to get close to each other before the camera starts rolling. We always found the same things funny, and share the same humors. Because of that, we were able to build a good relationship with each other and turned into a genuine friendship."

Kang Min Ah added, "I am happy that I made a lot of good memories with the actors while filming the school trip scenes in our drama 'True Beauty'."

Before the interview ended, the "True Beauty" actress said, "I wish that things will get better soon so that I can finally meet my fans up close and have a friendly conversation with them, and talk about a lot of things with them."

Kang Min Ah is All Set for Her Next Drama Project!

Now that the drama is coming to an end, the actress already has an upcoming project. Previously, it has been confirmed that Kang Min Ah will star in another webtoon-turned-drama "Seen from a Distance, Green Spring" alongside Park Ji Hoon and "Crash Landing on You" actor Lee Shin Young.

Prior to "True Beauty," Kang Min Ah already appeared in various dramas such as "Cheer Up!" (2015), "Bring it on, Ghost" (2016), "The Time" (2018), "Memorist" (2020), and more.

Are you excited to see Kang Min Ah in a new drama? Sound off the comments section below!

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at Kdramastars.

Kdramastars owns this article.

Written by Shai Collins
NEW DELHI : A day after a blast outside its Embassy here, Israel's ambassador to India Ron Malka said there are enough reasons to believe it was a terrorist attack but they are not surprised at the event as the alert level had been increased for past few weeks following intelligence inputs.

In an interview with PTI, he also said the investigations will look into all possible angles, including whether there are any links to the 2012 attack on Israeli diplomats here while events around the world are also being examined to find any related operations or activities at any destination.

"These attacks by those seeking destablisation in the (West Asia) region cannot stop us or scare us. Our peace efforts will continue uninterrupted," he said when asked whether the attack was aimed at derailing Israel's peace efforts with various Arab countries.

He said Israeli authorities and the embassy are providing all assistance and every information Indian authorities probing the attack.

A low-intensity improvised explosive device(IED) went off near the Israeli Embassy in the heart of Delhi on Friday evening but no one was injured.

Some cars were damaged in the blast that occurred about 150 metres away from the Embassy in Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road in the very high-security Lutyens' bungalow zone.

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This week saw quite a bizarre story unfold involving GameStop, an American video game retailer, Reddit and some of America's largest hedge funds. Redditors took notice of the fact that these hedge funds, like Melvin Capital, took a short position on GameStop and were driving the price down before snapping into collective action to beat these firms at their own game.

While the situation is sure to leave lasting scars in the financial market, it reflects a serious class grievance not to be erased anytime soon.

Average people feel constantly cheated by Wall Street investors who profit from other people's suffering, which has tangible consequences that hedge fund managers are divorced from.

The fact that GameStop, a video game retailer that many in the millennial generation fondly remember as a place they bought games as a kid, was targeted by short sellers is a symbol for these Redditors of the depravity of Wall Street.

In a nutshell, short selling means that an investor borrows a share to sell at a high price to then buy back at a lower price and return that share to the original owner while pocketing the difference for a profit. However, the fact that a trader is obligated to buy the stock back for whatever the going price is means the potential for loss is unpredictable and theoretically without limit.

When the Redditors at r/WallStreetBets found out that this beloved company was being shorted, meaning that an individual investor or firm is betting on GameStop's shares (GME) to fall in value, they bought as much of the stock as possible in order to force these companies to buy back stocks at exponentially higher prices than they initially sold them for.

They were wildly successful in their strategy, successfully pushing Melvin Capital, a multi-billion dollar hedge fund, out of its short position and potentially driving it into bankruptcy. Other firms took huge hits and the losses to short sellers on GME are estimated in the billions of dollars so far.

In the end, however, everyone is bound to lose out at the end of the GME rally. Some of Wall Street's largest hedge funds and investors took massive hits, overall confidence in the market may be shaken and even Redditors who are currently sitting on overvalued GME will eventually get burned.

After all, an inflated stock price will not make GameStop or its business model profitable overnight, given the one-two punch of the COVID-19 pandemic and the fact that brick and mortar retailers have long been shut out from online competition.

What the debacle shows more than anything is deeply entrenched class antagonism. There are already jokes circulating that Redditors turned "Occupy Wall Street" into "Infiltrate Wall Street," utilizing a strategy that was both "stupid and effective."

Seeing chatter from some of these day traders on Reddit, including one I talked to who bet their life savings on GME this week, the general consensus is that they don't care what happens to their investment in the long run because, to them, sticking it to elite investors is reward enough.

Mainstream media outlets are already painting this situation along political lines that simply don't fit; for example, CNN's Chris Cillizza wrote a column that blames the GME rally on Trumpism.

Cillizza points out that Redditors obviously don't believe GameStop is a competitive company and are only sticking it to investors, which is true, but adds that the situation "has its roots in Trumpism" because "the entire notion of Trump's candidacy and presidency was to stick it to the elites."

Painting class grievance as a uniquely Trumpian phenomenon is obviously not true and lacks serious nuance, which is the exact kind of smug thinking that allowed Donald Trump to cruise to the White House during the 2016 presidential election in the first place.

If media elites would like to avoid a similar situation down the road, as it appears they do, then they had better wise up to this fact. Cillizza would also do well to recognize the fact that Reddit's GME stock rally is being universally praised on all sides of the political spectrum, at least among younger generations.

To Cillizza's credit, he is definitely right that sticking it to the elites might "feel good in the moment," but ultimately will lead nowhere. However, this is the situation society faces  and there are already similar situations emerging  when there are no serious ways to redistribute wealth during a time of historic inequality and sheer uncertainty.

Recall that we are currently in the midst of a pandemic that is putting tens of millions of Americans into precarious situations such as possible eviction, food insecurity, lack of health insurance and joblessness.

The author Bradley Blankenship is a Prague-based American journalist, political analyst and freelance reporter. (CGTN)
Chandigarh, Jan 30 : A day after violence by a group of miscreants at Singhu on Delhi-Haryana border, British Labour Party MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi on Saturday warned that "if people in power abuse peaceful protesters, it'll merely make their movement stronger".

"Shocked to see mobs and police trying to intimidate and clear Delhi farmers' protest, after stopping their water, electricity and Internet," Dhesi tweeted.

He added, "Violence can't be condoned, but if people in power abuse peaceful protesters, it'll merely make their movement stronger." Earlier, Punjab-origin politician Dhesi had sent a letter, signed by over 100 MPs and Lords, to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the ongoing farmers' protests, asking him to raise this matter with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi when they next liaise.

After a clash broke out between protesting farmers and residents of nearby villages at Singhu border on Friday afternoon, the area in the vicinity was turned into a police cantonment as extra police force were immediately deployed to control the situation.

Following the stone-pelting incident, Delhi Police barricaded the area and barred entry towards the protest site. However, scores of people claiming to be local residents, most of them holding lathis (sticks) were still present there and they were seen shouting slogans against protesting farmers.

Many of them who claimed to be the residents of the nearby village spoke to IANS and alleged that the farmers had insulted the national flag during tractor rally on January 26 and their constant presence in the area for over two months has caused trouble for the locals.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
The TMC, which has been facing dissent from a number of leaders ahead of the Assembly election due in April or May this year, said that those who are quitting 'don't have a long political history'

Kolkata/New Delhi: Former West Bengal minister Rajib Banerjee, who recently quit the Trinamool Congress, joined the BJP in Delhi on Saturday along with a few other leaders of the state's ruling party, after meeting senior BJP leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Banerjee and MLAs Prabir Ghosal and Baishali Dalmiya, who was recently expelled from the TMC, and former Howrah Mayor Rathin Chakraborty, flew to the national capital on a special plane, and met central BJP leaders.

"They have joined the BJP," party general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya told PTI following the meeting.

Former TMC MLA Parthasarathi Chattopadhyay and actor Rudranil Ghosh had also accompanied them on their visit to meet BJP leaders in the national capital.

BJP national vice-president Mukul Roy and Vijayvargiya arrived in Delhi with them.

The TMC, which has been facing dissent from a number of leaders ahead of the assembly election due in April-May, said that those who are leaving do not have long political history.

Earlier in the day, Banerjee said he had a word with Union Home Minister Amit Shah who called him to the national capital.

"After I resigned from the TMC, I received a call from the BJP leadership.... Amit Shah ji told me to come over to Delhi. He also requested me to pass on the information to five other important public figures who wanted to serve people in a better way to accompany me.

"If I get an assurance on the state's development, if I get an assurance that I can work for the betterment of people, I will join the BJP," he told reporters at the Kolkata airport.

When asked what role does he expect to play in the BJP, Banerjee said it is for the party to decide.

"I want to work for the people. So whatever role is assigned to me, I will accept," he said. Instead of mudslinging at each other, the Centre and the West Bengal government should work together for the people of the state.

Actor Rudranil Ghosh, who has recently been voicing his discontent over the issue of governance in Bengal and alleged corruption in the distribution of monetary compensation to Cyclone Amphan-affected people last year, said he wants to work for people and play an important role in the state in future.

Uttarpara MLA Prabir Ghosal, who recently alleged that repair of a road in his constituency was not being allowed by a faction of the party to harm his poll prospects, told reporters that he would join the BJP.

According to BJP sources, these TMC leaders were supposed to join the saffron party during Union Home Minister Amit Shah's rally at Dumurjula in Howrah on Sunday. However, Shah's two-day visit to West Bengal was cancelled at the last minute.

The ruling TMC in West Bengal was rocked by a fresh bout of desertions on Friday with Banerjee quitting the party and several other leaders rallying behind him.

Reacting to the development, senior TMC MP and party spokesperson Sougata Ray said, "Those who left don't have a long political history and most of them were inducted into the party by (Chief Minister and party supremo) Mamata Banerjee. In future, the TMC will be careful."

Another senior TMC leader and minister Subrata Mukherjee said, "What can we do if anyone wants to go? Ours is a big party. We cannot prevent dissenters by deploying military."
Weikfield Foods Private Limited, famous for its Custard Powder & Pasta; unveiled its first-ever brand campaign today, in a bid to revitalize & strengthen its brand equity. After a successful operation for over six decades, the company had announced a refreshed brand identity a few months ago. In keeping with its ambitious plans of aggressive growth, the company is now unveiling this new brand campaign that encourages its consumers to celebrate the little moments of life and tries to establish Weikfield as a partner to enliven these moments.

The campaign which has been conceived & executed by GREY & Autumn GREY includes two commercials; one for Custard and another for Pasta. They focus on spontaneous little moments between a family. These moments are then made more cheerful and memorable with Weikfield products that have delighted millions of consumers for years. Heart-warming, real and relatable, the TVCs try to strike an emotional chord with the consumers.

We have been adding joy to our consumers lives in India and abroad since 1956, said Mr. D S Sachdeva, Chief Executive Officer at Weikfield. However, many of our products are typically used in special occasions or during seasons like summer months e.g. Custard. And we want to increase the frequency of consumption. So, what better way than associating the brand with everyday celebration. It is also a message of positivity in these times of stress  in line with what we have been doing for years in our consumers life. This campaign is a message to consumers that when they chance upon celebratory little moments of life, they should celebrate the same and live them to the fullest.

Vivek Bhambhani, Group Creative Director, GREY & Autumn GREY said, With our hectic daily routine, we often get stressed out, worked up, and pretty exhausted. One way out is to cherish the little moments of life that we experience with our friends and family. In doing so, we not only bring alive those moments but learn to relish similar moments that come our way. A thought that weve tried capturing with the sweet moments in these films

Ayan Banik, Vice President, Planning, GREY & Autumn GREY said, While we normally focus on celebrating the bigger milestones in our lives, the everyday, impromptu celebrations tend to get missed out. Here is an endeavour from Weikfield to bring to the fore the joys of celebrating those everyday micro-moments of togetherness that make our lives so enriching and fulfilling

While the TVCs showcase two of its most popular products Weikfield Custard and Weikfield Pasta, the iconic brand has built a large portfolio consisting of Custard, Cornflour, Baking Powder & Cocoa including recent entries like Falooda, Sauces & Cake Mixes that are immensely popular with very strong customer equity.

Credits

Brand Name: Weikfield Foods Pvt. Ltd.

Agency Name: Grey & AutumnGrey

Chairman & Group CEO: Anusha Shetty

Managing Director & Chief Creative Officer: Sandipan Bhattacharyya

Chief Intelligence Officer: Arun Raman

Group Chief Operating Officer: Ketan Desai

VP Account Management: Bodhaditya Deb

VP Planning: Ayan Banik

Group Creative Director: Vivek Bhambhani

Account Management: Kriti Pant, Manasi Chaubal, Rishay Iyer

Creative Team: Mehul Prajapati, Nishanth Ananthram, Mangesh Kavale, Rahul Jaigadkar,

Agency Producer: Jignya Shedge

Production House: SeeOn (Producer - Annie Sukheswala, Akshay Donde)

Director: Puneet Prakash
A U.S. lobby group that represents firms including Amazon.com and Walmart has urged India not to tighten foreign investment rules for e-commerce companies again, according to a letter seen by Reuters.

India is considering revising the rules after traders in the country accused Amazon's Indian division and Walmart's Flipkart of creating complex structures to bypass investment regulations, Reuters reported this month.

The U.S. companies deny any wrongdoing.

India only allows foreign e-commerce players to operate as a marketplace to connect buyers and sellers but local traders say the U.S. giants promote select sellers and offer deep discounts, which hurts business for smaller local retailers.

In 2018, India changed its foreign direct investment (FDI) rules to deter foreign firms offering products from sellers in which they have an equity stake.

The government is now considering tightening those rules again to include sellers in which a foreign e-commerce firm holds an indirect stake through its parent, Reuters reported.

Such a change could hurt Amazon as it holds indirect stakes in two of its biggest online sellers in India, Cloudtail and Appario.

Citing the Reuters story in a Jan. 28 letter, the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC), part of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, urged the Indian government not to make any more material restrictive changes to e-commerce investment rules.

"Any further changes in FDI rules would limit e-commerce firms from leveraging their scale," USIBC said in the letter seen by Reuters.

USIBC also asked India's Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to engage in substantive consultation with companies on e-commerce regulation.

USIBC and DPIIT did not respond to a request for comment.

The government is also considering prohibiting online sales by a seller who, for example, purchases goods from an e-commerce entity's wholesale unit, or any of its group firms, and then sells them on the entity's websites, Reuters has reported.

The 2018 rule changes soured relations between India and the United States, as Washington said the policy changes favoured local e-commerce retailers over U.S. companies.

Industry sources told Reuters on Friday that the prospects of such frequent policy changes in India have alarmed Amazon, which has committed $6.5 billion in investments in India, and Walmart, which invested $16 billion in Flipkart in 2018.

The USIBC letter said "investments require reasonable policy predictability and fair treatment".

"USIBC is concerned that material changes to the FDI policy creates uncertainty and impacts investor confidence, as well as business continuity of existing investments," it said.

Amazon declined to comment on the USIBC letter. Walmart and Flipkart did not respond to requests for comment.

After the Reuters story was published last week, a group representing millions of brick-and-mortar retailers in India said it has received government assurances that policy changes were in the offing. (Reporting by Aditya Kalra in New Delhi; Editing by Euan Rocha and David Clarke)

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EAST LANSING, MI  Michigan State University is implementing a two-week enhanced physical distancing directive to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Starting at midnight on Sunday, Jan. 31, students are asked not to gather with others and dining halls will be open for takeout only, according to a letter from Senior Vice President Vennie Gore and Dr. David Weismantel, the university physician.

Students can go on campus to attend classes, access the internet and pick up meals.

The undergraduate semester began on Jan. 19, and the university transitioned to in-person classes on Jan. 25. MSU says a rapid increase in COVID-19 positivity rates and the failure by some to follow health guidelines prompted the directive.

Related: Michigan State University starting spring semester with reading, reviewing and reflection period

As of Jan. 25, the positivity rate on campus reached 13%. The universitys COVID-19 dashboard shows the rate has been steadily climbing since the beginning of the year.

If we increase our distance now, we vastly increase the chances of being able to come together safely later this semester, the letter said.

The MSU directive follows the University of Michigans stay-in-place recommendation, which was put into place amid growing numbers of the more-contagious B.1.1.7 variant of COVID-19.

MSU students on campus are also required to have a flu vaccine, participate in the COVID-19 early detection program and follow local health orders. The city of East Lansing issued an ordinance this week that carries a $500 fine for anyone who violates public health orders.

The campus directive will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13.

More on MLive:

What you should know about the University of Michigans latest stay-in-place recommendation

Were running out of time: Ann Arbor parents rally to advocate for option of in-person learning

Let Them Play delivers clear message as thousands flock to Capitol to protest winter sports pause
A five-day trip to the East Coast for a San Antonio man and his son, who was celebrating his 24th birthday, included a visit to Washington D.C. and a Jan. 6 rally for President Donald Trump.

A souvenir that James Sonny Uptmore and son Chance unintentionally picked up came in the form of four federal indictments accusing them of being violent insurrectionists and a memory book  or statement of facts  of their trek through the U.S. Capitol courtesy of the FBI.

The federal charges against them include knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; as well as violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. The first charge, a class A misdemeanor, carries a punishment of up to one year imprisonment with a maximum fine of up to $100,000. The other is a class B misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $5,000.

EXPRESS-NEWS APP: Breaking news, Spurs scores, COVID updates and more  at your fingertips.

The FBI pieced together how the Uptmores some of the time they spent while in the Capitol, starting with a social media post.

On Jan. 8, FBI agents received a tip from the public that Chance Uptmore was talking about his visit to the Capitol on social media and disputing news coverage of the incident. He also uploaded a photo of himself standing outside the building.

From there, agents matched the photo with Chance Uptmores drivers license and found more photos of him inside the Capitol captured via other news outlets.

On Jan. 17, agents searched the Uptmores home, combing through electronic devices and other property.

On Tuesday, officials confirmed the Uptmores turned themselves in at FBI headquarters in San Antonio to face the charges, which are federal Class A and B misdemeanors. James Uptmore was released that day on a $15,000 bond, while his son was released on a $25,000 bond.

On Jan. 6 after Trumps rally, protesters broke through barricades and entered the Capitol as members of Congress were meeting to certify the Electoral College vote count for the 2020 presidential election.

James Uptmore said Friday he could not comment on his case because of a gag order issued by the judge. Chance Uptmore could not be reached for comment.

According to court records, Chance Uptmore admitted to FBI agents that he and his father were on Capitol grounds when the breach of the building occurred.

The photo Chance Uptmore posted on Facebook shows shows him standing outside the Capitol building, wearing a black winter cap, a brown cloth jacket with breast pockets, and a zip-up gray hoodie underneath. A mob can be seen occupying the steps of the Capitol behind him.

Chance Uptmore told FBI agents that he entered the Capitol building because he was caught up in the crowd, and because it was a once-in-a-lifetime event.

His father followed him into the building after advising him not to enter, court records state. In the photos FBI agents used to track the pair, the two can be seen standing among both Trump supporters and Capitol police.

Chance Uptmore was captured in a top-down photo carrying a dark-colored sling, surrounded by police officers and Trump supporters. He told agents that he lost the sling while he was in the building.

On ExpressNews.com: A new 'MAGA Patriot Party' launched from a San Antonio address. Trump disavowed the group.

In another photo, Sonny Uptmore is seen walking just ahead of his son while carrying a cup in one hand and a phone in the other. They were flanked by several others, including some who appeared to have their Trump flags rolled up.

Chance Uptmore said in the Facebook post submitted by the tipster that he and several others helped Capitol police retrieve a painting that was being stolen by another person.

When a painting was grabbed off the wall we helped the cops recover it, his comment states. The cops were saying stuff like: We stand with you; Thanks for being here; You made your point now leave calmly. I have it all on tape.

Sonny Uptmore also told agents he recorded their experience inside the capitol.

On Thursday, special agent Michelle Lee, an FBI spokeswoman, said she could not comment specifically on what evidence the agency has or what investigative steps have been taken locally.

In general, we are supporting Washington Field Offices investigation by conducting all logical investigation, she said.

As per the conditions of their release, the father and son are allowed to stay in their home together, but they cannot discuss the case with each other.

The Utmores next appearance before a judge is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, the FBI said.
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico plans to import about 870,000 doses of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine from India in February, as well as producing it locally, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Friday.

Mexico and Argentina have a deal with AstraZeneca to produce its vaccine for distribution in Latin America, with financial support from the foundation of Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim.

"We are also getting AstraZeneca vaccines, apart from the agreement we have with them - these vaccines are being made here in Mexico - we will bring AstraZeneca from India," Lopez Obrador said in a video broadcast on social media.

Meanwhile, deliveries of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine to Mexico would "very probably" resume on Feb. 10, Lopez Obrador said, after global delivery delays by the U.S. company. Mexico was expecting about 1.5 million doses from Pfizer, he noted.

Mexico is trying to secure as much vaccine supply as possible amid delivery delays and a surge in cases. Mexico's death toll from COVID-19 was 156,579 on Friday.

Lopez Obrador, speaking publicly for the first time since revealing on Sunday he had COVID-19, said Mexico would also receive 870,000 doses of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine in February.

Additionally, Lopez Obrador said 1.8 million vaccine doses would arrive next month through a U.N.-backed mechanism, an apparent reference to the global COVAX facility.

Mexico has secured enough vaccines to cover 20% of its 126 million people through COVAX, led by the GAVI vaccines alliance and the World Health Organization to promote equitable access.

Six million doses of the CanSino Biologics vaccine, which is due to share its clinical trial results soon, should arrive in Mexico in February, Lopez Obrador said.

It would also be "no problem" for Mexico to have 12 million doses of the Chinese vaccine in March, he added.

(Reporting by Cassandra Garrison and Sharay Angulo; Editing by Sonya Hepinstall)
The United Arab Emirates, accused this week by the United States of military intervention in Libyas protracted civil war, issued a statement Friday stating its readiness to work closely with the new US administration for a peaceful solution to the conflict.

There is an urgent need for renewed diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict in Libya, Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE ambassador to the UN, said in a letter.

The UAE stands ready to work closely with all Security Council members, including the new US administration, to achieve a peaceful settlement for the Libyan people, she said.

She said the country welcomed the Security Councils call for all foreign forces to withdraw from Libya. Foreign intervention in the conflict must end now.

The day before, during a virtual meeting of the Security Council on Libya, the United States called on all external parties, to include Russia, Turkey and the UAE, to respect Libyan sovereignty and immediately cease all military intervention in Libya.

Together with Egypt and Russia, the UAE is one of the main backers of Khalifa Haftar, the strongman in the east of Libya who is fighting the UN-supported Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli.

The UAE firmly believes that diplomatic and political solutions are the sole path to end the Libyan conflict, Nusseibeh said.

The first priority is to preserve and reinforce the ceasefire agreement agreed to in October, she said.

This will enable and encourage a political process and a Libyan-led transition that fulfills the aspirations of the Libyan people for stability, peace, and prosperity, she added.

SOURCE: AFP
A MAN has been remanded in custody charged with the murder of a schoolboy in Dublin.

The 16-year-old suffered fatal injuries and was rushed to the Mater Hospital but was later pronounced dead.

The secondary schoolboy cannot now be identified due to a court order based on a recent ruling prohibiting the media from identifying deceased child victims.

However, today when the case came before Dublin District Court, the presiding judge extended anonymity to the adult accused despite pleas from the media to set out the basis for that decision.

The man, who is in his mid-thirties, was charged this afternoon and brought to appear before Judge John Campbell at Dublin District Court.

The accused, a foreign national who has lived in Dublin for several years, was charged with murder of the boy and production of a knife during a dispute.

At the start of the hearing, Judge Campbell told reporters: there are reporting restrictions with respect to the accused, and the victim.

The man, dressed in a blue jacket and cream trousers, listened to the proceedings with the aid of an interpreter. He has not yet indicated how he will plead.

The teenage boys mother watched on silently from the back of the courtroom. She wore a T-shirt with a slogan calling for justice for her son.

Detective Sergeant Shane Noone told Judge John Campbell that he charged the man at 1.47pm. The defendant made no reply to the murder charge and in response to the weapon allegation, he answered: This is the charge, or this is the final decision.

Detective Sergeant Noone made an application under section 252 of the Children Act for the media to be prohibited from naming victim.

A bail application in a murder case can only be heard by the High Court.

Defence counsel Barry Ward, instructed by solicitor Sinead Mulhall, said his client was not a person of means. Legal aid was granted.

The accused, who did not address the court, was remanded in custody to appear via video-link at Cloverhill District Court on Thursday.

Solicitor Fergus Foody, on behalf of Independent News & Media (INM), then made an application in relation to the anonymity order.

He asked the judge to clarify one aspect of his reporting restriction ruling. Clearly section 252 applied in relation to the deceased, he said, but the basis for no identification of the accused was not clear, he submitted.

My view, is that the identification of the accused could give way to identification of the victim, and the victim must be protected, the judge replied.

In my view, the name of the accused should be prohibited, he continued.

The INM solicitor said that he had not been given any basis at which the judge replied, I have made my decision, and he left the bench.
The Biden administration has renewed the temporary protected status of thousands of Syrians, ensuring they can stay in the United States through at least September 2022.

David Pekoske, the acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, announced Friday an 18-month extension and redesignation of Syrians' temporary protected status.

The designation allows foreign nationals whose home countries are affected by natural disaster or war to stay in the United States until their country is safe for return. Temporary protected status can only be granted for up to 18 months, but an administration can extend the protections if dangerous conditions persist.

A year after the civil war broke out in Syria, the Obama administration granted the status to Syrians in 2012 after determining that extraordinary and temporary conditions'' in their home country prevented their safe return. Under the new Department of Homeland Security order, more than 6,700 Syrians will retain their temporary protected status through September 2022 and an additional 1,800 who entered after August 2016 can apply for the special immigration protection.

In a statement, the department said conditions in the war-torn country still are keeping Syrians living in the United States from safely returning.

The Syrian civil war continues to demonstrate deliberate targeting of civilians, the use of chemical weapons and irregular warfare tactics, and use of child soldiers. The war has also caused sustained need for humanitarian assistance, an increase in refugees and displaced people, food insecurity, limited access to water and medical care, and large-scale destruction of Syrias infrastructure, the statement read.

A Russian-backed government air and ground offensive pummeled the northwestern province of Idlib last year, killing thousands and forcing up to 1 million people to flee their homes. A cease-fire for the region brokered by Turkey and Russia is largely holding.

In addition to the threat posed by the fighting, Syrians who return to government-held areas risk detention in Syrias notorious prisons, where rights groups have documented the torture and killing of thousands of detainees.

The extension of temporary protected status is the latest immigration move from the Biden administration to impact Syrians. Biden on his first day in office overturned President Donald Trumps travel ban on Syria and other predominantly Muslim countries. Biden has also pledged to drastically increase the number of refugees permitted in the United States this year.
According to a contract published by the United States Department of Defense on January 28, 2021, East Coast Repair and Fabrication LLC, Portsmouth, Virginia, is awarded a $12,131,903 firm-fixed-price contract for a 50-calendar day shipyard availability. The work to be performed provides services for the mid-term availability of the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Kanawha (T-AO 196).

According to a contract published by the United States Department of Defense on January 28, 2021, East Coast Repair and Fabrication LLC, Portsmouth, Virginia, is awarded a $12,131,903 firm-fixed-price contract for a 50-calendar day shipyard availability. The work to be performed provides services for the mid-term availability of the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Kanawha (T-AO 196).

Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

The U.S. Navy USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) replenishment oiler ship pulls alongside USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71 for a Replenishment at Sea. (Picture source U.S. Navy)

The contract also contains five unexercised options, which if exercised, would increase cumulative contract value to $13,566,323. Work will be performed in Newport News, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by April 19, 2021.



The USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) is a Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler in service with the United States Navy in non-commissioned service in the Military Sealift Command. She was laid down on 13 July 1989, launched in September 1990, and delivered to the U.S. Navy in December 1991.



The Henry J. Kaiser class is a series of eighteen fleet replenishment oilers in service with the U.S. Navy which began construction in August 1984. The class comprises fifteen oilers which are operated by Military Sealift Command to provide underway replenishment of fuel to United States Navy combat ships and jet fuel for aircraft aboard aircraft carriers at sea.



The USNS Kanawhahas has a length of 206 m, a beam of 29.69 m, and a draft of 11m. She has a crew of 103 people including 18 civilian officers, 1 U.S. Navy officer, 64 merchant seamen, and 20 U.S. Navy enlisted personnel. The ship has a landing platform located at the rear deck for one helicopter.



The USNS Kanawhahas a displacement of 41,353 tonnes at full load. She has a capacity to carry 180,000 barrels of aviation fuel or fuel oil. It can carry a dry load of 690 square meters and can refrigerate 128 pallets of food. The ship is powered by two 10 PC4.2 V 570 Colt-Pielstick diesel engines that drive two shafts; this gives a power of 25.6 megawatts. She can reach a top speed of 20 knots (37 km/h).
Despite restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19, thousands crowd Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)

Brazil's neighbors are starting to restrict international travel amid concern about the spread of a new coronavirus variant that experts say may be more contagious and driving a second wave of infections.

Guyana's government closed its border with South America's largest country on Friday, two days after Colombia halted passenger flights to and from Brazil; both nations cited the new variant as their reason. Argentina's government decided to cut in half the number of flights to Brazil starting Feb. 1, according to a Jan. 27 report in state news agency Telam. And Peru on Jan. 26 banned air traffic from Brazil; the governor of Peru's Loreto department bordering Brazil called on the government to shut down land crossings, too.

The clampdown comes as Manaus, the Amazon rainforest's largest city and the site of the variant's outbreak, suffers a brutal second wave of infections. Overrun hospitals watched this month as their oxygen stocks were depleted, causing dozens of patients to die of asphyxiation. The government has scrambled to replenish supplies with an ad hoc plan, but the situation remains touch-and-go and family members of patients are still seeking cannisters of oxygen on their own, albeit fewer than earlier this month.

Laboratory employees work on the pilot production phase of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine for COVID-19 at the pharmaceutical company Uniao Quimica in Brasilia, Brazil, Monday, Jan. 25, 2021. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

There has been speculation Manaus may be merely the first city devastated by this new strain. Other cities in Brazil's Amazon region have been crushed since, including Porto Velho, capital of neighboring Rondonia state. Like Manaus, Porto Velho has begun airlifting patients to hospitals out of state. Brazil's former health minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta told newspaper O Globo on Thursday that the new strain could cause a "mega-epidemic" across Brazil within 60 days.

Alarm is growing, but the science has yet to catch up. Viruses are constantly mutating, and new versionscalled variantsoften emerge, almost all of which are no more perilous than their prior iterations.

The Brazilian variant was first identified in four travelers who had been in Brazil and were tested at an airport outside Tokyo, Japan. It has also been found in a patient who lives in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, the Minnesota Department of Health said in a statement this week. It contains a set of mutations that may affect its ability to be recognized by antibodies, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health officials are also worried about variants that were first reported in the United Kingdom and South Africa.

Seniors sit in wheelchairs as they are organized to receive China's Sinovac CoronaVac vaccine as part of a priority COVID-19 vaccination program for the elderly at the Bezerra de Menezes Asylum in Brasilia, Brazil, Friday, Jan. 22, 2021. In the foreground is a common room filled with antiques. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

Felipe Naveca, a researcher at the state-owned Fiocruz Amazonia institute in Manaus, said in an interview with The Associated Press this week that the new strain accounted for two-thirds of 90 samples taken between December and mid-January. Of those taken in January alone, the new strain comprised 91%. Naveca said it appears that the variant is more transmissible, based on the frequency with which it has been found, and indications from the U.K. and South African variants that had similar mutations.

Most samples his laboratory analyzed came from Manaus, but the new strain was also found in cities deeper within the Amazon, including Sao Gabriel Cachoeira on the Colombian border.

Sylvain Aldighieri, deputy director of The Pan American Health Organization's health emergencies department, said it remains too early to determine whether the variant is accelerating the virus' spread and that more genetic sequencing is needed. Still, he called on governments to remain vigilant.

Street vendors leave Bolivar Square at the start of an official continuous multi-day curfew in an effort to contain the spread of new coronavirus infections, in Bogota, Colombia, Friday, Jan. 22, 2021. Colombia's capital city is reimposing lockdown measures as COVID-19 infections rise around the country. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

Speaking in an interview with the AP on Friday, Guyana's Health Minister Frank Anthony said local private laboratories have already said they are equipped to test for any new strains. The initial 30-day suspension comes with stepped-up border patrols by soldiers and police.

"We have no evidence yet that the new strain of the COVID-19 virus is here, but we are just being cautious," he said.

Anthony acknowledged that the 1,606-kilometer (1,000-mile) border is practically impossible to patrol. Thousands of Guyanese and Brazilians use the official Takatu River Bridge to cross into Guyana daily, while others simply hop across several other small rivers separating the two South American nations to trade, visit with relatives or to work. Many from each country live in one country and work in the other so crossings are normal for many.

A healthcare worker collects a nasal swab sample to test for COVID-19, in Bogota, Colombia, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021. The Colombian government announced that the first shipment of new coronavirus vaccines will arrive in February. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

Soldiers run to a military truck to change checkpoint during an official continuous multi-day curfew in an effort to contain the spread of new coronavirus infections, in Bogota, Colombia, Friday, Jan. 22, 2021. Colombia's capital city is reimposing lockdown measures as COVID-19 infections rise around the country. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

In this photo released by Argentina's presidential press office, Argentina President Alberto Fernandez gets a shot of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19, administered by Nurse Marcela Yanni at the Posadas Hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021. (Esteban Collazo/Argentine Presidential Press Office via AP)

Officials in Bolivia and Venezuela, which share two of Brazil's three longest borders, haven't announced any recent changes to restrictions.

Jose Gregorio Diaz Mirabal, general coordinator of the Indigenous Organizations of the Amazon Basin, this week warned that an effective barrier hasn't been implemented.

"There is no guarantee it won't reach (Brazil's) border with Venezuela, with Colombia, Suriname, Guyana," Diaz Mirabal, who is of the Wakuenai Kurripako ethnicity, said in a Zoom call with reporters. ___ AP writer Bert Wilkinson reported from Georgetown. AP writers Melinda Ulloa contributed from Washington, Franklin Briceno from Lima, Almudena Calatrava from Buenos Aires, Regina Garcia Cano from Bogota and Scott Smith from Caracas.

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.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-30 22:50:49|Editor: huaxia

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A woman walks in the snow in Riga, Latvia, on Jan. 30, 2021. A cyclone with a center at the Estonian-Russian border has brought a prolonged period of heavy snowfall to Latvia this weekend, meteorologists said Saturday. The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Center issued an orange warning over the heavy snowfall and blizzards, which were expected to increase the already thick snow cover in northern parts of the country and the capital city Riga by another 20 centimeters by Sunday morning. (Photo by Edijs Palens/Xinhua)

RIGA, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- A cyclone with a center at the Estonian-Russian border has brought a prolonged period of heavy snowfall to Latvia this weekend, meteorologists said Saturday.

The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Center issued an orange warning over the heavy snowfall and blizzards, which were expected to increase the already thick snow cover in northern parts of the country and the capital city Riga by another 20 centimeters by Sunday morning.

Snowdrifts and ice-covered streets in Riga were causing traffic disruptions and delaying public transport on Saturday, with snow clouds expected to bring more precipitation to the city throughout the night.

On Latvia's motor roads, the snowfall reduced visibility to 500 meters, making driving conditions difficult. Enditem
OSWEGO, N.Y.  State Supreme Court Justice Scott DelConte on Friday ruled against batches of dozens of votes that Democrat Anthony Brindisi hoped would count in the ongoing 22nd Congressional District.

His ruling all but ensures that Republican Claudia Tenney has won the seat in the House of Representatives following a three-month ordeal that made the 22nd district the only undecided Congressional race in the country.

Brindisis efforts to keep his seat suffered two major blows on Friday. First, Oneida County officials reported that Tenney had grown her lead by 93 votes after they reviewed more than 1,000 as-of-yet uncounted ballots in search of voters who applied to vote on time but were erroneously left unregistered by Election Day.

Despite the bad news for Brindisi, he has an appeal pending, and its still not clear when the race will be completely over and done with.

The new ballots from Oneida County mean she is currently ahead by 122 votes in the unofficial race.

Second, DelConte, in a 23-page ruling on Friday afternoon, ruled that he would not order counted several categories of votes that Brindisis attorneys challenged in hopes of erasing the deficit.

Below are some of the biggest categories of votes that Brindisi wanted to count but that the judge ruled would not:

128 ballots from voters who voted in the right election district but wrong polling place, in addition to 20 ballots cast in the wrong county.

85 ballots from voters who were listed in the state voter database as purged.

51 ballots from voters who dropped their absentee ballots in a ballot drop box outside of their election district, ballots that were later sent to the correct polling place after a state deadline.

Brindisi did score a victory in the case of 92 absentee ballots from Madison County he wanted to count. The judge agreed. However, those 92 ballots were already included in the vote tallies, so the judges ruling simply did not subtract any votes from Brindisis count.

The judge also overruled Tenneys objections on 62 ballots alleging that the signatures on the ballot did not match signatures in a state voter database. Brindisis campaign argued that those 62 ballots should count.

But all in all, the number of ballots that DelConte ruled against make it all but certain that Tenney won the race. Whats not yet clear is by how many votes and what will come of Brindisis appeal.

Officials from each of the eight counties that make up the 22nd district will meet Monday in DelContes courtroom for one last review of ballots that DelConte deemed needed to be canvassed before being added to the count.

Contact reporter Patrick Lohmann at PLohmann@Syracuse.com or (315)766-6670.

More on the NY 22nd race:

In NY 22nd, judges suggests there are no great options to fix Oneida County mistake

Whats next in Brindisi-Tenney House race? Appeals, recount, could delay decision for months

700 votes were tossed in Oneida County. Officials ignored state law in latest mess up

Oneida County botched 2,400 voter signups, preventing their votes in Brindisi-Tenney race

At least 63 voters who did everything right could see votes nixed in Brindisi-Tenney race

Court case to decide winner in NY-22 House race to take at least another week

Trump refers to Brindisi-Tenney House race as he pushes baseless voter fraud claims
Hyundai might not be in a rush to make Apples electric car despite reports of a tentative deal. Reuters sources claim Hyundai executives are agonizing over how the company will cooperate with Apple, or whether or not its a wise idea in the first place.The Korean automaker is reportedly hesitant to work with outside firms, and might even replace higher-ups to prevent a conflict between the two fiercely independent companies.

The company might have Kia team up with Apple to avoid associating the core Hyundai brand (and the upscale Genesis badge) with contract manufacturing. It would be just like Foxconn, one executive told Reuters. Apple is rumored to want Hyundai primarily for final assembly in the US. The chassis, drivetrain and other components would come from other companies, the sources said.

Apple declined to comment. Hyundai didnt mention talks with Apple when discussing its latest earnings.

There could be incentives for Hyundai to cooperate. It might get access to some of Apples self-driving hardware and software. More importantly, Hyundai could use the business. It currently has unused manufacturing capacity, and an Apple car could make better use of those production lines. It may just be a question of whether or not Hyundai is willing to swallow its pride to strike a deal that might help its bottom line.
A new president took office this month determined to fight climate change. Wall Street investors think Tesla is worth more than General Motors, Toyota, Volkswagen and Ford put together. And China, the worlds biggest car market, recently ordered that most new cars be powered by electricity in just 15 years.

Those large forces help explain the decision by G.M.s chief executive, Mary T. Barra, that the company will aim to sell only zero-emission cars and trucks by 2035.

Her announcement, just a day after President Biden signed an executive order on climate change, blindsided rivals who usually seek to present a united message on emissions and other policy issues. But it was also years in the making. G.M. has had a love-hate relationship with electric cars going back decades, but under Ms. Barra, who took over in 2014, it has inched its way toward a full embrace of the technology.

She has also shown a penchant for making big moves that her predecessors might have considered brash or impulsive given the companys reputation for deliberate  or plodding to some  decision making. When Donald J. Trump became president, she pushed him to relax Obama-era fuel economy standards that G.M. had endorsed when they were put in place. Then, after Mr. Trump lost his re-election bid in November, Ms. Barra withdrew from a lawsuit seeking to prevent California from maintaining its own high fuel standards.
I would love to thank the man who was very honest who handed in my wallet at Redners in Shenandoah. God bless him. There are good people.

Shenandoah



I dont know the chief of police from Mahanoy Township that is running for district justice but I think that is the last position a former cop should be in. You cannot tell me that any time he will ever rule against a cop in that office. I dont think he should be running for that. He cannot be impartial.

Girardville



You say Meuser and Argall should resign. No, it should be Casey and Cartwright. They blew so much money on the Meuller investigation and the impeachment. Your money. Your money was spent, millions of dollars, and they cant even give you a stimulus package down there. You got the wrong people to resign.

Auburn



David Argall, you are a disgrace. Instead of wasting your time on voter fraud, why dont you finally do something about property tax that you talked to death for years?

Schuylkill Haven



Mr. Trump can get a job as a huckster for the pillow man.

Schuylkill Haven



Theres a reason Fox News is losing viewers. I just got done watching the memorial on CNN, then I turned to MSNBC and the same thing. Turn to Fox News and they are talking about a caravan coming. Now, come on. Dont even have enough respect for the 400,000 people that have died. They have got to go right to the caravan. Fox News is junk news.

Pottsville



Twitter, Facebook, etc. are privately owned companies with rules of service. They are not bound by First Amendment rights, but this newspaper is. I am sick of callers who want to censor Lisa Von Ahn. Why dont you just turn the page and let the rest of us enjoy her column?

Mahanoy City



Jan. 20, 2021. The socialist takeover of the United Socialist States of America. Let the nightmare begin with the incompetent president who talks about unity but does nothing but bash one half of the country. I hope these socialists are happy.

Frackville



I find it very interesting that at 1:30 a.m. the morning he is leaving office, Donald Trump, who is going to clean up the swamp and not let his people become lobbyists in Washington to sign an agreement when he was president, got rid of that. You can now go be a part of the swamp again if you were part of Donald Trumps presidency. Boy, thats a shock, isnt it?

Pottsville



The love affair the American press has with Joe Biden is almost enough to make me puke. My prediction: Within a year, Joe Biden will be canonized as the first president saint of the United States by the Vatican and endorsed by the crooked media in this country.

Pottsville



Schuylkill County, take the cue. Vote blue as the Republicans will steal everything from you as Lisa Von Ahn has been pointing out in her articles. Evidently people cant stand the truth, especially Republicans in Schuylkill County.

Palo Alto



Hey, Argall, did you ever think about this? How about combining 501 school districts into maybe 350 school districts? Two hundred fewer superintendents and assistant superintendents to pay for. We would save millions of property tax dollars. Hmm. Want to give it a try if you are still in office?

Pottsville



Donald Trump was one of the best presidents we ever had. He had a strike against him simply because of his personality. Democrats hated him from the getgo. Also, since the Democrats will have full control, they will try to rewrite part of the Constitution, mainly the Second Amendment. God help us all.

Schuylkill Haven



Trump is gone. His whole family is gone. Lets stop all the propaganda and hatefulness toward Trump. Let him live his life. We have to accept Biden and we do. We will see what happens in the next four year.

Schuylkill Haven



I am a Vietnam veteran. Could somebody possibly tell me how a prisoner wanted for murder, life in prison, gets his shot over a veteran? That should be answered by Argall or Toomey. Come on guys, lets hear some answers.

Mahanoy City



Well, I suppose that is the end of the USA. I am 79. Ive been through a lot. I believe that it is the end of the USA.

Minersville



Trumpty Dumpty couldnt build a wall. Trumpty Dumpty had a political fall. All of Dons lawyers and all of Dons lies couldnt put Trumpty in office again.

Ringtown



Jan. 20, 2021. This is a very sad day for America. One step into socialism. God help America.

Auburn



Thank you, postal service. I sent my bills out on time and now I have to deal with two late fees. You better get it together soon.

Ashland



To the caller from Lykens, Boscovs restaurants have been closed in Readings Fairgrounds Square Mall, Lancaster Park City Mall and Harrisburg Colonial Park mall. They have been closed for years. Gov. Wolf had nothing to do with these closing. Go find another fake reason to criticize our governor.

Pottsville



Yesterday, I received my first COVID vaccine at the Lehigh Valley Good Samaritan hospital. The staff was most efficient and courteous and the setting was calm. Everything went along smoothly. It is my hope that the new administration will speed up the distribution and encourage all Americans to receive the vaccine. This will be marked contrast to the out-going president who refused to even acknowledge the good work and suffering of the many victims of the virus.

Pottsville



Today is the saddest day I have ever seen in my life. This will be the end of this country. We already see freedom of speech gone. This is just the start of other freedoms. I will give it six months.

Girardville



To Rich Magnani, you once said you are old so you have been around long enough to know that your worry about gun rights is something pushed by politicians for votes. They have been using that false claim for decades and only helped gun sales rise. We couldnt even get background checks with eight years of Obama. To Meuser and Argall and other Trump Republicans, your job is to do what Toomey did and tell the truth that there was no election fraud and Trump lied. To Lykens, closures did save lives. People mingling and traveling for Christmas did not. You wake up.

Mahanoy City



Meuser shows no remorse for promoting the lie that the election was stolen. He had planned to vote to overthrow the election. To heal, we need to know the truth and have accountability.

Auburn
The case has been adjourned until March 10.

A 39-year-old woman has been accused of forcing a man to engage in sex with her without his consent.

Lurgan woman Tanya Lord did not appear before Craigavon Magistrates Court for the first mention of the highly unusual case this week.

Lord, from Derrylodge Manor, is accused of causing a male to engage in a sexual act without his consent contrary to section 8 of the Sex Offences (NI) Order 2008.

The details of the charge are that Lord allegedly caused the male to engage in an activity, namely inserting his penis into her vagina in circumstances where the activity was sexual and he did not consent.

It also claimed that Lord herself did not reasonably believe the alleged victim consented.

In court a police officer testified she believed she could connect Lord to the offence.

A prosecuting lawyer said the full file on the case was not due in until March 3 and so she was requesting an adjournment until March 10.

Defence solicitor Gabriel Ingram agreed to the application.

District Judge Austin Kennedy duly put the case back to that date for an update.
As of Thursday morning, more than 2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccinations had been administered to Texans.

Imelda Garcia, associate commissioner for laboratory and infectious disease services for the Texas Department of State Health Services, said Thursday that an estimated 1.7 million people have received at least one dose (of a two-dose series) and 370,000 people have been fully vaccinated in Texas.

During an address to reporters across the state, Garcia said it took an estimated four-and-a-half weeks to record 1 million doses and Texas hit 2 million two weeks later.

Its a great start but I dont have to tell you that theres still a lot of need out there and not enough vaccine for everyone that wants it, said Garcia, who also serves as the chair of the states Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel, which makes recommendations about priority populations and gives guidance on vaccine allocations.

According to publicly available DSHS data, an estimated 1,837 of Hale Countys 24,936-person population (16 years old and older) have received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. A total of 415 people have been fully vaccinated.

Right now, the state is prioritizing vaccinations for frontline health workers and long-term care facility residents, people over 65 and people over 16 years old who have chronic medical conditions.

Were going to be here for a while, Garcia said, adding that the panel will continue to monitor activity throughout the state as it weighs the decision. The team has had robust conversations about this and closely monitors outbreaks and the latest data.

The team is also working with the new presidential team to determine any changes that may need to be incorporated.

The vaccines are distributed via hubs with the goal of serving diverse and hard-hit populations. The closest hub to Plainview is the Lubbock Health Department. The DSHS website also lists only three vaccine provider sites within the city of Plainview  Covenant Health Plainview, West Texas Family Medicine and Amigos Pharmacy.

The City of Plainview announced last week that it had applied for doses to be distributed through the city Health Department. Its still waiting to hear an update on that request from the state.

We dont have enough vaccines to have hubs in every single county, Garcia said.

When a hub receives a shipment, every dose must also be accounted for. This is why providers require appointments to be vaccinated. Providers are required to report this data and any cases that involve adverse effects.

During a City Council meeting on Tuesday, City Manager Jeffrey Snyder said the citys been working closely with the hospital on vaccine allocations. It hopes to release information publicly regarding sign ups for vaccine clinics when the confirmation from the state and logistics regarding the clinics are worked out.

Vaccine allocations are carefully distributed, Garcia said Thursday. Every Monday, the Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel meets at 7:15 a.m. to discuss requests and compare them with the latest available virus data. The meeting, she said, typically lasts three hours. Then the team works to review information compiled over the weekend and makes the appropriate requests from federal allocation resources.

We dont get our real allocation numbers from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) until Tuesdays late in the afternoons, she said.

Providers are able to see allocations and amend requests for more or sometimes less doses based on the need for the upcoming week. When the allotments are approved, theyre shipped out to arrive by Mondays or Tuesdays and then the cycle starts again, Garcia said.

We dont want a single dose left on the shelf, she said.

It was also noted that Governor Greg Abbotts office announced the creation of the State Mobile Vaccine Pilot Program on Wednesday. The goal of the program is to reach underserved communities. Members of the Texas National Guard and the Texas Division of Emergency Management were deployed to five rural counties  none in this area  with vaccinations.

We will continue to develop strategies to vaccinate more Texans and keep our communities safe, said Abbott in a news release about the pilot program.

Asked if he feels satisfied with vaccination efforts so far, Garcia said no.

I think weve done a great job, she said. Weve done an amazing job but we know we can do better.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-30 13:22:49|Editor: huaxia

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NEW DELHI, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 persons died and eight injured when two vehicles collided in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, confirmed a local cop over phone.

The road mishap occurred in the state's Moradabad town, around 110 miles from Delhi, on the Moradabad-Agra highway. The collision took place between a truck and a mini bus.

The injured were admitted to a local hospital, while efforts were being made to reach out to the families of the deceased to hand over their dead bodies.

The accident seems to have occurred due to low visibility amid dense fog in the area, said the cop.

Meanwhile, state's Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced monetary compensation to the families of the deceased, and those injured. Enditem

The latest COVID-19 forecasts from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington now incorporate two new virus variants.

In a worst-case scenario, with widespread transmission of the B.1.351 variant first detected in South Africa and mobility returning to pre-pandemic levels in the vaccinated, the US is predicted to see approximately 654,000 total deaths by May 1 and a resurgence of the virus in the spring in some states, including California and Florida, rather than a continued decline. Keeping mobility low and maintaining social distancing could reduce that number by approximately 30,000.

What we're seeing is sobering, and will require us to continue taking this pandemic very seriously. Getting vaccines out quickly is essential, and masks are still one of the best tools we have to keep transmission low and avoid the worst possible outcome. People will need to continue taking precautions even once they are vaccinated, because of the potential for more contagious variants to spread." Christopher Murray, Director of IHME

All scenarios in the new forecasts include vaccine distribution and the presence of the B.1.1.7 COVID-19 variant where it is currently detected. Without transmission of B.1.351, the forecast in the US drops to 595,000 deaths by May 1, an increase of about 26,000 from last week's predictions. This increase is driven by taking into account that some states are not re-imposing social distancing mandates even when daily death rates are high.

Instead of assuming that decision-makers will re-impose social distancing mandates when deaths reach a threshold of 8 per million, all scenarios now assume - in line with several months of observations - that if mandates are not imposed promptly at that point, they will not be imposed until deaths reach 15 per million.

"We have not been seeing governments taking action to apply cautionary measures as quickly as expected, and have incorporated that information into the modeling," said Murray. "Without measures to control the spread of the disease, mobility remains higher and transmission is more likely."

Herd immunity is unlikely to be a factor in slowing transmission in the coming months, even with vaccination campaigns ramping up. Higher levels of immunity are needed with a more contagious variant and during the winter months, and vaccine hesitancy is an obstacle to achieving herd immunity. As important is the fact that we do not know if the vaccines work to block infection even though they prevent severe disease - IHME's model currently assumes, based on limited data, that vaccines' effectiveness in blocking infection is only 50% of their effectiveness in preventing severe disease.

In the United States, approximately 25% of people have indicated they would reject a vaccine and another 25% are unsure. IHME's forecasts predict only 38% of people in the US will be immune by May 1.

In a worst-case scenario, there is also the possibility of a third wave next winter. "Governments and the public need to plan for the real prospect that COVID-19 must be managed on an ongoing basis," Murray said. "It's critical to vaccinate as many people as possible and to prepare for long-term behavior change. It's likely that wearing masks and taking other measures to prevent transmission, especially in the winter months, will become an ongoing part of our lives."

IHME's projections are based on an epidemiological model that includes data on cases, deaths, and antibody prevalence, as well as location-specific COVID-19 testing rates, vaccination rollout, mobility, social distancing mandates, mask use, population density and age structure, and pneumonia seasonality, which shows a strong correlation with the trajectory of COVID-19.
01/29/2021



Gov. Ivey hopes to keep college graduates home in Alabama to meet workforce demands.

Gov. Kay Ivey wants to add 500,000 highly skilled employees to Alabamas workforce by 2025. Achieving that goal means convincing college graduates to stay in Alabama.

According to Dr. Jim Purcell, executive director of the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, Alabama retains 57 percent of its graduates. However, the state ranks in the bottom three states in retaining college graduates. In addition, one in five out-of-state students leave Alabama within one year of graduating college.

The big group that we dont retain are the people in the STEM fields, Purcell said in December. We know that is important to communities like Huntsville, Madison and Decatur.

To understand and then stem the tide of graduates leaving the state, JSU Career Services is participating in the ACHE Retain Alabama initiative.

Some of The Retain Alabama initiative is about keeping Alabama residents in our state after earning a degree, leading seamlessly to establishing a career path, said Becca Turner, director of JSU Career Services.

The first step of this initiative is coordinating the distribution of an Impression of the State survey, which will be given to JSUs second semester sophomores, juniors and seniors. It will be distributed via their JSU student email accounts in early February and will continue through Feb. 28. The survey will include an invitation from Turner explaining the importance to the Retain Alabama initiative.

This survey will help stakeholders report up to Governor Ivey why our college-educated workforce leaves the State of Alabama to go to work, Turner said. The survey results are critical in understanding next steps towards the attainment goal of 500K by 2025. In the meantime, I invite our community and our region to join forces to empower our students for success in Alabama. This will take intentional effort and communication between regional and statewide employers and career services to develop talent pipelines or pathways employers are looking for.
In one year, the Chinese hi-tech giant goes from first to sixth place in the world market share. Biden Administration: Beijing companies threaten our national security. Apple and Samsung take advantage of Huawei's downfall. Sales of Xiaomi, also in Washington's sights, are growing.

Beijing (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Huawei sold 42% fewer smartphones in the last quarter of 2020, moving from first to sixth place in the world sales ranking. Calculations of Counterpoint Research, published on January 28, conclude the collapse is due to the sanctions imposed by the Trump administration on the Chinese tech giant.

The former US president has repeatedly accused Huawei of spying on behalf of the government; since last February, the Chinese company has not been able to purchase microchips produced by US companies or by companies from other countries which however use US technology. The component is essential in the production of latest generation mobile phones. Under pressure from Washington, many states have also given up on acquiring Huawei's 5G system, considered a world leader in the sector.

Between October and December of last year, Huawei sold 32.3 million smartphones: in the same period of 2019, sales had reached 56.2 million. Its world market share has dropped from 14 to 8%, and forecasts for the future are for a further deterioration.

The new US president Joe Biden stressed that he will continue to exert pressure on Chinese hi-tech companies. Jen Psaki, a spokesman for Biden, said on January 27 that "systems manufactured by unreliable vendors like Huawei are a threat to the security of the United States and its allies."

Apple and Samsung have benefited from Huawei's downfall. The Californian giant sold 90.1 million smartphones in the last quarter of last year, an annual growth of 32%, which leads it to control 23.4% of the market.

The large South Korean company instead recorded an increase of 10.7%. Huawei was also overtaken by an internal competitor, Xiaomi, which became the third largest seller in the world. The outlook is also not good for this Chinese manufacturer, sanctioned by Trump just before leaving the White House.
The earliest eye damage from prion disease takes place in the cone photoreceptor cells, specifically in the cilia and the ribbon synapses, according to a new study of prion protein accumulation in the eye by National Institutes of Health scientists. Prion diseases originate when normally harmless prion protein molecules become abnormal and gather in clusters and filaments in the human body and brain.

Understanding how prion diseases develop, particularly in the eye because of its diagnostic accessibility to clinicians, can help scientists identify ways to slow the spread of prion diseases. The scientists say their findings, published in the journal Acta Neuropathologica Communications, may help inform research on human retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited disease with similar photoreceptor degeneration leading to blindness.

Prion diseases are slow, degenerative and usually fatal diseases of the central nervous system that occur in people and some other mammals. Prion diseases primarily involve the brain, but also can affect the eyes and other organs. Within the eye, the main cells infected by prions are the light-detecting photoreceptors known as cones and rods, both located in the retina.

In their study, the scientists, from NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton, Montana, used laboratory mice infected with scrapie, a prion disease common to sheep and goats. Scrapie is closely related to human prion diseases, such as variant, familial and sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). The most common form, sporadic CJD, affects an estimated one in one million people annually worldwide. Other prion diseases include chronic wasting disease in deer, elk and moose, and bovine spongiform encephalopathy in cattle.

Using confocal microscopy that can identify prion protein and various retinal proteins at the same time, the scientists found the earliest deposits of aggregated prion protein in cone photoreceptors next to the cilia, tube-like structures required for transporting molecules between cellular compartments. Their work suggests that by interfering with transport through cilia, these aggregates may provide an important early mechanism by which prion infection selectively destroys photoreceptors. At a later study timepoint, they observed similar findings in rods.

Prion protein also was deposited in cones and rods adjacent to ribbon synapses just before the destruction of these structures and death of photoreceptors. Ribbon synapses are specialized neuron connections found in ocular and auditory neural pathways, and their health is critical to the function of retinal photoreceptors in the eye, as well as hair cells in the ear.

The researchers say such detailed identification of disease-associated prion protein, and the correlation with retinal damage, has not been seen previously and is likely to occur in all prion-susceptible species, including people.

Next the researchers are hoping to study whether similar findings occur in retinas of people with other degenerative diseases characterized by misfolded host proteins, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
WASHINGTON - The Florida law firm that employs President Joe Biden's brother Frank ran a newspaper ad on Inauguration Day touting the brothers' relationship and shared values, a move that is causing an ethics headache for the administration less than two weeks after Biden took office.

Press secretary Jen Psaki, speaking from the White House podium Friday, addressed the subject broadly, without mentioning the ad in particular. "It is the White House's policy that the president's name should not be used in connection with any commercial activities" that would suggest or imply "his endorsement or support," she said. The ad featuring Frank Biden arguably runs afoul of that edict.

Biden has promised to lead a highly ethical administration, which he has pitched as a contrast to his predecessor, and has adopted unusually strict rules for those serving in his administration, although they do not necessarily apply to family members.

The two-page "advertorial" ran on Jan. 20 in the South Florida-based Daily Business Review to promote the work of the Berman Law Group, which employs Frank Biden as a "non-attorney senior adviser."

The ad features a smiling photo of Frank Biden and highlights his relationship with the president, stressing their shared values. It focuses on the Berman Law Group's role in a class-action case against sugar cane growers and Frank Biden's part in that litigation.

Michael Gwin, a White House spokesman, declined to comment on whether the newspaper ad violates the White House policy.

The ad is fashioned to resemble a news story about the firm's involvement in the sugar cane case, though it is clearly labeled "Advertorial Section." It cites Frank Biden's connection with the president multiple times, linking the law firm's work with the values laid out in President Biden's agenda.

In the second paragraph of a roughly 1,000-word advertisement, for example, the text says the Berman Law Group sued sugar cane growers "against the backdrop of incoming President Joseph Biden Jr.'s commitment to environmental and social justice, a value shared by his brother and Berman Law Group senior adviser, Frank Biden."

Next, the ad notes that the Biden brothers are simpatico in issue areas where the firm is doing work, even suggesting that President Biden would be broadly supportive of the firm's sugar cane litigation.

"The two Biden brothers have long held a commitment to pushing environmental issues to the forefront," it says, noting that President Biden had vowed to rejoin the Paris climate accords and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"Similarly, the lawsuit against Big Sugar is just another example of how the two brothers' core environmental beliefs align," the advertorial asserts.

Ethics watchdogs said the advertisement is problematic.

"The country, after an extremely trying time, has entrusted its future to Joe Biden," said Norm Eisen, who was special assistant to former president Barack Obama for ethics and government reform. "So to have a family member, or a business associate of that family member, exploit the president's name is understandably concerning to the president, to the White House and to the country."

For-profit ventures by Biden's family members drew criticism during the campaign, although the spotlight was mostly on his son Hunter Biden, who sat on the board of a Ukrainian energy company while his father was vice president. During that time, Joe Biden was a point man on Ukraine for the Obama administration.

Shortly after visiting China with his father via Air Force Two, Hunter Biden joined the board of a newly formed investment advisory firm whose partners included Chinese entities.

Friday's questions involved Frank Biden, who is based in Florida and whose work email address was published twice in the advertisement. The existence of the ad was first reported by CNBC. The Washington Post obtained a copy.

Frank Biden did not respond to an email seeking comment. Nor did the firm's founders, Teddy Berman and Russell Berman.

Francis Biden - Frank's formal name - was hired by the Berman Law Group in July 2018, according to a news release from the firm at the time. The release, issued when his brother was no longer vice president and about nine months before he entered the presidential race, did not mention the familial connection.

Frank Biden's biography on the law firm's website does highlight his ties to the president and the president's son Beau, who died of brain cancer in 2015. According to the online bio, Biden "was involved in the election campaigns of his brother, Joe Biden, and nephew, Joseph R. Biden III, as an adviser and unpaid campaign coordinator over many years."

Separately, Psaki also confirmed Friday that Valerie Biden, President Biden's sister and longtime political adviser, will not hold a formal position or office in the White House. "Reports that there was an office in the West Wing were not accurate," Psaki said.

The Bidens also have a fourth sibling, their brother James.

During the Trump administration, Democrats questioned the ethics of numerous acts by the president - who retained his business empire during his presidency - as well as by family members and various aides. Biden promised to provide a stark contrast with what many critics saw as the Trumps' eagerness to use their government position to enrich themselves.

The Frank Biden ad is on a far smaller scale. But it does repeatedly cite the president of the United States in an effort to raise the profile of a business that employs a close relative.

And it is not subtle in making the connection. "For Biden it's a question of judgement, not morals - a lesson his older brother, the president-elect Joseph Biden Jr., has ingrained in him," the ad says.

"My brother is a model for how to go about doing this work," Frank Biden is quoted as saying.

President Biden has issued a wide-ranging executive order imposing ethical restrictions on his administration's appointees, but that policy does not speak to his family members. Shortly before the inauguration, a Biden official told The Post that the White House would adopt procedures to ensure that activities by family members would not create a conflict of interest, or even the appearance of one.

That would include prohibiting Biden family members from working for or serving on the board of majority foreign-owned companies, the person said.

As private citizens, presidential siblings and family members are notoriously difficult to regulate, and presidents from Jimmy Carter to Bill Clinton struggled to rein in their relatives.

"The question is: What do you do about it? Because you can't control your brother," said Richard Painter, who was the chief ethics lawyer for President George W. Bush. "The brother can make an ad. Joe Biden can't stop his brother from making an ad."

What the White House can do, Painter said, is make it clear that it will not permit any special access to his brother's law firm or its clients. He said the White House should create a blanket rule that lawyers from the Berman Law Group will get no meetings with Biden's political appointees.

"The one thing they have done is to say the president's name should not be used this way," Painter said. "The more concrete directive is that if the president's name is used this way, you then put into place prophylactic measures where the political appointees of the president are not accepting meetings or handling business of that law firm."
Local tattoo artist Darren McQuaile has taken an iconic painting, and an iconic local skyline, and blended them into an iconic new classic!

His 'Starry Starry Drogheda sky' is now available to buy in the Coffee Box in the Fair Green, due to popular demand, something that has taken the Duleek man by surprise.

'It started as a bit of a lockdown project, but people seem to really like it, which is great,' says Darren, who usually works in Dark Valley Tattoos. 'I've always been interested in painting, as well as the tattooing, and while the shop is closed due to COVID, I thought I'd get working on something different.'

The former student of St Mary's Diocesan school attended art college, but found the academic life wasn't for him, preferring the more creative aspects.

'It was my favourite subject in school, and had a very encouraging art teacher Mr Ledwith, and I completed my portfolio and started college, but even though that wasn't for me, my portfolio was great for when I started tattooing,' says Darren, who now lives in Donore. 'I was always fascinated with tattoos, and it is definitely the steadiest income you can make as an artist; it allows you to be really creative and no two days are the same.'

In fact, he says in recent years, he has seen a change in the people who get inked! 'The social taboo for having tattoos is gone now, and I have been doing designs for much older people, with men and women in their 70s getting their first,' he says. 'I really like people, and it is a great way to meet people and hear their stories.'

Meanwhile he is tempted to expand his Starry sky idea nationwide.

'I was thinking I could paint other well-known scenes in other Irish towns,' he explains. 'This is my first-time selling paintings, and I'm really happy people want to buy them.'

Darren's prints are 20 for an A4 size and 30 for A3, and are available at the Coffee Box in Fair Green or can be custom ordered from Darren on 086 1909067.

Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) -- Just when the vaccine rollout and economic optimism left gold looking like last years metal, it staged a recovery.Bullion is one of the best-performing commodities this month, erasing almost all of this years losses. Investors have been lured back by golds appeal as an inflation hedge, while the Federal Reserve maintains its monetary stimulus and says price pressures should prove temporary. Spot gold rose 0.4% on Friday, capping a fourth straight weekly gain.Diego Parrilla, who runs the Quadriga Igneo fund, is among those who recently boosted their exposure to gold, saying that central banks wont risk increasing interest rates to combat inflation for fear of pricking the enormous bubbles theyve created.We have entered a new paradigm that will be dominated by deeply negative real interest rates, high inflation, and low nominal rates -- an extremely supportive environment for gold, said Parrilla, who manages $350 million.Still, gold is ultimately a haven asset which conventional logic suggests should suffer as the economy booms. So can the latest rally be sustained? Here are four key charts to watch.Inflation ConundrumIts been the hottest question in finance this year, and probably the biggest one for gold: will current inflationary pressures be transitory or persistent?If you ask the Fed, the answer is the former. Parts of bond market disagree, with market-based measures of long-term inflation expectations rising to the highest since 2013 earlier this month.Thats a sweet-spot for gold, which benefits when monetary policy keeps bond rates low even as inflation persists. Real yields on Treasuries have slipped deeper into negative recently, burnishing the appeal of bullion.Where they go next will be critical. Any hint the Fed may taper because of inflation or labor market strength could see bond rates spike -- triggering a repeat of the taper tantrum seen in the wake of the financial crisis, when gold dropped 26% in the space of six months.The position I think you get to is a place where it gets to be very vulnerable to the taper narrative, said Marcus Garvey, head of metals strategy at Macquarie Group Ltd.On the other hand, anything that drags on the global economic recovery -- be it poor jobs data or new virus variants -- should see real yields plunge, benefiting the metal.Dollar DriverThe dollar has been another important driver of gold this year. After initially strengthening as the U.S. vaccination program outpaced the rest of the world, its declined since March as other nations closed the gap, providing a tailwind for the precious metal.Most analysts dont see much movement in the dollar going forward, with the median forecast compiled by Bloomberg suggesting only a slight strengthening.If theyre wrong, be it due to divergence in the global recovery or surprising hawkishness from other nations central banks, the implications for bullion could be significant.Investor DemandGolds poor start to the year came as exchange-traded funds cut their holdings of the metal by 237 tons in the four months through to April. Hedge funds trading on Comex also reduced their exposure to the lowest since 2019 in early March.In the second quarter, flows have started to reverse. If that picks up steam, gold could find another leg higher.There is still potentially a lot of pent-up investment demand, said Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank A/S. Still, positions are relatively small.Others, including Aegon NVs Robert Jan Van Der Mark, who cut his exposure to gold in November after vaccines were announced, remain to be convinced.With vaccination rollout on track and economies reopening, we have less appetite for a safe haven/stagflation type of assets in the portfolio, he said.Bitcoin BounceOften touted as digital bullion, Bitcoins rally in the first months of the year was demoralizing for gold bulls. The two assets are both favored by those fearful of hyperinflation and currency debasement, so the cryptocurrencys outperformance may have turned the heads of would-be bullion buyers.Bitcoin has dropped about 40% from its mid-April high, with substantial outflows from funds. Gold could be a beneficiary.(An earlier version of this story corrected spelling of the central bank in the second paragraph.)More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P.

India's total active caseload has dropped to less than 1.7 lakh (1,69,824) on Saturday, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).

The Ministry said that the present active caseload now consists of less than 1.6 per cent, which is just 1.58 per cent of India's total positive cases.

"The nine States and UTs have a higher weekly positivity rate than the national average. Kerala records highest weekly positivity rate with 12.20 per cent, followed by Chhattisgarh with 7.30 per cent," it said.

Moreover, 27 States and UTs have a weekly positivity rate less than the national average.

"With a consistent rise in cumulative recoveries, India's recovery rate has reached nearly 97 per cent (96.98 per cent)," said the Ministry, while adding that it is one of the highest globally.

Total cumulative recoveries stand at 1,04,09,160 today with 14,808 patients recovered and discharged in the last 24 hours.

The Ministry said that India has also significantly scaled up its COVID-19 inoculation drive and over 5.7 lakh people have been vaccinated successively for the last 2 days.

"As on January 30, 2021, till 8:00 am, more than 35 lakh (35,00,027) beneficiaries have received the vaccination under the countrywide COVID19 vaccination exercise," it said.

According to the MoHFW, in the last 24 hours, 5,71,974 people were vaccinated across 10,809 sessions. 63,687 sessions have been conducted so far.

Moreover, 85.10 per cent of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in 10 States and UTs.

Kerala has reported the maximum number of single-day recoveries with 6,398 newly recovered cases. 2,613 people recovered in Maharashtra in the past 24 hours followed by 607 in Karnataka.

13,083 daily new cases registered in the last 24 hours and 81.95 per cent of these cases are from 6 States and UTs.

"Kerala continues to report the highest daily new cases at 6,268. It is followed by Maharashtra with 2,771, while Tamil Nadu reported 509 new cases", it added.

As many as 137 deaths recorded in the last 24 hours and seven States and UTs account for 83.94 per cent of the new deaths. Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties at 56, followed by Kerala with 22 daily deaths and Punjab with 11.

(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 government on Saturday announced that it would formally join the review proceedings initiated by the Sindh administration against the Supreme Court's acquittal of British-born al-Qaeda terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh and his three aides in the murder of US journalist Daniel Pearl.

Pearl, the 38-year-old South Asia bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal, was abducted and beheaded while he was in investigating a story in 2002 on the links between the country's powerful spy agency ISI and al-Qaeda.

The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the release of main accused Sheikh and his aides -- Fahad Naseem, Sheikh Adil and Salman Saqib -- by dismissing appeals against their acquittal by the Sindh High Court. The judgement was denounced by Pearl's family as "a complete travesty of justice".

The Sindh government on Friday filed a review petition in the apex court against the acquittal of Sheikh and his three accomplices.

A spokesman of the Attorney General of on Saturday announced that the federal government will file an appropriate application before the apex court to be allowed to join as a party in the proceedings and further seek review and recall of the court's January 28 judgement.

The federal government will file an application for the constitution of a larger bench to hear the review petitions. In cooperation with the provincial government, the federal government will continue to take all legal steps to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice in accordance with the law, the spokesman said.

The announcement came a day after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi over phone and discussed the accountability of convicted terrorists responsible for the brutal murder of Pearl.

Blinken also expressed "deep concern" over the apex court's judgement.

The Pakistan Foreign Office in a statement said Qureshi underscored that it was important and in the mutual interest that justice is served through legal means.

According to some media reports, the Supreme Court would hear the review petition on February 1. However, no formal announcement has been made as yet.

In April 2020, a two-judge Sindh High Court bench commuted the death sentence of 46-year-old Sheikh to seven years imprisonment. The court also acquitted his three aides who were serving life terms in the case -- almost two decades after they were found guilty and jailed.

The Sindh government and family of Pearl filed petitions in the apex court, challenging the high court verdict.

The Sindh government invoked the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance 1960 to keep the four men under detention.

Their continuous detention was challenged in the Sindh High Court (SHC), which on December 24 directed security agencies not to keep Sheikh and other accused under "any sort of detention" and declared all notifications of the Sindh government related to their detention "null and void".

The order elicited an immediate response from the US, which on December 25 expressed its deep concerns over the SHC order.

The US State Department said it will continue to monitor any developments in the case and will continue to support the Pearl family "through this extremely difficult process", while honouring the legacy of the "courageous journalist".

The US has been mounting pressure on Pakistan, demanding justice for Pearl.

Last month, the US said it is ready to take custody of Sheikh, asserting that Washington will not allow him to evade justice.

Sheikh in a handwritten letter to the SHC in 2019 admitted his limited involvement in the killing of Pearl. The letter was presented to the Supreme Court nearly two weeks ago and Sheikh's lawyer on Wednesday confirmed the letter.

The accused, however, didn't explain the nature of his role which he said was just minor.
Stephanie Abney says she knows who killed her 20-year-old son, Fabian, last August. But she is still waiting for the New York Police Department to solve the case  another unsolved murder in a city grappling with a surge of gun violence amid the pandemic.

As the months wear on since Fabians murder, Ms. Abney says she has grown frustrated with the police. I told the detective, I dont want you to call me unless you have someone in custody, she said in a phone interview. Fabian wasnt perfect. But he was an amazing kid.

The N.Y.P.D. struggled to solve murders and other crimes in the city last year. In the second quarter of 2020, nearly half of all murders went unsolved, N.Y.P.D. data show, and the clearance rate for six other categories of major crime fell from 2019, in some cases sharply.

The percentage of murders that were cleared  that is to say, solved by arrest or other means  fell from 67 percent in 2019 to 50.9 percent for the same period in 2020, a decline of 24 percent. The portion of aggravated assault cases solved by police for that period fell from 69 percent in 2019 to 57 percent, a 17 percent decline. The clearance rate also declined for rape, robbery, larceny theft, motor vehicle theft and, though only slightly, burglary.

Morocco on Thursday began the COVID-19 inoculation drive in the country after receiving its share of vaccines from China's Sinopharm and British firm AstraZeneca. In the initial phase of the campaign, the vaccine will be offered first to health care workers, security forces and people aged 75 years or older. Morocco's vaccination drive is being dubbed as Africa's one of the most advanced COVID-19 inoculation programmes.

Read: Morocco Acquires 65 Million Vaccine Doses From China, UK

The vaccination drive in the country officially began after Morocco's King Mohammed VI received the first shot of the vaccine to build confidence around the vaccines among the members of the general public. The King received the jab at his palace in the city of Fez. Morocco recently received its first batch of vaccine doses from Sinopharm and AstraZeneca.

Read: Israel PM Netanyahu Hails Joint US Diplomatic Visit To Morocco Following Peace Agreement

It remains unclear how many vaccine shots did Morocco receive from these companies, but authorities say the country has enough to start the vaccination programme. Morocco had approved Sinopharm and AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccines earlier this month after data provided to regulators showed the vaccines were safe and effective for use. Morocco was also part of China's international vaccine trial programme, where the Communist nation tested Sinopharm's vaccine in the country last year.

Read: Morocco's 'new Official Map' Signed By US Including Disputed Western Sahara

Free vaccine for all

Morocco's Health Ministry has announced that the two vaccine jabs required to trigger an immune response will be administered between an interval of 21 days and will be free of cost. Morocco has acquired 66 million shots from AstraZeneca and Sinopharm, which will be enough for about 80 percent of its population. However, the recent production and distribution delays announced by the company indicates that it will be months before they arrive.

Morocco has reported more than 4,69,000 COVID-19 cases so far, of which over 8,200 have lost their lives. The current positivity rate in the country is on a decline.

Read: Morocco's School Curriculum To Include Jewish Culture And History, First In Arab World

(Image Credit: AP)
Taipei, Jan 30 : Passengers aboard trains, buses and ships across Taiwan will be banned from eating and drinking from February 1 amid a resurgence of Covid-19, the Transport Department said.

Eating and drinking will also be prohibited on planes, except on international and cross-Strait flights, Xinhua news agency quoted the Department as saying in a statement issued on Friday.

Airports, railway stations, harbours, highway service areas and tourist sites will double the frequency of disinfection from February 8 to 16, the prime season for homecoming during the Spring Festival, the statement said.

Gathering events at railway station halls will be suspended during this period.

The total number of Covid-19 cases in Taiwan has risen to 899, with four new imported cases from the Philippines and South Africa, according to the local epidemic monitoring agency.

Till now, seven people have died due to the disease, while there were 813 recoveries and 79 hospitalisations.
The increase in global disposable income has resulted in higher sales of domestic appliances catering to growth of the consumer appliance coatings market. (Representative Image  Pixabay GmbH)

Consumer appliance coatings with epoxy resins are anticipated to be highly sought-after due to surge in demand in various applications such as refrigeration and other domestic appliances. The global domestic appliance industry was valued at over $500 billion in 2018, and is forecast to grow exponentially to reach $700 billion by 2025. This is projected to increase demand for consumer appliance coatings steadily in the near future.

Furthermore, increase in global disposable income has resulted in higher sales of domestic appliances catering to growth of the consumer appliance coatings market. Global disposable income has grown by 0.8 percent in the fiscal year 2020 in India, as per The Economic Times. According to the United Nations (UN), disposable income growth rate in the United States of America was around 2.1 percent in both, 2018 and 2019. Though this rate may fall due to the impact of COVID-19 in the near future, the consumer appliance coatings market size has potential to expand further over the coming years.

Increase in Demand from Refrigeration Segment

With rise in adoption of various refrigeration systems such as mechanical-compression refrigeration systems, absorption refrigeration, evaporative cooling, and others, requirement of consumer appliance coatings is increasing rapidly.

The global refrigeration industry is growing rapidly at a 5 percent CAGR, owing to factors such as innovation of IoT-enabled refrigeration monitoring solutions, well-developed cold storage infrastructure, and others. Furthermore, governmental regulations and investments in refrigeration system are working in favor of the consumer appliance coatings market.

Recently the National Centre for Cold Chain Development (NCCD) has been established by the Government of India to support the cold chain development in India. NCCD is an autonomous center for excellence to work in close collaboration with industry and other stakeholders to promote and develop an integrated cold chain in India. Also, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MFPI) scheme for cold chain has been up-scaled for taking another 75 cold chain projects in India. These initiatives are bolstering the growth of refrigeration segment, which, in turn, is pushing the demand curve in the consumer appliance coatings market further upward.

Market Insights by Application

The refrigeration segment is presently leading in the consumer appliance coatings market in terms of application. Efficient refrigeration systems with reduced power consumption are experiencing increased demand from consumers, which is boosting the growth of the consumer appliance coatings market.

Some of the key applications of consumer appliance coatings are large cooking appliances, home laundry, and others. The global large cooking appliances industry was valued at over $25 billion in 2018, and is expected to exhibit steady rise at over 6 percent CAGR through 2025.

Global sales of home and laundry care items were worth over $150 billion in 2019, and this is increasing steadily, aiding the growth of the consumer appliance coatings market.

Consumer Appliance Coatings Market Insights by Resin

Currently, epoxy resins are dominating the consumer appliance coatings market, followed by epoxy PE hybrid, and others. Having a wide range of material characteristics such as low shrinkage during cure, good adhesion to all types of fibers, high mechanical properties, easy processing, and others, epoxy resins are highly preferred in the consumer appliance coatings market.

Demand for epoxy resins is expected to expand at a 7 percent CAGR through 2030, which is anticipated to catalyze the growth of the consumer appliance coatings market.

Regional Outlook of Consumer Appliance Coatings Market

Asia Pacific, being the largest market for consumer appliance coatings, is forecast to experience steady growth over the coming years, with the epicenter in countries such as China, India, and others. China will emerge as a lucrative market, exhibiting a 0.8 percent CAGR throughout the forecast period.

The North America consumer appliance coatings market is the second-largest in the world. Owing to a highly developed consumer appliances industry, North America is expected to sustain its position over the coming years. The North America home appliances industry is set to expand at over 2 percent CAGR through 2025. Rise in usage of kitchen and home appliances in countries such as the US, Canada, Mexico and others is aiding market growth in North America.

Europe is another lucrative region in the consumer appliance coatings market. The Europe consumer appliance coatings market is anticipated to progress steadily, owing to growth of the domestic appliance industry at over 1.3 percent CAGR over the coming years. Countries such as the UK, Germany, Italy and others are expected to propel the growth of this regional market.

Consumer Appliance Coatings Market: Competitive Landscape

With the competition getting tougher, key players in the consumer appliance coatings market are emphasizing on improving the quality and quantity of their products to sustain their positions in this space.

For instance, Tiger Corporation launched its new extensive range of consumer appliance coatings, such as powder coatings, digital printing solutions, and thermoset material for SLS 3D printing, 3D metallic coatings and others.

Nippon Paint Co Ltd launched its new range of consumer appliance coatings with special focus on safety, texture and finishing, for a wide range of consumer appliances, starting from refrigeration to home laundry.

Key companies operating in the consumer appliance coatings market are - Akzo Nobel NV, Axalta Coating Systems, Jotun A/S, Nippon Paint Co Ltd, PPG Industries Inc, The Sherwin-Williams Company, Tiger Corporation and Valspar Corporation.

Source:

Fact.MR

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Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High around 65F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Clear skies. Low 42F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph.
Rogersfasttrack.com scored 48 Social Media Impact. Social Media Impact score is a measure of how much a site is popular on social networks. 2.5/5.0 Stars by Social Team

This CoolSocial report was updated on 8 Jan 2013, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want.

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Basic Information

PAGE TITLE DESCRIPTION KEYWORDS OTHER KEYWORDS



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DOCTYPE CHARSET AND LANGUAGE UTF-8 UTF8 SERVER Microsoft-IIS/7.5 (ASP.NET) OPERATIVE SYSTEM Windows Server 2008 R2 Windows Server 2008 R2

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Site Traffic trend during the last year. Only available for sites ranked <= 100000 in the world.

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HONG KONG, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- The government of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) announced on Friday that it will no longer recognize the so-called British National Overseas (BNO) passport as a valid travel document and proof of identity, following up on the national countermeasures against Britain's new policy.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Friday afternoon that China will no longer recognize the so-called BNO passport as a travel document and ID document from Sunday (Jan. 31), and reserves the right to take further actions.

The decision was made after the British government announced that it will begin accepting citizenship applications for BNO-eligible Hong Kong residents starting from Sunday.

The HKSAR government spokesperson said the Chinese and British governments reached a consensus long ago on how to deal with the issue of Hong Kong residents holding BNO passports and exchanged memoranda on the understanding.

In its memorandum, Britain clearly pledged not to confer the right of abode in Britain on those holders who are Chinese nationals in Hong Kong, the spokesperson said.

The current move of the British side has substantively changed the nature of the BNO passport, and is a fundamental violation of its pledge in its memorandum, the spokesperson said.

As Britain breaches its commitment in the first place, it is legitimate for China to take countermeasures in response, the spokesperson said.

The non-recognition of BNO passport as a valid travel document is in no conflict with the Chinese government's commitment in its memorandum, as well as the explanations of questions concerning the implementation in the HKSAR of the Nationality Law of the People's Republic of China given by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the spokesperson said.

The central government's adoption of the stance and policy in response to Britain's breach of commitment is a matter of foreign affairs and falls squarely within its purview, the spokesperson said, adding that the HKSAR government will fully follow up on the necessary measures for implementing the relevant policy.

Starting Sunday, BNO passport cannot be used for immigration clearance in Hong Kong, and Hong Kong residents concerned can continue to use their HKSAR passports or permanent identity cards for entering or departing Hong Kong, the spokesperson said.

BNO passport cannot be used as any form of proof of identity in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong residents concerned may continue to use their permanent identity cards as proof of identity.

When passengers board flights for Hong Kong, airlines concerned must require Hong Kong residents to present their HKSAR passports or Hong Kong permanent identity cards as proof. Hong Kong permanent residents who are not of Chinese nationality and do not hold other valid travel documents may apply to the Immigration Department of the HKSAR government for document of identity for visa purposes for international travel.

The spokesperson pointed out that the move of the British government clearly uses the BNO passport or status which some people in Hong Kong still hold for political maneuver on the pretext of providing a new route for relevant people to reside and obtain citizenship in Britain.

Hong Kong residents who hold the BNO passport or status should discern the political intention of the British government clearly, the spokesperson said.

Apart from serving its political agenda, the move of the British side will also bring huge economic interests to itself, the spokesperson said.

While Britain may be in dire need of talents and capital, it should not have made use of the BNO passport as a "political cover-up," the spokesperson said.

Denton, TX (76205)

Today

Partly to mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 78F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 63F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.

A CCTV footage of the Embassy blast site has revealed that a cab had dropped two persons near the embassy and it is yet to be ascertained whether these persons have any role in the explosion, according to sources.

The Special Cell has contacted the concerned cab driver and enquired about the two persons. Police are drawing out the pictures of the two persons on the basis of inputs gathered from the cab driver.

The police are on high alert following the Embassy low-intensity blast and sources have confirmed that ammonium nitrate was used for the explosion. Sources have also said this blast may be a trial of some "bigger conspiracy".

"The forensic team has got evidence of the usage of ammonium nitrate for the blast which caused a small trench at the site," sources said, adding that if RDX was used then the impact would have been higher.

Police have also recovered a separate CCTV footage, a half-burnt pink scarf and an envelope addressed to Ambassador from the blast site, sources said.

Police also found a camera hidden behind a tree near the blast site. In the footage retrieved from the camera, the timestamp was of the year 1970 but the content is not clear and police are investigating it to ascertain information.

The envelope that was found from the spot was found around 12 yards away from the blast site and police sources have said that the letter was addressed to the Israel Ambassador. Police are tracing its fingerprints and examining its contents.

A low-intensity explosion took place near the Israel Embassy this evening. No injuries have been reported in the incident so far. Windscreens of several cars parked in the vicinity of the Embassy on Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road were found damaged.

The explosion took place not far from Vijay Chowk, where several VVIPS including President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in attendance during the 'Beating Retreat' ceremony.

The Special Cell is investigating the blast and according to sources, the preliminary investigation has suggested a mischievous act with the aim to spread panic. Security has been increased in and around the area.

An alert has also been issued at all airports, important installations, and government buildings in view of the blast. Enhanced security measures have been put in place, the Central Industrial Security Force said.

The Mumbai Police is also on high alert after the incident and security has been stepped up across the city. There is also a high alert in Uttar Pradesh after the incident in Delhi.

(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.)
Since midnight, enemy forces have not attacked Ukrainian troops.

The Command of Ukraine's Armed Forces has reported two wounded in action (WIA) amid five violations of the latest ceasefire agreement committed by Russia-controlled armed groups in the Donbas warzone on Friday, January 29.

"In the past day, January 29, five ceasefire violations were recorded in the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) zone," the press center of the Ukrainian JFO Command said on Facebook in an update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on January 30, 2021.

Read alsoKravchuk: Ukraine not to transfer hostages through MP MedvedchukIn particular, using quadcopter-type UAVs, the enemy dropped two VOG-17 grenades over the Joint Forces' positions near the village of Vodiane in the Azov Sea littoral in the Skhid (East) sector. As a result, two Ukrainian soldiers received shrapnel wounds. They were rushed to the hospital where they received medical assistance.

The Russian Federation's armed formations also fired an under-barrel grenade launcher and small arms towards the Ukrainian positions near the village of Opytne, as well as a hand-held anti-tank grenade launcher and an under-barrel grenade launcher near the town of Avdiyivka.

In the Pivnich (North) sector, there were no truce violations.

"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.

Since midnight, enemy forces have not attacked Ukrainian troops.

Ukrainian military says the situation is under full control.

Donbas ceasefire: Background

Participants in the Trilateral Contact Group (Ukraine, Russia, and the OSCE) on the peace settlement in Donbas on July 22 agreed on a full and comprehensive ceasefire along the contact line from 00:01 on Monday, July 27.

On the very first day of the newly-agreed truce, Russia's hybrid military forces mounted three attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine.

Reporting by UNIAN

Halie Gass Forstner lived through the Spanish flu and she has thus far survived the coronavirus as she soon turns 110.

Ms. Forstner this past week made the move into Morning Pointe of Chattanooga at Shallowford.

Born in 1911 on the Georgia side of Sand Mountain, she is no stranger to the challenges a pandemic puts on a nation. As a young child, she endured the Spanish Flu of 1918 and lost friends and family members to the illness.

She vividly remembers keeping a safe distance from her father as he battled - and eventually beat - the Spanish flu. She and her mother took a wagon from their home on the mountain to Chattanooga to get vaccinated against that virus.

Having lived through that time in history, Ms. Forstner got her COVID-19 vaccine on Friday. I want to keep myself and others around me safe, so Im interested in getting the vaccine, said Ms. Forstner.

Known throughout the Chattanooga community for her sharp mind, historic knowledge, and, of course, her age, Halie Forstner graduated from Chattanooga High School in the building now occupied by Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences in 1930.

In 2016, Ms. Forstner was named an honorary graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and was recognized by state legislators and then-Governor Bill Haslam.

She was married to Charles Forstner for 52 years until his passing in 1990. She is proud of her numerous friends and family members, especially her church family at Lookout Valley Presbyterian Church.

Now, she has a new family to join at Morning Pointe. We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Forstner to our Morning Pointe family, said Greg A. Vital, president of Morning Pointe Senior Living. It certainly is an honor that she chose Morning Pointe as her next home and we look forward to celebrating many more milestones with her in the coming years.

He said Morning Pointe Senior Living is working to help curb the spread of COVID-19 by partnering with CVS Pharmacy to administer the vaccine to residents and associates in each of its 35 communities. Vaccination clinics are ongoing and require a two-step process over the course of several weeks. The latest vaccination clinic schedule can be viewed at www.morningpointe.com/covid_
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President Muhammadu Buhari, on Saturday, accused Nigerian elites of criticising him unjustly despite all the strides made by his administration.

Mr Buhari said this after he revalidated his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Katsina State.

The exercise was flagged off in Daura, the presidents hometown in Katsina State.

Mr Buhari was seen in the midst of other APC dignitaries and state governors, unmasked, despite the coronavirus threat, as he thanked them for boosting his morale.

He also thanked the national caretaker committee chairman of the party for shouldering the responsibilities of the APC.

Criticism

The president, after the exercise, accused the elites of criticising its administration despite its efforts to revive the oil industry, among other sectors of Nigerias economy.

When we took over in the administration, production went down to about half a million barrels per day, the price collapsed. We had to do what is called a bailout, wherever we got the money from. Upon all the money from 1999 to 2014, we gave you money from the centre to pay salaries. No, Nigerian elites are not interested in rating the competence but they are interested in harassing us with all efforts we are making.

You, who are in the field in charge of your constituencies, you have to make efforts to convince the elites to please give us the due relevance and respect we deserve that we are working so hard with limited resources, he told members in attendance.

Commendation

Meanwhile, the president described the chairman of the committtee and governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, as the most suitable person for the leadership position having served as the national secretary of the party for a long time before becoming governor.

ALSO READ: Presidency alleges smear campaign against Buhari

He said the governor knows the details of the party more than him by virtue of his long service as the secretary.

He thanked him for contacting all members of the party and discussing its problems with them.

Mr Buhari said his objective was to ensure the party is returned to the people at the grassroots by starting from the bottom to the top from polling unit to ward to the local government to the state and then to Abuja.

The registration exercise, which has just been launched is expected to end with the display of registered members at all party wards and local governments from February 27 to March 1.

The APC had its last membership registration and revalidation drive before the party came to power in 2015.
A Wexford principal has called on the Department of Education to support Wexford families through committed actions rather than aspirational words, saying principals should have the power to decide when they reopen their schools.

Vicky Barron is principal of CBS primary school's 275 children. She said she can't look their parents in the eye and tell them the school is safe at a time when numbers of Covid-19 are so high within the community.

'The current political situation seems to be to get schools open at all costs. It was stated in the seminar on Monday last that potentially only 3 per cent or 4 per cent of children could get Covid-19 upon reopening right now. 1 pupil is 100 per cent of a life. That is a gamble no school is willing to make.

Ms Barron said the constant changing of plans, and the latest 'abandoning of plans' by the Department of Education is the final straw for parents and teachers, whose unions have been branded 'disingenuous' by Minister for Education Norma Foley for refusing to accept the advice from her department that 'schools are safe'.

Ms Barron said: 'The stance this government has taken to prioritise children with additional needs is welcomed but what is needed are planned, committed actions, not aspirational words. Back in March 2020, we knew we were going to close but we didn't expect it to be so long. We were working from week to week. In hindsight the government, teachers, principals, SNAs, had we known that it was going to be that long of a stint we would have planned differently but we were in a global pandemic. Nobody really knew what was happening, how Covid was going to affect working and what to do for the longer term. We all just battened down the hatches and stayed in, and therein lies the current issues with reopening. We didn't get everything right last time. We know this.

'The research does show that some children with additional needs did miss out and there is evidence of regression during that period. We were issued with guidance on reopening ahead of September. At the time we still didn't feel overly confident, but we said we have to get our kids back and we were really successful in doing this. Meticulous cleaning regimes were put in place. There was an emphasis on social distancing and we were looking after ourselves and our pupils.'

Expand Close Minister Norma Foley. Photo:Frank McGrath / Facebook

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Whatsapp Minister Norma Foley. Photo:Frank McGrath

She said that while there have been outbreaks in primary schools nationally, 'I only know of only one or two cases in Wexford schools from before Christmas. However when you are in a school and you are the principal, and you have the responsibility for all 275 children in your care as well as the welfare of your staff, and when the transmission rate is over 24 per cent in the community, then health and safety must come first.

'From third to sixth classes we operate in a class bubble and the children were put into pods last September. That worked really well; the children played together and settled back to school routines well. We changed the pods every time we had a break of more than 11 days or so. At the junior end, there was no direction to put children into pods so they operated as a class bubble. You cannot keep a class of 30 junior infants socially distanced. It should be noted that they missed out on their last few months of creche in 2020; all that transition work was gone. We started last September with children who hadn't finished with being preschoolers yet.

'We worked really hard. The children were washing hands and sanitising. Sometimes they were better than the grown ups at remembering to sanitise! There was a little bit of anxiety after they came back, but because of staggered beaks and other protocols, everything was safe. Everything was calmer and slower and we had a focus on wellbeing.'

High levels of anxiety among pupils were evident and lots of time and energy went into supporting these anxious boys and girls, she said. 'We were able to support our children because our own anxiety levels were lower as we knew community transmission rates were low and we knew the regimes and protocols in place were keeping us safe from the only strain of Covid-19 we knew of at that stage.

'Currently, the news at 6 p.m. is quite stark and even though the children might appear to be playing or reading something at home, they are listening to everything so now there are huge levels of anxiety in the children themselves. They worry for their parents and grandparents, that they are going to be the transmitters who will pass it on. They know about the new strains of Covid-19. They hear about higher infection rates in children. They now know words such as virulent and mortality rates.'

There are two special classes in Wexford CBS: one primary ASD class and one Early Intervention class. 'We would also have lots of children who would have additional needs in the mainstream. We have six SNAs. If we were to open today and if I was to have all of my children in my special classes in, I would need two teachers, and three SNAs , me or the deputy principal, teachers to cover breaks, our secretary and caretaker on site and that's just to run the building for a small number of children, which flies in the face of the direction so keep contacts to a minimum.'

Ms Barron questioned the reasoning behind returning pupils with additional needs to school in a building that is unrecognizable from what they are used to as all of their peers will be at home.

'For parents who want their children to come back, it is for the routine and the friendships that have been established. If we return to soon, there is every possibility that the regular teachers could be isolating and not able to come to work. Then other teachers who are not familiar with the children must take over. That is not fair to children who thrive on routine. The CMO says schools are safe environments because of the procedures in place but that the closures are to stop the mass movement of people. Again, the school can only be as safe as the community it serves.'

Ms Barron said it is not safe to bring potentially medically vulnerable children into an environment where their close contacts will be markedly increased. 'We have spent a long time building up trusting relationships with our parents and we do not feel it is safe. We are making other arrangements and we weren't asked what these were. It was just assumed that the children lost out last year so they are going to lose out this year. We were told to remain closed in January. The plan was that we would reopen in February. There was a collective acceptance that we would look at this.'

Sensory packs including toys were sent home for familiarity and the teachers are linking in every day with families of children with additional needs. 'Last year, during lockdown 1, we genuinely were fire-fighting. However, all primary schools were mandated last November to create a 'Remote Learning Plan' should we need to return to remote learning. Then on January 11 we were directed to reopen for children with special education needs. Nobody consulted to see what the lessons learned from the last lockdown and how we were going to propose to support our children who may not have gotten it last time. Schools have worked really hard to put in plans to support the children they felt it difficult to support last year.'

The current discourse coming from the Department of Education is shocking, she said. 'It's not what you'd expect from a Minister for Education. It was announced that we were going back and on the ground we were absolutely stunned, because in Wexford at the time the community rate of transmission was nearly at 25 per cent. Tony Holohan was saying: stay home, stay safe, do not go out, work from home. We were prepared to do that and then it was announced that schools were safe. At that time, Ireland had the highest rate of infection in the world. The argument has always been that schools are only safe as long as the community that they serve is safe'.

When schools reopened in September the community transmission rate was 2.9 per cent. 'We were up at almost 25 per cent community transmission of Covid-19 after Christmas. It's not about depriving school-going children of their education. If no other child is in school, the routine that is needed by any child with additional needs is not going to be in place. They are going to come back into a school where their peers are not there; where their friends are not there. The children who are in primary ASD classes have no one to integrate with.'

'From the start of January we have said schools are not safe. On the webinar on Monday last, there were almost 17,000 viewers. A reference was made to how case numbers dropped in November. There was almost a collective gasp! Did nobody realise that all schools in Ireland were closed for the first week in November so naturally the data is going to point out that case numbers were lower that month?

'We all had a week off for mid term break. Children who contracted Covid-19 during this time were classed as being community transmission. The lack of trust about school being safe comes with the anecdotal evidence that is coming from our colleagues. There have been reports from principals that when they rang the HSE contact tracing line, children and teachers who had been in close contact with cases, were not actually deemed as not being close contacts. Again, this was in stark contrast to public health advice.

'We have heard reports from schools where parents informed that their child has Covid but that the HSE would not be in touch with the school because the child, having only developed symptoms, therefore would not have been contagious because this is a Monday and they were last in school on a Friday. It was asserted that Covid is only infectious in the 48 hours before symptoms develop. So that level of mistrust was there already. The mistrust issues have increased since Christmas.'

Ms Barron agreed with a principal from Roscommon on RTE News who said she couldn't wait to reopen on Thursday, providing numbers are low within the community. 'If the numbers were low in her area why wouldn't she open? When numbers are low in Wexford why wouldn't we open? Why put this nationwide blanket on this? There are a huge amount of people in the civil service who, I believe, are running the education system and they are advising the Minister. The language used recently has not been appropriate and has caused parents and schools to be pitted against each other. Minister Foley should consider how her use of language affects the very people she is attempting to support.

'Her anger and frustration are borne from her desperate want that these children are not left behind. We teachers and SNA's share that frustration but I'm not sure the education system, as it stands, can fix this. The minister for education is charged with supporting all children in the education system regardless of additional need. Many of these needs are not being supported as needed, nor have they been supported, for a number of years. Schools cannot be held to account for the failings of successive governments to provide services to support the needs of children.'

At present a test case is being taken by a human rights solicitors firm representing 200 parents of children with additional needs. 'The case is being taken on the basis that all children are entitled to an appropriate education. At present remote learning is not deemed appropriate to the needs of many children with additional needs as stated by the Minister herself. However, reopening schools is not the solution either. There are many, many teachers and SNAs who have had Covid and I assume would have a certain level of immunity. With appropriate PPE and hygiene procedures, I believe some of those may have agreed to have become part of a family's bubble and to go in and support children in their own homes.

'Indeed, there may be teachers who are willing to do this regardless. Something similar was proposed last year but that too was abandoned following similar levels of miscommunication. Further, to add to the problem, staff have been diverted from HSE education and therapeutic work to do contact tracing. Surely there are administrative staff who could do this and allow some limited services to continue? Had the minister looked for teachers willing to visit homes of children, then we might be at a very different position that we are at now.'

Ms Barron also said the government should divert some funding towards Disability services. 'Actions are needed, and needed now. A single day's cost for the hire of The Convention Centre equates to potentially one SNA for a year OR potentially 25 ASD assessments with a private psychologist. It's very difficult to accept this inequity when so many cutbacks have been implemented through the years in the education and disability supports system.'

Describing the past ten months as incredibly stressful, Ms Barron said: 'I can't even begin to tell you about the stress. I have been on high alert since March. I have lost countless nights of sleep but I still believe that teachers can change the world, one pupil at a time. We are however, in a storm at the moment. We need to fix this system from the inside so despite the exhaustion, I will continue to be a voice for my pupils and their families'

She said there are misconceptions about teachers that need to be debunked. 'In the course of this current conversation about schools reopening, many disparaging comments have been made. Unfortunately these aren't necessarily related or helpful to the plight of our pupils with additional needs. For a long time the perception has been that teachers get paid for their summer holidays. Teachers work for ten months of the year and we get paid for those months but by agreement with our employer our wages are spaced over 12 months. It is not fair to compare jobs in different sectors, however this does seem to be the case.

'When you are working with young children who don't understand social distancing, who want to be near you and want to tell you a story; have a runny nose, or who may need help with toileting, that is where the issue comes in. It's not necessarily that we are afraid that we will catch Covid-19 from the children. The fear is more that these children are vulnerable as quite often children with additional needs have healthcare or medical issues. The question has to arise: if everyone else is telling you that jumping off a bridge is safe, but you don't feel it is, then you have to do what you believe is right. Keeping schools closed for the moment is what I believe is safe and right. Find alternative solutions to the problems our children and their families face. Give us well thought out direction, give us the supports we need on a daily basis in our schools. No more words. Actions please.

'It's not that we don't care what the government is saying. We do not believe that we can look a parent in the eye and say that right now, I can keep your child safe and Covid free for the duration of their time in my school.'

When asked when she would be comfortable with pupils returning, she said: 'In December we were glad of the break. Numbers were increasing and knowing everyone would be safe at home was reassuring. As numbers go down in Wexford, there can be 6,000 cases nationally, but with community transmission decreasing - and there is clear evidence of this in Wexford - then I will be sitting down with my board of management and ask what can we do. Is it safe yet? Schools need to be given the autonomy to work with the HSE on a local level and look at their own jurisdictions.

'We want to support all our pupils and all our children with special needs are entitled under the EPSEN Act to be educated in line with their peers. If their peers aren't there it doesn't work. 'If closures continue then I'd be looking to find other ways to support our children with additional needs.'

Ms Barron said there are many children who have additional needs throughout all schools. 'Their needs may not be as complex as the needs of children in special cases but those children who do need these extra supports; would see these supports withdrawn under the suggestion that schools reopen this week. Special Education Teachers who are supporting these children would be brought to school to support children with more complex needs meaning there will still be a potential for many more (but other) children to be 'left behind'. From the get go, teachers saw the problem with these plans but were not heard. Each school is individual as are the pupils who attend. All children thrive with routine. Schools have good routines in place right now. We are supporting our parents to engage with remote learning.'
The logos of video game retail store GameStop and trading app Robinhood are displayed on a computer and a mobile phone in Arlington, Va., on Jan. 28, 2021. (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images)

The Big Short 2.0Crushing the Little Guy

Wall Street steps all over the average American investor by gaming the stock market for the whole world to see

Commentary

Populism investing is here in a very big way, and Wall Street is not happy about it.

What happened?

Gaming GameStop

Hedge funds have been heavily shorting GameStop (GME) stock this month. That means that they believed GME would fall in price. Savvy hedge fund managers at Melvin Capital and other Wall Street money managers just knew that the stock was over-valued.

Only it wasnt. The hedgies were very, very wrongabout $70 billion-worth of wrong overall this year so far.

Instead, GME rose by over 1,600 percent since early January, driven by retail investors rampant buying of the popular gaming app security. Evidently, small investors realized that GME was actually under-valued.

And why wouldnt they? What else has there been to do month after month of lockdowns and work-from-home orders but binge watch Netflix and play video games?

Granted, not everyone did so, but millions of Americans have and continue to do so.

Nonetheless, investors who bought and held GME saw their positions dramatically rise in value over the past few weeks. Many small investors have become multi-millionaires almost overnight.

Saved From the Short Squeeze

Suddenly, Melvin Capital hedge fund (and perhaps others) was forced to cover their massive short positions by buying GME stock at prices several hundred times higher than just a few days earlier. Melvin was under huge pressure from the short squeeze.

But, lucky for the potentially exposed investment firms, Robinhood, a retail trading app, informed its holders of GME that they could no longer buy the stock; they could only sell it.

And it wasnt just the Robinhood trading platform that prevented retail investors from buying GME stock. TD Ameritrade did too, as did Interactive Brokers. And it wasnt just GME stock that was suddenly and inexplicably restricted to account holders.

Imagine, retail investors were suddenly barred from buying stock in Blackberry (BB), Bed, Bath & Beyond (BBBY), and other rapidly appreciating equities.

But not Wall Street firms. No, they were allowed to buy those restricted equities in sufficient quantities to make up for some of their losses.

So far, the White House isnt commenting on GameStop, but rather, is referring inquiries to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Alleged Corruption

Whether the White House told Robinhood to stop GME trading or not, as a viral Reddit post alleges, investors were denied their right to participate in the stock market. That did happen.

We and the world saw what looked like the elite playing their power card against the average Americans out there who are just trying to make a buck.

As you might expect, the fallout is already in play. The first of many lawsuits has already been filed against Robinhood. More will certainly come against other brokerages as well.

But thats not all. Congress may be getting involved. Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas have spoken out against Robinhood for its behavior.

What happens next from Congress is unclear and remains to be seen.

But what is clear is that peopleretail investorslost big money due to the intervention and manipulation of the stock market allegedly in favor of Wall Street. And it was done overtly, via the de-platforming of specific stocks from retail trading platforms, while the big players were given free rein to do as they please.

The Takeaway

Whats the takeaway for Americans?

There are at least two, but maybe three.

First, once again, Wall Street hedge funds are bailed out of a financial crisis of their own making at the expense of the little guy. Thats undeniable.

Second, the stock market just showed the entire world that its anything but a market. Its a fixed game, an asset mainly for Wall Street and the politically connected.

Three, the message couldnt be clearer: Middle America has no business getting rich in the stock marketthat money belongs to the elite. Many Americans who have their lost jobs and even perhaps their houses, are looking to make it up in the market.

And if nothing happens, if no one is punished, if none of the retail investors are made whole for their losses, then the fourth takeaway is that corruption and graft now unashamedly occupy the highest places in the nation.

James R. Gorrie is the author of The China Crisis (Wiley, 2013) and writes on his blog, TheBananaRepublican.com. He is based in Southern California.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

A bronze statue in San Jose commemorating Thomas Fallon  who in 1846 plunged the American flag into the citys soil to claim the land from Mexico during the Mexican-American War  should be removed because it celebrates oppression, violence, injustice and genocide, dozens of people argued in a virtual public forum Friday night.

Community members used their 1-minute allotted time to persuade city officials to get rid of the controversial 16-foot-tall statue, many using the same words to describe Fallons legacy: Colonialism. Imperialism. Racism. Injustice. White supremacy. Violence. Genocide.

While the conversation comes on the heels of a broader racial reckoning that has compelled leaders across the Bay Area and U.S. to examine who should be commemorated in public art, the statue has been the subject of ongoing discourse for 33 years, since it was commissioned in 1988  without an established public process  by former Mayor Tom McEnery.

Fallon was one of the soldiers of John C. Fremonts brigade that was involved in the war with Mexico from 1846 to 1848, and he went on to serve one yearlong term as San Joses 10th mayor, said Albert Camarillo, a Stanford University American history professor and historian.

Some speakers suggested melting the bronze and commissioning local artists to repurpose the metal in a new statue more representative of San Joses influential leaders of color. Some suggested moving the statue to a museum or local historical society where context could be given, and others proposed allowing Latino, indigenous and Black people to remove the statue.

Local high school student Valentina Coronels voice wavered when she said, As an immigrant, it makes me feel extremely unwanted and unwelcome. Sergio Perez said the statue is a reminder of how we have basically destroyed the Native American, the Hispanic culture in the whole county. I see the remnants of the culture being erased quickly.

Yolanda Guerra, a teacher at San Jose High School, said she lives in the neighborhood and drives past the statue every day and said, Each time I see that, thats what I see: Its another example of colonization. Louie Rocha said the the statue is an insult to Mexicans and said, San Jose  if its to be progressive  should have art that celebrates and uplifts all people and not at the expense of others. Ya basta. Enough is enough. Move it, take it down, melt it down, make something useful out of it.

Mayor Sam Liccardo  who encouraged participants more than once to send him evidence from the historical record of Fallons reported atrocities against Mexican and indigenous people  launched the forum by sharing what he learned through research of his own ancestors in San Jose, who were Mexican.

Liccardo said it would cost about $400,000 to remove the statue and transport it elsewhere.

Its clear that many people strongly feel that Fallon has committed these horrible crimes, Liccardo said. It would be helpful for us to have that record, and then we will have a very clear basis for saying lets move the statue. In the meantime, Ill continue to listen to the community and be very open to the public process that results.

The statue is a permanent piece of public art, so it has to go through a de-accession review process, which involves communicating with the artist, and moves through the Public Art Committee and Arts Commission, which can recommend the removal to the City Council. The City Council has that ultimate authority to de-accession a permanent artwork like the Fallon Statue, said Michael Ogilvie, San Joses public art director. The Public Art Committee can recommend to the Arts Commission de-accession or removal of a work of art on a number of conditions, such as significant adverse public reaction has continued unabated over an extended period of time.

Peter Ortiz  a Santa Clara County Board of Education trustee who led the successful campaign that removed a statue of Italian colonizer Christopher Columbus from San Jose City Hall in recent years  told The Chronicle that Fallon wasnt just San Joses 10th mayor.

He was someone who was adamant about expanding colonialism to take land from Native Americans throughout Santa Clara County, Ortiz said. What me and other activists see is that by having a statue of him  someone who has questioned the humanity of specific communities in the valley  having a statute of him in the city put into a prominent place thats the glorification of his actions. That this land is for only white European community members, because thats the belief that man had.

Camarillo told The Chronicle that for some Mexican Americans and to anyone that has a historical consciousness, the statue is seen as putting someone who is the manifestation of the worst elements of Manifest Destiny.

If it causes injury to some subset of a population in the public realm  Mexican Americans, Latinos constitute the largest minority in San Jose  if a subset of that population feels harmed, affected by that statute, which does what? Camarillo asked. The statue shows that the United States was taken, that Mexican California was taken by a violent overthrow of the American Republic in 1846. This fellow (Fallon) represents that.

The statute  comprised of two 6,000-pound sculptures of Fallon and an unidentified man, both atop horses  was shuttered at the Atthowe art storage warehouse in Oakland from 1994 to 2002 after Latino leaders learned the statue was expected to be installed in Cesar Chavez Park in the heart of downtown. The statue was taken out of storage and later placed where it currently resides near Highway 87 only after separate sculptures honoring the regions agriculture, Mexican heritage and Ohlone land were complete.

It has become a place of protest in recent months, particularly during nationwide calls for racial justice, with some people setting it ablaze, tossing red paint resembling blood on Fallons hands, and spray-painting messages on it.

Paul Soto, of San Jose, said that for the healing to start, the statue needs to come down.

Tearing down the statue is not my goal, its to tear down the ideologies that erected it in the first place, Soto said.

Lauren Hernandez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: lauren.hernandez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ByLHernandez
TRUMBULL  After-school activities were cancelled at Trumbull High School Friday and police are investigating after a threatening message was left on an administrators voicemail.

Police said the message was left using a computer-modified voice, and mentioned a specific students name and a communication app. The message contained a threat against the safety of the school, according to police.

Trumbull police were called in to investigate around 1 p.m.

Trumbull High School staff were also made aware of these threats so they took precautions to secure the school and assist police with the investigation, said Lt. Brian Weir in a statement released Friday evening.

The school released at its scheduled time, and police say based on their investigation the threat is not credible.

Police interviewed the identified student and learned that their personal information had been posted online, and determined that this student was not responsible for the threat, Weir said. The student uses the app mentioned in the voicemail, and one of their friends showed them their personal information that was posted online, he said.

Police reviewed a screen shot of a text conversation in the app which matched the language in the message that was left on the school administrators voicemail, the statement said.

Police are continuing to investigate, according to Weir. He said after-school activities were cancelled out of an abundance of caution.

Visa for Hongkongers Will Benefit Britain: Benedict Rogers

The UKs new visa scheme for Hong Kong BN(O) status holders will not only help Hongkongers but also benefit Britain, Benedict Rogers, chief executive of British NGO Hong Kong Watch, said on Friday.

Hong Kong people are, as a generalisation, entrepreneurial, dynamic, creative, very educated people with a lot of initiative, Rogers told NTD on Friday.

They are people who share the same values as us in the UK, the values of democracy, and human rights, and the rule of law.

Although they will need some help with settling down, he believes Hongkongers will bring a boost to Britains economy in the long run.

There are approximately 3 million BN(O) status holders in Hong Kong. From Jan. 31, they and their eligible family members can apply for a visa to live, study, and work in the UK.

As with other visas, after 5 years in the UK, they will be able to apply for settlement, followed by British citizenship after a further 12 months, the UK government said in a statement.

Rogers said that the government estimated that between 150,000 and 300,000 Hongkongers will make the application over the next year or two.

Therell be people who want to stay in Hong Kong; therell be people who may choose to go to other parts of the world, Rogers said.

He praised the UK government for the incredibly bold and generous offer of a path to citizenship for Hongkongers.

I think its absolutely right, because Britain does have a moral responsibility to Hong Kong, and indeed a legal responsibility under the Sino-British Joint Declaration as well, he said.

Given the fact that Hong Kongs freedoms are being dismantled, freedoms that were promised to Hong Kong as under the Joint Declaration, I think its absolutely right that we now offer those who want to, to be able to come to the UK and to have a place of safety and freedom.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian earlier on Friday announced that the Chinese regime would no longer recognise the BN(O) passport as a travel document and proof of identity starting from Jan. 31, and reserves the right to take further measures.

Rogers said he considers Beijings move to be largely a symbolic threat, since most BN(O) passport holders also have a Hong Kong passport. However, he does have some concerns over the move.

It does raise questions about the status of BN(O) passport holders once theyve left, and in effect until they are given British citizenship, they will effectively be stateless people, he said.

So I hope that the Chinese government doesnt go further in implementing this threat, he added. I hope that the British government will do everything possible to assist BN(O) holders so that they dont have this stateless situation.

Rogers said hes worried that the Chinese authorities may put pressure on BN(O) status holders, either to prevent them from leaving, or to make it very costly for them to leave.

Theres concern that they may not be able to withdraw, for example, their pension funds.  That would be very concerning, he said.

Rogers is also concerned about some possible hostility toward the incoming group, because theyre arriving in the UK at a very challenging time, when the economy is under great pressure because of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic and the lockdown measures to control the virus.

This is something to be mindful of and prepared for, Rogers said, but he doesnt think it would be widespread.

I think Britain will welcome them. And in the long run, as I say, they will benefit the UK, he said.

Ideally, I dont want them to have to come. I want Hong Kong to remain to be the free city that it was until relatively recently. But given the situation in Hong Kong, I hope that those who want to leave can find that new life in the free world.

Reporting by Jeff Zhang of NTD.
There is a growing view within the Japanese government that a state of emergency covering 11 prefectures may have to continue beyond the planned end date in some areas.

The measure was initially declared for the Tokyo region in early January to curb a surge in coronavirus cases. It was later expanded to cover Osaka and other areas, and is set to run until February 7.

Daily infections have fallen over the past week compared to the previous week, but the medical system remains under strain.

Elderly people, who have higher risk of developing serious symptoms, make up a growing proportion of cases.

Health minister Tamura Norihisa says it's too early to be optimistic, despite the fact that new cases have recently declined.

The government plans to make a decision on whether to lift the state of emergency next week, after hearing from experts.

What is this Responsible Grain thingy? Its the first Ive heard of it, a befuddled farmer tweeted this week as the social media network lit up with farmers weighing on consultations underway about the initiative.

Opinion

What is this Responsible Grain thingy? Its the first Ive heard of it," a befuddled farmer tweeted this week as the social media network lit up with farmers weighing on consultations underway about the initiative.

The series of online consultations is seeking farmer feedback on a proposed voluntary code of practice that commits to certain standards for nutrient management, pest and pesticide management, soil and water management, and health and well-being.

The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops, an industry consortium with representatives from a wide cross-section of commodity and producer organizations as well as non-government stakeholders, wants to show that grain farmers walk their talk when it comes to responsible production practices.

But although the draft code making the rounds has had input from and is generally supported by most of the producer and commodity organizations in the country, the rank-and-file membership will take some convincing.

"Thats a pretty intense set of rules that could someday be mandatory. Scary," posted one farmer after completing an extensive survey about the proposal.

Judging from the social media posts, many farmers were surprised and taken aback by the draft put forward for discussion even though the project has been in the works for a while.

Proponents of the project are going to great lengths to reassure those concerned that the final code can and will be influenced by farmers before it is finalized.

"The thing that we need to remember is that were developing this in a draft form and that we are spending time for consultations across the country. Its very important that farmers are part of the building process, part of the input as to what makes sense on a farm  economically, environmentally, and socially," said Ted Menzies, an Alberta farmer and chair of the Responsible Grain Code Development Committee.

Farmers are worried about it increasing their paperwork and their costs, whether the voluntary standards will eventually become mandatory, and the fact that organizations such as Ducks Unlimited (DU) are part of the team setting the priorities. DUs work to preserve waterfowl habitat periodically conflicts with farmers priorities for land management and drainage.

"Its no secret that DU is on the Responsible Grain committees in a few positions. I dont like it one bit. And Ive been extremely clear about that in any circle Ive commented on it," says another posting.

The draft code of practice commits farmers to identifying and protecting areas on their farms that support biodiversity and are beneficial to wildlife. While some farmers are already doing that, many would see that as a threat to their ability to manage their land as they see fit.

The fact is, many of the concerns farmers might have over this are real. Adhering to this code could well increase their costs. There will be more paperwork. Some of these voluntary "requirements" in the code could in fact become mandatory, either through government regulations or commercial contracts.

It adds an extra layer of decision-making in a business in which operators are often squeezed for time or short of other resources. Of course you dont want to spray herbicides on a windy day. But what about that last 20 acres as the early morning breeze starts to pick up speed?

If the code is put into place, you can bet outsiders will be watching to see whether farmers are adhering to it. Even if a farmer complies 99 per cent of the time, sure as anything, someone will be there to catch them up on the one per cent of the situations in which they dont.

So why invite trouble?

"Because its time," says Menzies in a video message to growers. "Its time that farmers were actually allowed to show to those that consume what we grow on our farm that we are acting responsibly and that we care about the environment."

Farmers might grumble, but in all likelihood, theyll eventually buy in.

As Canada seeks ways to differentiate itself in global markets as a safe, consistent, high-quality supplier of food, being able to say that its growers follow clearly defined practices certainly wont hurt.

Laura Rance is vice-president of Content for Glacier FarmMedia. She can be reached at lrance@farmmedia.com
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Newly appointed US Secretary of state Antony J. Blinken and Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi have discussed bilateral relation, Afghan peace and Daniel Pearl case in their first telephonic conversation.

ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-Jan 30th, 2021) US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken urged Pakistan to ensure accountability in Daniel Pearl case during his first telephonic conversation with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

Newly appointed US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi discussed bilateral relations and matters of mutual interests.

Mr. Blinken underscored that it is important and in mutual interest that justice is served through legal means. They also discussed Afghan peace during their telephonic conversation.

The US Secretary of State recalled the US-Pakistan cooperation over the years and noted that the two countries had a range of areas to engage in.

Both sides had agreed to work together on advancing the two countries bilateral agenda and promoting common interests in the region and beyond.

The Foreign Minister congratulated Secretary Blinken on assuming his office and underscored Pakistans commitment to forging a comprehensive partnership with the United States based on convergence of interests on a whole range of issues.

Highlighting the transformation in Pakistan, he stressed that the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan has a new vision that places a premium on forging an economic partnership, building a peaceful neighbourhood, and enhancing regional connectivity.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Pakistan has facilitated the Afghan peace process and remains committed to working with the United States as a partner for peace.

He acknowledged the sacrifices of the people of Pakistan in the fight against terrorism.
Efficiency Manitoba received a sizable budget boost Friday as the provincial and federal governments announced they were each committing $32.3 million towards heating efficiency programs deployed through the Crown corporation.

Efficiency Manitoba received a sizable budget boost Friday as the provincial and federal governments announced they were each committing $32.3 million towards heating efficiency programs deployed through the Crown corporation.

The funding, totalling $64.6 million, is being invested in programs that will work to lower demand for natural gas, used for heating and industrial purposes. It is part of both the federal and provincial climate plans to lower greenhouse gas emissions produced by the burning of fossil fuels.

The funding  which will bolster pre-existing incentive programs for things like home insulation upgrades, the installation of smart thermostats and upgrades to furnaces and boilers  will be split between residential, commercial and industrial efficiency programs.

"You can literally go to Efficiency Manitobas website and see what we have to offer today. In terms of how much the incentive is, it largely depends on the technology. It varies by technology and by market segment," said Colleen Kuruluk, CEO of Efficiency Manitoba.

Kuruluk said for Manitobans who earn less money, theres a qualifying assessment, and for those who qualify there is no charge for the efficiency upgrades.

Minister of Conservation and Climate Sarah Guillemard said government estimates show that these efficiency programs will avoid emissions to the tune of 488,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030.

Annually, if each year generated equal savings, it would result in a 0.1 per cent decrease in total emissions per year, using 2018 as a base year.

The burning of natural gas accounts for approximately one-third of greenhouse gas emissions in Winnipeg. Despite efficiency programs previously being available in the province, the City of Winnipegs climate change plan forecasts the continued growth in the use of natural gas in the city up to 124 per cent of 2011 levels by 2030.

Winnipeg South Centre MP Jim Carr (also the federal governments Special Representative for the Prairies) said building retrofits will be essential to meeting Canadas emission-reduction targets.

"Climate change is the existential threat of our time, but its also our greatest opportunity," Carr said Friday.

Natural gas infrastructure continues to be used in new developments in Winnipeg. When asked if alternative energy for heating was being considered for homes in the province in the future, Guillemard said it is in the works.

"I think movement towards the alternative heating of homes is well underway," Guillemard said.

The federal funding for the energy efficiency initiative came from the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund. Last week the Free Press reported Manitoba was the slowest province to tap into these funds made available to the provinces.

Before the funding announcement, the province had tapped into 8.8 per cent of Manitobas allotted funds. With the addition of $32.3 million, Manitoba has now accessed 57 per cent of allotted funds, moving it past Alberta which has only accessed 31 per cent of its alloted funds.

sarah.lawrynuik@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @SarahLawrynuik
Farmer leaders agitating against the Centre's new agri laws are observing 'Sadbhavana Diwas' on Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary on Saturday and holding a day-long fast at the various protest sites.

Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar, a senior member of Samkyukt Kisan Morcha -- an umbrella body of farmer unions -- said the ongoing agitation will gain strength as farmers in large numbers will join them in coming days.

During a press conference on Friday, the leaders slammed the ruling BJP at the Centre and accused it of trying to "destroy" their "peaceful" agitation.

The farmer leaders claimed that the number of agitators at all the protest venues including Ghazipur, Singhu and Tikri borders is swelling after the police allegedly tried to remove farmer leader Rakesh Tikait from Ghazipur border on Thursday night.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Hungary approved the Chinese-made Sinopharm vaccine against corona. The approval came a week after it also broke ranks with Brussels by issuing a provisional permit for Russia's Sputnik V jab.

With this approval, Hungary becomes first country in European Union to approve Chinese Covid-19 vaccine Sinopharm. Chief Medical Officer Cecilia Muller told a briefing, "Today the National Institute of Pharmacy and Nutrition (OGYEI) gave its approval for the Sinopharm vaccine."The nation expects to order 500,000 doses of the Sinopharm jab for delivery in February, Orban's chief-of-staff said Thursday.

Earlier on Friday Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that Hungary plans to sign a procurement deal with the Chinese firm "today or tomorrow" for a first delivery, adding he would choose it for his own inoculation. Orban said, "The Chinese have known this virus for the longest time, hence probably they know most about it, so I will wait for my turn, and when I choose I will want the Chinese vaccine."

Last week Hungary became the first EU member to approve Russia's Sputnik V vaccine, and said it had agreed to buy two million doses of the jab.

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Mexico optimised the third-highest COVID fatalities in world

Gov. Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) expanded who's eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Starting Feb. 8, people 65 and older can get the vaccine, as well as additional frontline workers like teachers and postal workers. Huntsville Hospital plans to first give the vaccine to all those 75 and older that want it before they start giving it to people newly eligible.

Huntsville Hospital's Vice President of Operations, Tracy Doughty, told WAAY 31 people newly eligible for the vaccine will be able to fill out an interest form.

We will have some different forms on the website for people to complete, and once we get through our 75 and up, well start on those other groups. Thats our plan for now. That may change Monday, but as far as our plan goes now, we plan to take care of the people whove already signed up for the vaccine that are 75 and up. Thats only fair in our eyes," he said.

Doughty said they have about 10,000 people who are 75 years and older to vaccinate first before they plan to vaccinate people in other categories.


SALEM, Ore. -- Jackson and Klamath counties are among the 15 that will receive additional vaccine doses next week, according to the Oregon Health Authority.

Director Patrick Allen says they're prioritizing sending vaccines to counties who requested additional doses for Phase 1a.

Jackson County will receive 1,100 more doses of the Moderna vaccine next week, while Klamath County will get 500.

"Eighteen counties have told us they have substantially completed Phase One, and some have told us they're already through their K-12 eligible population," Allen said. "They will receive fewer doses next week and we'll continue to work through their doses on hand."

OHA expects to receive 38,400 first doses of the Moderna vaccine.

For second doses, theyre expecting 21,200.

We know some counties may have populations that are more connected to established health systems, while others have people who are harder to reach. We know not all counties will have the same demand for vaccines and uptake rates," Allen said. "It's important that as a state, we're addressing these local variations and moving forward through each phase together at a consistent pace, the steps we're taking next week will help ensure that our all our counties are ready to move ahead.
KYODO NEWS - Jan 30, 2021 - 06:24 | World, All

President Joe Biden's National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said Friday that the so-called Quad framework consisting of the United States, Japan, Australia and India will play a key part in U.S. policy in the Indo-Pacific region facing China's rise.

"I think we really want to carry forward and build on that format, that mechanism, which we see as fundamental, a foundation, upon which to build substantial American policy in the Indo-Pacific region," Sullivan told an online event organized by a Washington-based think tank.

The grouping of the four major Indo-Pacific democracies has been pushed by the administration of Biden's predecessor Donald Trump as a framework to counter China's growing clout in the region, with increasing focus on whether it could evolve into a formal security alliance akin to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Robert O'Brien, former national security adviser for Trump, said at the same event hosted by the United States Institute of Peace that the Quad may be the "most important relationship we've established since NATO at a high level."

Officially known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, the Quad originally arose in 2004 in response to the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.

After a period on hiatus, it was revived in 2017 and has since grown beyond humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, most recently focusing on efforts to advance "a free, open and inclusive" Indo-Pacific region.

For the first time under the framework, the foreign ministers of the four countries met in New York in 2019. The second meeting was held in Tokyo in October last year in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

Then Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said after attending the October meeting that the U.S. government hopes to "institutionalize" the format, saying that the four powerful economies and democracies have the capacity to "work together to push back against the Chinese Communist Party."

New Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted during a recent phone call with his Australian counterpart Marise Payne the importance of cooperation through mechanisms including the Quad to tackle challenges such as the pandemic and climate change.

Sullivan did not explain in detail the role he thinks the Quad should play in the region during the think-tank event.

On China, Sullivan on Friday signaled the need for the United States to maintain its tough stance, saying that Washington should be prepared to "impose costs" on Beijing for its crackdown on its Muslim Uyghur minority in the Xinjiang region and in Hong Kong as well as for its threats toward Taiwan.

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
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 30)  The Chinese government has asserted anew its sweeping claims to the South China Sea, which the new U.S. administration rejected during a conversation with the Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Teddy Boy Locsin, Jr.

In a phone conversation this week, newly installed U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Locsin that America continues to oppose Chinas maritime claims, saying these go beyond what is permitted in international law, and promised to stand with Southeast Asian claimants in the face of PRC (People's Republic of China) pressure.

READ: PH, U.S. reaffirm alliance in call between Locsin, Secretary of State

The Chinese Embassy in Manila on Saturday shared its spokespersons response to Blinkens remarks.

China hopes countries outside the region will duly respect the efforts of China and other regional countries to properly handle maritime disputes and safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea, the Chinese Embassy in Manila said, echoing an earlier statement from its foreign ministry.

It said Beijing "unswervingly upholds" its territorial sovereignty, rights, and interests in the South China Sea, and remains committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes through negotiation  but only with the countries directly concerned." It said it will continue to join efforts to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Locsin responded in a tweet, saying China's remarks were a "fair request" and "a way to resolve the dispute" and "move forward."

"China, US and Philippines need to [do] thatmove forwardwith respect to each other and at the same time in relation to the other," said the country's top diplomat.

Aside from the Philippines and China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and self-governing Taiwan have their own territorial claims in the South China Sea, a strategic waterway for trade that is also believed to be rich in oil and gas deposits.

China insists on owning almost the entire South China Sea despite a 2016 ruling of a tribunal constituted under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and backed by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. The landmark decision invalidated Chinas "nine-dash line" claim and recognized Manilas sovereign rights in areas in the West Philippine Sea which Beijing contests.

China rejects the arbitral ruling while President Rodrigo Duterte agreed to set it aside to pursue areas of cooperation, including joint oil and gas exploration in disputed areas.

The Philippines is country coordinator for negotiations between the ASEAN and China for a Code of Conduct which will determine the only allowable actions that parties can take in the South China Sea.
Here what to do in Ocean City on rainy days
CBC Maliciously Mischaracterizes Epoch Times in Effort to Continue to Discredit the Outlet

Recently, some competitor media published biased, misleading reports about The Epoch Times. Please see our past response to NBC and The New York Times (click on the hyperlinked text).

On Jan. 29, the CBC published reports on The Epoch Times recent sampling edition delivered by Canada Post.

The national broadcasters report was the second top story on CBCs website on the morning of Friday, Jan. 29, and was the first segment on CBC Radios World Report. It was also heavily promoted on CBC radio.

CBC is trying to discredit us by saying were covering the QAnon conspiracy theory in both its online report and early in its radio segment, which sets the tone for its reporting.

The CBC and New York Times have carried more coverage on QAnon than The Epoch Times has. A quick search on the CBC.ca website for QAnon showed 251 results. A search on the New York Times website showed 578 results. A search on TheEpochTimes.com website showed 53 results, far fewer than CBC or the New York Times.

In the early days of the QAnon phenomenon, we had just two articles about it. Later on, as this issue was covered more widely by other media, we also had more coverage, such as Twitter suspends over 70,000 QAnon accounts etc.

That the CBC singled out The Epoch Times for supposed QAnon reporting seems deliberate and specifically intended to discredit us. CBC is insinuating that it has been a focus for us, while CBC itself has covered it more than we have, and for us it was just one among the thousands of topics that we have covered.

CBCs reports on The Epoch Times, both the current ones and those published in the past, have had a damaging pattern of misstating the truth on many facts and issues relating to The Epoch Times. We have acted in good faith throughout, but this discriminatory and disproportionate attack on The Epoch Times needs to stop.

We are calling on the CBC to stop its continued, malicious attacks on The Epoch Times, and are demanding corrections and an apology.

The Epoch Times is an independent, non-partisan media outlet that reports honestly and objectively and has won multiple journalism awards.

In early January 2021, The Epoch Times published a 28-page sample edition distributed to select areas by Canada Post to grow our readership and subscription base. Sampling is a common and established practice in the publishing industry. Thousands of those who received our sample paper have sent us positive feedback.

The sample edition includes a collection of our articles on national and international news, opinion, health, culture and other lifestyle content, as well as a 10-page special report on the Chinese Communist Partys persistent efforts to influence, and infiltrate, Canada and the West, including Canadian politicians.

Heres our previous statement and response to the CBCs inquiry:

Due to CBCs Past Bias, Epoch Times Publishes Its Response to Broadcasters Inquiry

Jan. 22, 2021

Please see our response to the CBC reporters inquiry after our statement below.

In early January 2021, The Epoch Times published a 28-page sample edition distributed to select areas by Canada Post to grow our readership and subscription base, a common and established practice in the publishing industry.

The sample edition includes and showcases a collection of our articles on national and international news, opinions, health, culture and other lifestyle content, as well as a 10-page special report on Beijings persistent efforts to influence, and infiltrate, Canada and the West, including Canadian politicians.

On Jan. 21, we received an inquiry from CBC News reporter Katie Nicholson about our latest sample edition with questions loaded with inaccurate labels of The Epoch Times.

We have decided to publish our response to the CBC for the following reasons.

This same CBC reporter covered our previous sample edition in April 2020 on the Chinese regimes coverup of the coronavirus outbreak that led to the global pandemic, but purposely omitted crucial facts about The Epoch Times that we provided to her before her deadline, and created biased hit pieces about our media.

On April 29, 2020, CBC published her report on TV, radio, and on its website with an inaccurate and provocative headline that began Racist and inflammatory, airing the opinion of one individual and implying that all Canadians felt the same way. The CBC News director of journalistic standards later admitted the article had multiple errors.

A scholar CBC interviewed for their hit pieces later told The Epoch Times that CBC had a predetermined narrative when they interviewed him, as can be read here, adding that CBC had decided in advance that they were going to report on Epoch Times in that way. He said: I will not be particularly inclined to speak with CBC again.

CBCs reports also intentionally omitted the crucial fact that our media organization was founded by Chinese immigrants, as we had told the reporter. This is an important detail that contradicts the claim that we are dealing in racism toward Chinese. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) does not represent the Chinese people or China. Understanding the difference is vital and will eliminate racial tension, as people come to understand that the criticism is of the CCP, not the Chinese people.

CBC failed to report the facts and contents of our sample edition, and instead repeated unsubstantiated impressions or allegations from individuals about the paper, including one mail carrier. It also gave very negligible (3.5 percent) time to the side defending The Epoch Times, which was limited to a paraphrase of the publishers quote in their flagship TV program The National.

Based on her questions to us, it seems Ms. Nicholson is taking an angle similar to some other recent media reports to highlight a rebellion by a mail carrier refusing to deliver The Epoch Times sample edition. This is despite numerous confirmations by Canada Post and the relevant ministry that the paper is a mailable product. Responsible journalism would examine the dangers of a few individuals deciding to censor mail and determine for others what they can or cannot read.

Given a public backlash from thousands of its own readers last year in its web reports comments section, CBC made changes to the headline of its April article three times, and deleted hundreds of comments critical of the article and CBC, but the article remained inaccurate.

Despite our multiple requests and communications, CBC refused to retract, or apologize for, its article. To make things worse, CBC then carried additional biased reports by Ms. Nicholson on the Epoch Times and our sample edition.

Unfortunately, some of the same bias and mistakes that previous CBC reports featured in spring 2020 have been repeated over the last few days by CBC local reports on our latest sample edition, and also by some other media outlets.

To further discredit The Epoch Times, CBCs reports have tried to portray the peaceful spiritual practice of Falun Gong, which is the personal belief of the publications founders, in a negative light. This time around, in a CBC radio interview, the host and her guest when talking about the practice used the slanderous and discriminatory word that the Chinese Communist Party has been spreading to justify its ongoing persecution of the practice.

To ensure the public has access to accurate facts, we have decided this time to make public our latest response to CBC reporter Ms. Nicholson as below.

We also include some of our previous coverage on CBCs biased reports on The Epoch Times at the end of our response.

Our Response to the Inquiry by CBCs Katie Nicholson

January 22, 2021

Hi Ms. Nicholson,

Newspaper sampling is a common practice in the news industry to grow business. Canada is a country that believes in freedom of the press, and we believe readers are wise enough to judge for themselves whether we are reporting truthfully. This is a free country. Readers deserve the chance to know different styles and types of reporting.

The Epoch Times is an independent, non-partisan media outlet that reports honestly and objectively and has won multiple journalism awards.

It is heartening that the vast majority of the feedback we have received from readers of the recent sample edition has been positive.

If people do not wish to read our sample newspaper, then treat it like other promotional material.

CBC is a taxpayer-funded mediato the tune of an estimated over $1 billion per year. It looks as though you are spending tax money to try to discredit an independent media outlet.

It is also surprising that you question Canada Posts delivery of our paper. If the delivery of mail is up to the individual carrier to decide based on his/her impression of hatred, no one can trust the post office any more. If Canada Post were to block us, that would be the government censoring an independent media outlet. This would violate the Charter of Rights, which guarantees freedom of the press. Canada Post has rightly stood by its mandate.

We are a media started by Asian immigrants. There is no way we would publish content that is anti-Asian. Please read our content more carefully.

To a media thats leaning left, we may seem on the right. We believe we are neutral and independent. We disagree with your label.

The independent media watchdog AllSides evaluates us in this way: The Epoch Times bias rating is Lean Right, though perhaps close to Center. Much of The Epoch Times reporting is balanced; a slight right-wing bias is mostly displayed via story choice.

If you see problems with our reporting, then, rather than repeat negative descriptions of us, point to any of our sentences that are not factual. On that basis we can have a reasonable discussion. But you only seem to interview those who speak negatively of us, employing labels, rather than pointing out specific factual errors.

We have been growing very fast exactly because readers like our fact-based reporting. But in reporting the facts, we may contradict some commonly accepted narratives, including about China. Reading us can be a liberating experience. We invite you to give your readers a more objective account of what we are about.

Below is some of our previous coverage on CBCs biased reports on the Epoch Times in April/May 2020:

 CBC Intentionally Excludes Crucial Facts About Epoch Times and Our Coverage of Beijings Coverup of Virus Outbreak

 CBC Had Predetermined Narrative for Reporting on Epoch Times, Says Scholar Interviewed by Broadcaster

 CBC Admits Mistakes in Reporting of Epoch Times Coverage of Beijings Virus Coverup

 How CBC Failed Its Own Journalistic Standards in Its Coverage of The Epoch Times

CBC Intentionally Excludes Crucial Facts About Epoch Times and Our Coverage of Beijings Coverup of Virus Outbreak

April 29, 2020

This is our first public statement on CBCs coverage of The Epoch Times special edition. To read our second statement, please click here.

The Epoch Times recently published a special edition on how Beijings coverup of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan led to the global pandemic with the front-page headline How the Chinese Communist Party Endangered the World. Its an eight-page collection of Epoch Times articles distributed to select areas in Canada, as we believe it contains important information for Canadians to have.

On April 29, CBC published an article devoted to this special edition that is deliberately misleading and intentionally excludes crucial information we provided to CBC prior to the publication of its article. The sole purpose seems to be to discredit The Epoch Times and our reporting on the coronavirus.

A copy of our email to the CBC reporter prior to publication is included at the end of this article.

I am heartened to see that most of the comments on the CBC article are critical of it. At the end of this article we include some of the comments.

The headline CBC gave the article seems to speak for all Canadians, saying Racist and inflammatory: Canadians upset by Epoch Times claim China behind virus, made it as a bioweapon.

How does CBC know how the majority of Canadians feel about our coverage?

The front page of The Epoch Times special edition that was distributed on April 13, 2020.

The article quotes an individual who feels that our coverage of the Chinese Communist Party (CCPs) responsibility for the coronavirus pandemic is racist and inflammatory. Is that one individuals opinion the source of a headline speaking for all Canadians?

The headline focuses on a small part of our eight-page special edition, a commentary article that discusses the history of top CCP officials talking about developing bioweapons. But this opinion article did not state that the Wuhan lab was developing bioweapons, contrary to the claim in the headline.

CBC purposefully omitted that our media organization was founded by Chinese immigrants, which was stated in the email to the reporter. We are the media telling people that this pandemic is not the fault of the Chinese people, but is the fault of the Communist Party. The Chinese people have been victimized by the CCPs handling of this pandemic. By discussing the CCPs role, we are truly standing up for the Chinese people.

Making the truth about the CCPs role clear will also help eliminate racial tension.

CCP propaganda is the origin of the identification of the CCP and China, and the CCP works continuously to emphasize this, not only in its own state-controlled media, but in media around the world.

By merging the two very different entities together to stir up the idea that when someone is talking about the CCP, its the same as talking about China, this conflation is used to evoke the Chinese peoples patriotism and elicit Westerners concerns over racism, leading people from both groups to defend the CCP. In this way, peoples worthy motives are used to enmesh them in the CCPs ill behaviour. If people read our paper, they will understand these issues better.

There is no balance in the CBC article. The reporter purposefully chose a few voices that have one-sided opinions and used them to attempt to discredit us. The article includes no comments from any individuals who might disagree with CBCs criticism.

In fact, we received a great deal of feedback via phone or email regarding this special edition and are aware that many Canadians are highly appreciative of our work. Sometimes people call our office and are very critical, but when we talk to them we often find that they didnt take time to read our content, but just glanced at the cover and jumped to a conclusion. When we explain our content and ask them to read it, they often change their attitude and opinion.

The CBC article also tries to discredit our reporting on China. In fact, China is the most difficult subject for media to cover due to the Beijing regimes lack of transparency. However, we have more connections inside China than others and have reported vital information ahead of many other media.

We began to report on the Wuhan virus on Dec. 31 and reported on the coverup of the real numbers in early February. If more people had been reading The Epoch Times, our country could have been prepared. In our opinion, there is not enough truthful reporting about China and the nature of its ruling communist regime.

The CBC article also uses the persecution against Falun Gong in China to unfairly frame us as an agenda-driven media and then goes on to misrepresent that persecution.

It is grossly irresponsible reporting to say Its followers say the Chinese government persecutes them and oppresses their religious rights, as though the evidence for the persecution of Falun Gong depends only on what its adherents say. From the most basic research, CBC should know, for example, that both the American Congress and European Parliament have passed resolutions urging the CCP to stop the persecution campaign and have raised concerns about or explicitly condemned the forced organ harvesting that has targeted Falun Gong practitioners.

Regarding the persecution, one CBC source says there could be certain exaggerations, blatantly downplaying a severe persecution campaign that has resulted in untold suffering and death.

The article also has simple factual errors. For instance, the first sentence describes us as a free newspaper typically found in street boxes. The Epoch Times in Canada stopped distribution through street boxes last July and is only available via paid subscriptions and home delivery.

This article asserts that the Shen Yun Performing Arts company is part of Epoch Media Group. It is not.

We understand that different readers may have different opinions, and that readers have the right to choose whatever media they want to read. But having multiple voices gives people greater choice, and makes for a healthier society. This CBC report is meant to shut down our voice. Instead of debating on specifics and pointing out concrete reporting errors, it quotes a few critical voices in an attempt to discredit us.

We have received numerous awards for our reporting, including from the Society of Professional Journalists and the New York Press Association.

We also received a national award for our SARS coverage in Canada, after being among the first media to break the SARS story in 2003, three weeks before the Chinese regime admitted there was an epidemic.

Cindy Gu is the publisher of the Canadian editions of The Epoch Times.

* * *

The Special Edition can be downloaded here.

Email Sent to CBC Reporter Prior to Publication

The email includes a message to the CBC reporter, information worth noting and information about the Special Edition.

Hi Katie,

Thank you for the inquiry.

1) The Epoch Times was founded by Chinese immigrants in North America who fled communist persecution in their home country. All of our editors and reporters in China were arrested, with some enduring long prison sentences and brutal torture. We have connections in China with people who provide exclusive information that we report on. For instance, here and here are two recent articles about the virus outbreak based on internal government documents leaked to The Epoch Times. The Epoch Times has broken many important stories related to China over the last two decades.

2) We started to report on the worrisome situation of the virus on Dec. 31, 2019. In early February we reported that the real number of deaths and infections inside China was at least 10 to 20 times the Chinese governments official numbers, way ahead of other media. If more people had read our reports, the world would have been better prepared. Timely information can save lives.

3) The Epoch Times has recently been sampling copies of a special edition on Beijings coverup that led to a global pandemic in select areas because we consider that information to be important to Canadians. We regard this sampling as an act of good citizenship.

Sampling refers to distributing copies of a newspaper to specific neighbourhoods. This is a standard way of raising brand awareness and recruiting new subscribers.

4) Some people may have erroneously conflated criticism of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) with criticism of the Chinese people. The Chinese Communist Party does not represent the Chinese people or China. Understanding the difference is vital and will eliminate racial tension, as people come to understand that the criticism of the handling of the virus is of the CCP, not the Chinese people.

The current confrontation is between the CCP and the people of the world, both in and outside of China. Both the Chinese people and Canadians are victims of the CCPs coverup.

We are not alone in pointing out the distinction between the CCP and China. Consider these recent headlines: Washington Post: Dont blame China for the coronavirus  blame the Chinese Communist Party; Globe and Mail: The coronavirus exposes the lie at the heart of Communist China; National Post: Beijings communist regime is the biggest China virus threatening our survival.

5) Regarding the Wuhan lab, it is a small part of our reporting on the coronavirus. China silenced early whistleblowers, destroyed samples, and falsified data. We simply asked questions like many others. In the past, CCP top military officials openly talked about the development of bioweapons. Whether the virus is engineered or not, has neither been proven nor disproven at this point.

In our documentary we only raise questions, it never ruled out a natural origin and it does not assert that the virus was engineered. The documentary is fastidious in not giving any definitive conclusions regarding the origin. It presents the facts that were known and the opinions of experts.

6) While most newspapers have been experiencing a decline in circulation, The Epoch Times has been growing in recent years, against the trend.



Worth noting:

The Epoch Times was among the first to report on the SARS outbreak in 2003, three weeks before the Chinese regime publicly admitted there was an outbreak. Our early coverage of the SARS outbreak earned our Chinese edition a national award from the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada.

According to a recent study by the University of Southampton, if non-pharmaceutical interventionssuch as early detection, isolation of cases, travel restrictions and cordon sanitaire  could have been conducted one week, two weeks, or three weeks earlier, cases could have been reduced by 66 percent, 86 percent and 95 percent, respectivelysignificantly limiting the geographical spread of the disease.

Dr. Shawn Whatley, past president of the Ontario Medical Association, said I first learned about the damage by the new, aggressive Wuhan virus from The Epoch Times. Kudos to ET for doing what we pay the departments of health billions of dollars to do.



About the Special Edition:

Our Special Edition features some of our coverage of the virus that has engulfed the globe, causing a serious threat to peoples health and way of life. There have been multiple reports and studies, and even remarks by governments, noting that had the Chinese communist regime been forthright about the outbreak and the risks sooner, many lives could have been saved and the damage to economies would have been minimal.

The Special Edition delves into topics such as how the Chinese Communist Partys coverup led to a pandemic, how the regime persecuted medical professionals in China who tried to get information out about the outbreak, how it is still hiding the true scale of the pandemic and the number of deaths in China, and how it has launched a global disinformation campaign to lay the blame for the pandemic elsewhere.

Regards,

Cindy Gu

Publisher, The Epoch Times Canada

* * *

Selection of Readers Comments on CBCs Article

Brad Mercier

17 minutes ago

Im heartened to see most comments are critical of this CBC article and the way it defends the legitimate criticism CCP. Disinformation and controlling the narrative is common with our national broadcaster and this is another example.

John Burnaby

22 minutes ago

Many media organizations, including the CBC, just dont get it. The CCP is an evil organization. They are seeking whats best for themselves at the expense of everything and everyone else. Canada needs to look at them not as friends, but as adversaries  along the lines of Russia, North Korea, etc

Mark Williamson

23 minutes ago

This article is quickly being buried and rightfully so. Please do not use the term Canadians when you are only talking about a handful of people that share your view.

Sandra Rivera

1 hour ago

CBC needs to be investigated for writing such a blatantly pro Communist Party of China propaganda piece. Misinformation and misleading statements.

Mary Lucas

4 minutes ago

I find Epoch to be one of the more objective, reliable sources of news. They dont like the Chinese Communist Party, and they make that clear. By contrast, I find a lot of disinformation from Canadian main stream sources. I am also appalled that the CBC seems to think that postal workers should have to agree with the content if their deliveries. This article seems to be intended as a smear piece against Epoch Times.

Sandra Rivera

14 minutes ago

I typed in CBC and got this article. I thought at first this was the China Broadcasting Corporation website.

Fred Thiolla

24 minutes ago

Headline from the Epoch Times is: How the Chinese Communist Party endangered the world

Now tell me how ANYONE could interpret that as stirring hate or being r*cist? Absolutely ridiculous attempt to defend the CCP. The article should be criticized for pushing untrue claims not for questioning Beijing

Elias Eliot

1 hour ago

The tittle claiming Canadians upset is extremely misleading. Perhaps some Canadian would be more appropriate. But the integrity of journalist has been in decline for too long now and sadly things just keep getting worst.

Mike Smith

48 minutes ago

Thank you Epoch Times for at least opening up the discussion and our right to question.

Charels Latner

28 minutes ago

The truth will not be suppressed , Thank-you Epoch..

And yes, thank-you CBC for enlightening Canadians about this great publication.

Odd, but still,

Thanks.

Greg Dear

1 hour ago

Basically, this article is trying to convince us that criticism of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is the same as criticism of the Chinese people and even the same as racism against Chinese people. Suppose we believe it. The questions are

Is Criticism of the Iranian government is racism against Iranian people?

Is Criticism of the North Korean government is racism against Korean people? etc., etc.

Mike Smith

18 minutes ago

Democracy is built on the right to question and the freedom to have different opinions even if you dont agree with them. We should never fear or worse try and squash anybodys opinions. If they are completely false we have to have faith the truth will prevail and it will but it only happens when we are willing to explore all the possibilities.

Instant claims of rac is cowardly defence.

Brian Robertson

34 minutes ago

The charge of racism has been so overused and abused as to render the term meaningless.

And the charge of being inflammatory?

Dont make me laugh.

* * *

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Nicosia, Cyprus, Jan. 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rafarma Pharmaceuticals, Inc. OTC:(RAFA) is pleased to announce its joint venture with the entity known as The Pharmaceutical Industry Development Agency of Uzbekistan which is essentially the Health Department of Uzbekistan. Together the two organizations will produce medicines for use by public health institutions in the Republic of Uzbekistan. This will entail the acquisition of real property (10 hectares in the established Innovative Scientific Production Pharmaceutical Cluster known as Tashkent Pharma Park) and construction of a physical plant on the premises. Projected costs are currently at $82,000,000.



Both parties will be tasked with developing a timetable for project completion and implementation (projected time table 2021-2025). Rafarma will supply experts in their respective fields, oversee construction, and supply necessary equipment.

The Pharmaceutical Industry Development Agency will be responsible for obtaining the necessary registration and certification of all future medicines produced by the partnership, and negotiating contracts with the health sector of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Except for historical matters contained herein, statements made in this press release are forward-looking statements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, words such as may, will, to, plan, expect, believe, anticipate, intend, could, would, estimate, or continue, or the negative other variations thereof or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risk, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Also, forward-looking statements represent our managements beliefs and assumptions only as of the date hereof. Additional information regarding the factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements is available in the Company's filings with OTC Markets. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements publicly or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

For more information contact:

RAFARMA

(307) 429-2029
Portugal could become the fourth country in Europe to legalise euthanasia after its parliament yesterday passed a vote despite Catholic opposition.

The bill must be signed into law by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, a staunch Catholic and conservative who was re-elected a week ago.

The president has the power to veto the legislation or refer it to the constitutional court - but he has not yet made his position known.

The bill passed by 136 votes to 78 with four abstentions after members of the ruling Socialist Party allowed its members to vote freely.

The bill must be signed into law by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa (pictured), a staunch Catholic and conservative who was re-elected a week ago

And even if the president chooses to veto the bill, a second vote could override his decision.

Socialist MP Isabel Moreira, a constitutional law expert who helped draft the law, said the bill allows 'free choice and every individual's independence'.

In the case of 'extreme suffering and irreversible damage' an adult patient will be granted access to assisted suicide if the bill is passed into law.

Patients will be protected by a number of measures. Each euthanasia request will need the approval of several doctors and a psychiatrist will be called if there are any doubts about their ability to make a 'free and informed' choice.

Socialist MP Isabel Moreira, a constitutional law expert who helped draft the law, said the bill allows 'free choice and every individual's independence'. Pictured, members of the Portuguese parliament during the vote

So far euthanasia is legal in Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg. Others allow terminally ill patients to refuse life-maintaining treatment.

Retired oncologist Jorge Espirito Santo said: 'People deserve the right to be able to choose.'

But not everyone was in agreement, as the Catholic church battled fervently against the vote.

Its bishops' conference called the law an 'unprecedented step backwards' and the Portuguese Catholic Doctors' Association asked the president to veto the legislation, saying: 'Doctors are not agents of death'.


'The high-level committee will be headed by Union Minister Narendra Tomar and will have members nominated by me and a few others, including those from the Niti Aayog,' Hazare said

Mumbai: Social activist Anna Hazare on Friday said he won't be proceeding with the indefinite fast against the new farm laws and claimed that the Central government has agreed to some of his demands.

"The union government has agreed to some of my demands and also announced setting up a committee to improve the lives of farmers. I have decided to suspend my proposed indefinite fast starting from Saturday," he said on Friday.

Union Minister of State for Agriculture Kailash Choudhary and BJP leader and former Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadanvis met Hazare during the day.

"A high-level committee, with some members nominated by Hazare, will consider his demands and submit a report in six

months," said Choudhary.

In a statement earlier in the day, Hazare (84) had announced that he will be starting the hunger strike from his village Ralegan Siddhi in Maharashtra on Saturday.

In that communication, Hazare had said he had written to the prime minister and union agriculture minister five times on the plight of farmers but to no avail.

Earlier, while announcing the hunger strike, he had said, "I have been demanding reforms in the agriculture sector, but

the Centre doesn't seem to be taking the right decisions."

"The Centre has no sensitivity left for farmers, which is why I am starting my indefinite fast at my village from 30 January," he had added.

Hazare, who was at the forefront of the anti-corruption movement in 2011, had also recalled that when he went on a hunger strike at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, the then UPA government had called a special session of Parliament.

"Farmers are not getting adequate returns for their crops. I had told the government to implement the report of the Swaminathan Commission. It was delayed by the union government, so I decided to launch the protest from Saturday," Hazare told reporters at his village.

"But the government has appointed a high-level committee and assured me that farmers will get adequate returns for crops. Therefore, I have decided not to launch the protest," he said.

Asked if this U-turn will hurt his credibility, Hazare said the high-level committee will look into the implementation of the reforms, and he felt that he can trust the Union government.

Choudhary said the government has responded positively to Hazare's demands.

"He also told us that agriculture budget should be increased. I can tell you that we have significantly increased the agriculture budget. We have appointed a high-level committee that will consist of members of Niti Ayog and persons nominated by Hazare. It will submit its report in six months," the minister said.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are part of an Arab coalition that has been battling the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen since 2015 in a conflict seen as an alternate war between Riyadh and Tehran. Currently, Italy has halted the sale of thousands of missiles to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio said on Friday, pointing Romes commitment to restore peace in war-ravaged Yemen and protecting human rights.

The United Nations describes Yemen as the worlds largest humanitarian crisis, with 80% of its people in need of aid. FM Di Maio said, This is an act that we considered necessary, a clear message of peace coming from our country. For us, the respect of human rights is an unbreakable commitment". The Italian Network for Peace and Disarmament said Italy's decision would block the sale of around 12,700 missiles to Saudi Arabia.

The disarmament group said in a statement, the blocked sales were part of a total allotment of 20,000 missiles worth more than 400 million euros ($485 million) agreed in 2016 under a centre-left government led by Matteo Renzi. Italian Senator and former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, who triggered a government collapse in Rome this week by pulling his Italia Viva party from the coalition, is under fire for recently visiting Saudi Arabia, where he told the crown prince he saw that nation as the site of a New Renaissance. The new U.S. administration of President Joe Biden has paused some pending arms sales that could potentially affect Washingtons Middle Eastern allies.

Sabarimala Ayyappa Seva Samajam congratulates Brahmos Missile Regiment

HAL successfully test smart weapon, Know its speciality

Iraq confirms killing of deputy IS Leader
A contestant on BBC Radio 2s PopMaster quiz proposed to her partner live on air yesterday  after being inspired by the lyrics of Get Me To The Church On Time.

Shar Doherty, 38, popped the question on the spur of the moment.

And host Ken Bruce told listeners later that her boyfriend Matthew Geddes had said yes.

Miss Doherty, an insurance worker from Glasgow, had joked to friends about proposing to 35-year-old Mr Geddes if she ever got on the popular quiz but admitted she wasnt really planning on it.

Shar Doherty proposed to her new fiance Matthew Geddes live on air on Radio 2's long running Popmaster quiz

But when she heard Stanley Holloway sing the lyrics Im getting married in the morning from the My Fair Lady song, she was inspired.

Making her proposal, she said: My partner Matthew has been my absolute rock. Its been a tough year and I cant imagine not being with him. On that note, I want to say, Matthew, will you marry me? 

Bruce, 69, said: Its never happened before. And Im delighted to say, weve just heard that Matthew said yes.

'Weve got our first PopMaster wedding. Im just looking at hats as we speak.

Miss Doherty told Bruce: I hope we still love each other when were as old and wrinkly as you Ken!

She said of her proposal to Geddes, a supermarket supervisor: I wasnt really planning on actually doing it but when the song was Im getting married in the morning, it just seemed like a sign.
By John Miller

ZURICH, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Scientists who normally focus on

fixing defective genes said on Friday that up to $2.1 million

from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will help them move

their COVID-19 vaccine candidate toward 2021 human trials.

Harvard University scientist Luk Vandenberghe and University

of Pennsylvania gene therapy head James Wilson said primate

safety and efficacy tests have proven promising for their

single-dose candidate, targeted for room-temperature storage.

"We believe there is real potential," Vandenberghe said in

an interview. "That being said, we're not naive. There's 300

vaccines racing towards the door and biology is complex."

Their candidate relies on an adeno-associated virus (AAV),

deemed harmless to humans, to deliver DNA fragments from the new

coronavirus, telling human cells to make a protein that provokes

an immune response.

AAVs are already used in gene therapies sold by Novartis

, including its $2.1 million-per-patient Zolgensma for

spinal muscular atrophy. The Swiss company's gene therapy unit

is backing the project with technical assistance and supply.

Other COVID-19 vaccines use viral vectors, too, though

AstraZeneca and Oxford University's shot, Russia's

Sputnik V and Johnson & Johnson's one-dose candidate

rely on so-called adenoviruses to transport coronavirus DNA.

Gates Foundation money will support more pre-clinical tests

ahead of a overseas safety trial in a still-undisclosed location

where vaccines are not broadly available, Vandenberghe, who runs

Mass General Brigham hospital's Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center in

Boston, said.

Though previously unused in approved vaccines, he is

optimistic AAVs will be safe, since only tiny amounts are needed

compared to what is required for gene therapies that have been

given to many patients.

While he predicts every approved COVID-19 vaccine dose

available through 2022 will see use, Vandenberghe acknowledged

his group's success also hinges on finding a deep-pocketed

partner with vaccine experience to bankroll large-scale

production.

"We've already invested more than $10 million," he said. "If

indeed we want to meet the time lines we were just talking

about, this needs a commercial larger vaccine player to be

accelerated, like an AstraZeneca for Oxford's."

(Reporting by John Miller; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
The European Union has retreated from a plan to override part of the Brexit deal on Northern Ireland over export controls on coronavirus vaccines.

But following widespread condemnation of the move, the EU is facing further criticism over its decision to push ahead with imposing controls on vaccines manufactured within member states.

It comes amid a bitter row between the bloc and AstraZeneca over shortfalls in delivery of the pharmaceutical companys Covid-19 vaccine, which was authorised for use in adults throughout the EU on Friday.

Here, the PA news agency looks at the U-turn and how the row has unfolded.

 What prompted the political uproar?

On Friday, Brussels announced it would invoke Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol to stop the country being used as a back door to move coronavirus vaccines from the bloc into the UK.

The EU later reversed the move following condemnation from London, Dublin and Belfast.

 Why did the EU announce the plan?

The NI Protocol, which is part of the Withdrawal Agreement, is designed to allow the free movement of goods from the EU into Northern Ireland, preventing the need for a hard border on the island of Ireland.

Read More Foster urges Boris Johnson to replace Northern Ireland Protocol after vaccine row

But triggering Article 16 would have temporarily placed export controls on the movement of vaccines as the EU moves to protect its own supplies.

 And why did it make a U-turn?

The protocol move provoked condemnation from both sides of the Irish border  with Northern Irelands First Minister Arlene Foster calling it an incredible act of hostility.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed grave concerns to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and also discussed the issue with Taoiseach Micheal Martin, who reportedly was not given advance notice of Brussels decision.

The European Commission then reversed the decision and announced it was not triggering the safeguard clause to ensure the protocol is unaffected.

A former Fianna Fail politician said the Taoiseach was furious at the EUs abandoned move to override part of the Brexit deal on Northern Ireland.

The action doesnt make any sense at all and it has clearly embarrassed the Irish Government which was blindsided, former European minister Dick Roche said.

I understand that Micheal Martin was very annoyed at it, that he made very strong representations to the commission.

 Why does the EU have issues with its vaccine supplies?

AstraZeneca has said initial deliveries to the EU will fall short because of a production glitch  said to be at a hub in Belgium  and it will not be able to meet its supply targets for the first three months of this year.

The British-Swedish company announced initial deliveries in the EU would total approximately 31 million doses  rather than the anticipated 80 million in the first quarter.

With the speed of the UKs vaccine rollout outstripping other European countries, the EU has suggested doses produced in Britain should be directed elsewhere to make up the shortfall.

Ms von der Leyen has called for an explanation from AstraZeneca for delivery hold-ups, as she insisted the supply orders are binding and the contract is crystal clear.

 Has AstraZeneca responded?

In an interview with Italys la Repubblica newspaper, AstraZeneca chief executive Pascal Soriot had said the contract only committed to meet the EUs demands to its best effort.

He said the EUs deliveries were delayed in part because the bloc signed its contract later than the UK, and therefore EU manufacturing facilities were still catching up.

AstraZeneca and its partner Oxford University signed a deal with the UK Government for 100 million doses three months before the EU deal for 400 million doses was agreed, according to Mr Soriot.

 What else has the EU said?

On Friday, the European Commission tightened the rules on the export of vaccine doses produced in the 27 EU countries.

The vaccine export transparency mechanism will be used until the end of March to control vaccine shipments to non-EU countries, with any exporting company required to submit its plans to national authorities.

Officials have insisted the measure is not an export ban and that the move is intended to ensure member nations receive doses they bought from vaccine producers.

 What about Ireland's vaccines?

It was confirmed yesterday that Ireland will receive 300,000 fewer AstraZeneca vaccine doses than originally planned.

In an Irish Examiner[/url]interview with the , Mr Martin conceded that the preferred target of having all adults vaccinated by September, as stated by health minister Stephen Donnelly, will be missed.

Mr Martin said AstraZeneca and its ongoing wrangle with the EU over supplies, has been a "bump in the road".

The 300,000 shortfall in AstraZeneca vaccines for Ireland means 150,000 fewer people will be fully vaccinated in the first three months of the year.

Professor Brian MacCraith, head of the high-level taskforce on Covid-19 vaccination, told the Oireachtas committee on health that 1.4m doses of Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca were expected in the first quarter  but that has now been revised to 1.1m due to the issues with AstraZeneca.

At best, the reduced vaccine supply means that 550,000 people will be vaccinated by the end of March.

Over 190,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine are expected in February and a further 95,000 doses in March, he said, adding there is uncertainty from March onwards.

A general view of AstraZeneca offices and the corporate logo in Cambridge, England, on July 18, 2020. (Alastair Grant/AP Photo)

No Age Restriction for AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine Amid Uncertainty of Effectiveness in Older People

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has granted authorization for use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine as a preventative measure against the disease on Jan. 29 without any restrictions, despite concerns from German experts who say the vaccine lacks sufficient data on people 65 and older.

This is the third COVID vaccine approved by the EMAthe European Unions drug regulator similar to the Food and Drug Association in the United States following those made by Moderna and Pfizer.

The EMA said that the vaccine will give protection to people older than 55 although there werent enough results to show how well the vaccine will work in this group.

However, protection is expected, given that an immune response is seen in this age group and based on experience with other vaccines, the EMA said in a statement. As there is reliable information on safety in this population, EMAs scientific experts considered that the vaccine can be used in older adults.

The EMA was referring to AstraZenecas phase 2 trial that showed immune responses in people aged 56 and older after receiving a booster dose of the vaccine.

But Germanys vaccination advisory committee doesnt agree that the vaccine should be given to older people. The group published a recommendation yesterday, stating that the AstraZeneca vaccine should not be offered to people 65 and older until sufficient data of future analysis suggests it is effective for this group, according to Politico.

However, German Health Minister Jens Spahn said that the advisory committee will make its final recommendation only after the EMA made its decision on Friday.

Mary Williams receives an injection of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine at the mass vaccination center in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, on Jan. 11, 2021. (Scott Heppell/AP Photo)

Authors of an interim analysis of AstraZenecas four vaccine studies have admitted that they do not have efficacy data on older people as most of the trial participants were younger adults (18-55), and only 12 percent were over 55.

As older age groups were recruited later than younger age groups, there has been less time for cases to accrue and as a result, efficacy data in these cohorts are currently limited by the small number of cases, the authors said.

According to the Infectious Diseases Society of Americas overview of AstraZenecas phase 3 COVID trials, more than 90 percent of participants were 18-55 years old and white.

AstraZeneca didnt respond to a request from The Epoch Times for comment regarding the German experts view.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he wasnt concerned about the recommendation from Germanys vaccination committee as people aged 65 and older are given the vaccine in the United Kingdom, according to The Independent. The country was the first to use AstraZenecas vaccine at the beginning of January.

I think the MHRA [Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency], our own authorities, have made it very clear that they think the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is very good and efficacious, gives a high degree of protection after just one dose and even more after two doses, Boris said.

And the evidence theyve supplied is they think its effective across all age groups and provides a good immune response across all age groups, he added.

AstraZenecas COVID vaccine, co-developed by the University of Oxford, is not an mRNA vaccine but uses a modified chimpanzee common cold virus (adenovirus) that instructs the cells inside the body to produce the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus spike protein, activating an immune response.

The CCP virus is another name for the novel coronavirus.

Like Pfizer and Moderna, AstraZenecas COVID vaccine is given in two doses. However, the vaccine offers less protection with an efficacy of 70 percent at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 occurring more than 14 days after receiving two doses, according to a statement by the manufacturer.

The vaccine manufacturer has also come under fire this week when it announced that it will only be able to deliver about 30 million of the 80 million doses to the European Union.

We understand and share in the frustration that initial supply volumes of our vaccine delivered to the European Union will be lower than forecast, AstraZeneca said. This is mainly due to lower than anticipated production yield impacting the number of doses produced per batch

The AstraZeneca COVID vaccine phase 3 trial in the United States is still ongoing. According to clinicaltrials.gov, the primary completion date is March 23, but the trial will not completely end until Feb. 21, 2023.
The wait will soon be over for Bahraini blacksmiths

The wait will soon be over for Bahraini blacksmiths

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

The wait finally is over for Bahraini blacksmiths.

The authorities are now exploring options for establishing a heritage market for blacksmiths in the Kingdom.

MP Ammar Al-Abbas said the Ministry is looking forward to establishing the market in one of the existing projects.

Authorities are also mulling the possibilities of establishing an independent market, given an appropriate site and budget is available.

Blacksmithing is an ancient trade that, like other crafts, saw a downturn during the Industrial Revolution.

Now, the profession is having a small revival as they build new ways of connecting with customers. But its still not a huge industry. However, several people in the Kingdom practice this profession.

This ancient heritage profession has a specificity that calls for preservation because of its role in attracting tourists.

It is also a source of livelihood for a large segment of citizens, Al-Abbas said.

He said the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning had welcomed a parliamentary proposal to establish a blacksmith market.

MP Ammar Al-Abbas, along with other deputies, tabled the proposal to create a heritage blacksmith market, to preserve the profession inherited over generations.

Blacksmiths in the Kingdom has also made several requests for an independent market, as their shops in the Al-Naim are now closed.

They had also appealed, an AlAyam report said, to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to quickly establish this market, and to provide temporary areas until the completion of the newly designated areas.
Kabul, Jan 30 : Eight Afghan soldiers were killed as a car bomb went off next to a military base in Nangarhar province on Saturday, according to authorities.

"The terrorists detonated an explosive-laden military vehicle in Gandumak area of Shirzad district today morning killing eight soldiers," the statement issued by the provincial government said.

The statement further noted that the security forces also found another explosive-laden vehicle from the same district that the militants were attempting to detonate in the provincial capital Jalalabad city.

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the blast.

In a statement, the militant group's spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said: "A suicide bomber Mullah Mohammad Yusuf Kandahari blew himself up along with his explosive-borne vehicle in Shirzad district at 5.30 a.m. killing and injuring 50 soldiers" besides destroying the military base.

His claims of the injured soldiers and destruction of the base has not been verified.

.

Egypt is set to receive on Sunday the first shipment of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, according to the Unified Procurement Authority (UPA), a week after the country embarked on a nationwide vaccination campaign, beginning with frontline health workers

The UPA did not provide details on the number of expected doses.

Last week, the UPA announced it had signed a deal with Russia's R-Pharma and India's Serum Institute to purchase 20 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, part of a total 100 million doses targeted by the Egyptian government.

The AstraZeneca vaccine requires two doses administered 21 days apart akin to other vaccines, but without the need for ultra-cold storage, a feature that makes it easier to roll out in hot countries and remote locations.

Egypt has not yet approved the emergency use of AstraZeneca vaccine. However, the approval seems to be on the horizon as Minister of Health Hala Zayed announced in mid-January that the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) has started studies on the British vaccine.

The EDA has already approved in early January the emergency use of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine, the only coronavirus vaccine Egypt has received thus far.

On 10 December, Egypt received a 50,000-dose batch of the vaccine developed by Chinese state-owned pharmaceutical giant Sinopharm.

The second batch of Sinopharm vaccine has not yet been received, with Zayed attributing the delay to high demand on the manufacturing companies.

Egypt has reserved 100 million doses of the approved vaccines and has the capability to store 140 million doses, according to the health ministry.

Egypt has vaccinated hundreds of medical staffers nationwide as a first step in the country's vaccination campaign, which kicked off on Sunday.

The country's vaccination priority list starts with the frontline healthcare workers at the isolation, fever, chest and screening hospitals, followed by kidney failure and cancer patients, then the elderly.

A total of 207,000 medical staffers are targeted for vaccination at chest, fever hospitals, including doctors, nurses, administrators, and workers.

Hundreds of medical workers in Egypt, like elsewhere, have lost their lives to the coronavirus since the outbreak of the pandemic in February of last year.

As of Saturday, the Doctors' Syndicate reported 348 deaths and scores of infections among its members due to the virus.

A total of 164,871 coronavirus infections have been registered in Egypt, including 9,217 fatalities.

On Friday, officials said the country has passed the second wave of the virus.

Short link:


Executives in Hyundai Motor Co Group are divided over a potential tie-up with Apple Inc, with some raising concerns about becoming a contract manufacturer for the U.S. tech giant, dimming the outlook for a deal.

Hyundai said earlier this month it was in preliminary talks with Apple, but gave no details. Local media said the firms were discussing an electric car and battery tie-up.

Hyundai declined to comment for this story. Apple declined to comment.

Apple has never acknowledged talks with the automaker about building vehicles, and it was unclear whether any such talks are still active. The iPhone maker typically insists on strict secrecy from its potential partners and suppliers about future plans or unreleased products.

In an earnings call on Tuesday in which it reported its best quarterly profit in over three years, Hyundai did not give any updates on talks with Apple or indicate whether they remain active.

"We are agonizing over how to do it, whether it is good to do it or not," said a Hyundai executive aware of the internal discussions on the tie-up with Apple. "We are not a company which manufactures cars for others. It is not like working with Apple would always produce great results."

Few details are known about the talks between the two companies. But people close to the discussions say the options considered included Hyundai or Kia acting as a manufacturer for vehicles designed by Apple and sold under its powerful, ubiquitous brand.

Hyundai is traditionally known for its reluctance to work with outsiders, making engines, transmissions and even its own steel in-house under its vertically integrated supply chain as South Korea's second-largest conglomerate. Although shares in Kia and Hyundai have surged because of the talks, there is considerable opposition to becoming an Apple contract manufacturer, which could hold up any deal with the American giant, these people said.

Apple and Hyundai first started talks over a car partnership in 2018, when Apple's effort, known as "Project Titan," was headed by Alexander Hitzinger, who is now a Volkswagen executive, said a person familiar with the matter. But progress was hampered by the South Korean automaker's reluctance to work with outsiders, the person said.

These talks have not been previously reported.

"It is really difficult (for Hyundai) to open up," this person said, adding that the South Korean company would likely to have to replace some executives to avoid a culture clash under any partnership with Apple.

"Apple is the boss. They do their marketing, they do their products, they do their brand. Hyundai is also the boss. That does not really work," the person said.

The South Korean car manufacturer, however, has excess capacity. Contract manufacturing would help it secure production volume.

NOT LIKE FOXCONN

Another person familiar with the matter said Apple would prefer to source major components of its own design - frames, bodies, drive trains, and other parts - from a variety of places and rely on Hyundai or Kia for a final assembly site.

"They would want this to be in the United States," the second person said.

While the talks are at an early stage, Hyundai Motor Group has "tentatively decided" that it would want Kia to partner with Apple, not Hyundai Motor, a Hyundai insider said.

"The Group is concerned that the Hyundai brand would become just Apple's contract manufacturer, which would not help Hyundai in its effort to build a more premium image with its Genesis brand," the insider said. Kia is also moving faster in terms of electric cars, and it has available production capacity at its Georgia factory in the United States.

Another executive at Hyundai said: "Tech firms like Google and Apple want us to be like (contract phone maker) Foxconn.

"A cooperation may initially help raise the brand image of Hyundai or Kia. But in the mid- or longer-term, we will just provide shells for the cars, and Apple would do the brains."

Nevertheless, there are broad areas where the two companies could benefit, including access to Hyundais electric car platform and its suppliers, such as battery makers, as well as access to Apple's autonomous vehicle stack and software, said Park Chul-wan, a South Korean battery expert and a professor at Seojeong University.

"Hyundai would be more than just a Foxconn," he said.
Indias far-right Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has seized upon the violence and anarchy that erupted in Delhi during a Jan. 26 Republic Day protest against its pro-agri-business laws to launch a long-prepared campaign to repress the farmers agitation through state intimidation and violence.

Representatives of different religions walk in a march in support of the ongoing farmers' protest, in Kolkata, India, Dec. 12, 2020. (AP Photo/Bikas Das)

This campaign is being spearheaded by the Delhi Policewhich are under the direct authority of Home Minister Amit Shah, Prime Minister Narendra Modis chief henchmanand the BJP state government in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh (UP). The latter is led by Yogi Adityanath, a Hindu high priest, ardent Hindu supremacist and political thug.

On Thursday, UP Chief Minister Adityanath ordered district authorities and police to forcibly end all farmer dharna (sit-down protests) in Indias most populous state. Even before this, on Wednesday night, police had brutally attacked a group of farmers while they were sleeping and destroyed the encampment they had maintained since Dec. 19 at Baduat on the Delhi-Saharanpur national highway.

On Thursday evening, police attempted to evict farmers from the much larger protest site on the Delhi-UP border at Ghazaipur. Backed by a massive deployment of security forces and an order under Section 144 of the Criminal Code banning all gatherings of more than four people, the authorities demanded the protesting farmers evacuate their site. This they refused to do, despite a government-ordered cut-off of the protesters electricity and water supply, resulting in a tense stand-off.

Indian security forces, who are notorious for their brutality, are no doubt waiting for further reinforcements and, most importantly, a direct order from the Modi government to mount an all-out assault. Such action would invariably result in a bloody clash, with potentially explosive political consequences.

According to media reports, farmers flocked to the Ghazaipur encampment yesterday in response to a vow to defy the BJP governments evacuation order that has since gone viral from Bharat Kisan (Indian Peasant) Union leader Rakesh Tikait. There is a conspiracy against us. I will not surrender even if the police fires bullets at us, declared Tikait.

The Delhi Police have issued First Information Reports (thereby opening criminal investigations) that identify 37 farmer protest leaders as implicated in the violence that erupted during Tuesdays tractor parade and march. Those named include Tikait, political scientist and former Aam Aadmi (Common Mans) Party leader Yogendra Yadav, environmental and social justice activist Medha Patkar, eight other Bharat Kisan Union leaders, and representatives of the umbrella group the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and other kisan sabhas (farm unions).

The FIRs claim that the rioters/protesters and their leaders had a pre-planned objective to defy the numerous restrictions police had imposed on the Republic Day protest, including that they strictly adhere to police-designated routes far from the city centre. This, the FIRs assert, led to numerous crimes include rioting, criminal conspiracy, and attempted murder.

Delhi Police Commissioner S. N. Shrivastava has said his force is using facial recognition technology and CCTV and video footage to identify those who engaged in rioting. Those involved in the violence will not be spared and the farmer leaders will be questioned, he declared.

Not only is the Delhi police, under the thumb of home Minister Shah; its ranks are rife with supporters of the government and its Hindu right allies. Delhi police savagely attacked last winters mass protests against the governments anti-Muslim Citizenship Amendment Act, and stood by, and in some cases participated in, the three days of anti-Muslim violence that convulsed north-east Delhi in late Feb. 2020.

Yesterday, Delhi police facilitated a violent, BJP-instigated assault on farmers at their protest encampment at Singhu on the border between Haryana and the Delhi National Capital Territory.

Police had denied water trucks and journalists access to the Singhu protest site. But it was a different story when it came to pro-BJP goons, who were armed with stones and sticks, chanting their support for the police and demanding the farmers be expelled for insulting the national flag. Police allowed them to enter and set upon the farmers, then intervened with lathi charges and tear gas volleys to protect the goons.

They are not locals, but hired goons, 21-year-old farmer Harkirat Mann Beniwal, told The Tribune. They were throwing stones, petrol bombs at us. They attempted to burn down our trolleys also. We are here to resist them. We wont leave.

As it did on Tuesday, the Haryana government cut off telecom, internet and SMS services in much of the state.

Underscoring that its campaign of repression has only begun, the BJP government used Fridays opening of the budget session of Indias parliament to reiterate its commitment to the three pro-corporate farm reform laws it rushed into law last September, and to vilify the protesting farmers.

In an address to a joint session of parliament, Indian President and BJP minion Ram Nath Kovind boasted that the farm laws provide new facilities and rights to the farmers and enjoy widespread support among them. In a barbed, lying reference to Tuesdays events he declared, The national flag and a holy day like Republic Day were insulted in the past few days. This was followed with an admonishment to the farmers that oozed with hypocrisy and ruling class malice. The Constitution, intoned Kovind, that provides us freedom of expression, is the same Constitution that teaches us that law and rules have to be followed seriously.

Other BJP leaders, including Minister of State for Home G. Kishan Reddy, have been even more menacing, denouncing the farmers for sedition.

The government responded to the launch of the farmers Delhi Chalo (Lets go to Delhi) agitation on Nov. 26 with a massive show of forceincluding mass arrests, the invocation of Article 144 across Haryana and parts of UP, and widespread cellphone and internet service cutswith the aim of smothering it from the outset. It was able to prevent opponents of its farm laws from reaching the capital. But it was thrown into political crisis when there was an outpouring of support from workers and toilers across India for the tens of thousands of farmers who, having defied the state security gauntlet, encamped themselves on Delhis borders.

In the ensuing two months, the BJP government maneuvered, hoping to split and wear down the farmers with endless rounds of negotiations in which they offered to make minor amendments to the three farms laws. At the same time, it sought to lay the groundwork for state violence by smearing the agitation as China- and Pakistan-supported and infiltrated by Sikh separatists, and by supporting public interest litigation petitions to have the protest declared illegal by the Supreme Court on the grounds it was impeding traffic.

Now Modi and Amit Shah have seized on Tuesdays events to activate and legitimize their longstanding plans for state repression by painting the mass agitation against the governments three pro-agribusiness laws as violent and illegitimate.

In this, the corporate media has been a key accomplice. It has promoted lurid claims of the farmers plunging Delhi into violence and anarchy on Republic Day.

Much about what happened on Tuesday remains unclear, but whatever violence did occur has been grossly exaggerated. Moreover, the actions of the police are being whitewashed: their provocative restrictions on the protest; the violence they visited on the farmers; and their conspicuous security lapses.

In an action that demonstrates the authorities nervousness in this regard, the BJP governments of UP and Madhya Pradesh have issued FIRs against six senior editors and journalists for their reporting on Tuesdays violence, including of farmer claims that one protester lost control of his tractor and died because he was shot by police.

The government-police accusations against the 37 farm leaders are a transparent frame-upa legal-political vendetta of the type for which the Hindu supremacist BJP is notorious.

The police-government attempt to implicate the farm leaders in violence turns reality on its head. The farm leaders bowed to all of the polices demands concerning Tuesdays protest, only to find that the authorities had taken numerous provocative steps, including barricading the prescribed march routes. They vehemently denounced the violence as soon as it erupted.

Moreover, throughout the agitation they have been at pains to describe it as non-political and have made no broader appeal for support by, for example, raising demands that address the specific needs of the agricultural workers and marginal farmers. They have thus made clear that in no way do they want to challenge the authority of the Modi government and its class war agenda, of which the farm laws are only a part.

A central element in the government campaign to smear the protest as anti-national is Tuesdays mysterious appearance of a small number of protesters atop Delhis storied Red Fort, from which the prime minister delivers the annual independence address, and their raising of a farm union flag, as well as a Sikh religious pendant. Numerous observers have pointed out that a significant security detail is normally present at the Red Fort, and access to its roof barred by lock-and-key. Moreover, as the farm organizations have noted, the Punjabi actor who led the contingent that entered the Fort, Deep Sidhu, was until very recently publicly identified with the BJP.

While the anger of the farmers at having been forced to camp out for two months in inclement weather before being allowed to demonstrate in the capital was palpable, everything suggests that elements within the police, acting at the governments orders, connived in the breakdown of law and order to provide the pretext for state repression.

Ominously, an increasingly important element in the BJPs campaign to delegitimize the farmers protest is the stoking of anti-Sikh communal sentiment.

In what they said was a show of support for the farmers, sixteen opposition parties, led by the Congress Party, till recently the Indian ruling elites preferred party of government, and including the twin Stalinist parliamentary partiesthe Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPM, and the Communist Party of Indiaboycotted yesterdays opening of the budget parliamentary session and presidential speech.

The CPM and CPI are working to harness the swelling mass opposition to Modi and his BJP to the Congress Party and various right-wing regional and capitalist parties, while confining the working class to the sidelines, so as to prevent it from intervening in the crisis as an independent political force, rallying the rural toilers behind it in the fight against the Modi government and Indian capitalism as a whole.


United Nations, January 30: Delegates of India and Pakistan got into a fresh verbal duel in the UN General Assembly on Thursday, after Pakistani Ambassador Munir Akram exposed New Delhis human rights abuses in the occupied Kashmir as well as the design of the BJP-RSS extremists against Pakistan.

Indian delegate Vidisha Maitra reacted to Ambassador Akrams pointed words, claiming that Kashmir was an integral part of India.

Exercising his right of reply, Pakistans delegate Jawad Ali rejected Indias claim that Jammu and Kashmir was its part.

As far as Jammu and Kashmir is concerned, India has no other claim than that of an occupier, the Pakistani delegate said in his hard-hitting reply.

Like all occupiers and colonizers of the past, India wants to physically, politically and psychologically crush the indigenous Kashmiri struggle.

Todays India has become a nightmare for its minorities, Jawad Ali said. Its current leadership has sacrificed every trapping of secularism.

From orchestrated pogroms against Muslims in Gujrat and Delhi to discriminatory citizenship laws, from demolishing Muslims shrines and monuments to erasing centuries of history of Muslim rule, from outlawing interfaith marriages to blaming Muslims for the spread of coronavirus, Indias human rights record is replete with gross and systematic violations of rights of minorities, the Pakistani delegate said.

Todays India is a quintessential majoritarian state. Subservient state institutions, compliant judiciary and a complicit media ensures that the ugly truth about Indias crimes against its own people, and those it illegally occupies, are conveniently shrouded.

He said it was ironic that a country that continued to flaunt its so-called vaccine diplomacy abroad, had turned hospitals in the occupied Jammu and Kashmir into graveyards, choking essential medical supplies, let alone the Covid vaccine.

At the same time, he said, it continues to plan, support and finance its proxies  like UN listed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA)  to carry out subversive and terrorist activities against Pakistan.

India can try as much as it wants, but it will never be able frustrate the struggle for self-determination and prevent the Kashmiri people to determine their own destiny, Jawad Ali said.

No matter how long and difficult the struggle for freedom is, it is always crowned with success. If history is any guide, we have no doubt, that the brave people of Kashmir will prevail against the dark night of occupation.
Health official: 'I am hopeful for the brighter days ahead'
Residents welcome the participants of a military parade to commemorate the 8th Congress of the Workers' Party in Pyongyang, North Korea January 14, 2021 in this photo supplied by North Korea's Central News Agency (KCNA).

North Korean soldiers are no longer a shoo-in for membership in the ruling Workers Party, after authorities tightened entry barriers this year to limit the number of new members, sources in the million-strong military told RFA.

Membership in the Korean Workers Party is seen as a status symbol that can also be a gateway to better housing, employment, education and food in the impoverished country.

Every male citizen must serve 10 years in the military, and under previous regulations they could expect to join the party after discharge.

But many of the soldiers nearing the end of their service are complaining that membership is no longer automatic.

From this year onward, procedures and standards for increasing party membership among the military have been strengthened, a member of the military in North Pyongan province, in the countrys northwest, told RFAs Korean Service Wednesday.

The Korean Peoples Army is conducting screening to select candidates for party membership in accordance with the new regulations, said the source, who requested anonymity to speak freely.

The elevated criteria for soldiers follow a directive made during the Jan. 5-12 party congress which increased the wait time for prospective civilian members from one to two years. RFA reported in mid-January that the candidates affected by that policy were unhappy that it effectively doubled the amount they would have to pay in bribes to join.

In September, a similar regulation had gone into effect for soldiers, increasing their candidacy period from one to three years. Soldiers were unhappy with this change, but now they are even angrier that they may no longer be eligible at all.

According to the Supreme Commanders order, the new standard is to bolster party membership by first accepting soldiers from basic combat units, including from ships, guard posts and infantry deployed in the front lines, the source said, clarifying that this meant soldiers stationed near the military demarcation line that separates North and South Korea since the 1953 Korean War Armistice.

It is likely that membership opportunities will greatly decrease for soldiers in non-combat units or those stationed in the rear, the source said.

Screening for potential members from the militarys ranks will also be more comprehensive, according to the source.

Candidates are to be carefully selected by thoroughly reviewing their levels of faithfulness to the party, how well they performed their military tasks, including combat and political training, and any other exemplary activities in building a strong state, said the source.

Up until now, everyone eligible was able to join the party as they were discharged from the military, but now the head of the political department will screen only those recognized as leadership material, and propose their membership at party cell meetings, the source said, adding that only soldiers who have reached age 20 and served for three years would be eligible for screening.

The source also said that the new regulations aim to rein in corruption.

Theres also been an order to stop officials from being sneaky with party memberships. They have been known to take bribes to recommend party candidates, pocket donations made to military units, and use membership development projects for their own political purposes, the source said.

They warned that officials exploiting soldiers membership eligibility will have to answer to the party, said the source.

Another member of the military from North Hamgyong province in the countrys northeast confirmed the revised regulations to RFA.

Moving forward, if soldiers fail to make outstanding contributions during their military service, even if they complete 10 years, many will be discharged without the opportunity to join the party, said the second source, who requested anonymity for security reasons.

The soldiers who are scheduled for discharge this year are feeling despondent. They toiled and sacrificed for 10 long years in the military and had hopes of joining the party and being assigned to a good job. But now they are extremely angry that the new regulations mean many will not be able to join the party after discharge.

Reported by Myungchul Lee for RFAs Korean Service. Translated by Leejin Jun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.

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Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) will expand its Chennai refinery at a cost of Rs 31,500 crore through a joint venture with its subsidiary and strategic financial investors, Chairman Shrikant Madhav Vaidya said on Friday.

IOC and its subsidiary Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd (CPCL) will hold a 25 percent stake each in the joint venture that will set up the 9 million tonnes a year refinery.

The remaining 50 percent equity would be with financial investors, he told reporters here.

"The board of the company at its meeting today (Friday) approved setting up a grassroots 9 million tonnes a year refinery at Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu," he said adding that the unit will be built in 48 months from investment approval.

IOC plans to pull down the 1 million tonnes per year Nagapattinam refinery of its subsidiary CPCL and build a brand new 9 million tonnes unit. Asked about the participation of the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) in the project, he said the refinery will be set up as a joint venture of IOC and CPCL and balance with strategic and financial partners.

"NIOC continues to be an investor in CPCL," he said. NIOC holds 15.4 percent in CPCL and was previously keen to participate in the expansion project. However, US sanctions on Iran had put constraints on that. NIOC holds 15.4 percent in CPCL and was previously keen to participate in the expansion project. However, US sanctions on Iran had put constraints on that.

NIOC's investment in CPCL had been made several years back and that as such will not draw any impact of US sanctions but the impact of fresh investments in the company need could have risked sanctions. After the US reimposed full economic sanctions against Iran beginning November 5, 2018, and ended waivers six months later, India has stopped buying oil from its third-largest crude oil supplier.

Prior to the waivers ending on May 2, India paid Iran for oil purchases in rupees. These rupee payments are made into a UCO Bank account of NIOC.

The government had allowed NIOC to use the money it got in the UCO Bank account for paying for commodities Iran buys from India as well as for direct investments in Indian projects. Naftiran Intertrade, the Swiss subsidiary of NIOC, holds a 15.4 percent stake in CPCL. Whether the same money could be invested by NIOC as its share of the equity portion of the expansion project was debated.

IOC holds a 51.89 percent stake in CPCL. The expansion was to originally cost Rs 27,460 crore but is now estimated to cost Rs 31,500 crore. He said the project will be funded in a 2:1 debt-equity ratio.

CPCL also plans to build a petrochemicals plant of about 4,75,000 tonnes per annum capacity. A detailed feasibility report for the expansion project is underway. CPCL, formerly known as Madras Refineries Ltd, was formed as a joint venture in 1965 between the Government of India, AMOCO, and NIOC having a shareholding in the ratio of 74 percent, 13 percent, and 13 percent.

In 1985, AMOCO disinvested, following which the government held 84.62 percent and NIOC 15.38 percent. The government later disinvested 16.92 percent of the paid-up capital. The company was listed in 1994. IOC acquired the government's holding in 2000-01 and holds 51.89 percent stake in CPCL while NIOC has 15.40 percent. CPCL has two refineries with a combined refining capacity of 11.5 million tonnes per annum.

The Manali refinery has a capacity of 10.5 million tonnes per annum and is one of the complex refineries in the country. Its second refinery is located in Nagapattinam at Cauvery Basin. This unit has a capacity of 1 million tonnes per annum. CPCL refineries produce LPG, petrol, kerosene, aviation turbine fuel (ATF), diesel, naphtha, bitumen, lube base stocks, paraffin wax, fuel oil, hexane, and petrochemical feedstocks.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

The Financial and Economic Affairs Committee of the Parliament yesterday approved a proposal to grant BD50 as fuel subsidy to Bahraini families every month.

The move, parliamentarians said, aims to reduce the burden on families amid the economic strain caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The subsidy will help families meet their transportation needs, MPs said.

The Ministry of Finance and National Economy said the government is keen to improve the living standards of Bahraini citizens, for which the budget has various provisions.

The government will continue to increase the appropriations for social protection until it reaches BD435 million per fiscal year, the minister added.

However, the new fuel subsidy would negatively impact the Kingdoms budget deficit and boost public debt.

The ministry told parliamentarians in a written statement.

Child allowances

Separately, Parliamentarians said they would vote in their next session on a proposal to grant BD20 per child to Bahraini families every month.

The subsidy also limits the number of children covered not to exceed four.

The House Financial Affairs Committee said the proposal would cost the state about BD60 million annually.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Development said the proposal is outside the scope of its jurisdiction.

The ministry said it provides social assistance per the Social Security Law No. (18) of 2006 and Insurance against Unemployment Insurance Law issued under Decree-Law No. (78) of 2006 and others following the established conditions and controls.

Representatives Hamad Al-Kooheji, Ammar Qambar and Muhammad Bouhamoud made the proposal.
North Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2021) - TransCanna Holdings Inc. (CSE: TCAN) (FSE: TH8) ("TransCanna" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed a non-brokered warrant financing. In connection with the closing, the Company issued 3,800,000 warrants at a price of $0.05 per warrant, for gross proceeds of $190,000. Each warrant is exercisable into one common share at an exercise price of $1.00 for a period of 24 months. The warrants are subject to an acceleration right that allows the Company to give notice of an earlier expiry date if the Company's share price on the CSE (or such other stock exchange the Company's shares may be trading on) is equal to or greater than $1.30 for a period of 20 consecutive trading days.

The private placement is subject to the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") and the securities will be subject to a four-month hold period under securities laws. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the private placement for working capital purposes.

About TransCanna Holdings Inc.

TransCanna Holdings Inc. is a California based, Canadian listed company building Cannabis-focused brands for the California lifestyle, through its wholly-owned California subsidiaries.

For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.transcanna.com or email the Company at info@transcanna.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Bob Blink, CEO

604-349-3011

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN



To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/73230
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State health authorities confirmed Saturday that one case of the COVID-19 variant that first emerged in the United Kingdom has been detected in South Carolina.

This is the second new COVID-19 variant confirmed in South Carolina in the last few days by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. For the first time in the United States, DHEC reported two cases of a variant that was first detected in South Africa on Jan. 28.

Variants, or new versions of viruses, are closely monitored for their ability to spread faster or cause more disease, according to a press release from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

This particular variant is called the B.1.1.7 variant.

"Experts agree that existing vaccines work to protect us from this variant, even if we dont know just how effective they are. At this time, theres no conclusive evidence to prove that the B.1.1.7 variant causes more severe illness," reads the press release from DHEC.

The arrival of the two new variants is a reminder that the fight against the deadly virus is far from over, said Dr. Brannon Traxler, interim public health director of DHEC, in the press release.

While more COVID-19 vaccines are on the way, supplies are still very limited. We must all remain dedicated to the fight by doing the right things to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities," Traxler said in the press release.

The South Carolina patient who contracted the B.1.1.7 variant is an adult from the Pee Dee region with a history of traveling internationally, according to DHEC.

The B.1.1.7 variant has been identified in many countries, including the United States. According to DHEC, 30 states have reported cases, with a total of 434 by Friday evening.

We know that viruses mutate to live and live to mutate, Traxler said in the release. Thats why its critical that we vaccinate as many people as quickly as possible and each of us do our part by wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart, avoiding crowds, washing our hands, getting tested often and when its our time, getting vaccinated. Science tells us that these actions work to prevent the spread of the virus, no matter the strain.

COVID-19 updates

Two people died of COVID-19 in Aiken County on Wednesday and Thursday. Both patients were elderly, ages 65 or older.

DHEC confirmed 65 more deaths statewide Saturday.

The state health agency confirmed 2,966 more COVID-19 cases statewide with 79 of them in Aiken County, six in Barnwell County and 20 in Edgefield County.

Out of 11,964 new COVID-19 tests reported to DHEC statewide, 24.8% were positive.

As of Jan. 28, there have been 394,153 confirmed cases and 6,336 confirmed deaths statewide cumulatively, according to DHEC.

According to DHEC's hospital bed occupancy report, Aiken County hospitals are at 91% occupancy.

South Carolina has received 657,250 total doses of COVID-19 vaccine and has administered 371,894 as of Jan. 29, according to DHEC.
A policy document on Covid-19 and tobacco use by the School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology has called for the ban of Shisha use in Ghana to prevent the spread of COVID-19.



It further called for the ban of the sale and importation of tobacco products including cigarettes during the Covid-19, noting that the disease is a respiratory illness and tobacco could aggravate symptoms and worsen outcomes.



The document which was prepared in August, 2020 and copied to the Ghana News Agency, reports key result from a rapid response study (the Covid-19 and Tobacco Project) and it was set up to examine tobacco use and tobacco control during Covid-19 while building on an existing multi-country collaboration.



The study was carried out by Ellis Owusu-Dabo, Divine Darlington Logo and Patricia Amoah Yirenkyi with a grant support from the UK Global Challenges Research Fund and additional funding from the University of Edinburghs Scottish Funding Council Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF).



The document said: Shisha use prevails among the youth, and involves sharing of the same mouth-piece which can be a route for SARS-Cov-2 transmission and other communicable diseases.



It urged the government to increase tobacco taxes, ideally by 50 per cent to generate revenue to support healthcare delivery in the wake of Covid-19, adding that; It is very necessary to raising tobacco tax to make money available for treating people who suffer from tobacco-related diseases as well as Covid-19.



The document said this would reduce tobacco use among the youth because they were sensitive to high prices of tobacco products.



It said cigarettes remained the commonest form of tobacco use, pipe smoking (shisha), chew, sniffing, smokeless tobacco and tawa use among other forms by Ghanaians and that the most recent Demographic and Health Survey in 2014 reports the prevalence of cigarette smoking among males to be 4.8 per cent and females 0.1 per cent.



It said the regional trend continues to show high prevalence from the northern part of Ghana  31.2 per cent, 22.5 per cent and 7.9 per cent in the Upper East, Northern and Upper West Regions respectively.



The document said the recent data indicated that close to one in 10 junior high students use any form of tobacco products.



It said the current tobacco use could, from existing evidence, affect Covid-19 severity and therefore there was the need for government to integrate communicable and non-communicable disease risks into the overall health and wellbeing of the population.

Source: GNA









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Left-Wing Smear Campaign Backfired, More MAGA Action to Come: Rep. Marjorie Greene

Newly elected Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) on Friday said that a left-wing smear campaign against her has backfired and warned that more MAGA reinforcements on the way.

Since launching your smear campaign attacks on me, nearly 60,000 America First Patriots from 50 states have reached out with messages of support and have poured over $1.6 million in small donations into my campaign account, the freshman congresswoman said in her Message to the Mob on Jan 29.

Every attack. Every lie. Every smear strengthens my base of support at home and across the country because people know the truth and are fed up with the lies, she added.

Greene kept her promise to impeach President Joe Biden by filing articles the day after he was sworn in, drawing intense fire from left-wing Democrats and their media allies.

Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.) said on Jan. 27 that he plans to introduce a resolution to expel Greene from Congress, citing numerous reports revealing her repeated endorsements of sedition, domestic terrorism, and political violence.

Gomez accused Greene of supporting Facebook posts that called for violence against prominent Democratic leaders. Greene has also expressed support for the QAnon movement, which has been labeled by the mainstream media as a fringe conspiracy theory.

Greene said in the message that she puts people over politicians, big money PACs, and powerful elite corporations.

I take all of these slings and arrows gladly for you. I take them for our America First movement so that we can save our country and stop socialism. I knew this day would come, It was only a question of when. she said in the message.

Greene urged Republicans in her message not to cower to the mob, and let the Democratic and the Fake News media take her out, as leftists are opening the door to come after every single Republican until theres none left.

Greene called on her Republican colleagues and Trump supporters, More MAGA reinforcements are on the way. Lets win BIG for the Republicans in 2022! Save America. Stop socialism. Defeat the Democrats!

Isabel van Brugen contributed to this report.
Dongri To Dubai: Angira Dhar Chooses MayDay Over The Series, Kritika Kamra Replaces Her

Reports about Dongri To Dubai have been doing the rounds for over a year now. The web-series, produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani would show the journey of Dawood, played by Avinash Tiwari. The sets have been rebuilt and the shoot has resumed. However, it faced another roadblock when Angira Dhar, who was to play Haseena Parkar, walked out of the show.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Angira Dhar (@angira)

Angira has been signed for Ajay Devgn's Mayday and unfortunately for her, the dates were clashing. So, she chose the film over the series. But, the makers have already zeroed in on another actress to play the role of the don's sister, Haseena Parkar. The person in question is none other Tandav actress Kritika Kamra. Talking to Mid Day, a source revealed, Angira has to report to the set of Ajay Devgns directorial venture Mayday now. Since the makers of Dongri to Dubai required the same dates, the actor, after much deliberation, decided to let go of the series. After a fresh set of auditions, the makers zeroed in on Kritika. Its an important character that influences the proceedings, and demands a strong performer.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kritika Kamra (@kkamra)

Well, we hope are eagerly waiting for the series to release. A similar series is also being planned by Ram Gopal Verma and he made the announcement a few days back.
President Joe Biden on Friday pushed for quick action on his $1.9 trillion coronavirus stimulus bill, saying: The cost of inaction is high.

Meeting in the Oval Office with newly confirmed Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Biden said that with 847,000 additional Americans filing for unemployment this week for the first time, the government needed to put more money into the economy.

This is a unique moment in this crisis, and the cost of inaction is high, Biden said. We have learned from past crises the risk is not doing too much; the risk is not doing enough. And this is the time to act now.

Yellen, too, talked about the need for another round of economic stimulus, even though Congress last month voted to spend $900 billion, including direct payments of $600.

There is a huge amount of pain in our economy right now, Yellen said. Economists agree that if theres not more help, many more people will lose their small businesses, the roofs over their heads, and the ability to feed their families. And we need to help those people before the virus is brought under control.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage

Bidens $1.9 trillion plan would add $1,400 to the $600 direct payments in the stimulus bill passed in December, provide $350 billion for state and local aid, extend unemployment benefits, including funding help schools reopen, establish safety standards for businesses to protect employees from COVID-19, and raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour.

Democratic leaders in the House and Senate plan to pass a budget resolution next week, the first step toward preventing a Senate filibuster and allowing them to enact the stimulus package on a party-line vote without Republican support.

Biden told reporters later that he still wanted GOP backing for the legislation.

I support passing COVID relief with support from Republicans if we can get it, he said. But the COVID relief has to pass. Theres no ifs, ands or buts.

The Senate Republicans political arm is already trying to raise money for the 2022 campaign by calling the stimulus plan an attempt to bail out New York and California and their governors who cant manage their own budgets.

Republicans used the same procedure, known as reconciliation, to bypass Democratic opposition to enact their tax law that capped the federal deduction for state and local taxes, and to try to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com.
A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has unveiled his new lover, a Lebanese-Nigerian, Lilian Olajumoke Ellas.

Mr Fani-Kayode revealed her identity on his official Twitter and Instagram handles on Friday and described her as The Real Deal.

Ms Ellas is a beauty entrepreneur and owner of Lillies Salon and Spa, located in Abuja.

The occasion was her birthday which held at his Abuja home and he penned a loving tribute which read, Nothing in the world can compare to the love and the support that you have given me and our beautiful children since you came into our lives.

You have been so kind and loving to them and I thank God for the love they have given you in return. You are the real deal and we love and cherish you. Congratulations once again my darling! God bless you forever.

Although Mr Fani-Kayode has shared her photos on his social media pages in the past, this is the first time that he would publicly declare that she has the key to his heart.

When PREMIUM TIMES contacted him, the ex-minister who recently welcomed a baby with his girlfriend of many years, a Moroccan who works in the oil sector, said he does not want to discuss his private affairs on the pages of the newspaper.

He also refused to disclose the identity of the new mum.

But those close to him said he continues to love Regina (Nee Hanson Amonoo), a Ghanaian businesswoman cum pastor and she remains his legal wife.

According to Mrs Fani-Kayode, who lives in Ghana, their 23-year-old union remains rock-solid irrespective of any woman in the picture. She confirmed this in an interview with our correspondent.

The source also confirmed to this newspaper that Mr Fani-Kayode is so smitten by the new lover that he plans to make it official by marrying her.

Femi Fani-Kayode with Lilian Olajumoke Ellas [PHOTO CREDIT: Femi Fani-Kayode] Lilian Olajumoke Ellas [PHOTO CREDIT: Femi Fani-Kayode]

The former minister already has four sons (including a set of triplets) with his estranged ex-beauty queen wife, Precious Chikwendu.

It is, however, unclear if he has completely separated or broken off from Ms Chikwendu.

About Lilian

Her father is Lebanese whilst her mother is from Asaba. Her mother lived in Eti Osa, Lagos, all her life where she met Lilians father after which they were married.

Her father is a businessman and is now based in Minna and often travels to Lebanon.

Lilian was brought up in Apapa, Lagos, and Minna, Niger State, by her parents and speaks Yoruba, Arabic, French, Igbo, and Hausa fluently. She owns one of the top beauty spas in Abuja.

ADVERTISEMENT

She has lived in Abuja for the last few years and has a home in Lagos and in Miziara in northern Lebanon where her father comes from. She is a Christian. She was previously married to a Lebanese but they divorced a few years ago.

She has three children, two sons and one daughter, who all went to university in Lebanon. They are all well-educated and professionals and are all doing well.
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A man who desperately tried to save the lives of four people, including a toddler, in a horrific house fire has told how he still suffers severe flashbacks almost three years later.

Thomas 'Tommy' Fee recalled how he battled in vain to save the occupants' lives by breaking into the blazing property in rural Co Fermanagh with a sledgehammer.

The 60-year-old father of one from Derrylin, who owns the bungalow that was gutted by the fatal early-morning blaze on February 27, 2018 told the Belfast Telegraph that the harrowing scenes of that day will never leave him.

Mr Fee also said he feels "abandoned by everyone" following several failed attempts to get compensation for his rented property.

Grandmother Denise Gossett (45), her 16-year-old son Roman, his 19-year-old sister Sabrina, and her 15-month-old daughter Morgana, were caught in the fatal blaze in their rented home at Molly Road outside Derrylin.

Daniel Sebastian Allen (29), with an address where the fire occurred, is accused of the murder of all four and with arson of the bungalow, endangering life. He denies the charge.

Mr Fee said he remembers the blaze as though it happened yesterday.

"I was called out to the fire at 7am but when I got there it was too advanced," he said.

"Myself and two men working nearby tried to get in but there was too much smoke.

"I remember getting a hammer and breaking the double glazed window at the side; smoke started bellowing out but everybody was dead at that stage. There was no response."

The cottage, which was over 100 years old, was gutted.

He added: "I'm devastated about the whole thing.

"It was a terrible incident."

The father-of-one said he believes the harrowing images of what happened will never leave him.

"I get flashbacks; I still wake up in the middle of the night thinking about it," he said.

"It haunts me.

"It's hard to believe that someone can rent a house off you and then something like this can happen... four innocent people died."

Mr Fee, whose father Brian Fee lived at the bungalow for years before he rented it out, said he had no landlord insurance on the property.

"I have to go past it every day on the way to work," said the bus driver.

"I only live about two miles away in the same area, the townland of Doon.

"We have a part-time farm and we have animals - cows and calves - in sheds over there so we're there all the time."

Mr Fee said his wife Anna (62) and their son Frances (30), who is a mechanic, are still traumatised by the fire - as well as being left out of pocket in the aftermath of the tragedy.

"When something like that has been taken away from you and you can't get any compensation... we're knocking on the door and nobody will answer," he said.

"I've tried the Northern Ireland Office (NIO), the Compensation Agency and the Justice Department but I've had no luck. It seems really unfair."

He added: "We've been left out on a limb."

Mr Fee, who has two older sisters, said he would rebuild the bungalow in memory of the people who had lived there before the tragedy, including the family of his late father, who died, aged 87, in 2000.

Mr Fee also revealed that his mother Brigid (40) died when he was just three years old.

A spokesperson for Northern Ireland Court Service said the case, which has been adjourned to the Crown Court, has been listed for mention in February.

No date has been set.

A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Office said a compensation claim in this instance is not a matter for the NIO.

In response to the Belfast Telegraph both the Department of Justice (DoJ) and the Compensation Agency said they do not comment on individual cases.

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said on Saturday that sufficient quantity of Covid-19 vaccine is available in the country, advising states and Union Territories to increase the coverage of the inoculation drive.

Bhushan said that there are many states that need to improve their performance in terms of the percentage of coverage and asked them to analyze the daily variation in the number of average vaccination.

The states were also asked to organise multiple simultaneous vaccination sessions in the health facility wherever possible. "This would substantially boost the number of vaccinations per day," said Bhushan.

He also pointed out that technical glitches on CoWIN have now been resolved, emphasising on the importance of timely data reconciliation.

"As the vaccination drive has substantially stabilized in the past two weeks, states/UTs were strongly urged to reconcile the arrear data on CoWIN app," said the Union Health Ministry in a statement.

Drawing attention to the recent letter of the Health Ministry, Bhushan pointed out that a provisional digital vaccination certificate after the first dose and final certificate after completing the second dose is required to be issued.

States were asked to take the necessary steps to ensure that the vaccination certificates are issued to all beneficiaries before they exit the session.

"In order to create Immutable Vaccination Event Records (IVER), it is essential that a reliable authentication of beneficiaries is done," said Bhushan, adding that authentication of beneficiaries through Aadhar can be done on CoWIN.

He advised all the states to sensitize the vaccinators for doing proper authentication of beneficiaries. "The compliance should be strictly monitored at the district-level and state-level in the District Task Force and State Task Force meetings," said Bhushan.

The states were also told to undertake the necessary planning to ensure vaccinations of frontline workers, starting in the first week of February, is hassle-free.

Bhushan underlined that India is the fastest country to reach not only the one million target, but also two million and three million marks in Covid-19 vaccination. "Several other countries which have had a head start, some as much as 40-50 days, have taken a longer time to reach these targets," he said.

India had launched its Covid-19 vaccination drive on 16 January.





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Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary and said that the assembly due in April-May should be devoid of violence.

The Father of the Nation had preached for non-violence and it should be adhered to in the polls, he said.

"In the coming polls in 2021, we have the opportunity to make it free of bloodshed and violence. The coming polls should not be blood-stained like the 2018 (panchayat) polls. There should be a complete air of non-violence and peace this time," Dhankhar said.

He told reporters that he was not speaking from "political considerations".

While politicians will be engaged in politics, his aim is to safeguard the Constitution and save democracy, Dhankhar said after paying homage at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi on Mayo Road in Kolkata.

"Everyone must follow Gandhiji's motto of non- violence. He was an ambassador of peace," he said.

Reacting to this, minister Bratya Basu said, the governor "must have uttered these words keeping in mind that Gandhiji was gunned down by fascist forces on this day. In our state, we will always keep resisting such forces."



Mahatma Gandhi was shot dead on this day in 1948 by Nathuram Godse. His death anniversary is observed as Martyrs' Day.
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High around 65F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Clear skies. Low 42F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph.
Jean Dunne* was born in Bessborough mother and baby home in the late 1960s. Two decades after she met her birth mother, she got a phone call at the age of 50 that changed everything she thought she knew about herself.

Here, she writes about stolen identity, lost time and living with the relics born of fear, shame and ostracisation.

I will never forget that morning. I heard the rattle of the letterbox and, as I had done so many mornings before, I picked up the post and started opening envelopes. One stopped me in my tracks.

It was from Tusla, the Child & Family Agency and it stated matter-of-factly: Somebody wishes to make contact. Please contact us. Somebody? I thought I had already met that somebody when I met my birth mother two decades before.

I had assumed (rightly or wrongly) that my father, whoever he was, was never in the picture. I had never asked.

I couldnt think why Tusla was contacting me now. I picked up the phone and when the social worker answered, I blurted out: Is she dead? I hadnt heard from my birth mother in months, which was unusual. She was unwell and as she had never told her family of my existence, I couldnt contact her.

When the social worker assured me that she was alive and well, I thought it must be my father. But it wasnt him either.

What I was about to hear during a telephone conversation at the age of 50 changed everything I thought I knew about my life.

My brother had been in touch.

A brother! My natural mother had never mentioned a brother? As far as I was concerned I was an only child. I knew that she was only 18 when she gave birth to me.

I was premature and weighed a mere 4 lbs. In the years that followed, I was to discover that this was, in fact, a good thing as my mother was admitted to hospital for the delivery.

As we know only too well now, many babies did not get out of Bessborough alive.

To quote one harrowing statistic from the recent Mother and Babies report, 75.19% of all babies admitted to, or born in the home in 1943 died in infancy.

In later years, many others died because of neglect. I was one of the lucky ones.

I was just over two months old when I was placed for adoption. My parents didnt have children and I was their only child. Growing up I always knew I was adopted but I never had any desire to trace my birth mother.

This changed when I had my first child. A deep sense of finally belonging to someone flooded my whole being. For the first time in my 25 years, I now had someone who I was truly related to  a real blood relative.

The feeling was absolutely overwhelming as was the thought of having this beautiful baby torn away from me. My first born was perfect and precious. How could I possibly part with her?

Jean Dunne as a baby. The future can be changed by giving respect to those who were adopted by giving them access to their original birth certificate like every other Irish citizen.

Luckily, I did not have to but if my baby had been born under different circumstances and only a quarter of a century previously, I too might have been forced to hand her over. I found the thought deeply distressing and couldnt quite allow myself to think that the woman who gave birth to me had faced that harrowing reality.

It made me want to seek her out. My intention was simple. I wanted to reassure her that I had turned out all right and that I was happy. I didnt need or want to disrupt her life. I had a mother and I was now a mother. I was content but I thought my birth mother might find peace knowing that I bore her no resentment.

It took three long years before I located her. There were no electronic records at the time which made the search much more difficult. It meant someone had to physically trawl through paper files to find the traces of my story.

I was left under no illusion that I would be lucky if anything was found.

Many records had been deliberately destroyed by those in charge. Had they no conscience attempting to erase a part of my identity?

In the early days of the search, I innocently thought I could request my original or long-form birth certificate and that way I would find my birth mothers details. Adopted people have whats called a short birth certificate with only basic information.

I applied for the birth cert and felt utterly cheated and upset when all I received was a copy of my short certificate. I applied again, making it abundantly clear that I was looking for the long, not the short form of my own birth cert.

There followed a to-and-fro dance. The Adopted Childrens Register sent me my short birth cert three times. Effectively, they were telling me again, and again, and again that I had no right to the details of my own birth. I was incensed.

I had no choice but to leave the search for my identity in the hands of the social worker. The search was intermittent as it depended entirely on the resources of the social worker assigned to my case.

It dragged on and on and, at times, I felt it would have been easier to give up but I am stubborn and I held firm. Eventually I was found, or at least details of my birth were unearthed.

Then, after all that waiting, I had to wait again; this time to see if my birth mother wanted to have any contact. I was given as much information as was deemed necessary  her first name.

When she gave her consent, a series of meetings was arranged with my social worker. Those meetings were not to offer me counselling, but to assess me to see if I was fit to meet this woman. I was the one being scrutinised for suitability.

I remember the first time we met. It was a mixed bag of emotions. There was fear of rejection, fear of the unknown, fear of a possible relationship developing which might turn sour. This was tinged with a tingling excitement of finally getting to meet the woman who gave birth to me 29 years before.

Under the supervision of the social worker, I sat across from a grey-haired woman wearing thick glasses, then in her late forties. She looked older than her years.

I was both disappointed and relieved that I looked nothing like her! Our meeting was pleasant and strangely incurious. There were no awkward displays of affection. I was happy with this.

Bessborough mother and baby home where Jean Dunne was placed for adoption at just over two months of age. File photo: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision

I did not seek answers to the many questions one might think I might have had. I had fulfilled my ambition of finding her and I had no wish to unearth what I believed to be unpleasant memories for her.

I learned that she had married a widower and that they did not have a family. I was selfishly glad of this. Many adoptees who reconcile with their birth mother find that she married their father and the couple went on to have more children.

I did not want to be the one who was left behind; the one that had been given away.

And yet, a part of me, as an only child, still yearned for siblings. I wondered if perhaps it was because she had given me up for adoption that she never had any other children. Little did I know.

Read More Conall O Fatharta: Narrative of report on mother and baby homes needs to be challenged

And so it continued for the next 20 years  peculiarly uncomplicated. Cards exchanged at Christmas and birthdays and a phone call every month or so relaying pleasantries. We met on three occasions in total including one time when she came to stay with me for a night.

My children were too young to understand the complexities of this situation and I didnt have the heart to upset my ageing parents, so I hid her identity. Now, two decades on, I was hearing the unbelievable news that I had a brother.

How could she have kept this secret from me for all those years? The social worker continued to tell me that my brother had tried to make contact with his mother  my mother! When that didnt work out, he tried his brother and when that too failed, he decided to try to contact me.

I must be hearing things I thought. Did she say his brother? Another brother? Impossible!

When my obvious shock registered with the social worker she went on to explain that there were four siblings and I was the eldest.

Ten minutes previously I was an only child and suddenly, after a phone call at 50, I was the eldest of four. She had three other children after me, all given up for adoption, and for 20 years she never said a word. I was in shock  it was too much to take in.

There followed weeks trying to make sense of this information; conjuring up various possible circumstances that led one woman to give up not one, but four babies. I felt ashamed for an act I had no part in.

I felt anger towards this woman who had all the answers but who had now gone into hiding. She chose secrecy as her fear-driven weapon, possibly the only weapon she knew.

I had somehow romantically fantasised a fairy-tale in which my mother had fallen in love with a man, gotten pregnant and had no choice but to give me up. Now that fairy-tale was shattered.

It was unlikely she fell in love with four different men; if there were four different men? I could only imagine some sordid scenario which did not bear thinking about.

Read More Bessborough Mother and Baby Home survivor says a redress scheme is essential

I eventually had no choice but to accept that I might never have the answers. The answers lay with one petrified woman too afraid to speak. However, they are also hidden deep within the State bureaucracy that has separated so many adopted children from their birth stories.

The little titbits I was fed were harmless  the social workers hands were tied. A mothers right to anonymity was seen to trump my right to information.

Now, suddenly, I wanted answers to the questions I had not asked 20 years previously, but still they were not forthcoming. There were scraps of paper in my file, one detailing a pleasant baby with a nice smile progressing well.

I wondered if we were categorised or if there was a pecking order based on behaviour and/or appearance? Most of what the file contained was redacted, withheld from me, the only person likely to ever want it. Instead, the information is hidden in the past, locked away.

A stone Teddy placed near a remembrance plaque and sculpture dedicated to babies who died at Bessborough. The true identity of many babies has been stolen from them and hidden in locked files by the bureaucrats. File photo: Larry Cummins

And, so once again, I locked away my questions for the next three years. Until now, when I could no longer keep my Pandoras Box shut.

The recent Commissions report into the Mother and Baby Homes has brought this all back to the surface. The inhumane treatment of women and their babies and children is unforgivable.

Church, State and society as a whole is to blame for the shameful part it played in these womens lives. I consider myself one of the lucky ones and for a brief fleeting moment, I consciously tried to distance myself from these horrors, but I couldnt.

I do consider myself lucky. I got to meet my mother albeit, from what I know now, under a cloud of false pretences. Yet, I felt robbed and cheated. Had my brother not come looking for me  which he might not given his previous rejections  I would never have known of his or my other siblings existence. The powers that be knew, but nobody told me.

As it stood, my brother originally made contact with Tusla two years before I was told, but I was kept in the dark for all that time. This leaves a very bitter taste. Is it just and fair that I could have lived the remainder of my life unaware that I had two brothers and a sister?

I got to meet my brother who was truly delighted to meet me  and I him. We both decided that we would attempt to contact the remaining two siblings. The other brother who had declined contact, remained steadfast in his resolve, as is his right.

Our sister, however, was unaware that we existed. I was so angry at being deprived of contact with my brother for all those years that I was determined to find her.

Unfortunately, this meant that I was ensnared in yet another mesh of impenetrable red tape.

Although criteria stipulated that searches would be given priority where the mother was over 70 and/or in ill-health, I did not find this to be the case.

Her records were held by another state agency which was winding up and did not have the resources to conduct a search.

They knew who she was and where she was, yet they didnt have the staff to contact her. I was conscious that time was running out as my birth mother was growing older. At the very least, I wanted my sister or half-sister to be given the option of knowing about her mother before it was too late.

I was determined not to wait until resources were allocated officially  which would be a further two years down the road  so I contacted my local TD. He raised the matter in the Dail and perhaps it was a coincidence, but shortly after that my unknown sister was located.

She struggled with the idea of meeting us and, unfortunately, decided the time wasnt right for her. Im glad she got to make the choice herself, and that I was able to fulfil what I saw was my duty to let her know that she had siblings, or half-siblings.

After my anger  and upset  towards my birth mother had finally abated, I sent her a photograph of myself and my brother without disclosing our true identities. Still tangled in this web of secrecy, a part of me wanted to reassure her that I could understand why she never told me I had brothers and a sister if only she would allow me. I was hoping to find out why she gave away four children or, at the very least, to provoke some kind of response.

There was none.

Her shame, guilt and fear born in a bygone era now separate me from the truth. My truth.

I must live knowing that somewhere out there is a brother, sister and maybe even a father that I will most likely never meet.

Not all of those who passed through mother and baby homes suffered what we might term abuse. Those who suffered those unforgivable obscenities must be acknowledged and there must be redress.

But we also need to think about those who are living with the 'fallout' of being born in these institutions. For me, this is about stolen identity and lost time. We are the living relics born from fear, shame and ostracization.

A plaque remembering the babies, women and girls from the Bessborough mother and baby home in Cork. 75.19% of all babies admitted to, or born in the home in 1943 died in infancy.

So many have lost lifetimes looking for that connection  a link to where they came from so that they might know who they are.

Their true identity has been stolen from them and hidden in locked files by the bureaucrats. They are not the thieves, yet they are the ones serving the life sentences.

In my case, I was robbed of the opportunity to meet my three siblings 25 years ago when I first met my mother. She obviously couldn't bring herself to tell me about the others because of fear or shame drilled into her many years ago.

Yet others knew and said nothing, and so both she and I lost out, as did my siblings.

Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practise to deceive, as the poem goes.

This deception ruined lives for over a century. What's in the past has happened and cannot be altered. But the future can be changed by giving respect to those who were adopted and by ceasing to treat them as second-class citizens.

Allow us access to our records; let us be entitled to our original birth certificate like every other Irish citizen.

Read More Adopted people have an unequivocal human right to their identity


India blocked mobile internet services in several areas surrounding New Delhi on Saturday as protesting farmers began a one-day hunger strike after a week of clashes with authorities that left one dead and hundreds injured.

Angry at new agricultural laws that they say benefit large private buyers at the expense of producers, tens of thousands of farmers have been camped at protest sites on the outskirts of the capital for over two months.

A planned tractor parade on Tuesday's Republic Day anniversary turned violent when some protesters deviated from pre-agreed routes, tore down barricades and clashed with police, who used tear gas to try and restrain them.

Sporadic clashes between protesters, police and groups shouting anti-farmer slogans have broken out on multiple occasions since then.

India's interior ministry said on Saturday internet services at three locations on the outskirts of New Delhi where protests are occurring had been suspended until 11 p.m. (1730 GMT) on Sunday to "maintain public safety".

Indian authorities often block internet services when they believe there will be unrest, although the move is unusual in the capital.

At the main protest site near the village of Singhu on the northern outskirts of the city, there was a heightened police presence on Saturday, as hundreds of tractors arrived from Haryana, one of two states at the centre of the protests.

Farm leaders said Saturday's hunger strike, to coincide with the death anniversary of Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, would show Indians that the protesters were overwhelmingly peaceful.

"The farmers' movement was peaceful and will be peaceful," said Darshan Pal, a leader of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha group of farm unions organising the protests.

"The events on January 30 will be organised to spread the values of truth and non-violence."

Agriculture employs about half of India's population of 1.3 billion, and unrest among an estimated 150 million landowning farmers is one of the biggest challenges to the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi since first coming to power in 2014.

Eleven rounds of talks between farm unions and the government have failed to break the deadlock. The government has offered to put the laws on hold for 18 months, but farmers say they will not end their protests for anything less than a full repeal.

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Personnel from the Defence Forces are continuing to provide support to a number of care home facilities around the country including three in Cork.

Earlier this month, the HSE requested the assistance of the Defence Forces in providing support at a number of nursing homes where it was responding to Covid-19 outbreaks.

The Defence Forces have confirmed to the Echo that since that date, its personnel have been involved in the provision of support to eight nursing homes in total.

It is currently providing support in six care home facilities around the country, three of which are located in Cork.

A spokesperson for the Defence Forces said that the assistance they are providing is to support the running of the facilities and personnel have no direct contact with patients or residents.

The range of supports includes activities such as cleaning, cooking, making beds, transport and administrative duties.

As of January 28, a total of 492 Defence Forces personnel (circa 25 daily) have been involved in the provision of this support across eight nursing homes in total, the spokesperson said.

The Defence Forces are also continuing to provide support to the HSE in Cork with a number of other tasks including swab testing, patient transfers to/from test centres, and tentage support.
Connecticut lenders are seeing less demand for the newest installment of a key COVID-19 jobs program, though thousands of businesses statewide have signed up applications still being accepted.

In the first week of the Paycheck Protection Programs second round of funding this month, close to 4,800 Connecticut businesses signed up for nearly $480 million to meet payroll, rent, and other expenses. Nearly 20 cents of every dollar have gone to restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality businesses, with the construction, manufacturing, and health sectors also getting substantial assistance.

Commercial lenders issue PPP loans which are covered by the U.S. government if companies do not lay off employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. To qualify for the newest installment of the PPP program, companies must demonstrate that revenue is down by at least 25 percent.

Nearly two-thirds of PPP loans issued in the first week of the latest installment were for under $50,000. Bank of America has been the most active lender with more than 12,500 loans nationally through Jan. 24, while M&T disbursing the most money at $718 million.

We want to make sure that were leveraging federal programs and working with businesses here to see what we can do to provide more grant dollars, Christine Cohen, a state senator from Guilford and owner of Cohens Bagel Co. in Madison, said Friday via web conference with members of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce.Obviously we have the second round of PPP which will be extremely helpful for many of our small businesses. ... But we need to be doing more.

Bridgeport-based Peoples United Financial issued $2.3 billion in PPP loans last year across the northeast, with executives telling analysts last week they expect those loans to win forgiveness in the first half of this year.

Its early but it seems to be active, said Peoples United CEO Jack Barnes during a conference call last week in reference to the current round of PPP applications under way. Were not expecting its going to be anywhere near PPP [round] one  but we dont know.

The chief credit officer of Waterbury-based Webster Financial offered a similar outlook on his own companys conference call last week, saying Webster Bank received more than 2,000 applications for $250 million in financing in the early going.

We probably dont expect the same level of activity as we had last time around, but the early start has been pretty good, said Webster Banks Jason Soto.

Last year, close to 65,000 Connecticut businesses secured $6.7 billion in PPP funding. To date nationally, more than 5.5 million businesses have tallied $558 billion under the program.

The newest round of PPP arrived even as the U.S. Department of Labor reported a third consecutive week of at least 10,000 initial claims for unemployment compensation by Connecticut workers. More than 204,000 residents were getting assistance as of the second week of January.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; @casoulman
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) will convene in Switzerland next week from 1 to 5 February 2021, with the facilitation of the Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Stephanie Williams, and with the generous hospitality of the Swiss Federal Government
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Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk).
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Europe's vaccine drive has been thrown off course by a shortage of supplies that has left member states reeling and leaders in Brussels thrashing out at big pharma.

Constant comparisons between Britain's well-oiled rollout and the bloc's own sluggish delivery has stoked frustrations on the Continent, which reached a crescendo last night when the Commission announced export controls on vaccines going to the UK.

That Brussels was prepared to blindside the governments in London, Belfast and Dublin by overriding part of the Brexit deal and create a hard border on the island of Ireland was viewed as a sign of their annoyance.

Stormont first minister Arlene Foster said the incendiary move, which was abruptly backtracked, was borne out of the 'EU's vaccine embarrassment and mismanagement'.

EU sources admitted the triggering of Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol - viewed as the nuclear option - was a 'misjudgment', but the late-night bedlam was seen by many as emblematic of its vaccine disarray.

Brussels has pointed the finger at AstraZeneca and claims it it not meeting its contractual obligations to provide enough doses and is demanding shots be diverted from the UK to top up the EU's shortages.

But insiders have traced the source of the EU's woes back months to protracted negotiations to initially procure vaccines, cracks emerging between the member states, and a flat-footedness to approve the jabs.

The UK has streaked ahead of Europe in terms of the number of vaccines administered, and has now jabbed more than 7million people compared to Germany's 2million

Gripped by the pandemic, Brussels from the start resolved to centralise its purchasing power, believing that it would be both cheaper and more efficient to buy equipment such as masks and ventilators - and later vaccines - as a 27-strong bloc, rather than member states going it alone.

This approach quickly proved arduous, as a decision needed signing off by each national capital before it could be ordered, resulting in what Politico describe as 'an endless back and forth'.

Frustrated with this drawn-out process, some of the bigger EU countries splintered off to unilaterally seek deals with vaccine manufacturers.

A Commission official revealed to the website that France and Spain opened up a back channel with Moderna, while a French Government insider said that Paris and Berlin agreed a pact to hoover up doses.

France and Germany invited the other big players, Italy and the Netherlands, to join their alliance, and on June 13 this 'Inclusive Vaccine Alliance' went public with a deal struck with Oxford/AstraZeneca for up to 400million doses.

The quartet were reportedly bullish to start procuring vaccines and had grown tired of the protracted talks to get other member states to rubber-stamp the Commission's blueprint.

One EU diplomat told Politico: 'The four countries just realised at one point, there's no time to wait until everyone is on board.'

However, after Ursula von der Leyen offered four of the seats on the EU's seven-strong vaccine negotiation team, the Inclusive Vaccine Alliance pulled back and allowed the Commission to take over the procurement effort.

Once again leveraging the full clout of the EU's 27 members, the Commission struck deals for jabs with Sanofi and Johnson and Johnson in September and October respectively.

But the cracks between member states quickly re-emerged. Germany was reportedly optimistic about the slate of mRNA vaccines - ones that create a spike protein to trigger an immune response - and wanted to buy more doses.

In September, when Berlin wanted to give a further 375million to BioNTech and 252million to CureVac, less affluent nations such as Bulgaria and Poland recoiled.

The reluctance of poorer nations to bet millions on vaccines was said come down in part to the fact they did not have any manufacturing bases that would reap the rewards of investment.

Whereas the economies of Germany, Italy, France and the Netherlands would benefit if manufacturers in their countries received Commission funds.

The divergence and haggling inside the bloc before it could thrash out a unanimous position led Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel to claim in an interview that dealing with all 27 member states was slowing things down.

Negotiations with pharmaceutical companies also encountered sticking points surrounding liability protections.

At the start of the pandemic Brussels resolved to centralise its purchasing power, believing that it would be both cheaper and more efficient to buy equipment such as masks and ventilators - and later vaccines - as a 27-strong bloc, rather than member states going it alone

How did the UK end up as one of the world's leading countries on the vaccine roll-out? The UK is one of the world's leading countries when it comes to the speed of the roll-out of its coronavirus vaccination programme - a fact made all the more impressive given where the nation started when the pandemic hit early last year. At that point the country had just one vaccine manufacturing site - a facility in Liverpool which made flu jabs. But the Government quickly set up a vaccine task force in April to make sure the UK was well-positioned to benefit from medical breakthroughs. The experts appointed to the task force reportedly recommended seven projects for investment within its first two weeks, according to The Times. Advance purchase orders were hammered out by the task force with suppliers despite the fact there were no guarantees that any of the vaccines would work or that they would be signed off by regulators. That early work meant the UK was in pole position to receive the jabs, if and when they were shown to be effective and safe. The task force's strategy means two companies have been relied upon to do much of the heavy lifting during the UK's vaccine roll-out: Pfizer and AstraZeneca. The UK ordered 40 million doses from the former and 100 million doses from the latter. Agreements are also in place with a handful of other would-be suppliers should their products get the green light. The speed with which the UK moved on vaccines was perhaps best illustrated this week when Pascal Soriot, the chief executive of AstraZeneca, revealed the deal with Britain was agreed three months before the EU's. The UK's supply of the AstraZeneca vaccine is made at sites in Oxford and Staffordshire before it is put into vials at a facility in Wrexham, while the Pfizer jab is made in Belgium. Every new batch of vaccine in the UK has to be safety tested by the National Institute of Biological Standards and Control in Hertfordshire before it can be sent for delivery. This process takes about four days and once each batch has been rubber-stamped it is taken to secure Government warehouses where the NHS takes over the process and decides where the doses will be sent. The physical roll-out of the vaccine is headquartered from an NHS office in London, with doses sent to more than 1,400 vaccine sites across the country. It is easily the biggest vaccination drive in the history of the health service and many believe it will become an annual programme. Advertisement

While American law protects manufacturers from being sued if something goes wrong, there are no such safeguards in the EU, and firms wanted assurances.

The need for cover was especially poignant across the Continent because of the alarming prevalence of vaccine scepticism - a poll found only 59 per cent of French citizens would take an approved vaccine.

Brussels reportedly played hardball and refused to grant the companies the protections they sought, causing more wrangling over the finer points of the contracts.

After months of fraught negotiations between member states and vaccine producers, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Oxford-AstraZeneca all reported high efficacy rates following large-scale trials in quick succession.

The UK's regulator, the MHRA, was first out of the blocks to approve the Pfizer vaccine and on December 8, Margaret Keenan from Coventry became the world's first person to receive an approved vaccine.

Two weeks later, the European Medicines Agency gave the Pfizer jab the green light. But it was pipped to submit its application by the United States, which was prioritised for jab shipments.

Buoyed by early approval of the Pfizer and Oxford vaccines, Britain has now inoculated 11 per cent of its population, while the EU has managed just 2 per cent as it grapples with curbed supplies from Pfizer and AstraZeneca.

France has been hit by by bureaucratic and logistical delays and had hoped to jab four-million people by the end of February, but has now revised that down to two-and-a-half-million.

In a further blow, French health chiefs earlier this week announced that the opening of half a million new appointment slots to administer Covid vaccines would be pushed back three days. A decrease in the deliveries of Pfizer-BioNtech vaccines was blamed.

Spain has also been hit with delays in its vaccine roll-out. The delays have been so bad, officials have been forced to stop the roll-out in some areas, so that they have enough to give a second dose to those who have already received their first. Madrid and Catalunya are two areas where this is the case.

Like France, they have jabbed more than one-million citizens so far. The roll-out has recently been hit by the Pfizer delay, with regional governments receiving only 196,000 doses instead of the 350,000 they had been expecting.

Germany has been particularly slow with its vaccination programme. Some political commentators believe this could be the drive behind the EU vaccine war - to deflect attention from Germany's poor performance.

Angela Merkel's government has come under fire from German media, including tabloid Bild, who labelled them 'vaccine snails' earlier this week.

Its first dose vaccine programme was suspend until yesterday, due to a delay in jab deliveries. But it hopes to receive 11million doses by the end of March.

Initially one of the leading EU countries in terms of vaccine roll-out speed, Italy managed to vaccinate more than 1.5million people by mid-January.

But its roll-out has been hit by delivery delays and dropped off following the announcement of Pfizer's Europe-wide delay.

The EU's vaccine poster-child, Denmark raced ahead of the rest of the bloc with its vaccine roll-out. The vaccine programme began on December 27. Since then, nearly 2 per cent of the population has been vaccinated - far more than any other EU country.

But, because it is tied into the EU's vaccine procurement programme, it too will suffer from the delays to the Pfizer and AstraZeneca deliveries.

The bungled rollout across the Continent this week led a German health minister to claim it to be the 'worst crisis since the Second World War'.

'The EU cocked up big time': Desperate Brussels bullies are ridiculed after axing 'Trumpian' plan to stop Covid vaccine entering the UK by introducing Northern Ireland border controls - but they WILL push export ban that could hit 3.5m doses

By Jack Elsom for MailOnline and Jason Groves and Daniel Martin for the Daily Mail

The EU was accused of 'cocking up big time' last night after announcing controls to stop vaccine exports reaching the UK through Northern Ireland - only to abruptly backtrack following widespread condemnation.

Politicians in London, Dublin and Belfast rounded on Brussels for unilaterally overriding part of the Brexit deal to effectively create a hard border on the island of Ireland.

Anger over the move forced a humbling late night U-turn from the European Commission, which first triggered Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol amid a row with AstraZeneca over slow supplies of its jab to the bloc.

While Britain has already inoculated 11 per cent of its population, the rollout on the Continent has been blighted by supply issues and the EU has demanded UK doses are instead diverted to the bloc.

French President Emmanuel Macron poured petrol on the rift yesterday when he baselessly claimed there was no evidence the Oxford-AstraZeneca shot worked in over-65s, despite it gaining approval from the EU regulator.

Today former Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith said the EU's now-axed move to halt the free flow of goods on vaccine exports on the island of Ireland with scant awareness of the sensitivities was an 'almost Trumpian act'.

The Tory MP added: 'The EU cocked up big time last night, but we all need to work in the interest of preserving Northern Ireland. It is not just a backdoor for goods going to Britain, it is a very sensitive place and we have a duty between the EU and UK to ensure there is no hard border.'

His remarks echoed the fury expressed by leaders yesterday on both sides of the Irish sea, who were up in arms after being blindsided by Brussels.

Ireland's Taoiseach Micheal Martin said he had raised objections to EU leaders and Boris Johnson said he had 'grave concerns'.

Stormont's first minister Arlene Foster called the move an 'incredible act of hostility' and this morning said the rift emanated from the 'EU's vaccine embarrassment and mismanagement'.

Michel Barnier, who was the EU's chief Brexit negotiator in the trade deal struck only 29 days ago, today tried to cool tensions and appealed for 'cooperation'.

EU sources admitted invoking Article 16 was a 'misjudgment', but the Commission made clear it would still press ahead with plans for wider export controls that could disrupt UK supplies of 3.5million Pfizer jabs, which are made in Belgium.

As leaders were left reeling from the EU's incendiary move:

An EU bid to pressure AstraZeneca into diverting vaccine supplies from the UK backfired after lawyers said there was no contractual reason to do so;

European regulators finally gave approval for the firm's vaccine, a month after it won the green light in the UK;

The Croatian prime minister appeared to accuse the UK of 'vaccine hijacking' by 'offering more money' for doses;

France's Emmanuel Macron gave an incendiary interview in which he wrongly claimed the AstraZeneca vaccine was 'quasi-ineffective' in older people;

The UK vaccination programme powered ahead, with 15 per cent of adults having now received their dose  roughly seven times the figure in the EU;

A one-shot vaccine developed by Johnson & Johnson cleared its penultimate hurdle, with the UK in line for 30million doses;

France announced it was closing its borders to non-EU countries except for 'essential' travel.

Politicians in London, Dublin and Belfast rounded on Brussels (right, Ursula von der Leyen) for unilaterally overriding part of the Brexit deal to effectively create a hard border on the island of Ireland. Boris Johnson (left)said he had 'grave concerns'

The move has been slammed by Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster (pictured), who tonight accused the EU of an 'incredible act of hostility'

What is Article 16 and why has the EU invoked it? Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol allows either the EU or the UK to override part of the Brexit trade agreement in relation to border controls in Northern Ireland. The protocol itself was designed to avoid a re-emergence of a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. But in the deal, both parties agreed to a get-out clause, which could be used if the protocol was thought to be causing 'serious economic, societal or environmental difficulties'. However the EU has now invoked the clause, to put measures on vaccines coming from the EU to Northern Ireland. The move is being introduced amid a huge row between the UK and EU over vaccines supplies, with Brussels accusing the UK of 'hijacking doses'. The row started after Oxford vaccine maker AstraZeneca announced it would not be able to supply as many vaccines as it had first hoped to the EU by Spring. The EU has since unveiled plans for an export ban which could stop 3.5million Pfizer vaccines - made in Belgium - from being exported to the UK. The aim of this move will be to prevent the possibility of the UK bringing vaccines into Northern Ireland 'through the backdoor', by using the controls-free border to bring in vaccines from the EU. Advertisement

In a late-night statement, the Commission said: 'To tackle the current lack of transparency of vaccine exports outside the EU, the Commission is putting in place a measure requiring that such exports are subject to an authorisation by Member States.

'In the process of finalisation of this measure, the Commission will ensure that the Ireland / Northern Ireland Protocol is unaffected. The Commission is not triggering the safeguard clause.

'Should transits of vaccines and active substances toward third countries be abused to circumvent the effects of the authorisation system, the EU will consider using all the instruments at its disposal.

'In the process of finalising the document, the commission will also be fine-tuning the decision-making process under the implementing regulation.'

Mr Smith, who as Northern Ireland Secretary brokered a power-sharing arrangement in Stormont, said the EU's move offered no understanding of the delicate political landscape of the island of Ireland.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today: 'Years have been spent trying to ensure goods will flow freely and there will be no hard border and last night the EU pulled the emergency cord without following any of the process that are in the protocol if one side wants to suspend it.

'And they did that, in my view, without anywhere near the understanding of the Good Friday Agreement, of the sensitivity of the situation in Northern Ireland, and it was an almost Trumpian act.'

Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said the EU U-turn was 'welcome' but added 'lessons should be learned'.

In a statement on Twitter, he said: 'Welcome news, but lessons should be learned; the Protocol is not something to be tampered with lightly, it's an essential, hard won compromise, protecting peace & trade for many.'

The EU's reversal came after Brussels had earlier rode roughshod over the Brexit agreement by imposing controls on the export of jabs to this country, including Northern Ireland.

The bloc unilaterally invoked emergency powers in the withdrawal deal to stop Northern Ireland being used as a 'back door' for the export of jabs into the rest of the UK.

Westminster and Dublin were in lockstep last night with their condemnation. A Number 10 spokesperson last night said Mr Johnson had spoken to Mr Martin and expressed his 'concern' about the EU's power-play.

Mr Johnson had demanded that the EU 'urgently clarify its intentions' and 'what steps it plans to take to ensure its own commitments with regards to Northern Ireland are fully honoured'.

A No 10 spokesman added: 'The UK has legally-binding agreements with vaccine suppliers and it would not expect the EU, as a friend and ally, to do anything to disrupt the fulfilment of these contracts.'

Brussels had triggered the controversial Northern Ireland Protocol just 29 days after the UK and EU struck the post-Brexit trade deal when Britain left the transition period.

The EU's chief negotiator in that agreement, Mr Barnier, today called for 'co-operation' between Brussels and the UK over the supply of vaccines across Europe.

Mr Barnier told The Times: 'We are facing an extraordinarily serious crisis, which is creating a lot of suffering, which is causing a lot of deaths in the UK, in France, in Germany, everywhere.

'And I believe we must face this crisis with responsibility, certainly not with the spirit of oneupmanship or unhealthy competition. I recommend preserving the spirit of co-operation between us.'

It comes after the EU's vaccine war entered a dangerous new phase last night as the bloc introduced rules that will allow it to block life-saving jabs getting to Britain and European politicians accused the UK of 'hijacking' doses.

The new controls, which will come into effect on Saturday and last until March, allow the EU to keep track of all vaccines produced on the continent and block exports to certain countries - including the UK, which is expecting to take delivery of another 3.5million Pfizer BioNTech jabs from Belgium in the coming weeks.

The rules also back-date to three months ago, giving Brussels the ability to snoop on past vaccine shipments after Brussels accused AstraZeneca of sending doses meant for Europe to Britain.

Health minister Stella Kyriakides insisted that the 'transparency mechanism' is not intended to target any country, even as Croatia's PM branded the UK 'hijackers' while the EU's justice commissioner said Britain had started a 'war'.
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Wade Modisette is a local husband and father that seeks the best and most appropriate entertainment for his family. A movie connoisseur in his own mind, he seeks to educate his friends and community on quality choices for their family. Find more reviews and information at wadereviewsstuff.wordpress.com.

NASA will conduct a second hot fire test for the Space Launch Systems rocket core stage as early as the fourth week of February. It will be part of the rockets Green Run series of tests meant to assess the core stage and ensure its ready for the Artemis I mission, which will send an unmanned Orion spacecraft to the Moon. The rockets first ever hot fire test in midJanuary, wherein all four of its RS-25 engines fired simultaneously, was cut short due to a problem with its hydraulic system. What was supposed to be an eight-minute burn lasted for only 67 seconds  NASA wants the second go to last longer than that to be able to collect more data.

The agency set an eight-minute goal for the second test, as well, since thats how long it would take to send the rocket to space. According to NASAs announcement, though, the Green Run team analyzed data from the first test firing and determined that four minutes would be enough to provide significant data that can help verify if the core stage truly is ready for flight. Conducting a second hot fire test will allow the team to repeat operations from the first hot fire test and obtain data on how the core stage and the engines perform over a longer period that simulates more activities during the rockets launch and ascent, NASA wrote.

.@NASA will proceed with a second Green Run hot fire of the #Artemis I @NASA_SLS core stage at @NASAStennis in February. The second hot fire test will build off insights from the first test to certify the rocket stage is ready for future Artemis missions: https://t.co/530jZvMIne  NASAs Artemis Program (@NASAArtemis) January 29, 2021

To prepare for the second test, the Green Run team is analyzing data from the first one and drying and refurbishing the SLS engines. It will then take a month to refurbish the core stage and its engines after the second test before they can be shipped to NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the Artemis I launch expected to happen later this year. It remains to be seen whether that timeline will be met when the Artemis programs manned Moon landing probably wont happen in 2024 like the previous administration had announced.

A Blessington man has become a viral social media sensation with his posts about building a boat in his shed.

Jim Schofield is building a 19ft sail boat in the shed of his home. Once completed, he plans to use the boat to sail the Atlantic Ocean. He has been documenting his progress on YouTube and more recently, social media site TikTok, where his videos have clocked up thousands of views.

Speaking to this paper, Jim said he is about halfway through the process of building the sail boat.

'I started in the middle of September and plan to have it in the water by May.'

The 19ft Class Globe 5.80 yacht is designed as a small boat capable of trans-Atlantic travel, that anyone can build using simple tools. Around 20 people around the world are currently building the boat and they hope to meet in the Canary Islands later in the year to race across the Atlantic Ocean, subject to Covid-19 restrictions.

An amateur sailor, the 57-year-old is a member of the Poolbeg Sailing Club and had previous experience of building small boats. He said he was looking for a challenge at the start of the first Covid-19 last year when he came across the idea of building this particular sail boat.

'I was looking for something at the start of Covid and came across this idea online and thought that's just right. I've always wanted to do a single challenge. It's one of those bucket list things. It's my Everest.'

Jim said he is enjoying the process of building the boat and seeing it come together into a sea-worthy vessel.

'I finished the bow section, shaping it and getting it just right. It looks lovely. The little things will keep you going. And I have a deadline to work towards.'

As part of the Class Globe process, participants are required to keep a blog to detail their progress putting together the sail boat. Since they are all following the same design, each boat should be virtually identical once completed.

A photographer by trade, Jim decided to link his blog to his YouTube channel. He became interested in TikTok and took the plunge by setting up a profile. His first video was posted to the popular video-sharing app in December, and has since then it has been viewed over 95,000 times.

Jim is surprised by his social media success, but said it has helped him to find others with similar interests who can help him to complete his project by the deadline. He often posts several short clips to TikTok most days.

While a finishing point for the race has yet to be decided, the boats are likely to sail from the Canary Islands to an island in the Caribbean. The boats do not have an engine and instead will cross the Atlantic Ocean with the help of the wind in their sails.

The Tipperary native, from Cappawhite, is hoping to have the boat ready by the summer so it can tested in Dublin Bay.

'It's a tough little boat and I'm building it as best as I can. I want to be able to say when I look back, I know I built it as well as I could.

Following a tradition from the west of Ireland of naming boats after female family members, Jim's sail boat will be called the 'Mollie Claire' after his wife Mary and daughter Claire.

Jim hopes that others will get inspired by his story and pick up something they've always wanted to do.

'Anyone can do this. Just do it. People always say they regret what they don't do. Start today and try that thing you've always wanted to do,' he added.

You can follow Jim's progress by searching for 'Liffey Sailor' on YouTube and TikTok.

Representatives of European Churches hold an online meeting with the Portuguese Presidency representative of the EU Council, and call for renewed focus on promoting policies centered on communities and families.

By Lisa Zengarini

The participation of European Churches in the upcoming Conference on the Future of Europe was the main topic of discussion of a meeting held on January 28 between an ecumenical delegation of the Commission of the Bishops Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) and the Conference of European Churches (CEC) and the Portuguese Presidency representative of the EU Council.

The Churches delegation was composed of Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto, General Secretary of COMECE; Dr Jrgen Skov Srensen, General Secretary of CEC Jose-Luis Bazan, COMECE Legal advisor for Migration and Asylum and Religious Freedom. Representing the Portuguese Government was Mr Nuno Brito, Permanent Representative of Portugal to the European Union.

The on-line meeting focused on the main priorities during the Portuguese six-month Presidency, namely the organisation of the "Conference on the future of Europe", a proposal announced in 2019 by the European Commission and the European Parliament, with the aim of implementing long-needed reforms in the EU institutions, which have been made even more urgent by the Covid-19 crisis.

The Conference is intended to involve citizens, including young people, civil society and European institutions as equal partners and will last two years.

Family-centered policies

During the talks, the COMECE and CEC delegation stressed that Churches, along with other stakeholders, can give a significant contribution to making European institutions more effective for the Common Good and to promoting dialogue and policies centred on people, families and communities, hence reducing the distance with EU citizens.

On his part, Ambassador Brito agreed that Churches in Europe play an important role in reminding our societies that Europe is based on the centrality of human dignity and that we should not be afraid of our neighbours.

The European Church leaders presented the Portuguese official with a joint contribution with reflections, proposals and policy recommendations, highlighting the need to promote European recovery by supporting a green and digital transition that is fair and inclusive and to strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy keeping it open to the world.

The delegation also urged the Portuguese Presidency to promote dialogue and unity in the EU so as to reinvigorate hope, trust and credibility.

Our common European values  the respect of human dignity and rights, freedom, democracy, solidarity, equality and the rule of law  need to be continuously strengthened in order to reaffirm our commitment to the vision of the European Union as a true community of values that contributes to a shared and sustainable future of the world, the Church leaders said.

Strengthening solidarity

COMECE and CEC welcomed the ambitious and value-oriented Programme of the Portuguese EU Presidency and its commitment to strengthen Europes resilience and peoples trust in the European social model by promoting solidarity and cohesion.

They said they especially appreciate the coordinated approach towards climate change, digital transition and social welfare designed to promote a free, environmentally responsible, socially strong, sustainable and healthy way of life in the context of the European recovery."

Meetings with rotating EU Council Presidencies are part of a long-standing tradition supported by Article 17 Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU), which provides for an open, transparent and regular dialogue between the EU institutions and Churches and religious communities. The meeting was held on-line due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
New Book Overturns Common Misconceptions About J.R.R. Tolkien's Reading and Influences

NEWS PROVIDED BYJan. 29, 2021IRVING, Texas, Jan. 29, 2021 / Standard Newswire / -- Bishop Barron's Word on Fire Catholic Ministries has released the first book under its new imprint, Word on Fire Academic, titled "Tolkien's Modern Reading: Middle-earth Beyond the Middle Ages."Written by Dr. Holly Ordway, "Tolkien's Modern Reading" addresses the widely accepted view that Tolkien was dismissive of modern culture, and that "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" are fundamentally medieval and nostalgic in their inspiration. In fact, as Ordway demonstrates in this major corrective, Tolkien enjoyed a broad range of contemporary works, engaged with them in detail and depth, and even named specific titles as sources for and influences upon his creation of Middle-earth. Drawing on meticulous archival research, Ordway shows how Tolkien's genius was not simply backward-looking: it was intimately connected with the literature of his own time and concerned with the issues and crises of the modern world.Ordway is the Cardinal Francis George Fellow of Faith and Culture at the Word on Fire Institute and Visiting Professor of Apologetics at Houston Baptist University. She holds a PhD in English from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is a Subject Editor for the "Journal of Inklings Studies." She is also the author of "Apologetics and the Christian Imagination: An Integrated Approach to Defending the Faith" and "Not God's Type: An Atheist Academic Lays Down Her Arms," as well as numerous articles and chapters about imaginative apologetics, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and the Inklings."'Tolkien's Modern Reading' is the fruit of ten years' labor of love," Ordway explained, "and it's a great joy and honor to have it be the first title in Word on Fire's new Academic line. Working on it has greatly deepened my admiration for Tolkien and added to my own enjoyment of his writings. I've attempted to take a page out of his book and to write literary criticism that's both detailed and appreciative. As I've worked on the project, my understanding of Tolkien's creative imagination has become more informed and I've become more impressed by his genius. I hope that readers of the book will likewise find it encourages them to know Middle-earth better and to relish it more richly."Word on Fire Catholic Ministries ( wordonfire.org ) exists to draw people into the Body of Christ, which is the Church, and thereby give them access to all the gifts that Jesus wants his people to enjoy. To be most effective in this mission, Word on Fire places an emphasis and urgency on the use of contemporary forms of media and innovative communication technologies.Tolkien's Modern Reading: Middle-earth Beyond the Middle Agesby Holly OrdwayJanuary 25, 2021Hardcover, 392 pagesSOURCE Word on Fire Catholic MinistriesCONTACT: William Sipling, Communications Director, 866-928-1237, communications@wordonfire.org
Day care shortage creates barriers for working parents

With a labor shortage plaguing the state, working parents are ready to fill these positions. The lack of childcare options creates barriers.
As more people get vaccinated and states begin to roll back some of the restrictions put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic  schools, agencies and workplaces are working on a plan on how to safely return to normal.
Lucknow, Jan 30 : The Uttar Pradesh government has started preparations for a grand celebration of the spiritual and sacred river Ganga. Right from Bijnor to Ballia, the Yogi government would soon perform 'Aartis' of 'Mother Ganga' (referred to as Goddess Ganga) in the state.

There will now be a 'Ganga Aarti' (ritual of offering prayers to the Ganges river) held at Kashi and Prayagraj, among nearly 1,100 places in Uttar Pradesh. For this, the Yogi government is going to build 1,038 new 'Aarti' platforms from Bijnor to Ballia. As many as 1,038 villages on both sides of the Ganga, led by the 'Namami Gange' department, have been selected as new 'Aarti' sites.

As per the proposed plan, the process of construction of new 'Aarti' sites in the villages situated on both sides within 5-km radius of the Ganges from Bijnor to Ballia would be started with the cooperation of the Tourism department. The new 'Aarti' sites would be operated on the basis of public participation. The 'Aarti' would be organised every day on the platforms.

According to the UP government, Ganga Ghat would be developed in these 1,038 villages from Bijnor to Ballia as religious sites. Instructions have also been given to construct charitable buildings in these villages situated within 5 kms of the Ganges.

In December, during the meeting of Jal Shakti Ministry along with other department officials, instructions were given to develop ancient and historical shrines and temples in these villages as tourist destinations.

As the ancient river Ganga enters Uttar Pradesh, starting with Bijnor, this series of 'Aarti' would continue till the last village of the state on the banks of the Ganges in Ballia.

By linking Ganga 'Aarti' with villages and towns, the Yogi government wants to make 'Ganga Swacchata Abhiyan' the biggest mass campaign. Through this campaign, the state government wants to further strengthen the attachment among the younger generation towards their culture and especially with the life sustaining Ganges.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is making relentless efforts for the cleaning of river Ganga. The government has given more pace to the 'Ganga Swachhata Abhiyan' and is going to build sewage treatment plants (STPs) in 14 new districts soon.

62 STPs under construction in different areas of the state would also be ready soon and would be connected with the cleanliness drive of Ganga as well as other rivers. According to the Namami Gange department, the capacity of 62 sewage treatment plants under construction would be 1522.16 MLD (megaliters per day).

After the new treatment plants become operational, the total number of STP-equipped districts would increase to 41 in Uttar Pradesh. At present, there are a total of 104 STPs operating in the state, with a total capacity of 3,298.84 MLD. After receiving the new STPs, the Jal Shakti Ministry would be successful in preventing to a large extent the number of drains and polluted water entering the Ganges.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
In the times of COVID-19 read what this BOSS is offering for employees to relieve their stress

Coronavirus cases: India records 13,083 fresh COVID-19 cases, 137 fatalities

India

oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P

New Delhi, Jan 30: Union health minister on Saturday said that India recorded 13,083 fresh cases with the tally shooting up to 1,07,33,131. While the number of people who have recuperated from the disease has surged to 1,04,09,160, the national recovery rate stands at 96.98 per cent.

The death toll due in the country has climbed to 1,54,147 with 137 more fatalities, the ministry's data updated at 8 am showed. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease has surged to 1,04,09,160, pushing the national COVID-19 recovery rate to 96.98 per cent.

Coronavirus outbreak: One year into COVID-19, India slips to 4th spot on global toll, Mexico 3rd

Meanwhile, it can be seen that the number of active COVID-19 cases in the country remained below two lakh for the 11th consecutive day. There are 1,69,824 active coronavirus cases in the country, which account for only 1.60 per cent of the total number of cases, the data stated.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a total of 19,50,81,079 samples have so far been tested for the viral disease across the country, including 7,42,306 on Thursday.

Will not let the culprits get away, India tells Israel after blast outside embassy

The 137 new fatalities include 56 from Maharashtra, 7 from Chhattisgarh, 22 from Kerala, 11 from Punjab. 7 from West Bengal, 6 each from Delhi and Tamil Nadu, 4 from Uttar Pradesh.

The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the COVID-19 deaths in the country occurred due to comorbidities.

Moradabad-Agra highway accident | Gandhi statue vandalised in US | Oneindia News

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that a state-wise distribution of the figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

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Story first published: Saturday, January 30, 2021, 10:44 [IST]
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WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden is warning of a steep and growing cost of inaction on his $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief plan as the White House searched for creative ways to win public support for a package that is getting a cold shoulder from Senate Republicans.

President Joe Biden speaks with reporters before boarding Marine One, Friday, Jan. 29, 2021, in Washington. Biden is traveling to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden is warning of a steep and growing cost of inaction on his $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief plan as the White House searched for creative ways to win public support for a package that is getting a cold shoulder from Senate Republicans.

In the age of the coronavirus, its not as simple as jumping on a plane to travel the country and try to gin up a groundswell. And at a time of deep polarization, Biden may struggle to convince Republican voters of the urgency when Congress already has approved $4 trillion in aid, including $900 billion last month.

Biden signalled on Friday for the first time that he's willing to move ahead without Republicans.

I support passing COVID relief with support from Republicans if we can get it," he told reporters. "But the COVID relief has to pass. No ifs, ands or buts.

His message so far has been that a fresh $1.9 trillion in aid would be a bargain compared to the potential damage to the world's largest economy if it doesn't pass. An aggressive push for vaccinations and generous aid to individuals would help put parents back to work and let children return to school and improve their lifetime earnings, Biden said at a Friday meeting with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in the Oval Office.

We have learned from past crises that the risk is not doing too much, he said. The risk is not doing enough.

Only a week into his presidency, Biden is confronting the challenge of selling his first major piece of legislation to a country he has pledged to unite. Private calls with Republican lawmakers have yet to produce any progress on reaching a deal, while Senate Democrats are now preparing to pass the measure strictly on partisan lines as soon as next week.

Some Biden allies have expressed frustration that the administration has not more clearly defined what the massive legislation would actually accomplish. The new president instead has largely focused his first nine days in office on signing executive orders rolling back his predecessors policies.

In particular, Biden, for whom the widespread distribution of coronavirus vaccines will be a defining test, has not explained what the increased money for testing and vaccination would achieve -- including how much quicker the White House believes it would help bring about an end to the pandemic.

Biden's outreach to senators has largely brought criticism that the plan should be more targeted and that the country can afford to wait to see the effects of the stimulus dollars that were approved in December.

Republican lawmakers see a need for speeding vaccinations, but one Senate aide said their offices are not being bombarded with calls for an additional aid package. Constituents are more focused on the looming impeachment trial, said the aide, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations.

This has left the Biden team trying to expand its outreach beyond Capitol Hill.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden recognizes the importance of speaking directly to the American people about his plan for vaccinations and supporting the economy, but the pandemic has limited his ability to safely travel to drum up support. The administration is relying on TV interviews by White House officials and allies with local media and national shows like The View, as well as calls with governors, local officials and progressive and civic groups.

Were taking a number of creative steps, a little outside of the box, Psaki said. Certainly, his preference would be to get on a plane and fly around the country.

Part of the challenge is that Biden must convince the public how different components of his proposal would work together. His plan allots $400 billion to spearhead a national vaccination program and the reopening of schools. It also includes $1,400 in direct payments to individuals, which critics say should be more targeted. And it includes a raise in the the minimum wage to $15 and aid for state and local governments, a nonstarter for most Republicans.

Many Republicans are under more political pressure from donors and activists back home to rein in spending than to approve more. Some Republicans particularly object to what are still seen by many as bailouts for cash-strapped state and local governments.

Some do support a deal, just not what Biden is offering. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, a member of a bipartisan group of legislators contacted by the administration, said he supports funds for vaccine distribution and even potentially extra jobless benefits, but he wants a full accounting of what funding remains from previous aid packages.

Unemployment insurance, they think its an emergency, well we have unemployment insurance in place until mid March. Wheres the emergency? Portman said. Am I against extending it, no Im not. I think we should, based on some economic factors. But it just doesnt make sense.

Recent economic reports show the economy is still under severe strain, yet there is also the potential for the strongest growth in more than two decades once the coronavirus is contained.

The Commerce Department said Thursday the U.S. economy shrank 3.5% last year, and on Friday it reported that consumer spending  the main driver of growth  had slumped 0.2% in December. But the consumer spending report also suggested that the expanded unemployment benefits from the $900 billion aid package passed that same month had managed to boost incomes.

Gregory Daco, an economist at Oxford Economics, said, "The COVID relief bill of December essentially addressed the past, the dwindling aid at the end of 2020. Now the administration must sell the public on what lies ahead.

He said, The American Rescue Plan  its a plan geared toward the future, bridging the gap between January and September, when people will be able to spend more freely.
This month, the city of Keller agreed to a $200,000 settlement with Marco Puente in a suit alleging excessive use of force that was caught on camera. Puente was arrested after filming police interacting with his son, Dillon, who was pulled over for making a wide turn. Dillon became one of 64,100 Texans arrested in 2019 for a Class C misdemeanor.

Class C misdemeanors, which are primarily traffic violations, cannot result in a jail sentence, and arresting people solely for such infractions is unjust. In 2015, Sandra Bland was arrested and ultimately died in jail after being pulled over for failure to signal. The real failure is that this affront to liberty persists, especially as many lockups struggle with capacity and COVID-19.

While the Texas House advanced legislation last session to preclude arrest for Class C offenses unless there is a breach of the peace, the Senate declined to act. Fortunately, there is strong bipartisan interest in remedying this and broadly addressing alternatives to arrest and pretrial justice.

Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, has refiled legislation giving officers discretion to issue a citation and notice to appear in trespass cases. Rep. Ina Minjarez, D-San Antonio, proposes to include other offenses in existing cite-and-summons law, such as low-level drug possession. Also, HB718 would allow police to divert individuals arrested for other Class B misdemeanors if guidelines are adopted by local judges. This could facilitate off-ramps from jail, such as sobering and mental health crisis centers.

Now an individual taken into custody must appear within 24 hours before a magistrate, but by allowing virtual appearances, HB689 could facilitate greater use of treatment alternatives to jail. Such avenues for police diversion were recently recommended by the National Commission on COVID-19 and Criminal Justice, a diverse panel of experts that included Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson and former U.S. Attorney General Al Gonzales.

The most complex issue is bail. Currently, money often drives decisions, rather than due process and public safety. This means many low-risk defendants languish in jail because they cannot afford bail for minor offenses, while wealthy but dangerous defendants can buy their way out. Chief Justice Nathan Hecht has wisely warned lawmakers that costly federal litigation may ensue if lawmakers dont act.

In 2017, New Jersey implemented a comprehensive solution that included a statewide validated risk-assessment instrument to evaluate the flight and safety risk of each defendant, a presumption against money bail, a constitutional amendment to give judges more discretion to deny bail, and the rollout of the training, technology and pretrial services needed to make better judicial decisions and safely supervise defendants in the community. The results have been positive in terms of both crime and jail costs.

The Texas Constitution prohibits denial of bail for murder absent prior convictions, though it is allowed for capital murder. This leaves judges who seek detention in serious cases involving high-risk defendants aiming to set unaffordable bail. It enables dangerous but wealthy defendants to purchase release.

To be sure, Texans are innocent until proven guilty and the vast majority of defendants should be released prior to trial with the least-restrictive conditions necessary for public safety and reappearance, including highly effective text reminders of court dates. A 2017 Texas A&M study found that utilizing actuarial instruments to inform judicial decision-making coupled with pretrial supervision when warranted resulted in lower rearrest and detention rates.

These risk assessments draw on objective data, such as whether the defendant previously absconded or had prior violent convictions, and the instrument piloted by the Texas Supreme Court excludes socioeconomic factors, such as employment status, that overlap with race. Similar iterations in other jurisdictions have been proven to reduce racial disparities while protecting public safety.

The litigation faced by counties also includes not only the Puente case and federal felony bail litigation in Harris County but also a case filed by the family of Fernando Macias in December over his death in the Bexar County jail. Macias, a defendant with serious mental illness, passed away after losing 104 pounds and developing bed sores.

There is no panacea for striking the difficult balance between protecting the public and avoiding the disruption and dangers associated with incarceration. But instead of deferring to the unpredictable results of litigation, Texas lawmakers should take the lead in making the front-end of the system both fairer and more effective.

Marc Levin is chief policy counsel for the Council on Criminal Justice. mlevin@counciloncj.org.

Natasha Sikdar*, an assistant professor at a Kolkata-based engineering college adopted a six-month-old girl child in 2020. She presumed that she would be entitled to maternity leave by her institute but was denied one citing the law.

"Since I had some reproductive issues and had reached the age of 36 years, I decided to go for adoption. The adoption process itself took more than a year and I really needed time off to spend with the baby. But my workplace refused leave since it is legally not mandatory," she added.

The Maternity Benefits (Amendment) Act states that 26 weeks of paid maternity leave will be available to all working women for pregnancy and child-birth.

However, when it comes to adoption the law states provides only 12 weeks of maternity leave from the time the child is handed over to them. This too is applicable only if the child is below the age of three months. Women adopting children above three months are not legally entitled to any leave.

Internationally, the leave laws are similar for adoption and maternity. For instance, the US allows for upto 12 weeks leave for maternity and adoption at companies with 50 or more employees. This is available for men and women.

In India, the absence of proper leaves for adoption of children above a certain age is a cause of concern. Organisations do not permit such adoption leaves, justifying their actions by saying that there is no legal provision for it.

Human resource heads, especially at mid-size and small companies, told Moneycontrol that it isn't feasible to offer long adoption paid leaves.

"Paid maternity leave of 26 weeks for upto two pregnancies for women employees is itself a costly proposition. If you add adoption leaves to it, this wouldn't be sustainable," said the head of human resources at a Mumbai-based insurance broking firm.

He added that this would in fact be counter-productive and could lead to companies consciously avoiding the recruitment of female staff of a certain age group.

For women, not having access to leaves post adoption can often be a nightmare.

Sanchita Mukherjee*, who is a senior investment professional at a Mumbai-based bank told Moneycontrol that when she adopted a 4-year-old boy in 2019, he took a lot of time to adjust to the surroundings.

"He had separation anxiety and would react aggressively whenever I stepped out to go to the office. It was very difficult for me and I needed atleast two to three months to be with him and care for him. That itself was denied to me citing law," said Mukherjee.

She finally decided to take a sabbatical in 2019 and now offers investment consulting services as a freelance professional.

Psychologists state that especially in cases of adoption, it is critical that the parents spend time with the child on a full-time basis atleast for the initial few months.

Trisha Kamath, who is a Delhi-based child psychologist told Moneycontrol that adopted children who are left in the care of creches or nannies in the initial one to six months of adoption could see issues related to anxiety or attention issues.

"When you bring a child home, it is a new environment for him/her. They would look upto the parents for complete attention and care in the first few months so it is also crucial that the partners are able to give the child the time," she added.

But in the absence of defined leave in the law, corporates use this as a loophole to deny these facilities.

Danica Lobo*, a 30-year-old advertising professional in Mumbai had to switch three jobs in a two-year period in search of an organisation that would be accommodative towards an adoption.

"I would have to run around for documents, attend court hearings and meet multiple stakeholders for the initial adoption process in 2016. I finally adopted a one-year-old girl in 2018 but wasn't even granted a week's leave by my company. I quit that job and then quickly switched two companies in the hope of a 'flexible leave policy'. But I was denied even two days of work-from-home a month post adoption citing work pressure," he added.

For Lobo, Mukherjee, Sikdar and many other women who adopt a child after a lengthy legal process in India, the basic requirement is atleast a three-month leave that they can use to spend with the child.

When a 26 weeks leave facility is available for child-birth, why not start off with atleast 12 weeks of adoption leave irrespective of the age of the child?

*Names changed to protect identity

Despite diagnostic testing of passengers before the departure of international flights, instances of in-flight transmission of the novel coronavirus are likely, says a study that assessed people who travelled aboard a plane from Dubai to New Zealand. The research, published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, assessed 86 passengers who travelled on a flight from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, that arrived in New Zealand on September 29, and found that seven were positive for the infection.

In the study, the scientists, including those from the University of Otago in New Zealand, assessed information about the journeys of the passengers, their disease progression, and virus genomic data to determine the potential source of infection of these travellers. According to the researchers, the passengers had begun their journeys from five different countries before a layover in Dubai, and pre-departure test results were negative for five of the travellers.

They said during the flight, and before departure in Dubai airport, mask use was not mandatory -- with five passengers self-reporting that they used masks and gloves while on the airplane, and two reporting that they did not. The study noted that the seven passengers had been seated within four rows of each other during the nearly 18-hour flight from Dubai to Auckland.

"None of the passengers reported having been in close contact at the Dubai airport," the scientists wrote in the study. All 86 passengers on the flight underwent mandatory managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) for 14 days and diagnostic testing for the coronavirus on day three, and again on day 12 if the previous test result was negative, the study noted.

The scientists also determined the lineage of the viral genomes obtained from the seven passengers. According to the researchers, one of the passengers, who was the first among the seven to experience symptoms on October 1 was "consistent with having been infectious while on flight", and the second person to experience symptoms was this person's travel companion.

They said the third individual to test positive was asymptomatic, while symptom onset and positive test result dates for three other passengers were "consistent with in-flight transmission." Based on the date of symptom onset, the researchers believe one of the seven passengers may have been infected during their stay with an infected passenger at the MIQ facility, where they resided in the same room. "Evidence of in-flight transmission on a flight from the United Arab Emirates to New Zealand is strongly supported by the epidemiologic data, in-flight seating plan, symptom onset dates, and genomic data for this group of travelers who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2," the scientists wrote in the study.

Also Watch:

The researchers believe the findings present a likely scenario of SARS-CoV-2 transmission events during a long-haul flight. "These transmission events occurred despite reported in-flight use of masks and gloves," they noted.

Citing the limitations of the study, the scientists said the data does not definitively exclude an alternative exposure event, "such as virus transmission at the Dubai airport before boarding." "However, the close proximity of the relevant passengers on board suggests that in-flight transmission is plausible," they wrote in the study. The study also noted that the environmental control system (ECS) of the flight, which provides air supply, thermal control, and cabin pressurisation for the crew and passengers was inoperative for nearly 30 minutes during its two-hour refuelling stop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Even with pre-departure testing, social distancing, and personal protective equipment used in-flight, the scientists believe the findings underscore the importance of considering all international air travellers as being potentially infected with the coronavirus.
In the Middle Ages, the leper was a social text in which corruption was made visible, an emblem of decay. Nothing is more punitive that to give disease a meaning  the meaning being invariably a moralistic one. Susan Sontag, writer and philosopher, in her 1977 essay, Illness as Metaphor.

Victim cremated in secretTourists help spread Panic on luxury cruiserPower to detain victims.

These headlines, brimming with moral panic and describing a new health threat first seen in a group of marginalised communities in the US, could so easily be ascribed to Covid-19.

They are in fact drawn from Irish press reports from February 1985, detailing the emergence of cluster of rare opportunistic infections  Aids  assailing primarily gay and bisexual men, sex workers, injecting drug users and, latterly, haemophiliacs.

A year later, when the HIV virus was finally identified, there was a cumulative total of over 500 diagnoses in Ireland alone, with no sign of a cure, and every indication that governments were dragging their feet as new infections rampaged around the world.

By the time antiretroviral therapies arrived a decade later, more than 22 million people globally were living with HIV and close to seven million had died. In the intervening years, the number of Aids deaths has risen to more than 30 million, marking the Aids pandemic as one of the worst in human history, up there with bubonic plague and influenza.

When reports first emerged in New York in 1981 of GRID or gay-related immune deficiency, I was both piqued and fearful.

Twenty-one and not long out as a gay man, I was part of a new generation of gay men and women proudly asserting our rights in a society that was only slowly coming to terms with our very existence. I was lucky to live in Dublin, where I had access to the Hirschfeld Centre and its library of international LGBT magazines and newspapers. Increasingly lurid accounts of Aids filled the pages of the US and French titles, both countries then its epicentre in the northern hemisphere.

Possibly driven by naivety and blind optimism, some had a sense that this new terror would pass us by. That perhaps it was a product of a distinctly metropolitan culture that didnt really exist in Ireland. We were a small island, after all. On the other hand, a few of us imagined a perfect storm, when in 1985, seven people were diagnosed with Aids, of whom five had died.

Expand Close Grief and trauma: Tonie Walsh, DJ, activist and journalist / Facebook

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For starters, the health service in Ireland was utterly unprepared for the havoc and devastation that would follow. There was little to zero sexual health education. Four of the main hospitals in Dublin and St Finbars in Cork operated what were euphemistically called special clinics: venereal disease considered as an after-thought in outpatients.

Sales of condoms were prohibitively restricted and would remain so throughout the worst of the Aids pandemic, a legislative measure informed by questionable ideology, itself a product of dubious Roman Catholic morality. Sex shaming and body shaming informed so much of public discourse around how men and women, gay and straight negotiated desire and intimacy.

Not unlike Ronald Reagan and his US administration, it took the Dail five years after the first diagnoses to have a conversation about the horror in our midst, a decision perhaps born out of alarm at seeing HIV and Aids spread from its earlier demographic into the mainstream.

First Aids funeral

In the face of government inaction, the gay communities and inner-city communities looked to their own to resource their survival. John Nolan was a Kerryman familiar to many for bringing a New York aesthetic to Irish clubbing in the shape of Dublins Sides Dance Club. HIV-positive in the early 90s and with his health in progressive decline, he was typical of many of the period who superhumanly rallied around to help others like him who were living (and dying) with Aids. People who were shunned in some quarters for having a disease that, even in 2018, 14pc of the Irish population imagined you could pick up from a toilet seat.

I went to my fist Aids funeral in 1988. My friend, Barry, a beautiful, smart, south Dublin man of my own age, 27, was looked after by his mother and siblings towards the end of his illness. Nothing prepares you for such gruesome decline and affliction, all the while suffused with the cloud of criminality, transgression, marginalisation and taboo that seemed to follow the disease wherever it went.

In letters and phone calls to me, my mother always closed the conversation with an exhortation to always use a condom. This at a time when the Catholic Church refused to condone their use to save lives and fatalities rose inexorably. In the absence of condoms, it was easier not to have sex, certainly not intercourse. Even so, intimacy with another man, culturally problematic at the best of the times, felt like a game of Russian roulette.

One after another of my close friends and lovers died; beautiful, young friends with whom I imagined dancing into a bright future together. It became impossible to avoid the feeling that I would be next. We buried our grief and rising anger, our unfathomable loss and trauma. We figured out our coping mechanisms and just got on with it. We even had fun in amid the carnage. How otherwise would we have got through it all?

I often liken the Aids pandemic  dont you dare call it a crisis; it was that and so much more  to a war. Brutality and wanton destruction were readily apparent but there were also so many acts of tenderness and compassion. I think now of Irish lesbians who werent directly affected by Aids standing up to support their gay brothers dying often excruciatingly painful and lonely deaths.

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Mary Shannon and some of her close friends were so moved by the plight of their inner-city Dublin friends, the invisibility of their condition, they established the Irish Names Project. An Irish iteration of the Aids Quilt, it seeks to name and value men and woman of all ages and sexualities lost to Aids in the 1980s and 90s. The quilt panels first went on public tour in Ireland in 1991 and are getting another rare public viewing right now in Temple Bar. (See @queercultureireland on Instagram for more)

Expand Close Protest: Tonie Walsh at a 1987 picket at the Apostolic Nunciature (Vatican Embassy) over access to condoms / Facebook

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Whatsapp Protest: Tonie Walsh at a 1987 picket at the Apostolic Nunciature (Vatican Embassy) over access to condoms

Memorialising the Aids pandemic, putting a name to our loss and grief, seems so apposite given the times we live in. Perhaps were also at enough of a dispassionate remove from the period that we can better assess it. And yet I say this, fully aware that at the age of 60, Ill probably never get over the trauma of the Aids war. Somewhere in the late 1990s, I stopped counting the number of friends and lovers who died of Aids: 43. Whats even more unfathomable, there have been others since. Nobody should be dying of Aids in this day and age, even in Ireland, I hear you rightly say. (Lets leave that conversation for another day.)

The process of assuaging our grief and loss would be helped immeasurably by a society that was in tune to our lived experience. Sadly, the best people to help us in that process are dead so it remains to those of us who lived through the pandemic, who managed to survive in some shape of form, to tell our stories, not unlike Russell T Davies superb and utterly timely Channel 4 drama Its a Sin, set in London at the start of the Aids pandemic.

And yet, if we look to the Irish experience, there has been a paucity of cultural responses to Aids. Beyond Colm Toibins The Blackwater Lightship and Ger Philpotts memoir Deep End; Bill Hughes TV documentary Fintan and Alan Gilsenans Stories From The Silence  incidentally all over 20 years old  people will struggle to find something we can use to patch us into that essential lived experience of our all too recent history.

On a wider level, its beyond time that we restitched the history of the Aids pandemic into our formal historical narrative. Anyone for an edit to our Leaving Cert curriculum?

A couple of years ago, at Maynooth University, I launched a campaign to build an Irish Aids memorial. As I said then, the process of building a memorial will help immeasurably in recalibrating the memory of our lost friends, family members and lovers. It will help those of us who survived to unburden the guilt, anger and grief weve carried all these years.

If its to have truly lasting purpose, it should help us as a society to better understand and appreciate how Aids changed all of us. Sure, we can wonder at the coping mechanisms and survival strategies of the period. But we can also look to the enduring compassion and concern, the fight against ignorance and shame that the pandemic evinced. They all have a place in how we look anew at that awful time.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines)  The Anti-Terrorism Act, a law that sparked debate and controversy in the pandemic-stricken Philippines, will finally be discussed at the Supreme Court on February 2, seven months after its enactment.

Thirty-seven sets of petitioners have chosen 13 representatives to argue why the law should be junked for constitutional violations. The petitions were filed by framers of the Constitution, law experts, and human rights advocates, as well as individuals who claim to have been victims of authorities terrorist-tagging.

Solicitor General Jose Calida and three other lawyers will defend the measure President Rodrigo Duterte signed in July 2020.

For orderly proceedings, the high court gave each side 45 minutes to present their case and ordered them to limit the discussion to six preliminary issues and 15 substantive issues. This will be subject to interpellation by the justices.

All in all, the law has 56 sections. At least 23 will be specifically challenged during the oral arguments, while other matters can be argued through written memoranda.

CNN Philippines breaks down some of the key issues against the most challenged law in Supreme Courts recent history.

Void for vagueness, overbreadth?

In repealing the Human Security Act of 2007, the Anti-Terrorism Act expanded the definition of terrorism. Under the previous law, an act of terrorism is committed when crimes such as piracy, rebellion, and murder are done to sow widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the populace, in order to coerce the government to give in to an unlawful demand.

The Anti-Terrorism Act makes no mention of any predicate crime. Instead, under Section 4, a person commits terrorism when engaging in acts that intend to endanger someone or to damage public or private property, and certain other actions when the purpose is any of the following:

 intimidate the public, the government, or any international organization

 create an atmosphere of or spread a message of fear

 seriously destabilize or destroy the fundamental political economic or social structures of society

 create a public emergency or seriously undermine public safety

Without standards to limit their boundaries, these phrases suffer from serious ambiguity and overbreadth that enables malicious criminal prosecution of innocent rights-holders, according to a group of petitioners led by former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio. Citizens may now second-guess whether their actions could be considered by the state as terrorism, producing a chilling effect that violates constitutional rights to due process, free speech, and expression, Carpio and other petitioners agreed.

READ: Aetas tortured by soldiers also seek scrapping of Anti-Terrorism Act

Sections 5 to 14 also penalize individuals or groups that threaten to commit terrorism; plan, train, prepare, or facilitate the commission of terrorism; conspire, propose, and incite to commit terrorism, as well as those who provide material support to terrorists. These are all too vague, the petitions say.

Officials have repeatedly dismissed allegations the law would be used to run after government critics, even saying that activism is not terrorism. However, the implementing rules and regulations explain that advocacy, protest, dissent, and similar exercises of civil and political rights will not be considered terrorism only when these are not intended to endanger a person or create a serious risk to public safety. This shifts the burden of proof to the accused, the petitioners argued.

READ: IRR explains: When can protests be considered terrorism?

The petitioners will also discuss whether the law should be struck down as unconstitutional in its entirety for its ambiguous definition of terrorism as well as the expansion of powers of the Anti-Terrorism Council, an office under the executive department.

Too much executive power?

The Anti-Terrorism Council, currently headed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, can now designate individuals and organizations as terrorists without any hearing, as long as it sees probable cause that they commit, attempt to commit, or are part of a conspiracy to commit acts defined and penalized as terrorism under Sections 4 to 12 of the law.

While authorities stressed that designation does not automatically warrant an arrest, the lists of designated terrorists are published, giving those tagged 15 days to file an appeal.

Petitioners say this encroaches on judicial power, particularly the Supreme Courts rule-making power. It also violates due process due to lack of parameters for designation.

The designation allows the Anti-Money Laundering Council to freeze the assets of the individuals or organizations, violating a persons right against unreasonable searches and seizures, according to the petitions.

In December, the AMLC said it has issued a freeze order on accounts related to the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing New Peoples Amy, following their designation as terrorist organizations. Duterte and his men have been calling the communist rebels terrorists ever since the peace talks broke down in 2017.

The CPP, which has waged a five-decade insurgency, maintained it has a legitimate national cause.

Meanwhile, applications for an individual or groups proscription are filed with the Court of Appeals, upon the authorization of the Anti-Terrorism Council. Another contested provision is Section 27, which allows the appellate court to issue a preliminary order of proscription within three days if it finds probable cause to declare a suspect as terrorist or an organization as outlawed. It has six months to conduct hearings and decide whether to lift the order or make it permanent.

Arbitrary detention?

Section 29 allows the warrantless arrest and detention without charges of suspected terrorists for up to 24 days  as long as the law enforcement agent or military personnel are authorized in writing by the Anti-Terrorism Council. The Human Security Act previously allowed a pre-trial detention of up to three days only.

Petitioners will discuss if extending this period contravenes the Constitution, the Revised Penal Code, the Rules of Court, and international obligations against arbitrary detention. Under Article 7, Section 18 of the Constitution, even if martial law is declared and the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus is suspended, detention without trial should only last for three days. This is further cut to only 36 hours under the Revised Penal Code.

Law enforcement officials earlier said extending the detention period would allow them to build up the case against the suspected terrorists, but petitioners warned it would lead to abuses and rights violations.

In the deliberations of the Constitutional Commission, the Commissioners emphasized the dangers of leaving detained persons in the custody of arresting officers for extended periods of time, said one of the petitions led by Christian Monsod and Felicitas Arroyo, members of the commission that drafted the 1987 Constitution.

Pretrial punishment?

Surveillance of proscribed, designated, and suspected terrorists could last up to 90 days under the new law, compared to the 60 day-period in the previous legislation. The Court of Appeals shall allow the surveillance upon the application of a law enforcement agent or military personnel authorized by the Anti-Terrorism Council.

The petitions argue that the sections on surveillance violate the peoples rights to due process and to privacy of communication and correspondence, rights to freedom of speech, expression, and religion, right against unreasonable searches and seizures, and the accuseds right to presumption of innocence. The authorization from the Court of Appeals also blocks remedies available to the accused, petitioners said.

Petitioners said this is tantamount to an ex post facto law, which penalizes an act that was not considered a crime when it was committed, and also punishes the detained without trial.

Meanwhile, Section 34, which retains the old provision allowing house arrest and limiting the accuseds movement within the city or municipality he resides upon the order of a regional trial court, is also being questioned for violating the persons right to travel, right against incommunicado detention, and right to bail. This could be considered torture, according to petitioners.

Despite dozens of petitions urging the high court to stop the implementation of the Anti-Terrorism Act due to the grave and irreparable injury red-tagged groups and individuals stand to suffer, no temporary restraining order or status quo ante order was issued by the high court. This will be part of the preliminary discussion during the much-anticipated oral arguments.
A 30-year-old St. Lawrence County man has been arrested and accused of stealing prescription drugs from two drug stores, according to New York State Police.

Michael A. Micelli, of Heuvelton, was charged with four counts of petit larceny and one count of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, police said.

Police did not say what type of medication Micelli is accused of stealing, according to police.

Micelli is accused of stealing the medication from the Kinney Drug Store in Alexandria Bay and Ogdensburg, police said.

Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Chris Libonati via the Signal app for encrypted messaging at 585-290-0718, by phone at the same number, by email or on Twitter.

Hong Kong:

Chinas President Xi Jinping said on Saturday Hong Kong was freer than ever before but warned against impermissible challenges to Beijings authority as the city marked 20 years since it was handed back by Britain.



Xi spoke in a televised address after swearing in new Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam as pro and anti-Beijing protesters clashed close to the ceremony.



Lam was selected by a pro-China committee, as were her predecessors, and is already being cast by critics as a China stooge in a city where many are angry at Beijings tightening grip on the freedoms of nearly eight million people.



Xi said that any threats to the authority of Chinas communist party government cross the red line and are absolutely impermissible.



The warning comes after the emergence of young activists calling for self-determination or even full independence for Hong Kong, which has infuriated Beijing.He added that Hong Kong had more extensive democratic rights and freedoms than at any other time in its history.



Lam took her oath of office under Chinas national flag at the citys harbourfront convention centre, before shaking hands with Xi.



Her inauguration comes a day after Beijings foreign ministry declared that the document signed by Britain and China which initiated the handover is no longer relevant.



The Sino-British Joint Declaration gave Hong Kong rights unseen on the mainland through a semi-autonomous one country, two systems agreement, lasting 50 years.There are growing fears that those freedoms are now under threat from an assertive Beijing, with Chinese authorities accused of interfering in a range of areas in Hong Kong, from politics to media and education.



Pro-China protesters targeted a small march by activists in memory of the victims of Beijings 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown Saturday morning as officials gathered for the swearing in.



As the pro-democracy campaigners prepared to carry a makeshift coffin towards the convention centre, as they do each year, a man ran across the street and kicked it.Flag-waving pro-China protesters then blocked the march as police struggled to separate the two sides.



Democracy campaigners were taken away in police vans and released soon after.



Lams swearing in by Xi is deeply symbolic for frustrated activists who have been pushing for fully free leadership elections for the city, with mass pro-democracy Umbrella Movement rallies bringing parts of the city to a standstill in 2014.Those protests were sparked by a Beijing-backed political reform package which said Hong Kong could have a public vote for leader, but that candidates must be vetted first.



The proposal was voted down in parliament by pro-democracy lawmakers and the reform process has now stalled.



Lam has made no commitment to revisit it soon.



The failure of the democracy movement to win concessions has led some young campaigners to call for self-determination or even independence for the mainland, which has infuriated Beijing.

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Thursdays reshuffle of his frontbench has not quieted the more restive elements of the caucus, who fear that the deck is simply stacked against Labor, which could be facing a fourth straight election defeat by the Coalition.

There is chatter in the caucus about his leadership, though no clear alternative has yet emerged - depending on who you talk to, Tanya Plibersek, Jim Chalmers, Chris Bowen and Bill Shorten are all mentioned, though not seriously.

The leader of the opposition is behind in the two-party-preferred vote in published opinion polls, though not by much and well behind Scott Morrison as preferred prime minister.

COVID-19 has, mostly, benefited incumbent leaders across the country and around the world (Donald Trump being an obvious exception).

But over dinner in Canberra on Wednesday night and then, in a subsequent interview in his office, Albanese betrayed few of the signs of a leader under pressure - though the veteran pollie is alive to the ill winds blowing his way.

Instead, the opposition leader wants to talk about the car crash in early January that nearly ended his life. Albanese has done a series of radio interviews in the wake of the crash, which saw his Toyota Camry hybrid crunched by a much larger Range Rover.

He pulls out his phone, which is still pinging with texts from colleagues with reviews of his just-broadcast interview on the ABCs 7.30, and starts flicking through photos of the damage before looking me straight in the eye.

A foot or so either way, he says, and it could have been all over - or at the very least, a life-changing injury. Its not something that, perhaps, his critics in caucus have yet grasped.
'Every little helps' has always been the slogan of supermarket giant Tesco, and that's certainly apt as it has reached 5 million in donations to local communities since starting its Community Fund initiative back in 2014.

In that time, Wexford charities and community-based projects have been in receipt of over 134,000, a figure that's set only to increase. In fact, Tesco stores across the county are preparing to donate a further 3,000 to nine health-related community groups across Co Wexford, including Down Syndrome Wexford, the Order of Malta Cadets and Wexford General Hospital's Children's Diabetes Unit in the first round of the 2021 fund.

The community fund provides a welcome boost to community groups and anyone can nominate a cause via the Tesco website. Every eight weeks, causes are chosen in every Tesco store across Ireland.

'As Covid-19 continues to be a challenge for the whole country, it's only right that the first round of this year's Fund should be donated to health-related causes,' said Rosemary Garth of Tesco.

'We hope donations will go some way to relieving the pressure they are under.'

Tesco Gorey's funding will go to Ballygarrett Men's Shed, Ferns CFR and Gorey CFR. New Ross have chosen Down Syndrome Wexford, Happy Trails Therapeutic Riding School and New Houghton Hospital and Wexford picked the Order of Malta Cadets, Relay for Life and Wexford Hospital Children's Diabetes Unit.
The investigation into alleged online abuse of Clare County Board secretary Pat Fitzgerald is not far away from a file being prepared for the DPP, his son Davy Fitzgerald said.

Gardai say the probe is ongoing, with the Wexford boss reiterating the abuse has to stop adding they have compiled hundreds of pages detailing the abuse.

Speaking to the Irish Independent, Davy said hopefully the DPP will see fit to prosecute this.

Its not about Davy and Pat Fitzgerald, this is bigger, this stuff has to stop. Its not about us, weve taken a bit of it. Theres a lot more people that have taken a lot more than weve taken, he said.

Its funny, I was showing a friend the other night, the book we compiled of a couple of hundred pages of the abuse and he couldnt get over it when he saw it all together.

Nobody should be subject to that in my view, nobody. I think weve crossed the line with that, be it social media, even media at times, I think weve crossed the line on it.

Why do we need to do that? I just dont see a need for it. Hopefully when the file is prepared, hopefully the DPP will stand up and not represent Pat Fitz or Davy Fitz, represent the people that need to be represented, he added.

Earlier this month Fitzgerald appeared on RTEs Late Late Show and spoke openly about the abuse he and his father had received in recent years.

The amount of calls Ive got since the Late Late is incredible. I got one father who lost a child who took their own life. He more or less said, thanks so much for standing up and talking for us, he said.

That means so much, theyre the people you want to represent.
The EU's drugs regulator has approved the use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid vaccine for people aged over 18.



The European Medicines Agency (EMA) said the AstraZeneca vaccine was about 60% effective in the trials on which it based its decision.



The move comes amid a dispute over whether Astra-Zeneca is breaking its vaccine delivery commitments to the EU.

The European Commission has published its contract with the Anglo-Swedish drug-maker, hoping to show a breach.



What is the supply row about?



Last week AstraZeneca said vaccine supplies would be reduced because of problems in one of its EU factories.



The shortfall is expected to be about 60% in the first quarter of 2021. The EU has also received fewer than expected doses of the two other vaccines it has approved - from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna.



The EU has said AstraZeneca must honour its commitments and deliver the jabs it ordered by diverting doses manufactured in the UK. But the company said its contract for UK supplies prevents this.



European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen told German radio on Friday that the EU contract signed in August contained "binding orders", and called for an explanation.



The commission later said it had agreed a plan to introduce export controls on coronavirus vaccines. It means individual member states will decide whether to allow the export of vaccines produced in their territory. It will be in place until the end of March.



A European Commissioner said it was being introduced to enhance transparency and to ensure that all EU citizens had access to vaccines.



How effective is the AstraZeneca vaccine?



Germany's vaccine commission said this week that it could not recommend the use of the jab in people aged over 65, citing a lack of data on how it affected this age group.



The UK has been using the AstraZeneca vaccine in its mass immunisation programme for weeks now, and public health officials say it is safe and provides "high levels of protection".

Source: BBC









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When the average person sees the broken or boarded up windows in the old federal courthouse on Jefferson Street in downtown Lafayette, developers can point to its potential.

And just behind that four-story concrete fortress that many consider the biggest eyesore downtown is what developers say may hold the most potential. Its the 8,000-square-foot space that once housed the Lafayette Parish Library and, more recently, AOC Community Media.

Of the three buildings involved in the old federal courthouse renovation project, that one  with its concrete walls and ceiling and the mural that still hangs over the front door from its days as home to the Lafayette Parish Libary  could be the most move-in ready space.

The only issue? Since the pandemic began, the commercial interest in the project has dwindled. Developer E.J. Krampe has plans to convert the whole project to residential, between 69 and 80 one-bedroom units.

But if a commercial tenant is interested, well....

If anyone is interested, I will definitely take them for a tour of it, Krampe said during a Thursday tour. Youve got to have a little vision of what youre looking for, obviously, to walk in here and see it and think of what it can be. You dont even have to take the whole space. To take something and build it new and give it this feeling would cost a fortune.

Its that vision that has kept this $15 million project going in the more than two years that have passed since negotiations first began on the courthouse thats been vacant and decaying for about two decades. Now that demo work is complete and the developers have been approved for a Restoration Tax Abatement for the property, work will resume in February and could be done by mid-December, Krampe said.

And it pushes downtown Lafayette to a crossroads of sorts. Can a project of this scale  the largest renovation to date as well as the largest residential development  be successful?

If so, it could move downtown to another level, said Anita Begnaud, CEO of the Downtown Development Authority.

When you see something for over 20 years the same way, sometimes we get blinders on and dont realize thats a huge piece of real estate thats been vacant for a long time, Begnaud said. I think it shows people that we can do hard things, we can do big things. I think investors are watching this project to see what happens before they make a substantial investment in downtown. I think itll be a catalyst.

If anything, the project is coming at a time of some momentum downtown in regard to commercial development. Despite the economy taking a hit at the start of the pandemic, several businesses that were not restaurants opened last year downtown to complement the number of eateries, and more development is starting to spill over to streets adjacent to Jefferson, Begnaud said.

Business interest in the project has trickled up in recent months, Krampe said. The building just south of the courthouse, which once housed the police station, could have a commercial tenant when work is complete.

The residential side also has momentum. Begnaud noted the 24-unit Vermilion Lofts, which opened during the pandemic, has been at 90% occupancy.

Inside info on doing business in Acadiana We'll keep you posted on the Acadiana economy. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

I think theres some momentum as far as new businesses opening up, which is super, said Chad Ortte, commercial real estate agent with Scout Real Estate. Normally the rooftops come first, but its a little different situation.

Its going to be all about price point. Its a different product on the market. We like to see it as something unique  as it is  but you have to kind of zoom out and look at Lafayette as a whole. What can somebody get for $800, $900 or $1,200 a month?

Said Krampe: Now that we have these buildings and we do give tours, theres a lot more interest in it. I was trying to find unique people to put downtown. I realize the pandemic changed a lot, but if theyre out on Ambassador Caffery or out of town, they realize to attract the people they want, they need to be downtown. And theyll be able to keep them long term.

The residential part of the whole project will be geared toward young professionals  tech employees working downtown, students at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette or even professors. None of the units will have more than one bedroom, and plans include a mid-sized swimming pool on the south side of the main building.

Remaining in the building on the second floor will be a courtroom, which will be used for mediation among local attorneys, Krampe said. The space between the courthouse and police station will be used for parking, and the space between the courthouse and the library will be made into a promenade.

The demand for this kind of living is one bedroom, Krampe said. My partners have done these historical redevelopments in (larger markets). Their demand is one bedroom. The first one they did in Baton Rouge had some two- and three-bedrooms, and they never got leased. They went back and converted them.

The project is counting on the growing number of tech workers downtown, he noted, with CGI planning to house 300 employees in the Versailles building by the end of this year to go with the growing number of employees at Perficient, which plans to house 245 workers at its Jefferson Street headquarters.

It can draw from the students and staff at the university, which Ortte pointed out can enhance not only downtown but the Lafayettes greater urban core  downtown, UL, the Freetown neighborhood and even the Oil Center. Theres potential for collaboration there to kind of sew those neighborhoods together as development continues.

Much like developers behind the old federal courthouse, he sees potential with this little urban nucleus that we have.

It was interesting to watch when the (bird) scooters rolled out a while back, Ortte said. You could watch on the map and see each day where the scooters spread out. They started downtown. I think thats a really interesting perspective of how that little urban nucleus has some really good potential for pedestrian growth.


Posted Saturday, January 30, 2021 8:05 am

The Washington state auditor's office says one of its software vendors was breached, likely leading to files being accessed by "an unauthorized user."

State Auditor Pat McCarthy disclosed what she termed "a security incident" in a statement to The Seattle Times on Friday evening, saying the problem involved Accellion, a "third party provider of software services."

"Although the security incident occurred in December, the service provider only confirmed this week that some files were likely to have been accessed by an unauthorized user. Other organizations using the service provider's software also were affected," McCarthy said.

The state auditor's office performs financial and accountability audits of state agencies and local governments. It is currently investigating how the Employment Security Department lost hundreds of millions of dollars to cyberfraudsters, including a Nigerian crime ring known as "Scattered Canary."

The statement on Friday gave no details about what kind of information may have been compromised in this latest breach, including whether it included personal data that could be abused by fraudsters.

"We are continuing to work with the vendor, state cybersecurity officials, and law enforcement to investigate this matter and identify the affected files. As we learn more about the impact of this incident, we will provide information as is permitted and appropriate during an ongoing investigation," McCarthy's statement said.

Kathleen Cooper, an auditor's office spokesperson, said she was not authorized to provide any additional information Friday.

A spokesperson for Accellion did not immediately respond to an email and phone message seeking comment.

The Palo Alto, California-based company recently issued a statement disclosing another "security incident" involving one of its older software products that specializes in large computer file transfers.

That breach affected the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, according to an Australian media report.

McCarthy, a Democrat, is an independent statewide elected official who was elected to a second term in November.

___

(c)2021 The Seattle Times

Visit The Seattle Times at www.seattletimes.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
English designer Richard Quinn's exhibit at the NGV Triennial is a lovely thing; heavily embroidered with sequins and pearls, five kilos of frocklet with integrated high heels, helmet mask, bodysuit hosiery and matching handbag glinting in its airy glass case at the intersection of an upper gallery and mezzanine corridor.

Dash through the Triennial as I did, however (hell bent to get around in two hours; forget it), and you're likely to miss it. Which would be a shame. And not just because it's so dang pretty you can almost see it sway and hear it click-tinkling down the runway of Quinn's show in London last year, but because it's a virtual millefeuille of clues to the Triennial itself.

Look 2, ensemble from Richard Quinns 2020 autumn-winter collection on display in NGV Triennial. Richard Quinn Credit:Sean Fennessy

It speaks to the moment, says Danielle Whitfield, NGV fashion and textile curator. Richard Quinns work is on the cutting edge of all those conversations were having around the world and that make up the Triennial: the purpose of design, the intersections between different design disciplines, interrogations of new materials, environmental impacts. Hes also at that experimental avant-garde end [of fashion], inventing new techniques, new processes, new ways to address sustainability, ethical supply...

In its own weirdly British way, Quinn's Triennial queen also tackles the hottest hot button issue in fashion right now; cultural identity and the fraught ways we all pick clothes to signal who we think we are and where we belong.
End of an era. We use those words to describe quite a few things but never have they been so apt to describe the news that John Reynolds is retiring from his local Arigna shop after 56 years behind the counter.

John will still be behind the counter for a few more weeks until the final logistics on the handover of the business is completed but John is candidly honest about whether he is looking forward to his retirement!

Not really, Im not, John told the Observer, I am so used to meeting people because I have been at it since I was 14, so it is the end of an era. I loved it but there has been an awful lot of changes, too many to remember really. I will be sad leaving, definitely, but Ill be looking to do things I never had the chance to.

John is quick to pay tribute to his loyal customers who have stayed with him down through the years: Dealing with the local community is a big part of this job, which Ive always enjoyed. I always liked working with the public.

It is a very tight knit community out here, you know everybody, you know what they want before they come in at all and I have had some very loyal customers.

The changing face of Ireland means that local shops are somewhat of a rarity nowadays but John believes the local shop is a key part of a vibrant local community: A local shop is very important - a shop and post office is vital in any village, a place to interact socially, to get news.

Im probably the only one still around from all the old shops that used to be in the villages, it has changed a lot alright but in those days you had no big supermarkets.

John began his career 56 years ago and it is only his health and the rapid change in technology that sees him step away from the shop: I worked 80 hours a week but then I got ill, I got bowel cancer . In the hospital, they said you cant work those hours any more, youve got to cut back to 30. So I cut back to 60 hours a week!

John Reynolds pictured with long time staff member Donna Gilrane in the shop last week Picture: Willie Donnellan



When he first started out in Leydons shop at just 14 years of age, the mines in Arigna were the big employer in the area but John, born and bred in Arigna, took a different path: I never worked in the mines because I went to Leydon's Shop when I was 14, I learned my trade there from Joe Duignan. I did four years there and I was getting two pounds a week, that would be in 1965.

I came here in 1969 when Flynns were here, Mick and Phil Flynn who had the pub. That was a busy pub, it would be full at 7.30 on a Sunday evening. Losing the mines in 1990 was a big blow to the area. Actually we thought it would be worse but a lot of new things started up afterwards.

From the days when bills were totted up with a pen and paper to a shopping experience today that includes wireless payment, online shopping and home deliveries, John points to the incredible pace of change in technology as the reason behind his decision to step away from the shop.



 I loved working in the shop but the changes in technology through the years have brought about my retirement. There is no point in me going into the likes of computers and that now. When I started out, it was really only a counter, book and a biro but now it is all different, computerised invoices and all that and I have got no computer.

Technology has changed the way we shop nowadays. There were no big supermarkets when I started out, there was no Aldi or Lidl, nothing like that, and people tend to travel more now to do their shopping. It's very hard to compete with them, you cant do it.

Tastes have also been transformed over the years with the shops of today carrying products very different from when John started out: Tastes have definitely changed, oh they have - you have low fats and all these kind of things, when I started off, there was only one kind of thing, a loaf was a loaf and that was it. People are definitely looking for more choice now, you have to have a lot of choice.



John is also keen to pay tribute to his staff from down through the years and it is no coincidence that his current staff have been with him for years: Ive had great staff down through the year. I have three part time girls altogether - one of them is here, it must be 16 years, another is 11 years: Ann Keaveney and Marie Keaveney, who are actually mother and daughter, and Donna Gilrane.

John stepping away does not mean the end of the shop for Arigna and the shop will be taken over by Ronan and Bert from the Miners Inn, something that pleases John: I want to wish the best of luck to Ronan and Bert and I am glad they are keeping it on as a grocery, I am delighted.

I hope they will be as happy and as lucky in it as I have been here. The shop will go on as normal and the girls are all being kept on as well which is great.

Finally, John thanked his customers and staff for their support and loyalty down through the years: Just to say thanks to all my loyal customers who have supported me in the last 56 years. Also the staff, past and present, and particularly the ones I have now, Donna, Ann and Marie, also the suppliers for calling every week - without them I wouldnt have managed either.
Strategies of surveillance of women reveal the states warped notion of public safety.

Nikita Sonavane, Ameya Bokil, Srujana Bej write:

Madhya Pradeshs (MP) chief minister, as reported in the media, recently suggested that working women would be required to register themselves at the local police stations for safety tracking. The Uttar Pradesh police followed suit by announcing that Lucknows cameras will be equipped with artificial intelligence to capture photos of women in distress on the basis of their facial expressions to initiate police response. Police reliance on surveillance technology to address womens safety has substantially increased in the aftermath of the 2012 Delhi gang rape. The Nirbhaya fund and Safe City projects have been initiated to reduce sexual offences. In Bengaluru, wrist Raksha bands contain motion sensors and a panic button to alert police when women are in danger; while in Mumbai, `18 crore has been allotted for GIS-mapping of criminal hotspots. The surveillance of women by the state machinery has been rather common, whether it was the case of Gujarat in 2008 or weak judicial responses in other instances.
Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi sent messages to Arab leaders expressing Cairos intention to re-nominate Ahmed Abul-Gheit as secretary-general of the Arab League (AL) for a second five-year term, Presidential Spokesperson Bassam Rady said in a statement on Saturday.

El-Sisi is looking forward to the Arab leaders support for Abul-Gheits nomination, in accordance with the provisions of the ALs Charter, Rady added.

Aboul-Gheit, 78, will end his five-year tenure in June 2021.

He succeeded former Egyptian AL secretary-general Nabil El-Arabi.

Abul-Gheit, a career diplomat, served as foreign minister for Egypt from July 2004 to March 2011,

Since the establishment of the Arab League in 1945, the position of secretary-general has been held by Egypt, except for the period from 1979 to 1990.

The presidential spokesperson said that the re-nomination of Abul-Gheit comes within the framework of the great interest that Egypt, under the leadership of President El-Sisi, attaches to the work of the AL.

It also comes within the framework of El-Sisis keenness to provide all possible support to the AL where Arabs' aspirations are embodied for a coordinated collective action aimed at serving Arab peoples and interests, Rady said.

This, he added, was what characterised the role of the secretary-general during his first term of an aware and wise management for the rudder of the joint Arab action system during a challenging phase in the Arab region.

In his five-year tenure, Abul-Gheit grappled with multiple challenges facing the Arab world, exerting efforts to reach an Arab consensus to end civil wars in Yemen, Libya and Syria; confronting Turkish aggression in the area; as well as pushing an agenda to reach a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

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One day after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi warned of the enemy within, more revelations emerged about the direct connections between Republican House members and fascist militia leaders who staged the January 6 attack on the Capitol aimed at reversing the election victory of President Joe Biden.

In her weekly press conference on Thursday, Pelosi warned of threats to Democratic House numbers from far-right Republicans, focusing on Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. Pelosi denounced the Republican House leadership for her appointment to the Education and Labor Committee.

Screenshot of Marjorie Taylor Green Campaign ad [Source: Marjorie Taylor Greene via Facebook]

Greene is an adherent of the fascist QAnon conspiracy, which is centered on the belief that Donald Trump will usher in an apocalyptic cleansing of Satan-worshiping, child-sacrificing Democratic politicians in an event called the Storm.

Greene has advocated the execution of Democratic politicians, including Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and Pelosi. She has also characterized the mass shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida and Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, as well as the 2017 Las Vegas massacre, as false flag events. Her anti-Semitic rants include smearing Holocaust survivor George Soros as a Nazi.

Trumps conspiracy to overturn the results of the election, which culminated in the violent assault on Congress on January 6, was facilitated by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and the Republican leadership in the House, who refused to acknowledge the Biden victory for weeks. A substantial majority of Republican House members and seven Republican senators voted against certification of the Electoral College vote in the hours following the removal of the fascist insurrectionists from the Capitol.

A lengthy article in the New York Times published Friday details the links between far-right Republican House members Greene, Lauren Boebert (Colorado), Matt Gaetz (Florida), Andy Biggs and Paul Gosar (Arizona) and several far-right militia groups, including the Oath Keepers, III Percenters and the Proud Boys.

The Times writes that Greene has also displayed a fondness for some of the militia groups whose members were caught on video attacking the Capitol, including the Oath Keepers and the Three Percenters. It notes that Greene spoke at a pro-Trump rally in 2018, dubbed the Mother of All Rallies, where she praised militia groups as protectors against a tyrannical government.

On the same day the Times article was published, St. Louis Democratic Representative Cori Bush announced that she had moved her congressional office away from Greenes for the safety of my team. She made the move after Marjorie Taylor Greene came up from behind me, ranting loudly into her phone while not wearing a mask.

Bush has called for the expulsion of Republican House members who were directly complicit in the coup attempt, something none of the Democratic leadership, including Biden, has supported.

Responding on Twitter, Greene attacked Bush as the leader of the St. Louis Black Lives Matter terrorist mob who trespassed into a gated neighborhood to threaten the lives of the McCloskeys. Mark and Patricia McCloskey are notorious for pointing weapons at anti-police violence demonstrators who walked past their mansion in St. Louis last June.

The couple became Republican heroes and were invited by Trump to speak at the Republican convention, where they were presented as representatives of American suburbanites under threat from low-income minorities.

The response of the Biden White House to threats against Bush and other Democratic House members has been to remain silent, downplay the significance of the coup attempt, and oppose any measures against Republicans who worked with fascist militias.

In addition to Greene, the Times article cites four other Republican House members with ties to far-right militias and coup organizers:

Matt Gaetz (Florida)

Gaetz has endorsed the fascist vigilante group Proud Boys, using them as security for a pro-American rally held in Milton, Florida on October 23, 2020. He traveled to Wyoming on Thursday to speak at a rally demanding the removal of the third-ranking Republican in the House, Liz Cheney, for voting to impeach Trump.

Andy Biggs (Arizona)

Biggs, a lead organizer of the Stop the Steal movement, was a featured speaker at a 2019 event supported by the Patriot Movement AZ, AZ Patriots, and the American Guard. All three militias have been identified as hate groups by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Paul Gosar (Arizona)

The Times reports that Jim Arroyo, a chapter leader of the Oath Keepers in Arizona, said Gosar attended at least two Oath Keepers meetings about a year apart and visited another chapter a few years earlier. Arroyo recounts to the Times that when he asked Gosar if the United States was headed for a civil war, Gosar replied, Were in it. We just havent started shooting at each other yet.

Lauren Boebert (Colorado)

Screenshot of Lauren Boebert Facebook post posing with III Percenters [Source: Lauren Boebert via Facebook]

Boebert has been frequently photographed with members of the far-right III Percenters, including a video where she is shown accepting a Glock 22 pistol from Cory Anderson, leader of Colorado Boots on the Ground: Bikers for Trump, and an avowed III Percenter.

Boebert was also photographed last year in front of the Denver Capitol with Robert Gieswein, another member of the III Percenters. Gieswein is facing charges for his role in the Capitol attack. He was photographed storming the Capitol on January 6 with Dominic Pessola, a former Marine and member of the Proud Boys.

The response of the Republican Party to the coup and its complicity in it has been to double down in defense of the fascists within its ranks and reaffirm its support for former President Trump.

On Tuesday, the Republican caucus in the Senate voted 455 to quash the impeachment trial of Trump. The following day, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy traveled to Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort to apologize for mildly critical statements he made regarding the coup. McCarthy sought Trumps blessing to continue as House Leader, after which he released a statement denouncing the impeachment trial and praising Trumps commitment to help elect Republicans in 2022.

The brazen defense by the Republican Party of outright fascists is possible only because of the spineless refusal of Biden and the Democratic Party to demand any accounting by or reprisal against the Republican Party and its leadership for their complicity in Trumps attempted coup.

Despite having won control of the White House and both houses of Congress, the Biden administration and the Democratic Party have, through their endless appeals for unity and explicit defense of the Republican Party as an institution, handed the initiative over to the Republicans. The Democratic leadership is downplaying the coup and covering up ongoing conspiracies by fascist forces supported by Republican office-holders.

In a revealing exchange Friday with a reporter, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki refused to back Pelosis warnings or comment on Greenes threats. Only one member of the White House press corps even raised the issue at Psakis daily press briefing. She asked first if the White House agreed with Pelosis assessment that Congress faced an enemy within. Psaki dodged the question.

Later in the press conference, the reporter raised the issue again, saying: I want to ask again about Marjorie Taylor Greene. I know you said earlier you would not like to comment on her, but it is a major story. Should a QAnon supporter, someone with a history of racist and anti-Semitic comments, harassing school shooting survivor families, be serving on a House committee?

Psaki responded: The reason I conveyed that is because we dont want to elevate conspiracy theories further in the briefing room. So Im going to speak toIm going to leave it at that. As the reporter attempted to follow up, Psaki cut her off and added, Well leave decisions about committees to leaders of Congress and weve certainly seen Speaker Pelosi speak to that.

The exchange made clear that the Biden White House will not even defend members of its own party against violent threats from Republican House members. This will only further embolden the Republican Party, which has become an incubator for the development of a fascist movement and its integration into the political establishment.

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Posted Friday, January 29, 2021 4:43 pm

A bill to allow public entities to provide retail internet services directly to residents drew a broad coalition of supporters from Lewis County this week, urging lawmakers to pass the legislation that could free up federal funding to get underserved rural residents connected.

Individuals representing private telecommunication companies opposed the bill during public testimony Wednesday, arguing that it would create an uneven playing field, allowing Public Utility Districts (PUDs) to unfairly compete. But others shot back, contending that the private sector had its chance to provide equitable internet access, and has so far fallen short.

If it ever made sense for the private sector to serve these areas, if there was a profit to be made, we all know they would have gone and made that profit by now, Port of Chehalis CEO Randy Mueller said. Its just not profitable, or not as profitable as investing funds in more urban areas. But it can be done under the utility model, with PUDs and ports breaking even and serving their citizens with affordable, modern high-speed internet service.

Locally, many leaders have identified profitability as a major barrier to getting internet providers to extend infrastructure to isolated areas with few customers. Painting a picture of the resulting digital divide, Valley View Health Center CEO Gaelon Spradley described rural health clinics relying on painfully slow wifi hotspots during outages that hamstring health care workers ability to provide care. Winlock School District Superintendent Garry Cameron told lawmakers that the district had to provide 270 hotspots to students with poor or no connection at home when schools went virtual.

Several PUD representatives from around the state identified federal funding  which would be available to PUDs if they became retail providers of telecommunication services  as providing a potentially major boost to the pursuit of rural access. Kitsap County PUD general manager Bob Hunter said current restrictions prevent the entity from applying for the tens of billions of dollars available at the federal level.

While Kitsaps current sustainable model will allow us to serve many citizens who have inadequate broadband service, itll take 15-20 years to do so, Hunter said. Receiving federal funding will reduce this time significantly, as well as the cost to the citizens.

Lewis County PUD General Manager Chris Roden expressed frustration that despite residents requests, PUDs, created for this purpose, are restricted from providing internet directly to customers.

The bills primary sponsor, Rep. Drew Hansen, D-Bainbridge Island, noted that the idea behind the bill is not new, with other states taking similar approaches. He also pointed to the 1930 Washington state initiative that created PUDs in the first place  a push sparked by similar frustrations that private industry was failing to connect rural communities with electricity fast enough. Later, the federal Rural Electrification Act pumped federal funding into local efforts.

If you were around in the 1930s, the private power companies might have said well, this is unfair. Government shouldnt enter this  This is unfair competition, Hansen said. Thankfully, the voters of Washington state disagreed.

Lewis County Commissioner Lindsey Pollock echoed the sentiment, saying Mount Rainier National Park would likely still be burning oil lamps without the help of government funding nearly a century ago.

She, like others, cited a survey conducted by Lewis County PUD, in which the vast majority of respondents said they considered high-speed internet an essential utility.

As a society, weve determined that there are certain minimums of government service provided to Washingtonians funded by our taxes, Pollock said. Public roads ensure we all have access to travel and commerce. Public peace officers ensure we have access to safety. Public hospitals provide basic medical care. We do not have an equivalent public safety net for modern communication.

Community & Economic Development Committee Chair Rep. Cindy Ryu, D-Shoreline, said Wednesday she had every intention of moving the bill out of committee.
A notorious British Royal family documentary banned for decades has been mysteriously leaked online.

Banned British Royal Family documentary leaked on YouTube

A 1969 fly-on-the-wall British Royal family documentary banned by Queen Elizabeth for giving the public an overly intimate view of Royals' life has leaked on YouTube. Millions have watched the film showing an unprecedented look inside the royal households, which was first aired on BBC News. However, it was previously reported that Buckingham Palace requested to ban the video since the 1970s.

It remains unclear how the "Royal Family" program was unearthed or who posted the intimate British Royal Family video on YouTube. However, the video-sharing platform has been removed after a copyright request was made, CNN reported.

Reportedly, in the film, the monarch compares the US ambassador to a gorilla, the PA Media news agency quoted saying, "There was a gorilla. I had the most terrible trouble ... he had a short body, long arms."

Moreover, the video showed the royals eating together and the Queen searching for her purse to buy Prince Edward, who was six-years-old at the time, candy in the shop, considered disruptive for showing an opaque family in a new light. According to PA, the Queen declared, "This disgusting gooey mess will be in the car, isn't it?"

Read also: 102-Year-Old Woman Shares What It Was like to Be in the Same Block as Hitler

In 1969, the film that lasted for nearly two hours was watched by 30 million people, making it one of the UK's most-viewed television broadcasts. Worldwide, there is an estimate of more than 350 million views, as per the BBC.

The production was recently depicted in the Netflix series "The Crown," portraying the royals' displeasure of having a TV camera inside the palace. A BBC spokesperson has declined to comment on CNN's video reappearance. However, the corporation did not dispute reports of allegedly submitting the copyright claim that led to the removal from YouTube.

On the other hand, YouTube told CNN that the uploaded content was removed immediately when a copyright claim was filed. Buckingham Palace has declined to comment, as per CNN.

Read also: World's Most Beautiful Girl Complains It's Not Easy Being Pretty at All

David Attenborough condemned a corporation for the invasion of privacy

The film that was banned more than 50 years ago has again leaked on the internet. David Attenborough has condemned the BBC for the invasion of privacy during the initial showing, according to Express. The footage was an intimate insight of the Royal Family a viewer could ever get, such as relaxing in the living room, chatting at the breakfast table, carrying out royal tasks, and looking at jewelry. The video even showed Prince Philip grilling sausages at the Balmoral Castle.

On June 21, 1969, Richard Cawston's program first aired the "Royal Family" on the BBC, when nearly 37 million viewers watched at the time. Queen Elizabeth changed her mind and ordered the film to be kept among the BBC vaults.

Read also: Miracle Baby: 15-Weeks Premature Withstands Odds, Beats E.Coli, Sepsis, COVID-19 After He was Born

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

A number of countries tightened their borders against a surge in variant strains of the deadly coronavirus as the United States on Saturday ordered travellers to wear masks on most public transport.

With doses of the different COVID-19 jabs so far approved for use still in relatively short supplyand mass inoculation programmes in their early stagesBritain and the EU have become embroiled in an ugly row over the shots they had been promised by drugmaker AstraZeneca.

The jab developed by the British-Swedish firm is only the third to be rolled out in Europe. But the company has said it can only deliver a fraction of the doses promised to the Brussels and London because of production problems.

As the World Health Organization warned against "vaccine nationalism," both Britain and EU said Saturday they were confident the problems could be resolved.

Nevertheless, tensions on either side of the English Channel showed scant sign of easing.

France's European affairs minister Clement Beaune warned that it would pose "a problem" if the UK were given preferential treatment.

"If there is an industrial problem, that can happen, people can understand that," he said in comments scheduled to be broadcast on Sunday.

"But preferential treatment is shown to Britain, that would be a problem."

'The world is watching'

British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab warned that "the world is watching and it is only through international collaboration that we will beat this pandemic".

Nevertheless, Raab said he had been "reassured" in talks with EU Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovkis that Brussels "has no desire to block suppliers fulfilling contracts for vaccine distribution to the UK".

The AstraZeneca jab has also come under scrutiny as to its effectiveness for elderly people who are more vulnerable to severe cases of COVID-19.

Germany's vaccine commission has recommended against using it on older people.

And on Saturday, Health Minister Jens Spahn said the government would no longer give priority to people over 65 when giving out the AstraZeneca shots.

"We're now going to have to review the order of vaccination," Spahn said.

Italy has similarly approved the AstraZeneca jab for all adults. But its medicines agency recommended alternatives be given to people aged over 55.

The AIFA agency "authorises the AstraZeneca vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals over the age of 18, as per European Medicines Agency guidance," it said.

But it noted "a level of uncertainty" about claims of the jab's effectiveness in people over the age of 55, because the age group was "poorly represented" in trials.

2.2 million dead

As the global death toll surged past 2.2 million on Saturday, countries are tightening travel restrictions to try to rein in the spread of new more contagious strains of the novel coronavirus.

From Saturday, Germany banned most travellers from countries hit by new variants and France is to close its borders to non-European Union countries for all except essential travel from Sunday.

In Canada, travellers will have to quarantine in hotels at their own expense and airlines are suspending flights to southern destinations.

And in the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a sweeping order requiring the wearing of masks to protect against the spread of COVID-19 on virtually every form of public transportation throughout the country.

The orderwhich extends to travel on airplanes, trains, buses, taxis, ride-shares, subways, ferries and shipsexpands on one of the first executive orders signed by President Joe Biden, which required masking for interstate travel as part of a larger strategy to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Sistine Chapel to reopen

A small number of countries however have tentatively started to ease some of their stricter coronavirus restrictions.

In Italy, the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, said they would reopen on Monday after being closed for 88 daysthe longest closure since World War II.

The world-famous collections will open their doors to the public from Monday to Saturday, but visitors must pre-book tickets and for specifically timed entry slots.

"The Pope's Museums await you with pleasure!" a statement said.

In Norway, the government said that a number of restrictions in Oslo and the surrounding region would be lifted next week.

Shops would be able to reopen in the capital and 24 nearby municipalities, from Wednesday, as would restaurants, but a ban on the sale of alcohol would remain in place, the government said.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

 2021 AFP
A US lobby group which represents firms including Amazon.com and Walmart has urged India not to tighten foreign investment rules for e-commerce companies again, according to a letter seen by Reuters.

India is considering revising the rules after traders in the country accused Amazon's Indian division and Walmart's Flipkart of creating complex structures to bypass investment regulations, Reuters reported this month. The US companies deny any wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, responding to the demand, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on Saturday criticised the USIBC. The traders' body shot off a letter to US-India Business Council (USIBC) President Nisha Biswal, stating that "without knowing the true facts and under pressure of Amazon, Walmart and others, the USIBC's intervention is unwarranted which runs against the interest of the 85 million traders of India".

CAIT alleged that the "uncalled for intervention" of USIBC shows utter desperation of American companies like "Amazon and Walmart which are part of this lobby group", as they have understood that their "sinister game of controlling and dominating e-commerce and retail trade of India will soon be over and are trying to block initiative of DPIIT for bringing a new Press Note and e-commerce policy".

The traders' body has been accusing foreign e-commerce majors of FDI policy violations in India, a charge denied by them in the past.

India only allows foreign e-commerce players to operate as a marketplace to connect buyers and sellers but local traders say the US giants promote select sellers and offer deep discounts, which hurts business for smaller local retailers.

In 2018, India changed its foreign direct investment (FDI) rules to deter foreign firms offering products from sellers in which they have an equity stake.

The government is now considering tightening those rules again to include sellers in which a foreign e-commerce firm holds an indirect stake through its parent, Reuters reported.

Such a change could hurt Amazon as it holds indirect stakes in two of its biggest online sellers in India, Cloudtail and Appario.

Citing the Reuters story in a Jan. 28 letter, the US-India Business Council (USIBC), part of the US Chamber of Commerce, urged the Indian government not to make any more material restrictive changes to e-commerce investment rules.

"Any further changes in FDI rules would limit e-commerce firms from leveraging their scale," USIBC said in the letter seen by Reuters.

USIBC also asked India's Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to engage in substantive consultation with companies on e-commerce regulation.

USIBC and DPIIT did not respond to a request for comment.

The government is also considering prohibiting online sales by a seller who, for example, purchases goods from an e-commerce entity's wholesale unit, or any of its group firms, and then sells them on the entity's websites, Reuters has reported.

The 2018 rule changes soured relations between India and the United States, as Washington said the policy changes favoured local e-commerce retailers over US companies.

Industry sources told Reuters on Friday that the prospects of such frequent policy changes in India have alarmed Amazon, which has committed $6.5 billion in investments in India, and Walmart, which invested $16 billion in Flipkart in 2018.

The USIBC letter said "investments require reasonable policy predictability and fair treatment".

"USIBC is concerned that material changes to the FDI policy creates uncertainty and impacts investor confidence, as well as business continuity of existing investments," it said.

Amazon declined to comment on the USIBC letter. Walmart and Flipkart did not respond to requests for comment.

After the Reuters story was published last week, a group representing millions of brick-and-mortar retailers in India said it has received government assurances that policy changes were in the offing.

With inputs from PTI
KYIV, Ukraine - There was a consistent message from Ukraine's leadership over everything from the Trump campaign's dirt digging to Ukraine's central role in the first impeachment proceedings: No comment.

But now, as the Biden administration settles in, some close allies of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky are opening up about one of the longest-running dramas from the Trump era - the blitz of meetings, messages and public statements in Ukraine by former president Donald Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani.

Among the accounts emerging from Ukrainian officials is a July 2019 phone call between Giuliani and Andriy Yermak, formerly one of Zelensky's top aides and now his chief of staff. Yermak said the conversation was the first direct contact between Giuliani and the Zelensky administration and, until now, was only discussed in general terms.

The new disclosures from Ukraine do not offer any bombshell revelations about Giuliani's dealings. But they help fill in some blanks on his frantic - and unsuccessful - quest to press Ukraine to make statements seen as potentially helpful to the Trump reelection bid.

Giuliani's overall goal, according to the accounts, was to have Zelensky's government validate the Trump campaign's unsupported claims - including that Joe Biden's son, Hunter, engaged in corrupt dealings in Ukraine and that then vice president Biden attempted to cover it up.

Giuliani, saying he was acting on President Donald Trump's behalf, also was promoting a false narrative that the Ukrainian government colluded to interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential elections against Trump - an unproven claim that sought to deflect attention from Russia's interference in the campaign.

Ukraine's willingness to discuss Giuliani's forays also lands at a difficult time for the former New York mayor as he faces mounting personal battles, including a $1.3 billion defamation lawsuit by Dominion Voting Systems over alleged false claims about ballot rigging in the 2020 election.

Giuliani did not respond to a list of questions sent to him, and also through his lawyer. Kurt Volker, the former State Department's special envoy to Ukraine for peace negotiations, who was also on the call with Yermak, declined to comment.

- - -

The Zelensky team's decision to talk about Giuliani's tactics coincides with efforts for a reset in relations with President Biden, who dealt closely with Ukraine during his eight years as vice president.

"We've gotten through all these trials, despite criticism at home and abroad," said Yermak. "And today, this feeling that Ukraine - the mention of Ukraine - is associated with various scandals should disappear."

Giuliani's tone and actions during his dealings with the Ukrainians were "aggressive and threatening," said one Zelensky insider, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.

But the Ukrainians, he said, steadfastly refused to "play ball."

The accusations against Biden centered on his son, Hunter, and his previous position on the board of the Ukrainian energy company Burisma, which is under investigation for alleged corrupt dealings. Trump and his allies claimed, without evidence, that Joe Biden, then vice president, used his clout to end the investigations.

Ukrainian investigations into Burisma and its founder, Mykola Zlochevsky, are ongoing. But authorities say that none of the cases involve Hunter Biden. A Senate report in September described the younger Biden's position at the company as "problematic" but found no wrongdoing by Joe Biden.

Giuliani's pressure began almost from the moment of Zelensky's election in April 2019. The former New York mayor planned to travel to Ukraine the following month.

But Giuliani canceled at the last moment, claiming that Zelensky was surrounded by "enemies" of Trump. This set off concerns in Zelensky's inner circle that Giuliani would poison Zelensky's relations with the White House.

In July 2019, Yermak asked Volker to introduce him to Giuliani in an effort to clear the air.

Ukrainians needed U.S. diplomatic and financial muscle to bolster them in their ongoing battles with Kremlin-backed insurgents in eastern Ukraine, a conflict that has killed more than 13,000 people since 2014.

- - -

"Until we were 100% certain that Rudy was the go-to guy, and nothing would happen without him, we were trying to avoid him as much as possible," said Igor Novikov, who served an adviser to Zelensky until August and was a member of the team tasked with responding to U.S. overtures during the Trump administration.

"But then toward the end of June, we realized that we couldn't achieve anything with Trump without talking to Rudy first," Novikov said.

To this end, Volker set up an introductory phone call on July 22, 2019 between himself, Yermak and Giuliani, according to Volker's testimony during the impeachment proceedings. Novikov, unknown to Giuliani and Volker, sat next to Yermak and took notes.

Volker mentioned the phone call briefly in his testimony, saying that it was short and that he did not remember any discussion of Ukraine opening investigations.

Novikov, however, said the call lasted more than 40 minutes, during which Giuliani spelled out what he wanted.

The Giuliani wish list, according to Novikov: Zelensky would publicly announce the launch of investigations into Burisma and allegations that Ukrainian officials conspired to interfere in the 2016 presidential elections.

"Just let these investigations go forward, get someone to investigate them," Novikov recalled Giuliani saying. Furthermore, Giuliani wanted a public statement from Zelensky "at the right time" saying that he supports the investigations. It would "clear the air really well," Giuliani said, according to Novikov's notes.

According to Novikov, Giuliani told the Ukrainians that Zelensky should "be careful" of the people surrounding him or he could find himself "in trouble."

Ukrainian officials believe Giuliani later played a key role in setting up the July 25, 2019 call in which Trump asked Zelensky to "do us a favor." The call became the centerpiece of the House impeachment later that year. Trump later was acquitted by the Senate.

"Trump took the phone call because Rudy said Zelensky would say the right things," said the official involved in the Ukrainian discussions. "But the Americans' tone changed after the call. Trump apparently didn't hear what he wanted to hear."

After the phone call, Giuliani ratcheted up his efforts for the Ukrainians to open investigations.

In early August 2019, Giuliani and Yermak met in Madrid, according to testimony during the impeachment hearing. Also present was Lev Parnas, an associate of Giuliani's who is now under federal indictment for campaign finance violations and wire fraud. He has pleaded not guilty.

"In Madrid, Rudy was like a confident mobster, with a smirk and a smile," Parnas said in an interview. "He was like, 'We don't care, you need this more than we do.' "

Yermak, however, said that Giuliani did not pressure him in Madrid and that Burisma was mentioned only briefly.

In the meantime, the Ukrainians found out from American media that $250 million in U.S. military aid had been put on hold.

Members of Zelensky's team contemplated giving Giuliani and Trump what they desired, and considered having Zelensky announce the investigations during a planned interview with CNN. Some advisers objected strongly to this, however, and the announcement was canceled.

"Can you imagine what would have been the reaction one second after that interview?" said Oleksandr Danyliuk, the former head of Zelensky's security council. "Zelensky would be looked upon as a toy, as a soft toy - not as a president. Nobody would have respected him."

Some Zelensky aides now say it was a mistake to open channels with Giuliani. But Ukraine's rebuff of the demands, said Novikov, was a victory in keeping the country out of U.S. affairs.

"Without our actions," he asserted, "the U.S. presidential race would have been very different."

You know this  Ive said it many times before  but Im not on Twitter anymore.

My partner runs my account and I dont even have the password, lest the temptation to return become too much. But sometimes I go on the site anyway and I lurk. I type the big news story of the day into the search bar and I scroll down, recoiling slightly at the chaos once I step out of my carefully curated bubble.

Those denouncing face masks as an assault on our civic rights, the Trump supporters who genuinely believe that the election was stolen from them and that Biden  of all people!  is a socialist, the #AllLivesMatter accounts shouting about something, something, reverse racism. And whenever a story breaks about a male celebrity being accused of sexual violence, I go on to Twitter too. Its like a form of self-harm, I think afterwards, unpicking a wound thats barely healed over, pressing down on a fresh bruise.

Its always the same. The fanatic fans of said celebrity, both male and female, declare it impossible that this rape or assault could have happened, asking a million different variations on the same question  why would they need to rape anyone? Hes rich/famous/handsome, he could have whatever woman he wanted,, as if sexual violence has anything to do with sex, as if rape isnt just another expression of entitlement.

Entitlement to take something that isnt yours to take, entitlement to break another human being because you felt like it. I keep scrolling, confronted by a seething mass of hatred. Shes a liar. Shes a gold-digger. Convenient timing, dont you think? She just wants his money.

Women lie about these things. Women lie.

Sometimes I want to reply to each and every tweet. I want to ask  why would they lie? Why would they open themselves up to this? Why would they want to be viciously trolled, to be called a c**t, a bitch, a whore? Why would they willingly tell this story, knowing that most people will doubt them? At best, call them confused and at worst, label them a liar?

Months of abuse and intimidation and doxxing, their identities exposed and passed around the darker, danker parts of the internet for sport. Theres a reason why sexual violence is still under-reported. Women are afraid they wont be believed. Theyre also afraid, as Sophie White writes in her incredible collection of essays, Corpsing, that there will be consequences for the men involved and no one wants to ruin anyones life, do they?

(Except maybe yours, of course, as you deal with PTSD and the heavy shame that will plague you for years afterwards.)

Lets look at the figures. Only one in four victims of sexual violence in Ireland report the crime. Only 10% of those will see the DPP prosecute because the burden of proof in these cases is so challenging. Of that 10%, less than 5% will see a conviction.

Do you honestly believe all those other victims were lying? Or does it seem more likely that the assault simply couldnt be proved beyond a reasonable doubt? Please understand that a not-guilty verdict does not always equal innocence.

Theres a line in the new movie, Promising Young Woman, where a character says, its every mans worst nightmare, getting accused of something like that. (The protagonist duly replies, can you guess what every womans worst nightmare is?) But the statistics around false rape allegations should allay any fears  they hover at around 4%, although a closer look would suggest the actual number is much lower, once you factor in victims withdrawing their claims due to distress or fear. In the extremely rare cases where false allegations are made, they tend to be vague and easily disproved, whether the accused is famous or not.

But ultimately, Im so weary of this notion that victims who take cases against celebrities are doing so for the money. I dont know many people who would willingly put themselves through such an ordeal  being torn apart online, your family put in danger, your personal life combed through for anything that can be held up in court to prove you were a willing participant in your own rape  as some sort of cash grab. More to the point, though, why shouldnt victims receive compensation? If you were injured in a car accident and the other driver was drunk or negligent, would you feel reluctant to claim off their insurance in case you were labelled a gold digger?

Who would you expect to pay for your medical bills? And why do you think these women, many of whom will require years of expensive therapy to process their trauma (not to mention the loss of earnings if theyre unable to work) should have to shoulder that financial burden alone? This is real life. There are consequences for bad behaviour, no matter how successful or beloved a public figure you are. If you hurt someone, you make amends. And for many of these celebrities, forcing them to open their wallet is the only way to ensure they will feel remorse for the pain they have caused.

Louise Says:

Listen: I, like many other Irish people, fell head over heels in love with Tolu Makay after watching her spellbinding performance of The Sawdoctors N17 on New Years Eve. What a voice!

Watch: If you miss the theatre, check out the live stream production of Happy Days starring Siobhan McSweeney. Its on tonight [January 30]. landmarkproductions.ie

Yes, the year is still 2020 and with social distancing orders in place, it is harder than ever to travel outside of the country. Unfortunately, many of you are missing out on your yearly vacations and fun destination trips. The good news is, road trips are still possible! There is so much to see across the US, from national parks to beautiful beaches, you can still enjoy some time off and get that much-needed rejuvenation.

Planning a road trip can definitely be more challenging than your average hotel stay. You'll need to think about more than just packing a bag and we're here to help! Grab your bestie, partner, or sibling and embark on the best road trip ever!!

Plan the destination

During this time, a national park trip can be a great idea! If you live on the west coast there are some spectacular national parks that are open like Yosemite National Park, Zion National Park, or Arches. These are only a few on the list of many. If you decide to go this route, plan ahead by at least a few months. You will need to visit the national park's website and reserve a camping spot if you are doing that. Otherwise a nearby airbnb or hotel is also great, but they may fill up fast!

If camping or hiking isn't your thing, then you could visit a great beachside town or explore some monuments. There are amazing areas along the coast of california or a lot of history to see on the East Coast. Whatever you decide, pick something that everyone could look forward to!

Grab your best snacks!

What's a road trip without snacks? If you're going to be in the car for a prolonged period of time make sure to have some snacks to keep you fueled. Although, there will be stops along the way to get food and drinks, they may be miles apart. Because you're vacationing, why not splurge on some of your favorites like crackers and candy! This is the perfect time to pick up your favorite candy bar and munch out. Additionally, if you have kids, they're more likely to get hungry while you're in the car, so be sure to have something they like too!

Prep the Car

Before you go, choose a car that has a little more room for all your packing needs. If you have the pleasure of owning more than one car, choose the one that is a little bigger so you can sit comfortably while also fitting everything you need!

If you need to rent a car or RV do so ahead of time to find the best deals. Renting a car could be a great option if you'll only be gone a couple of days. Depending on your preferences, there are many models that are great for your road-tripping needs.

If you live in California and you're taking a road trip up the coast be sure your car insurance is reliable and updated. You may have questions like "is california a no fault state?" which you should read up on beforehand to maintain safety.

Get that playlist started or find a podcast

Alright, it's hour 5 and everyone is starting to get bored. To keep things entertaining, create a music playlist ahead of time with some of your favorite songs. You can make different playlists with throwback songs- cause who doesn't love to jam out to Fergie?! Doing this will get everyone in the car engaged and may distract you for a little bit.

Maybe the music is getting a little bit old and you want something else to listen to. A podcast is a great idea for a road trip. Best part is, podcasts are typically free if you have the app on your phone. There are so many great podcasts out there like murder mystery, commedy, or informational ones. Use this road trip to get ahead on your favorite one or try out something new to keep everyone in the car happy!

Calculate the time and navigation

Now that you have everything prepared, you'll need to plan your route. Depending on how far you're going, you may want to leave early in the morning to avoid traffic. If you have little ones, this is a great option so they are still tired enough to sleep in the car. If you're the driver, be sure you have someone helping you navigate or a reliable GPS system in place so you don't have to take your eyes off the road.
DANBURY - Before the pandemic struck, one of the hottest ideas in the Hat City was reopening an unused rail line that connects to Southeast, N.Y., to create a faster commuting track to Grand Central Terminal.

Connecticuts transportation czar and Metro-Norths president both said they were on board with the idea. The New York Metropolitan Transportation Council awarded a $1 million grant to study the idea. Former Mayor Mark Boughton ran successfully for his 10th term on the idea, taking out a highway-sized billboard overlooking Main Street.

The idea cooled down as soon as the coronavirus crisis gripped the tri-state region, and Metro-North ridership plummeted by 69 percent on the Danbury line.

But this past week interest in a fast track from Danbury to New York gained traction in Hartford, when a state assemblyman from Greenwich introduced a bill asking DOT Commissioner Joseph Giulietti to study the feasibility of the fast track.

Economic development for the entire state is important to the growth of our towns, said state Rep. Stephen Meskers. Anything that can raise the income levels and job growth in the greater Danbury community is going to bolster the growth of the state as a whole and reduce the tax burden in Fairfield County.

Meskers, whose bill was referred to the state legislatures Transportation Committee on Thursday, said he understands how important border infrastructure is between Connecticut and New York in rebuilding the local economy. Its particularly true in Danbury, where New Yorkers looking for better home values and a break from Big Apple taxes could be attracted by a shorter commuting option to Grand Central Terminal.

Danbury Mayor Joe Cavo agrees, saying leaders cannot afford to take their eyes off post-pandemic Connecticut.

We are eventually going to come out of this and get our ridership back, Cavo said on Thursday.

Metro Norths leadership has recently said that while the commuter railroad could lose up 20 percent of its traditional ridership to New York City in post-COVID Connecticut, it expects gains in intermediate commuters, who travel shorter distances within the region.

Opening the old Maybrook line to the Southeast train station would give Danbury commuters the option of taking an express train to Manhattan in less time than the two hours it takes to get there on the New Haven line.

This would be a boon for Danbury, Cavo said.

rryser@newstimes.com 203-731-3342
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP)  The Iowa Legislature has passed a resolution to add gun rights language to the Iowa Constitution. If approved by voters, it will make Iowa one of only four states with language that could make it easier to strike down gun laws.

Republican lawmakers approved the resolution Thursday. It will go to voters in the November 2022 general election. The Legislature also passed the resolution in 2019, as the Iowa Constitution requires proposed constitutional amendments to be approved twice before being placed on the ballot.

The amendment would more broadly guarantee guns rights in Iowa than under the U.S. Constitution. It adds a requirement that laws restricting gun rights be subject to the highest standard of judicial review.
Algiers, 30 January 2021 (SPS) - "We do not understand the reason for the delay of the United Nations in appointing a personal envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Western Sahara," Russian ambassador to Algeria, Igor Belyaev, said Saturday during his hosting in a debate on the Algerian channel Al-Nahar.



The Russian Ambassador indicated that there were some countries that impeded the appointment of a personal envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Western Sahara, adding that the United Nations does not attach much importance to the issue of Western Sahara.



The secretary-general's last personal envoy for Western Sahara, Horst Koehler, resigned in May 2019, and since then the UN has failed to appoint a new UN envoy. (SPS)



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Home > 2021 > How Inequality Increased Greatly in Covid Times | Bharat Dogra & Kumar (...)

by Bharat Dogra & Kumar Gautam

In the initial days of Covid-19 pandemic, it was widely believed that this will have an equal impact on all sections of people, but it soon became evident, particularly after the introduction of lockdowns, that the pandemic is likely to have a much more serious impact on poorer and weaker sections of societies across the globe. As Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Secretary General said:

The COVID-19 pandemic has played an important role in highlighting growing inequalities. It exposed the myth that everyone is in the same boat. While we are all floating on the same sea, its clear that some are in superyachts, while others are clinging to the drifting debris.

Recently, on January 25, Oxfam issued a report titled The InequalityVirus and its Indian Supplement drawing attention to various aspects of this troubling phenomenon of already high inequalities accentuating further in Covid times.

This report has pointed out that the global billionaires wealth rose by 19 percent during this time. The worlds 500 richest people gained USD809 billion in 2020 recording a 14 percent increase since January 2020 while 100 million people were pushed into poverty.

Drawing on a vast range of studies and surveys the Oxfam report points out that in India the wealth of Indian billionaires increased by 35 percent during the lockdown and by 90 percent since 2009 to USD 422.9 billion ranking India sixth in the world after US, China, Germany, Russia and France.This is despite the fact that most of India suffered huge loss of livelihoods and its economy has dipped into recession for the first time after a quarter of a century.As per International Labour Organization (ILO), with a share of almost 90 per cent of people working in the informal economy, about 40 Crore workers in the informal economy are at risk of falling deeper into poverty during the crisis.

The Oxfam points out that the increase in wealth of the top 11 billionaires during the pandemic can easily sustain the MGNREGS scheme or the health ministry of India for the coming 10 years.The increase in the wealth of the richest person in India during pandemic could keep 40 crore informal workers out of poverty for at least 5 months.

A survey done by Credit Vidya reported that the loss of income among those earning more than INR 60,000 a month was 10 percent compared to their pre-pandemic income whereas the income of those earning less than INR 20,000 a month reduced to 37 percent of their pre-pandemic income.

Eighty-four percent of the households suffered a loss in income in April 2020. 170,000 people lost their jobs every hour in the month of April 2020. Approximately 167 people killed themselves due to starvation and financial distress from job loss and reduction in income between March to July 2020.

Keeping in view the huge distress associated with increasing inequalities, the Oxfam Report recommends that reduction of inequalities should get top priority in the days to come. Indexing of various indicators should be prioritized and monitored with the aim of taking urgent steps to prevent any increase of inequality. This should be done not only at union and state level but even at district level where people including workers, peasants and women can be involved more closely in this.

Fiscal policies also need to play a more important role in reducing inequalities. In this context special mention can be made of the recommendations as part of a policy paper titled Fiscal Options & Response to Covid-19 Epidemic (FORCE), which the IRS Association presented to the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) also suggested raising the income tax rate to 40 percent for those who earn over INR 1 crore per year, re-introducing wealth tax and effecting a one-time Covid-19 cess of 4 per cent on taxable income of over INR 10 lakh to help the economy recover from the lockdown. Imposing such taxes would reduce reliance on regressive taxes on consumption which hurt the poor and marginalized disproportionately.

(Bharat Dogra is a veteran journalist and author. Kumar Gautam teaches Economics at The Lawrence School, Sanawar.)
Turkmenistan has established the Fund for Precious Metals and Precious Stones to further improve the activities on the circulation of precious metals and precious stones. President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed a decree to this effect at a government meeting via video link.

In accordance with the document, the Committee for Precious Metals and Precious Stones of the Central Bank of Turkmenistan was renamed to the Fund for Precious Metals and Precious Stones. The presidential decree also approved the Fund Regulations.

The document instructs Turkmenistans Central Bank and the Ministry of Justice to submit within one month proposals to the Cabinet of Ministers on changes and amendments to the legislation of Turkmenistan arising from this resolution.

 TURKMENISTAN.RU, 2021
NORTON SHORES, MI  In the year since Kerry and Robbie Clements opened Clems Market, theyve revived the spirit of the home-style, off the beaten path neighborhood shop.

Kerry Clements grew up riding his bike to the shop at 1196 Shettler Road in Norton Shores, when the original owner would teach kids how to count out their money.

I have so many fond memories of this place when I was a kid, he said. Now I get the chance to own this place, have kids come in here and make a difference in their lives too.

The shop keeps a steady supply of $2 bills to offer as change to customers. Its the Clems Savings Program, Kerry Clements said, because kids who get the unique bills often dont want to spend them.

Clem's Market offers $2 bills as change. Kerry Clements calls it the "Clem's Savings Program" because some people will keep the unique bills instead of spending them. (Rose White | MLive)

Before opening the market at the end of 2019, Robbie Clements worked in healthcare for 25 years and Kerry Clements worked in sales. But when the shop was listed for sale, it was a perfect opportunity, the couple said.

A pile of firewood and two rocking chairs sit on the front porch of Clems Market in the summer, and when people walk through the door, a friendly bell greets them. Kerry Clements says he tries to learn everyones name, welcomes customer suggestions and often doles out free treats to hungry dogs.

This becomes their home store at that point, he said.

The shop is brimming with products, from groceries like cereal, milk, toothpaste and diapers to traditional convenience store offerings like pop, beer, chips and lottery tickets.

A little bit of everything, said Robbie Clements.

Clems Market also has a deli counter, with fresh sandwiches and Robbie Clements homemade specialties: pickle wraps, stuffed jalapeno peppers and asparagus wraps, each for $1.25.

Related: Local Eats: Goobers opens second full-fledged bakery in Muskegon County

The Clements have also focused on stocking Michigan-made items, including beer and wine from around the state. Local products are front and center, including Pauls Gourmet Jerky, made in Kent City, Whats Your Jam from Muskegon and secret spice from the Station Grill.

The couple said it was important for them to support other businesses in the area during the pandemic.

Were a small, family-owned business, so we just want to help others to get through this, said Robbie Clements.

Clems Market opened only a few months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, but the couple says their business has been steady. Some customers even prefer to visit their compact shop instead of going to a big box store.

The Clements are the only staff members who run the store every day, and Kerry still works in sales part time.

We just want to be a part of this community, he said.

Clems Market is open Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Another 489,934 coronavirus jabs have been given in the UK - as the vaccination total rises to 8,859,372.

Government data up to January 29 shows of the 8,859,372 jabs given in the UK so far, 8,378,940 were first doses - a rise of 487,756 on the previous day's figures.

Some 480,432 were second doses, an increase of 2,178 on figures released the previous day.

It comes as Professor Anthony Harnden, the deputy chairman of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), said preliminary research suggested the first dose of the vaccine is helping to protect young adults and over-80s.

The seven-day rolling average of first doses given in the UK is now 359,656.

A vaccine postcode lottery means that while 84 per cent of over-80s have been immunised in the North East and Yorkshire, this is lower at 78 per cent in the South East and only 65 per cent in London. Pictured: People queue in the rain at a vaccination centre in Folkestone, Kent

Figures show that 1,271 had received their second jab on Thursday and the number of first vaccinations in England were up by 36 per cent, 91,472, from 252,992 immunisations on Wednesday. Pictured: People queue in the rain at a vaccination centre in Folkestone, Kent

Based on the latest figures, an average of 413,816 first doses of vaccine would be needed each day in order to meet the Government's target of 15 million first doses by February 15.

A total of 7,701,203 Covid-19 vaccinations had taken place in England between December 8 and January 29, according to provisional NHS England data, including first and second doses, which is a rise of 437,886 on the previous day's figures.

Of this number, 7,253,305 were the first dose of the vaccine, a rise of 436,360 on the previous day's figures, while 447,898 were the second dose, an increase of 1,526.

Meanwhile, Professor Harnden said data due to be published in the next few days indicates Britons may benefit in the long-term from a delayed second dose.

The research, accessed through Public Health England (PHE) vaccination records, is mostly based on the Pfizer/BioNTech jab and represents around three to four weeks of the programme.

So far the UK has placed orders for 367million doses of the seven most promising Covid vaccines  made by AstraZeneca , Pfizer , Moderna, Valneva, Janssen, GlaxoSmithKline and Novavax  at a cost of 2.9billion

Professor Harnden told The Times: 'The preliminary data indicate a vaccine effect from the first dose in both younger adults and in older adults over 80. The effect seems to increase over time.

'It is possible that we may get stronger and better long-term protection by a delayed second dose.'

He also said that, in exceptional circumstances, people may be able to receive a jab from a different manufacturer for their second dose.

Professor Harden added: 'There arent results from studies on mixing vaccines at the moment, so we havent got evidence but theres no theoretical evidence why you shouldnt mix vaccines.'

Pharmacists administer a dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid vaccination during a clinic held in Derby on Thursday

The comments follow politicians in London, Dublin and Belfast rounding on Brussels for announcing controls to stop vaccine exports reaching the UK through Northern Ireland by effectively create a hard border on the island of Ireland.

Anger over the move forced a late night U-turn from the European Commission, which first triggered Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol amid a row with AstraZeneca over slow supplies of its jab to the bloc.

French President Emmanuel Macron poured petrol on the rift yesterday when he baselessly claimed there was no evidence the Oxford-AstraZeneca shot worked in over-65s, despite it gaining approval from the EU regulator.

Meanwhile, scientists welcomed the 'extremely encouraging' results of Janssen's new single-shot Covid-19 vaccine trial announced less than 24 hours after the Novavax jab also appeared effective.

Sir Simon Stevens (centre) observes a member of the vaccine team during a visit to the Centre for Life in Newcastle on Friday

The vaccine, developed by the Johnson & Johnson-owned pharmaceutical firm, is 66 per cent effective overall at preventing moderate to severe coronavirus 28 days after vaccination, trial results show.

Novavax announced late on Thursday that its jab was 89 per cent effective following a clinical trial run in the UK.

The results came as yesterday marked the anniversary of the first known death involving Covid-19 in the UK, that of 84-year-old Peter Attwood, from Chatham in Kent.

One year on, the Government on Friday said the death total now stands at 104,371 after reporting a further 1,245 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19.

A woman pictured arriving at an NHS vaccination centre in Wembley, London, yesterday. Professor Anthony Harnden said preliminary research suggested the first dose of the vaccine is helping to protect young adults and over-80s

Separate figures published by the UK's statistics agencies for deaths where Covid-19 has been mentioned on the death certificate, together with additional data on deaths that have occurred in recent days, show there have now been 121,000 deaths involving Covid-19 in the UK.

Experts say the latest vaccine data is another positive sign, with three jabs already approved for use in the UK - Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and Oxford/AstraZeneca.

Professor Kevin Marsh, co-lead of the Covid-19 team at the African Academy of Sciences, and Professor of Tropical Medicine at the University of Oxford, said the results from the Janssen jab trials were 'extremely encouraging'.

He said: 'It is possible that some people will look at the overall reported efficacy of 66 per cent in preventing moderate to severe Covid-19 and focus on comparisons with potentially higher 'top line' efficacy reported for some other vaccines.

'This would be a mistake. The real headline result is that a single-shot vaccine, capable of easy long-term storage and administration, provided complete protection against hospitalisation and death.'

Late-stage trials of the Janssen coronavirus vaccine, taken from a still of an undated video issued by Johnson and Johnson

The UK has ordered 30million doses of the vaccine, with the option of 22million more, with deliveries expected in the second half of this year if the jab is approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Some 60million doses of the Novavax jab, to be produced on Teesside, have also been secured, with the hope that the MHRA could approve it within weeks.

Janssen is continuing trials into two doses of its vaccine to see whether this produces an even higher efficacy.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock tweeted: 'This is yet more good news from Janssen on vaccines.

'If this jab is approved this could significantly bolster our vaccination programme, especially as a single-dose vaccine.'

Johnson & Johnson plans to file for regulatory approval in the US next week, followed shortly by applying for approval in Europe and the UK.

However, the latest Government figures suggest the growth rate, which estimates how quickly the number of infections is changing day by day, is between -5 per cent and zero for the UK as a whole.

It means the number of new infections in the UK is broadly flat or shrinking by up to 5 per cent every day.

The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) said the estimates are based on the latest data, available up to January 25, including hospital admissions and deaths as well as symptomatic testing and prevalence studies.

But it warned that cases 'continue to be dangerously high and the public must remain vigilant to keep this virus under control, to protect the NHS and save lives'.

Based on recent figures, an average of 418,166 first doses of vaccine would be needed each day in order to meet the Government's target of 15million first doses by February 15.
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The incidence of Covid-19 in Laois continues to decline but the number of new cases around Ireland was still on Saturday when almost 80 more lives have been lost by the devastating third wave.

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) report published on Saturday, January 30 shows that 11 more people in Laois have contracted the virus. This is three cases below the daily average over five days of 14 new cases.

The latest figures bring to 357 the number of new cases in the past two weeks meaning Laois now has an incidence of 421.5 per 100,000 of the population. It brings to 2,593 the number of cases officially recorded in Laois since last March.

The Laois incidence is below the national rate of 536.6 cases per 100,000 on the back of 25,521 since mid-January.

In its daily statement from the NPHET said the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) had been notified of 79 additional deaths related to COVID-19. Of these, 78 deaths occurred in January.

It said the median age of those who died is 82 years and the age range is 56-98 years. It adds that there have now been a total of 3,292* (*one death denotified) COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.

As of 2 pm today, 1,492 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 211 are in ICU. There were an 55 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours

As of midnight, Friday, January 30 the HPSC has been notified of 1,414 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There is now a total of 195,303** confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland. (**denotification of 3 confirmed cases).

The 5-day moving average of new cases across Ireland remains above 1,000 a day at 1,278. NPHET says the 5-day moving average of the number of new cases provides an appropriate indicator of current daily case numbers within a county.

NPHET says the seven-day incidence is 191.9 per 100k of population.

Of the cases notified today NPHET highlighted 608 in Dublin, 105 in Cork, 96 in Galway, 65 in Meath, 59 in Donegal and the remaining 481 cases are spread across all other counties*** See full table at end of story.

Other points raised about the new cases reported today show that 667 are men / 742 are women, 59% are under 45 years of age with the median age is 39 years old.

The COVID-19 Dashboard provides up-to-date information on the key indicators of COVID-19 in the community.
Then-President Donald Trump boards Air Force One before departing Harlingen, Texas, on Jan. 12, 2021. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

Ohio Republicans Propose Designating June 14 as President Donald J. Trump Day

Two Ohio state lawmakers suggested designating June 14 as President Donald J. Trump Day to honor the former president.

Lets show the 3,154,834 Ohio voters (a record and historic number of votes received for president in Ohio) who cast their ballot to re-elect Donald J. Trump that we as a legislature recognize the accomplishments of his administration, and that the Ohio House believes it is imperative we set aside a day to celebrate one of the greatest presidents in American history, state Rep. Jon Cross (R-Kenton) and Reggie Stoltzfus (R-Paris Twp.) wrote in a memorandum to all House members.

The duo praised Trump, who accomplished many things that led America to unparalleled prosperity against great odds.

Its unclear whether this suggestion will be adopted widely by the Republican-controlled state House. The Republicans hold a strong majority 6435 over the Ohio Democratic Party in the Ohio House.

Ohio House Speaker Robert R. Cupp (R-Lima) didnt immediately respond to a request for comment from The Epoch Times.

Former President Donald Trump poses with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) on Jan. 28, 2021. (Courtesy of Save America PAC)

The former presidentwho launched the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement in the United States and changed the country and the Republican Party substantiallystill maintains significant influence at the national and state level.

He agreed with U.S. House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) to help the GOP to become a majority in the House after a meeting at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach on Jan. 28.

Today, President Trump committed to helping elect Republicans in the House and Senate in 2022, McCarthy said in a statement. A united conservative movement will strengthen the bonds of our citizens and uphold the freedoms our country was founded on.

Then-Arizona GOP Senate candidate Kelli Ward concedes the primary in a speech to supporters at an election night event in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Aug. 28, 2018. (Ralph Freso/Getty Images)

At the state level, Trump secured one of his allies, Kelli Ward, the position of Arizona GOP chairwoman on Jan. 22 with a last-minute endorsement.

Ward won 51.5 percent of the vote, to 48.5 percent for challenger Sergio Arellano in the second round of voting.

The decision is ours. Are you going to reelect me and show the state, the country, and the world that we are an America first Arizona, or will we go back to the dark days before Trump? Ward said while presenting her case before the vote.

Janita Kan contributed to the report.




Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 29)  Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso on Friday announced that all activities for the celebration of the Chinese New Year are canceled.

In a statement, Moreno said there is a need to cancel all activities to avoid new COVID-19 outbreaks, and to not put to waste the efforts of the local government in containing the spread of the coronavirus.

Under Executive Order No. 4, series of 2021, no street party, stage show, parade, or similar activities will be held from Feb. 11 to 12.

Dragon dances are prohibited as well since these can draw huge crowds. Use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices are also not allowed during the same period to ensure safety of the public.

Moreno said City Ordinance No. 5555 that prohibits serving or drinking of any alcoholic beverage within the city shall be strictly followed. Selling of any kind of alcoholic beverage within the Binondo Chinatown area is banned within the said dates, he added.

All local officials were directed to ensure the proper implementation of the order.
Tehran has accused Washington of attempting to fabricate a reason to attack Iran, saying instead of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic at home, the United States is sending B-52 bombers to its region. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Thursday said that "Donald Trump and his cohorts" are wasting billions to send B-52s and entire fleet to Iran at a time when they should be focusing on fighting the COVID-19 disease in the US. Zarif, citing intelligence from Iraq, said that the US is trying to fabricate a pretext to attack Iran, adding Tehran would defend itself "openly and directly".

Instead of fighting Covid in US, @realDonaldTrump & cohorts waste billions to fly B52s & send armadas to OUR region



Intelligence from Iraq indicate plot to FABRICATE pretext for war.



Iran doesn't seek war but will OPENLY & DIRECTLY defend its people, security & vital interests.  Javad Zarif (@JZarif) December 31, 2020

Read: Biden, Trump To Visit Georgia To Campaign For Their Candidates Ahead Of US Senate Vote

Ahead of Soleimani's 1st death anniversary

According to reports, the United States had sent nuclear-capable B-52s to the Middle-East along with the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier, which was patrolling the Gulf waters since November. On Thursday, however, the Pentagon has directed that the USS Nimitz will transit directly home to complete a nearly 10-month deployment. Zarif's remarks come ahead of the first death anniversary of top Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, who was killed by the United States in a drone strike in January 2020.

Read: UN Criticises Donald Trump's Pardon To Blackwater Guards, Terms It 'affront To Justice'

The Trump administration had ordered a strike on Soleimani on January 3 last year, killing the Iranian military general in Iraq's Baghdad region. Iran in retaliation fired rockets on two American bases in Iraq on January 8. The tensions between the two nations also resulted in the downing of a civilian aircraft killing 176 passengers onboard. The Iranian air defence unit, which was on high-alert after attacking US bases, mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian aircraft, thinking its a hostile object.

Read: Trump Push On $2K Checks Flops As GOP-led Senate Won't Vote

Days earlier, Trump had said the US will hold Iran responsible for any attack on its nationals or assets in Iraq. This came after the US embassy in Iraq's highly fortified Green Zone was hit by rockets. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had blamed Iran and its proxies for the attack that killed at least one Iraqi civilian and damaged several properties. Zarif also issued a warning on Twitter, saying Trump should drop all plans of "adventurism" before leaving the White House if he has any.

Read: Trump Extends Visa Sanctions On Countries Refusing To Repatriate Their Nationals


A big fence that was blocking access to a popular walking route for locked down walkers has been removed with a compromise measure put in place by the Office of Public Works.

Local people were astonished and annoyed on January 22 when a fence was placed blocking all access to the publicly-owned grounds via the Wellingtonia Avenue gate. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Following complaints, the OPW has had a rethink on the draconian measure to allow farmers to get to their lands. Instead, crowd control barries have been placed which do not all cars to park but do allow pedestrian access.

The service which manages parks and property around Ireland for the public issued a statement to the Leinster Express after complaints were lodged.

"In recent years the OPW has undertaken significant restoration work on the Wellingtonia Avenue, which was first planted in 1853 by the 3rd Earl of Portarlington.

"The walk has become a significant attraction for regular visitors to Emo Court. Over the past 12 months, an issue has arisen with visitors parking at the end of the avenue adjacent to the public road, preventing local farmers accessing the land with farm equipment. This has been very frustrating for the landowners involved and the OPW has agreed to rectify the issue. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

"The initial fence was erected on Friday the 22nd January and was repositioned on Monday 25th January to prevent vehicular parking, while still allowing pedestrian access to the Wellingtonia Avenue. Visitors to Emo Court are encouraged to park safely in the carpark provided in Emo near the main house and not to block access to the Wellingtonia Avenue," said the statment.
LONDON (AP) - The British government said Saturday that it does not expect any disruptions to its orders for coronavirus vaccines after the European Union emphasized it would not trigger an emergency provision of the Brexit deal as part of its strategy to monitor export of doses produced in the EU.

Cabinet Minister Michael Gove said the government expects the vaccines to be supplied as planned after the EU addressed the "mistake" in its proposal to tighten export rules for COVID-19 vaccines produced in the 27 member nations.

The U.K. government complained late Friday that the bloc had invoked an emergency clause in its divorce deal with Britain to introduce controls on exports from EU member Ireland into Northern Ireland, which is part of the U.K.

After a call between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the EUs executive commission, the EU said it was not invoking the article of the Brexit agreement allowing either side to override parts of the deal.

Gove said Johnson was "very clear" in the call to stress that the U.K. has contractual arrangements with pharmaceutical companies AstraZeneca and Pfizer.

"President von der Leyen was clear that she understood exactly the U.K. governments position, so we expect that those contracts will be honored, we expect that vaccines will continue to be supplied," he added.

A man walks past graffiti reading "No Irish sea border" in the mainly loyalist Donegal road area of South Belfast, Northern Ireland, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. Graffiti has appeared across Loyalist areas in Northern Ireland in recent days as anger grows relating to the Northern Ireland protocol and the row over vaccines across the border into Northern Ireland. The European Union has introduced tighter rules on exports of coronavirus vaccines that could hit shipments to nations like the United Kingdom amid a deepening dispute with drugmaker AstraZeneca over supplies of potentially lifesaving shots. The measure created an outcry Friday in Northern Ireland amid fears it would trigger controls on vaccines shipments produced in the 27-nation bloc. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)

While the U.K. has made progress in its campaign to vaccinate the population against the coronavirus, the EU has faced complaints and criticism for its slow start.

Concerns over the pace of the rollout across the EU's 27 member nations grew over the last week after British-Swedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca said it could not supply EU members with as many doses as originally anticipated because of production capacity limits.

AstraZeneca Chief Executive Pascal Soriot has said that vaccine delivery figures in the contract with the EU were targets, not firm commitments, and the company was unable to meet them because plants in Europe had lower than expected yields from the biological process used to produce the vaccine.

However, the European Commission suspected that doses meant for Europe might have been diverted from an AstraZeneca plant on the continent to the U.K., where two other company sites are located. The EU also wants doses at two sites in Britain to be made available to European citizens.

That was the backdrop to the EU's decision to trigger the Northern Ireland provision on Friday, when EU regulators authorized the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine for use in the EU. As part of the Brexit agreement, goods are supposed to flow freely between the EU and Northern Ireland under special arrangements for the U.K. region designed to protect the peace process on the island of Ireland.

Though it reversed course on that, the EU is pushing ahead with a plan to oversee vaccines manufactured in its member states, a move that could hinder the U.K.s access to supplies, particularly to the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine made in Belgium.

Germanys health minister called Saturday for the European Union to get its "fair share" of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.

In an interview with German weekly newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung, Health Minister Jens Spahn said he wanted transparency from the drugmaker. ,

"Its not about Europe first, but about Europes fair share," Spahn was quoted as saying.

According to the newspaper, Spahn said he wanted to be sure that all of AstraZenecas customers were "affected in the same way" by the production problems the company blamed for the reduction in shipments over the coming months.

The European Union expressed anger this week at AstraZenecas announcement that it would initially only supply 31 million doses of vaccine to the 27-nation bloc, instead of the 80 million doses it had hoped to deliver. The EU said it provided 336 million ($408 million) to help finance the production of AstraZenecas vaccine at four factories months before it was approved by medical regulators.

The row reached a new pitch late Friday when the EU introduced a "vaccine export transparency mechanism to put tighter rules on exports of COVID-19 vaccines.

The EU insists the mechanism is not an export ban and said it would be in place at least until the end of March to ensure member nations get the shots they bought from producers. The World Health Organization has criticized the new EU export rules as "not helpful."

___

Follow all of APs pandemic coverage at

https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic.

https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine and

https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

A woman walks past graffiti reading "Ulster sold out" in the mainly loyalist Donegal road area of South Belfast, Northern Ireland, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. Graffiti has appeared across Loyalist areas in Northern Ireland in recent days as anger grows relating to the Northern Ireland protocol and the row over vaccines across the border into Northern Ireland. The European Union has introduced tighter rules on exports of coronavirus vaccines that could hit shipments to nations like the United Kingdom amid a deepening dispute with drugmaker AstraZeneca over supplies of potentially lifesaving shots. The measure created an outcry Friday in Northern Ireland amid fears it would trigger controls on vaccines shipments produced in the 27-nation bloc. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)

FILE - In this Jan. 4, 2021 file photo Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson watches as nurse Jennifer Dumasi is injected with the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, during a visit to view the vaccination programme at the Chase Farm Hospital in north London, part of the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. (Stefan Rousseau/Pool Photo via AP, File)
New Delhi, Jan 30 : Following two controversial judgments in child sexual offences, the Supreme Court Collegium is learnt to have withdrawn its recommendation to the Centre for the author of these judgments Justice P.V. Ganediwala, who is currently an additional judge of the Bombay High Court, as a permanent judge of the High Court.

On Wednesday, the Attorney General described the judgment, where the judge acquitted a 39-year-old man accused of groping a 12-year-old girl over the dress stating there was no skin-to-skin contact, as disturbing and having potential to set a dangerous precedent.

After the AG mentioning the judgment, the Supreme Court stayed the High Court order acquitting the accused. This interpretation of sexual assault under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, by the judge was termed shocking by many.

In a meeting held on January 20, the collegium headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde had approved the proposal for making Justice Ganediwala a permanent judge of the High Court. Besides the Chief Justice, Justices N.V. Ramana and R.F. Nariman are part of the three-member collegium, which takes decisions in connection with the High Court judges.

On January 28, Justice Ganediwala gave another controversial judgment, where she acquitted a 50-year-old man stating that holding the hand of a five-year-old girl and unzipping his pants in front of her could not be categorised as a sexual offence under POCSO Act. According to a source familiar with the development, these verdicts served as a ground for the collegium to take decision to recall its recommendation to the Centre.

Apart from these judgments, Justice Ganediwala, in other two judgments earlier this month, acquitted two men accused of raping minor girls. The judge had observed victims' testimonies did not generate confidence to fix criminal liability on the accused.

Justice Pushpa Virendra Ganediwala was due for her appointment as a permanent judge after completing two years as an additional judge, but her recent controversial judgments scuttled her chances. She was born on March 3, 1969 at Paratwada in Maharashtra's Amravati district.

In 2007, she was appointed as a district judge. In February 2019, she was elevated as an additional judge of the Bombay High Court.
Acclaimed historians are hitting out at a chairman in charge of renaming 44 San Francisco schools after it was revealed that he refused to consult with them during the decision-making process and his research was based on information he found on Wikipedia.

Earlier this week, the San Francisco Board of Education voted 6-1 to strip 44 public schools of their current monikers because they honor 'racist' figures from American history. Schools named after politicians including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln are now set to be rebranded in the coming months.

The controversial decision comes three years after a task force was established to study the names of the city's 125 schools to determine which ones needed to be replaced amid a nationwide reckoning on race.

Activist and teacher Jeremiah Jeffries served as committee chair on the task force and is said to have 'ridiculed' a proposal to bring in historians for consultation.

Jeffries reportedly stated: 'What would be the point? History is written and documented pretty well across the board. And so, we don't need to belabor history in that regard. We're not debating that. There's no point in debating history in that regard. Either it happened or it didn't.'

He added: 'Based on our criteria, it's a very straightforward conversation. And so, no need to bring historians forward to say  they either pontificate and list a bunch of reasons why, or [say] they had great qualities. Neither are necessary in this discussion.'

Instead, committee members allegedly used references from Wikipedia and other non-scholarly sources to determine which personalities were racist and problematic. Several of those citations has now been proven to be factually incorrect.

According to Mission Local, one committee member urged that the name of acclaimed American poet James Russell Lowell should be stripped off a high school because a Wikipedia citation stated that he did 'not want black people to vote'.

However, that claim is false - and scholarly articles assert that Lowell 'unequivocally advocated giving the ballot to the recently freed slave'.

Acclaimed historians are hitting out Jeremiah Jeffires - the chairman in charge of renaming San Francisco schools after it was revealed that he refused to consult them during the decision-making process

Elsewhere, the committee concluded that Paul Revere's name should be removed from a middle school after citing an article from the History Channel website. Members alleged that Revere's military activities were tied to 'the conquest of the Penobscot Indians'.

In a third example cited by Mission Local, James Lick - who resided in San Francisco - was also deemed 'racist' after members failed to critically read an article about the famous 19th century businessman.

The committee stated that Lick had funded a sculpture showing an American Indian lying at the feet of white men. However, in actuality, 18 years before the sculpture was created, and it was only partially funded by his posthumous estate.

Several of the nation's leading historians are now blasting the committee in a Mission Local article titled: 'The San Francisco School District's renaming debacle has been a historic travesty.'

The scholars assert that Jeffries appeared eager to ignore nuance and academic debate in favor of pursuing his own 'political agenda'.

'The decision not to include historians in the process seems misguided  and assumes a political agenda that is not necessarily fair,' Professor Nicole Maurantonio at the University of Richmond told Mission Local.

'To ignore historians suggests that the actors involved are intent on privileging a version of the past that might fit a particular set of interests that might or might not align with history,' she added.

Eric Foner, a Columbia professor and the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, says the renaming process lacked complexity.

'If you can only name schools after people who were perfect, you will have a lot of unnamed schools,' he told the publication.

Alexis Coe, the author of a best-selling biography on George Washington, concurred.

'We're being confronted with all-or-nothing choices when it comes to our founding history, monuments, or school names. That's not how history works, or our lives work, or how anything works.'

'If you can only name schools after people who were perfect, you will have a lot of unnamed schools': Columbia professor and the Pulitzer Prize-winning author Eric Foner is critical of the process

Professor Nicole Maurantonio at the University of Richmond (left) and author Alexis Coe (right) both says the decision-making process appeared to lack nuance

Jeremiah Jeffries, the man in charge of school renaming, whose Nation of Islam parents inspired him Jeremiah Jeffries, chairman of the renaming committee and a first grade teacher The man behind the renaming of 44 of San Francisco's schools is a first grade teacher who was influenced by his parents - both prominent members of the Nation of Islam - who set up their own Islamic school. Jeremiah Jeffries, chairman of the renaming committee, revealed in an interview his mother told him 'There's nothing mysterious about progression. It's working instead of wishing.' She and her husband set up the Sister Clara Muhammad School that serve a predominately African-American Muslim population. The Nation of Islam, which is defined as an organized hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center for its racist, anti-Semitic and anti-gay teachings and rhetoric of black superiority over whites. Jeffries also led San Francisco's largest school boycott when he encouraged 200 families to send their children to protest the closure of a school, rather then to lessons in 2006. In 1999, Jeffries hit headlines nationwide when he held a protest against teachers spending their own money on school supplies. The San Francisco School District increased the school supply budget for the first time in decades as a result. He has also carved out a reputation as a power-broker for the district's Board of Education, using his influence to get at least four candidates - teaching professionals - appointed. Jeffries grew up in Philadelphia as one of seven children. At the age of 12, after his sister was shot dead, Jeffries had his first taste of working in education as a janitor at a childcare center. He later went to the University of Virginia, where he first got involved in racial justice activism with the Black Student Alliance including getting the first black woman into student office. When he moved to San Francisco he cofounded Teachers 4 Change and, later, Teachers 4 Social Justice activism groups alongside Mark Sanchez - who is also on the renaming committee. Teachers 4 Social Justice was set up to 'help teachers build their practice and become better teachers', holding annual conferences and social justice workshops each year and pushing for education policy reforms. Currently, he is overseeing the name change for 44 of the district's schools after the renaming committee ruled the namesakes are inappropriate or racist. Advertisement

The final decision on school names won't be made until April 19th, but the parents' hope is that there will be enough public opposition that the plan will be abandoned.

Almost 8,000 people have signed an online petition strongly criticizing the decision.

It is estimated that the cost of renaming each school will be $100,000, with schools needing to replace signs, school gear and other branding if their names are forced to change.

In total, the committee is hoping to rename almost a third of the district's 125 schools.

Thomas Edison will be scratched off Thomas Edison Charter Academy due to his 'fondness for electrocuting animals'.

George Washington's name will be removed from the high school named after him. The father of the nation owned slaves and ordered Indians killed.

Herbert Hoover Middle School is to be renamed over the namesake's role in redlining - the segregation of black families - when he was secretary of commerce.

And Roosevelt Middle School faces a rebranding over President Theodore Roosevelt's opposition of civil rights and black suffrage for black people.

Modern figures haven't been spared from the cut either.

Dianne Feinstein, who was Mayor of San Francisco from 1978 to 1988 and has since served as a Democrat California Senator since 1992, will have her name removed from Dianne Feinstein Elementary because she 'allowed police dogs to attack Filipino veteran elders', the committee ruled.

Jeffries said Feinstein has never made amends for these failings.

Abraham Lincoln High School in the Sunset neighborhood of San Francisco is now set to be renamed

The president, who is often held up as an American hero for abolishing slavery, is just one of 44 historical figures that could soon have their names scratched off schools within the San Francisco Unified School District

However, there has been strong backlash to the decision to rename the schools, with thousands signing a new petition.

'As parents/constituents, we strongly disagree with this decision - when schools are still yet to open and SFUSD has not come up with an effective plan for remote learning, we believe that renaming schools is the wrong priority,' the petition reads.

'As Mayor London Breed recently said, this decision by the School Board is '...offensive. It's offensive to parents who are juggling their children's daily at-home learning schedules with doing their own jobs and maintaining their sanity...It's offensive to our kids who are staring at screens day after day instead of learning and growing with their classmates and friends.'

However, San Francisco Board of Education President Gabriela Lopez has defended the decision.

'I want to ensure people this in no way cancels or erases history,' she stated.

'But it does shift from upholding them and honoring them, and these opportunities are a great way to have that conversation about our past and have an opportunity to uplift new voices.'

Lopez said the decision is timely and important and sends a strong message that goes beyond racism tied to slavery and condemns wider 'racist symbols and white supremacy culture we see in our country.'

Senator Diane Feinstein (left) could have her name removed from Dianne Feinstein Elementary (right)

Roosevelt Middle School (right) could also be rebranding over President Theodore Roosevelt's (left) opposition of civil rights and black suffrage for black people

The committee concluded that Paul Revere's name should be removed from a middle school after citing an article from the History Channel website. Members alleged that Revere's military activities were tied to 'the conquest of the Penobscot Indians'.
The EU has said it is not triggering the safeguard clause to ensure the Northern Ireland Protocol is unaffected after widespread condemnation following its actions to place export controls on coronavirus vaccines.

In a statement issued tonight, the Commission said it is putting in place a measure requiring that exports of vaccines are subject to an authorisation by Member States.

"In the process of finalisation of this measure, the Commission will ensure that the Ireland / Northern Ireland Protocol is unaffected. The Commission is not triggering the safeguard clause.

"Should transits of vaccines and active substances toward third countries be abused to circumvent the effects of the authorisation system, the EU will consider using all the instruments at its disposal.

"In the process of finalising the document, the Commission will also be fine-tuning the decision-making process under the implementing regulation."

It said the final version of the regulation will be published tomorrow following its adoption.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin welcomed the decision by the EU saying it is a "positive development" given the many challenges being faced as a result of the pandemic.

Welcome decision by the European Commission tonight not to invoke the safeguard clause of the Ireland / Northern Ireland Protocol following constructive discussions with @vonderleyen



This is a positive development given the many challenges we face in tackling COVID-19.  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) January 29, 2021

President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen said she spoke with the Taoiseach to agree on a satisfactory way to introduce an export authorisation mechanism for Covid vaccines.

Ms von der Leyen also spoke with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

"We agreed on the principle that there should not be restrictions on the export of vaccines by companies where they are fulfilling contractual responsibilities," said Ms von der Leyen.

Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney said that while the decision is welcome news, lessons should be learned.

The Protocol is not something to be tampered with lightly, it's an essential, hard-won compromise, protecting peace and trade for many.

Responding to tonight's decision from the EU, Deputy leader of the DUP, Nigel Dodds said: "EU still absolutely prepared to implement hard border.

"Exposes hypocrisy over their demand for Protocol barriers to trade within the UK."

Boris Johnson had warned European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen of his grave concerns over Brussels move to invoke Article 16 on Friday.

But an EU source told the PA news agency the move had been a misjudgment, as the European Commission backtracked to say it is not triggering the safeguard clause to ensure the protocol is unaffected.

Spanish foreign minister Arancha Gonzalez-Laya said the triggering of Article 16 was an accident.

I understand, and this is what I hear from the European Commission, that there was an accident, she told BBC Newsnight.

The accident or the mishap has been repaired and I think that is important.

She insisted the EUs wider move to control exports of vaccines was not a hostile act against third countries.

This is the mechanism of transparency that the EU needs that a particular pharmaceutical company today honours its commitment, as simple as that, she said.

Taoiseach 'raises concerns' over EU controls on vaccines to NI with EC President von der Leyen

Update 9pm: The Taoiseach has been in contact with EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen to raise concerns about the decision to override part of the Northern Ireland Brexit protocol in order to block vaccines entering the UK.

A spokesperson for Micheal Martin said that the Taoiseach was aware of the issue and is "in discussions" with Ursula Von der Leyen to raise concerns about the matter.

The Taoiseach's action follows a decision by the EU to prevent Northern Ireland from being used as a back door to funnel coronavirus vaccines from the bloc into the rest of the UK.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the Taoiseach have had a constructive discussion this evening, according to Downing Street.

A No 10 spokesman said: The PM set out his concerns about the EUs use of Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol and what these actions may mean for the two communities in Northern Ireland.

The PM stressed the UKs enduring commitment to the Belfast/Good Friday agreement and said the EU must urgently clarify its intentions and what steps it plans to take to ensure its own commitments with regards to Northern Ireland are fully honoured.

The PM stressed the UKs commitment to working together with other countries in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Johnson has also expressed his grave concerns to EU chief Ursula von der Leyen over the potential impact on the exports of coronavirus vaccines caused by the blocs actions, No 10 said.

The EU has moved to prevent Northern Ireland from being used as a back door to funnel coronavirus vaccine from the bloc into the rest of the UK (Jacob King/PA)

Stormont First Minister Arlene Foster branded the EUs triggering of Article 16 of Brexits Northern Ireland Protocol to stop unfettered flow of inoculations from the EU into the region an incredible act of hostility.

The protocol, which is part of the Brexit withdrawal deal, normally allows for free movement of goods from the EU into Northern Ireland.

Under the terms of the protocol, goods should be able to move freely between the EU and Northern Ireland as the region remains in the single market for goods and still operates under EU customs rules.

The EU has triggered Article 16 of the protocol to temporarily place export controls on this movement in respect of vaccines.

It comes amid a deepening row over the allocation of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine after the company announced delays to its EU operations.

The move to activate Article 16 will frustrate any effort to use Northern Ireland as a back door to bring vaccines into Great Britain.

Mrs Foster said: By triggering Article 16 in this manner, the European Union has once again shown it is prepared to use Northern Ireland when it suits their interests but in the most despicable manner  over the provision of a vaccine which is designed to save lives.

At the first opportunity, the EU has placed a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland over the supply chain of the coronavirus vaccine.

The regulation means Northern Ireland will be considered an export territory for the purposes of vaccine sent from the EU/the Republic of Ireland.

Northern Irelands vaccines arrive from the rest of the UK at present so those will be unaffected.

The DUP leader added: With the European Union using Article 16 in such an aggressive and most shameful way, it is now time for our Government to step up.

I will be urging the Prime Minister to act and use robust measures including Article 16 to advance the interests of Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom.

The DUP has previously pressed the British Government to invoke the Article 16 mechanism because of disruption to the movement of goods between Britain and Northern Ireland.

The European Commission said: Exports of goods from Northern Ireland to other parts of the United Kingdom cannot be restricted by Union law unless this is strictly required by international obligations of the Union.

Therefore, movements of goods covered by this regulation between the Union and Northern Ireland should be treated as exports.

Read More AstraZeneca vaccine to be delivered a week early following EU approval

Whilst quantitative restrictions on exports are prohibited between the Union and Northern Ireland, in accordance with Article 5 (5) of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, this is justified as a safeguard measure pursuant to Article 16 of that Protocol in order to avert serious societal difficulties due to a lack of supply threatening to disturb the orderly implementation of the vaccination campaigns in the member states.

UUP leader Steve Aiken said Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis should be embarrassed.

He added: The EU is unilaterally invoking Article 16 to protect its own interests and its about time the UK Government did the same instead of being lead actors in a ridiculous charade that there is no border in the Irish Sea and that Article 16 cant be invoked.

Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister said the EU was showing its callous true colours.

He said: This afternoons invocation of Article 16 of the protocol to inhibit exports of Covid vaccines from the EU to Northern Ireland is the most telling illustration imaginable that for the EU the protocol is a plaything to be exploited when it suits its selfish interests.

The idea that the EU cares anything for Northern Ireland or its people is exposed as utterly bogus.

The effect of todays regulation is to disavow the much vaunted free trade from the EU to Northern Ireland as part of its single market and instead to treat deliveries of vaccines from the EU to Northern Ireland as exports, which they can then restrict, lest such vaccines would make their way to Great Britain.
Jaipur:

A couple, reportedly having an extra-marital affair, were allegedly tied to a tree and beaten up by the family of the woman in Udaipur, police told on Saturday



The incident took place in Ladia Ki Khedi village on Friday wherein the parents of the 20-year-old woman called her lover (22) to their village on some pretext. They later tied the lovers to a tree near their house and beat them up, they said.



The villagers came to their rescue following which the couple fled the area.



The man and the woman were married separately. They were allegedly having an extra-marital affair for some time, police said.



Meanwhile, the man's father, Babuta Gameti, lodged an FIR against the woman's parents over the incident, they said, adding no arrests have been made so far.
As I watched the horrific events of 6 January unfold in Washington DC, my heart sank. It was disheartening, if not totally unexpected, to witness the end of the Donald Trump era with domestic terrorists storming the Capitol building while brandishing Confederate flags and wearing MAGA (Make America Great Again) hats. The attack felt like a life-threatening assault on the values that have attracted millions of people from all over the world, myself included, to the United States.

But eventually it dawned on me that 6 January wasnt the beginning of something new. It was rather the last gasp of disgruntled people desperate to hold on to a world about to be irrevocably transformed. The best symbol of that change, and of the American values that many of us cherish, is the new vice president, Kamala Harris. A woman of color, the daughter of immigrants from India and Jamaica, and wife to a white Jewish man, Harris represents another side of America, one that takes pride in diversity as a central tenet of American life. If the story of our new vice president represents the dawn of a new multi-cultural majority in the United States, it can also serve as the beacon for a new kind of global belonging that is desperately needed now.

The perils of the pandemic have made it clear that no person or nation is an island. We must see our independence in relation to our interdependence. It involves recognizing the reality of our diversity while cherishing what we have in common. Two countries, more than many others, have the potential of creating this new kind of relational global identity out of the multiplicity they embody at home: The U.S and India. Ironically, the ideals of creating one out of many" are tarnished in both countries at the moment.

Kamala Harris, through the heritage of her mother Shyamala Gopalan Harris, has lived with the reality of multiple belongings. She has said that she learned to be equally comfortable with temple-going, sari-wearing aunties in South India and her African American sorority sisters at Howard University because of the values her mother taught her at the height of the civil rights era in the US. She learned to respect differences among her larger group of family and friends through their common humanity. Embedded in her experience, which is shared by millions of others, is a sense of mutual responsibilitya value that we must nurture in an age of easy viral transmissions, instant communication, and global threats like climate change. Learning to navigate local conditions, national priorities, and global considerations simultaneously is now an urgent necessity.

The United Stateshome to people from around the worldshould be on the forefront of creating this new kind of interdependent belonging, one that looks at national concerns in relation to rather than in opposition to global considerations. However, the strain that sees anything global" as antithetical to national" runs deep in the countrys blood. It became a predominant theme in the rhetoric of former president Trump, who declared repeatedly that only those who support "America First"the nationalists as opposed to globalistsare true patriots. This exclusionary attitude was plainly visible at the insurrection on Capitol Hill. Recasting global interdependence in positive termsas not antithetical to but in relation to our local and national interestswill be a tremendous challenge. The biography of our new vice president, and the stories of millions of others who learn to navigate the journey of multi-rooted belongings, provide a path to create a new kind of relational global belonging.

This concept of mutuality and expansive belonging is not new to India. After all, it was first articulated some 3,000 years ago in an ancient Indian Vedic text: Treat the world as family. In India, the Sanskrit phase, Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam graces the entrance of the Parliament building. Its been used so much that it feels cliched and abstract to the point of being meaningless. Its also fair to say that the spirit captured in the phrase is now hard to find in the divisive rhetoric so commonly expressed in the country. As fragile as it may feel in India in the contemporary context, it should serve as a north star for the country and for the world.

All humans instinctively understand what it means to be a member of a family. In a healthy family, each person learns to be independent through the strength of the collective. We learn to let go of grudges for the sake of the unity of the larger group, and we learn to come to each others aid in the times of need. We learn to accept differences and expand our sense of belonging. Conversely, when families are dysfunctional, the emotional dissonances hurt not only individuals but the whole collective enterprise.

We have learned through the coronavirus crisis that our global family of almost 8 billion people is deeply wounded and in need of repair. We have also learned, as the secretary general of the United Nations has remarked, none of us can be healthy unless every one of us is healthy.

These are dark and difficult days for America and India as they are for the world. The Joe Biden-Harris administration will have its hands full in steadying the domestic ship. In India as well, the temptation to remain divisive and parochial may persist. However, none of the political leaders in either country has the luxury of focusing only on local and national issues at the expense of the global priorities. In fact, as exemplified in Harris' story, they have a unique opportunity to pave the way in making our global family more functional and whole again. The survival of our planet depends on it.

Vishakha N. Desai is a member of the governing council of Krea University

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A team of Boston University researchershailing from BU's National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL), the Center for Regenerative Medicine (CReM) at BU's Medical Campus, and BU's Center for Network Systems Biology (CNSB)embarked on a months-long, collaborative and interdisciplinary quest, combining multiple areas of expertise in virology, stem cell-derived lung tissue engineering, and deep molecular sequencing, MedicalXpress informs.

"What makes this research unusual is that we looked at very early time points [of infection], at just one hour after the virus infects lung cells. It was scary to see that the virus already starts to damage the cells so early during infection," says Elke Muhlberger, one of the study's senior investigators and a virologist at BU's NEIDL.

"The most striking aspect is how many molecular pathways are impacted by the virus," says Andrew Emili, another of the study's senior investigators, and the director of BU's CNSB, which specializes in proteomics and deep sequencing of molecular interactions, MedicalXpress reports.
Irish President Michael D Higgins has paid tribute to Foyle Hospice founder Doctor Tom McGinley.

Dr McGinley died on Thursday at the age of 86.

Dr McGinley, a native of Gweedore, set up a small steering committee in 1984 to fundraise before officially opening the Foyle Hospice in the city in 1985 and, since that opening, the deeply-valued palliative care centre has been a source of great comfort and assistance to thousands of families across not only the city, but the entire district.

Dr McGinley was honoured for his selfless and life-changing work by Derry City Council in 2014 when he was awarded the prestigious Freedom of Derry.

He also received a papal knighthood from Pope John Paul II in 2002 and has a sculpture in his honour in St Columb's Park.

The death of Dr. Tom McGinley will have been heard of with great sadness by so man," said President Higgins.

"It is the passing of an extraordinary human being, a great humanitarian who leaves an exemplary legacy of medicine and care without borders or exclusions.

"The contribution to that legacy by those of different affiliations is a tribute to the breadth and generosity of Dr. McGinleys vision, and the great respect and affection with which his name will be recalled.

"As a founder, the Foyle Hospice stands as an example of what can be done together in medicine and in offering care.

"This achievement, the establishment of the Hospice, was just one part of the contribution of a dedicated doctor committed to his community."

President Higgins said Dr McGinleys birth in the United States and his return to Donegal is the story of a wonderful migration and the culture attached to it.

"His life and experience is an example of the respect for language, all languages. He exercised that respect with an admirable wisdom, kindness and judgment.

"Sabina and I would like to offer our sincere condolences to his children Ciaran, Aisling, Ronan, Sinead, to his wider family circle, his many friends and all those whose lives he has touched with such grace over the years.

An online Book of Condolence has been opened in honour of Dr McGinley. It can be signed HERE.

Chino, CA (91710)

Today

Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High 77F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. Low 56F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.
NORTH CHARLESTON  Mayor Keith Summey touched on a variety of topics in his 2021 State of the City address while also applauding the city's response to the coronavirus.

Summey, now in his seventh term as North Charleston's leader, called 2020 his most difficult year in public service, as the state's third-largest city grappled with the ongoing pandemic while also trying to meet the community's needs.

The address was prerecorded and released during Thursday's City Council meeting. The mayor said that regardless of an $18 million budget shortfall amid the pandemic, staff found innovative ways to provide essential services.

Despite the challenges, our city must go on," Summey said.

Councilman Ron Brinson told the mayor toward the end of the meeting he felt the address was the mayor's best State of the City presentation. He called it constructive and positive.

Brinson also praised how the mayor and city staff have managed city finances during the crisis by cutting costs while also preserving essential services like fire and police.

"I think financially, were going to have to be well-disciplined and nimble for at least two years," said Brinson, who chairs the Finance Committee.

A.J. Davis, president of the Chicora-Cherokee neighborhood association said he wished the mayor had addressed city's homelessness issue.

Davis recently asked City Council to create a task force to look into solutions to help those without places to stay. He said homelessness is the "next crisis" that cities across the nation will need to confront, especially once the pandemic subsides.

Cities have got to realize they do have a responsibility to be very visible, out front on this issue," Davis said.

The mayor discussed a variety of topics, including recreation, transportation, redevelopment on the city's south end and police and community relations. Summey spoke to the challenges small businesses face and encouraged community support for locally owned shops.

The mayor also addressed the killing of George Floyd, which sparked protests nationally and in North Charleston.

Here's a breakdown of what Summey said in his 2021 address:

Recreation

Summey touted a handful of recreation projects the city either started or completed last year. Most significant is the $22.5 million North Charleston Aquatic Center completed over the summer. The space, built in partnership with Dorchester District 2, serves as the Lowcountry's first aquatic center with an Olympic-size pool.

The city also started and completed $1 million worth of renovations at Riverfront Park, which included repairs on the park's shoreline and boardwalk. The new Park Forest playground also opened this year. It provides children an opportunity to get out of the house in small groups and play together, the mayor said.

George Floyd

Summey said the killing of George Floyd "should have never occurred" and drew parallels to Walter Scott, a Black man shot to death by a North Charleston police officer.

"On that day, as with the murder of Walter Scott, an officer of the law forgot his oath," Summey said. "It saddens me as a nation that we have not progressed further. Racism anywhere is an injustice. And in North Charleston, it is not tolerated.

The death sparked demonstrations at City Hall, where protesters drew more attention to racism and systemic injustices.

Transportation

Summey said infrastructure must keep pace with growth and praised a handful of road projects aimed at easing congestion. The largest is the billion-dollar Interstate 526 widening project conducted by the state Department of Transportation.

Several smaller endeavors are being spearheaded by the county to help with traffic flow: Palmetto Commerce Phase 3, Palmetto Commerce Interchange and the Airport Connector Road.

Lowcountry Rapid Transit, being organized by the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments, is also an endeavor that's moving in the right direction, Summey said.

The city also is looking at ways to enhance multimodal travel across the Ashley River, the mayor said. North Charleston has been examining how it can establish safe access at the North Bridge, connecting North Charleston and West Ashley, for walkers and bikers.

South-end revitalization

Efforts are moving forward to help redevelop the southern part of North Charleston. The mayor highlighted a developer's plan to redevelop the old Charleston Naval Hospital into apartments and Charleston County's work in creating a social services hub at the former Shipwatch Square site.

Around corner from those projects, the old Chicora elementary school will become an early childhood education center and cultural arts center.

Summey said the city is continuing to look at ways to bring progress to the area, despite budgetary constraints.

Police and community relations

The city approved a long-awaited racial bias audit last year that will examine the department's practices and policies.

Additionally, the city launched ncpdopendata.com, a website providing analytical data, including use-of-force incidents and complaints against officers.

As the audit is conducted, Summey urged the public to a partner with the department.
Firefighters battled flames, smoke and wickedly cold weather Friday when a double home in West Hazleton caught fire.

The fire at 322-324 N. Fifth St. was ruled accidental, caused by an electrical malfunction, said West Hazleton Fire Chief Richard Sparks.

Three people were displaced on each side on the building but instead of seeking services with the American Red Cross, they sought shelter with family and friends until the homes are repaired. No injuries to firefighters or residents were reported.

Sparks said it appeared the fire started above the ceiling between the first and second floors, though it was hard to say on which side of the duplex it originated.

It had a pretty good start. It looked like it had been burning for a while, said Sparks.

One of the occupants noticed smoke and poked a hole through the plaster ceiling, finding flames. After that, volunteer firefighters were called out to the house at the corner of Boundary Street by Luzerne County 911 just before 9:30 p.m. for smoke filling the house.

And boy was it ever, Sparks said.

Firefighters approached the closest viable hydrant in the area at 13th and McNair streets in Hazleton but found the outlet cap was rusted shut, Sparks said. The next closest hydrant was at Fifth and Tamarack. Water volume and pressure there wasnt the best but crews were able to extinguish the fire, said the chief. Firefighters used water from tanks on their engines until Hazleton firefighters came with an engine and established the water supply from Tamarack Street, Sparks said.

Crews believe the fire started on the 324 side and extended to 322 but it was hard to tell as Sparks said the fire had spread far by the time firefighters were called and eventually broke out of the exterior wall in the rear of the building, above the first floor porch roof. Wind out of the northwest hit the back of the building where the fire was exposed, spreading the flames and posing a challenge for crews. Wind was also blowing the smoke crews were ventilating outside back into the upper floors, Sparks said.

With temperatures in the teens, Sparks said water was freezing when it hit the ground, resulting in West Hazletons road department spreading salt in the area. But, water was also freezing on firefighters equipment.

We had ladders iced over real fast, and the valves on the boroughs engine 2 began freezing.

Once the bulk of the fire was out, firefighters began pulling out parts of the ceilings and opening up walls to ensure any flames that spread there were extinguished, too.

The firefighters, in spite of the weather conditions, did a fantastic job, he said, and remained on scene in the cold until about 12:45 a.m. Saturday.

Hazleton, Hazle Twp., Valley Regional and Sugarloaf firefighters were called in to assist with manpower, Sparks said, as firefighters had to be rotated out of the firefight often for rehabilitation due to the temperatures. Greater Hazleton EMS and Lehigh Valley EMS offered the rehab and West Hazleton police also responded.

A neighbor displayed sympathy for the first responders, passing out soup.

He saved the night, the chief said.

Those living on the 324 side were grateful, because they thought they were going to lose everything, according to the chief.

Its good to hear that, Sparks said.

The chief said one cat ran out of one of the homes while crews were battling the fire. They didnt see it again, so its unclear if the feline was reunited with its family.

While the homes sustained a lot of damage, they can be repaired and the residents will be able to salvage most of their possessions. Damage was sustained to the interior ceilings and walls and the exterior wall where the fire broke out while smoke and water damaged was incurred throughout the homes.
President Joe Biden speaks as Vice President Kamala Harris looks on during an event on the economic crisis, in the State Dining Room of the White House Jan. 22, 2021 in Washington, DC. President Biden spoke on his administrations response to the economic crisis that was caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and signed two executive orders. Indian American writer Nirmalya Chatterjee says here: His emphasis on unity is very well placed. His steady hand and gentle approach will get the country back on its track. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)


An organisation named Jaish-Ul-Hind has claimed responsibility for the blast with took place outside Israel embassy in New Delhi on Friday, i.e January 29. Jash-Ul-Hind was previously unheard of and no information is available about this organisation, according to India Today.

The only thing that connects 'Jaish-Ul-Hind' to the blast, as of now, is a screenshot claiming to be from Telegram app which has gone viral. In the screenshot, 'Jaish-Ul-Hind' has claimed that they were behind the blast which occurred yesterday.

Source from investigating agencies have stated that they won't issue a statement on this development till the time they have procured evidence of 'Jaish-Ul-Hind' actually being behind the blast. Sources also told that investigating agencies suspect that the viral screenshot may be an attempt to mislead the investigation.

In the viral screenshot, 'Jaish-Ul-Hind' claims, "By the grace and help of Almighty Allah, soldiers of Jaish-Ul-Hind were able to infiltrate a high security area in Delhi and carry out an IED attack. This Allah willing is beginning of a series of attacks which would target major Indian cities and pay back in kind to the atrocities committed by the Indian state. Wait and we are waiting too."

Meanwhile, Delhi Police has recovered the remnant of a battery which they suspect may have used for the timer of the IED which had exploded yesterday. The police have stated that it is clear that a timer was used to trigger the minor IED explosion. This completely rules out the theory that the IED was tossed outside the Israel embassy from a moving bike or car.

Sources have claimed that high-grade explosives were used in the explosion was most likely PETN, but further analysis is taking place. A team comprising of National Security Guard (NSG) personnel has been roped in to analyse the explosives.

An IED explosion occurred on the pavement outside the Israel embassy in New Delhi yesterday at 5:05 pm. The blast smashed the windscreen of a few cars which were parked outside the embassy. No person sustained any injuries in the explosion.

Also read: Minor blast outside Israel Embassy in Delhi; none injured, says Police

Also read: Who is General Qassem Suleimani? Iran's top commander killed by the US
WASHINGTON - Two members of Congress from Massachusetts have tested positive for the coronavirus, one after receiving both doses of the vaccine, a reminder that people can still be vulnerable to infection after being vaccinated, particularly in the two weeks after receiving the second dose.

Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-Mass., tested positive for the virus on Friday afternoon after a staff member in his Boston office tested positive earlier in the week, his spokeswoman Molly Rose Tarpey said.

Lynch received a second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine before the inauguration of President Biden on Jan. 20, but his office declined to specify the date it was administered. Lynch had tested negative for the virus before attending the inaugural ceremonies, Tarpey said.

"While Mr. Lynch remains asymptomatic and feels fine, he will self-quarantine and will vote by proxy in Congress during the coming week," she said.

Tarpey added that Lynch "has followed CDC guidelines and continues to do so since he received the vaccine."

Another Democrat from Massachusetts, Rep. Lori Trahan, announced Thursday that she had tested positive for the virus and was asymptomatic. Trahan, whose staff members have been working remotely, also said she planned to vote by proxy next week.

"I encourage everyone to continue taking this virus seriously and to follow the science and data-driven guidance to wear a mask, maintain a safe social distance from others, avoid large gatherings and stay home whenever possible," Trahan said.

Trahan received her first shot of one of the vaccines last week, spokeswoman Francis Grubar told The Washington Post.

Occasional cases of people testing positive after receiving one or both doses are not unexpected, medical experts say. Clinical trial data published by Pfizer show that the vaccine is about 52% effective at preventing illness after the first shot, compared to 95% effectiveness seven days after the second dose.

A small number of patients can still become mildly sick even after they are fully vaccinated. But only one of the roughly 20,000 people who received both doses in the clinical trial developed severe covid-19, suggesting the vaccine is powerful protection against the most dangerous cases of the disease.

Members of Congress began getting vaccinated as early as Dec. 18, but Lynch at the time said he was "waiting for the vaccine to be first offered to health care personnel, first responders and vulnerable seniors" in his district, the Boston Herald reported. It is unclear when Lynch ultimately received his first dose of the vaccine; he would have received the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine about three to four weeks after the first.

Public health experts have emphasized that it usually takes one week after the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to reach 95% efficacy and two weeks after the second dose of the Moderna vaccine to reach 94% efficacy.

"There's no vaccine that I know that protects you the same day you get it," Onyema Ogbuagu, the principal investigator for Pfizer's vaccine trial at Yale University, told The Washington Post's Allyson Chiu. "On a population level, 95% efficacy still translates to 5/100, or 50/1,000, or 500/10,000 vaccinated persons still being vulnerable to symptomatic disease and maybe even more having asymptomatic carriage."

At least 23.2 million people in the United States have received one or both doses of the vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that vaccinated people continue to wear masks, socially distance, avoid poorly ventilated spaces and wash their hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus.

"We also don't yet know whether getting a covid-19 vaccine will prevent you from spreading the virus that causes covid-19 to other people, even if you don't get sick yourself," CDC guidelines state. "While experts learn more about the protection that covid-19 vaccines provide under real-life conditions, it will be important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic."

Mask-wearing in particular has become politicized, including in the hallways of Congress. After the Jan. 6 siege at the Capitol, several Democrats said they feared they had been exposed to the virus after sheltering with Republican lawmakers who refused to wear masks. In the following, at least three lawmakers tested positive for the virus.

On Friday, Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., accused Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., of berating her in the hallways after she told Greene to put on a mask. The incident, coupled with other hostile rhetoric and Greene's refusal to abide by rules and protocols put in place because of the pandemic, prompted Bush to decide to move her office away from Greene's for safety reasons, the Missouri lawmaker said.

- - -

The Washington Posts Mike DeBonis contributed to this report.
New research from the University of Sheffield has found being overweight is an additional burden on brain health and it may exacerbate Alzheimer's disease.

The pioneering multimodal neuroimaging study revealed obesity may contribute toward neural tissue vulnerability, whilst maintaining a healthy weight in mild Alzheimer's disease dementia could help to preserve brain structure.

The findings, published in The Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Reports, also highlight the impact being overweight in mid-life could have on brain health in older age.

More than 50 million people are thought to be living with Alzheimer's disease and despite decades of ground breaking studies and a huge global research effort we still don't have a cure for this cruel disease. Prevention plays such an important role in the fight against the disease. It is important to stress this study does not show that obesity causes Alzheimer's, but what it does show is that being overweight is an additional burden on brain health and it may exacerbate the disease." Professor Annalena Venneri, University of Sheffield's Neuroscience Institute and NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Study's Lead Author

She added: "The diseases that cause dementia such as Alzheimer's and vascular dementia lurk in the background for many years, so waiting until your 60s to lose weight is too late. We need to start thinking about brain health and preventing these diseases much earlier. Educating children and adolescents about the burden being overweight has on multimorbidities including neurodegenerative diseases is vital."

Researchers from the University of Sheffield and the University of Eastern Finland examined MRI brain scans from 47 patients clinically diagnosed with mild Alzheimer's disease dementia, 68 patients with mild cognitive impairment, and 57 cognitively healthy individuals.

The novel study used three complementary, computational techniques to look at the anatomy of the brain, blood flow and also the fibres of the brain.

The international team compared multiple brain images and measured differences in local concentrations of brain tissues to assess grey matter volume - which degenerates during the onset of Alzheimers - white matter integrity, cerebral blood flow and obesity.

In mild dementia patients, a positive association was found between obesity and grey matter volume around the right temporoparietal junction. This suggests obesity might contribute toward neural vulnerability in cognitively healthy individuals and those with mild cognitive impairment.

The study also found that maintaining a healthy weight in mild Alzheimer's disease dementia could help preserve brain structure in the presence of age and disease-related weight loss.

Joint author of the study, Dr Matteo De Marco from the University of Sheffield's Neuroscience Institute, said: "Weight-loss is commonly one of the first symptoms in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease as people forget to eat or begin to snack on easy-to-grab foods like biscuits or crisps, in place of more nutritional meals.

"We found that maintaining a healthy weight could help preserve brain structure in people who are already experiencing mild Alzheimer's disease dementia. Unlike other diseases such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes, people don't often think about the importance of nutrition in relation to neurological conditions, but these findings show it can help to preserve brain structure."

The study was conducted in collaboration with the University of Eastern Finland. Professor Hilkka Soininen, joint author of the paper said: "The results emphasize different perspectives on lifestyle and nutrition in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. It's important to avoid obesity for brain health, but for patients with Alzheimer's disease, it is essential to take care of proper nutrition and maintain a healthy weight."

The Neuroscience Institute at the University of Sheffield brings together leading experts in medicine, science and engineering to better understand the nervous system and tackle the biggest challenges in neuroscience.
Photo: File photo

The union representing Canada Line workers announced Friday that it has issued a 72-hour strike notice after negotiations with the employer broke down.

The strike notice was issued to Canada Line operator Protrans BC after four days of mediation, according to a statement from the B.C. Government and Service Employees Union (BCGEU), which said no significant progress was made on the key issues of wage parity with other SkyTrain workers, improved sick leave and contract length.

This dispute is about frontline workers fighting for the respect and support they deserve, said Stephanie Smith, president of the BCGEU.

The bottom line is our members are demanding fair compensation, meaningful sick benefits and basic respect from their employer for the vital services theyve provided to our communities, especially during the pandemic.

The BCGEU represents about 180 Canada Line workers, who have been without a contract since Dec. 31, 2019. Negotiations began in February 2020.

The Canada Line is privately operated by Protrans BC, which is owned by SNC-Lavalin.

The two parties are set to return to the bargaining table on Sunday, Jan. 31.

Our members do not want to go on strike, they want to keep working and serving the public as they have done every day since their contract expired in December 2019, said Smith.

What our members want is a fair contract. We know the bargaining table is the best way to get there and we are willing to use every minute of the next 72 hours to get that done. If those efforts fail, our members are prepared to take the next step.

Protrans BC said in a statement that passengers depend on the Canada Line each day and it remains committed to reaching a fair agreement with the union.

If a strike occurs, the Millenium and Expo Lines would not be affected as those workers are represented by a different union.
As the revelation came out that Subway's tuna sandwich does not even contain fish, the American fast food restaurant franchise is now being sued.

Based on two Bay Area customers who said that if a consumer will be buying Subway's tuna sandwich, chances are they will be eating allegedly a sandwich that was made from anything but tuna.

No Tuna in Tuna Sandwich

Last week, two residents of Alameda County filed a lawsuit in the federal court in San Francisco, as they accused Subway of misrepresenting its tuna sandwich.

The plaintiffs who were identified as Nilima Amin and Karen Dhanowa claimed that they have performed independent lab tests of samples of tuna which are taken from numerous Subway branches in the state of California.

According to the complaint by the plaintiffs, the tests that they have run proved that the said tuna used by Subway is in fact a mixture of numerous concoctions that do not constitute tuna.

They also added that the American fast food restaurant franchise is actually blending the ingredients together in order to create and imitate the appearance of tuna.

On the other hand, the said complaint does not have any specification regarding the information from the lab tests were revealed or even the components of does Subway's tuna sandwich has.

According to DailyMail, Subway has denied the said claims and clarified that the tuna used in their sandwiches is real and were freshly caught fish at the sea.

Read also: North Korea Hackers Seek Cyber Research Through Fake Social Media Accounts, Google Says

In addition, the spokesperson of the company shared that the said claims are meritless and emphasized that there is no truth behind the allegations thrown at them as mentioned in the complaint that was filed in the state of California.

Also, the spokesperson stated that their company is delivering 100 percent pure cooked tuna to their restaurants, and after receiving it, it is mixed with mayonnaise and filled in freshly made sandwiches, salads, and wraps which they are serving on a daily basis.

Moreover, it is also mentioned that the taste and the quality of their tuna is the reason why Subway's tuna sandwich is one of their most popular product consumed by the public.

Also, the spokesperson emphasized that these baseless accusations threaten to damage their franchisees, which are small business owners who are working tirelessly in upholding the high standards set by Subway in its products which includes its tuna, CBS reported.

The spokesperson also pointed out that the claims were just baseless efforts of mischaracterization and tarnishing the high-quality products that Subway is providing to its customers, not only in California but throughout the world.

Subway's tuna sandwich is billed by the company as freshly baked bread which contains tuna flakes that are balanced, and it needs to with blended with creamy mayo.

Also, when customers purchased their products, they are also given a choice of fresh veggies and crisp in an array of options, USA Today reported via MSN.

Lastly, the Attorney representative of the plaintiffs, Alex Brown, also shared that they are reviewing the complaint and are currently determining the types of ingredients that are used in Subway's tuna sandwich.

Related article: Police Chief Resigns After Being Suspended Following Investigation on Document Fraud

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

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A district court judge dismissed the second Lee High School-related lawsuit brought against Midland ISD last fall.

Judge Tryon Lewis, sitting by assignment in the District 238th Court, dismissed the lawsuit filed by Carie McNeil and the nonprofit organization Save Lee Rebels.

The original copy of the lawsuit filed on Oct. 29 showed a petition calling for the removal of James Fuller of District 1, Rick Davis of District 6, Robert Marquez of District 2, John Trischitti III of District 5 and John Kennedy of District 4.

That petition was amended to include Davis, Marquez and Trischitti. Kennedy opted not to run for reelection and Fuller lost a runoff for the District 1 seat.

The lawsuit stated that according to subchapter of Chapter 87 of the Texas Local Government Code, a district judge may  remove from office a member of the board of trustees of an independent school district and that Local Government Code 87.013 states a school board trustee may be removed for incompetency, which is defined as gross ignorance of official duties, gross carelessness in the discharge of those duties, or unfitness or inability to promptly and properly discharge official duties because of a serious physical or mental defect that did not exist at the time of the officers election.

In the order denying the request for citation and dismissing action, Lewis wrote, Having considered the statutory authority and the pleading of record, the court finds the petitioners request for citation is not well-taken and should be denied.

The cause of action was dismissed with the costs of court assessed against the petitioners.

In November, a lawsuit brought forth by Jeremy Shane Mansell against Midland ISD was dismissed. Mansell was seeking a temporary restraining order and temporary and permanent injunction against Midland ISD as the district attempted to rename Robert E. Lee High School and freshman school.
Vietnam's health ministry approved the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine for domestic inoculation, the first vaccine against Covid-19 to be approved in the country, the government said on Saturday as it battles its biggest outbreak yet.

The AstraZeneca-Oxford coronavirus vaccine is cheaper than some others and can be stored at fridge temperature, which makes it easier to transport and use, particularly in developing countries.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc had said Vietnam must try to obtain the Covid-19 vaccine in the first quarter to ensure people's health, reports news agency Reuters.

The country has kept its coronavirus caseload to a low of 1,739 infections and 35 fatalities.

Earlier on Friday, Vietnam's health minister Nguyen Thanh Long said that a new virus outbreak was "basically under control" in the areas most affected, as cases spread to Hanoi, the capital.

"In a very short period of time, we've controlled the situation and I see a ray of hope," Long said.

Vietnam has been one of the world's virus-mitigation success stories. Its total number of cases since the killer virus was initially detected in Vietnam a year ago stands at 1,739, including imported cases, with 35 deaths.

In a government meeting held earlier, Prime Minister Phuc asked the health ministry to act fast on plans to buy and self-develop coronavirus vaccines.

As per reports, Vietnam is also in talks to purchase Covid-19 vaccines from Pfizer, Russia's Sputnik V and China.

Vietnam deputy health minister Truong Quoc Cuong had said that the country would be eligible to buy Covid-19 vaccines from the World Health Organization's COVAX programme to cover 16%, or 15.6 million of its almost 98 million population, but said more information would be available in the first quarter.

With agency inputs

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European newspapers lashed out EU leaders on Saturday after the bloc tried to impose Covid vaccine controls on the Northern Ireland border.

EU chiefs had been accused of an 'incredible act of hostility' after announcing controls on the export of jabs to the UK, including Northern Ireland.

In a move which would have effectively created a 'hard border' on the island of Ireland, EU officials had planned to override part of the Brexit trade agreement and demand checks of vaccines flowing from Europe into Northern Ireland.

But in a major climb-down, hours after announcing the proposals, bloc leaders quickly reversed the decision and say they will now no longer go ahead with the controls.

On Saturday, the London correspondent for Germany's Die Welt paper savaged European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen, saying she had committed an 'unforgettable Brexit own goal'.

France's Le Monde editorial called the move 'deplorable', adding that Von Der Leyen had 'fortunately' given up on the inflammatory border decision.

Ireland's papers also highlighted the fierce backlash against the EU's actions, with the Irish Times saying there had been a 'political uproar' and The Journal saying they had caused 'alarm across the political spectrum'.

European newspapers lashed out EU leaders on Saturday after the bloc tried to impose Covid vaccine controls on the Northern Ireland border. A leading correspondent for Germany's Die Welt paper savaged European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen, saying she had committed an 'unforgettable Brexit own goal'

France's Le Monde editorial called the move 'deplorable', adding that Von Der Leyen had 'fortunately' given up on the inflammatory border decision

Die Welt's Stefanie Bolzen wrote that Von Der Leyen was 'undermining the Union's credibility with her actions'.

She claimed that the 'Anglophile' EU chief had undermined good relations with the UK in an attempt to 'distract from her own mistakes'.

What is Article 16 and why has the EU invoked it? Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol allows either the EU or the UK to override part of the Brexit trade agreement in relation to border controls in Northern Ireland. The protocol itself was designed to avoid a re-emergence of a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. But in the deal, both parties agreed to a get-out clause, which could be used if the protocol was thought to be causing 'serious economic, societal or environmental difficulties'. However the EU has now invoked the clause, to put measures on vaccines coming from the EU to Northern Ireland. The move is being introduced amid a huge row between the UK and EU over vaccines supplies, with Brussels accusing the UK of 'hijacking doses'. The row started after Oxford vaccine maker AstraZeneca announced it would not be able to supply as many vaccines as it had first hoped to the EU by Spring. The EU has since unveiled plans for an export ban which could stop 3.5million Pfizer vaccines - made in Belgium - from being exported to the UK. The aim of this move will be to prevent the possibility of the UK bringing vaccines into Northern Ireland 'through the backdoor', by using the controls-free border to bring in vaccines from the EU. Advertisement

Bolzen also branded the move to invoke article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol as 'absurd', saying that EU leaders had 'looked forward to cornering Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

She noted how the EU had only months ago cried 'murder' over clauses in the UK's Internal Market Bill which would have allowed the UK to override the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement.

Bolzen also highlighted how the EU had previously 'closed ranks' around the Irish border issue, which Von Der Leyen seemed to have 'completely forgotten' in her 'Corona panic'.

France's Le Monde was similarly scathing of the EU's actions.

In its editorial, the paper claimed there was 'panic' among EU leaders over its growing issue with vaccines supply and its row with Astra Zeneca.

It said that Von Der Leyen 'fortunately' gave up on the move to invoke Article 16, adding that the EU was 'ill-equipped' to handle the coronavirus pandemic.

'It is deplorable that political interests and geopolitical rivalries take precedence over the issue that no one should lose sight of: vaccinating as many people as possible, in Europe and in the rest of the world,' they added.

The Irish Times highlighted in a news article how there was a 'deepening row' over the plans to impose export controls on vaccines.

Its front page said Brussels was rowing back on the plan after what it described as 'political uproar'.

Fellow Irish paper The Journal also noted how the EU's intention to trigger Article 16 had caused 'alarm across the political spectrum'.

Ireland's Taoiseach Micheal Martin last night raised objections to EU leaders, while Michel Barnier, who was the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, said he was calling for 'co-operation' over vaccines between the UK and Brussels.

And in another strongly-worded statement, Boris Johnson last night said he had 'grave concerns' over the proposals and demanded the EU 'urgently clarify its intentions'.

But in a statement released late last night, the European Commission said: 'To tackle the current lack of transparency of vaccine exports outside the EU, the Commission is putting in place a measure requiring that such exports are subject to an authorisation by Member States.

'In the process of finalisation of this measure, the Commission will ensure that the Ireland / Northern Ireland Protocol is unaffected. The Commission is not triggering the safeguard clause.

'Should transits of vaccines and active substances toward third countries be abused to circumvent the effects of the authorisation system, the EU will consider using all the instruments at its disposal.

Die Welt's Stefanie Bolzen wrote that Von Der Leyen was 'undermining the Union's credibility with her actions'

'In the process of finalising the document, the commission will also be fine-tuning the decision-making process under the implementing regulation.'

Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said the EU U-turn was 'welcome' but added 'lessons should be learned'.

In a statement on Twitter, he said: 'Welcome news, but lessons should be learned; the Protocol is not something to be tampered with lightly, it's an essential, hard won compromise, protecting peace & trade for many.'

The reversal came after Brussels had earlier rode roughshod over the Brexit agreement by imposing controls on the export of jabs to this country, including Northern Ireland.

The bloc unilaterally invoked emergency powers in the withdrawal deal to stop Northern Ireland being used as a 'back door' for the export of jabs into the rest of the UK.

The move came after the EU publicly rowed with AstraZeneca over its delivery contract, unveiled plans to potentially block millions of jabs from being exported to Britain and was even reported to be considering seizing control of production sites.

The Irish Times highlighted in a news article how there was a 'deepening row' over the plans to impose export controls on vaccines

The plans to invoke article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol provoked a particular fury from UK politicians.

It was slammed by the country's First Minister, Arlene Foster, who accused the EU of an 'incredible act of hostility'.

The furious First Minister said in a statement: 'This is an incredible act of hostility. The European Union has once again shown it is prepared to use Northern Ireland when it suits their interests but in the most despicable manner - over the provision of a vaccine which is designed to save lives.

'At the first opportunity the EU has placed a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland over the supply chain of the Coronavirus vaccine.'

Ms Foster also called for Boris Johnson to step in and use 'robust measures' to ensure UK interests are put first.

Fellow Irish paper The Journal also noted how the EU's intention to trigger Article 16 had caused 'alarm across the political spectrum'.

Irish Premier Micheal Martin also raised concerns. An government spokesperson said: 'We are aware of the issue and the Taoiseach is currently in discussions with European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen to express our concerns.'

A Number 10 spokesperson last night said Mr Johnson had spoken to Mr Martin and expressed his 'concern' about the EU's power-play.

Mr Johnson also demanded that the EU 'urgently clarify its intentions' and 'what steps it plans to take to ensure its own commitments with regards to Northern Ireland are fully honoured'.

A No 10 spokesman added: 'The UK has legally-binding agreements with vaccine suppliers and it would not expect the EU, as a friend and ally, to do anything to disrupt the fulfilment of these contracts.'

Michael Gove lodged an angry protest with the vice-president of the European Commission, Frans Timmermans, while Labour also condemned the move, with Northern Ireland spokesman Louise Haigh urging Brussels to reverse a 'deeply destabilising' decision.

Meanwhile, in an interview with The Times, Michel Barnier, who was the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, said he was calling for 'co-operation' between Brussels and the UK over the supply of vaccines across Europe.

Mr Barnier said: 'We are facing an extraordinarily serious crisis, which is creating a lot of suffering, which is causing a lot of deaths in the UK, in France, in Germany, everywhere.

'And I believe we must face this crisis with responsibility, certainly not with the spirit of oneupmanship or unhealthy competition. I recommend preserving the spirit of co-operation between us.'

It comes after the EU's vaccine war entered a dangerous new phase last night as the bloc introduced rules that will allow it to block life-saving jabs getting to Britain and European politicians accused the UK of 'hijacking' doses.

The new controls, which will come into effect on Saturday and last until March, allow the EU to keep track of all vaccines produced on the continent and block exports to certain countries - including the UK, which is expecting to take delivery of another 3.5million Pfizer BioNTech jabs from Belgium in the coming weeks.

The rules also back-date to three months ago, giving Brussels the ability to snoop on past vaccine shipments after Brussels accused AstraZeneca of sending doses meant for Europe to Britain.

Health minister Stella Kyriakides insisted that the 'transparency mechanism' is not intended to target any country, even as Croatia's PM branded the UK 'hijackers' while the EU's justice commissioner said Britain had started a 'war'.
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The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Saturday appealed to the government to withdraw the three contentious farm laws at an all-party meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the smooth conduct of the Budget Session of Parliament.

According to sources, MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay told the meeting that the prime minister must convene an all-party meeting for a threadbare discussion on the farmer issue.

"This will send a good message that the government is democratic. Twenty opposition parties boycotted the President's address (to the joint sitting of Parliament) which sent out a strong message for the government to withdraw the farm laws. Majoritarianism cannot let farmers suffer," a source quoted the MP as having told the meeting.

Thousands of farmers have been protesting at Delhi's borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh demanding the rollback of the 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. The protest took a violent turn during the farmers' tractor rally on January 26.

Addressing the all-party meeting, the prime minister said his government's offer on agri laws made to protesting farmers "still stands" and it was a "phone call away" for talks.

At Saturday's meeting, several leaders including Ghulam Nabi Azad of the Congress, Balwinder Singh Bhunder of the Shiromani Akali Dal and Vinayak Raut of the Shiv Sena raised the issue of protesting farmers, sources said.

MP Bandyopadhyay also asked how could the President in his address to Parliament note that the 'one nation, one ration card' policy had been introduced when the Standing Committee on Food, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution was discussing the matter.

"The report is yet to be submitted. But (I am) surprised that the President's address said the policy had already been introduced. This has to be clarified," he was quoted as saying.

Sources said the TMC MP also raised the issues of unemployment and hunger and proposed a comprehensive debate on them in the House.

He also suggested that the federal structure has been weakened making it "very difficult" for states. "Our parliamentary democratic system has to be established firmly and the philosophy of secularism, communal harmony and unity of the country has to be reflected upon in a proper manner," the TMC MP was quoted as telling the all-party meeting.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
1776 Commissions Spalding Says Disbanding Panel Wont Get Rid of These Principles

The disbanding of the Trump administrations 1776 Commission, and the removal of its report from the White House website by President Joe Biden, is the result of an incompatibility between the United States founding principles and some of the policies that the new administration is attempting to empower or instill, such as identity politics and critical race theory, according to Matthew Spalding, the commissions executive director.

You could abolish the commission, but you cant erase history, you cant get rid of these principles. Thats what were dedicated to, said Spalding, who is a professor of constitutional government and dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College. And thats what we will continue teaching and working to defend.

He believes the Biden administrations action gave the report, which is available on other forums, more prominence.

I think by abolishing the commission and removing the report, they actually drew more attention to it. Thank you very much, he said during an interview with The Epoch Times American Thought Leaders.

Formed last September by executive order by then-President Donald Trump, the 1776 Commission was commonly seen as a direct response to The New York Times 1619 Project, which portrays the United States as an inherently racist nation. The NY Times Pulitzer Prize-winning project consists of a collection of essays that argue, among many other controversial claims, that the primary reason for the American Revolution was to preserve slavery.

Spalding notes that current popular educational trends are unfair to students because they dont give a true picture of the founding of America. The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are regarded as dusty old documents rather than honored documents that hold in them powerful truths that led to the founding of a nation based on the assertion that all men are created equal and are endowed by their creator with unalienable rights, he says.

A replica of the U.S. Constitution. (WikiImages/Pixabay)

He asserts that while America hasnt always lived up to the principles that the founders believed in, the nation shouldnt be judged only on the basis of its deficiencies.

One of the most obvious deficiencies relates to the subject of slavery.

When questioned about the irony of the fact that some of the founders owned slaves while at the same talking about abolishing slavery, Spalding acknowledged the legitimacy of the criticism; he noted that its important to see how overcoming slavery and the realization of these flaws are part of history. It shouldnt invalidate the greatness and nobility of the founding principles, which should still be loved and inspire patriotism, he says.

Slavery clearly existed. They were arguing about it at the time, he said. Jefferson held slaves at the same time he wrote a condemnation of the slave trade in the draft of the Declaration of Independence. George Washington owned slaves. But by the time he writes his final will, he frees themthose that are in his estatebecause he has come to detest slavery.

He stated further that slavery didnt grow out of the founding itself.

The principle [of equality and freedom] had been established.  They made compromises, but we have to understand that they were compromises, compromises in light of the Declaration of Independence. Thats the only way to understand it. Because otherwise, you must condemn the whole thing. And I think thats just not good history, he said. And thats not fair to them.

Spalding says one must understand something in order to love it, and in contrast to other regimes, the love is not to be imposed on the people.

You can love this country, despite its flaws, because it has done so much to advance that cause, he said. Thats what makes it a great and wonderful, successful nation.

On the subject of education, Spalding notes that some important topics arent taught properly anymore, such as civics.

What is a genuine education? And what the report is especially concerned about is what is an education about civics? What does one need to know to be a good citizen? he said.

In America, to be a citizen means you actually need to know something about American history, how American government works, the debates over what the declaration means, alternatives, great figures in history, those kinds of things. And thats not the way civics is taught much anymore. And we think a recovery of that would be a large step in the right direction.

Spalding suggests that progressives ironically over-empower government and interpret truth rather than giving people the capability to govern themselves.

The intellectual point they make is that the idea that there are truths isnt true. Theyre only historical truths or truths that progress with time,' he said.

Instead, what they turn to, at least the early progressives turned to science, expertise, or the idea of bureaucrats, people that have been specially trained to run things, whether thats in the economy, in the academy, or in government. And this is how they reshaped and rethought government to that they have themselves into this administrative state.

Its no longer about the fundamental ends of government. Its about the process. And so yes, they very much introduced in its place, in the place of a Constitution granted on the principles as understood by the founders. Having unmoored it from the principles, they  reinvented this new way of thinking about how to run things.

And I think thats something that has stuck in American history in politics, and we continue to have a kind of a troublesome problem in our politics is the fights over bureaucracy, the so-called fourth branch of government.

Spalding asserts that religious liberty is a core right thats intrinsically related to civil liberty, and that securing rights should garner the most respect and protection over the increasing dominance of government.

When asked about the future of the 1776 Commission, he said, The commission, in some form, will carry on.
Egypt attracted more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) than any African country in 2020, a report by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) revealed.

The flow of FDI to Egypt according to the report stood at $5.5 billion despite a sharp decline by 39 per cent compared to 2019.

Egypt outclasses Nigeria, the second destination of DFI with only $2.6 billion, down from $3.3 billion in 2019.

In the North African region, Morocco follows Egypt with $1.6 billion.

Egypt in 2019 was UNCTADs top seat of World Investment Report in Africa with $9 billion.

The investments, according to the UN agency, were mainly driven by the oil and gas industry though some investments were also made in the non-oil economy, including the telecommunications, consumer goods, and real estate sectors.
The Diplomatic Society, a newspaper with printed and online versions popular in the diplomatic and political communities of South Africa, on January 28 published an article highly valuing 35 years of Vietnams innovative development

under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV).

The 13th National Party Congress is one of the most important political events of Vietnam in 2021 (Photo: VNA)

According to this article, the acknowledgment that the people are at the heart of the developmental success of Vietnams emergence is the basis of the CPVs 13th National Congress. The grand opening of the congress in Hanoi on January 26 was attended by 1,587 delegates who represent more than 5.1 million members. The delegates will reflect on the outcomes of the policy of Doi Moi (renewal), which transformed the country to follow the path of a socialist-orientated market economy.

It noted that 2020 can be considered the most challenging year in the build-up to the 13th National Congress.

As the viral COVID-19 pandemic spread across the world it has caused many deaths and affected the health of many more. Further, it has affected human activity, and in some instances, brought it to a complete standstill. Vietnams response to the pandemic has been exemplary and commended by the World Bank for acting with urgency to reduce the spread of the virus and minimising deaths and illness caused by the virus even though it shares a border with China, where the virus was first discovered.

Economic growth in Vietnam was calculated at 2.91 percent, the second highest in the world even as the disease sent other advanced economies into a tailspin with many registering negative double digit growth figures. This can be attributed to the governance of the Party and the will, discipline and resilience of the Vietnamese people and their trust in the leadership, The Diplomatic Society wrote.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projection for Vietnams rate of growth for 2021 is 6.7 percent and per capita income is set to increase to 2,900 USD. Through synchronising infrastructure, industrialisation and modernisation, and combining production with the market, Vietnamese manufactured goods can be found in over 200 countries and regions around the world.

The role of the CPV in extending, increasing international relations, and developing new partnerships through various bilateral and multilateral forums has boosted the countrys global geo-political status, the newspaper went on.

Vietnam has been ranked among the top 10 fastest growing countries in the world over the past five years and is one of the 16 most successful emerging economies. In 2020, the opening up of the Vietnamese economy has resulted in the creation of more than 8 million new jobs and average income increased by nearly 145 percent. Vietnam is also recognised as becoming a manufacturing hub in the Asia-Pacific region as it takes the fourth spot in economic size in Southeast Asia.

The CPVs 13th National Congress will lay out a framework and direction for Vietnams development over the next five years, and the new elected leadership will have to implement the decisions taken. Key to this is the 3,260km coastline that has 44 sea ports to drive Vietnams path to develop into a significant maritime nation by 2030.

Concluding the article, The Diplomatic Society noted as self-reliance as a nation becomes central to its wellbeing, it also resonates with the self-sufficiency of individual citizens. Changing consumption habits, diversity in connection, communication and information access is leading to integrated monetary exchange mechanisms and the creation of innovative revenue streams generated from enterprising digital platforms and applications. This is well noted in reports and bodes well for Vietnams preparedness for the new industrial revolution./.VNA
The director of US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Anthony Fauci, on Friday, January 29, said that the UK strain of the novel coronavirus will become more dominant in the US by the middle of the spring. He added that it is not clear yet if the South African coronavirus strain will eventually dominate in the US. It is, however, considered to be more infectious than the original strain.

Vaccines less effective

The projection that is made with regard to the UK [variant] is that by the end of March, the beginning of April it actually will become more dominant in this country, said Fauci. While speaking at the NIH vaccine data discussion, Fauci also raised an alarm over the latest trial results from Janssen and Novavax. He said that their vaccines proved to be less effective against the new variant of the virus. He said that it is a "wake up call" for everyone because the new variants will continue to evolve until it is blocked from replicating.

Read: COVID-19: Single Shot Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Shows 66% Efficacy In Global Trial

Higher mortality rate

This comes just days after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the new UK mutant of the coronavirus identified in southeast England has a higher rate of mortality than the SARS-CoV-2. During the Downing Street press conference, the UK PM warned that the government might introduce broader restriction measures as the new strain detected in September might be 30 per cent deadlier than previously thought. He said that the variant identified as B.1.1.7, spreads nearly 30-70 per cent faster than the dominant coronavirus strain. "iI may be associated with a higher degree of mortality", said Johnson.

Read: UK PM Boris Johnson Says New COVID-19 Variant Has 'higher Mortality Rate'

The new UK and South African variants reportedly spread faster than all other previous strains identified since the start of the pandemic. Scientists have noted that the new variant also contributes to higher viral loads in COVID-19 patients. The United States is the worst affected country by the COVID-19 pandemic as it has reported more than 25 million cases and over 4,33,000 deaths so far, more than any other nation in the world.

Read: COVID-19 Vaccination Drive In Sri Lanka Begins After India Gifts 500,000 Doses

Also Read: UK PM Johnson immensely Proud On Launch Of Visa Scheme For Hong Kong Citizens

(Image Credits: AP)
NEW YORKNew York Citys famed restaurant scene will re-open for indoor dining on Valentines Day, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Friday, the latest announcement by a state to ease public health restrictions as a deadly surge of COVID-19 begins to abate.

The flattening of hospitalization rates has led several states to loosen public health restrictions, even as officials caution that cases could surge again, and highly contagious strains of the virus from other countries appear in the United States.

We were expecting this surge, and we handled it and were on the other side of it, Cuomo said at a briefing to announce the restaurant openings.

The move to allow restaurant service on Feb. 14 comes as news that a new vaccine from pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson is 85 percent effective in protecting people against the most severe forms of the disease.

The vaccine, which has not yet been approved for use in the United States or the European Union, is 66 percent effective in preventing infection even against multiple variants of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. It gives health officials another weapon to tackle the pandemic at a time when demand for the two other approved vaccines is far outstripping supply.

In New York on Friday, a line of mostly older people waiting to receive a vaccine made by Moderna spilled out into the January cold at a school-turned-vaccination site operated by SOMOS Community Care, a physicians network serving Medicaid patients.

While the site had enough supply to vaccinate through this week, Dr. Jacqueline Delmont, the chief medical officer at SOMOS, said it remained unclear whether it would be resupplied for next week.

States and cities receive vaccine allocations from the federal government on a weekly basis, and New York City has been struggling with shortages that have prompted the rescheduling of some appointments last week.

The United States continues to be wracked by the ongoing pandemic, reporting 25.83 million cases and 433,521 deaths by Thursday midnight. But the number of people hospitalizeda key metric of the spread and severity of the diseasefell for the 9th consecutive day on Thursday, to 104,862, the lowest number since Dec. 8.

Good News but Still Difficult

In New York, restaurant owners welcomed new rules that will allow them to resume indoor dining at 25 percent of capacity, and will also allow some wedding venues to open. But the New York Hospitality Alliance said Thursday that struggling business owners were disappointed that they cannot open right away.

Its good news that Governor Cuomo heard the voice of New York Citys struggling restaurant industry and is lifting the ban on indoor dining, the organization said on its website. However, restaurants are broken hearted that they need to wait two weeks until Valentines Day to open at only 25 percent occupancy.

While a surge of cases spurred by holiday gatherings appeared to have declined, public health experts caution that cases could rise again unless Americans wear masks and practice social distancing.

Rochelle Walensky, the director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in a television interview on Friday that it was unclear how widespread the South African variant is in the United States. Even so, its detection in South Carolina was concerning, pointing to the need for wider mask use as vaccines ramp up.

The presumption is at this point is that there has been community spread of this strain, she told NBC News Today program.

In Oklahoma, the number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized has fallen 34 percent in the last two weeks, with 1,375 admitted as of Thursday, according to a Reuters tally.

But Dr. Syed Naqvi, a pulmonologist at the SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City, said the sheer volume of severely ill patients is still difficult to handle.

The disease is real. Unfortunately, the misery is real. We have and still see patients die every day, Naqvi said.

By Peter Szekely and Sharon Bernstein

Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo delivers remarks after then-President-elect Joe Biden announced her as his Commerce Secretary nominee, in Wilmington, Del., on Jan. 8, 2021. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

GOP Senators Urge Commerce Nominee to Commit to Countering Beijings 5G Ambitions

Three Republican senators known for their hawkish stance on China are calling on President Joe Bidens Commerce Department nominee to clarify if there are any circumstances under which she would remove Chinas telecoms equipment giant Huawei from a trade blacklist that the Trump administration placed it on due to concerns about national security.

Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), in a letter to the nominee, Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo, expressed concern for your statements suggesting that all aspects of the approach to U.S. economic and technological competition are up for review.

Raimondo, at her Jan. 26 confirmation hearing, vowed to protect U.S. telecommunications networks from Chinese companies but declined to commit to keeping Huawei on the blacklist.

Chinas actions have been anti-competitive, hurtful to American workers and businesses, coercive, and, as you point out, theyre culpable for atrocious human rights abuses, Raimondo said in response to a question from Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas). So whether its the entities list, or tariffs, or countervailing duties, I intend to use all those tools to the fullest extent possible to level the playing field for the American worker.

When Cruz pressed Raimondo on whether certain companies would remain on the blacklist, Raimondo said she would consult with lawmakers, industry, and allies and make an assessment as to whats best for American national and economic security.

Former President Donald Trump placed Huawei on a trade blacklist in May 2019 and led a global campaign to convince allies to exclude it from their 5G networks. Washington has long said Huawei equipment could be exploited by Chinas communist regime for espionage or to disrupt communication networks.

U.S. officials have pointed to laws in China that compel companies to cooperate with intelligence agencies when asked. Huawei, which was founded in 1987 by Ren Zhengfei, a former officer in the Peoples Liberation Army, the military arm of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), has denied these allegations.

The three Republican lawmakers in their letter urged Raimondo to clarify her stance regarding Huawei.

We ask that you respond in writing with your view of whether you foresee any scenario in which you would, if confirmed as secretary  remove Huawei  from the Entity List, or relax rules governing its access to 5G technology, the senators wrote.

The company has not changed alongside the U.S. presidency, they warned.

The letter is a sign of growing pressure from Capitol Hill for Biden to take a hard line on Beijing. The Biden team generally steered clear of transparent policy commitments on China before taking office earlier this month, but have promised to maintain a tough stance while employing a more strategic, multilateral approach.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Wednesday that the administration will work to safeguard American telecoms networks from untrusted vendors like Huawei that threaten national security. This offered some insight into their plans for Chinas top telecoms equipment company, long in Washingtons crosshairs.

But the comments were not enough to allay the concerns of the three senators, who raised the specter of opposition to other Commerce Department nominees if they do not commit to a tough enough technology policy against Beijing.

It is equally imperative that all nominees to the Department of Commerce follow your leadership in recognizing both the dangers of the CCP and the need to obstruct or squeeze PRC access to U.S. technology that may advance CCP ambitions that are dangerous to U.S. interests, they wrote. If these nominees do not make clear that they will adhere to these broad concerns and objectives, they may face substantial opposition from Congress, they added.

Reuters contributed to this report.



Roseburg, OR (97470)

Today

Sunny to partly cloudy. High 83F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low around 50F. N winds at 10 to 15 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph.
On Friday, Huntsville Hospital finished its second workweek of giving the COVID-19 shot, but starting Saturday, people in phase 1A and 1B can get the vaccine on weekends.

The Vice President of Operations at Huntsville Hospital, Tracy Doughty, said the hospital's staff members wanted to meet the needs of the community and open the vaccine clinic 7 days a week.

We stepped up to the challenge and answered the call," said Doughty.

He said they heard people saying they couldn't get to the clinic during weekdays, and Huntsville Hospital listened.

Some people have transportation issues, or their children are working, or theyre working, so they have a weekend option, which we thought was best for our community, and the best for the patients," said Doughty.

Huntsville Hospital will continue to give 500 vaccines every day. Doughty said the staff at the hospital is dedicated to the community, and opening the clinic every day shows it.

"We feel that we are the community hospital, were the ones that will stand in the gap when no one else will, and were glad to do it," Doughty said. "We love doing it and our culture says the same thing about our employees who are volunteering to work on weekends and give their free time up to help at the clinic.

The vaccine clinic is running on an appointment-only basis.
The Centre has stopped allocation of antiviral drug Remdesivir to states as the supply of the critical medication has surpassed the demand, Union Minister Mansukh L Mandaviya said on Saturday.

"Now the country has enough #Remdesivir as the supply is much more than the demand. So we have decided to DISCONTINUE the Central Allocation of Remdesivir to States," Mandaviya said in a tweet.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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: The US military said on Friday, local time, that Chinese military flights in the past week in the South China Sea fit a pattern of destabilising and aggressive behaviour by Beijing but posed no threat to a US Navy aircraft carrier strike group in the region.

The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group closely monitored all Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and Air Force (PLAAF) activity, and at no time did they pose a threat to US Navy ships, aircraft, or sailors, the US militarys Pacific Command said in a statement.

USS aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt at the weekend entered the South China Sea with its accompanying strike group on what the Navy described as routine operations to ensure freedom of the seas. Credit:AP

A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Chinese aircraft did not come within 250 nautical miles (460 km) of the US Navy vessels.

Taiwan reported that several Chinese air force aircraft flew into the south-western corner of its air defence identification zone last weekend, near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands, including fighter jets and nuclear-capable H-6 bombers.
Northern Irelands First Minister has pressed Boris Johnson to replace the NI Protocol after the EU sparked a dispute over vaccine controls.

The EU caused outrage on Friday evening when it invoked Article 16 of the post-Brexit mechanism, to stop the unimpeded flow of vaccines from the European bloc into the region.

Brussels subsequently reversed the move following condemnation from London, Dublin and Belfast.

Arlene Foster said it was an absolutely incredible act of hostility towards those of us in Northern Ireland.

Its absolutely disgraceful, and I have to say the Prime Minister now needs to act very quickly to deal with the real trade flows that are being disrupted between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, she told BBC Radio 4s Today programme on Saturday morning.

The DUP leader reiterated calls for Mr Johnson to enact Article 16 of the protocol over delays being face by hauliers.

Weve been asking the PM to deal with the flow problems and indeed, since January 1, weve been trying to manage along with the Government the many, many difficulties that have arisen between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and there are actions he could take immediately, she said.

Iave spoken with the Prime Minister @BorisJohnson and @michaelgove this evening. The Government must now take robust action including using Article 16 to advance Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom. pic.twitter.com/ugemDdll9z  Arlene Foster #WeWillMeetAgain (@ArleneFosterUK) January 29, 2021

There is great unrest and great tension within the community here in Northern Ireland so this protocol that was meant to bring about peace and harmony in Northern Ireland is doing quite the reverse.

The protocol is unworkable, lets be very clear about that, and we need to see it replaced because otherwise there is going to be real difficulties here in Northern Ireland.

Pressed on whether that would be in breach of an international treaty, she said: Well it didnt seem to bother the European Union yesterday when they breached the treaty in terms of their embarrassment around their vaccine procurement.

However, deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill has called for cool heads.

The Sinn Fein vice president described the EUs actions as clearly unwise, ill-judged and totally unnecessary, but said the protocol  while imperfect  must stay.

Northern Irelands health minister Robin Swann said he had spoken with UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock to seek reassurance on vaccine supplies.

Its essential confidence and trust is rebuilt after yesterdays actions by the EU, he tweeted.

Just finished a very useful meeting with @MattHancock.



It's essential confidence and trust is rebuilt after yesterdayas actions by the EU.



We need certainty that essential vaccine supplies will always be able to travel freely to NI, both now and in the future.  Robin Swann MLA #StopCovidNI (@RobinSwannMoH) January 30, 2021

We need certainty that essential vaccine supplies will always be able to travel freely to NI, both now and in the future.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: The Health Secretary and minister of health for Northern Ireland had a constructive discussion on the supply of Covid-19 vaccines.

Ulster Unionist Party leader Steve Aiken backed Mrs Fosters call for the UK Government to intervene, describing the events of Friday night as a tipping point.

The EU cynically and deliberately used Northern Ireland in an attempt to cover up their vaccine omnishambles with a political one, he said.

It would be a weak UK Government that would continue to sit on the sidelines as an observer and let its people be treated in such a manner.

A former politician in Irish premier Micheal Martins Fianna Fail party said the Taoiseach was furious at the EUs abandoned move to override part of the Brexit deal on Northern Ireland.

Expand Close Micheal Martin (Brian Lawless/PA) PA / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Micheal Martin (Brian Lawless/PA)

The action doesnt make any sense at all and it has clearly embarrassed the Irish Government which was blindsided, former European minister Dick Roche said.

I understand that Micheal Martin was very annoyed at it, that he made very strong representations to the commission.

In a statement late on Friday, the European Commission said it was not triggering the safeguard clause to ensure the protocol was unaffected after widespread condemnation of its move as part of its export controls on coronavirus vaccines.

The protocol has already proved unpopular with unionists in Northern Ireland who complain of a border down the Irish Sea.

On Friday, there were calls for Government intervention amid claims that Brexit red tape could hinder the movement of military equipment within the UK.

Constructive talks with Prime Minister @BorisJohnson tonight.



We agreed on the principle that there should not be restrictions on the export of vaccines by companies where they are fulfilling contractual responsibilities.  Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 29, 2021

New Irish Sea shipping arrangements mean the armed forces need to give 15 days notice, complete customs declarations and even inform Nato in order to take materials from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, according to the Ulster Unionist Party.

UUP MLA Doug Beattie, a decorated Army veteran, said the restrictions were a consequence of the protocol, which governs the movement of goods across the Irish Sea since the Brexit transition period ended.

Mrs Foster said a restriction on the movement of military equipment was among hundreds of problems created by the protocol.

Under the terms of the protocol, Northern Ireland remains in the single market for goods and continues to apply EU customs rules at its ports and airports.
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...


Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-30 05:56:43|Editor: huaxia

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The League party's leader Matteo Salvini (C) speaks to the media at the Quirinale Palace in Rome, Italy, on Jan. 29, 2021. Italian President Sergio Mattarella has given House Speaker Roberto Fico an exploratory mandate to verify whether the same governing majority that existed before Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte resigned on Jan. 26 is still workable. (Pool via Xinhua)

ROME, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Italian President Sergio Mattarella has given House Speaker Roberto Fico an exploratory mandate to verify whether the same governing majority that existed before Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte resigned on Jan. 26 is still workable.

In a brief televised statement, Fico thanked Mattarella for entrusting him with the job of sounding out the members of the preceding government coalition -- the center-left Democratic Party, the Five Star Movement, and the centrist Italia Viva party led by Matteo Renzi, a former prime minister.

Mattarella has given Fico until Tuesday to report back to him, the president's office said.

Renzi pulled his support from the government earlier this month in disagreement over its handling of the pandemic and of multi-billion-euro EU funding for Italy, prompting a government crisis.

Mattarella's decision came after three days of talks with all of Italy's political parties.

"Italy like all countries everywhere in the world is facing new and dangerous offensives from the pandemic," the president said in a brief televised statement.

The pandemic has caused "severe" health, social and economic emergencies, "which can only be tackled by a speedy and effective use of the significant resources made available by the European Union," he said.

"Therefore we must soon give rise to a government with adequate support in parliament in order not to leave our country exposed to events at this critical time," he said.

After Fico reports back next week, it will be up to the president to decide the next step. He may give Conte another mandate to form a government, or he may give a mandate to someone else.
Frances Lanegan has watched with a growing sense of dread over the past month as coronavirus cases have exploded where she lives.

Her home -- for the moment -- is Coffee Creek Correctional Institution. Lanegan, a 56-year-old inmate, is serving a three-year sentence after a drug conviction last year. Of the 219 coronavirus cases at the Wilsonville facility since the beginning of the pandemic, 164 have been diagnosed in the past three weeks.

She and her cellmate both tested negative on Dec. 19 and 28, but when tested again on Jan. 6, Lanegans cellmate tested positive, though she did not. Lanegan expected to be moved, but when she asked the guards, they told her that since she had already been exposed, she would be staying with her infected cellmate.

Im vulnerable, said Lanegan, who suffers from respiratory issues. They just left me in there with her.

Lanegan is one of eight inmates in three Oregon state prisons interviewed by The Oregonian/OregonLive over the past week. One of them told of suffering direct retaliation after asking for additional personal protective equipment. Two said they werent told of their own positive diagnosis until they asked about it. Three said inmates feel punished when they receive a positive test and that, in some prisons, inmates are sent to The Hole for quarantine.

All said they had seen COVID-positive inmates put into cells or dorms with other inmates who had not tested positive, in direct violation of the policies and protocols issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which the Department of Corrections says it follows to control the spread of the illness.

Together, their stories shed light on a dire situation in Oregons prisons, where COVID cases have spiked dramatically, prisoners are afraid and frustrated, and many, including Alexander Vazquez, an inmate at Two Rivers Correctional Institution in Umatilla County, expressed a feeling of hopelessness.

Its just a matter of time before everyone gets infected here, he said.

Jennifer Black, a spokeswoman for the Oregon Department of Corrections, said the agency has been making changes as the number of cases and deaths has grown. Those include switching from cloth to more protective masks, establishing a contact tracing team and designating a COVID-19 compliance officer at every facility to ensure federal guidance is followed.

All institutions are following the guidance from OHA/CDC to the best of their abilities, Black said in a statement.

The Governors office declined to comment, instead referring questions to the Department of Corrections.

AN EXPLOSION OF NEW CASES

Across the states 14 prisons, which house about 15,000 people, just under 1,400 cases of coronavirus were detected during the first eight months of the pandemic. In the past two months, that number has exploded with more than 1,900 new cases since Dec. 1.

Since the pandemic began, 41 inmates who have tested positive for COVID-19 have died, but nearly half of those deaths have occured since Jan. 1. Of the 19 deaths reported since the new year, 15 have occurred at Two Rivers, home to one of the worst outbreaks in the state.

Richard Flores, an inmate at Two Rivers, thinks the outbreak began late last year, when some prisoners were transferred there from Deer Ridge Correctional Institution. He said the infected inmates werent isolated and caused an explosion of new cases.

Black said the transfer took place after Deer Ridge ran short of space to care for sick inmates.

We are required to medically care for those in our custody, and sometimes that requires they be moved to another institution, she said in a statement last month, adding that none of the transferred inmates was allowed into the general population at Two Rivers, which had at least one case before the transfers arrived.

THEY REALLY DONT CARE.

By nature, its difficult, if not impossible, to practice social distancing in prisons. But the CDCs Interim Guidance on Management of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Correctional and Detention Facilities lays out a lengthy list of ways to prevent the spread of the coronavirus among incarcerated people.

Among them, the guidance warns that medical isolation for COVID-19 is distinct from punitive solitary confinement of incarcerated/detained individuals, both in name and in practice. Failure to do so could make inmates hesitant to report COVID-19 symptoms, leading to continued transmission within shared housing spaces and, potentially, lack of health care and adverse health outcomes for infected individuals who delay reporting symptoms, the guidance says.

Jamie Baust, a 33-year-old inmate at Coffee Creek, has seen that happen firsthand. She lives in what she called an incentive dorm, where inmates with good behavior are allowed to have craft boxes with beads and crocheting supplies and more access to other perks like television.

When an inmate tests positive for the virus, she said, they are moved to a more restrictive unit with none of those privileges.

I know there was one girl who was sick for three weeks before she said anything. The girls that are sick arent taking it seriously, said Baust, who shares a dorm with dozens of other women. They are walking around mingling with everyone.

Richard McKenzie, a 59-year-old inmate at Two Rivers, said hes seen a similar scenario play out at the prison.

In the early days of the Two Rivers outbreak, before the illness had spread to virtually every unit, officials were using the Disciplinary Housing Unit, colloquially known as The Hole, as a place to quarantine infected inmates.

When it first broke out, people got sick and (corrections officers) were coming by with temperature checks, McKenzie said. I know some guys used ice on their foreheads to fake the tests so they could avoid going to The Hole.

The guidance also says as soon as an individual develops symptoms of COVID-19 or tests positive for SARS-CoV-2 they should be  immediately placed under medical isolation in a separate environment from other individuals.

McKenzie said he took a COVID test in early January, but after nearly a week with no news, he asked medical staff about the results. On Jan. 19, they told him his test had come back positive and he needed to go into isolation.

He was restricted to his cell, only allowed out to walk and make phone calls for about 30 minutes a day. But then, just three days after he was informed of his infection, the guards moved a new inmate into his cell who hadnt contracted the disease.

I cant fathom some of the stuff they do in here, McKenzie said. They really dont care.

Anthony White, another inmate at Two Rivers, took a coronavirus test on Dec. 31 but didnt hear anything for nearly a week. While waiting for his results, White said he was never told to isolate and, during that time, his cellmate was moved and a new inmate was brought in.

White said medical staff never informed him of the results, but he woke up Jan. 6 and found a sign on his door saying he needed to isolate after a positive test. A few days later, his new cellmate began showing symptoms and later tested positive.

Black, the Department of Corrections spokeswoman, denied that COVID-positive inmates were being housed in cells or dorms with the uninfected. She said Two Rivers had established a unit where those with a positive test could isolate and a quarantine unit for those awaiting test results. Coffee Creek had a similar system of distinct units to keep the infected and uninfected separate.

As for notification of a positive test result, Black said the departments policy was to notify inmates promptly.

(Inmates) are to be told by medical whether they are COVID positive or negative, she said in a statement. (Inmates) may also (make a written request) for their results and DOC will send written results of the test at no charge.

Still, Black acknowledged the situation at Two Rivers has become dire.

The number of employees and (inmates) who are sick and the number of (inmates) who have passed away is extremely concerning, she said. The agencys focus is on getting (Two Rivers) employees what they need to stop the spread of the virus and care for those in need. These deaths have been difficult for (inmates) loved ones and all who live and work in the prison.

A DEADLY WAITING GAME

Earlier this month, a group of Oregon inmates filed a lawsuit seeking to compel the state to offer vaccines to those housed in state prisons. The suit came after the Department of Corrections gave vaccines to a limited group of prisoners, mistakenly thinking they were part of an eligible tier of recipients.

Those inmates will receive a second dose, but the remainder of Oregons incarcerated population will have to wait until sometime after all seniors are eligible, said Black, the Department of Corrections spokeswoman, so in March.

Juan Chavez, an attorney with the Oregon Justice Resource Center who is representing the plaintiffs, said the risk inmates are forced to endure should move them ahead in the line for vaccines.

While many Oregonians are anxious to be vaccinated as soon as possible, and there are competing reasons why different groups might want to be moved up the list, no one can dispute the evidence that incarcerated Oregonians are at acute risk of infection, Chavez said in a statement.

Courtney Campbell, a professor who has taught medical ethics at Oregon State University for the past 30 years, said risk of infection is so much higher in prisons that the argument for moving inmates ahead in the vaccine queue is a compelling one.

One of the fundamental values of our society is the moral equality of individual persons, he said. People who violate laws lose some of their freedoms, but it doesnt mean depriving them of healthcare that could benefit them. That isnt part of their prison sentence.

Campbell noted that, given the conditions in prison  facilities filled with people who are statistically at higher risk than the general population and who have little opportunity to social distance  it makes sense to prioritize their vaccination over healthy people outside of prison.

Its a breeding ground, frankly, for the conditions in which this virus thrives, he said. We cant build new facilities, but we can hasten the vaccine. These people were not imprisoned with the goal of hastening their deaths.

Flores, one of the inmates at Two Rivers, feels lucky that hes been able to avoid the virus so far, but he feels like  despite his constant hand washing, mask use and as much distance as he can manage in a prison  his luck probably wont last.

The conditions have been pretty horrible, he said. I am fortunate I havent caught it so far.

For all the stress and anxiety the pandemic has caused for Flores in the prison, his biggest source of stress is not his fellow inmates or the correctional officers charged with their care.

What the most frustrating part is, he said, emotion cracking through his voice, for the last 10 months I havent been able to hold my wifes hand. Its appalling. Its ridiculous.

-- Kale Williams; kwilliams@oregonian.com; 503-294-4048; @sfkale

Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-30 14:08:22|Editor: huaxia

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by Xinhua writers Mao Pengfei, Nguon Sovan

TAKEO, Cambodia, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Srun Songthuy, a 35-year-old poor farmer, is very optimistic about the future after having received assistance to start a small chicken farm in his backyard in Tanorn village, southern Cambodia.

The farm was made possible through the Cambodia-China Friendship Village for Poverty Alleviation Project, a China-aided poverty reduction pilot project which has brought about tangible changes to the father of four: he has constructed chicken coops, bought dozens of chickens for raising, and received training in poultry farming.

Songthuy's family is the first in this remote village to have benefited from the project and is upbeat about a future free of poverty.

HOPE FOR BETTER LIFE

Located in Takeo province's Bati district, roughly 60 km south of capital Phnom Penh, Tanorn village has a total area of 72 hectares and is home to 125 households with 556 people.

Funded by China Foundation for Peace and Development (CFPD) and implemented by Cambodia's Civil Society Alliance Forum (CSAF), the three-year project is aimed at transforming this poor village into a model village for poverty alleviation in the Southeast Asian country.

"This is the first time in my life that I have received funding for starting up a specific occupation for my family," he told Xinhua on Friday. "We have gradually reaped benefits from this chicken farm with a total of 40 hens and 10 roosters."

Songthuy said prior to the project, he could barely make ends meet as a vegetable farmer earning just around 60 U.S. dollars a month.

"Now, I have raised the chickens in addition to vegetable growing," he said. "Through this project, I hope that my villagers will no longer live in poverty."

Wu Chuanbing, counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia, said that eliminating poverty is a common aspiration for humanity.

"I believe that when the project is completed, people in Tanorn village will definitely get out of poverty and the village will become a model village for poverty alleviation in Cambodia," he said during the launching ceremony of the project.

CHINA'S EXPERIENCE MATTERS

The project will focus on improving village roads, providing clean water, supporting healthcare, developing agriculture and animal husbandry, and providing vocational training, CSAF's chairman Kemreat Viseth said.

Hailing China's significant victory of accomplishing its poverty alleviation target on schedule, Viseth said that "China's successful experience and best practices in eradicating poverty would be introduced in this project."

"We want to bring all the villagers out of extreme poverty. This is our main goal," he told Xinhua. "All in all, we would expect that people's livelihoods will be improved."

CFPD-Cambodia director Zhang Yaowu hoped that the project will enhance the self-development capacity of the villagers and provide the Cambodian government with anti-poverty experience and practices for reference.

"It will be a symbol of China-Cambodia friendship and a model for the development of other poor villages in Cambodia," he said. "We hope that the project will motivate villagers to be self-reliant and self-confident to lead their lives out of poverty."

Currently in Tanorn village, people make their living by planting rice, working in faraway garment factories, or migrating to Phnom Penh for jobs in construction, according to village chief Kheav Em.

"I fully support this project ... it will reduce migration for jobs overseas or away from home," he told Xinhua. "I believe that the project will eradicate poverty in the village and will help bring the hearts of the two peoples closer together." Enditem
The trend line is now unmistakable: the US Covid outbreak is easing, with new cases and hospitalizations down two weeks in a row, even though the overall numbers still remain far higher than prior to the fall-winter surge.

What's behind the slide? Experts say there are many reasons, from a better adherence to masking and distancing measures, to the fact that the holiday period is now well behind us.

Another factor, at least in some areas of the country, is that the virus has already burned through much of the population and is running out of targets -- but easing restrictions too fast could still upset the current equilibrium and trigger a new spike, scientists warn.

Here's what you need to know.

Holiday super-surge over

After a summer lull, the US infection rate began to pick up again last fall, when gatherings began to move indoors and people started letting their guards down.

Then came the holiday season: Thanksgiving, Christmas, then New Year's: a coronavirus triple-threat that sent cases soaring as millions of Americans ignored official guidance and visited their families and friends.

The US was clocking a daily case average of more than 250,000 by the second week of January, and more than 130,000 hospitalizations, according to data from the Covid Tracking Project.

There are still more than 3,000 deaths on average per day, because of the lag time, but overall the metrics are heading in the right direction.

"That holiday travel which the virus was exploiting has kind of dissipated," Amesh Adalja of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security told AFP.

Caution rises with cases

The spread of infectious diseases is innately linked to human behavior.

Natalie Dean, a biostatistics and infectious disease expert at University of Florida, told AFP she saw a "population-level feedback mechanism, such that people respond to rising numbers in their areas."

She cited how Florida, Texas and Arizona quickly turned things around after their summer surges. "Whether through policies or many small behavior changes, the numbers slow," she added.

Brandon Brown, a public health specialist at the University of California, added "there is also less misinformation compared to before, and it's hard to deny the over 400,000 deaths."

But if people respond to rising cases by becoming more cautious, the opposite can also be true when infections decline, warned the experts.

Inching towards immunity

The current number of confirmed cases in the US is around 25 million -- but we know by now the true figure is likely to be much higher, and could be as high as 100 to 125 million people, Stanford professor Jay Bhattacharya told AFP.

We know that natural infection confers a high degree of immunity, at least for a period of time, then you can add the people who have received at least one vaccine dose (which confers partial immunity) -- currently 21 million.

The two figures together get you to around 40 percent of the population of 330 million -- inching towards the goal of 85 percent thrown around for "true herd immunity," but still some way to go.

The vaccinations already delivered to nursing homes is probably responsible for pushing down the hospitalization and death rate, said Adalja.

Jeffrey Shaman, an epidemiologist at Columbia who has been modeling the population immunity question, says that according to his team's calculations, "between 50-70 percent of North Dakota's population has been infected with the virus."

While this is one extreme, Shaman said that between rising national-level population immunity, and current behavior patterns, the outbreak "should be self-limiting at this point."

The problem would be if behaviors changed, breaking this delicate balance, said Shaman and Bhattacharya.

As spring comes, people may start moving around more than they are currently, and more infected people could then come into contact with people who are not immune.

Finally, new variants present "wild cards," whose transmissibility advantage would raise the statistical threshold needed for true population immunity -- and in the case of the South Africa variant, pose a greater reinfection risk.

Short link:


The viral disease has claimed 137 more lives in the country in a span of 24 hours and the toll now stands at 1,54,147, said the health ministry on Saturday

New Delhi: With 13,083 fresh COVID-19 infections being registered in the past 24 hours, India's caseload has gone up to 1,07,33,131, said the Union health ministry on Saturday.

The national recovery rate reached 96.98 percent after 1,04,09,160 more patients recuperated from the novel coronavirus , the data updated at 8 am showed.

The viral disease has claimed 137 more lives in the country in a span of 24 hours and the toll now stands at 1,54,147, it added.

There are 1,69,824 active coronavirus cases in the country currently, which account for 1.58 percent of the total number of cases. The COVID-19 case fatality rate stood at 1.44 percent, it stated.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on 7 August, 30 lakh on 23 August, 40 lakh on 5 September and 50 lakh on 16 September.

It went past 60 lakh on 28 September, 70 lakh on 11 October, crossed 80 lakh on 29 October, 90 lakh on 20 November and surpassed the one-crore mark on 19 December.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a total of 19,58,37,408 samples have so far been tested for the viral disease across the country, including 7,56,329 on Friday.
Here what to do in Ocean City on rainy days

Kovind noted that the farm laws enacted in September last year have immediately benefited 10 crore small farmers, and said various parties in the past had supported these measures. (Photo:PTI)

New Delhi: In his customary joint address to Parliament -- which was boycotted by 20 Opposition parties led by the Congress in solidarity with farmers' protests seeking the repeal of three farm laws -- President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday defended the controversial legislations and slammed as "'very unfortunate" the violence during the farmers' tractor parade on Republic Day.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister while addressing media persons on the first day of the Budget session, said that finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had to give around five mini budgets (the Atmanirbhar packages announced by her since May 2020) last year and expressed confidence that the upcoming Union Budget would be considered a part of that series.

Congress MP Ravneet Singh Bittu raised slogans like "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" during Kovind's hour-long address and demanded repeal of the three farm laws.

Some other Opposition MPs could also be heard raising slogans in the Central Hall's gallery.

Kovind noted that the farm laws enacted in September last year have immediately benefited 10 crore small farmers, and said various parties in the past had supported these measures.

Criticising the violence which marred the farmers' protest on the Republic Day, he said if the Constitution gives us the right to freedom of expression, it also teaches us to take laws and rules seriously.

"My government has always respected freedom of expression and holding of peaceful agitations in a democratic set up. However, the recent acts of dishonouring the National Flag and showing disrespect to the auspicious occasion of the Republic Day are unfortunate," the President said.

He further added that rights and facilities available under the system prevailing before the enactment of the three new laws are not affected in any way. "Rather, through these agricultural reforms, the government has provided new facilities to the farmers and has empowered them," he said.

Referring to the country's vaccination programme, the President said, "It is a matter of immense pride that India is conducting the world's largest vaccination programme. Both the vaccines rolled out under this programme are produced indigenously."
A key suspect in the DB Cooper skyjacking case who once boasted 'the FBI had good reason to suspect me' has died aged 94, potentially taking the secret about the culprit's true identity to the grave.

Sheridan Peterson was one of the chief suspects in the notorious 1971 hijacking of a flight from Portland, Oregon, to Seattle where a man - known only as Dan DB Cooper - claimed he had a bomb in his briefcase, swindled $200,000 ransom money from authorities then parachuted from the plane never to be seen again.

For decades, federal authorities have failed to determine the identity of the suspect in what remains the only unsolved skyjacking case in US history.

Peterson, who once admitted even his friends believed it was him, died on January 8 in Northern California, according to an obituary posted online.

His cause of death is not clear but he leaves behind a son and daughter.

Peterson long claimed that, at the time of the skyjacking, he was living in a mud hut in Nepal working on a 'protest novel' about his experiences in Vietnam.

But he also toyed with the idea he could be the mysterious DB Cooper on several occasions over the years and his ex-wife once said she believed it could have been him.

Sheridan Peterson (left), a key suspect in the DB Cooper (right sketch of the culprit) skyjacking case who once boasted 'the FBI had good reason to suspect me', has died aged 94, potentially taking the secret about the culprit's true identity to the grave

Peterson (pictured in obituary), who once admitted even his friends believed it was him, died on January 8 in Northern California, according to an obituary posted online

Investigators long suspected Peterson could have been the notorious hijacker due to his time in the Marines and work for aerospace giant Boeing.

He also loved skydiving and was a smokejumper - the name for the highly trained firefighters who parachute into wildfire zones - and was prone to quirky risk-taking, such as experimenting with homemade bat wings.

Within weeks of the November 24 hijacking, FBI agents showed up to interview Peterson's ex-wife at her high school counseling office in Bakersfield, California.

Asked if her ex-husband could be DB Cooper, she replied: 'Yes, that sounded like something he'd do.'

Many years later in 2004, the FBI took a DNA test from Peterson to compare it against a clip tie that DB Cooper left behind on Northwest Orient flight #305.

After the test was taken, he was never publicly ruled out by the FBI - unlike other suspects who were DNA tested.

Peterson has also revelled in the speculation surrounding him, writing in a 2007 essay for trade publication Smokejumper that 'the FBI had good reason to suspect me.'

He toyed with the idea that it was there was too 'too many circumstances involved for it to be a coincidence'.

The hijacked plane is seen on the runway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

'Friends and associates agreed that I was without a doubt D.B. Cooper. There were too many circumstances involved for it to be a coincidence,' he wrote.

'At the time of the heist, I was 44 years old. That was the approximate age Cooper was assumed to have been, and I closely resembled sketches of the hijacker,' he wrote.

He also compared a photo of himself wearing the same formalwear in a Boeing news sheet photo that the suspect wore that day.

'But what was even more incriminating was the photo of me simulating a skydiving maneuver for Boeing's news sheet. I was wearing a suit and tie - the same sort of garb Cooper had worn, right down to the Oxford loafers,' he wrote.

'It was noted that skydivers don't ordinarily dress so formally,' Peterson continued.

Phoenix entrepreneur Eric Ulis, who has followed the case for years and teamed up with the History Channel for the documentary 'The Final Search for DB Cooper' which aired in November, has said he is '98 percent sure' Peterson is the man behind the heist.

According to Ulis, Peterson literally worked in the department that wrote the manual for the Boeing 727 jet  the same plane DB Cooper made his daring jump from.

However the sleuth also admitted DB Cooper's eye color and smoking habits point toward Peterson not being the man responsible.

Theres two things Ive found that could rule Sheridan out, Ulis said.

Composite sketches of the suspect. For decades, federal authorities have failed to determine the identity of the suspect in what remains the only unsolved skyjacking case in US history

Theres some discrepancy with respect to eye color. Sheridan has blue eyes and the FBIs first description of DB Cooper was that he had brown eyes.

That description, however, was quickly updated to read that the hijacker possibly had brown eyes, according to Ulis.

Secondly, we know that DB Cooper definitely smoked cigarettes. In fact he smoked eight cigarettes during the hijacking.

I have never been able to prove that Peterson was ever a smoker, Ulis said.

In a statement to The Oregonian about Peterson's death, Ulis said: 'Whether Sheridan Peterson was D.B. Cooper or not, may I suggest that he more than atoned for his lifes failings?'

'Sheridan helped establish freedom schools in the Deep South in 1965 during the Civil Rights battles. He then spent years in Vietnam during the Vietnam War assisting refugees,' he said.

'Later he would witness and speak out against the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989. And it didnt stop there. Sheridan was very vocal about public policy until the very end.'

In the early 1960s, Peterson worked for Boeing in Seattle as a technical editor. In 1966 he moved to Southeast Asia to work as a refugee adviser during the Vietnam War.

Peterson served in the Marine Corps in World War II, and notably was an avid skydiver and smokejumper, the highly trained firefighters who parachute into wildfire zones. Peterson long claimed that, at the time of the skyjacking, he was living in a mud hut in Nepal

His tax returns show no record of employment August 1970 to March 1973 - the period during which the hijacking occurred.

For three decades, the FBI apparently lost track of Peterson, who moved frequently, including stints living in Saudi Arabia and Papua New Guinea.

In 2004, then-FBI Mary Jean Fryar was tasked with interviewing Peterson, who was then 77 years old.

'He was a charming guy,' Fryar later said of the interview.

'He had a lot of knowledge about the jump from the plane, because he'd been a smokejumper. And he was clearly interested in the case.'

'I think he gets a kick out of it, the attention,' Fryar added, saying that Peterson seemed to enjoy being treated as a suspect in the D.B. Cooper case.

In November 1971, a non-descript man identifying himself as Dan DB Cooper bought a $20 ticket for a Northwest Orient flight from Portland, Oregon, to Seattle, Washington state.

Peterson in a documentary last year. He has toyed with the idea he could be the mysterious DB Cooper over the years saying 'the FBI had good reason to suspect me'

During the flight, he handed a note to a flight attendant, telling them he had a bomb in his briefcase and demanded $200,000 ransom in unmarked $20 bills and four parachutes.

When the flight landed in Seattle, Cooper exchanged the flights 36 passengers for the money and parachutes. He kept several of the crew members on board and ordered the flight to take off again, in the direction of Mexico City.

Cooper told the pilots to fly the plane under 10,000 feet and at a speed lower than 200 knots.

Somewhere between Seattle and Reno just after 8:00pm, Cooper lowered the rear steps and jumped out the back of the plane using one of the parachutes swindled from authorities, with the cash clasped in his grasp.

The pilots later landed safely, but the man the press would later dub DB Cooper disappeared without a trace in the night  leaving his identity and fate to become the subject of folklore and prompting one of the longest and most exhaustive investigations in FBI history.

Nine years later in 1980 $6,000 of Cooper's ransom money was found bound-together by elastic bands along the Columbia River, northwest of Vancouver.

The badly decomposed $20 dollar bills had the same serial numbers as the bills given to the hijacker.

The discovery led the FBI to believe that the money had washed down river, 18 miles from Cooper's drop zone, and been buried in the sand.

A staggering 800 suspects were identified for potentially carrying out the legendary heist in the first five years but no one has ever been charged.

Nine years later in 1980 $6,000 of Cooper's ransom money was found bound-together by elastic bands along the Columbia River, northwest of Vancouver. Pictured agents digging where the money was discovered
Inaugural Addresses

Titles related to the new administration, and especially the historic election of Vice President Kamala Harris, made strong showings on our lists.

The #4 book in the country, Ambitious Girl by Meena Harris (the vice presidents niece), illustrated by Marissa Valdez, is a celebration of female ambition, our review said, in which the words used to criticize a Black female speaker (too assertive, too persistent, too ambitious, too loud) are embraced as positives by a brown-skinned girl. Kamalas Way by Dan Morain debuts at #17 on our hardcover nonfiction list in its second week on sale; though it doesnt get far beyond her public persona, our review said, its a brisk and evenhanded account of Harriss trailblazing career.

Older titles written by Kamala Harris include The Truths We Hold, which returns to our trade paper list at #9, and Superheroes Are Everywhere, illustrated by Mechal Renee Roe and #9 on our picture book list.

Elsewhere in picture books, Vashti Harrisons Little Leaders: Bold Black Women in History moves up eight spots to #15, and Kamala and Mayas Big Idea by Meena Harris, illustrated by Ana Ramirez Gonzalez, returns at #16.

And the #18 picture book, Champ and Major: First Dogs by Joy McCullough, illus. by Sheyda Abvabi Best, marks the welcome return of pets to the White House.

Coin of the Realm

Debuting at #14 in childrens fiction, Winterkeep continues Kristin Cashores Graceling Realm fantasy series, which had seemed to reach a conclusion more than eight years ago with the third book, Bitterblue. The new installment sees the character Bitterblue, queen of the nation of Monsea, working to establish a relationship with the nation of Winterkeep. In the book, theres a fuel in Winterkeep that politicians are really divided about, Cashore told PW in a prepublication interview. It can do a lot of wonderful things but is also a polluter. My awareness of global warming and the way that were treating Earth and using up our resources was on my mind. To date, the original trilogy has sold more than 675K print copies, and another Graceling Realm book is on the way.

NEW & NOTABLE

BEFORE SHE DISAPPEARED

Lisa Gardner

#4 Hardcover Fiction

Gardner pulls no punches in this socially conscious standalone, in which a recovering alcoholic has found purpose, if not peace, in channeling her addictive personality into finding missing women no one else bothers to search for, our starred review said.

WE FREE THE STARS

Hafsah Faizal

#17 Childrens Fiction

The conclusion to the YA fantasy duology that began with 2019s We Hunt the Flame returns readers to a magic-imbued world inspired by ancient Arabian culture and myth.

BUSINESS MADE SIMPLE

Donald Miller

#1 Trade Paperback, #7 overall

Miller, CEO of marketing company StoryBrand, offers 60 daily lessons aimed at helping readers and their teams become what he calls value-driven professionals.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misnamed the author of Kamala's Way, Dan Morain.

She recently teased that she had started working on a new project.

And Emily Atack appeared busy shooting a show with Strictly champion Bill Bailey on Friday, as she shared a snap of them together in a kitchen to her Instagram page.

The actress, 31, looked stunning as she put on a leggy display in a vibrant floral mini dress, teamed with a pair of white cowboy boots.

You'll find him in the kitchen! Emily Atack appeared busy shooting a show with Strictly champion Bill Bailey on Friday, as she shared a snap of them together in a kitchen

Emily kept her look glamorous as she wore her blonde locks swept back, while leaving some strands to frame her pretty make-up covered face.

In the playful snap, Emily pointed towards Bill as he appeared to be taking something out of the oven with a pair of gloves.

She captioned the photo: 'You will always find him in the kitchen at parties.. its the wonderful Bill! @billbaileyofficial.'

70s vibes: The actress, 31, looked stunning as she put on a leggy display in a vibrant floral mini dress, teamed with a pair of white cowboy boots

Emily and Bill were joined by Stacey Dooley, 33, who revealed she had been working with the 'loveliest gang', but also kept quiet on what the programme was.

On Thursday, Emily posted snaps to Instagram looking glam, captioning them: 'BACK AT IT! Filming begins for brand new show. Excited to release details soon!'

She looked lovely in a leather mini-dress in black, showing off her toned pins.

Pins for days: Emily put on a leggy display on Wednesday as she teased a new project

Emily added a floral blouse to the look with a bow detailing at the collar.

She completed the ensemble with tan ankle boots.

She wore her golden locks loosely around her features, keeping make-up honeyed with a slick of nude lip gloss and smokey eyes.

Emily is said to have split from her model boyfriend of three months Charlie Edwards due to the difficulties of starting a relationship in lockdown.

Glam: Emily posted snaps to Instagram looking glam, captioning them: 'BACK AT IT! Filming begins for brand new show. Excited to release details soon!'

And she was certainly pining for sunnier climes as she took to her Instagram stories on Tuesday to post a throwback holiday snap in a yellow and pink swimsuit.

The TV star told her followers she was missing sipping a beer on a beach before sharing a mirror selfie flashing her toned abs.

Emily looked every inch the beach babe in the throwback holiday snap as she sat on a purple towel making the most of the sunshine.

But the star had to make do with showing off her figure in the mirror of her London flat.

Emily raised her arm to flaunt her toned stomach in a black crop top and flared pinstripe trousers, which the actress said she 'loved'.

Throwback: Emily was certainly pining for sunnier climes as she took to her Instagram stories on Tuesday to post a throwback holiday snap in a yellow and pink swimsuit

Toned: The TV star told her followers she was missing sipping a beer on a beach before sharing a mirror selfie flashing her toned abs

It comes amid reports Emily has parted ways with her model boyfriend of three months Charlie after the ongoing coronavirus pandemic put pressure on the pair's budding romance.

The comedian is said to have split from the model, who is nine years her junior, after her hectic work schedule and Covid-19 rules made it difficult for them to see each other.

It was first revealed that the pair were an item back in October, but the couple have now ended their romance after just three months, according to The Sun.

A source told the publication: 'Emily's work schedule has been busy lately and she's had to really focus on making that work.

'She was really into Charlie, who is obviously very handsome, and there was a good spark there, but it's definitely over.'

Parted ways: It was revealed that Emily and Charlie were an item back in October, but the couple have now ended their romance after just three months

The source, who is said to be 'close' to the actress, also added that Emily and Charlie tried to make it work, but found it 'impossible' due to coronavirus regulations.

Emily's representatives declined to comment when approached by MailOnline.

The Celebrity Juice star was said to have been 'totally taken with' the tattooed model after they met through mutual friends.

A friend previously told the publication: 'Emily seems totally taken with Charlie and he's really into her. They met through a mutual friend.'

Their romance was revealed in October after they were spotted packing on the PDA during a night out in London.

Dating: Emily dipped her toe into the dating pond since she split from film producer Rob Jowers in September 2019 after just six months of romance (pictured in May 2019)

Friends told The Sun at the time that the Inbetweeners star was wooed by Charlie, who also works as a tattoo artist, on Instagram before they started dating.

Her romance with Charlie came after reports that Emily was linked to Missguided social media executive Joe Caro, after they were seen on a boozy date in early July.

Emily split from film producer Rob Jowers in September 2019 after just six months of romance.

The pair became an item after they met at Jack Whitehall's BRITs after-party and he offered to buy her a drink.

By a coincidence, weve just spent a fascinating weekend at Q Station, the revamped and historic Sydney Quarantine Station on North Head that functioned as a quarantine station from the 1830s until 1984. It was built on land of now acknowledged and immense significance for its original local Indigenous population (Doctors push for camps, not hotels, January 24).

While it has had a checkered history of class distinctions, in concept it evolved into exactly what the doctors are now ordering: with plenty of opportunities for its healthy visitors to have fresh air and exercise in its prime location and with an on-site hospital for those who were ill. Its hugely informative museum recounting the history of epidemics and pandemics worldwide and in Australia, and the engrossing history tour were especially relevant now, while putting our present pandemic in perspective. And its certainly an endorsement for purpose-built or revamped quarantine accommodation, and well worth the time of the powers that be to trek out to and learn from. Anne Ring, Coogee

Sydneys North Head Quarantine Station was and is the perfect place to quarantine overseas arrivals. Because of its recent use as a tourist hotel, it would be a simple matter to prepare the station to safely quarantine overseas arrivals. Like the elephant in the room that nobody sees, our Quarantine Station should be appreciated for what it is and be put back into use as soon as possible. Graham Tucker, Kiama

Both sides now

If, as Parnell Palme McGuinness claims, both sides of the political spectrum hold the potential for authoritarianism: why is it that when such a threat actually emerges in Western societies it is from the right (Beware ideologues let or right, January 24)? The biggest problem facing democratic, pluralist societies is the populist and reactionary perversion of conservatism since the 1980s. Self-indulgent both-sidesism prevents the right from truly facing this scourge, which it alone has the responsibility to do. Michael Hinchey, New Lambton
A Chinese central government inspection team has accused the country's energy administration of negligence in environmental protection, failing to control new coal power capacity in key polluted areas.

The team from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE), in its latest round of audits, found that the National Energy Administration (NEA) lacked concern for environmental protection when promoting energy development, the MEE said in a statement late on Friday.

"New coal power capacity at key areas for air pollution was not strictly controlled, leading to what should be built was not built and what shouldn't was built."

NEA officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

The teams were launched at the end of 2015 with the full authority of the ruling Communist Party leadership.

The latest inspections began in August as experts expressed concern that sharp falls in air pollution due to steps to control Covid-19 could reverse due to efforts to revive economic growth.

Many major energy projects have been arranged but with scant requirements for supporting environmental protection measures, the MEE said on Friday. It said the NEA lowered environmental specifications when revising a coal law and did not focus enough on promoting clean energy and a low-carbon transition.

Random inspection of three provinces found that 121 coal mines' had announced capacity that was 30% more than approved, the statement said.

"The failure to put environmental protection at its due height... is a major reason for long-term extensive development in China's energy industry," it said.

The inspection team had asked the NEA to speed up researching rectification plans and report to the party's central committee and the government's State Council within 30 workdays.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

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AS the white pirogue drifted in the waters just off Belle Garden in Tobago early yesterday morning, fishermen working nearby knew something was wrong.

What they saw in the small vessel stunned them.

Fourteen bodies, all of them male, along with a skull and other skeletal remains, were piled inside the vessel as it floated four miles off Belle Garden, police confirmed.

The bodies were all clad in tracksuits and green rain jackets and were severely decomposed, police investigators said.
Brian Sicknick was reportedly struck in the head with a fire extinguisher while struggling with the rioters who swarmed through the halls of Congress

The US Capitol police officer who died after being injured in the January 6 attack by pro-Trump rioters will lie in honor at the building's Rotunda, lawmakers said Friday, a mark of respect rarely bestowed.

Brian Sicknick was reportedly struck in the head with a fire extinguisher while struggling with the rioters who swarmed through the halls of Congress.

The 42-year-old member of the force that protects the ground of the Congress returned to his division office where he collapsed and was taken to the hospital, according to the Capitol Police.

He died the next day, they said, bringing the death toll from the violent attack to five.

'The U.S. Congress is united in grief, gratitude and solemn appreciation for the service and sacrifice of Officer Brian Sicknick,' said Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in a statement Friday.

Sicknick's actions 'during the violent insurrection against our Capitol helped save lives, defend the temple of our democracy and ensure that the Congress was not diverted from our duty to the Constitution.'

He died the next day, they said, bringing the death toll from the violent attack to five

Members of the office of the Architect of the US Capitol check for damage in the Rotunda in Washington, DC, on January 7, 2021, one day after the attack by pro-Trump extremists

'On behalf of the House of Representatives and the Senate, it is our great privilege to pay tribute to Officer Sicknick with this lying-in-honor ceremony,' the statement continued.

Only four other people have laid in honor in the Rotunda previously, according to the House archives website: The Reverend Billy Graham, civil rights icon Rosa Parks, and two other Capitol police officers, Jacob Chestnut and John Gibson, killed during a shooting rampage at the building in 1998.

Pelosi had earlier ordered flags over the Capitol lowered in Sicknick's honor. Four days after the attack, hundreds of off-duty police lined Constitution Avenue in Washington and saluted as a hearse rolled slowly by carrying his body.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A Cleveland man is accused of causing the death of his passenger during an East Cleveland pursuit that ended with the car crashing into a tree and catching fire at a Cleveland intersection, police say.

Ryan Clemmons, 31, is charged with aggravated vehicular homicide in the pursuit that happened just after 12:30 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of East 110th Street and Lakeview Avenue, according to Cleveland police spokeswoman Sgt. Jennifer Ciaccia and East Cleveland police Chief Scott Gardner.

East Cleveland police located a car at a Marathon Gas station they believe to be involved in drug activity, Gardner said. Police did not say where the gas station is located.

The car took off and lost control at East 110th Street and Lakeview Avenue.

The car began to be engulfed in flames and officers dragged the driver, identified as Clemmons, out of the car, Gardner said. Clemmons continued to fight with officers after being dragged out of the burning car.

Officers asked Clemmons several times if anyone else was in the car. They began to clear the car to see if anyone else was in there, but were unable to do so, Gardner said.

Police later discovered a passenger had died in the car from injuries suffered from the fire and the crash. Officials have not yet publicly identified the passenger.

Gardner said Clemmons will most likely be facing additional charges.

Read more crime stories on cleveland.com:

Authorities found no credible threat at Bay High School after lockdown, school district says

Bay Village High School on lockdown as police converge on building

Cleveland releases video of two officers accused of dismissing woman involved in crash involved in homicide just hours later

Ohio man pleads guilty to sexually soliciting minors online

8 women rescued from human-trafficking ring in central Ohio
The Telegraph

The daughter of Radovan Karadzic, the former Bosnian Serb leader serving life for genocide and crimes against humanity during the 1990s Yugoslav wars, has claimed her father is living in unhealthy and uncivilised conditions in a British prison. Karadzic, 75, who was convicted in 2016, was transferred from a detention unit in Holland to a UK jail earlier this month following an agreement struck between the UN and the Home Office. But his daughter, Sonja Karadzic-Jovicevic, has complained about the conditions at her fathers new prison after speaking to him on the phone. "As for the physical condition in which he is accommodated, it is unacceptable, she told SRNA, a news agency based in the Republika Srpska, the Serb enclave of Bosnia. If we add to that the fact that he is in a building full of carcinogenic asbestos that is banned around the world, it is clear in what condition he will be in. Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic also claimed that moving her father to the UK was a deliberate act of spite against his family. "My father is in a very uncivilised situation, and as far as his family is concerned, his relocation to the south of England was deliberately made to keep him far away, outside the rules of the United Nations Resolution adopted by the Security Council, she said. It will be very difficult for us physically, financially and procedurally, because of visas, and immunisation during the pandemic, and even after that, to ever go there and visit him," she continued. She added that he had been deprived of his books and his computer, and will be completely removed from his language and his culture. A spokesman for the Justice Ministry said: "UK prisons meet health and safety standards." Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic, who has a political career in Bosnia, has fought to defend her fathers name despite his brutal role in the wars as the Yugoslavian federation separated in the 1990s. Known as the Butcher of Bosnia, Karadzic went down in infamy, in particular for ordering the Srebrenica Massacre in July 1995. Some 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were rounded up by the Bosnian Serb army in and around the town of Srebrenica and then killed in the worst single massacre in Europe since the end of the Second World War. Karadzics lawyers had objected to his clients transfer to the UK, arguing that his life would be in danger owing to Muslim inmates in British prisons. They also argued that owing to possible threats to Karadzics life he would be kept in conditions resembling solitary confinement, but the UN court dismissed the objections. Given his role in the slaughter of Muslims, the experience of another Serb convicted of war crimes may also weigh upon the Karadzic family. In 2010 Radislav Krstic, a former Bosnian-Serb general, was stabbed by three Muslim prisoners while serving a sentence in Wakefield prison, in apparent retaliation for Srebrenica.
Fatoumata Danson, a 39-year-old Gambian immigrant residing in New York, was fatally shot in the head by her 22-year-old son in retaliation for allegedly kicking him out of her home and telling him to get a job, family members said.



According to NBC New York, the incident occurred in Dansons apartment at Lehman Village in Harlem on Tuesday, January 26. The accused  identified as Musa Camara  was later apprehended by the police somewhere around the neighborhood while still armed with the murder weapon.



Following his arrest, police said he underwent a psychiatric evaluation at a hospital. Distraught relatives who spoke to the news outlet said they want the accused to face the full rigors of the law, with Dansons brother, Yaku Basangari, saying he wants his nephew Camara to to rot in jail for the rest of his life. Besides Camara, Danson had seven other children.



Basangari, who described his sister as lovely and kind, said the family immigrated to New York City from Gambia and Sierra Leone in the 1990s in search of greener pastures. She always smiled and laughed, he said.



Asked what may have been the motive behind Camara fatally shooting his own mother, Basangari said it was because his nephew is a lazy bastard. My sister told him to get a job, threw him out of the houseand this was his reaction, he added.



Meanwhile, the New York Daily News reported Camara was due to appear before the Manhattan Criminal Court on the day of the shooting for earlier threatening to kill Danson. Authorities had also provided Danson with a panic button she could press for help after she was granted an order of protection against Camara. He flouted that order when he went to her apartment to kill her.



Prior to the shooting, Camara was initially facing charges related to body-slamming his deceased mother before telling her, I will kill you, during a confrontation in her apartment last year. The police also reportedly visited the home several times to break up altercations between the two.



She is an immigrant in this country, come and look for a better life and she got killed by her own son, Yankuba Sangarie, another brother of Danson, told the New York Post.



I want him to go the rest of his life in prison, he emotionally added. My nephew- I want him to go life in prison, no mercy for him.



Camara has been charged with murder.

Source: face2faceafrica.com









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Right now hottie Angela is hopefully adding to her collection of pr0n awards as her continued win streak inspires our glimpse at pop culture, community news and top headlines for tonight.

Kansas City Small Biz Hype For Big Game Amid COVID-19

Kansas City-area businesses cash in on Super Bowl excitement KANSAS CITY, Mo. - You can feel the Super Bowl excitement in many Kansas City businesses. From cookies, to shirts, to coffee, 41 Action News is highlighting some of the most unique ideas we've seen. There's a special new drink brewing at Parisi Coffee in Overland Park and at Union Station.

Todays Close Call

Crash involving big rig closes WB I-70 at Lewis & Clark Viaduct Friday Bridge damage on I-70 curve SOURCE: KDOT A crash involving a tractor-trailer has closed westbound Interstate 70 at the Lewis & Clark Viaduct in Kansas City, Kansas, authorities said.The Kansas Department of Transportation said traffic is being routed to Minnesota Avenue or Fairfax Trafficway.Authorities said the bridge was damaged when the big rig rolled over.

Reporting On News Lady

The Who/What/When/Where of KMBC 9 News Anchor Donna Pitman - In Kansas City KMBC 9 FirstNews anchor Donna Pitman is already on the air long before your alarm goes off. She's been co-anchoring the show for nearly 15 years. She may be up obscenely early during the week, but she's still a firm believer in getting out and about to local haunts or her favorite stomping grounds.

Taco Hypocrisy

Woman claims Taco Bell fired her after learning of pre-COVID job in porn industry A former Taco Bell employee in Arkansas is claiming she was fired from the job after a co-worker complained about her hot, fiery and perhaps even "diablo" off-the-clock activities. Taco Bell, meanwhile, is claiming that Wells' termination had nothing to do with her pornographic past work.

Pundit Talks Trash

Ana Navarro calls McCarthy's visit to Trump 'white slavery': He looks like he's 'owned by his master' Ana Navarro panned House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy's recent meeting with President Trump at Mar-a-Lago, saying the GOP congressman is a "slave" to the former commander-in-chief. Serving as a guest co-host of "The View" on Friday, Navarro went on a tear against the Republican Party for failing to "get rid of the cross that they've been bearing" by not supporting Trump's impeachment.

Republicans Struggle With Impeachment Politics

Senate Republicans say Trump should be held accountable for riot -- but not by them To Senate Minority Whip John Thune, former President Donald Trump's actions ahead of the deadly Capitol riot are totally indefensible.

Tribute To Hero

Brian Sicknick, police officer killed in insurrection, to lie in honor at Capitol Rep. Ralph Norman and Sen. Tim Scott had pushed for Sicknick to lie in honor under the Rotunda earlier this week. The two South Carolina Republicans introduced a bill Thursday that would also have the House sergeant-at-arms pay for Sicknick's funeral expenses and to install a commemorative plaque in the building.

COVID Vaxx Promised

There will be enough Covid vaccines for the 'entire U.S. adult population by June,' Johnson & Johnson board member says Johnson & Johnson board member Dr. Mark McClellan told CNBC Friday that there could be enough vaccinations for the entire U.S. adult population by the summer. "Assuming all of the close review of the J&J data all pans out, we're going to have the capacity between Moderna, Pfizer, J&J, to have enough vaccines available by June for the entire U.S.

We Could Work With Hottie Hollywood Starlet

Katherine Heigl Got Brutally Honest About Being Blacklisted In Hollywood After She Was Called "Difficult" And "Unprofessional" "I may have said a couple of things you didn't like, but then that escalated to 'she's ungrateful,' then that escalated to 'she's difficult,' and that escalated to 'she's unprofessional,'" she said. "What is your definition of difficult? Somebody with an opinion that you don't like?

Kansas City Hype Game Stays Winning

Union Station filled with interactive Chiefs pride ahead of Super Bowl LV KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Anyone looking to get their Chiefs fix ahead of the big game need not look further than Union Station. A staple of Kansas City's downtown, Union Station has tapped into the Red Kingdom as a way to celebrate the hometown team.

Feast Amid COVID Crash

Some restaurants offering tasty specials for Super Bowl LV Burger // Epic Burgers Food will be a key staple while supporting the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV from the living room. At least ten businesses in Kansas City will be offering specials for the Super Bowl. Along with food, Kansas City Chiefs merchandise and artwork can also be delivered to the front door.

Saturday Downpour Ahead

Rainy Saturday on way CLOUDS AND BEFORE WE CAN TALK ABOUT RAIN, BUT IT IS BEGINNING TO THICKEN UP QUITE A BIT. WE HAD CLOUDS -- THIN CLOUDS EARLIER TODAY BUT NOW IT LOOKS LIKE OVERCAST IS TRYING TO DEVELOP AHEAD OF OUR STORM SYSTEM AREA DEFINITELY FIND THAT UMBRELLA.

And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
New court documents including an amended whistleblowers lawsuit alleged that Academy Bus defrauded NJ Transit starting in 2003, years earlier than the states original $15 million suit filed last November contended.

The allegations were in an unsealed 2017 whistleblower lawsuit and a version amended earlier this month that was filed by Hector Peralta, a former Academy employee, who claims he was asked to doctor missed trip reports the private carrier filed with NJ Transit for bus service it was hired to run under contract. North Jersey.com first reported the new allegations Friday.

An amended lawsuit was filed by attorneys for Peralta on Jan. 7 and detailed how the alleged doctoring of missed bus trips started as early as 2003.

The 2017 whistleblower suit had been sealed by Judge Lisa M. Adubato and only parts of it were unsealed when with state Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewals office announced its suit against Academy last year. A Nov. 12, 2020 order allowed other documents to remain sealed until this month.

In November, the state Attorney General filed a suit against the Hoboken-based company, charging it with defrauding NJ Transit out of $15 million between April 2012 and December 2018, by underreporting the number of trips it missed and charging for others it never ran.

Attorneys for Academy said they plan to file a motion to dismiss Pereltas latest suit. Additional motions to dismiss the Attorney Generals complaint with prejudice were filed on Jan. 20 by Academys attorneys.

Peralta detailed how it allegedly began when management told him in January 2003 not to submit a report to NJ Transit that detailed 10 missed trips, and was informed it was a new policy not to report them. The suit details allegations across more than a decade, including claims that management told Perlta to withhold information about trips from auditors.

In the amended suit, Peralta contends he was fired in 2016 for not following management orders to stop filing accurate missed trip reports.

Attorneys for the three Academy bus companies named in the suit said theyll continue to fight the allegations.

We intend to vigorously defend these allegations. As counsel for the Academy Bus Companies we have already moved to dismiss the Attorney Generals complaint for money damages and will seek dismissal of Mr. Peraltas newest complaint at the appropriate time, said Christopher S. Porrino, attorney for the bus companies in a statement. We are looking forward to our day in court.

The Attorney Generals allegations also raised questions by NJ Transit board members about how the alleged problem could have gone on so long without being detected. They demanded more oversight on information and reports filed by all private carriers.

Both the lawsuit and press reports about warnings, say audits as early as 2006 and as late as last February, raised questions about management control systems and the agencys ability to monitor missed trips by contract carriers.

Academy was previously fined $5.9 million by NJ Transit, said Kevin Corbett, agency CEO, in an earlier interview. The fines were assessed for missed trips from fiscal year 2013 to fiscal year 2020, which ended on June 30, said Nancy Snyder, an agency spokeswoman.

NJ Transit was strapped for people in information technology and in other functions, he said.

The tracking wasnt adequate to catch it. We fined Academy $5.9 million and those are the ones we caught, Corbett said. It was like whack-a-mole.

NJ Transit is working on a technological solution to move away from private carrier self-reporting of trips, officials said.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com.
A fire that broke out in a boiler room forced the evacuation of about 350 patients from a downtown hospital in Chile's capital on Saturday.

Health authorities said all of the San Borja hospital's patients, including some COVID-19 victims hooked to ventilators, were being taken to other hospitals, but no injuries have so far been reported.

The Santiago metropolitan health agency said the fire broke out in a boiler room, and local prosecutors said it could have been due to an electrical short circuit. It covered the hospital in a haze of smoke as dozens of fire trucks and other emergency vehicles surrounded the scene.

Firefighters said the blaze was controlled Saturday morning.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Across the United States, February is considered American Heart Month. The month is dedicated to promoting heart health and raising awareness for heart disease. The Go Red for Women organization works to do so through fundraising and its National Wear Red Day event. Those in the Puyallup area can witness support for the cause at Toyota of Puyallup this February.

Go Red for Women is a charity organization focusing to end heart disease and strokes in women. Stemming from the American Heart Association, the international movement works to raise awareness and support causes to reduce such diseases in women. The American Heart Association uses the revenue from local and national Go Red for Women activities to support education, research and community programs.

Toyota of Puyallup will once again be taking part in National Wear Red Day this February. The day is marked as the first Friday of every February. This year, the event will be taking place on Feb. 5, as those around the nation will be wearing red to raise awareness and bring attention to heart disease. The dealership will be supporting the cause by participating that Friday by wearing red, as well as supporting the American Heart Association for the entire month of February.

Residents in the Puyallup area are welcomed to join in supporting the cause with Toyota of Puyallup. The dealership invites the community to wear red on Friday, Feb. 5. Those interested can learn more about the dealership and its communal support by going to their website at https://www.toyotaofpuyallup.com/. An associate can also be reached over the phone at 253-286-6000 or found at their location at 1400 River Road in Puyallup.





Pregnant woman delivers baby after being shot at home; family thanks God

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Family members of a 24-year-old pregnant Georgia woman who was shot while standing in front of a home are now thanking God after she survived along with her newborn, who was reportedly delivered at the scene on Tuesday evening.

Everything was good, Reginald Hampton, brother-in-law of the shooting victim, Angel Cruz, said in an interview with News12. I just thank everybody that come through to check up on both of them, really all of them. Thank God theyre OK.

An incident report from the Richmond County Sheriffs Office said just before 3 p.m. they received a call about a gunshot victim in the 2500 block of Drayton Drive in Augusta.

When they arrived on the scene they were met by Cruz, a witness identified as Dangelo Wimbley, 24, along with her boyfriend Perry Williams, 28, whom police is investigating as a suspect. Officers also noticed an unloaded Black Glock 19 9mm handgun on top of the front passenger seat inside a blue Ford Explorer parked in the driveway of the residence.

Cruz told police she was in front of the home when she felt something strike her stomach. She went inside the home and noticed she was bleeding heavily from her stomach and called police.

Williams told police that he was inside his bedroom at the time of the shooting and indicated to police that theres a lot of drive-by shootings in the area, according to the police report.

Police asked him if he was in possession of any firearms and he said the firearms were stored in his bedroom closet.

When they entered the home, police observed two AR-15 style firearms found in a bedroom closet, two 9mm Glock magazines on the floor of the bloody bedroom, a clear plastic bag containing marijuana and what appeared to be a large amount of blood on the bed and on the floor of the bedroom. Williams was also searched and found to be in possession of a black Glock 19 holster.

Wimbley told police he was on the phone with Williams at the time of the shooting and heard a gunshot over the phone. He said he heard Williams yelling immediately after the gunshot and quickly drove to the scene to see what happened.

Williams was turned over to criminal investigators, who charged him with reckless conduct and misdemeanor possession of marijuana while Wimbley was held on two probation violations and a state court bench warrant.

Another pregnant woman was shot dead along with her unborn child and five others in Indianapolis Sunday, the Associated Press reported. A 17-year-old boy is being held as a suspect in those killings.

Kezzie Childs, 42, Raymond Childs, 42, Elijah Childs, 18, Rita Childs, 13, and Kiara Hawkins, 19, and her unborn child were pronounced dead after being found in a home in Marion County. A sixth victim, a male juvenile, was also hospitalized with gunshot wounds after he was found on a nearby block before the other victims were discovered.

Hawkins was reportedly first taken to an area hospital, but both she and her unborn male child died despite life-saving efforts, authorities said.

What we saw this morning was a different kind of evil, Randal Taylor, the citys police chief, said at a press conference. There are no right words to say at this time. I myself am heartbroken for the lives that have been taken too soon, for the young life thats forever been changed and for the young life that never got a chance to start, for the neighborhood left to pick up the pieces in the wake of unprecedented violence and for all of the family and friends that have been rocked by grief.
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The damaging practice of burning grouse moor peatlands will be partially banned in England, ministers have announced, prompting criticism that the measure does not go far enough.

Some conservationists cautiously welcomed the crackdown, which will mean shoot organisers will no longer be allowed routinely to set fire to heather on ecologically sensitive sites.

But the ban comes with exceptions, and wildlife experts say more urgency is needed to help tackle the climate crisis.

The ban will apply to blanket bogs  peat more than 40cm deep  on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) that is also a Special Area of Conservation or a Special Protection Area unless a licence has been granted or the land is steep or rocky.

Environmentalists have for many years condemned the practice of setting light to upland peatlands that are rich in wildlife, which is done in winter to ensure grouse have new, more nutritious shoots of heather to eat before they are shot for sport.

But the burning releases carbon into the atmosphere, adding to the climate crisis. The UK has 13 per cent of the worlds blanket bog, which store more than 3,000 million tons of carbon.

Wet bogs also support a range of birds, including breeding dunlin and golden plover.

Advocates of the burning say it protects areas from wildfires, and that differently aged heathers protect threatened ground-nesting birds.

But some experts argue burning makes the land vulnerable to fires, destroys habitats and increases flood risks.

The new ban also does not apply where scree makes up half the land area. And environment secretary George Eustice may also issue burning licences for wildfire prevention, for a conservation purpose or where land is inaccessible to cutting or mowing machinery. These licences may last several years.

Luke Steele, of Ban Bloodsports on Yorkshires Moors, said: Englands grouse moors are woefully under-regulated so we welcome todays announcement that burning on fragile blanket bog will no longer be routinely allowed in many areas.

However, the legislation does not go far enough, given it fails to end burning on degraded shallow peatlands, which need restoring to their healthy, deeper state.

In the midst of a climate emergency, there is no justification to allow fires to be set on any carbon-rich peatlands.

More than 660 fires have been started on grouse moorlands in Yorkshire alone since 2018, according to new research by Mr Steeles group.

The Wildlife Trusts questioned why the ban was only partial, saying: If, in some places, the reason they are burnt is to prevent wildfires spreading over dry ground, the best way to stop fire happening is to block ditches and help the peat become wet again.

It is deeply frustrating that it has taken so long for the government to commit to this  14 months after it was first promised.

It will be extremely embarrassing if we are still burning any of our peatlands when the climate conference meets at the end of the year.

The governments own advisers say we need to restore all upland peatlands to meet climate targets. So while its a tiny step forward, much greater urgency is needed across a huge range of comparably burning issues to protect our wildlife and tackle climate change.

The government says the ban will help achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 as well as protecting habitats and their biodiversity.

Natural England chairman Tony Juniper said: This is a hugely welcome announcement that will see better protections for our globally important peatlands.

The government says it will set out further steps to protect peatlands this year and a 640m Nature for Climate fund will launch a programme of peatland restoration.

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As each county and city in Texas decides for itself how to register people for the COVID-19 vaccine, many are confused about how and when they'll receive the shot in their arms. As of Jan. 28, 7.76 percent of Texans, or 1,687,025 people, have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

The reality is that most people will not get vaccinated for COVID-19 until later in 2021. Hospital systems must plan not only to vaccinate the next groups of people, according to priorities set by Texas Department of State Health Services, but also those returning for a second dose.

Its going to take a couple months, said Dr. James McCarthy, chief physician executive at Memorial Hermann Hospital System.

Heres what you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

Who is getting the vaccine?

COVID-19 vaccines are being administered to people in the phase 1A and 1B groups, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The first priority groups in phase 1A include medical workers who treat COVID-19 patients, staff and residents at long-term care facilities, home health care workers and first responders.

In the second tier of phase 1A, staff in outpatient settings who interact with symptomatic patients, staff at freestanding emergency rooms, pharmacists administering the vaccine, public health staff, school nurses, funeral home workers and medical examiners who work with people who died from COVID-19 will receive vaccines.

Phase 1B includes people who are 65 and older and people who are 16 or older with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, pregnancy or cancer, that puts them at higher risk for complications and death from COVID-19. People who are in Phase 1B can register to get vaccinated at this time.

However, just because you're eligible doesn't mean you'll get it.

Hospitals such as Houston Methodist and Memorial Hermann have said that they would prioritize patients who have recently seen a primary care doctor or specialist in their networks before the rest of the public. Larger health systems say they have the staff capacity and space to vaccinate anywhere from 1,000 to 3,000 people daily, but that relies on having enough doses.

Smaller clinics, pharmacies and physician offices may have the vaccine, but in limited quantities.

The best estimate we are able to offer is that supplies of the vaccine are expected to increase sufficiently to vaccinate the general public sometime in either March or April, said Porfirio Villarreal, a spokesperson for the Houston Health Department.

NOW HIRING: Pharmacy retailers CVS, Walgreens hiring thousands for help with COVID-19 vaccine

How do I sign up?

Appointments are required to get the vaccine. The Houston Health Department began allowing Phase 1A and Phase 1B vaccine recipients to sign up on its website, or by phone Monday through Saturday at 832-393-4220. As of Jan. 29, the citys department did not have available appointments.

You can, however, continue to check the Houston Health Departments site in the future to sign up as more vaccines are produced. No details on when those vaccines will be shipped are available.

Harris County Public Health has its own sign-up waitlist, accessible on its vaccine registry website or by dialing 832-927-8787.

Neighboring counties have their own vaccine sign-up sites, which may be taken offline when there are no appointments available.

Private hospitals may have separate sign-up systems or websites.

Most people in the 1A and 1B group should be vaccinated by the spring if supply stays steady. The best way to find out when and where a vaccine will be available to your group is to continue checking the Texas DSHS website.

Where can I see COVID-19 vaccine locations?

Dozens of medical providers in the Houston area are listed as COVID-19 vaccine providers on the Texas DSHS website. They include major hospitals, clinics, public health offices and pharmacies.

Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Youll need an appointment before getting your COVID-19 vaccine. Call ahead or sign up online on the providers website to make one.

Dont bother trying to sign up if youre not in the 1A or 1B groups. Hospitals are prioritizing vaccine recipients within phase 1A and 1B groups and sending out sign-ups to small groups of patients at a time.

Right now, were inviting discreet groups like certain neighborhood health clinics in underserved areas, but having to do it in a limited way so the people we invite can get scheduled, said McCarthy of Memorial Hermann.

Can I go to my doctors office to get a vaccine?

Primary care providers will provide another way to get vaccinated, but most are following a dont call us, well call you approach.

At Baylor College of Medicine staff are using medical records to identify which patients within the Phase 1B group should get vaccines first. For instance, a 64-year-old who is obese and has a heart condition might be offered the vaccine before a healthy 66-year-old.

Weve provided a list to physicians, who will reach out to our patients to schedule so patients dont have to do anything, said Dr. James McDeavitt, Baylor College of Medicines senior vice president and dean of clinical affairs.

Some hospitals are emailing sign-up links to patients who have been identified as high priority for the vaccine. Some of those patients might pass the registration websites along to people who dont qualify, but hospitals said those who dont belong to priority groups will be turned away.

Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Calling to try to jump the line wont work either, hospital officials said.

Cold calling hospitals and clinics is not helpful, Memorial Hermanns McCarthy said.

How does the vaccine work?

The COVID-19 vaccine is given in two doses. A clinician administers the first dose to a patient and keeps them for as long as 20 minutes for observation. During this time, the patient is monitored for any allergic reactions to the vaccine. For most people, the extent of their aches and pains after is a sore arm.

Between the two inoculation appointments, patients should continue to wear a mask, practice social distancing and avoid gatherings.

Three weeks later, patients will return for the second dose. Combined, the two doses are 95 percent effective in protecting people from coming down with COVID-19. Its still unknown whether people can continue to carry the virus after being vaccinated.

Medical experts advise getting both doses from the same provider.

How much does the vaccine cost?

Vaccines that have been purchased as part of the federal allotment will be free, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Providers administering them may not seek any reimbursement, including through balance billing, from a vaccine recipient.

ON PAUSE: Harris County halts COVID-19 vaccine registration after granting access to non-qualified patients

Patients and their insurance providers, however, may be on the hook for other costs  a bill for visiting the doctors office, for instance, or for care if they have an adverse reaction. Its still unclear what counts as an administration cost. A patient who is uninsured can still receive a COVID-19 vaccine at no cost, because the Provider Relief Fund will reimburse hospitals and clinics for services related to COVID-19.

Why cant I get a vaccination despite being in a priority group?

People who fall into the 1A and 1B categories have reported calling around for hours, unable to get a vaccination appointment at a medical provider.

A lot of it has to do with basic math: According to a Chronicle analysis of the data, more than 4 million doses have been allocated across Texas, but according to the Census, more than 3 million Texas residents alone are 65 or older.

Texas receives about 330,000 doses weekly. It's distributed not only among that older age group, but also more than 1.6 million health care workers and 270,000 assisted living facility residents in Texas who are part of the high priority groups. It's hard to get a figure on how many people have chronic conditions that could lead to complications from COVID-19, but according to a 2018 article by Texas DSHS Commissioner John Hellerstedt in Texas Medicine, chronic disease is one of the top four killers of Texans.

Only a sliver of that 330,000 distribution makes it to Houston every week.

Plus, there are only so many clinicians qualified and available to administer the vaccine and monitor patients afterward.

Medical providers say they are running out of vaccines for the doctors, nurses and patients who need it most. Pharmacies, such as H-E-Bs, and small clinics said theyve received smaller shipments of vaccines, with individual locations getting as few as 100 doses.

State officials allege that vaccines are sitting on the shelves and not getting distributed quickly enough. About 2 million doses had been administered by Jan. 28 in Texas, according to the Chronicles analysis.

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AS the white pirogue drifted in the waters just off Belle Garden in Tobago early yesterday morning, fishermen working nearby knew something was wrong.

What they saw in the small vessel stunned them.

Fourteen bodies, all of them male, along with a skull and other skeletal remains, were piled inside the vessel as it floated four miles off Belle Garden, police confirmed.

The bodies were all clad in tracksuits and green rain jackets and were severely decomposed, police investigators said.


Newly-divorced and a single mom, Stephanie Horvath enrolled at Northampton Community College in search of a new career path to support her son. Her choice of the diagnostic medical sonography program may have saved her life.

On Saturday, Horvath will be one of more than 700 NCC winter graduates celebrating their commencement in a virtual celebration. They range in age from 19 to 78 with graduates from 11 countries.

For Horvath, the celebration is the culmination of a two-year journey that includes a new career, cancer treatment and a global pandemic.

In the spring of 2019, Horvaths lab partner detected something abnormal on Horvaths thyroid during a routine ultrasound scan in class. Unsure what it was, they called their instructor over. Students had asked to learn the protocols for scanning the thyroid because it was popping up often in their clinical rotations.

I remember her saying, Steph, I dont know if I am scanning the right thing, Horvath, 31, of Pen Argyl, said of her lab partner. But yours looks really weird.

Their instructor told Horvath it was a thyroid nodule and advised her to get it checked out. Thyroid nodules are so common that 95% are nothing to worry about, but Horvaths was suspicious given her age and the location on just one side, said Susan Davidson, the diagnostic medical sonography program director.

In a young person you tend to worry it is one of the more serious cancers, said Davidson, who is also one of Horvaths professors.

NCCs on-site doctor ordered an ultrasound that led to a biopsy, which came back positive for papillary thyroid cancer.

It was a complete shock, Horvath said. ... It is the most common type of thyroid cancer and it has the best prognosis.

Shed been tired and gained some weight, but those were easily written off as a single mom juggling full-time school, clinical rotations and a job at Boscovs. Her surgeon recommended removing her entire thyroid to be proactive, so Horvath scheduled her surgery over spring break so she wouldnt miss out on class or clinical.

The surgery went smoothly, although it revealed the cancer had spread to a few of her lymph nodes.

I had no idea it was there. If I had let it go how many more years, it couldve spread further, Horvath said. I think I was meant to be in the program. It was just confirmation of that.

Her doctor recommended radioactive iodine treatment, which she successfully completed over her summer break.

She didnt miss any time at all, Davidson said of Horvath. She didnt complain about anything. We were there to support her and reached out to her regularly.

Horvath was grateful her instructors and clinical providers worked with her to arrange her schedule so she didnt miss classes or hours.

She was one of those people who made sure things were running smoothly. She plans ahead. She doesnt get behind on anything, Davidson said. She didnt want her cancer to interfere with anything. She also was great at helping other students. She would tutor other students. I see her perhaps taking on greater leadership roles in her future jobs that she has.

All of that, paired with her people skills, led Davidson to select Horvath as the classroom lab manager, a leadership role she thrived in.

Shes very cheerful, she has a big smile and she has a laugh that everybody loves, Davidson said. Shes just a very positive person who laughs a lot.

Horvath stayed positive throughout the program, but it certainly wasnt easy. She selected sonography due to her interest in the medical field and enjoyment of anatomy classes.

It was extremely hard, but I was just really motivated I think, Horvath said. Luckily, I had the support of my family, so my parents helped me with my son quite a bit. That was everything.

Once in the program, she knew shed made the right choice. She loved the close patient interaction and the diagnostic element.

You are kind of trying to solve a puzzle, putting together symptoms with images and helping the doctor come up with a diagnosis, Horvath said.

Coming back to school after completing cancer treatment, Horvath expected life to settle down a bit. Then came the pandemic in the spring of 2020, upending the last two semesters of her cohorts ultrasound program. Like many parents, Horvath found herself juggling her learning with her son David, who is 5, at home all the time.

Hospitals halted clinical rotations from March until June as they struggled to get enough personal protective equipment for staff and limit unnecessary people in hospital buildings, Davidson said. At that point, students were spending a few days a week in their rotation, while the final semester is 40 hours a week, she explained.

It threw us all for a loop thats for sure. We figured it out as we went. A lot of our classes had to be moved online, which was very challenging, especially for our lab classes, Horvath said. Our teachers did their best and really did a good job trying to cater the program and still get us what we needed.

Hospitals slowly started bringing some students back at the end of May, Davidson said, and St. Lukes University Health Network took on more students who had not been enrolled in their system pre-pandemic when their prior clinical placements fell through.

We lost four months of clinical time we wouldve had otherwise, Horvath said. When we got back into the hospital we got extra hours... and we were all able to graduate on time, which was a huge blessing.

Horvath took her boards the first chance she got. The ultrasound program wrapped up in August and shes now working at St. Lukes University Health Network as a per diem ultrasound tech. Shes hoping to obtain full-time work with health benefits soon.

Shes grateful the college hosted a small pining ceremony for her cohort  seven students in all  in August when they completed the program.

We were really lucky, she said. We were able to have a really small ceremony with immediate family in the auditorium and my son was able to give me my pin in the pinning ceremony. It was really, really special.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com.
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With gun violence surging across Baton Rouge, the parish has recorded its deadliest month in more than a decade after 2020 became the most murderous year to date.

Already, 16 people have been murdered in East Baton Rouge Parish since Jan. 1, including the grandson of former Metro Councilwoman Donna Collins-Lewis, who issued a statement Friday morning saying her family is "at a loss and our hearts have been crushed."

Jared Collins, 21, was pronounced dead after a shooting at his house on Spain Street near South 17th around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. Medics responded quickly but were unable to save his life.

"Jared was an amazing, loving young man and at 21 years old, his life was just beginning," Collins-Lewis said in the statement. "He was taken away from us prematurely by someone, and we are at a loss."

The former councilwoman asked for privacy on behalf of her family and thanked the community for "the overwhelming outpouring of support and condolences" they've received since news of the killing, which marks the latest tragic statistic after months of unprecedented gun violence. Even after a record-breaking year, the violence has not subsided during this first month of 2021.

January has already seen more homicides than during any other single month since at least 2008, according to data collected by the East Baton Rouge District Attorney's Office. There have been 16 in total  more than one every other day  according to Advocate records.

+8 Baton Rouge's most murderous year on record: How gun violence surged amid pandemic Debra Ross was headed to her first Bible study of 2020 when she stopped home to change clothes and found herself walking into a nightmare: Her

If murders continue at the current pace over the next several months, the 2021 total would come close to 200  a significant increase over the record-breaking 114 murders of 2020.

The most murders to occur in a single month last year was 14 in November. The previous November and August 2017 both saw 15 murders, records show.

The Advocate tracks intentional and unjustified killings, per FBI crime reporting rules. Such criminal homicides fall under the legal definitions of murder and manslaughter. The 2021 numbers are preliminary and could change in the future if law enforcement deems some cases accidental or justified and vice versa.

Collins-Lewis said her family is working closely with Baton Rouge police as the criminal investigation unfolds. She asked anyone with information about the case to contact law enforcement.

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

Some of the victim's family members, including Collins-Lewis, gathered on the scene Wednesday evening while detectives began their investigation. The relatives talked with officers and intermittently started crying, holding onto each other for support and speaking softly in disbelief.

No potential suspects or motives have been identified publicly, but the investigation is ongoing.

Collins-Lewis served for 12 years on the Metro Council representing District 6, which extends east from North Foster Drive along Florida Boulevard to North Flannery Road. It includes the Melrose East, Broadmoor and Villa Del Rey neighborhoods, among others. She was term-limited last year and recently replaced by Cleve Dunn Jr.

+9 BRPD: 1 dead after reported shooting on Spain St. off Government A young man was shot to death Wednesday evening in his house off Government Street, marking the most recent act of deadly gun violence as the 

The day after her grandson's death, another young life was lost to Baton Rouge gun violence, according to police.

Marquell Wyatt, also 21, was found shot to death inside a vehicle around 11 p.m. Thursday. The vehicle was parked in the 5000 block of McClelland Drive in Brookstown.

The victim's family declined to speak with a reporter on Friday, with news of the death still less than 24 hours old.

Local leaders and officials announced Friday afternoon a press conference scheduled for next Tuesday morning, where they will discuss a new outreach program aimed at deescalating violence and promoting gun safety. The Baton Rouge Police Department is partnering with local anti-violence organizations on the effort, which is funded through federal grant money, officials said.

The partnership is the latest initiative of its kind in Baton Rouge. Similar existing programs have been curtailed during the pandemic, which officials believe might be contributing to the ongoing spike in gun violence.

Other cities across the country have experienced similar trends, with national experts pointing to a confluence of factors: People are under massive amounts of stress from the pandemic, often desperate for money and frustrated at the complete upheaval of normal life. Meanwhile, nationwide protests against police brutality tested relationships among officers and their communities, and changes in the criminal justice system left law enforcement agencies struggling to be proactive and solve crime while adhering to social distancing requirements.
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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

More than 20% of Santa Fe County residents have received partial or full COVID-19 vaccinations, while Bernalillo County has vaccinated 14% of its population, according to an interactive map operated by the state Department of Health.

The new county-by-county breakdown offers details of the number of people vaccinated in each of New Mexicos 33 counties, and the percentage of the population vaccinated.

DOH recognizes that New Mexicans want to understand how the vaccine distribution effort is affecting their communities, said agency spokesman Matt Bieber in an email Friday. You can access the map on the states COVID-19 vaccine dashboard at cvvaccine.nmhealth.org.

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In the data of population vaccinated, Santa Fe County ranked fourth-highest in the state, with smaller rural counties, including Union and San Miguel, rounding out the top five. Cibola ranked second behind Guadalupe.

Bernalillo County, the most populous county in the state, ranked 10th according to the latest update of the map published Friday.

But the percentage vaccinated in counties neighboring Bernalillo, such as Sandoval and Valencia, were in the single digits.

Only 5% of Sandoval County, which stretches northwest from the Bernalillo County line, but includes Rio Rancho, has been vaccinated, with Valencia County, to the south of Albuquerque, only slightly higher, at 5.7%, according to the DOH map.

The second most populated county in New Mexico was also in the single digits. Dona Ana County ranked 19th in the percent vaccinated, at just under 8%.

There are a range of variables that affect vaccine distribution, including population, local health care provider capacity, cold storage capacity (for the vaccine), and more, Bieber told the Journal.

In any operation this complex, some variation should be expected  but the DOH operations team is examining the data closely and will use them to ensure that vaccine distribution occurs equitably.

Across the state, the demand for vaccines is outstripping supply. Currently, health care workers, first responders, those 75 and older, and people age 16 and older with underlying medical conditions are eligible for the vaccinations.

Meanwhile, University of New Mexico Health Sciences announced Friday that, after delivering some 28,000 COVID-19 vaccines since the rollout of its new clinic inside the UNM Pit arena in Albuquerque, the clinic will take a pause while awaiting additional vaccine supplies.

The clinic, which opened Jan. 19, wont be administering vaccines next week, but is expected to be running the following week, said UNM Health Sciences public information officer Alex Sanchez.

Bieber said the DOH wasnt aware of other vaccine providers, which are estimated at about 200 or so statewide, planning to pause operations.

He said New Mexico hopes to receive about 56,000 doses a week for the next three weeks from the federal government and will be distributing the doses to an ever widening network of providers in every corner of the state.

The 56,000 per week represents a 16% increase in allocations to New Mexico, Bieber added. Bottom line: well be doing more overall vaccinations.

In Santa Fe, Christus St. Vincent president and CEO Lillian Montoya told the Journal, Santa Feans are very eager to get the vaccine.

The hospital continues to be flooded with vaccine-related calls and emails, and we have done our best to communicate that supply is still very limited.

The hospital is currently vaccinating its 75-and-older patient population, who are selected randomly.

Since the mid-December rollout of vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer, the state has received 278,800 doses and administered 248,183, according to the most recent data.

Statewide, an estimated 9% of the population has received a vaccine.

In raw numbers, about 96,766 people in Bernalillo County have received a partial or full vaccination, with 31,569 in Santa Fe and 17,179 in Dona Ana County.

Bieber expected additional features to be added to the map in the near future.

Other states, such as Texas, for example, include vaccine data by age, gender and race on their websites.

Meanwhile, New Mexico reported an uptick in new daily COVID-19 cases Friday, with 1,085 people testing positive, and 22 COVID-19-related deaths.

Bernalillo County had 482 new cases. Of the new deaths reported, nine people lived in the northwest New Mexico counties of San Juan or McKinley  a region that has been a hot spot in the pandemic.

Online

For the latest news on the COVID-19 pandemic

NAIROBI, Kenya  A bloody and contentious election season in Uganda, in which dozens of people were killed and the principal opposition candidate was placed under de facto house arrest, recently gave a sixth five-year term to President Yoweri Museveni, a staunch U.S. military ally.

But now the U.S. State Department says it is considering a range of actions against Mr. Museveni, who, since taking office in 1986, has been among Africas leading beneficiaries of American aid, taking in billions of dollars even as he tightened his iron grip on the nation.

Mr. Museveni, 76, has suppressed opposing voices for years, often by force, and the campaign leading to this months election was marred by the intimidation of opposition candidates and their staffs, particularly Bobi Wine, a pop-star-turned-lawmaker who rose to become the presidents toughest challenger. Violence convulsed the country during the campaign, and election observers and opposition figures contend that electoral fraud contributed to Mr. Musevenis re-election.

We have significant concerns about Ugandas recent elections, a State Department representative said in a statement emailed to The New York Times. The United States has made clear that we would consider a range of targeted options, including the imposition of visa restrictions, for Ugandan individuals found to be responsible for election-related violence or undermining the democratic process.

WALLINGFORD  Guitarist Hilton Valentine, a founding member of the legendary British group The Animals, died Friday morning.

His death was revealed by his wife, according to a statement from the record company Abkco. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Valentine, 77, was an internationally known musician who had lived in Wallingford since 1997.

His wife, Germaine Valentine, is a Meriden native who worked for the town of Wallingford for many years.

Valentine was born in North Shields, Northumberland, England. He was a founding member of The Animals, one of the bands that led the British Invasion of rock music in the 1960s.

He created one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in rock music history with his intro on "The House of the Rising Sun," which hit No. 1 in 1964 in the U.K., U.S. and Canada, and is recognized among Rolling Stones Greatest Songs of All Time.

Valentines other hits with The Animals include Dont Let Me Be Misunderstood, Its My Life and We Gotta Get Out of This Place, which struck a chord with American soldiers during the Vietnam War.

Upon their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, Dave Pirner of Soul Asylum described The Animals essential standing as a key link in the evolving transition from black R&B to punk rock.

Biographer John Corcorans Rock Hall Induction essay stresses how their working-class experience was key to how their folk and blues interpretations would resonate so distinctly compared to The Yardbirds, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

We at Abkco have been privileged to serve as stewards of The Animals catalog and his passing is felt in a truly profound way by the entire Abkco family, the record company statement said.

From skiffle to rock and back again

After taking up the guitar at the age of 13, Valentine got involved in the skiffle craze then sweeping the British Isles.

He was orphaned at age 16 and was focused on his skiffle group, The Heppers. They evolved into The Wildcats, a rock and roll band that built a reputation in his native north of England based on Valentines energetic performances  he was known to roll on the ground while playing his guitar.

"What drew me to the guitar was seeing Lonnie Donegan doing Rock Island Line on television, on a show called The Six Five Special, Valentine recalled in 2006 while speaking with journalist Tom Guerra in Modern Guitars magazine.

I wanted to play guitar after seeing that, and of course, after hearing Chuck Berry and seeing him do the duck walk," he said.

Valentine caught the attention of Chas Chandler, Alan Price and Eric Burdon who recruited him to join a new group they were forming in 1963. With the final addition of John Steel, they would become The Animals.

Hilton left The Animals in 1966, although he rejoined his former bandmates for several reunions. The band in its original line-up was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.

Burdon, speaking to Guerra for Guitar International magazine, recently commented on the role Valentine played in bringing The Animals hard-edged sound to the fore.

It really was Hilton who made the early Animals a rock band, Burdon said, because I dont think the element of rock was in the band until we found him. In those days, Hilton wasnt just playing rock n roll, he looked rock n roll. Here was a guy with the greased mop of hair combed back, cheap leather jacket, winkle picker shoes, black jeans and a smile on his face playing through an echoplex, which was a secret weapon back then.

Valentine released a solo album in 1969 titled All in Your Head for Capitol Records. He later reunited with The Animals three times thereafter and recorded Before We Were So Rudely Interrupted with the band in 1977 and joined them again in 1983.

In May 2001, he was inducted into Hollywoods Rock Walk of Fame along with the other Animals and had a two-night reunion concert at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles.

In recent years, Valentine returned to skiffle music and formed the band Skiffledog that toured in the U.S. and released two albums.

In 2011, he recorded a holiday album with Big Boy Pete called Merry Skifflemas, referred to on the package as a festive blend of traditional oldies and original newbies.

He joined Burdon, with whom he remained close, on tour in 2007-2008.

LTakores@record-journal.com203-317-2212Twitter: @LCTakores
Gorey Youth Needs is calling on all young budding writers to 'Tell it Like it Is' in a new essay competition which aims to capture the experiences of young people during the pandemic.

The competition aims to hear the voices of young people and what they think about this challenging ten months, all the ups and downs and everything in between and the winner will be announced online on March 12, to mark one year of us living with Covid-19 here in Ireland.

With two categories for primary and secondary school students, there are great prizes up for grabs and the winners will have their essay published in this newspaper.

Mandi Tighe of Gorey Youth Needs said that she hopes the competition will be engaging.

'We have heard feedback from our members of negative experiences but we have also heard of some positive and even funny or life changing experiences too. Our staff have tried to come up with ways of keeping young people engaged and we thought an essay writing competition would be a good way for them to reflect on the last year living with Covid-19'.

Entries are now open and the closing date is February 26, and the team ask that you write in your own style that best reflects your own unique experience in how Covid-19 has impacted your world.

You can write about what you found difficult, what you enjoyed, and whether you felt lonely or isolated being away from friends at school or family like grandparents. Perhaps you could involve home-schooling, how you used technology or any new hobbies you started.

The judges for this competition are Wexford best selling author Carmel Harrington, Cathy Lee of the Gorey Guardian and Amy Cahill, sixth year student at Gorey Community School.

Prizes for each category include first prize of a 100 One4All voucher, a 50 Redmond Electrics voucher and finally a 20 Bookstation voucher plus runner up prizes.

Competition entries can be submitted via email to info@gyng.ie or posted to GYNG, Mary Ward Lane, St. Michaels Rd, Gorey, before February 26 and the team ask that you include your name, age and contact details. There is no minimum word count but 2,000 words is the maximum.

Gorey Youth Needs would like to remind everyone that they are continuing to provide support for all young people throughout this lockdown.

For further information on the supports and existing groups contact Mandi Tighe on 0877445232 or visit website www.gyng.ie.
In an old warehouse near Interstate 25, a spirited woman with spiky red hair brews gallons of magical elixir.

While the bright afternoon January sun streams in through windows capturing a stellar view of Pikes Peak, she experiments with crafting perfect flavor combinations for her kombucha from ingredients such as cardamom, pear, ginger, pomegranate, jackfruit, kiwi, mango and salty cactus fruit, which tastes surprisingly like a Jolly Ranchers candy.

Janie Otero, who once slow-danced with death, is committed to living the heck out of her life. And right now, that means making and selling the fermented and effervescent tea adored by many. If you stop by her newly refurbished workspace, you might find her buzzing between her giant sinks and walk-in cooler, brewing and taste-testing her inventive creations, such as Strawberry in Mint Condition, Lavender for the Black & Blues or Blueberry Hill Meets Palo Santo. Possibly youll find her roller skating on the smooth tiles. And if you time it just right, you could find her hanging works of art  both her own collages and works by other Colorado Springs artists  in her square, lime green gallery that was a dreary office in a former life.

Click or tap here for a video of Janie Otero's business.

Kombucha is the harmony of the body, says Otero, founder of Springs Culture Kombucha. Its its own ecosystem. It doesnt just do one thing. It does everything. Art does one thing, but it does more than just one thing.

Her live culture-filled creations can be found in bars, restaurants and other liquid-serving cantinas, such as Cerberus Brewing Co., Ohana Kava Bar, The Ute & Yeti and Monses Pupuseria.

Weve tried a few different ones around town and in Colorado and hers had the best flavor, says Adam Potter, general manager of The Brass Tap. Everyone we serve it to has enjoyed it. She cares about what shes doing and the way she makes it and it shows in her products.

The bubbly potion isnt only a tasty way to hydrate. Otero believes it also can help heal the body. Fermented foods and drinks can contain probiotics, living organisms that are said to help balance the microbiome of your gut.

A 2018 article on the website Healthline.com reported kombucha is a potential source of probiotics, contains antioxidants, might reduce the risk of heart disease and might help protect against cancer.

If your gut is straight, think about all the other things that are running well, says Otero. Your skin looks nicer. Your poops are better. Your emotional state is better. As a natural side effect youre going to have more energy. Your gut has 70% of your immune system. I dont think people should feel so powerless in this day and age. Youve got tons of power. And control. And its all about your immunity.

The brewmasters history

The Rampart High School graduate has been many things in her 51 years: server, bartender, personal assistant, insurance agency owner, holistic health seeker, hospice volunteer, certified raindrop therapist (an aromatherapy massage technique) and cancer survivor.

Whats the worst thing that can happen? You can die. And thats a beautiful thing. Youve done what youre supposed to do, but I felt like Im not ready, says Otero, 51, about her diagnosis more than a decade ago. Ive come this far and this is how it ends? This is just the worst Wizard of Oz ever. I did have to go through the fire and it was good. It was what brought me here. For as anxious of a person as I am, it makes me feel so at ease to know this is what its about  following that passion, following that ping.

Those pings found her signing the lease on her new kombucha kitchen March 18, 2020, just as the coronavirus wrapped its arms around the city and choked everything silent. The timing reminded Otero of the shell shock of her health diagnosis.

I almost had this what have I done? she says. But I said hold on a minute. If you look back and think about it, that was the worst and best year of your life because it brought you to where you are now. So if you trust this process, youll be exactly where you need to be in the time you need to be. Its trusting the process. Its not easy to do.

In 2009, Otero, who had just turned 40 and was one year into marriage, wasnt feeling great. Her midsection, from sternum to below her belly button, was in pain. She couldnt rotate her torso. Thinking it was fibroids or endometriosis, she was surprised to find herself in an eight-hour surgery, where surgeons found the culprit: peritoneal mesothelioma, a cancer that develops in the lining of the abdomen. Thirteen tumors were removed during the surgery, only one of which was benign.

Peritoneal is the Saran Wrap that keeps your organs in, says Otero. Its a fine membrane and it goes around all of our organs. Its like a Ziplock bag for organs.

After that first operation, it took doctors quite awhile to diagnose her rare form of cancer. When they finally did, Otero learned one of the countrys two specialists was in Omaha, Neb., where she was born. It also happened to be 15 minutes from where her estranged mother lived. It was a meaningful moment of serendipity.

She came back into my life, says Otero. I dont know if it was this whole synchronized thing in the world, but I wanted her my whole life.

Treatment was rigorous, so much so that after a 12-hour hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, in which Oteros abdominal cavity was opened up so doctors could pour chemo directly inside of her, she called the chaplain. That particular operation came in the middle of eight regular chemo sessions.

I dont know if I can come back from this, but Im going to try, she remembers about the aftermath of the invasive surgery. That was traumatic. I was in the ICU. That was touch-and-go time.

Throughout treatment in 2010, Otero, a self-described earth muffin, also pursued alternative treatments, such as acupuncture and Chinese medicine, healers, visits with a shaman, yoga, lots of juicing and kombucha, of course. But drinking the fizzy green and black tea wasnt a new thing. Shed been indulging since the mid-90s, when a friend gave her a SCOBY, which is an acronym for symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, the substance thats formed after the fermentation process of lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid bacteria and yeast that forms sour foods and beverages, including kombucha.

It was called mushroom tea. Its been around thousands of years, says Otero. I didnt know about second fermentation or the concept of adding the fruit. I just knew it was good for me and this is how I made it. I made it in the gallon jar with that creepy thing (the SCOBY). I gagged it down and said Im so healthy.

Little did Otero know that creepy thing would factor so largely into her life decades later. After healing from cancer, she took the same recipe she made in the 90s and started the process all over again, experimenting with different flavors and learning how to work with carbonation. Eventually, she began giving workshops on brewing, only her students werent having great results, so they wound up buying her product instead. A business was born.

Kombucha queen

The live cultures in kombucha also appeal to Otero in a semantics sort of way. Her intention is to create a culture movement with her beverage and the gallery.

Culture is where you live. Culture is why you are, how you are, she says. The culture is the very liveliness inside of the drink. That culture is what is inside of you.

Her health is top-notch these days. She strives to take care of her body and her mental health. And when life seems to go wrong, shes quick to find gratitude in all the good things: warm socks and clothes without holes, healthy teeth, feeling safe and the ability to create an environment that allows her to focus on the path forward.

After I survive something that most people die from, the least I can do is shine my light, says Otero. But Ive had to give myself the permission to do that. And permission isnt always easy.

Contact the writer: 636-0270
A low-intensity explosion which happened near the Israel Embassy in Delhi rocked the National Capital. Dy Ambassador Of Israel spoke exclusively to NewsX and said they have no information of the blast yet. Delhi Police Special Cell has uncovered footage from the Blast site.

A low-intensity explosion which happened near the Israel Embassy in Delhi rocked the National Capital. The nature of the explosion is being ascertained. Some broken glasses at the spot. No injuries have been reported and further investigation is underway. In the wake of this blast, investigators from Israel will be reaching Delhi soon. The Israeli team is believed to assist Indian agencies to probe the low-intensity explosion.

Dy Ambassador Of Israel spoke exclusively to NewsX and said they have no information of the blast yet. Delhi Police Special Cell has uncovered footage from the Blast site. 2 persons were seen being dropped off by a cab. Security has been tightened in Mumbai at all locations including near Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station and Mumbai Police is on high alert following a low-intensity explosion that took place near the Israel Embassy in Delhi.

According to sources the blast that took place in front of Jindal House where the CCTV cameras are not working. However, CCTV footage from other locations has been gathered. The forensic Team arrived at I0srael Embassy Blast spot immediately. Union Home Minister Amit Shah took stock of the situation.

Also Read: Union Budget Session Kicks-Off: President articulates Govts vision; Oppn parties hold protest

Also Read: Amid ongoing Farmers-Centre deadlock, Delhi traffic police closes Ghazipur border; traffic diverted at several locations

In a shocking revelation, an envelope has been found near the Israeli Embassy which had described the Incident as Trailer. The letter sparked the controversy which showed the blast seek revenge for the assassination of Irans General & Scientist.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched an employment scheme for migrant workers on June 20, saying that during COVID-19 enforced lockdown the talent from cities returned to villages and it will now give a boost to development in rural areas. Launching the 'Garib Kalyan Rozgar Abhiyaan', Modi said there are some people who might not appreciate efforts of villagers in the fight against coronavirus but he applauds them for their efforts.

(Penguin Random House)

Even as the COVID crisis scars Indian lungs and bellies, lives and wallets, we are seeing serious writing about it already. Thats remarkable. And what writing! It should be enough to make many Indians eat their words that mock intellectuals. The word intellectual, of course, has become a catchall cussword for the wisest among us, who hold the authorities accountable and point to the desert path through which the authorities can lead us out of the crisis. Now more than ever, when much economic fact has been replaced by spin, and the current administration is peddling unreliable economic and healthcare data, we need experts who not only manage to see through the mirages of the present, but also build a prognosis about the future. Luckily, we in India still have those experts.

Arun Kumar, an economist with a decades-long career in academia and writing, has come up with the book Indian Economys Greatest Crisis, an accessible and comprehensive survey of the havoc wreaked on the Indian economy by the COVID crisis followed by the half-baked lockdown. The book is more than a litany of numbers, however; it is also a moving portrait of the hell wrapping its jaws around the poorest members of our society. The author must be commended for exposing what lies under his enquiries into the science of money, namely compassion for the poor and those who are struggling. The author must also be praised for presenting economic ideas in accessible language while retaining nuance. Because of these qualities, this book can potentially improve the conversations around post-lockdown governmental measures, and should be read by economists, NGO employees working in COVID relief, journalists covering the Indian economy, and most of all, by our popular leaders, who have badly muffed the governmental response to the pandemic.

The book relies on economics to shine a light on the human face of the Indian tragedy. The author does an admirable job of mapping its scope. Page after page explores the impact on various organs of the economy, from the agricultural to the industrial to the service sector. Page after page shows how, in a globalized world and an interconnected Indian economy, distress in one sector has impacted another, then another, and another, putting the Indian economy, in the authors words, in a tailspin. The author puts it bluntly: The situation is worse than what was faced during the Second World War. A crushing time, which calls for extraordinary measures, but these measures are yet not forthcoming: The Indian government has largely pushed through policy changes that were on its agenda since 2014, which will only deliver over the long term, without helping increase demand in the short term, writes the author.

The author succeeds in the crucial job of critiquing the government over its handling of the pandemic, which led to havoc in the economy and hurt the poor the most. The pandemic was lifted without taming the disease which led to a surge in the number of cases. The lockdown should have been extended, says the author; the government should have given given preference to life over livelihood, while simultaneously providing a survival package chiefly for the poor, and those who struggled to meet basic needs such as food and healthcare. The author writes,  why does anyone have to die of hunger when the country has a huge surplus of foodstock? In April (2020) there was a stock of 75 million tonnes of foodgrain and rabi was a bumper harvest, which resulted in even larger foodstock All of this could have been distributed to the poor and the newly unemployed. The people returning to villages could have been given work through Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS) and in urban areas through a similar scheme. The author says that even before the pandemic, the Indian economy was already in recession because of the disaster of demonetisation and the bungled implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), a situation which was worsened because of the burden of Non Performing Assets (NPAs) lying with the banks. In this situation, the author asks, how is a V-shaped recovery possible? It will be a shallow U-shaped one, he writes, and a slow one.

The author is appalled to read the finer details of the governments stimulus package for the Indian economy. The package contains long- and medium-term policy measures that will have little immediate impact on an economy in crisis. While these measures appear impressive in terms of numbers, they largely ignore the poor. This is no anomaly. The author says that Indian governments, whether BJP or non-BJP, have always given a cold shoulder to the poor: [A]n executive that has hardly even prioritized the welfare of the vast majority of the people it is supposed to serve for policymakers, the poor dont count. Who counts, then? Businesses, for which the government hastily lifted the lockdown, and which are the major beneficiaries of the stimulus package, with only ten percent of the stimulus devoted to the migrants and the unemployed.

But businesses will struggle to survive, the author says, because demand is low. The author masterfully reminds us that most Indians work in the unorganized sector, precariously balancing on the cliffs edge below which lurks starvation. And of course, the services sector, which contributes a large share of GDP, was mostly paralysed during the lockdown. Non-essential manufacturing too ceased. Incomes collapsed. Where is the demand for products and services to come from? Can the rich prop up the entire economy through their consumption?

At this point, we are given a compassionate look at the unemployment crisis, industrial crisis, loss of incomes and savings. Several times, while reading, I had to pause to get hold of my emotions  so forcefully does the author present one harrowing fact after another to highlight the human face of the Indian economic crisis, caused by a pandemic and worsened by incompetent leadership.

The author suggests several measures to improve the state of the economy somewhat and relieve at least some of the suffering of marginalized Indian citizens. I will not offer spoilers; in brief, the author says the government will have to discard the fashionable but mistaken policy of withdrawing from the economy. It will have to expand the public sector in crucial areas such as education. The author suggests sweeping governmental aid to the poor and to healthcare, and government measures to prevent economic collapse.
DRAIN, Ore.  The controversial Douglas County strip club has reopened after their liquor license was suspended for violating social distancing and mask wearing guidelines.

General manager Rik Marin said they shut down the club in November after the Oregon Liquor Control Commission put them on a 50-day suspension.

The club three weeks ago with changes to keep their customers safe. He said theyve rearranged the club for social distancing and theyre providing masks at the front door.

The hardest part is controlling the bar, said Marin. When too many people get to the bar at the same time and want a drink, thats what were working on right now.

Theyve also assigned staff to monitor customers.

I have a guy just walking around just floating in there, said Marin. If they get up, we make sure their mask is on.

However, some people told KEZI 9 News that theyre not happy the club has reopened.

Ray Perry, the pastor of Gateway Family Fellowship right next door said theyve had issues with the club since the beginning. He said its only getting worse.

Loud music to all hours of the night, the trash is accumulating everywhere, he said.

Perry said he doesnt think the club will enforce COVID-19 protocols moving forward, based on their track record.

Only time will tell, he said. If their true to their past, theyll end up in the same boat they were in.

However, Marin said its crucial they follow the protocols this time around. He said the last suspension was their second strike with OLCC. If they get caught again, he said they will pull their liquor license for good.

The girls make money dancing on the stage, we make money obviously selling alcohol, said Marin.

Since Douglas County is still in the high risk category, the club can stay open until 11 p.m.



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The EU has agreed to reset its relations with Northern Ireland 'to put the people first' after it backed down from its decision to trigger Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol, according to Michael Gove.

The Cabinet Office minister said the union had 'recognised they made a mistake' in pursuing Article 16 - which allows the EU and UK to choose to suspend any aspects they consider to be causing 'economic, societal or environmental difficulties'.

The bloc faced condemnation for the action from London, Dublin and Belfast as it came amid a deepening dispute over delays to the production and distribution of the coronavirus vaccine across Europe.

Gove said: 'I think the European Union recognises that they made a mistake in triggering Article 16 which would've meant the reimposition of a border on the island of Ireland. But now the European Union has stepped back.

'I've spoken to the European Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic about this and we both agreed that we need a reset, that we need to put the people of Northern Ireland first.'

It comes after Brussels backed down from plans to impose export controls on vaccines that threatened the shipment of 3.5million Pfizer doses to Britain.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the assurance to Boris Johnson after announcing an extraordinary embargo on jabs leaving the bloc amid dwindling supplies on the Continent.

As leaders were left reeling from the EU's incendiary move:

The UK recorded 1,200 more Covid deaths, 23,275 cases and vaccine doses administred rose to 8.4million;

Vaccines expert Sir John Bell said Macron was 'managing demand' by claiming AstraZeneca jab is 'almost ineffective' on over-65s;

Early data showed the UK's vaccination drive is already easing UK's Covid pandemic and is reducing cases as well as protecting recipients from symptoms;

It was revealed Boris Johnson wants lockdown exercise rules relaxed but shops, gyms and hairdressers could stay shut until April and pubs might not open until May;

The European Press put the boot into EU leaders over their 'deporable' Covid vaccine bungling and attempt to introduce checks at Northern Ireland border;

Boris Johnson sent an open letter to all Britain's parents and promised a multi-million pound catch-up programme once schools finally reopen.

Michael Gove (pictured) said the union had 'recognised they made a mistake' in pursuing Article 16 - which allows the EU and UK to choose to suspend any aspects they consider to be causing 'economic, societal or environmental difficulties'

The UK has streaked ahead of Europe in terms of the number of vaccines administered, and has now jabbed more than 8.3 (pie chart shows January 26)

Brussels backed down from plans to impose export controls on vaccines that threatened the shipment of 3.5million Pfizer doses to Britain. Pictured, Joanna Sloan (left) was the first person in Northern Ireland to receive the first of two Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine jabs at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast

Gove said he spoke to the European Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic (pictured) and he agreed the EU needed a 'reset' and to 'put the people of Northern Ireland first'

Gove said this afternoon the EU 'recognises they made a mistake' and 'stepped back' following the conversation between the two leaders

Politicians in London, Dublin and Belfast rounded on Brussels (right, Ursula von der Leyen) for unilaterally overriding part of the Brexit deal to effectively create a hard border on the island of Ireland. Boris Johnson (left)said he had 'grave concerns'

The move has been slammed by Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster (pictured), who tonight accused the EU of an 'incredible act of hostility'

What is Article 16 and why has the EU invoked it? Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol allows either the EU or the UK to override part of the Brexit trade agreement in relation to border controls in Northern Ireland. The protocol itself was designed to avoid a re-emergence of a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. But in the deal, both parties agreed to a get-out clause, which could be used if the protocol was thought to be causing 'serious economic, societal or environmental difficulties'. However the EU has now invoked the clause, to put measures on vaccines coming from the EU to Northern Ireland. The move is being introduced amid a huge row between the UK and EU over vaccines supplies, with Brussels accusing the UK of 'hijacking doses'. The row started after Oxford vaccine maker AstraZeneca announced it would not be able to supply as many vaccines as it had first hoped to the EU by Spring. The EU has since unveiled plans for an export ban which could stop 3.5million Pfizer vaccines - made in Belgium - from being exported to the UK. The aim of this move will be to prevent the possibility of the UK bringing vaccines into Northern Ireland 'through the backdoor', by using the controls-free border to bring in vaccines from the EU. Advertisement

The row blew up spectacularly when Eurocrats overrode part of the Brexit deal to create a hard border on the island of Ireland to stop doses getting into the UK through Northern Ireland, which is still in the Customs Union.

The move blindsided the governments of London, Dublin and Belfast whose collective outrage forced a humbling climbdown and clarification from the EU it did not intent to trigger the incendiary Article 16.

And the EU has now rowed back yet further and scrapped its export ban for the UK entirely following a phone call between Ms von der Leyen and the Prime Minister.

Gove said this afternoon the EU 'recognises they made a mistake' and 'stepped back' following the conversation between the two leaders.

He said: 'We're confident, we have assurances, that the supply that we have procured, the supply that we have paid for, is going to be delivered.'

Downing Street said it did not intend to dwell on the night of high drama but politicians in Britain are furious with the EU's behaviour.

Former Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith said the attempt to halt the free flow of goods on vaccine exports on the island of Ireland with scant awareness of the sensitivities was an 'almost Trumpian act'.

The Tory MP added: 'The EU cocked up big time last night, but we all need to work in the interest of preserving Northern Ireland. It is not just a backdoor for goods going to Britain, it is a very sensitive place and we have a duty between the EU and UK to ensure there is no hard border.'

Stormont's first minister Arlene Foster called the move an 'incredible act of hostility' and this morning said the rift emanated from the 'EU's vaccine embarrassment and mismanagement'.

While Britain has already inoculated 11 per cent of its population, the rollout on the Continent has been blighted by supply issues and the EU has demanded UK doses are instead diverted to the bloc.

French President Emmanuel Macron poured petrol on the rift yesterday when he baselessly claimed there was no evidence the Oxford-AstraZeneca shot worked in over-65s, despite it gaining approval from the EU regulator.

Michel Barnier, who was the EU's chief Brexit negotiator in the trade deal struck only 29 days ago, today tried to cool tensions and appealed for 'cooperation'.

Ms von der Leyen last night tweeted: 'Constructive talks with Prime Minister Boris Johnson tonight.

'We agreed on the principle that there should not be restrictions on the export of vaccines by companies where they are fulfilling contractual responsibilities.'

Brussels has been under growing pressure from member states over its stunted vaccine programme, which has seen inoculations fall far behind the UK

It came about an hour after a statement from the Commission outlining the detail of the export controls of vaccines.

It said: 'To tackle the current lack of transparency of vaccine exports outside the EU, the Commission is putting in place a measure requiring that such exports are subject to an authorisation by Member States.

'In the process of finalisation of this measure, the Commission will ensure that the Ireland / Northern Ireland Protocol is unaffected. The Commission is not triggering the safeguard clause.

Vaccines expert shoots down Macron's claim that AstraZeneca jab is ineffective in over-65s A top scientist with Oxford's vaccine team has accused Emmanuel Macron of demand management' after casting doubt on the AstraZeneca jab's efficacy. Professor Sir John Bell today slapped down the French President's baseless claims that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is 'quasi-ineffective' for the over-65s. He said: 'I suspect this is a bit of demand management from Mr Macron... if he didn't have any vaccine the best thing you could do is reduce demand.' Macron stoked tensions yesterday by questioning the efficacy of the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab in older patients, despite it being approved by the EU regulator. Sir John today told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I'm not sure where he got that from.' He acknowledged its original study only had small numbers of elderly people, with many shielding themselves from the pandemic, but added: 'The numbers still pointed toward a very highly effective vaccine but the numbers were small, in fairness, we always accepted that.' He said other studies proved 'elderly people responded just as well in other age groups' and that 'there's really persuasive evidence that this is a protective vaccine in those populations'. Advertisement

'Should transits of vaccines and active substances toward third countries be abused to circumvent the effects of the authorisation system, the EU will consider using all the instruments at its disposal.

'In the process of finalising the document, the commission will also be fine-tuning the decision-making process under the implementing regulation.'

Michael Gove has said it was made clear by the EU that vaccine supplies would not be interrupted.

The Cabinet Office minister told reporters: 'We're confident that we can proceed with our vaccine programmes exactly as planned.

'Last night the Prime Minister talked to President von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, and made clear that we need to have the contracts that have been entered into honoured properly.

'And it was made clear that that supply would not be interrupted so we can proceed with our plans and make sure that our so far highly-successful vaccination programme can continue.'

Following the conversation between the PM and Ms von der Leyen, an ally of Mr Johnson told the FT: 'The call was fine, hopefully that's the end of it.'

But the move by Brussels to initially say it was triggering Article 16 - seen as the nuclear option - left figures in Britain and Ireland reeling.

Mr Smith, who as Northern Ireland Secretary brokered a power-sharing arrangement in Stormont, said the EU's move offered no understanding of the delicate political landscape of the island of Ireland.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today: 'Years have been spent trying to ensure goods will flow freely and there will be no hard border and last night the EU pulled the emergency cord without following any of the process that are in the protocol if one side wants to suspend it.

'And they did that, in my view, without anywhere near the understanding of the Good Friday Agreement, of the sensitivity of the situation in Northern Ireland, and it was an almost Trumpian act.'

Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said the EU's U-turn was 'welcome' but added 'lessons should be learned'.

In a statement on Twitter, he said: 'Welcome news, but lessons should be learned; the Protocol is not something to be tampered with lightly, it's an essential, hard won compromise, protecting peace & trade for many.'

Brussels had triggered the controversial Article 16 just 29 days after the UK and EU struck the post-Brexit trade deal when Britain left the transition period.

The EU's chief negotiator in that agreement, Mr Barnier, today called for 'co-operation' between Brussels and the UK over the supply of vaccines across Europe.

Mr Barnier told The Times: 'We are facing an extraordinarily serious crisis, which is creating a lot of suffering, which is causing a lot of deaths in the UK, in France, in Germany, everywhere.

'And I believe we must face this crisis with responsibility, certainly not with the spirit of oneupmanship or unhealthy competition. I recommend preserving the spirit of co-operation between us.'

It comes after the EU's vaccine war entered a dangerous new phase last night as the bloc introduced rules that will allow it to block life-saving jabs getting to Britain and European politicians accused the UK of 'hijacking' doses.

The new controls, which will come into effect on Saturday and last until March, allow the EU to keep track of all vaccines produced on the continent and block exports to third countries.

Before Ms von der Leyen's clarification, it was feared this would thwart the deliver of another 3.5million Pfizer BioNTech jabs from Belgium to the UK in the coming weeks.

Health minister Stella Kyriakides insisted that the 'transparency mechanism' is not intended to target any country, even as Croatia's PM branded the UK 'hijackers' while the EU's justice commissioner said Britain had started a 'war'.

Last night, Lord Ricketts, a former UK ambassador to France, accused Brussels of 'escalating recklessly in an attempt to get more doses [of the vaccine] from the UK'. He added: 'The EU is all at sea on this.'

European newspapers lashed out EU leaders on Saturday after the bloc tried to impose Covid vaccine controls on the Northern Ireland border. A leading correspondent for Germany's Die Welt paper savaged European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen, saying she had committed an 'unforgettable Brexit own goal'

France's Le Monde editorial called the move 'deplorable', adding that Von Der Leyen had 'fortunately' given up on the inflammatory border decision

In an attempt to force the issue, the EU today published a version of the contract it signed with AstraZeneca - though a lawyer who spoke to MailOnline said it actually shows their position to be 'legally unsustainable'

This is the key paragraph that the EU hopes will bolster its claim to the UK vaccines - though AstraZeneca insists the UK and European supply chains are separate and that delays in one will not affect the other

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby tweeted: 'The European Union was originally inspired by Christian social teaching  at the heart of which is solidarity.

'Seeking to control the export of vaccines undercuts the EU's basic ethics. They need to work together with others.'

The World Health Organisation also said the export ban was a 'very worrying trend'.

Brussels has been under growing pressure from member states over its stunted vaccine programme, which has seen inoculations fall far behind the UK.

Ms von der Leyen faced personal scrutiny over her handling of the situation.

She was savaged on the overnight European press, with the London correspondent for Germany's Die Welt paper saying she had committed an 'unforgettable Brexit own goal'.

France's Le Monde editorial called the move 'deplorable', adding that von der Leyen had 'fortunately' given up on the inflammatory border decision.

Macron also appeared to pull support for the EU's hard-line vaccine policy, saying jab exports should be 'controlled, not blocked or banned.'

Speaking at the Elysee, the French president said: 'Vaccine exports should be controlled, not blocked or banned, which would make no sense because we are also dependent on non-European production.

'It should be controlled because there is questionable behaviour and we will be receiving fewer deliveries that do not honour the contractual engagements agreed.'

The EU was thrown into a tailspin this week after AstraZeneca warned production problems in Belgium meant supplies would be cut by two thirds in the first quarter of this year.

The Commission has piled pressure on the firm to divert supplies from its UK factories. In an extraordinary move, Ms von der Leyen yesterday published the contract with British-based AstraZeneca, but lawyers said it would not help the Commission's case.

In addition, clause 6.2 of the contract states that 'competing agreements' signed by AstraZeneca might affect the supply of vaccines to the EU.

'They knew there would be competing agreements,' Mr Barrett said. 'Everyone in the world knew there would be competing agreements. They knew that might mean doses were delayed.

'I believe the EU is publicly asserting that it now has a right to jump the queue and take doses that belong to other people. That is expressly wrong,' he added.

'This merely is a demonstration that the EU's mishandling of vaccine procurement and the roll-out has become a huge political problem for them,' Tory MP Andrew Bridgen said.

'Their knee jerk response [is] to become protectionists. They are getting hammered, quite rightly, so they are trying to deflect. It is a veiled threat.'

Fellow Tory David Jones added: 'It is a form of blackmail that they are engaging in. They have got a dispute with AstraZeneca over the provision of vaccine.

'How is that in any sense remedied by imposing a ban on Pfizer products being exported to the UK? They are behaving like playground bullies by trying to stop the UK from benefiting from the Pfizer vaccine. This crazy.'

Meanwhile the EU finally gave approval to the British-designed AstraZeneca jab, a month after the UK, dismissing concerns from Germans that there was not enough data to show it is effective in the over-65s.

The European Union is currently embroiled in a very public war of words with AstraZeneca over its jab, after the company announced initial shipments to the bloc would be cut by at least 60 per cent while supplies to the UK would be unaffected.

In an extraordinary move, the EU is trying to force the drug-maker to ship jabs made in the UK to the continent to make up for the shortfall, despite the company insisting the two supply chains are separate.

Brussels published a version of the contract it signed with AstraZeneca to try and force the vaccine-maker to send doses made in the UK to Europe - but appeared to have shot itself in the foot.

And in another embarrassing stumbling block for the EU, it emerged that they have not purchased any new Novavax shots - which passed phase III trials yesterday - while the UK bought 60million doses five months ago.

The UK, where the vaccines will be made, put pen to paper on a deal for 60million doses back in August last year, while the EU only completed 'exploratory' talks in December and is yet to sign up for the jabs.

Britain's medical regulators still need to give final approval for the vaccine to be used, but it is expected to enter circulation in late summer. The EU meanwhile, will likely be left playing catch-up with the UK once again.

How the EU bungled its vaccine drive: Bloc was paralysed by 'endless back-and-forth' between 27 members - as poor countries haggled over price, Eurocrats hammered out liability protection... and rich nations were talked OUT of going it alone

By Jack Elsom for MailOnline

Europe's vaccine drive has been thrown off course by a shortage of supplies that has left member states reeling and leaders in Brussels thrashing out at big pharma.

Constant comparisons between Britain's well-oiled rollout and the bloc's own sluggish delivery has stoked frustrations on the Continent, which reached a crescendo last night when the Commission announced export controls on vaccines going to the UK.

Brussels has pointed the finger at AstraZeneca and claims it it not meeting its contractual obligations to provide enough doses and is demanding shots be diverted from the UK to top up the EU's shortages.

But insiders have traced the source of the EU's woes back months to protracted negotiations to initially procure vaccines, cracks emerging between the member states, and a flat-footedness to approve the jabs.

Gripped by the pandemic, Brussels from the start resolved to centralise its purchasing power, believing that it would be both cheaper and more efficient to buy equipment such as masks and ventilators - and later vaccines - as a 27-strong bloc, rather than member states going it alone.

This approach quickly proved arduous, as a decision needed signing off by each national capital before it could be ordered, resulting in what Politico describe as 'an endless back and forth'.

Frustrated with this drawn-out process, some of the bigger EU countries splintered off to unilaterally seek deals with vaccine manufacturers.

A Commission official revealed to the website that France and Spain opened up a back channel with Moderna, while a French Government insider said that Paris and Berlin agreed a pact to hoover up doses.

France and Germany invited the other big players, Italy and the Netherlands, to join their alliance, and on June 13 this 'Inclusive Vaccine Alliance' went public with a deal struck with Oxford/AstraZeneca for up to 400million doses.

The quartet were reportedly bullish to start procuring vaccines and had grown tired of the protracted talks to get other member states to rubber-stamp the Commission's blueprint.

One EU diplomat told Politico: 'The four countries just realised at one point, there's no time to wait until everyone is on board.'

However, after Ursula von der Leyen offered four of the seats on the EU's seven-strong vaccine negotiation team, the Inclusive Vaccine Alliance pulled back and allowed the Commission to take over the procurement effort.

Once again leveraging the full clout of the EU's 27 members, the Commission struck deals for jabs with Sanofi and Johnson and Johnson in September and October respectively.

But the cracks between member states quickly re-emerged. Germany was reportedly optimistic about the slate of mRNA vaccines - ones that create a spike protein to trigger an immune response - and wanted to buy more doses.

In September, when Berlin wanted to give a further 375million to BioNTech and 252million to CureVac, less affluent nations such as Bulgaria and Poland recoiled.

The reluctance of poorer nations to bet millions on vaccines was said come down in part to the fact they did not have any manufacturing bases that would reap the rewards of investment.

Whereas the economies of Germany, Italy, France and the Netherlands would benefit if manufacturers in their countries received Commission funds.

The divergence and haggling inside the bloc before it could thrash out a unanimous position led Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel to claim in an interview that dealing with all 27 member states was slowing things down.

Negotiations with pharmaceutical companies also encountered sticking points surrounding liability protections.

While American law protects manufacturers from being sued if something goes wrong, there are no such safeguards in the EU, and firms wanted assurances.

The need for cover was especially poignant across the Continent because of the alarming prevalence of vaccine scepticism - a poll found only 59 per cent of French citizens would take an approved vaccine.

Brussels reportedly played hardball and refused to grant the companies the protections they sought, causing more wrangling over the finer points of the contracts.

After months of fraught negotiations between member states and vaccine producers, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Oxford-AstraZeneca all reported high efficacy rates following large-scale trials in quick succession.

The UK's regulator, the MHRA, was first out of the blocks to approve the Pfizer vaccine and on December 8, Margaret Keenan from Coventry became the world's first person to receive an approved vaccine.

Two weeks later, the European Medicines Agency gave the Pfizer jab the green light. But it was pipped to submit its application by the United States, which was prioritised for jab shipments.

Buoyed by early approval of the Pfizer and Oxford vaccines, Britain has now inoculated 11 per cent of its population, while the EU has managed just 2 per cent as it grapples with curbed supplies from Pfizer and AstraZeneca.

France has been hit by by bureaucratic and logistical delays and had hoped to jab four-million people by the end of February, but has now revised that down to two-and-a-half-million.

In a further blow, French health chiefs earlier this week announced that the opening of half a million new appointment slots to administer Covid vaccines would be pushed back three days. A decrease in the deliveries of Pfizer-BioNtech vaccines was blamed.

Spain has also been hit with delays in its vaccine roll-out. The delays have been so bad, officials have been forced to stop the roll-out in some areas, so that they have enough to give a second dose to those who have already received their first. Madrid and Catalunya are two areas where this is the case.

Like France, they have jabbed more than one-million citizens so far. The roll-out has recently been hit by the Pfizer delay, with regional governments receiving only 196,000 doses instead of the 350,000 they had been expecting.

Germany has been particularly slow with its vaccination programme. Some political commentators believe this could be the drive behind the EU vaccine war - to deflect attention from Germany's poor performance.

Angela Merkel's government has come under fire from German media, including tabloid Bild, who labelled them 'vaccine snails' earlier this week.

Its first dose vaccine programme was suspend until yesterday, due to a delay in jab deliveries. But it hopes to receive 11million doses by the end of March.

Initially one of the leading EU countries in terms of vaccine roll-out speed, Italy managed to vaccinate more than 1.5million people by mid-January.

But its roll-out has been hit by delivery delays and dropped off following the announcement of Pfizer's Europe-wide delay.

The EU's vaccine poster-child, Denmark raced ahead of the rest of the bloc with its vaccine roll-out. The vaccine programme began on December 27. Since then, nearly 2 per cent of the population has been vaccinated - far more than any other EU country.

But, because it is tied into the EU's vaccine procurement programme, it too will suffer from the delays to the Pfizer and AstraZeneca deliveries.

The bungled rollout across the Continent this week led a German health minister to claim it to be the 'worst crisis since the Second World War'.
When Philadelphia opted to select a start-up run by a 22-year-old without medical credentials as its largest mass vaccination partner, experts explain, something was already wrong.

The city cut ties with that partner, Philly Fighting COVID, after questions from The Inquirer revealed that the organization created a for-profit wing as part of its transition to focusing on vaccination, while a WHYY and Billy Penn investigation revealed that the organization had scrapped its testing efforts and ghosted the community groups it had partnered with.

The scandal has continued to grow and ignite outrage this week, as the press uncovers details. On Thursday morning, the nation and the internet could watch PFC CEO Andrei Doroshin, in an interview with the Today show, stand by his decision to take vaccines from the site. But some experts contend that a city government selecting a group with such questionable qualifications causes certain damage to vulnerable communities.

The Philly Fighting COVID imbroglio, health experts say, could motivate Philadelphia residents to navigate their health choices with deeper suspicion, seek treatment solely within community, or not seek treatment at all.

The incident reinforces mistrust that already existed among marginalized communities, said Drexel social epidemiologist Sharrelle Barber.

Its not just these historical incidents, said Barber, who has heard some point to events like the Tuskegee experiment recently. It is contemporary instances like what were witnessing that generate the kind of mistrust that were seeing in this moment.

 READ MORE: The city trusted a group of college kids to lead its vaccine rollout. But Philly Fighting COVID was full of red flags from the start.

The city Department of Public Health required the start-up to meet CDC vaccination provider requirements, but these requirements do not ask for or stipulate health-care credentials. (As The Inquirer reported, no one asked Doroshin about his medical qualifications when he addressed City Council at an informational meeting in November.)

Lawrence Gostin, director of the ONeill Institute for National and Global Health Law at the Georgetown University Law Center, said in an email that the city has a legal and ethical obligation to be good stewards of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. That includes rigorous vetting of partners in the vaccine program.

Episodes like this, Gostin continued, sow increased distrust and could be harmful to the overall goal of vaccinating the entire population.

Kevin Ahmaad Jenkins, a health disparities expert and visiting scholar at the University of Pennsylvania, described the incident as another time where the government had let down marginalized people.

Instead of just setting it up as a failure issue, my question is: Do you care? said Jenkins. Because if you cared, you wouldnt do that.

 READ MORE: Philadelphia deputy health commissioner resigns following Philly Fighting COVID controversy

The implications of this, in a city with Philadelphias demographics, could be vast, experts agreed. Black Philadelphians make up 44% of the citys population, but only 12% of the Philadelphians vaccinated so far.

The predicament is even worse, Jenkins said, to be happening at a time like this: We are in a moment right now where trust is all we have. We dont even have the element of human touch in this moment.

That the city didnt partner with the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium, an organization that had built trust with Black communities, makes the matter all the more sour, said Jenkins. (Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium founder Ala Stanford told Philadelphia Magazine the city suggested it work with Philly Fighting COVID. The consortium has been administering vaccinations without the start-ups help.) Jenkins also questioned the locations of current vaccination sites, given the data available on which communities have been hardest hit.

The statistics are telling you these are the places you need to go, right, thats basically what the stats have been saying from day one, since we first got racial disparities numbers on COVID, Jenkins said. We know where the issues are, but yet we dont place the resources there.

Adnan Hyder, a global health professor at George Washington University and an expert on public health ethics, said that the position that were in nationally, where we have a historic lack of acknowledgement of racial disparities in medicine and urgent needs for a solution to a virus thats claimed the lives of more than 430,000 Americans, is a situation where science must be diligently followed.

I have been very careful and concerned about the role of the private sector and the role of industry in influencing policy decisions, Hyder added, speaking not specifically of Philly, but from his research.

Barber, the Drexel social epidemiologist, said she hopes the fiasco makes public health institutions reevaluate their internal processes.

Im going to reiterate: This is a matter of life and death at this point, were in the middle of one of the biggest public health crises of a lifetime, Barber said. We cant afford to be making these kinds of mistakes and missteps because our communities, Black communities are going to be the ones who are bearing the burden.
Streaming giant Netflix released a new historical drama film titled as The Dig. It is based on a novel authored by John Preston that goes by the same name. The plot of the film revolves around a landowner called Edith Pretty who hires an excavator to dig the burial site on her estate. As the excavation goes on, a ship from the olden ages is discovered which changes the course of history. If one liked the plot of Netflix's The Dig, here are other movies to binge on.

Also read | Kichcha Sudeep's 'Vikrant Rona' To Be First Film To Release Title Logo On Burj Khalifa

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Movies and shows like The Dig

1. Cave of Forgotten Dreams

This 2010 documentary revolves around the oldest survival paintings found in the Chauvet Cave located in France. Some of the drawings in this cave date back to 30,000 years as well. This documentary has an IMDB rating of 7.4 and is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

2. The Pyramid

This 2014 horror adventure movie revolves around a father-daughter duo who Plan to excavate a pyramid located in Egypt. But as they continue their excavation, they learn that a dangerous creature has been living there. It has an IMDB rating of 4.6.

3. The Mummy

This 1999 film revolves around a team of archaeologists who are excavating the ancient city of Hamunaptra. But they accidentally waking an evil mummy in the process. The movie has an IMDB rating of 7 and is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

4. The Mummy Returns

The plot of this historical fictional drama revolves around an archaeologists couple' son who finds the Bracelet of Anubis. The bracelet automatically locks itself on his wrist. This causes the rise of a cult later. The movie has an IMDB rating of 6.4 and is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. This is one of the movies like Netflix's The Dig.

5. The Scorpion King

The plot of this movie revolves around an assassin who is hired by the leaders of the free tribe. The mission this assassin is given is to stop the evil king of Memnon from taking their land. The movie has an IMDB rating of 5.5.

6. The Mummy

This movie revolves around Sergeant Nick who calls an air raid on the enemies. This causes them to come across the tomb of Princess Ahmanet. He, then, has to fight to stay alive. The movie has an IMDB rating of 5.4.

Also read | Amit Sadh Reveals His Favourite Sushant Singh Rajput Film, Says SSR 'will Be Remembered'

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Image courtesy- Screengrab from trailer

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STORRS  As students are set to go back to in-person classes on Monday, the University of Connecticut Friday reported eight new cases of COVID-19.

Five of the new cases involve residential students, while the remaining three were found among employees, all of whom work on campus, according to the schools public COVID-19 dashboard.

Currently, 26 residential students at the Storrs campus are in isolation, either having testing positive for the virus or showing symptoms.

Our ability to maintain a relatively high level of in-person campus presence and activities has been truly a community effort, said Carl Lejuez, UConns provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, in a letter to students Friday.

The letter said students and university staff will be informed when more information is available about vaccines. Currently, Connecticut is only offering the vaccine to people 75 and older outside of nursing homes, health care workers and medical first responders. New York, meanwhile, has begun offering the vaccine to teachers.

Several other colleges and universities are reporting cases and reminding students of their COVID-19 rules as students return for the spring semester.

Quinnipiac University in Hamden reported three new cases Thursday, all among students living off campus. The university has reported 24 cases in total since the spring semester began. Students there are under a containment period until Monday, during which they are told to remain on campus or in their off-campus housing except for medical or school-related appointments.

The University of New Haven in West Haven reports seven new cases within the past week as of Thursday, with 14 active cases among students and two among faculty and staff.

The University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford reported five new cases this week, all among residential students.

Wesleyan University in Middletown reported no new cases this week, but currently has one active case among students and one among employees.

Connecticut College in New London reported one new case this week with four active cases three employees and one student.

Trinity College in Hartford reported one new case this week. The university has four active cases among employees and affiliates as of Friday, none among students.

Central Connecticut State University in New Britain reported one new case among commuter students Thursday. Four people there are in isolation, according to CCSU.

Yale University in New Haven reported two new cases Wednesday, the most recent testing data available. One case was found among graduate and professional students, the other among faculty and staff. The universitys data shows 27 people had tested positive in the previous seven days as of Wednesday.

Sacred Heart University in Fairfield reported two new cases as of Wednesday, both among on-campus students. SHU reports seven active cases as of that day, mostly involving residential students.
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Italy's medicines agency on Saturday approved the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine for all adults but recommended alternatives be given to people aged over 55.

AIFA's decision comes a day after the European Union gave the green light for the jab, but Germany's vaccine commission recommended against using it on older people amid questions over its effectiveness that have been rejected by the company.

"AIFA authorises the AstraZeneca vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals over the age of 18, as per European Medicines Agency guidance," it said.

But it noted "a level of uncertainty" about claims of the jab's effectiveness in people over the age of 55, because the age group was "poorly represented" in trials.

To help with the best use of the vaccine, it recommended "preferential use of the AstraZeneca vaccine, pending further data, in subjects between 18 and 55 years old, for whom more solid evidence is available".

It urged the "preferential use of messenger RNA vaccines in older and/or more frail subjects".

So-called mRNA vaccines include Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna jabs, and are based on a new technology previously untested in a real-world situation.

They use an inert snippet of genetic code from the coronavirus to trigger an immune response in the body that can repel the active virus.

Many of the other vaccinesincluding Oxford/AstraZenecaare variants of the method used for flu jabs, based on a virus that has been killed and rendered harmless.

AstraZeneca earlier rejected German media questioning the vaccine's effectiveness in over 65s.

"Reports that the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine efficacy is as low as eight percent in adults over 65 years are completely incorrect," the firm said in a statement last Monday.

"In November, we published data in The Lancet demonstrating that older adults showed strong immune responses to the vaccine, with 100 percent of older adults generating spike-specific antibodies after the second dose," it added.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

 2021 AFP

When Meghan and Harry, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, appealed to US citizens to vote last September, fashion observers took as much interest in their wrists as what they had to say.

It appeared the couple were wearing co-ordinating Cartier Love bracelets, which since their launch in the 1960s have become one of the most sought after jewellery items. Although it is not known when the couple acquired their bracelets, Meghan has been a Cartier fan for some time  an interest she shares with Harrys late mother, Princess Diana.

Prince Harry and Meghan continue the tradition of famous couples who wear matching Cartier bracelets.

Nowadays Cartier bracelets are commonly associated with Gen-Z celebrities including Kylie Jenner  MTV once likened her collection to the cost of a college education. But the bangles were once more the realm of royalty and Hollywood screen legends.

Upon its release in 1969, Cartier gave 25 pairs of bangles to notable couples of the era, including actress Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, and the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson.
E-commerce site Myntra and its logo have been the top trends on social media after the Flipkart-backed online shopping giant decided to change its logo. Twitter users decided to share memes and decided to have some fun with this news.

Here's how users have reacted

Le Myntra to the NGO





#MyntraLogo#Myntra To Change Logo After Police Complaint By NGO Calling It Offensive Towards Women@myntra to that NGO: pic.twitter.com/Jsf8n3l9S0  Kumar Chaudhary (@iamkumar32) January 30, 2021

Ek dum se waqt badal diya, jazbaat badal diye, hmm

Dave Chapell explains Myntra's plan

But boys didn't have any problems about Amazon's logo, food for thought

Le people whose names start with M

Should Airbnb also change its logo now

What about @Airbnb it should also change its logo.. pic.twitter.com/9QEGERX9eu  Soul Searching. (@DXTMRA) January 29, 2021

Le McDonalds now

Myntra logo to be changed, after a complaint being filed calling it offensive towards women.



Meanwhile McDonalds : pic.twitter.com/73KRO1d59e  \\evitcepsrep\\ (@IrithikaK) January 30, 2021

Le Oyo Rooms now

Le me after seeing Myntra's logo

Myntra's business plan explained, really

My reaction on Myntra's logos

Me, looking at the old and new logo of Myntra : pic.twitter.com/zdcgH7IHE7  ASHEEM (@a4asheem) January 30, 2021

A Mumbai-based activist Naaz Patel of the Avesta Foundation NGO has lodged a complaint with Mumbai cyber police alleging that Myntra's logo is insulting and offensive towards women. Patel also took the matter up with various forums and across social media platforms.

According to DCP Rashmi Karandikar of Mumbai Police's Cyber Crime Department, "We found that the logo was offensive in nature for women. Following the complaint, we sent an email to Myntra and their officials came and met us. The officials said they will change the logo in a month's time."

Myntra decided to change its logo not only on its website but also on their app and packaging material after this complaint.

Also read: Occupy Dalal Street? Why you can't pull off a GameStop in India

Also read: Myntra to change logo after woman files complaint against it for being 'offensive'
San Francisco, Jan 30 : San Francisco Mayor London Breed has announced that the city is expanding mental health support for students and their families amid the raging coronavirus pandemic In a statement on Friday, Breed said that the city is expanding the Mobile Response Team (MRT), which provides personalised mental health and wellness services for children and youth, including in-person interventions during the pandemic, reports Xinhua news agency.

The expansion of the MRT bolsters the School District's ongoing efforts to help students cope with complex issues such as stress, trauma, suicide, bullying, depression, self-esteem, drug and alcohol use, sexual health, and relationships, according to the announcement.

"For all of us, this has been a hard year on our mental health. But for young people who were already dealing with a lot of stress and mental health challenges before the pandemic, this year has been especially challenging," said Breed.

"Students have been without the support systems that they normally get at school, and while there have been mental health resources available online, we know that some situations require an in-person response." Due to the pandemic, many San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) students have been unable to access in-person counselling and behavioural health services that are normally available at school.

Since schools shifted to distance learning in March, the School District has transitioned many services to virtual formats, including social worker office hours and online meetings.

"Even with innovative distance learning measures in place, the Covid-19 school closures have had an undeniably adverse impact on K-12 learning and student well-being, especially among low-income students and students of colour who are experiencing increased rates of anxiety, depression, and other serious health conditions," said City Supervisor Hillary Ronen.

SFUSD has made 118,000 wellness check calls since last spring.

Of those, 77 per cent of the families said they were doing "pretty good" or "great", but about one in four ere not, according to the announcement.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, Jan 30 : In another major breakthrough in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested businessman and joint managing director of KRKB Limited Anoop Gupta.

According to ED officials, Gupta was arrested after the ED got several evidences against him in connection with its money laundering probe.

The official said that Gupta was produced before a Delhi court and has been sent to five-day custody.

The ED had arrested British national Christian Michel James in connection with the probe in January 2019. Michel was extradited from UAE in December 2018 and was arrested by the CBI in connection with the probe.

The case pertains to the buying of 12 AgustaWestland helicopters from the Italian defence manufacturing giant Finmeccanica at an estimated cost of Rs 3,600 crore for ferrying VVIPs. In the deal, bribes were allegedly paid to middlemen and others. The purchase was cleared in 2010 by the then UPA government.
The Health Ministry, on Friday, asked all states and union territories to initiate vaccination of frontline workers from the first week of February. Currently, vaccination of healthcare providers is underway. India's vaccination drive against coronavirus began on January 16. The ministry asked the states and union territories to simultaneously vaccinate healthcare and frontline workers from February.

Health Ministry Additional Secretary Manohar Agnani informed the states and UTs that the database of frontline workers is being updated in collaboration with respective line ministries. So far, data of more than 61 lakh frontline workers have been uploaded on the Co-WIN portal.

"In this regard, after due consultation with states and UTs, it is advised that the states and UTs shall initiate simultaneous vaccination of frontline workers and healthcare workers from the first week of February," Agnani said.

A pan-India COVID-19 vaccination drive initiated on January 16 aims to cover healthcare and frontline workers in the initial phase.

The government in its letter said that the required doses of both the vaccines -- Covishield and Covaxin -- have been allocated to the states and UTs. More would be subsequently released as and when needed.

The letter stated that states and UTs must ensure that sessions must be created for both the type of vaccines in proportion to the release of vaccines to the state, wherever applicable.

"I request you to kindly direct the concerned officials to initiate requisite planning and review for initiating vaccination of frontline workers along with healthcare workers from the first week of February, 2021. Your unstinted support is prerequisite to achieve the desired acceleration and impact of COVID-19 vaccine drive," the letter stated.

Meanwhile, the health ministry said that India has vaccinated 30 lakh people so far in 13 days. India's pace of vaccination -- fastest in the world -- puts the country ahead of US, Israel and UK that took 18, 33 and 36 days respectively to vaccinate 30 lakh people.

Also read: Scientists identify new COVID-19 drug that's '27.5 times' more effective than remdesivir

Also read: China rolls out anal swab tests for coronavirus

AGAWAM  Pre-kindergartners will remain at the towns temporary preschool in Perry Lane Park for another year, Superintendent Sheila Hoffman announced this week.

School officials had hoped to close the towns Early Childhood Center at the end of this school year, but Hoffman said that meeting that target would put additional stresses on the district while its still trying to focus on the COVID-19 pandemic and remote learning.

The plan is to move pre-K classrooms into the towns four elementary schools, but only two of them have the space to accommodate higher enrollment comfortably. To make room, the school administration is continuing its work on an elementary redistricting plan.

Hoffman said Agawams four elementary schools, which all serve kindergarten through grade 4, have similar maximum capacities. Each school serves a geographical sector of the town, following boundaries that were last adjusted two decades ago. Because some neighborhoods have grown faster than others, however, some have larger student bodies than others.

Robinson Park School has almost 400 students, Hoffman said, while Clark School and Granger School have about 250. Phelps School is in between. In 2019, the School Department held a parent forum and decided to redraw the boundary lines to equalize the student population among the four elementary schools.

Administrators will use 2020-21 enrollment data to draw the new maps. Hoffman expressed hope that this work could be done and even implemented on the original timeline, by this fall, even without the need to accommodate pre-kindergartners immediately.

That will give RPS a little bit more space, Phelps a little bit more space, Hoffman said. This year, we realized how important (extra) space is in schools due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements.

Hoffman did not set a new timeline for the closure of the Early Childhood Center. She was not available for comment Friday.

School officials have long criticized the Early Childhood Center  originally opened as a temporary facility in the 1990s  as crowded and unsuited for modern education.

In 2016, the School Committee endorsed plans to build a new Early Childhood Center and kindergarten building next to Clark School. The project, estimated to cost well over $20 million, failed to gain support from the mayors office or city councilors over the next four years.

The proposal was pared down to a pre-kindergarten-only building on the Agawam Junior High School property, at half the cost. With discussions still stalled over the question of funding, then-Superintendent Steve Lemanski suggested in June 2019 that Agawam had enough classroom space in its existing buildings to close the Perry Lane facility without building a replacement.
The Defence Forces have increased the number of troops they are deploying to nursing homes hit by Covid-19.

Initially, there were about three homes where troops were deployed to provide assistance to staff, but since January 16 that number had risen to eight.

And of these, troops are currently still deployed to assist at six homes.

The deployments now bring to just under 500 the number of troops drafted in to help HSE staff deal with Covid outbreaks in private nursing homes.

This is because so many of the countrys care home staff are off sick from work or self-isolating because of Covid-19.

Almost 2,000 public, private, and voluntary home staff are currently on leave.

And while there are now around 181 Covid-19 outbreaks in nursing homes across the country, there have been a total of 573 outbreaks in nursing homes and community hospitals or long-stay units since January 3.

So stretched are HSE staff resources spread to cover its own residential facilities as well as privately-run facilities that the agency has had to call in Defence Forces for help.

Extra personnel

A Defence Forces spokesperson confirmed the deployment of extra personnel on Friday.

They told the Irish Examiner: We have been supporting the HSE in residential care facilities since January 16 and are currently providing support in six facilities.

As of January 28, a total of 492 Defence Forces personnel (average 25 daily) have been involved in the provision of this support across eight nursing homes.

The assistance we are providing is to support the running of the Regional Care Home Facilities and our personnel have no direct contact with patients or residents. They said the range of supports provided include cleaning, catering, non-clinical waste removal, transport and administrative duties.

One of the private nursing homes troops have been deployed to includes Teach Altra Nursing Home, in Scarteen, Newmarket.

Run by Newmarket Nursing Home Limited, health watchdog Hiqa noted the centre to be very clean and said appropriate infection control procedures were in place.

In its April 2019 inspection report, it also noted staff were observed to abide by best practice in infection control and good hand hygiene.

A Defence Forces spokesperson said, in an answer to a question about how long troops had been working at the home, said: Oglaigh na hEireann deployed troops to Teach Altra Nursing Home on the January 27, following a request from the HSE.

The home has been asked for a comment.

Chinese FM says vaccine cooperation to further lift anti-pandemic cooperation with Hungary

BEIJING, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday that with joint efforts of China and Hungary, vaccine cooperation will definitely become an upgraded version of anti-COVID-19 cooperation between the two countries.

Wang made the remarks during a phone conversation with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto.

Wang said he is glad to know that Hungary has approved import of a Chinese COVID-19 vaccine, adding that China attaches great importance to Hungary's urgent desire to strengthen vaccine cooperation with China.

Hungary's approval of the Chinese vaccine demonstrates its recognition of and trust in the safety and effectiveness of the Chinese vaccine, and attests to the fine tradition of the two countries helping each other in times of difficulty, he said.

China will, based on China-Hungary comprehensive strategic partnership, facilitate Chinese enterprises' export of the first batch of vaccines to Hungary, he added.

Wang said China will, as always, support bilateral cooperation in various fields, and is pleased to see more Chinese enterprises invest and develop businesses in Hungary.

China also hopes that Hungary will continue playing a constructive role in pushing forward China-Central and Eastern European Countries cooperation and relations between China and the European Union, he said.

For his part, Szijjarto said Hungary thanks China for its strong support in vaccine cooperation, and hopes that China will speed up the approval process to facilitate Hungary's purchase of vaccines in China.


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Gurugram, Jan 30 : Bharatiya Janata Party workers on Saturday took out a "tiranga samman yatra" here to condemn the "insult" to the Tricolour at the Red Fort during the farmers' tractor parade in Delhi on January 26.

The yatra was organised under the leadership of local BJP MLA Sudhir Singla and the BJP district president Gargi Kakkar.

The BJP workers hoisted the national flag on a cavalcade of cars during the yatra that started from the old jail complex road and culminated in the Civil Lines' John Hall, covering a distance of around 3 km.

"The purpose of the "tiranga samman yatra" is to criticise those people who have insulted the national flag on January 26 at the national capital's Red Fort and give a strong message to those who had dishonoured the Tricolour during the farmers' tractor parade here on the occasion of Republic Day," a BJP worker, who was part of the procession, told IANS.

The saffron party leaders demanded stern action against those people who had unfurled another flag at the Red Fort.

Addressing the gathering, Singla said: "BJP strongly condemns such an act on Republic Day. The violence disrupted the life of common people and it was also a serious matter of concern about the safety of the national capital and historical monuments".

Kakkar said the Opposition parties were enacting a "drama" in the name of the farmers' agitation and trying to mislead the farmers.

"Respecting the Tricolour is the topmost responsibility of every citizen in the country, but some anti-social elements have dishonoured our national flag on January 26 which is not acceptable. The investigation agency will soon take necessary action against such people," added the BJP's district chief.
The immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, says he left the Nigerian Army better than he met.

Mr Buratai stated this in his valedictory speech during the Pulling Out Parade by the Nigerian Army on Friday in Abuja.

He said that the army under his watch had achieved a tremendous feat in the fight against insurgency and other security threats in the country.

He added that he ensured adequate training of personnel and enhancement of warfare capabilities of the army as well as prioritisation of personnel welfare.

Today is a day of appreciation and not a stocktaking, but let me put on record that I left Nigerian Army better than I met it.

The Nigerian Army under my leadership was able to achieve great feat in the fight against insurgency in the country.

We have been experiencing pockets of threats here and there, but I can confidently say that no part of Nigeria is ceded to any terrorist group or criminals.

The counter insurgency operation is a warfare new to Nigerian Army but over time, we have continued to device means of tackling the ever evolving dynamic nature of the threats in the country.

The Nigerian Army has remained resolute in the discharge of its roles as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

I urge you all to continue to rise to the occasion, he said.

Mr Buratai said that while it was always necessary to say goodbye at a point in life, he said it was not easy to find the right word to say goodbye to the courageous and dedicated team that worked with him.

He said that the Nigerian Army also made giant strides in infrastructure development across the country.

Mr Buratai commended the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication and loyalty, which he said assisted him to achieve so much in office.

The former COAS also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for the opportunity to serve the country as well as providing an enabling environment for him to succeed.

He also commended the effort of the government of Borno in the war against insurgency, assuring that the war would soon be a thing of the past.

He urged politicians to always leave military out of politics, adding that the country needed politicians who are statesmen to support the military in addressing the prevailing security challenges.

According to him, there is no gainsaying that there cannot be development without security and lack of development breeds insecurity.

He solicited support for the new Chief of Army Staff, Ibrahim Attahiru, to be able to deliver on his mandate.

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Buratai was officially pulled out of service in a parade held in his honour at Mogadishu Cantonment, Asokoro, Abuja.

(NAN)



Addis Ababa, Jan 30 : The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) emphasized the crucial need to intensify Covid-19 testing and tracing to effectively control the virus and limit transmission across the continent.

"Testing is the number one tool to fight this pandemic, because without testing we will be fighting blindly," said John Nkengasong, Director of the Africa CDC, Xinhua news agency reported.

"We also need to trace people who are infected, isolate them and treat them," he said on Thursday, adding that "by supporting African Union (AU) Member States to do more testing and tracing to identify and isolate infected persons, we will be able to control the virus and limit transmission." As the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Africa near 3.5 million cases, the Africa CDC stressed that "with the current daily average of new cases in the second wave surpassing that of the first wave." According to the latest figures from the Africa CDC, the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases on the African continent reached 3,494,117 as of Thursday morning, as the death toll related to the pandemic in Africa stood at 87,937.

The Africa CDC, specialized healthcare agency of the AU, also called for concerted efforts to intensify funding in support of a broader effort to accelerate equitable access to testing technologies, increase testing of asymptomatic persons, and reducing community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the sub-Saharan Africa region.

"Testing and tracing remain two of the strongest public health interventions for containing Covid-19 on this continent of about 1.3 billion people," the Africa CDC said in a statement issued on Thursday.

"Yet, only a little above 30 million tests have been reported since the beginning of the pandemic," it added.

According to the agency, by scaling up testing and tracing, health authorities on the continent will have access to more reliable epidemiologic data to advise governments, businesses and the public on how to better manage the pandemic and mitigate its socioeconomic impact.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Image: Needpix

India plans to introduce a law to ban private cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin and put in place a framework for an official digital currency to be issued by the central bank, according to a legislative agenda listed by the government.

The law will "create a facilitative framework for creation of the official digital currency to be issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)," said the agenda, published on the lower house website on Friday.

The legislation, listed for debate in the current parliamentary session, seeks "to prohibit all private cryptocurrencies in India, however, it allows for certain exceptions to promote the underlying technology of cryptocurrency and its uses," the agenda said.

In mid-2019, an Indian government panel recommended banning all private cryptocurrencies, with a jail term of up to 10 years and heavy fines for anyone dealing in digital currencies.

The panel has, however, asked the government to consider the launch of an official government-backed digital currency in India, to function like bank notes, through the Reserve Bank of India.

The RBI had in April 2018 ordered financial institutions to break off all ties with individuals or businesses dealing in virtual currency such as bitcoin within three months.

However, in March 2020, India's Supreme Court allowed banks to handle cryptocurrency transactions from exchanges and traders, overturning a central bank ban had that dealt the thriving industry a major blow.

Governments around the world have been looking into ways to regulate cryptocurrencies but no major economy has taken the drastic step of placing a blanket ban on owning them, even though concern has been raised about the misuse of consumer data and its possible impact on the financial system.

Shivam Thakral, CEO, BuyUcoin said, In the upcoming parliament budget session, Government is considering introducing The Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill 2021. We urge the government to take opinion of all the stakeholders before taking a decision which may affect livelihood of the entire workforce employed in digital asset industry in India. We will engage with our peers and other stakeholders to work towards protecting the interest of the industry. We look forward to a constructive dialogue with the government to reach a consensus on creating a positive digital asset ecosystem in India.
Pavan Kumar prints tens of thousands of calendars a year with addresses of major blood banks in the two states, their phone numbers, the names of blood donors, and their phone numbers too.  AFP

KADAPA: A voluntary donor Pattupogula Pavan Kumar of Kadapa feels all people must donate blood once every three months if the needy are to get blood without running around blood banks.

A young man of 30 years, the founding president of Blood 2 Live Foundation has been working towards achieving this goal for past eight years. He has organised almost 900 blood donation camps across the undivided Andhra Pradesh. The blood collected thus has helped 13 lakh patients. Even during the difficult Covid-19 lockdown time, he and the youth he encouraged donated more than 900 units of blood.

Pavan Kumar completed his B. Tech degree and started earning a five-figure salary. What prompted him into starting his Blood 2 Live Foundation was his mothers need to undergo spinal surgery, which was getting delayed due to insufficient blood. That was when he donated a unit of blood. He married the girl he loved shortly after finishing his engineering. But she had to be admitted to a Vijayawada hospital for 20 days due to a heart-related problem. During this time too, he noticed patients struggling for blood.

It was then that Pavan Kumar decided to save lives with blood donation by starting Blood 2 Live Foundation in 2012, though he had been donating blood since 2007. His organisation, supported by friends and donors, has been donating blood in the two Telugu states. Apart from donating blood, he has been distributing pamphlets, running campaigns through radio, cartoons, poems, songs and videos. He has got many awards from various organisations. Recently, the All India Marvadi Association felicitated him at Hyderabad for his services.

He prints tens of thousands of calendars a year with addresses of major blood banks in the two states, their phone numbers, the names of blood donors, and their phone numbers too. So far, Pavan Kumars endeavour has facilitated 13 lakh people into receiving blood. He himself has donated blood 21 times.

Founding president of Blood 2 Live Foundation, Pavan Kumar, told Deccan Chronicle that instead of the patient or patient's relatives going to blood banks for blood, they should be able to get blood without asking. For that to happen, he felt everyone should voluntarily donate blood at their nearest blood bank once every three months. This would be possible only thorough understanding among people about blood donation. That is why, I am fighting tirelessly, he remarked.
In its recent schedule update, Russia restored the international air travel with four countries which includes India, Finland, Qatar, Vietnam, although on a reciprocal basis. According to sources of ANI, Russia on Friday eased the COVID-19 travel restrictions that were placed to curb the mutant variants of coronavirus, reopening its border for the overseas passengers. Travellers with a residence permit will now be able to fly to and from Moscow, the non-residents, however, will still face restrictions. Scores of international air carriers were scheduled to start flying this week. The tourism and business visa holders continue to be barred.

In a tweet, Russian Embassy in New Delhi informed about the ease of the restrictions, citing low cases on record in all four countries. Finland and Qatar as of January 29 registered 500 confirmed cases of COVID-19, meanwhile, India recorded only 12,000 cases. According to Russian governments Aeroflot, the overseas flights to and from Delhi, Hanoi, Doha, and Helsinki, are expected to operate twice a week, with an exception to Moscow-Doha flight that will be operational thrice a week.

Read: Russia Population Shrinks By Half A Million During COVID-19 Pandemic: Report

Read: Russia's Vladimir Putin Signs Law To Extend Nuclear Arms Treaty With US By Five Years

1/4 Issuing of visas of all categories (including student #visa) to enter #Russia via air checkpoints is resumed for the Indian citizens, as well as for persons who have a residence permit. pic.twitter.com/lPpm9JwTeL  Russia in India (@RusEmbIndia) January 30, 2021

In an official release, the Russian Embassy wrote: "According to the decision of the Russian COVID-19 Emergency Response Centre dated January 16, 2021, the Russian Government issued a directive on January 25, 2021, allowing to restore international air traffic on a reciprocal basis with a number of foreign states, including India.

Tickets now available

As per the official announcement, the Qatar Airways, Air India, Finnair, Vietnam Airlines, and other planes that fly to these four destination will restart services for the international travellers. Ural Airlines, meanwhile, will operate as per the codeshare agreements with other airlines. The tickets for this destination are now available on the Aeroflots website for all four routes. According to o sources of TASS, Aeroflot is also expected to resume flights to Helsinki starting January 28, which will operate twice weekly. Meanwhile, with respect to Indian travellers, the Russian embassy informed: "Issuing of visas of all categories (including student visa) to enter Russia via air checkpoints is resumed for the Indian citizens, as well as for persons who have a residence permit. Furthermore, the embassy reiterated that the passengers must arrive with a mandatory COVID-19 negative PCR test.

Read: Russia Cultivated Donald Trump As An Asset For 40 Years, Reveals Ex-spy For KGB

Read: 12 Dead In Russia Truck-bus Accident
?? En vivo | Entrevista a la presidenta del Consejo de Ministros, @VBermudezV, en el programa Cara a Cara de @noticias_tvperu. pic.twitter.com/Y6bG4QIBEs
Coronary artery calcification -- the buildup of calcified plaque in the walls of the heart's arteries -- is an important predictor of adverse cardiovascular events like heart attacks. Coronary calcium can be detected by computed tomography (CT) scans, but quantifying the amount of plaque requires radiological expertise, time and specialized equipment.

In practice, even though chest CT scans are fairly common, calcium score CTs are not. Investigators from Brigham and Women's Hospital's Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (AIM) Program and the Massachusetts General Hospital's Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center (CIRC) teamed up to develop and evaluate a deep learning system that may help change this.

The system automatically measures coronary artery calcium from CT scans to help physicians and patients make more informed decisions about cardiovascular prevention. The team validated the system using data from more than 20,000 individuals with promising results. Their findings are published in Nature Communications.

"Coronary artery calcium information could be available for almost every patient who gets a chest CT scan, but it isn't quantified simply because it takes too much time to do this for every patient," said corresponding author Hugo Aerts, PhD, director of the Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (AIM) Program at the Brigham and Harvard Medical School. "We've developed an algorithm that can identify high-risk individuals in an automated manner."

Working with colleagues, lead author Roman Zeleznik, MSc, a data scientist in AIM, developed the deep learning system described in the paper to automatically and accurately predict cardiovascular events by scoring coronary calcium. While the tool is currently only for research purposes, Zeleznik and co-authors have made it open source and freely available for anyone to use.

"In theory, the deep learning system does a lot of what a human would do to quantify calcium," said Zeleznik. "Our paper shows that it may be possible to do this in an automated fashion."

The team began by training the deep learning system on data from the Framingham Heart Study (FHS), a long-term asymptomatic community cohort study. Framingham participants received dedicated calcium scoring CT scans, which were manually scored by expert human readers and used to train the deep learning system.

The deep learning system was then applied to three additional study cohorts, which included heavy smokers having lung cancer screening CT (NLST: National Lung Screening Trial), patients with stable chest pain having cardiac CT (PROMISE: the Prospective Multicenter Imaging Study for Evaluation of Chest Pain), and patients with acute chest pain having cardiac CT (ROMICAT-II: the Rule Out Myocardial Infarction using Computer Assisted Tomography trial). All told, the team validated the deep learning system in over 20,000 individuals.

Udo Hoffmann, MD, director of [email protected] who is the principal investigator of CT imaging in the FHS, PROMISE and ROMICAT, emphasized that one of the unique aspects of this study is the inclusion of three National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute-funded high-quality image and outcome trials that strengthen the generalizability of these results to clinical settings.

The automated calcium scores from the deep learning system highly correlated with the manual calcium scores from human experts. The automated scores also independently predicted who would go on to have a major adverse cardiovascular event like a heart attack.

The coronary artery calcium score plays an important role in current guidelines for who should take a statin to prevent heart attacks.

This is an opportunity for us to get additional value from these chest CTs using AI. The coronary artery calcium score can help patients and physicians make informed, personalized decisions about whether to take a statin. From a clinical perspective, our long-term goal is to implement this deep learning system in electronic health records, to automatically identify the patients at high risk." Michael Lu, MD, MPH, Co-Author, Director of Artificial Intelligence, MGH's Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center
A convention centre would also form the core of the project.  By arrangement

WARANGAL: Work on the much-trumpeted Saint Poet Bammera Pothana Smrithi Vanam project has all but stopped due to lack of fund allotments from the state government.

Four years past the announcement of the project by Chief Minister K. Chandashekar Rao, only half the works are complete. Local peoples representatives are allegedly not taking steps to speed up the works.

Chandrashekar Rao had laid the foundation stone for the project in memory of saint-poet Pothana in Bammera village of Jangaon district in April 2017. The CM had recited poems of the saint and expressed his special love for Telugu literature.

The CM had lamented, how, in the undivided Andhra Pradesh, poets of the Telangana region were neglected and vowed the TRS government would change the trend.

The Kakatiya Heritage Trust (KHT) has been given the responsibility for executing the project spread over 4.3 acres, a plot of land that originally belonged to the poet. Trustee and former NIT professor M. Panduranga Rao said there was delay in finalising the designs but the works thereafter progressed at a brisk pace.

Civic works of the interpretation centre, food court and toilets are complete and the works on the amphitheatre are under way. A 22-foot statue of Bammera Pothana will form the backdrop of the amphitheatre. It will be carved from a single granite block and would weigh about 100 tonnes. A special foundation is being laid that would carry the weight for the statue. The project will be complete within a year, Rao said.

A convention centre would also form the core of the project. Landscaping and elements inspired by the Kakatiyan architecture style as also normal village lifestyle would grace the memorial.

The Lakkamamba stream which flows beside the Pothana memorial is going through beautification works. A check-dam across the stream is also being erected as part of the project.
Megan Callaghan has battled visual impairment as she pursues a career in teaching.

She is in her second year at St. Angela's College, studying Home Economics and Gaeilge Teacher Education.

Her gra for Gaeilge was obvious throughout all of secondary school but living with a visual impairment meant that learning was always a challenge, often not being able to see her classroom board.

But this didn't stop her from pursuing a teaching career, something she feels privileged to do, educating and inspiring future generations.

It was when she began her college journey in Sligo at St Angela's College that Megan learned about the Gerard Byrne Bursary Award offered by the National Council for the Blind Ireland to only a few students each year who went through school with a visual impairment and who have overcome significant challenges.

Donegal native, Megan explains: "I first heard about the bursary when the Disability and Learning Support Officer, Vivienne Ryan, sent me the details and encouraged me to apply."

As part of the application, Megan also submitted a 1,500-word essay outlining the challenges she encountered as well as her career aspirations.

Successful candidates at this stage were then invited to interview by a panel from the NCBI.

"This was my first ever interview and I was nervous but a week later I got the news that I was to receive the award - I burst into tears as I had never won a thing in my life, never mind something I got because of my poor sight.

"It felt as if everything had come full circle and all those challenging times throughout secondary school got me to this point.

"Mar a deireann an seanfhocal: "An ait a mbionn an dolas bionn an solas ina aice' agus nuair a fuair me an glaoch guthain sin, thuig me bri an tseanfhocail airithe sin laithreach."

Dr. Mairead Conneely, one of Megan's Gaeilge lecturers, is delighted and proud of Megan's achievement and award. "Is duine diograiseach, tuisceanach agus paiseanta i Megan, agus ta me cinnte go mbeidh si ina heiseamlair iontach amuigh sna seomrai ranga agus sna seomrai foirne chomh maith."

As a future teacher, Megan will continue to advocate for students living with visual impairments within the Irish education system and has already formulated her strategies to achieve equality for all learners. The awards were streamed live last December.

Speaking at the event, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Mr Simon Harris said: "Ensuring equity of access to education is a priority for the Department, and the Gerard Byrne Bursary is especially critical given the low numbers of students with visual impairment and blindness studying in higher education'.

The award consists of two annual grants to the value of 1,500 per year and continues for the duration of the undergraduate programme.
Saturday, January 30, 2021

Last week we asked you to send a message to the Senate Law & Justice Committee against SB 5078s ban on standard size magazines and SB 5038s restriction on open carry. You stood up & we were part of massive turnout in testimony and written comments on those Senate bills. Our side had more then 3,000 show up against SB5078. Unfortunately they didnt get the message. Both bills have passed to the Senate floor where theyll have time for debate and possibly a vote.

But we can stop it in the House!

HB1283, the house version of more regulation on Open Carry will have a hearing Tuesday 2/2 in the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee at 10 am. You can read the original bill under Available Documents and track where it is in the process under Bill History at the bill page. 1283 adds Openly carries or display a deadly weapon in a manner that would lead a reasonable person to feel threatened to our criminal mischief law. To vague to be consistently enforced and to dangerous to our right to keep and bear arms. HB1238 is a law that ends in a felony that bars you from future possession.

Please go to https://app.leg.wa.gov/CSIRemote/House to sign in.

Select Civil Rights & judiciary under the committee button, then 2/2 under the meetings button and youll see HB1283 listed as the first bill that will be heard on Tuesday. Click 1283 & select Type of Testimony. There, be certain to at least select I would like my position noted for the Legislative record and then choose Con from the dropdown (you must fill out the form with your contact information). The committee receives a copy of all written testimony, and if you testify live during the hearing youll have up to 3 but most likely 1 minute to present your ideas on why the bill must not pass from committee.



Note that registration -ends- one hour before the hearing begins. Written testimony must be in 24 hours in advance. Its a good idea to work up testimony in advance with friends or when you have time to give it a little thought. Please be courteous and concise, youre acting as an ambassador for your civil right to keep and bear arms and all your friends in that community.

Were following several other bills, more on that next week. Please take action on HB1283 now. It is vital that everyone who supports our Right to Keep and Bear Arms involve themselves in the process and tell their public servants the importance of not passing any gun control.

For an overview of how the remote session works see Accessing the Legislature Remotely. Because the process is entirely remote, there are no early morning drives to Olympia just a need to methodically and professionally engage and communicate to our elected representatives. So please go to the bill page HB 1238 , check out the bill and make your voice heard at the committee page above. Be courteous, thoughtful and represent your rights.

If there are questions I can answer for you, or for a copy of this in email please email boyd@liberty.seanet.com.

Tags: Washington Legislature
International

Russian president Putin signs bill to extend nuke treaty with US

Moscow, Jan 30 (IANS) | Publish Date: 1/30/2021 11:08:58 AM IST

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday signed a bill into law ratifying a five-year extension of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) with the US, one of the last major arms reduction treaties signed since the end of the Cold War.

The validity period of the New START will be extended by five years to February 5, 2026, Xinhua news agency quoted the Kremlin as saying in a statement issued on Friday.

On Tuesday, Moscow and Washington exchanged notes on extending the key arms control pact.

Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Joe Biden of the US welcomed the move in a telephone call.

The same day, Putin submitted a bill on the extension in the State Duma (the lower house of parliament).

On Wednesday, the Russian Parliament approved it.

The extension of the treaty meets Russias national interests, makes it possible to preserve the transparency and predictability of Moscow-Washington strategic relations, helps to maintain strategic stability in the world, positively affects the international situation, and contributes to the nuclear disarmament process, the Kremlin said.

In response to the development, a US State Department representative told Russias TASS News Agency said: There are still steps that should be finalized. But we are optimistic that the extension, which obviously meets our national security interests, will be finalized before expiration on February 5.

In 2010, Russia and the US signed the New START, which stipulates limits to the numbers of deployed nuclear warheads and strategic delivery systems by both.

The last remaining nuclear arms control treaty in force between the two nuclear superpowers was about to expire on February 5 before they agreed to preserve it.

The administration of former President Donald Trump tried to conclude a shorter extension of the treaty last year after rounds of negotiation with Russia, but the two sides failed to finalise a formal agreement.
AS the white pirogue drifted in the waters just off Belle Garden in Tobago early yesterday morning, fishermen working nearby knew something was wrong.

What they saw in the small vessel stunned them.

Fourteen bodies, all of them male, along with a skull and other skeletal remains, were piled inside the vessel as it floated four miles off Belle Garden, police confirmed.

The bodies were all clad in tracksuits and green rain jackets and were severely decomposed, police investigators said.
Global technology company Zoho Corporation has entered into a strategic partnership with Flat6Labs, a leading startup accelerator and seed investment company in the Mena region, to allow it access to Zoho's business applications.

This also includes Zoho One, a unified cloud-based suite of over 45 applications for sales, marketing, finance, HR, and other business processes, to startups associated with Flat6Labs across any of its six locations: Cairo, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, Beirut, Bahrain, and Tunis.

The partnership will help early-stage startups overcome entry barriers and leverage a cost-effective technology adoption plan to achieve digital agility in their business operations.

Hyther Nizam, President MEA, Zoho Corp, said: "An integrated digital platform that seamlessly connects business functions will become more relevant and useful for businesses in the post-pandemic world. As customers and other stakeholders increasingly engage online, businesses, especially startups and SMEs, can immensely benefit from cloud-powered enterprise tools that offer swift deployment and also scale smoothly as the company grows.

He says through this partnership with Flat6Labs, Zoho is committed towards digitally empowering the MENA startup ecosystem to unlock new growth potential and contribute better to the region's economic development."

Speaking on this partnership, Saleh Abbas, Senior Program Manager of Flat6Labs Bahrain said: We are thrilled about partnering with Zoho Corp and the benefits it will be providing to our startup portfolio across the region. Zoho's wide range of business applications will give the startup founders working with us the necessary technological resources to streamline operations and strategically grow their business. We also look forward to working closely with our new partner on other collaborations in the future.

Hassan Mansi, Program Director - StartEgypt, Flat6Labs, added: Catering for our startups, located all over the region, has always been an utmost priority for us at Flat6Labs, irrespective of the market that were operating in. Weve always been excited about working with partners who provide solutions specifically designed for startups and we believe that the offering provided by Zoho will enable our network of regional startups to accelerate their growth. We are looking forward to a long term relationship with Zoho and for more success to come.

The key features of the partnership include:

 Wallet Credits: Eligible startups working with Flat6Labs will receive free Zoho Wallet credits worth $1,800, which can be used to used to purchase and renew any of Zoho's over 45 business applications, including the Zoho One suite.

 Digital Awareness and Engagement Initiatives: Zoho and Flat6Labs will jointly organise various activities like online training workshops and educative webinars by industry experts to help startups effectively navigate their digital transformation journey.

 Privacy Commitment: Zoho does not allow any third-party trackers to monitor usage behaviour and never sells any data to ad-based companies. Because Zoho has built its entire technology stack, the company is able to offer the most secure experience to its users without any compromise on data privacy. Users have the assurance that their data is confidential and protected, and only users themselves own the data.

 Operating System for Business: All of Zoho's business applications are built using the same technology stack, enabling contextual integrations, customization, and extensibility. This helps break down departmental silos, enabling a seamless convergence of data between apps across business functions as opposed to multi-vendor integration hassles. Tradearabia News Service
Its not often that Phil Paoletta receives disgruntled emails about his and Ali Nialys project, but when he does, its because someone thinks their West Africa-based company is a scam.

The duo started Postcards From Timbuktu in 2016 with a mission to help unemployed tour guides gain an income by sending cards from a city thats become shorthand for a far-flung, if not imaginary, city.

They think Timbuktu isnt a real place and were printing fake postcards and stamps to make it seem like somethings coming from a place, in a joke, Paoletta said.

It then falls to Paoletta to explain that Timbuktu is, in fact, a real city in Mali, that the person who wrote the message is not a grifter, and that one of their friends or family members ordered a postcard for them thinking they would enjoy receiving correspondence from Mali.

More often than not, though, the recipients of the postcards are delighted, especially because the pandemic has brought much of international tourism to a halt.

We had a lot of postcards for people who were stuck in quarantine and wished they could be traveling, Paoletta said. This way, at least, they have a postcard that traveled all the way from Timbuktu.

The idea for the project came the same day Paoletta, an American hotel and restaurant owner in Bamako, Malis capital city, received mail from a friend in the United States  his first parcel in six years. He was thinking about how delightful it was to receive the letter when Nialy came to visit him.

Nialy had been a Timbuktu guide who once made a comfortable living walking tourists through his hometown, bringing the fabled city to life with visits to mud brick, earthen mosques and museums that show the history of the once-important trading post. But after Islamist militant occupation and attacks in 2012, tourism went into a free fall. The next year, the French military intervened and conditions improved, but numbers dwindled further after a series of suicide bombings in 2015 and lingering insecurity.

Now the top half of Mali is all but divorced from the southernmost half, at least for foreigners. Even if Paoletta, who has lived in Mali for a decade, wanted to visit Nialy, hed be turned around by officials before he got to Timbuktu.

As Nialy explained how dire the guide industry in Timbuktu had become, the idea for their venture clicked for Paoletta.

After a successful test run to determine whether a postcard from Timbuktu would get to its destination in other countries, they assembled a team of ghostwriters and set up a website. The process for ordering a card written and postmarked in Timbuktu is fairly simple: pay $10, dictate the verbiage, and choose a design.

Some of the photos on the cards are shot by Paoletta, others are gifted by professional photographers, and some are public-domain historical pictures of Timbuktu. Alternatively, the sender can opt to have a design colored by kids at the local elementary school. From there, one of the unemployed guides hand-writes the message (usually in English, German, or French) and off its sent.

On average, the cards take two or three weeks to arrive, but there have been exceptions. The biggest problems Paoletta and Nialy have encountered is an inability to track the postcards. Once theyve been dropped off at the post office, they have no way of knowing where in the world they are. Still, theyve had very few complaints.

Weve become so accustomed to ordering something and being able to track it down to the meter, Paoletta said. But these cards go on long, unpredictable journeys. Its surprising and nice that people seem to accept this timeline.

Only once has someone asked for a refund, after several months had gone by without the postcards arrival. But when it eventually arrived six months later, he sent the money back via PayPal.

That one has an insane story, Paoletta said. The Portuguese post office conducted some kind of investigation on the card. I dont know the reason, but eventually the card was delivered  by the police department.

The wording for the myriad dispatches have spanned the spectrum. Some people write love letters, some try to fool others into thinking theyre actually traveling, and some send cryptic messages anonymously. Paoletta said they have even witnessed family mediations via the teams handwritten letters. Passive-aggressive notes, presumably, hit differently when theyve come from a city on the edge of the Sahara desert.

Nialy and Paoletta have also received myriad orders from fervent postcard collectors  a community called Postcrossing has been particularly supportive of their project  and have a roster of regular patrons who dont request a certain memo but instead ask the writer to share information about themselves or their day, creating a one-sided pen-pal system.

Writing the cards also allows the duo to continue sharing their city with others.

I have the feeling that Im doing what I like the most, which is tourism, even though the context is different, Nialy said.

Paoletta echoed that sentiment, saying the guides know theres a sense of the mystical around their city, and they enjoy showing people that its a real place, with real people, with interesting things happening there.
Bernard set for Middle East move

| Saturday, 30 January 2021



Saudi Arabian

The Brazilian joined Everton from Shakhtar Donetsk on a free transfer three years ago but has gradually fallen out of favour at Goodison Park and is not regarded by Carlo Ancelotti as a regular starter .

Everton are apparently willing to accept 5m for Bernard who has agreed a three-year deal.

The speculation was lent credence by the midfielder's omission from the match day squad to face Newcastle today and further reporting in the Liverpool Echo that talks between the two clubs are underway.

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer

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Tammy Hembrow juggles motherhood with running a successful business empire.

And it seems the 26-year-old is eager to add to her brood, hinting that she wants to have a baby with her Ironman boyfriend, Matt Poole.

On Saturday, Tammy shared a sweet throwback photo of her son Wolf, who she shares with ex-fiance Reece Hawkins, and admitted: 'Okay I want another one.'

'Looking at you buddy!' On Saturday, Tammy Hembrow hinted that she wants to have a baby with her Ironman boyfriend Matt Poole. Pictured is Tammy with her son Wolf, five, and daughter Saskia, four, who she shares with ex-fiance Reece Hawkins

The blonde bombshell, who runs Tammy Fit app and Saski Collection, said in the caption: 'Okay I want another one,' along with crying emojis.

She then followed that with a cheeky video of her unassuming beau Matt, who was clearly unaware of her post, as she giggled at him.

'Looking at you buddy,' the Instagram sensation wrote in the caption.

Reminiscing: The 26-year-old shared a sweet photo of her son Wolf from five years ago showing off his adorable smile from in his cot on her Instagram story

Hint, hint! She followed that with a cheeky video of her unassuming beau, who was clearly unaware of her post, as she giggled at him. 'Looking at you buddy,' the Instagram sensation wrote

Tammy is already a proud mother to two children - son Wolf, five, and daughter Saskia, four - who she shares with ex-fiance, Reece Hawkins.

The former couple split acrimoniously in 2018, but have since moved forward as co-parents.

Tammy spoke about her newly-improved relationship with Reece in a YouTube video last year, telling fans: 'We're friends'.

After the split, Reece moved on with his Instagram model wife, London Goheen, who is currently pregnant with their first child - a son.

Co-parenting: Tammy is already a proud mother to two children - son Wolf, five, and daughter Saskia, four - who she shares with ex-fiance Reece Hawkins. Tammy and Reece split in 2018, but have since moved forward as co-parents

One on the way: After the split, Reece moved on with Instagram model London Goheen, who is currently pregnant with their first child - a son

They revealed their baby news in September, just weeks after announcing their engagement.

Tammy has also moved on, debuting her new relationship with surf lifesaver Matt Poole in September during a trip to the Whitsundays.

That same month, Matt also made his debut in a video on Tammy's YouTube channel, in which he confessed to saying 'I love you' first.

The pair met at an event in Bali in 2019.

Poll: 76%, including most pro-choice Americans, favor restrictions on abortion

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A new survey has found that an overwhelming majority of Americans, and most who identify as pro-choice, favor implementing significant restrictions on the legality of abortion in the United States.

A Marist poll, released Wednesday that is sponsored by the Catholic fraternal organization Knights of Columbus, interviewed 1,173 adults in the U.S. about a week before President Joe Biden was inaugurated this month.

Exchanges were selected to ensure that each region of the country was represented in proportion to its population. The sample was balanced based on the 2017 American Community Survey 1-year estimates for age, gender, income, race and region. The data features a sampling error of no more than 3.5 percentage points.

According to the data, about three-quarters of all respondents said that they favor significant restrictions on abortion.

At a time when there are many polarizing issues in American politics, the survey also shows that a majority of respondents who identified as pro-choice said they also favor implementing certain restrictions on abortion not backed by the Democratic Party.

Among all respondents surveyed, 53% identified as pro-choice, 43% identified as pro-life, while 4% said they were unsure.

Respondents were asked to identify among four statements which statement best aligns with their opinions on abortion.

Only 15% of respondents (27% of pro-choice respondents) selected the statement that abortion should be available to a woman any time during her entire pregnancy.

About 10% of respondents (17% of pro-choice respondents) selected the answer that abortion should be available only during the first six months of a pregnancy. The data indicates that only 44% of pro-choice respondents believe that abortion should at the very least be legal during the first six months of pregnancy, if not throughout the whole pregnancy.

About 76% of respondents said they favor at least some form of limitation on legal abortion. The data shows that 25% of respondents (35% of pro-choice respondents and 14% of pro-life respondents) believe that abortion should be legal only during the first three months of a pregnancy.

Meanwhile, 28% of all respondents (40% of pro-life respondents and 16% of pro-choice respondents) said that abortion should be legal only in cases of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother.

About 11% of all respondents answered that abortion should only be legal to save the life of the mother. Just 2% of pro-choice respondents agreed, while 21% of pro-life respondents selected that answer.

Additionally, 12% of respondents  2% of pro-choice respondents and 23% of pro-life respondents  said that abortion should never be permitted under any circumstance.

When combined, about 55% of pro-choice respondents favor limiting abortion access to the first three months of pregnancy or favor tougher limitations. By comparison, 98% of pro-life respondents favor limiting abortion at the very least to three months of pregnancy or favor tougher restrictions.

While the number of people who identify as pro-life and pro-choice tends to fluctuate with the public debate when given a broader choice of policy options, there is a strong consensus among Americans on abortion, Marist Poll Director Dr. Barbara Carvalho said in a statement.

As Democrats in U.S. Congress push to eliminate a longstanding measure that prevents tax dollars from being used to fund abortion, the Marist survey also found that about six in 10 respondents (58%) oppose or strongly oppose using tax dollars to pay for a womans abortion.

That figure includes 34% of pro-choice respondents and 31% of Democratic respondents. By comparison, 87% of pro-life respondents and 83% of Republican respondents said the same.

According to the survey, 77% of total respondents (64% of pro-choice respondents and 55% of Democrats) oppose or strongly oppose using tax dollars to support abortion in other countries.

About seven in 10 respondents (59% of Democrats and 56% of pro-choice respondents) said they oppose or strongly oppose abortion because the child will be born with Down Syndrome.

Respondents were also asked their thoughts on how the U.S. Supreme Court should rule if it ever reconsiders the landmark 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade, which made abortion a national right.

The survey found that 48% of respondents said they want the court to allow certain restrictions on abortions as determined by each state. By comparison, 31% said they think the court should allow abortion to be legal without restriction at any time.

About 17% of respondents said they think the court should make abortion illegal.

Although the surveys previous questioning found that most pro-choice respondents favor further limits to abortion, 53% of pro-choice respondents and 51% of Democrats said they think the Supreme Court should allow abortion to be legal without restriction at any time if it reconsiders Roe.

Amidst the harsh political divides in our country, clear bipartisan majorities support abortion restrictions and do not want their tax dollars paying for abortion abroad, stated Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus Carl Anderson. Our polling has shown consistently over the past decade that policies that promote abortion on demand paid for by taxpayers are divisive and out of step with American public opinion.

This weeks findings mirror the results of similar surveys conducted by Marist and Knights of Columbus over the years. A survey from 2016 found that six out of 10 pro-choice respondents favored banning abortions past 20 weeks of pregnancy.

"What we have found each year [since 2008] is that the split over the labels masks a very real consensus  a consensus of Americans who favor substantial restrictions on abortion, a consensus who see abortion as morally wrong and ultimately harmful to women," Patrick Kelly, Knights of Columbus vice president of public policy, said at a press conference at the time.

In 2019, another Marist survey found that more than six in 10 Americans say they want Roe to be reinterpreted to allow additional restrictions on abortion. However, another Marist poll released later that year sponsored by NPR/PBS NewsHour found that 77% of respondents believe that the Supreme Court should uphold the courts ruling, with 26% saying they think more restrictions should be added.

That survey also found that 61% said they favored a combination of limitations on abortion.

This month, the pro-life activist organization Students for Life of America released a poll of 800 Americans ages 18 to 34 that it sponsored, showing more than seven out of 10 respondents expressed support for limits on abortion while less than two out of 10 support unlimited abortion through all nine months of pregnancy.

"Asked directly about reversing Roe to return the issue of abortion to the states, more Millennials and Gen Zers supported doing so than opposed it, by a margin of 44% in favor to 36% opposed with 18% unsure," Students for Life President Kristan Hawkins wrote in an op-ed announcing the poll published by Real Clear Politics.
FLINT, MI  The Flint mobile food pantry will continue to operate through the month of February.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has partnered with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan for the past five years to provide food to Flint residents, according to a news release from MDHHS.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the food distribution continued with extra health precautions in place. Volunteers wear gloves and masks and sanitize throughout the day. People who go to the pantry are asked to stay in their cars, and volunteers will put food in their trunks.

The dates of distribution for February are:

Bethel United Methodist Church, 1309 Ballenger Highway., Mondays at 10 a.m.

Asbury United Methodist Church, 1653 Davison Road, Tuesdays at 10 a.m.

Greater Holy Temple, 6702 N. Dort Highway., Thursdays at 10 a.m.

Lukes NEW Life Center, 3115 Lawndale Ave., Fridays at 10 a.m.

Food is also offered at three Flint Help Center locations: Bethel United Methodist Church, 1309 N. Ballenger Highway. on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Asbury United Methodist Church, 1653 Davison Road on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Greater Holy Temple, 6702 N. Dort Highway on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

An updated schedule on food distribution can be found on the Food Bank of Eastern Michigans website.

More on MLive:

How to spend federal coronavirus money may be the next big battle between Whitmer and Republicans

Rosie the Riveter takes place among Flint auto giants with bronze statue at Bishop Airport

Local Eats: Prime Eight Ten in Mt. Morris Township offers upscale dining with lamb chops and lobster tails


A new detail has emerged about The Mentalist actor Simon Baker's shock split from his wife of 29 years, Rebecca Rigg.

The Australian couple announced their separation on Saturday, telling fans they 'remain close friends' for the sake of their three adult children.

However, according to Fox News, they actually separated nine months ago, in April last year.

Quietly separated: Reports claim The Mentalist star Simon Baker, 51, (right) actually split from his wife of 29 years Rebecca Rigg, 53, nine months ago, in April 2020

In a joint statement obtained by People Magazine on Saturday, Simon, 51, and Rebecca, 53, said: 'We remain close friends and our three children will always be the most important focus of our lives.'

The couple met in the early '90s and share three children together: Stella, 27, Claude, 22, and Harry, 19.

Rebecca, also an actress, is best known for her roles in moves Fatty Finn and Ellie Parker, as well as having a minor role alongside Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire.

It's over: The Australian couple announced their separation on Saturday, telling fans they 'remain close friends' for the sake of their three adult children

The pair tied the knot in 1998 after five years of living together.

The actor was just 24 when he and Rebecca had their first child, daughter Stella, who is now in her twenties.

Speaking to People Magazine in 2018, Simon revealed that he and Rebecca never celebrate their wedding anniversary.

In happier times: The couple are seen attending the Prix De Diane 2019 at hippodrome de Chantilly on June 16, 2019 in Paris, France

'We've never really been big on it. Anniversaries, they're an odd thing, aren't they?' he said at the time.

'I think we put too much pressure on it. It's not like that with us. We're a team. Most of the time, 99 percent of the time, we're really great friends. So I don't need to mark it with great things.'

He went on to explain that focussing on celebrating a relationship can cause unnecessary strain.

'When we put too much pressure on something, everything gets a little clipped and we don't feel like we're ourselves,' he explained.
by Vladimir Rozanskij

For days, the oil companies workers have been on strike demanding an increase in salaries and to criticize the sale of wells and extraction to foreigners, especially Chinese. Corruption among executives and politicians. According to Transparency International, the country is in 94th place, among the most exposed to corruption.

Moscow (AsiaNews) - A "social pillory" to punish the corrupt, making them sweep the streets and wear vests with the words "Repaying my debt to society". This was the idea making the rounds yesterday at the meeting of the Agency for the fight against corruption in Kazakhstan.

The president of the agency, Alik Shpekbaev, proposed adopting this measure for small and medium-sized corruption crimes. "This measure is used with some success in several OECD countries (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), for example in Great Britain those found guilty wear bright vests with similar writings, and have to carry out similar manual services on the street" - explained Shpekbaev. In his opinion, such a measure has a great psychological effect, and allows society to face its anti-heroes.

Just two days ago Transparency International published the Corruption Diffusion Index for 2020. Kazakhstan came in at 94th position, climbing almost 20 places, while remaining in the range of countries most exposed to corruption, on a par with Brazil, Ethiopia, Peru and others. According to the authors of the survey, "corrupt and authoritarian regional leaders are also using the pandemic to weaken the vigilance of public spending, while limiting civil liberties".

For days the country has been facing several large scale strikes linked to corruption. The more than 100 workers of KMK Munaj, who work on oil wells in the Aktyubinsk region, have been on strike since January 25 and are demanding a 100% increase in salary (photo 2).

Strikes are also very frequent in other companies in the sector. A historic oil executive, Mendesh Salikov, explained to Azattyk correspondents that the most felt problem, along with the corruption of executives and politicians, are the concessions to foreigners, which make companies run by people "who don't even know the smell of oil ".

In fact, in the Aktyubinsk area almost everything is in the hands of the Chinese, who are very reluctant to meet the demands of local workers. The average salary of a KMK worker does not even reach 300 euros per month, for a very strenuous job, in the mud and in the open air. In an office in the city, an employee would earn the same or even more. The workers remain at the wells for several days in a row, sleeping in tiny wagons without any change of air crowded in 8-10 at a time (photo 3). Not to mention that Kazakh workers are paid much less than their foreign colleagues in the same company, and according to Kazakh laws, up to 50% of foreigners can be employed. The strikes want to urge the local and regional governments to make more demands on foreign investors, especially Chinese.

Data indicates that Kazakhstan extracts about 90 million tons of oil per year, of which 80-85% ends up abroad, in China, the USA and Italy in particular, then also in several other countries, which are often even the owners of oil wells.

KMK president Van Tzinbao arrived at the Aktyubinsk office on January 28 to meet the strikers, but so far no agreement has been reached, also due to the absence of delegated interlocutors: the workers are asking to be heard all together. Tsinbao says the property has already done a lot by not cutting wages further, in the face of losses due to the collapse in the price of a barrel during the pandemic, which dropped to $ 18.
Just over two weeks ago, Nancy Pelosi began a speech calling for the impeachment of Donald Trump. She began by quoting Abraham Lincoln. Fellow citizens, we cannot escape history. We will be remembered in spite of ourselves ...

Thirteen days later, the San Francisco school board voted to impeach Lincoln, seven other presidents of the United States, three former mayors of San Francisco and two dozen other notable people by removing their names from public schools because they were either racists or conquistadors or had some connection to slavery, racism or oppression. Mission High School and Presidio Middle School were also on the list. Even a mythical place is getting the ax: El Dorado. And forget the Alamo.

Washington, Jefferson, Daniel Webster, Paul Revere, John Muir, Robert Louis Stevenson, Francis Scott Key and John Marshall, whose discovery set off the Gold Rush that transformed California, are all out. Sen. Dianne Feinstein is the only living person on the list. When she was mayor, she ordered a Confederate flag reinstalled at Civic Center after protesters tore it down. That was 36 years ago. Truly we cannot escape history.

I dont have a personal ax to grind in this issue. I didnt go to any of these schools. But I am a member of the Old School. And I remember a philosophy course in college about logic. And it is the logic behind the school boards decision that bothers me.

Take the decision to rename Abraham Lincoln High School. It is apparently based on an incident in 1862 at the end of the Dakota War. A military tribunal sentenced 303 captured Native Americans to death; Lincoln reprieved all but 38 who were hanged. It was the largest mass execution in American history.

That is the reason cited for renaming Abraham Lincoln High School in San Francisco. But Lincoln was a wartime president, commander in chief. He sent 365,000 union soldiers to their deaths because he would not compromise and let the Southern states go to form their own country based on Black slavery. Lincoln also signed the Emancipation Proclamation ending American slavery forever. He is generally regarded as the greatest of American presidents. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. must have thought so; he gave his I Have a Dream speech at the Lincoln Memorial.

But thats not good enough. The logic used by the San Francisco school board is that any offense involving racism, sexism, colonialism or environmental abuse outweighs whatever good the person may have done. The killings of 38 Sioux people outweighs all that rhetoric found in the Gettysburg Address.

To follow the school boards logic to a logical conclusion, this city is due for a new birth of name changing. We should start with the name of the place. San Francisco was named by missionaries for a Roman Catholic saint. Clearly that fits the guidelines for a new name.

Washington, Jackson, Clay. Stockton, Columbus, Mission, Portola, Sutter, Vallejo, Valencia, Junipero Serra, Palou, Polk, Larkin, Mason, Taylor, Grant and any street named for a military officer has to go. The Presidio of San Francisco should be renamed. Besides the school, there are two streets and a park named for Lincoln. Think of all those streets in the western part of the city: Anza, Balboa, Cabrillo, honoring colonists or conquistadors in alphabetical order to Yorba. I dont know who Yorba was, but it sounds suspicious.

The Mission District has to be renamed, and so does the Castro. Noe Valley is out, and so is Bernal Heights. Lets get rid of Sutro Tower, Sutro Heights and Sutro Forest.

If El Dorado is unsuitable for a school because it represents the myth of western expansion, what about the Golden Gate  the strait, the bridge, the park, the avenue. The name Golden Gate was chosen by John Charles Fremont, the explorer, Native American killer and opponent of Mexican rule. He renamed the Boca del Puerto Chrysopylae, or Golden Gate, after the Golden Horn  the harbor of Byzantium. He intended it to represent trade and expansion, the old world and the new. Thats the definition of colonialism. Fremont was not only a colonist, but he was a military officer and the first Republican candidate for president.

I dont mean to say we should restore all the 44 school names or go on a municipal orgy of name changing. Some of the old names should be dusted off and retired. Who cares about James Denman, the Earl of Clarendon or Antonio de Ulloa?

There are plenty of San Franciscans who should be honored. Maya Angelou, for example. But attempts to put up a statue to her have failed because of San Franciscos favorite disease, wrangling followed by civic paralysis.

Most of these names were chosen when white males ruled the roost and everybody else was written out of history. I can think of some: Him Mark Lai and Philip Choy, pioneers in the study of Asian American history. Or the Black entertainers on the Barbary Coast. You get a glimpse of them in the movie San Francisco  but only a glimpse.

Or Mary Ellen Pleasant, an abolitionist and mysterious character in 19th century San Francisco. She sued the street railway companies so that Black people could ride. Born a slave, she became a self-made millionaire. She moved west with the Gold Rush.

And who are the members of this school board? Were they foisted on us by Trump? Where they selected by the Russians or the Chinese communists? Not a chance. They were elected fair and square by the citizens of San Francisco. They made no secret about their desire to change 44 school names. So we elected them anyway, as recently as November.

What did Pogo, the comic strip character, say? We have met the enemy, and he is us. Maybe we should name a school after him.

Carl Noltes columns run on Sundays. Email: cnolte@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Carlnoltesf
IT has been well established that the countrys most effective mobilisation system is the election machinery based on political affiliation.

With this in mind, the current crisis in the country regarding the frightening spread of the coronavirus calls for a different kind of intervention. It is past time for the declaration of a political truce. We call on the countrys two major political machines, PNM and UNC, and all other existing political parties and groups, to come together in the national interest.

Prime Minister on Saturday told leaders of various political parties that his government has been continuously trying to resolve the issues raised by protesting farmers through talks, sources said.

Addressing floor leaders of various political parties at the customary all-party meeting convened by the government for the smooth conduct of the Budget Session, the prime minister said the Centre's proposal on the three new agriculture laws still stands, the sources said.

Citing the prime minister's address at the virtual meeting, they said Modi told the leaders that Tomar was just a phone call away for protesting farmers and the agriculture minister had conveyed the same to farmer leaders earlier this month.

The all-party meeting is convened for the government to put forth its legislative agenda before political parties. Leaders from various parties flag issues they wish to raise during the meeting.

At Friday's meeting, various leaders including Ghulam Nabi Azad of Congress, Sudip Bandyopadhyay of Trinamool Congress, Balwinder Singh Bhunder of Shiromani Akali Dal and Vinayak Raut of Shiv Sena raised the issue of protesting farmers, sources said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)



ROCHESTER, Minn. - The Interchange Wine Bar and Bistro held what it called a peaceful protest Friday night against coronavirus-related executive orders by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

The event was held after Freeborn County District Court handed down a $9,000 fine to the establishment for violating previous court orders that found they were willfully violating state COVID-19 regulations. The court also charged interchange owner Lisa Hanson with six criminal charges for violating emergency power orders.

Hanson is pleading not guilty to the charges. In a social media post Friday, Hanson said she is fighting for the right over every Minnesotan.

It is unclear how many people attended the event, which was at one point being referred to as the "Nail it to The Walz ReOpen MN Party." A social media post by The Interchange also said the establishment would be providing free food, beverage, and live music paid for by a COVID-19 business relief stimulus check from Governor Walz.

One Albert Lea resident told KIMT she supports Hanson for standing up for her rights.

"I think it's great," Melissa Henrickson said. "I applaud her for standing up for her rights and I think she's doing it in a great way."
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
Mumbai: The release of the much-awaited second season of Amazon Prime Videos critically-acclaimed web series The Family Man" may get delayed, following the controversy around the streaming platforms shows Tandav" and Mirzapur". Fronted by Manoj Bajpayee, The Family Man" season two is slated to be released on February 12. According to sources, the release of the show will be postponed in wake of the ongoing stir against the streamer and its shows Tandav" and Mirzapur". The streaming platform is talking, debating about delaying the release of the show," source close to the development told PTI.

Another insider told PTI, The show has been postponed as the platform appears to be cautious. Theres nothing in season two of The Family Man that would hurt anybody but given the current scenario, to be on a safer note it has been decided to push ahead the release of the show." The trailer of the show was supposed to be released on January 19 but that too has been delayed. Amazon Prime India has landed into a pool of controversies after several complaints were filed against Saif Ali Khan-starrer show Tandav", days later a case was also registered against the makers of Mirzapur" at Uttar Pradeshs Mirzapur district for allegedly hurting the religious sentiments. On Wednesday, the Supreme Court declined to grant interim protection from any coercive action to Tandav" director Ali Abbas Zafar, actor Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub and others facing multiple FIRs for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.

The Allahabad High Court on Friday stayed the arrest of producers of Mirzapur" web series Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani in connection with a First Information Report that accused them of improper and indecent portrayal of the town Mirzapur and outraging religious belief. The streamer had in December last year released an intriguing first look of the upcoming chapter of The Family Man" on social media.

Created and director by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, The Family Man" season one premiered on September 20, 2019 and received rave reviews. In the show, Bajpayee plays an intelligence officer Srikant Tiwari. In the sophomore season, Bajpayee will be taking on a bigger and deadlier mission, along with keeping up with a high-pressure job and keeping his country safe, at the same time juggling with his responsibility towards the family. Actors Sharib Hashmi, Priyamani, Sharad Kelkar, and Shreya Dhanwanthary will be reprising their role from season one. The second season of The Family Man" will mark digital debut of south star Samantha Akkineni.

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
Right now, youre okayeven if youre not okay.

This is a constant refrain Dr. Dorothy ONeill shares with her clients these days.

As the pandemic and lockdowns continue, ONeill, a family therapist in Anaheim Hills, California, has noticed an uptick in similar problems her clients experience.

Teens are cutting themselves more. Parents and children are struggling with self-worth as grades drop; parents feel inadequate as teachers. People have become less active in many ways, and with minds less occupied, theyre dwelling on their problems more. Families confined to close quarters are arguing more. Parents are arguing over how much contact to allow their children with the outside world.

This has been an unbelievably different year in the kinds of relationships that people have been having because theyre being forced to stay home, ONeill told The Epoch Times. Ive never been so busy.

Her number of first-time clients increased by about 30 percent in 2020. She has never had so many clients who are children and teens.

She described how the dynamic in family homes has gradually shifted since last March.

Initially, she said, families treated the lockdowns like an extended vacationplaying games, walking the dog together, doing calls over Zoom.

Over the months, however, slowly but surely, what Ive seen is theyre doing nothing, she said. They dont want to leave the house. Theyre not interested in things. I even hear, I dont even want to shower or clean my teeth.

Their work situation has become a lot more tumultuous, she said. Some have lost their jobs, some of their hours have been cut. The financial side of it has really been taking a burden on how they manage what they can do.

They used to feel this was temporary and there was an end in sight. That hope has faded.

Downhill Since November

ONeill suspects that a number of folks reached their limit during the holidays. Many people assumed that by Thanksgiving, they would be able to see their families and reminisce about the past pandemic.

But it wasnt like that, she said. Suddenly we got to Thanksgiving, and they were separated again.

In other cases, interstate travel left some families perplexed by Californias stay-at-home orders, which began on Dec. 6. ONeill mentioned one family who travelled to Idaho for Christmas and were shocked that it was like nothing was happening. It was like normal.

Its really making them question, why are we where were at? she said. Why can I go to Idaho for Christmas with my family, and none of us are wearing masks, were all together. And then I come back [to California] and I cant use the toilet in a Starbucks.

That example of a closed Starbucks restroom represented a breaking point for one of her clients.

She bought a coffee at Starbucks, an act that represented a small but significant return to normalcy for her. Then, she was told that she wasnt allowed to use the restroom.

She said that was it, ONeill recalled. It was over for her. She just put the coffee down and walked out.

People are feeling suffocated.  Part of it is not just being locked out of life, but its actually the sense of disorder  and that disorder for people that have an orderly life is just one more layer of unhealthy processing for them.

From November on, its just been a downhill slide.  It really began to hit home that this [is] something that we have no control over.

Problems at Home

ONeill said she hasnt seen an increase in substance abuse or alcoholism in her practice, but she has noticed a surge in irritability, arguments, intolerance, emotional disturbances, an inability to communicate, and a loss of self-worth.

During ordinary times, she said, the routine of going to work, socializing with friends, going to dinner, and participating in hobbies kept couples and families too busy to engage in arguments. However, the lockdowns amid the pandemic have thwarted those regular patterns.

Now weve got two people in a room, ONeill said. When something comes up, its no longer a small situation that can be sort of worked through. It becomes the catalyst of a bigger argument.

Theres more ability to find fault with the other personin a couple thats together and in couples that are divorced. Its a fault-finding mission. And that seems to be one of the biggest things.

For parents who are separated, ONeill has observed how existing problems have become more complicated.

She said school cancelations have caused many divorced parents to keep their children longer or make plans that infringe on the other parents time frames. This child is in the middle of a tumultuous situation that was already not good.

You might also have one parent whose concern about COVID infections is heightened, while the other parents might have a more relaxed attitude.

Everyone is different  in how they perceive the situation, she said. Theres no unified understanding. Theres no collaborative thought pattern on how we go from the beginning to the end.

Conflicts arise, for example, if a parent takes their child to a party or a family gathering that the other parent wouldnt have allowed.

ONeill said this turns the child into a weapon of sorts in a battle between divorcees.

Before the pandemic, that weapon may never have been there, she said. You wouldnt have cared whether they went to a party. [But] now thats creating huge fights between divorced parents  I call it ammunition. And thats what its being used as.

Similar problems also arise for married couples.

She mentioned one young girl who has only been allowed to leave her home three or four times since March because of her parents concerns about the virus. ONeill discussed ways the child could speak to her parents about going to the park if she takes proper safety precautions, but their anxiety was so acute that her approach was shut down.

These are not bad parents, ONeill noted. Theyre coming from [a place of] pure safety, pure fear. The fear in some is so high that there is no sense of avenues that you can go down to actually lower the anxiety or help them see a more rational, reasonable understanding.

Parents Becoming Teachers

The pressure put on parents to educate their children at home has added a significant burden, ONeill said. For some, English isnt their first language. She has counseled others who have masters degrees and still feel inadequate.

They feel like theyre failing their child, she said. So there is an enormous sense of self-worth thats going down the drain.

Its the same dialogue with every parent. My first line to them is, Your story is what I hear all day long. So I normalize the story: Youre not alone, you are telling me exactly what I hear from others, exactly the same thing.

ONeill tells parents to ease up on themselves and relinquish the idea that they have control. Then they have the opportunity to find peace, even if their A-student is suddenly getting Fs.

You see many parents who dont want to be vulnerable, she said. They want to be that super person that has now had this pressure put on them that no parent can manage. To actually balance your own life and then be a school teacher is very, very, very difficult. So I give them a hall pass. And I tell them, You know what, its okay. Fs are okay right now.

She also reminds her clients that eventually this period of difficulty will come to an end.

We get into an abyss and then we start going down this black hole, and we cant see the bottom, she said. No one knows the end, but we do know there will be an end.  They know that logically, but they dont know that emotionally.

Teens Driven to Self-Harm

With her youngest clients, she has seen an increase in pressure and anxiety.

Children have no idea what to do with anxiety, and during the pandemic its definitely increased tenfold, she said. I think a lot of parents are seeing that their children are really struggling and have wanted to get their kids into therapy.

One of the more alarming trends shes noticed among teenagers fourteen to seventeen is self-mutilation, informally known as cuttinga practice ONeill said is common among children who are desperate to relieve stress.

Several of them have started during the pandemic, but at least a few cut before, she said. Its prevalent because they can watch it on YouTube and they can see other kids doing it.

She said children can find disturbingly specific information about cutting in YouTube videos, including what areas of the body to injure, what instruments to use, and how deep to penetrate their skin without losing too much blood.

We know it began because theyre locked in and theyre not seeing their friends, ONeill said. But how did they decide on that form of relief for their anxiety?

ONeill begins by helping them minimize their cutting. She compared the habit to people who are addicted to smoking.

You smoke and you say, I never want to smoke again, because its bad for me, she said. But then you pick up that pack of cigarettes  because you have this drive to habit.

So its wonderful to say, Well, dont cut, but it doesnt work that way.

She begins by asking the child not to harm himself or herself for a week. Or, if not a whole week at a time, maybe make it to Thursday without self-harming.

When they feel the urge to cut, she tells them to contact her and explain what theyre feeling. Then they work together to slow down that behavior.

From that point, she helps them find another form of anxiety relief.

Anxiety can only exist if we fear the past or the future, ONeill said. Anxiety doesnt exist in the present. And so when theyre focused on something  when theyre working, theyre in the here and now.  They can only cut if theyre anxious and not present.

She encourages her clients who self-harm to keep a list of alternative activities to focus on, such as cooking, writing, journaling, doing a puzzle, or playing a game.

ONeill also encourages them to find a single confidant they can trust rather than sharing with a group of peers: Its important that its a friend who has a more secure background, maybe more of a sense of self worth, and they can help you grow.

ONeill has also noticed an increase in bulimia among her teenage clients. She takes a similar approach to those who self-harm by helping them determine how to replace binge-eating with something else.

Other adolescent clients have exhibited anger management issues, dysphoria, poor sleep schedules, and a sense of isolation because their room is becoming their only outlet.

Theyre feeling that isolation even more as their world gets smaller, ONeill said. And it definitelywithout a doubtis getting smaller.

Children are also suffering from a lack of connection, she said, because they dont have the privacy and camaraderie they experience when theyre in school. She prompts her clients to invite their siblings to watch a movie or take the dog for a walk.

The most important thing is for children is to be talking to someone, she said. Do things that you can do that make you leave that bedroom.

Dr. Dorothy ONeill is a therapist in Anaheim, Calif. (Courtesy of Dorothy ONeill)

ONeill said shes grateful she can help children, especially at this time. I feel like Im changing lives and directing children away from that loss.  Im actually walking the walk with them, and so I get a great sense of pride and achievement.

Communication Is Key

ONeill sees parents and children as living in separate worlds under one roof. Her goal is to create unity within families by encouraging communication.

Rather than aggressively checking their childs grades and agonizing over their progress in schoola tactic ONeill calls shaming and guiltingshe advises parents to have an open, productive dialogue with their kids.

Gather the family together during a time thats not stressful, with no computers or distractions, and ask questions such as: How do you see your education? How do you feel about whats going on? Is it tough? Is it bad? Whats tough or bad about it?

Sit down and say, Lets talk, she said. Lets talk about how difficult this has been and whats going on. How do we get through this together as a family? I think that would be a good conversation.

ONeill said going to therapy for emotional problems is like going to the dentist for a toothache.

I always tell my patients, only strong people come to therapy, she said. Weak people dont come because they cant face themselves. Strong people come to therapy because they want to change.
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Hanoi recorded another COVID-19 infection case in the early morning of January 30, a man from Nam Tu Liem District, who returned from Hai Duong Province.

The 41-year-old man resides in Xuan Phuong ward, Nam Tu Liem district, and works for a factory in the outskirts district of Dong Anh.

Mr. Khong Minh Tuan, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Center for Disease Control (CDC Hanoi) told VietNamNet that this is the 3rd Covid-19 case in the city related to the Covid-19 outbreak in Hai Duong Province.

On January 16, the man went to Kinh Mon district, Hai Duong for a wedding party, where had close contact with a COVID-19 patient, according to the Hanoi Centre for Disease Control.

He displayed symptoms of cough, fatigue and headache and went to the medical centre of Nam Tu Liem district to report his travel history on January 29. His sample test result turned out positive for the coronavirus SARS-Cov-2 one day later.

The man is now under treatment at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases No. 2 in Dong Anh district.

Local authorities found 29 F1 cases, including seven in Nam Tu Liem district, and 22 in Dong Anh. More efforts are being made to trace F2 and F3 cases.

Previously, Hanoi had recorded 2 cases of Covid-19, including a 20-year-old male student from Hai Duong, temporarily residing in Cau Giay district and a woman living at Times City residential area, who had close contact with patient No. 1553.

Thuy Hanh
The Telegraph

The daughter of Radovan Karadzic, the former Bosnian Serb leader serving life for genocide and crimes against humanity during the 1990s Yugoslav wars, has claimed her father is living in unhealthy and uncivilised conditions in a British prison. Karadzic, 75, who was convicted in 2016, was transferred from a detention unit in Holland to a UK jail earlier this month following an agreement struck between the UN and the Home Office. But his daughter, Sonja Karadzic-Jovicevic, has complained about the conditions at her fathers new prison after speaking to him on the phone. "As for the physical condition in which he is accommodated, it is unacceptable, she told SRNA, a news agency based in the Republika Srpska, the Serb enclave of Bosnia. If we add to that the fact that he is in a building full of carcinogenic asbestos that is banned around the world, it is clear in what condition he will be in. Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic also claimed that moving her father to the UK was a deliberate act of spite against his family. "My father is in a very uncivilised situation, and as far as his family is concerned, his relocation to the south of England was deliberately made to keep him far away, outside the rules of the United Nations Resolution adopted by the Security Council, she said. It will be very difficult for us physically, financially and procedurally, because of visas, and immunisation during the pandemic, and even after that, to ever go there and visit him," she continued. She added that he had been deprived of his books and his computer, and will be completely removed from his language and his culture. A spokesman for the Justice Ministry said: "UK prisons meet health and safety standards." Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic, who has a political career in Bosnia, has fought to defend her fathers name despite his brutal role in the wars as the Yugoslavian federation separated in the 1990s. Known as the Butcher of Bosnia, Karadzic went down in infamy, in particular for ordering the Srebrenica Massacre in July 1995. Some 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were rounded up by the Bosnian Serb army in and around the town of Srebrenica and then killed in the worst single massacre in Europe since the end of the Second World War. Karadzics lawyers had objected to his clients transfer to the UK, arguing that his life would be in danger owing to Muslim inmates in British prisons. They also argued that owing to possible threats to Karadzics life he would be kept in conditions resembling solitary confinement, but the UN court dismissed the objections. Given his role in the slaughter of Muslims, the experience of another Serb convicted of war crimes may also weigh upon the Karadzic family. In 2010 Radislav Krstic, a former Bosnian-Serb general, was stabbed by three Muslim prisoners while serving a sentence in Wakefield prison, in apparent retaliation for Srebrenica.

Reiterating the Centre's offer to stay the three Farm Laws for 1.5 years, PM Modi urged the Opposition parties to hold talks with the protesting farmers on it, at the all-party meeting held on Saturday. He added that while the Centre and the Farm unions had not gotten to a consensus, the government was just a 'phone call away', report sources. Opposition parties, which had boycotted the President's address to Parliament protesting the Farm Laws, did attend the all-party meeting. Currently, farmers are protesting against the Centre's Farm Laws at Delhi's Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur borders for the 66th consecutive day.

Delhi Farmer protest LIVE Updates: MHA suspends internet at Singhu, Ghazipur & Tikri

PM Modi: 'Govt just a phone call away'

"I want to reiterate what Narendra Singh Tomar told farmers. He said - we've not reached to consensus but we're giving you (farmers) the offer & you may go & deliberate. He told farmers that he was just a phone call away," PM Modi told the all-party meeting, as per sources. (1/2) https://t.co/SQTZFT7ch0 pic.twitter.com/XYcbUXScvs  ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2021

SC panel holds talks with 17 farmer organisations from 11 states over Centre's Farm Laws

Farmer protest and violence

Despite Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM)'s assurance and Delhi Police's conditions for the Republic Day tractor march, violence broke out on January 26, as the farmers entered Delhi - breaking barricades and cemented barriers, riding bikes brandishing swords, sticks and vandalising a bus, drove tractors at full speed towards the police - leading to clashes with Delhi police. As teargas shells, lathicharge was used, police claimed that over 300 personnel were injured and one protestor died after a tractor upturned. The Delhi police have filed over 25 cases, several FIRs and arrested 19 people.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh proclaims 'if Rakesh Tikait is arrested, will offer my arrest'

The most shocking act was when a group of farmers allegedly led by actor-turned-activist Deep Sidhu breached the Red Fort and hoisted the 'Nishan Sahib' and the Kisan Union flag atop the Red Fort's dome and the Khalsa flag on the flag pole. While the Indian tricolour remained hoisted atop the national monument, most parties have condemned the violence but questioned the Centre on the failure of Law and order in Delhi. This act led to several Kisan unions to withdraw from the protest and alleged Delhi locals stage a protest on city borders, against farmers. Top SKM leaders like Yogendra Yadav, Darshan Pal and Rakesh Tikait - who have been named in police's FIRs- have taken 'moral responsibility' for the violence but denied involvement in Red Fort plan as protests continue at Delhi borders.

Delhi IED Blast: Police detains cab driver spotted in CCTV footage; investigation underway

Centre-Farmer talks stall

After 11 rounds of Centre-farmer talks, the two parties failed to reach a middle ground on Friday after a five-hour meeting with the associations refusing to agree to the Centre's proposal for suspending the implementation of the aforesaid legislation for one and a half years. Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar categorically said that the Union government is ready for another meeting only if the farmers want to discuss this proposal. The Supreme Court has stayed the three laws and constituted a 3-member panel to hold talks with farmers. While Centre has welcomed this move, farmers have refused to participate in it, insisting to talk only with the Centre.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addressing WEF's Davos Dialogue.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair an all-party meeting today to put forth the government's legislative agenda for the Budget Session of Parliament.This time the customary all-party meeting is being held after the beginning of the session.

The Budget Session began on Friday with President Ram Nath Kovind addressing the joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament.

Usually such all-party meetings are held ahead of parliamentary sessions to ensure smooth functioning of both the Houses.

During the virtual meeting, opposition parties are likely to demand a debate on the farmers' agitation underway at various border points of Delhi.

The opposition parties had raised a similar demand at an all-party meeting convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday, but the government suggested that the issue of farmers' agitation can be raised during the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address for which 10 hours have been allocated in Lok Sabha on February 2, 3 and 4.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha are meeting in shifts of five hours each to ensure distancing norms. While Rajya Sabha will meet in the morning, Lok Sabha will meet in the second half of the day.
Photo by the press service of the EMERCOM Southern Regional Search and Rescue Unit

It took the Sochi rescuers almost two days to find tourists from Moscow who were lost in Sochi: today, the press service of the EMERCOM Southern Regional Search and Rescue Detachment reported that the young people were found alive in the city.

A 19-year-old girl has already returned to her hotel, and her 20-year-old friend was found in the Matsesta area, Yuga.ru portal informs.


The multi-millionaire boss of UltraTune is locked in an ugly legal battle with his glamorous ex-girlfriend after the blonde bombshell secretly taped the automotive tycoon and handed the recordings over to police.

Sean Buckley lawyers have logged an application to the Federal Court for an injunction to stop about 100 recordings from ever being made public.

Jennifer Cruz Cole said she made the recordings because she needed proof about certain aspects of their relationship, which ended in December.

The model who has a two-year-old daughter with Mr Buckley told the Herald Sun she thought no one would believe her if she didn't have something to back up her claims.

Multi-millionaire boss of UltraTune is locked in an ugly legal battle with his glamorous ex-girlfriend after the blonde bombshell secretly taped the automotive tycoon

Ms Cole said the two had 'amazing times' and that she was fascinated by his lavish lifestyle

Sean Buckley (pictured on the set of an UltraTune commercial) lawyers have logged an application to the Federal Court for an injunction to stop about 100 recordings from ever being made public

It is not clear what's contained in the recordings but Ms Cole has spoken candidly about the time the couple spent together and some of the stranger facets of their relationship.

Ms Cole said she was forced to take a lie-detector test to prove her fidelity after Mr Buckley bought her an engagement ring.

The couple first met on the set of an UltraTune commercial featuring Baywatch star Pamela Anderson and AFL great Warwick Capper.

Ms Cole was cast alongside the Hollywood star in the comedic 'Unexpected Situations' TV ad that aired about a decade ago.

In 2017, after meeting at Crown Casino in Melbourne they formally started dating.

From that point they were 'inseparable' and 'got along really well'.

'He was fun to be with, it was easy, obviously there was the nice luxury part of life,' Ms Cole said.

The couple first met on the set of an UltraTune commercial featuring Baywatch star Pamela Anderson (pictured with Mr Buckley) and AFL great Warwick Capper

The elective surgery nurse was initially drawn to the automotive entrepreneur because she 'prefers older men'.

'Hot guys who are young and cool are good to look at but I like being courted. It was a lavish lifestyle. I was completely delusional these kinds of people existed - I had never been exposed to that kind of money,' she said.

She said the two had 'amazing times' and that she was fascinated by his lavish lifestyle.

For most of their relationship the two lived at Crown Casino where Ms Cole had a weekly 'allowance' of about $1750.

Mr Buckley's lawyers said the businessman spent about $300,000 on her rent, hand bags, jewellery and other luxury items.

But the model says the ugly battle the two are locked in is not about the money which has now dwindled down to $463.

The elective surgery nurse (pictured) was initially drawn to the automotive entrepreneur because she 'prefers older men'

Ms Cole (pictured) said she was forced to take a lie-detector test to prove her fidelity after Mr Buckley bought her an engagement ring

In the midst of Melbourne's coronavirus outbreak which shut down the city for most of the year, she worked several weekends as a nurse to help out during the crisis.

But Ms Cole claims Mr Buckley, who is in his 60s, was so concerned about contracting the virus he offered to pay her double what she was getting to stop working during the pandemic.

Police have also spoken to two other Melbourne-based business associates of Mr Buckley in relation to the tapes.

Both men have ongoing disputes with the UltraTune juggernaut, which now has about 300 franchises across Australia.

Jimmy 'Mr Vegas' Seoud, who once ran Gold Coast strip club Toybox Showgirls is one of the men - and the other is Anthony Swords, a former managing director of Gattocorp who worked for UltraTune for two years.

Mr Buckley's legal team maintains the recordings were made without his knowledge and therefore unlawful

Ms Cole (pictured left) was cast alongside the Hollywood star in the comedic 'Unexpected Situations' TV ad that aired about a decade ago

Mr Seoud said the recordings were concerning.

Mr Swords said he 'felt sick to his stomach' after hearing the tapes.

But Mr Buckley's lawyers have refuted the claims.

'He (Mr Buckley) doesn't fear anything on there - it's normal girlfriend-boyfriend stuff, mood swings, fights, what can you say? He just thinks it is part of trying to get money  to hold them against him, but it won't work.'

His legal team maintains the recordings were made without his knowledge and therefore unlawful.

They also claim the tapes may have been 'cut and spliced'.
Why North Star felt it was key to keep in-person education amid COVID
As more and more businesses understand the moral and commercial importance of operating ethically and sustainably, it is only right that we hold these businesses to account for their commitments.

In its most recent Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance strategy, the British-headquartered HSBC made a clear and public commitment to support human rights. Despite this, HSBCs actions in Hong Kong have seemingly been in stark contradiction of these principles.

HSBC has publicly supported Chinas National Security Law, draconian legislation imposed by Beijing that has been used to violently suppress Hong Kongs protest movement in support of democracy and freedom.

This isnt the first time that HSBC has been seen to cosy up to Beijing, especially when it comes to Hong Kong. The bank was recently accused of doing Chinas bidding by freezing the accounts of pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong. It reportedly collaborated with the Hong Kong police force to target a number of accounts including those of Ted Hui, a former pro-democracy lawmaker who was removed along with three others for the crime of being unpatriotic.

HSBCs defence is that as a vast, multinational organisation, it is obligated to follow the law in the countries in which it conducts business. In Hong Kong, this includes being legally bound to follow requests from police in the city. However, the Hong Kong Police Force has received widespread condemnation for its brutality against protesters  actions that clearly go against the rule of law and have been deemed in violation of international human rights law.

You would think a British-headquartered business such as HSBC, whose own corporate responsibility statements claim to support human rights, would be lining up to decry such actions. It seems that HSBC is looking to expand further into China and it seems to me that Chinese money speaks louder than customers safety and liberty.

In the week that we celebrate the 180th anniversary of the founding of modern Hong Kong, it is appropriate that key representatives of HSBC are questioned by British parliamentarians about its responsibility and attitude towards Hong Kong.

As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I am pleased that we questioned Noel Quinn, the chief executive of HSBC, this week about why the bank has been freezing the accounts of pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong and why the bank is collaborating with the police force in Hong Kong. As MPs, we serve our constituents and represent their interests, but we also hold the powerful to account and never is this more important than calling on HSBC to rectify its apparent hypocrisy and double standards on human rights. Not to mention its appeasement of Beijing.

I hope that this hearing with MPs will be a wake-up call for HSBC executives and encourage them to consider what their core values really are and how they apply in the real world. Global business relationships and international trade are important, but should never come at the expense of what is right.

If HSBC does not reconsider its position, it may well come to realise that there is a business and economic cost. Under the watchful eye of an increasingly discerning public, more of its customers may choose to vote with their feet and find a bank willing to stand by its values. HSBCs customers may also find themselves unwilling to give their money to a bank that supports a brutal regime with nothing but contempt for human rights.

Andrew Rosindell is the Conservative MP for Romford
President Bidens administration claims it inherited a disastrous vaccine rollout. CNN posits that Biden is inheriting a nonexistent coronavirus vaccine plan. Biden himself called the vaccine rollout a dismal failure and set a lofty goal of distributing 100 million doses in 100 days. Fourth-grade math reveals Bidens cure for Trumps disastrous vaccine rollout is to average administration of 1 million each day of his first 100 days. Bidens problem, though, is that he told Americans that he would be better than, not the same as, Trump. So how will he and the media wiggle out from that problem?

It starts with adjusting expectations. To make Bidens plan appear impressive, on her first full day in office, the White House Press Secretary Psaki displayed an incredible level of dishonesty in quantifying the current status of Trumps rollout. She claimed that, out of 36 million doses, only 17 million shots were administered in 38 days, or about less than 500,000 shots a day. Biden proposes to double that to about 1 million shots per day with an ambitious and bold plan.

As already analyzed by American Thinker, Bidens narrative is patently false. Trump reached 1,000,000 doses per day as the rollout ramped up, with a 7-day average of 950,000 doses per day by the time he left office. One day even exceeded Bidens ambitious and bold goal.

Much credit goes to Zeke Miller, the lone AP reporter who can do 4th-grade math and was critical of Biden. He asked Biden if the vaccination goal was high enough, since thats basically where the US is right now. Biden brushed off this AP reporter, saying When I announced it you all said it wasnt possible. Come on, give me a break, man.

The New York Times gave Biden that break. Rather than launching a full-on assault on the White House Press Secretary for lying and on Biden for endangering Americans by low-balling the vaccine rollout goal, the Times published an opinion piece gently asking Biden to increase vaccine administration to 2 million doses per day. Perhaps this soft push from the media worked, or maybe it was the publics realization that the rolling-average already reached 1.25 million doses per day. In any event, Biden raised the goal to 1.5 million shots per day.

The manufactured crisis of Trumps disastrous vaccine rollout presents real risks to Americans health and highlights the importance of both an impartial press and federalism. First, no one is asking why the 100 million doses in 100 days was the goal to begin with. With a 2-dose vaccine, this goal provides immunity for an extra 50 million people.

Depending on what percentage of the population is required for herd immunity, which the now-liberated Fauci claims is based on public-opinion polling data, the extra vaccinations in Bidens 100/100 plan only gets America to ~25% immunity. To reach Faucis current herd immunity goalpost of 85%, we would need immunity for another 200 million Americans.

To get herd immunity in the next 6 months (a lofty goal on par with crushing the virus), we would need to administer 2+ million doses per day of the current 2-dose vaccines. Given that staggering number, it may turn out there is not much that this administration can do to change the trajectory of the pandemic in the next several months  hence, the lies about Trumps accomplishments to make Bidens identical goal look good.

The press, of course, will provide cover for Biden. This is bad for America because we need to be able to look critically at the administration in charge, whether Democrat, Republican, or even Libertarian, and hold it accountable. An informed populace is foundational to the health of self-government. On its current trajectory, the media will almost certainly cover for Biden if he fails, just as it admitted to his failed performance during the Swine Flu pandemic only long after the fact.

Biden is choosing to rely on Trumps vaccine roll-out plan because it requires nothing from him. As long as he meets or even slightly exceeds what Trump did, he will be canonized. This will confirm Americans picked correctly last November and that dissenters are deplorable.

Perhaps another explanation for Bidens low-ball goal  meeting Trumps accomplishments, rather than exceeding them -- is to provide cover for not putting America first. One risk to Bidens goal is ongoing supply chain problems. If private industry can alleviate this scarcity, Biden can meet his deceptively low-ball goal, claim victory, and allocate any excess materials in the supply chain to distribute the vaccine internationally, rather than allowing the US to reach its full potential of vaccine distribution in the country that developed the vaccine in record time. Because he will be meeting his goal, no one will question his sending the vaccine beyond Americas borders. There are arguments for and against vaccine nationalism. But it is dishonest to lie about the predecessors rollout to avoid having debate by an informed populace.

For Federalism, the states are meant to be individual laboratories. In analyzing the different state laboratories, we can see that North Dakota has the highest vaccine distribution rate (86.73%), whereas Kansas has administered only 44.44% of the vaccines it was distributed. The national average is 54.89%.

If we have one top-down strategy that all states must follow (as Biden promotes), we rob ourselves of the lessons learned from the various states. Using harder than 4th-grader math reveals five states that are statistically significant when it comes to vaccine administration: North Dakota, West Virginia, New Mexico, South Dakota, and South Carolina were all above a 67% administration rate. These states thus fall outside of an expected random distribution of administration rates, based on a statistical analysis of the data from the 50 states.

How good would you feel if the nation had an equally bad performance mandated from on high, with all states administrating doses as well as Kansas? The likely answer is pretty ambivalent. There would be nothing else to compare it to except other countries that implemented different vaccine rollout strategies and procedures. And that, of course, is what Joe Biden is promising for America.

The fact is that Trumps regulatory changes helped get a vaccine to market in record time and his federalist approach helped get those vaccines to people in need in equally record time. Joe Biden can build on this and do better, or he can lie about what the Trump administration did and then, building on this law, congratulate himself for meeting the same metrics as the Trump administration.

IMAGE: Delivering vaccinations. YouTube screengrab.
A report released on Jan. 25 by the University of California San Francisco, revealed that scientists at UC San Franciscos Quantitative Bioscience Institute (QBI) and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai (ISMMS) in New York, have found that a drug approved by the Australian Regulatory Agency for the treatment of multiple myeloma, has potent antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 - the virus that causes COVID-19.

In its report, UCSF cited laboratory experiments reported in Science on Jan. 25, where the drug, plitidepsin (Aplidin) - a compound originally discovered in a Mediterranean sea squirt - was found to be 27.5-fold more potent against SARS-CoV-2 than remdesivir, a drug that received FDA emergency use authorization in 2020 for the treatment of COVID-19.

In addition, Science reported that plitidepsin showed a 100-fold reduction in viral replication in the lungs and demonstrated an ability to reduce lung inflammation, in two preclinical models of COVID-19.

Who led the research?

The UCSF release stated that the studies were led by the laboratories of Nevan Krogan, PhD, director of the QBI, part of the UCSF School of Pharmacy, and Adolfo Garcia-Sastre, PhD, professor of microbiology and director of the Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute at ISMMS.

The release said that in 2020, Krogan, also a senior investigator at Gladstone Institutes - in response to the COVID-19 pandemic - brought many UCSF labs together in the QBI Coronavirus Research Consortium (QCRG), which played a major role in the new research.

The drug is also effective against the B.1.1.7 variant.

The UCSF release cited a separate publication posted to the bioRxiv preprint server, where the UCSF and ISMMS researchers, in collaboration with Greg Towers, PhD, and Clare Jolly, PhD, of University College London, show that plitidepsin has antiviral activity against the recently identified B.1.1.7 variant of SARS-CoV-2, with antiviral activity comparable to the drugs activity against the original SARS-CoV-2 strain. Additionally, the researchers found plitidepsin to be about 100 times more potent than remdesivir in human epithelial cells.

The studies were conducted in close collaboration with PharmaMar, a Spanish pharmaceutical company, the UCSF release noted - the company that first isolated plitidepsin (trade name Aplidin) from a sea organism known as Aplidium albicans.

Plitidepsin targets a host protein rather than a viral protein.

The UCSF release also cited Kris White, PhD, assistant professor of microbiology at ISMMS, first author of the Science paper, who said: Plitidepsin is an extremely potent inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2, but its most important strength is that it targets a host protein rather than a viral protein.

White added, This means that if plitidepsin is successful in the treatment of COVID-19, the SARS-CoV-2 virus will be unable to gain resistance against it through mutation, which is a major concern with the spread of the new U.K. and South African variants.

Krogan said the work is further validation of the QCRGs focus on host proteins as a strategy to fight COVID-19 and other viral diseases, the UCSF release cited.

READ MORE:
A group of collectors are planning to open a bar on Government Street that will feature classic arcade games, along with beer, wine and cocktails.

Cave Daughdrill, Casey Wells and Robert Ross decided to open BRcade after their collections of classic games got out of hand. I just moved 17 arcades out of my house, Daughdrill said. We all have storage rooms that are packed.

The three have spent years collecting and restoring classic 1980s games to their former glory. After holding a couple of pop-up events in Mid City, they decided to open a bar at 2963 Government in a space that had been recently occupied by Pop Shop Records. A building permit for the work was issued earlier this week.

+3 Former downtown Don's Seafood location sold to local investors The former Dons Seafood restaurant in downtown Lafayette has been bought by a group of investors with plans to convert it to a mixed use space.

BRcade will offer at least 24 games when the business opens, and will rotate machines in to keep the lineup fresh. Daughdrill wouldnt reveal titles in order to keep a little surprise." But he said most of the beloved 1980s-era video games will be represented. In some cases, there will be multiple versions of the most popular games. Hints about the possible lineup are also being dropped on the bars Facebook page.

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 plan is to have a small cover charge at the door, then offer free play on the video games. Because the owners are familiar with restoring the machines, theyll be able to make minor repairs on the spot. And if there are major problems with a machine, Daughdrill said theyll just roll it out and replace it with another game.

Weve all been to arcades of questionable quality, he said.

+2 King cake burger returns to Burgersmith locations for Mardi Gras During a season of uncertainty, one thing is still clear  it won't be hard to find ways to celebrate the "fat" part of Mardi Gras.

The exact opening date for BRcade has yet to be announced. Its a little up in the air with the pandemic, Daughdrill said. If there was no pandemic, we probably would have opened by now.

Plans are for BRcade to be open 7 days a week.
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
Online brokerage platforms Robinhood Markets and Interactive Brokers sparked an outrage on Thursday after the platforms restricted its users from trading GameStop and other stocks. Photo: Reuters/Carlo Allegri

Global regulators have fired warning shots on the GameStop (GME) saga, as feverish trading took place over the last week.

Watchdogs on both sides of the Atlantic said they are monitoring activity and potential lawbreaking, warning traders they could face huge losses.

Online brokerage platforms Robinhood Markets and Interactive Brokers sparked an outrage on Thursday after the platforms restricted its users from trading GameStop and other stocks.

Reddit-inspired investors bought up shares in a war on hedge funds, that have long been shorting the stocks.

Shares in the video game retailer soared more than 60% in early trade in the US on Friday. GameStop and other shorted stocks face continued volatility, after broker Robinhood lifted restrictions.

READ MORE: Bitcoin price surges after Elon Musk shows support

GameStop has risen around 700% in the past week, while AMC Entertainment (AMC) and Blackberry (BB)  also targets of Redditors  experienced wild swings.

On Friday, analysts said concerns over this weeks drama had rattled wider markets, despite the far more limited squeezes and levels of short interest in European stocks versus the US. The VSTOXX volatility index for European leading stocks hit its highest level since November.

The UKs regulator warned that traders should make sure they are familiar with all the rules including market abuse.

The UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said: "The FCA is aware of the situation and continues to closely monitor trading in UK markets. UK investors should take care when trading shares in highly volatile market conditions that they fully understand the risks they are taking. This applies to UK investors trading both US and UK stocks.

The USs Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said: "Extreme stock price volatility has the potential to expose investors to rapid and severe losses and undermine market confidence."

It warned against manipulative and illegal trading and said it would review actions that might disadvantage investors, such as the stop on trading on Thursday.

Watch: GameStop frenzy shows frustration with system
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Highlights S President Donald Trump had placed the company on the Pentagon blacklist that bars Americans from investing in the company.

Trump had alleged that Xiaomi has strong associations with the Chinese military.

Challenging the ban, Xiaomi has sued the US government.

Xiaomi has sued the US government over the investment ban that blocks Americans from investing in the Chinese tech company. Earlier this month, ex-US President Donald Trump had placed the company on the Pentagon blacklist that bars Americans from investing in the company. Trump had alleged that Xiaomi has strong associations with the Chinese military. However, the allegations were later denied by the smartphone maker. Xiaomi had said that it is not a "Communist Chinese Military Company".

Now despite the fact that Trump is no longer the President of the United States, the investment ban continues. Challenging the ban, Xiaomi has sued the US government. It has now submitted an application to reverse the ban order.

In their court filing, Xiaomi had stated that if the ban continues it will face "imminent, severe, and irreparable harm". It further alleged that the ban is unlawful and should be enjoined.

"This action challenges the Trump Administration's unlawful designation on January 14, 2021, of Plaintiff Xiaomi, a consumer electronics company, as a Communist Chinese military company ("CCMC") subject to Executive Order 13959. As a result of that designation, U.S. persons will no longer be able to purchase publicly traded Xiaomi securities or derivatives of those securities as of March 15, 2021, and must divest their holdings by January 14, 2022. As explained below, the designation of Xiaomi as a CCMC (the "Designation") is unlawful and should be enjoined. By failing to provide a reasoned explanation for the Designation, and by making a designation decision that necessarily runs counter to any accurate evidence before the agencies, the Departments of Defense and Treasury engaged in arbitrary and capricious decision making, in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act ("APA")," the court filing read.

"As relevant here, the Order prohibits transactions by any U.S. persons in publicly traded securities of certain companies that the Department of Defense, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, designates as a "Communist Chinese military company." President Trump amended Executive Order 13959 on January 13, 2021. Exec. Order No. 13974, 86 Fed. Reg. 4875 (Jan. 13, 2021) (attached as Ex. B). As amended, the Order provides that the prohibitions on transactions of CCMC securities or derivatives of those securities by U.S. persons take effect 60 days after a company is designated," it further read.

Xiaomi had earlier revealed that it has complied with the law and confirmed that it is not owned, controlled or affiliated with the Chinese military, and is not a "Communist Chinese Military Company".

ALSO READ: | WhatsApp starts rolling out video and voice call feature on web
European Union regulators on Friday approved the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, the third vaccine approved for use on the European continent.

Amid criticism the bloc is not moving fast enough to vaccinate its population, the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) expert committee unanimously recommended the vaccine for adults, despite concerns of inadequate data proving its effectiveness for people over 55.

Addressing reporters from agency headquarters in Amsterdam, EMA chief Emer Cooke told reporters the agency had approved the drug for conditional or emergency use because clinical studies found the vaccine to be about 60 percent effective at fighting the coronavirus -- lower than the two previously approved vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, which show efficacy in the 90 percent range.


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The last Holden car built in Australia was auctioned on Saturday, selling for an eye-watering $750,000.

The bright red 2017 Holden VF was the last vehicle to be assembled, welded together and painted in an auto body shop on Australian soil.

The last Holden made in Australia. Credit:Llloyds

Holden ceased production in Australia after the closure of its last factory in Elizabeth, 24 kilometres north of Adelaide, in October 2017. Holden has since switched to imported models from Germany.

According to auctioneers Lloyds, workers at Australias now-shuttered Holden factories took photos with the car and held signs emblazoned with the words last Holden. The car also bears the number plate FINL 01.
Portable awnings due to be installed in Market Square will create a year-round pedestrian space and should encourage more social activity in that part of Wicklow town.

In October of last year, the Wicklow Town Team was awarded funding of 40,000 under the Town and Village Enhancement Scheme for portable street awnings.

The close proximity of the awnings to the historic Gaol would also add to the visitor experience and give tour groups and tourists an area to gather before continuing on their journeys.

The issue has been discussed with businesses in Market Square, with P. Smyth Architects, who are based in The Square, providing advice. In addition, Alan Martin has been involved from the outset of this project, and he has also consulted with Fergal Keogh.

The objective is to generate additional pedestrian space where members of the community can gather in a safe and pleasant environment, protected from the elements. Market Square has suffered a decline in activity since the closure of the Wicklow Courthouse but in recent times a number of new businesses have been established and a pedestrian space with cover will greatly enhance this area and support the new commercial activity, especially during these Covid times when covered outdoor areas are more important now than they have ever been.

The plans were met with a positive reaction from the elected members of Wicklow Municipal District, who held a monthly Zoom meeting on Monday.

Cllr Paul O'Brien said: 'I have been liaising with some retailers and they support the plans. Market Square has been the heart and centre of Wicklow town down the generations. It could do with a revamp and something to bring a bit of life to that part of town. Since Market Square got revamped a number of years ago it has become a forgotten area in the town.'

It is critical that good-quality materials are used in this construction to complement the character of the Square and the Town Team have researched this area thoroughly and have found a product that has been tried and tested in similar environments in other parts of the world.

Cllr Gail Dunne said: 'As someone who has been different places in the world, these sort of awnings are a regular occurrence. It's perfect for people to sit out in the evening time and enjoy some food. Market Square is a place where people did meet up over the years. The top of the town has been left alone and needs to be brought to use. Hopefully, we will get the court services up and running again but this is a positive move.'

Cllr Shay Cullen congratulated the Town Team on securing the funding.

'Any money for the county town is always welcome. I just hope the materials being used are protected from a vandalism point of view. Are there any on-street cameras in the event of vandalism? We have to make sure we don't have any anti-social behaviour.'

Provision of the awnings will require the removal of four trees from The Square. They will be relocated, most likely, to Wicklow Gaol. They will be used at the entrance to the Gaol on the left-hand side. They will balance and fit with similar trees on the right-hand side of the entrance.

Cllr Mary Kavanagh said: 'It's great news as that part of the town has gone into a bit of a decline. One concern would be the ability to withstand strong winds. We are very close to the Irish Sea and there isn't a lot of shelter. I am delighted the trees will be re-rooted in the Gaol and hopefully they will be transported successfully.'

Placemaking is an approach that re-imagines public space to connect people and places. The square and its surroundings is considered an opportunity to provide this type of place. It will have all the ingredients: seating, shelter, Wi-Fi (already in place). Also included will be the upgrading of lighting in the Square and the addition of extra seating.


404

  

              

A 22-year-old Northampton County man was arrested late Friday afternoon in Wilson Borough and is being charged in a fatal shooting that occurred Tuesday afternoon in Allentown, authorities report.

Dondre Prince Simon-Jeremiah was taken into custody by Easton and Allentown police and U.S. marshals about 4:30 p.m. in the 1500 block Lehigh Street, just west of the border with Easton, authorities said.

Simon-Jeremiah, free on bail in an unrelated domestic violence aggravated assault case in Bethlehem, was taken back to Allentown on Friday evening. His address in that previous case was listed as being in the 4600 block of Concord Circle in Bethlehem Township.

Simon-Jeremiah is being charged with criminal homicide, robbery and criminal conspiracy to commit robbery in the killing of Dwayne Carter, 28, of Allentown, according to a news release Saturday from Lehigh County District Attorney James Martin and Allentown Police Chief Glenn Granitz Jr. Bail is denied in homicide cases at a suspects preliminary arraignment.

Carter was shot multiple times while inside a vehicle about 4 p.m. Tuesday in the 200 block of North Jordan Street, city police said. He was pronounced dead about 30 minutes later at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Salisbury Township, the Lehigh County Coroners Office said.

An autopsy on Wednesday determined Carter died from the gunshot wounds and his death was ruled a homicide, the coroners office said.

Allentown police Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021, investigate a shooting in the 200 block of North Jordan Street. A victim died during the evening at an area hospital, Lehigh County Coroner Eric Minnich said.MIke Nester | lehighvalleylive.com contributor

Allentown police, the coroners office, the Lehigh County District Attorneys Office, the Lehigh County Homicide Task Force, Easton police and the marshals were involved in the investigation.

Wilson Borough police assisted at the scene on Friday.

Easton police and the U.S. Marshals Service assist Allentown police and the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office Homicide Task Force on Friday, Jan. 29, 2021, in taking Dondre P. Simon-Jeremiah into custody in the shooting death Jan. 26 of Dwayne Carter in Allentown.Tim Wynkoop | lehighvalleylive.com contributor

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting lehighvalleylive.com with a subscription.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 30)  Presidential Anti-Crime Commission Chairman Dante Jimenez died Friday night due to aortic aneurysm, his family has confirmed.

With deep sorrow, the Family announces the passing away of Dante La. Jimenez, PACC Chairman due to Aortic Aneurysm at 9:43 pm, Friday, January 29, 2021, the family said in a statement on Saturday.

Jimenez has also co-chaired the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs, a post briefly held by Vice President Leni Robredo in 2019. He has earlier called for the revival of the death penalty for heinous crimes related to illegal drugs.

Before being appointed to the PACC, a government body created in 2018 to assist the President in investigating and hearing administrative cases of graft and corruption, Jimenez has served as the founding chairman of the advocacy group Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption.

Malacanan Palace and the VACC mourned the loss of Jimenez and paid tribute to the crusader.

PACC Chair Jimenez spent most of his productive life advocating a just and peaceful society for Filipinos by fighting criminality and corruption, Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in a statement, adding that Jimenez would be dearly missed.

Today we mourn, but with confidence that the movement and citizens awareness will spread and flourish; and that future generations of Filipinos will be inspired by the memory of Dante Jimenez as a pioneering and resolute champion of justice and transparency in government, the VACC said in a statement.

The South China Sea isn't the only arena in Asia's waters where China's territorial claims are stoking tensions.

One thousand miles to the northeast, China is in a dispute with Japan over century-old claims to a set of uninhabited islands in the East China Sea -- called the Senkakus in Japan and the Diaoyus in China. That poses the potential for wider conflict, since the U.S. has said the islands are covered by its security treaty with Japan. Tokyo and Beijing have for decades been at loggerheads over the islands whose combined surface area is about 3 square miles (7 square kilometers), causing almost daily friction, raising concerns that a bigger confrontation might erupt at any time.

1. Where are the disputed islands?

With eight major outcrops, the islands are located about 105 miles (170 kilometers) northeast of the northern tip of Taiwan, which also has a claim on them, but has largely stayed out of the fray. Japan lists the isles -- the biggest of which measures 1.5 square miles -- in its Okinawa prefecture and says they were incorporated into the nation's territory in 1895. Beijing holds that they are part of its historical territory that should have been returned with the rest of Japan's colonial possessions after World War II. As many as 200 Japanese lived there in the early years, according to Japan's Foreign Ministry, producing dried fish or collecting bird feathers to sell. Now human-free, only goats are sighted there.

2. What's in the waters?

The area has abundant fishing stocks, but what is beneath the sea bed looks to be even more lucrative. Interest in the islands increased after the discovery of potential undersea hydrocarbon reserves in 1968, and the U.S. Energy Information Administration sees the East China Sea basin as a possible rich source of natural gas that could help meet Chinese and Japanese domestic demand. The U.S., which held the islands at the time, allowed them to pass into Japanese hands. Beijing, which was moving to restore ties with Tokyo and Washington at the time, didn't let the dispute derail the diplomatic detente.

3. How has this played out?

A decision in 2012 by then-Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to nationalize some of the islands from private Japanese owners lifted the dispute to a new more contentious level. A wave of anti-Japanese demonstrations and boycotts followed in China, while Beijing stepped up maritime patrols. Japan has since accused China of making hundreds of incursions a year and trying "to change the status quo by coercion" using regular navy and air force patrols. The Japanese upgraded their radar and patrol capabilities and are building anti-ship missile units in the Ryukyu archipelago just over 250 miles away, according to one report in July.

4. Is this getting out of control?

No, but it's heating up. While the government in Japan accused Chinese vessels of making more than 1,000 incursions last year into a contiguous area around the islands, China counters that Japan is the one making illegal forays. Even though both lodge regular diplomatic protests, the two countries have tried to manage the conflict. With China facing a bruising diplomatic and trade battle with the U.S., it doesn't want to pick a fight with another major power. Tokyo also is not keen to stir up trouble with its biggest trading partner. Still, Japan's then-defense minister told the Chinese ambassador last year to hold off on military activities close to the islands. That came even as Beijing appeared to ratchet down tensions by telling the operators of hundreds of fishing trawlers not to go near them.

5. What does the U.S. say?

Joe Biden, in his first phone call to Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga as president, reiterated the U.S. stance that its "unwavering commitment to the defense of Japan" covers the Senkaku islands. Last year, Lieutenant General Kevin Schneider, the commander of U.S. Forces Japan, offered to help Japan with information, surveillance and reconnaissance capability, accusing Beijing of a maritime intimidation campaign against countries in the region. A White House report under former President Donald Trump said China was "engaging in provocative and coercive" military activities in areas including the South China Sea, where the country is in dispute with nations including the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia.

Posted Friday, January 29, 2021 5:58 am

On Thursday, Congresswoman Jaimie Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, announced the winners of the Southwest Washington Congressional App Challenge. Ian MacDonald of the Vancouver School of Arts and Academics won first place with his puzzle app Time to Recolor, while the teams of Ellieanna and Moriah Ross of Mountain View High School and Claire Russell, Phoebe Abbuzzese, Paige Barret and Emma Fancher of Skyview High School took home second and third place, respectively.

Apps entered in the contest were judged by STEM educators and technology professionals in the region.

Im consistently amazed by the ingenuity and creativity of our Southwest Washington students, and this year we had some amazing original app submissions, Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, said in a news release from her office. I want to congratulate our winner, Ian, on his first-place finish and extend my thanks to all the students who submitted an original app design in this years competition. My goal is to spark an interest in these talented individuals today to pursue their interest in STEM. If they do, the skys the limit for what they might invent, improve or achieve tomorrow.
University of Montana Western alumna, Meagan Nahrgang, recently joined the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) as the new Corporate Partner Manager.

Nahrgang was originally born in Dillon, Mont., but moved to Buckeye, Arizona at a young age where she grew up with her family. After graduating from high school, Nahrgang made the journey back to Montana to attend the University of Montana Western on a rodeo scholarship.

While at UMW, Nahrgang thrived as an athlete and student. She was one of seven athletes form the state of Montana to receive the 2012 Montana Athletes in Service Award for her dedication to community service. She also served as the UMW Student Senate Vice President and President as well as Rodeo Team Treasurer, and was a member of the University Council and the Radio Board.

Nahrgang graduated from UMW in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She went on to work with Bozeman Deaconess Hospital before she was offered a position by Montana Silversmiths (MTSS). MTSS is a belt buckle and jewelry manufacturer who hold a vast brand presence in the western retail and custom award industry and have produced the belt buckles for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) as well as the AQHA World Show.

Nahrgang spent more than five years growing with the company in many different capacities, ranging from sales to becoming their Director of Brand Marketing.

I am incredibly grateful for the time and opportunities MTSS provided me over the years and I feel very fortunate to have worked with some of the best in the industry, Nahrgang said.

Nahrgang began her role with the American Quarter Horse Association on October 29, 2020, when she was named the new Corporate Partner Manager. In this role, Nahrgang is managing all programs relating to AQHAs existing corporate partner program and works closely with marketing and business development teams to enhance existing partnerships and creatively cultivate new opportunities.

In a press release, AQHA Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer, Patty Tiberg, said We are very excited to welcome Meagan to our team. Her experience with brand management, marketing and sales will be a great asset to add to our team to serve our corporate partners and, ultimately, AQHA members. Her background in the industry allows her to connect with members and partners alike.

Nahrgang credits Montana Western and Experience One for the guidance and skills that have allowed her to become successful in her professional career.

For more information about the American Quarter Horse Association, visit AQHA.com.
Two New Orleans police officers were indicted Friday on charges of helping five other Army reservists steal more than $100,000 by charging the military for working as honor guards at funerals that never took place.

At the request of their families, active duty soldiers, retirees and other military veterans may receive military funeral honors through the 2000 National Defense Authorization Act. Among the duties are folding and presenting a United States flag to survivors and playing taps.

Prosecutors said detective Chantelle Davis and officer Lynea Sanders were among seven Army reservists benefitting from the scam. They said former Army pay technician Christopher OConnor submitted reimbursement requests for various military funeral honors between 2013 and 2016 in his own name and for Davis, Sanders, Leroy Daniels Jr., Derrick Branch, Cody Francis and Terrance Howard.

But the ceremonies never happened, prosecutors alleged. They say the defendants received these payments for work not performed:

Sanders, 41  $22,505

OConnor, 40  $18,825

Branch, 36  $15,469

Howard, 54  $13,586

Daniels, 45  $11,694

Francis, 31  $11,378

Davis, 35  $8,399

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The defendants formed part of the 377th Theater Sustainment Command in New Orleans. All live in New Orleans except Daniels, a Westwego resident, prosecutors said.

Any of the defendants convicted of stealing government money and conspiring to do so could be sentenced to as long as 10 years in prison and fined as much as $250,000. Maximum penalties in federal court, however, are rare for first offenders. The U.S. Attorney's Office said it also will seek restitution.

Davis joined the Police Department in 2009, Sanders in 2013. A Police Department spokesperson said the agency had placed both on desk duty in September after being made aware of the federal investigation that resulted in Friday's indictment. They will remain on desk duty with the federal case pending and while an internal NOPD investigation into the officers' alleged actions continues unfolding, the spokesperson said.

We take allegations of this nature very seriously, NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson said in a statement late Friday. We cannot allow the dishonest actions these officer are accused of to jeopardize the trust our citizens have in this department.
A Jan. 27 commentary from J. Richards McCrae III, president of the S.C. Association for Justice, makes a transparent bid to boost trial lawyers business and further burden already struggling businesses by asserting they have no right to immunity from all lawsuits related to COVID-19 cases.

He says immunity would infringe on the right to a jury trial. Pull the heartstrings and drive up the costs.

With an uncertain incubation period and transmission not fully understood, proving a customer contracted a case of coronavirus from a particular interaction at a specific store would be difficult.

The cost to defend against such a suit, however, would be an unbearable burden to most small and medium-size businesses.

The idea that businesses can simply file an insurance claim and pass on the cost is ludicrous; deductibles are costly, rates skyrocket, policies are canceled and bankruptcies of businesses and insurers can result from a slew of claims.

Mr. McCraes claim that struggling businesses are selfish for seeking immunity is hypocritical and absurd.

FLORENCE MILES

Fort Lamar Road

Charleston

Washington wrong

I read with interest Maurice Washingtons Jan. 29 commentary.

I noticed his attempt to dismiss the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection by traitors as a handful that chose to be lawless. Really, a handful?

A handful that were able to break past police lines in multiple entrances and enter the Capitol? A mere handful that assaulted and injured police?

It does no good for Mr. Washington and others like him to try and downplay what we all saw on national television.

This is not fake news but rather fake accountability.

PAUL VECELLIO

East Edgefield Drive

Summerville

Order of vaccinations

Who receives the COVID-19 vaccine before others entails decisions that are extraordinarily complex and emotional.

While science-based facts inform these decisions, the decisions themselves should be shaped by a broader range of factors that include who we hold to be uniquely important within our families and communities.

I believe we should offer vaccination to all pre-K through grade 12 teachers in priority behind only health care providers.

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This would reflect our immense gratitude and respect for those in whom we entrust so much for the development of those we cherish most: our children and grandchildren. Such a decision would not only enhance their growth and well-being but would offer associated public health, social and economic benefits, enhancing and accelerating our recovery and return to normalcy.

I would readily relinquish my vaccination priority to teachers, a choice I believe many other parents and grandparents would happily and proudly make.

DAN CLOYD

Fairbanks Oak Alley

Daniel Island

Merkels leadership

So often we do not recognize those to whom we owe so much.

We are greatly indebted to the Western European and Canadian leaders who kept alive the Atlantic alliance in the face of rapidly growing Russian authoritarianism and expansionism during the recent period of U.S. abdication of leadership.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, I thank you.

But no one deserves more of our gratitude than the de facto leader of the European Union, the most powerful woman in the world and, since 2016, the leader of the free world, Germanys Angela Merkel.

Ms. Merkel has a doctorate in chemistry and was a scientific researcher before entering politics in 1989. She emerged as the leader and the conscience of a democratic and united Germany.

Ms. Merkel will be greatly missed when she stands down later this year after having led her nation for 16 years.

RICH BENNETT

Fernandina Street

Mount Pleasant

Corporate jockeying

I was disheartened by Jan. 26 Post and Courier article on companies lobbying for priority treatment in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

After further thought, this is not surprising in an environment where the bottom line takes precedent over everything.

The article also reports that companies and business groups deny they are looking to jump the line ahead of health care workers, the elderly and chronically ill. If it is not that, what would you call it?

There is no question that businesses, especially small retailers and restaurants, have been hurt by the pandemic but some companies mentioned in the article such as Amazon and UPS have no doubt capitalized on people shopping from home and can expect windfall profits. Did Uber really drive health care workers without charge or was this just another business opportunity?

The last 12 months have been a trying and anxious time for everyone. The emergence of a vaccine offers a sign of hope and the government has set priorities for its distribution. Companies may just want to do what is right and wait their turn.

RICHARD J. KINNEY

West Shipyard Road

Mount Pleasant

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SANTA FE, N.M.  Editors Note: This story has been updated to clarify that Santa Fe Public Schools doesnt plan to return to any form of in-person learning until Feb. 22.

Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  While New Mexico school districts could restart in-person learning on Feb. 8, such plans seem less likely in Santa Fe, where social distancing and vaccines have proven to be major sticking points.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

Santa Fe Public Schools Superintendent Veronica Garcia, who oversees one of the states largest districts, announced Friday her district most likely wont return to in-person learning before Feb. 22, and only then under a voluntary hybrid model.

In addition, in an opinion piece submitted to the Journal, Garcia said the various requirements for in-person learning made it not a viable option for the district at this time.

More details about the districts plan will be given at the Santa Fe school boards Feb. 4 meeting, Garcia said.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham had announced Tuesday that districts could reopen Feb. 8 if they met certain safety requirements.

Specifically, Garcia said many of the districts buildings arent large enough to teach students while keeping them socially distanced.

Many of the concerns, though, revolved around staffing schools properly for in-person classes. Garcia said around 300 district employees would be exempt due to their age or medical condition, which could lead to staffing issues at some school sites.

And vaccines continue to be an issue as many teachers still havent received their first dose.

National Education Association-Santa Fe, which represents most teachers and staff in the district, said a majority of its members want the option of being vaccinated before returning to work in-person.

We have an aging population of educators in our district, NEA-Santa Fe President Grace Mayer told the Journal. I just think that its necessary that were vaccinated prior to going in.

The district would have to renegotiate terms with union officials and the unions position could render those negotiations futile, Garcias statement said.

Given these circumstances, the only viable option is for SFPS to return in a voluntary hybrid model, she said.

SFPS previously had a voluntary hybrid model last semester, where staff and students could volunteer to return part-time, but suspended the program after two weeks due to rising COVID-19 cases in the community.

The hybrid model, which was available only for students up to sixth grade, was able to accommodate only 5% of eligible students due to the low number of teachers who volunteered. Mayer said a future hybrid program could face similar issues.

Were certainly going to have that again, Mayer said, but added SFPS is better suited for online learning than other districts.
Here are todays leading news story:

Society

 The Vietnamese Ministry of Health on Saturday morning announced 34 new community cases of COVID-19, including 32 at a cluster in Chi Linh City, northern Hai Duong Province and two in northern Quang Ninh Province, bringing the patient tally to 1,739, with 1,448 recoveries and 35 virus-related deaths.

 The Health Ministry late on Friday afternoon announced 18 recoveries from COVID-19, including patient No.1,435 -- a woman returning from the UK who was the first imported case of the new coronavirus variant in Vietnam.

 More than 2,000 workers at POYUN Vietnam Electronics Co.,Ltd, which had been sealed off from noon on Thursday after a COVID-19 cluster had been detected there, were sent to six centralized quarantine facilities in Chi Linh City for better quarantine conditions on Friday.

 The Center for Disease Control of Ho Chi Minh City late on Friday night issued an urgent notice to find passengers on the flight VN213 from Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City at 3:00 pm on Thursday due to a suspected COVID-19 case traveling on the flight.

 Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long said on Saturday morning that the ministry had approved the use of the Astra Zeneca vaccine, the first inoculation licensed for distribution in Vietnam.

 Authorities in Vang Danh Ward, Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh on Friday fined a woman VND2 million (US$86.77) for not wearing a face mask in public place according to regulations on COVID-19 prevention and control.

 The third field hospital for COVID-19 treatment will be set up at Vietnam - Canada Vocational School in Cong Hoa Commune, Chi Linh City with a capacity of 1,000 beds in the first phase under the support of Vietnamese conglomerate Sun Group.

 Hanoi authority decided to lock down Times City apartment building in Hai Ba Trung District from Friday after a resident in the condominium tested positive for COVID-19.

Business

 A total of $15.1 million worth of FDI capital was poured into Hanoi during January, according to the municipal Statistics Office.

World news

 Thailands plan to produce the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine locally is on track to be ready to begin mass inoculations in June, with a capacity to make up to 18 million doses per month, a senior official told Reuters on Friday.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
AS the white pirogue drifted in the waters just off Belle Garden in Tobago early yesterday morning, fishermen working nearby knew something was wrong.

What they saw in the small vessel stunned them.

Fourteen bodies, all of them male, along with a skull and other skeletal remains, were piled inside the vessel as it floated four miles off Belle Garden, police confirmed.

The bodies were all clad in tracksuits and green rain jackets and were severely decomposed, police investigators said.
LIVE OAK, Calif. - The Sutter County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of a Live Oak man in connection to a child molestation investigation.

46-year-old Heriberto Eddie Ramirez, is being held on $500,000 bail and faces several charges related to child sex abuse, according to the sheriff's office.

Authorities said it first received reports of the alleged child molestation in a Live Oak home back on December 12, 2020. Detectives say they then discovered evidence that yielded probable cause for the arrest of Ramirez.

Ramirez is scheduled to appear in court on February 1.

Update: The alert has been canceled. WKRG reports the child was returned to his family and is safe. Original article continues below.

An Amber Alert has been issued for a south Alabama boy reported abducted late Friday night.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency issued the alert shortly before 3:45 a.m. Saturday for 11-month-old Kamel Karter Antone. The Prichard Police Department said Kamel was abducted about 11 p.m. Friday in the area of Dial Street and is believed to be in extreme danger.

Authorities the boy was taken by 30-year-old Jakobie Rashid Antone. They may be traveling in a white or silver Chevrolet Malibu with an Alabama or Texas license plate.

Kamel was last known to be wearing a red undershirt and a blue and white sleeper.

Antone was wearing a black hoodie, black jeans and black shoes. He has a tattoo on his neck of Chinese writing, a Loyal tattoo on his right inside bicep and a Respect tattoo on his left inside bicep.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or the Prichard police at 251-452-2211.
CHICO, Calif.  Golden Valley Bank (GVYB) announced that its Community Foundation donated $75,000 to the Enloe Foundation to help kick off its fundraising efforts to get the community vaccinated against COVID-19.

In collaboration with Butte County, Enloe Medical Center has established a Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic in Chico. While the shots are free to those receiving them, they are not free.

This is because Enloe Medical Center must cover the overhead cost to administer the vaccine. The hospitals initial goal is to vaccinate 50,000 people, which results in 100,000 vaccines.

Enloe estimates the cost will be $1.5 million. The hospital recently announced a $750,000 matching pledge from Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. founder Ken Grossman and his wife, Katie Gonser.

The Golden Valley Bank Community Foundations $75,000 contribution comes from the Banks $250,000 commitment to COVID-19 Relief generated through fees from the Paycheck Protection Program.

You can register yourself and your business to get the COVID-19 vaccine HERE. You can also donate at Enloe.org.

Golden Valley Bank is a locally-owned financial institution with offices in Chico and Redding.
Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak are to head up a new taskforce to rebuild the battered economy in the wake of the pandemic, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

The Chancellor has watched with growing alarm as the cost to the public finances has exceeded 340 billion  and with normal economic life not expected to return until summer at the earliest, the bill will keep on rising.

Now a new Cabinet sub-committee, the National Economy Recovery Taskforce, has been set up with the pair as joint chairmen  an attempt to signal that No 10 and the Treasury are in lockstep on policy.

Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak are to head up a new taskforce to rebuild the battered economy in the wake of the pandemic, The Mail on Sunday can reveal

The group, which will also include Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove, Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, will try to fill the hole in public finances by devising a 'plan for growth' which will advance the Prime Minister's aim to 'level up' regional income disparities.

As part of the plan, Downing Street has approached many of the 'Red Wall' MPs  who propelled Mr Johnson to victory at the 2019 Election by winning seats from Labour  to ask them to list the investment priorities in their constituencies.

However, No 10 and No 11 disagree on the role of public spending plans in the recovery.

While Mr Johnson wants to pursue his beloved infrastructure plans, such as high speed rail projects in the North of England, Mr Sunak does not think the country can afford them while also ploughing billions into propping up stricken businesses.

Mr Sunak is more concerned about restoring the Tory Party's reputation for prudent management of the public finances by cutting spending.

The group, which will also include (l to r) Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove, Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, will try to fill the hole in public finances by devising a 'plan for growth' which will advance the Prime Minister's aim to 'level up' regional income disparities

Although March's Budget is unlikely to include aggressive tax-raising measures, given that the country is still likely to be in lockdown, the Chancellor has warned backbenchers that he will have to start tackling the Government's soaring deficit of 400 billion before the end of the year.

Public debt now stands at more than 100 per cent of GDP for the first time since the 1960s.

Mr Kwarteng echoed Mr Sunak's private views in public yesterday, when he warned that Britain could not spend its way out of the crisis.

The Business Secretary said: 'Without a thriving private sector we will not be able to afford good public services.

'The Chancellor is of the same opinion. We are not going to be able to spend our way to prosperity.'

Transport Minister Andrew Stephenson told the Northern Powerhouse group of Tory MPs that the Treasury was 'uncomfortable about making long-term spending commitments, because of all the uncertainty around the public finances'.

'At the same time, the Prime Minister still holds to his firm view, that he expressed in February last year, that we need to have a plan that sets out where we are going for the next few decades, so businesses can invest, so people can be skilled up, so they can deliver those infrastructure projects.

'We need to give industry and the country that confidence.'

A source close to Mr Sunak said: 'Last year's spending review delivered the highest level of investment in infrastructure and public services for a decade.'
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New research recently suggested that with the proper conservation measures, "the Philippine pangolin still has a shot at bouncing back."

Essentially, knowledge of this only pangolin species in the country is limited. More so, sightings of the said animal are even more infrequent.

In a study which the Global Ecology and Conservation journal published, researchers who were then conducting an extensive survey found that Philippine pangolins or Manis culonensis have been sighted in 17 municipalities located in Palawan, an island province and the only place in the planet where this species occurs.

According to the lead author, Zoological Society of London's Lucy Archer, the sightings "are promising for the Philippine pangolin," suggesting that it is not too late "to establish conservation initiatives throughout the range of the species.

ALSO READ: Dogs Can Help Reduce Asthma, Among MANY Other Things

Philippine Pangolin, a Mysterious Species

The Gateway Guide reported, there's not a lot of information known about the Philippine Pangolin and that "even as the IUCN considers the species to be critically endangered," there's no recognized approximation for its baseline population.

The IUCN noted, this scientific study suggests "the species was never common." More so, it also said, interviews with Indigenous communities conducted in 2018 suggest, it has been a sharp drop since the 1980s. Nevertheless, the newly published survey provides a reason to be optimistic.

Similar wide-ranging surveys analyzing knowledge of pangolins of the locals done in West Africa for Smutsia Gigantea or giant pangolin, and Manis pentadactyla or Chinese pangolin in China and Vietnam, present that locals there strongly believe that their "pangolin species are extinct." Meaning, sightings are infrequent or no longer existing.

This is not the same case with the Philippine pangolins. Locals here still see them, although very rarely, and the number of locations where they exist is high.

Archer said, compared to similar research on pangolin species elsewhere, these findings suggest populations of Philippine pangolin may not have reached the critical levels yet as presented by Vietnam and China's Chinese pangolins or by Benin's giant pangolins. This then gives hope for the said species, said the lead author.

Growing Demand for Pangolin Meat

This species was, until 1998, believed to be an independent population of the Manis javanica or Sunda pangolin, which occurs throughout Southeast Asia but not in the Philippines.

Its acknowledgment as its own species occurred along with a local poaching boom. A high demand for pangolin scales in Vietnam and China, combined with strengthened enforcement on identified Sunda pangolin trafficking routes, saw traffickers diverting their attention to the Philippine pangolin.

Furthermore, local conservationists also associate a rise in Chines projects in the Philippines to "growing demand for pangolin meats" in food chains in Manila that cater to the influx of Chinese tourists and workers.

While researchers race against time to save the local population of pangolins, studies are limited by the strange and mysterious habits of the pangolins.

These animals, Archer said, are nocturnal, private, non-vocal, and semi-arboreal. While the said characteristics have not been sufficient to shield them from poachers, they make it quite hard to study the species in the wild.

Such mysterious behaviors lead to low detection possibilities which means, the chances of spotting one, even if it is nearby, is very slight.

RELATED TOPIC: Does Your Dog Howl Each Time You Sing a Christmas Carol? There's an Instinctive Reason for It





Check out more news and information on Animals on Science Times.

The newest COVID-19 vaccine from Johnson & Johnson is welcome news to Fred Yanoski, director/health officer for Midland County Department of Public Heath. The vaccine, which will be available in a single dose, would not only ease the burden of his staff but also offer another inoculation option.

The main issue with vaccination is there isnt near enough vaccine to meet the need of the community, Yanoski stated. More vaccine in any form will be welcomed by our department.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is 66% effective overall in preventing moderate to severe COVID-19, 28 days after vaccination, the company announced this week. Yanoski believes the vaccine will be useful in combating the virus, even though its effectiveness is less than the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines  which are 94.1% and 95% effective, respectively, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With the presence of new variants of the coronavirus, Yanoski emphasized the need for more tests and research on the virus and vaccines.

The more we learn about these new variants, the more we understand if they are less likely to be covered by the new vaccine, Yanoski said.

In the meantime, Yanoski encourages everyone to follow public health measures including maintaining social distancing, wearing a mask, regularly washing your hands and staying home if you feel ill. These procedures, combined with vaccination, will help bring us back to normal, Yanoski said.

Midland adds 23 cases Friday

Midland County added 23 confirmed COVID-19 cases on Friday, according to the state's daily report.

There was one new death recorded in the five county region, which also includes Bay, Gladwin, Isabella and Saginaw counties, which the Daily News has been chronicling since the pandemic began.

In a Jan. 29 update on the Midland County Health Department website, the health department recorded 288 confirmed and probable coronavirus cases since its last report on Jan. 15. During that timeframe, the health department reported 750 recovered cases (pandemic total of 3,948) and nine hospitalizations (pandemic total of 202). Also, from Jan. 15-29, the health department recorded 17 confirmed deaths. As of Jan. 29, there were 53 confirmed deaths; 33 male and 20 female. The age breakdown is one in each 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60-69 age groups, 16 in 70-79 and 30 in 80-plus.

It should be noted that the figures and information on this dashboard come from several different data sources, and that numbers from these sources are updated at different times and may not always match or be the same, states information on the website, co.midland.mi.us/HealthDepartment.aspx

According to the Jan. 29 county report, 15.21% of total coronavirus cases are in the 0-19 age group; 16.92% in 20-29; 15.36% in 30-39; 13.63% in 40-49; 14.97% in 50-59; 11.6% in 60-69; 7.57% in 70-79, and 4.66% in 80-plus.

Friday, Jan. 29 numbers

 Midland County: 23 cases were added; pandemic total is 4,157 cases, 563 probable, 53 deaths and three probable deaths.

 Bay County: 20 cases were added; pandemic total stands at 6,792 cases, 282 probable, 252 deaths and 10 probable deaths.

 Gladwin County: four cases were added; pandemic total stands at 1,195 cases, 221 probable, 38 deaths and three probable deaths.

 Isabella County: one case and one death were added; pandemic total stands at 3,420 cases, 412 probable, 68 deaths.

 Saginaw County: 44 cases were added; pandemic total stands at 13,439 cases, 676 probable, 457 deaths and 11 probable deaths.

The state on Friday added 1,774 new cases and six deaths. Overall, Michigan is at 557,883 cases and 14,497 deaths.

Testing

The state report shows as of Jan. 29, Midland County has performed 50,503 COVID-19 tests. Gladwin County is listed as having administered 14,308 tests.

Midland Countys seven-day rolling positivity rate on Jan. 26 was listed at 6.9%, and Gladwin County was listed at 6.1%. Our 12-county region is 6.4% and Michigan is at 5.8%.

MidMichigan Health statistics

As of Jan. 28, MidMichigan Medical Center in Midland is listed as having a 74% bed occupancy, with 16 COVID-19 patients, including four in the ICU. MidMichigan Medical Center in Gladwin is listed as having a 15% bed occupancy, with no COVID-19 patients and none in the ICU.

Regarding PPE supplies, the Midland hospital reported 15-30 days for N95 masks; 15-30 days for surgical masks; 30-plus days for surgical gowns; 15-30 days for exam gloves and 30-plus days for eye protection. The Gladwin hospital reported 30-plus days for all the reported supplies.

Are we c***s? young investment banker Robert asks his colleague Yasmin.

I immediately want to yell Yes! at my TV, because the characters in new HBO drama Industry are not exactly endearing.

But working in London investment bank Pierpoint & Co. they are clearly in the lions den.

The series created by Mickey Down & Konrad Kay (both Hoff the Record) is as cold as they come. Deals are done, empires rise and fall and any respect in the workplace is discarded in the pursuit of profits -but thats the point.

In the middle of it all is Harper Stern (Myhala Herrold) one of the ambitious young graduates ready to take on the world at Pierpoint. Nobody knows she has lied her way into a London trading desk from New York, but she is both skilled and savage working alongside her mentor boss Eric (Ken Leung).

Its impressed upon the graduates that they are the fortunate ones, but permanent roles at Pierpoint must be taken not offered. This sees our young ensemble work hard and play hard, blazing bright in between heady nights of clubbing, drugs, sex and drinking.

They include Yasmin (Marisa Abela) who is bullied by her privileged Irish superior Kenny (Conor MacNeill)  he apparently presumes he can sleep with her simply for being her superior; Oxford grad Robert (Harry Lawtey) whose excess habits are second nature; Gus Sackey (David Jonsson) whose relaxed gay outlook contradicts colleagues that are old-fashioned or in the closet, and Hari (Nabhaan Rizwan) who sleeps in a company toilet cubicle just so he can work longer at his desk.

As our graduates try ruthlessly to impress their bosses just to survive another day, Industry is more Hunger Games and Wolf of Wall Street than How to Succeed in Business (Without Really Trying). But at what cost? The loss of humanity is at the core theme of Down & Kays story, and they realise this world with such authenticity much of the lingo will go over your head.

But theres also unfiltered language, explicit sex and full frontal nudity, with Episode One directed by Girls creator Lena Dunham.

Myhala Herrold is particularly impressive as the duplicitous Harper. She struggles to find a flat and to connect as an outsider, but never gives in. At the office she is unrelenting.

You are a world killer now I see you, her boss Eric tells her.

Industry is uncompromising and callous be glad its them and not you.

Industry airs 8:30pm Monday on FOX Showcase / Binge.

Related

Dallas school district to name school after megachurch pastor Frederick Douglass Haynes III

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A new secondary school set to open in the fall of 2021 on the campus of Paul Quinn College, a private, faith-based, historically black liberal arts-inspired institution, will be named after the Rev. Frederick Douglass Haynes III, senior pastor of the 12,000-member Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas.

Officials from the Dallas Independent School District made the announcement Wednesday.

It is a great day in Dallas ISD, Dallas ISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa said during a press conference. We are currently recruiting students to come to southern Dallas to be part of this magic at Paul Quinn, an HBCU.

The school will be the district's first such partnership on the campus of a historically black college or university and will serve grades 6-12. Students will also be taught the international baccalaureate program, which offers a continuum of international education and encourages both personal and academic achievement.

"Educational inequity leads to poverty and poverty leads to violence. What you're witnessing today is the school board addressing the inequities in southern Dallas," Dallas ISD Trustee Maxie Johnson said during the announcement.

"Our kids that thought they couldn't go to college will be able to earn up to 40 credit hours and transition right into Paul Quinn College or a college of their choice. When you look at the work of Pastor Haynes and all that he is doing not just in the city of Dallas but the nation, he is deserving of this honor. As a young pastor in this city, I am honored and elated to be able to speak with our community and work with our constituents and have full agreement that Pastor Haynes name be placed on the international baccalaureate school at the HBCU. This has never been done in the city of Dallas so Im excited that I was able to be a part of this great moment, he added.

Haynes, 60, is a longtime leader in the Dallas community and member of the board of trustees at Paul Quinn College. In addition to his work with private and public sector stakeholders to reduce domestic violence and poverty, he has also used donations from Friendship-West to fund historically black colleges and universities with over $1 million. More than $2 million worth of scholarships have also been given to HBCU students.

"This means so much to me because I am a graduate of Bishop College, which was on this campus until 1988," Haynes said following the announcement. "What I have accomplished in life has everything to do with great teachers. Nelson Mandela was right when he said, 'Education is the great equalizer,' and Frederick Douglass was right when he said, 'Knowledge unfits one for enslavement.' Paul Quinn College has experienced a revival and ushered in a renaissance of HBCU education. I thank God that DISD has partnered with this HBCU and I pray for continued renaissance of education here on the Southside of Dallas."

Haynes, who has received numerous awards and honors for his ministry and activism, was named by Ebony Magazine in 2012 among their Power 100 list of most influential African Americans. He was also inducted into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Interior Ministry Undersecretary and Head of the Human Rights Committee, Shaikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, asserted the ministrys continuous follow-up on the implementation of the precautionary measures against COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the safety of its personnel. He also highlighted the continuation of the General Directorate of Reformation and Rehabilitation to carry out its successful procedures to promote the safety of inmates as per the institution's law, international standards and safety and security regulations.

The Undersecretary said that commitment to the human rights values and standards meet the general police work and the performance of the Reformation and Rehabilitation Centre. Some services were replaced with e-facilities such as video calls, e-court hearings, e-documentation and online medical consultations, he added.

He said that there are many safety measures, including the prevention of direct contact with inmates to protect their health and safety along with the allocation of a building as a field hospital and applying health quarantine on new inmates before entering the centre. Inmates were redistributed among buildings, and new annexes were opened, while they regularly undergo random COVID-19 tests and are provided with masks, gloves and sanitisers.

He noted that the department also carries regular disinfection operations in cooperation with the General Directorate of Civil Defence. The directorate works to develop the canteen and enforce new administrative measures to meet the needs of inmates. He said that the directorate, in cooperation with Batelco, has launched an initiative to provide free calling credits for inmates. He hailed the role of the company in the implementation of the initiative out of its community responsibility.
World Health Organisation experts tasked with investigating the origins of the coronavirus toured a Wuhan propaganda exhibition celebrating China's recovery from the pandemic today.

The group also had a meeting at the hospital where the first confirmed Covid-19 cases were treated over a year ago.

Details of the trip have been scant so far, with the media kept at arm's length and information on the itinerary dribbling out via tweets from the WHO experts instead of China's tight-lipped Communist authorities.

The experts from the World Health Organisation who are tasked with investigating the origins of Covid-19 visited a propaganda exhibit in Wuhan today. Pictured: Experts visiting the exhibition

One of their outings today saw them visiting the first hospital to received confirmed coronavirus patients in 2019. Pictured: WHO experts leave their hotel

The group was driven to the Jinyintan Hospital, the first to receive officially diagnosed Covid-19 patients in late 2019, as the horrors of the virus emerged in the central Chinese city.

In a tweet, team member Peter Daszak welcomed the hospital visit as an 'important opportunity to talk directly with medics who were on the ground at that critical time fighting Covid.'

This afternoon the team visited a cavernous exhibition that applauds the emergency response of Wuhan health authorities in the chaotic, terrifying early stages of the outbreak.

It also praises the agility of the Communist leadership in controlling a crisis without precedent.

The WHO mission comes with heavy political baggage - China refused the team access until mid-January and there are question marks over what the experts can hope to find a year after the virus first emerged.

Yesterday the WHO's emergencies director Michael Ryan sought to manage expectations.

The group were taken to Jinyintan Hospital, the first to receive officially diagnosed Covid-19 patients in late 2019. Pictured: WHO expert Peter Ben Embarek leaving the hospital

Very little information about the trip has been released so far, with the odd tweet from members WHO. Pictured: Thea Fischer and Peter Ben Embarek outside the hospital

A security officer stood outside Jinyintan Hospital when the team of the World Health Organisation experts entered its compound in Wuhan, Hubei

Success 'is not measured necessarily in absolutely finding a source on the first mission', he told a press conference in Geneva.

'This is a complicated business, but what we need to do is gather all of the data... and come to an assessment as to how much more we know about the origins of the disease and what further studies may be needed to elucidate that.'

Last week, China warned the United States against 'political interference' during the trip, after the White House demanded a 'robust and clear' investigation.

The WHO insists the probe will stick tightly to the science behind how the virus jumped from animals - believed to be bats - to humans.

Arranging to trip has seen some obstacles, with Chine refusing the team access until mid-January. Pictured: Experts outside the hotel

Peter Daszak (pictured centre, in blue) welcomed the hospital visit as an 'important opportunity to talk directly with medics who were on the ground at that critical time fighting Covid.'

The exhibition applauds the emergency response of Wuhan health authorities in the early stages of the outbreak. Pictured: WHO experts leave the exhibit

The team is also expected to visit the market believed to have seen the first major cluster of infections, as well as the Wuhan Institute of Virology and other labs, in what the WHO's Ryan described as a 'very busy, busy schedule'.

Beijing is desperate to defang criticism of its handling of the chaotic early stages of the outbreak.

It has refocused attention at home - and abroad - on its handling of and recovery from the outbreak.

Since seeping beyond China's borders, the pandemic has ripped across the world, killing more than two million people and wrecking economies.

Wuhan's exhibit also praises the agility of the Communist leadership in controlling a crisis without precedent. Pictured: Security officers keep watch as WHO members visit the exhibit

The team (some pictured leaving their hotel) is also expected to visit the market believed to have seen the first major cluster of infections as well as the Wuhan Institute of Virology

China, with a relatively low reported death toll of 4,636, has bounced back, and has swiftly locked down areas where cases have been found, tested millions and restricted travel to snuff out the crisis.

The country's economy grew by 2.3 per cent despite the outbreak last year and its leadership misses few chances to boast of the country's resilience and renewal.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman on Friday flagged the WHO visit as 'a part of global research' into the pandemic.

'It is not an investigation,' Zhao Lijian told reporters.

Violent attacks by criminal gangs have reached such a level that they now pose "a threat to public security" in Europe, the EUs police agency has warned.

Europol said the use of younger and inexperienced hitmen and the easier access to firearms have driven the problem.

The agency said that some of the violence is being carried out in crowded public places and in broad daylight.

Gangland murders have fluctuated dramatically in Ireland over the last 10 years, reaching peaks in 2010 and 2016, with 20 gangland killings in 2010 and 18 in 2016.

The latter year reflected the height of the murderous Kinahan-Hutch feud.

That feud saw a dramatic escalation in the threat to public safety with the military-style assault at a crowded hotel in February 2016 by the Hutch gang.

The murderous revenge campaign by the Kinahan cartel saw a number of innocent people being gunned down.

Last year was one of the quietest years in terms of gangland murders, with two deaths, compared to 10 in 2019, seven in 2018, and seven in 2017. The country has seen particularly vicious feuds emerging in north Dublin and in Louth in recent years.

'Growing competition'

The Europol report said the rise in violence in the drugs trade is tied to growing competition among criminal networks.

Most drug-related fatal and serious violence have been reported in cocaine and cannabis markets, which have recently attracted new players, it said.

Garda sources, and academic research, have cited the large amounts of money that can be made at street level in the drugs trade, particularly cocaine.

Europol said there is growing concern at the rise in gang violence, the "risk to the general public" and an increase in the impact and visibility of the attacks.

It cited the discovery in July 2020 of shipping containers in the Netherlands which had been converted into torture chambers.

It said contract killings are typically carried out for between 10,000 and 100,000.

But it added: Some Member States have noted that a hit currently costs much less than it did in the past, as a larger number of inexperienced and younger criminals are willing and available to carry out this type of crime.

Gardai have cited the use by gangs of inexperienced people, often with drug problems or with drug debts, to carry out murders.
Finding Ohana is a Netflix film directed by Jude Weng that premiered only recently on the streaming giant. The plot of the film follows the story of two teenagers from Brooklyn on a trip to Oahu, where they discover their family heritage. The film has a number of scenes with a pleasant background, having been shot in quite a few different locations. Have a look at the locations where the filming of Finding Ohana has taken place, along with other interesting details about this film.

Where is Finding Ohana filmed?

The film has brought for the audience a number of adventurous scenes in a movie where two youngsters find out about their original heritage in Hawaii. Interestingly, the film shows two entirely different scenarios, an urban lifestyle on one hand, and an adventure in the jungle on the other. Various different locations have been used in the film. According to hitc.com, the first one among them is New York, where they show the lifestyles of two teenagers in Brooklyn. An ocean of famous films and television shows have been filmed in this location, including Friends, Brooklyn Nine Nine, The Avengers and many more.

Images courtesy: Shutterstock

ALSO READ: 'Winter Castle' Movie Location: Know Where Was The Movie Filmed

Hawaii is another rather important Finding Ohana filming location, where a large part of the film has been shot. With an attempt in exploring the characters Hawaiian heritage in Oahu, the film shows the natural beauty of Hawaii for a large duration. The film also shows the scenes which have underground cave systems, but for those scenes, Thailand was selected to be a suitable Finding Ohana filming location. The Hangover II was filmed in several parts of Thailand, especially in its capital, Bangkok. The Dominican Republic is another shoot location, where a small part of the Finding Ohana was filmed.

Images courtesy: Shutterstock

ALSO READ: 'The Little Things' Star Jared Leto Opens Up About Why He Took Up The Role Of A Villain

The film is written by Christina Strain and stars actors Kea Peahu and Alex Aiono in the leading roles. Other actors in the supporting roles include Marc Evan Jackson, Lindsay Watson, Owen Vaccaro, Kelly Hu and many more. The film streamed on Netflix on January 29.

ALSO READ: Christain Bale's Birthday: Take This Quiz & Find Out How Well Do You Know The Dark Knight

ALSO READ: Where Was Romance In The Air Filmed? All About The Cindy Busby And Torrance Coombs Starrer

Get the latest entertainment news from India & around the world. Now follow your favourite television celebs and telly updates. Republic World is your one-stop destination for trending Bollywood news. Tune in today to stay updated with all the latest news and headlines from the world of entertainment.

The Unusual Suspect: The Remarkable True Story Of A Modern-Day Robin Hood

Ben Machell Canongate 16.99

Rating:

As geography and sociology students go, Stephen Jackley was far from typical.

When he arrived at the University of Worcester in September 2007, he still had a bruise from being hit on the chin while trying to raid a bank.

The raid had failed to go as planned. Jackley had plotted to collar a courier as he left the Lloyds TSB in Exeter and make him reopen the door. Once inside, he would force the cashiers to let him into the bank vault, where he could fill his bag with thousands of pounds.

Stephen Jackley (above, living in Bristol) had plotted to collar a courier as he left the Lloyds TSB in Exeter and make him reopen the door

He had duly pulled a black woollen cap over his face and pointed a fake pistol at the courier, but then his plan had gone belly-up: his victim did not work for Lloyds, so had no means of reopening the security door.

Furthermore, the courier realised the pistol was fake, wrenched it from Jackleys hand, and hit him hard in the face.

With police sirens wailing, Jackley managed to flee to a nearby park, where he had hidden a change of clothes in a tree. He returned home bruised and empty-handed, but undaunted.

He was determined to become a successful bank robber, fuelled by the idea that, like Robin Hood, he would rob from the rich and give to the poor.

In his mid-teens, he had developed a burning sense of the worlds injustices. For years, he continued to fill notebooks with political ruminations, simple and clearly expressed.

Had his life taken a happier turn, he could well have found gainful employment as a columnist on The Guardian.

Whether by intention or inheritance, the global oligarchy is a primary architect of the worlds devastation Humanity persists in a relentless path of destruction and blind competition  all in the name of progress Few realise that nearly all money is created more or less from thin air.

Unlike other political theorists, he was determined to put his ideas into action. He planned to raise 100,000 from a series of raids on capitalist enterprises, such as banks and bookmakers.

He would then channel his swag into an organisation which would help the poor. It became apparent that I could fulfil the role of a hero, following in the footsteps of a man who had lived in similar times  a legend who had broken the law in order to bring wealth and justice to people. I could become a modern-day Robin Hood, he later explained.

Like many shy, socially awkward people, he had a highly developed sense of his own worth.

Over the next few months, he would interrupt his university studies to conduct a series of lone raids on banks and bookmakers, in Worcester and Exeter, though none of them ever went according to plan.

This was Robin Hood as played by Norman Wisdom.

At the Britannia Building Society, the lady behind the desk refused to fill his backpack with cash, throwing it back at him and yelling: Get out of my branch!

When he ordered the manager of William Hill in Worcester to freeze, she ignored him and bolted the front door, locking it behind her. Failing to spot a great sack of cash, he managed to clean just 530 from the tills before running out the back door.

Attempting to break into the HSBC in Worcester from the offices above, he found a massive metal door was blocking his way. In a fit of pique, he decided to ransack the offices, little realising that they belonged to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children  just the sort of charity he had always planned to help.

Seeing himself as a master of disguise, he prepared to raid the HSBC in Ledbury, planning to pass unnoticed by donning a shaggy auburn wig, a stick-on goatee beard and a pair of mirrored aviator sunglasses.

Seeing himself as a master of disguise, he prepared to raid the HSBC in Ledbury, planning to pass unnoticed by donning a shaggy auburn wig and a stick-on goatee beard

He ended up resembling a pantomime version of Phil Spector, so much so that as he strode to his destination across a park, a group of teenagers started pointing and giggling I like your hair. Is it real? and Can I touch it?

Arriving at the bank, he walked to the cashiers desk, handed the lady a paying-out slip for 8,500 addressed to Robin Hood, and placed his imitation pistol on the counter.

The lady took the slip and said she would be back shortly. After a few minutes she failed to reappear. His confidence already dented by the jeering teenagers, Jackley lost his nerve and ran empty-handed from the bank.

Ben Machell has titled his fascinating book The Unusual Suspect for good reason. Jackley eluded any standard criminal profile, which is why, despite all his incompetence, the police took such a long time to bring him to book.

An only child, he was raised in a council house in Sidmouth, Devon. His parents first met in a psychiatric ward: his mother was a schizophrenic, his father  a vile and horrible man, according to a neighbour  was a manic depressive.

On several occasions, his mother was dragged away by police and then hospitalised, which may have inspired Stephen in his later attempts to make the police appear foolish.

Aged 14, Stephen was placed under the Child Protection Plan. Later diagnosed with Aspergers, he found school a terrible trial, never uttering a word, refusing to eat with others, and sometimes banging his head against the wall.

IT'S A FACT Since his release from jail in 2015, Stephen Jackley has been involved with the prison reform organisation Justice In Prisons. Advertisement

He hated being in the classroom, and would walk in circles, mumbling, screaming and shaking.

In Machell, he has found the most sympathetic and intelligent of biographers. Stephens Aspergers is woven into him, he writes. He cannot be separated from it. It is not the only thing about him, but it informs everything about him.

The Unusual Suspect raises important questions about our ideas of guilt, idealism and the nature of responsibility. Does Stephens Aspergers absolve him from the terror to which he subjected all those workers he held up at gunpoint?

A fellow student, Luke Twistleton, was working part-time at the Worcester branch of William Hill when Stephen placed a gun to his head. He thought he was going to die. For years afterwards, he slept for only two or three hours a night.

He only overcame his trauma when, at his wifes insistence, he signed on with a psychologist.

At the same time, Stephen now appears properly contrite at the pain and stress he caused others. After he had been captured and sentenced to 13 years in prison, he wrote a letter to Luke, explaining his actions.

It was sort of an apology, Luke told Machell. He was saying he was targeting these organisations and going after business but not thinking of the people who work there. But Im not business. Im not rolling in money. Im working there so I can pay my rent.

Machell then says that Luke issued a brittle chuckle before saying, He suggested some reading I should do so that I would better understand what he was trying to do.

The Unusual Suspect zips back and forth in time. It starts with Stephen in prison in the US, and then, within a few pages, goes back to a bank robbery in Devon, then forward to America, then forward, post-prison, to 2016, then back to Devon.

This can sometimes be confusing. But this is my only criticism. For the most part, it is a tremendously invigorating book, scrupulously researched, sympathetically told, a picaresque tale of modern life, by turns funny and sad.
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The Telegraph

The daughter of Radovan Karadzic, the former Bosnian Serb leader serving life for genocide and crimes against humanity during the 1990s Yugoslav wars, has claimed her father is living in unhealthy and uncivilised conditions in a British prison. Karadzic, 75, who was convicted in 2016, was transferred from a detention unit in Holland to a UK jail earlier this month following an agreement struck between the UN and the Home Office. But his daughter, Sonja Karadzic-Jovicevic, has complained about the conditions at her fathers new prison after speaking to him on the phone. "As for the physical condition in which he is accommodated, it is unacceptable, she told SRNA, a news agency based in the Republika Srpska, the Serb enclave of Bosnia. If we add to that the fact that he is in a building full of carcinogenic asbestos that is banned around the world, it is clear in what condition he will be in. Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic also claimed that moving her father to the UK was a deliberate act of spite against his family. "My father is in a very uncivilised situation, and as far as his family is concerned, his relocation to the south of England was deliberately made to keep him far away, outside the rules of the United Nations Resolution adopted by the Security Council, she said. It will be very difficult for us physically, financially and procedurally, because of visas, and immunisation during the pandemic, and even after that, to ever go there and visit him," she continued. She added that he had been deprived of his books and his computer, and will be completely removed from his language and his culture. A spokesman for the Justice Ministry said: "UK prisons meet health and safety standards." Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic, who has a political career in Bosnia, has fought to defend her fathers name despite his brutal role in the wars as the Yugoslavian federation separated in the 1990s. Known as the Butcher of Bosnia, Karadzic went down in infamy, in particular for ordering the Srebrenica Massacre in July 1995. Some 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were rounded up by the Bosnian Serb army in and around the town of Srebrenica and then killed in the worst single massacre in Europe since the end of the Second World War. Karadzics lawyers had objected to his clients transfer to the UK, arguing that his life would be in danger owing to Muslim inmates in British prisons. They also argued that owing to possible threats to Karadzics life he would be kept in conditions resembling solitary confinement, but the UN court dismissed the objections. Given his role in the slaughter of Muslims, the experience of another Serb convicted of war crimes may also weigh upon the Karadzic family. In 2010 Radislav Krstic, a former Bosnian-Serb general, was stabbed by three Muslim prisoners while serving a sentence in Wakefield prison, in apparent retaliation for Srebrenica.
Why North Star felt it was key to keep in-person education amid COVID
The death has occurred of Beatrice (Baz) Irwin (Millar) Clarina, Limerick. Beatrice (Baz) Irwin (Millar), Clarina, Co. Limerick (and formerly of Shannon Development) on the 29th January 2021, peacefully in the loving care of the staff of Thorpe's Nursing Home, Clarina, Limerick.

Predeceased by her parents Richard and Evelyn (Limerick) and brother Peter Burton Irwin (Killarney) and sadly missed by her loving family, her sister-in-law Teresa and nieces Ciara, Niamh, Clodagh and Emir (Killarney) and their spouses, her 15 grandnephews and grandnieces, her Godchildren, Pat & Mike Reale, her extended family and many good friends and neighbours who have been so supportive for many years.

In accordance with government and HSE guidelines and in the interest of public health a private funeral service will take place for Beatrice Irwin (Millar) in St. Michael's Church of Ireland, 6, Barrington Street, Limerick V94 HK09 on Monday 1st February 2021 at 12noon, burial afterwards in Kilkeedy Graveyard, Ballybrown. If you wish to offer your condolences please click the link below. - "At Peace"

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The death has occurred of Brendan Connolly Foynes Court , formerly of Templemichael Terrace, Longford Town, Longford / Ardagh, Limerick peacefully in the kind and tender care of the staff of Sunset Lodge, St. Josephs Nursing Home Longford, surrounded by his loving family. Pre-deceased by his parents Malachy and Mary Ellen, brothers and sisters. Brendan will be sadly missed and remembered with love by his wife Elma, sons John, Kevin and Dessie, daughter Helen Richardson, daughters-in-law Lorraine, Deirdre and Diane, son-in-law Kris, adoring grandchildren Rachel, Darragh, Ava, Kyle, Caitlin and Eoin, brothers Tony and Frank, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Brendans funeral cortege will leave his residence at 10.30am on Monday (via Templemichael Terrace) to arrive at St.Mels Cathedral for Mass of the Resurrection at 11.00am, interment afterwards in Ballymacormack Cemetery.

Given the exceptional circumstances and in accordance with government guidelines and social distancing protocols and to protect everyone dear to Brendan and his family , the Mass will be restricted to 10 people only. The Mass will be streamed live, please go to www.longfordparish.com.

Those who would have liked to attend but due to current restrictions are unable to , may leave their personal messages in the condolences section below.The family very much appreciate your support and consideration at this time.

Family flowers only please donations if desired to St.Christophers Services , Longford c/o Glennon Funeral Directors or any family member. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

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The death has occurred of Bernadette (Bernie) Myles (nee Owens) Clonbealy, Newport, Tipperary / Murroe, Limerick



Myles (Nee Owens), Bernadette (Bernie), Clonbealy, Newport, Co. Tipperary and Glenstal, Murroe, Co. Limerick. 30th January 2021, peacefully in the kind care of Milford Care Centre. Dearly loved mother of Geraldine (Weston) (Myles) and the late Kevan (Myles). Sadly missed by her loving daughter Geraldine, son in law John, daughter in law Ingrid, brothers Harry, Jim and John, sister Bridgid, sister in law Biddy (Owens), grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbours, relatives and friends.

Arrival on Tuesday 2nd February at the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer, Newport for Requiem Mass at 11.30 a.m., which can be viewed here, burial afterwards in Rockvale Cemetery Newport. Please adhere to government guidelines regarding social distance and number of people. Sympathy cards can be sent to Meehan Funeral Directors, Newport, Co. Tipperary.

House Private please, Donations if desired to Milford Care Centre. Rest in Peace

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The death has occurred of Flora NUGENT (nee Freeney) Castletroy, Limerick. Flora passed away peacefully in the loving care of the staff of The Park Nursing Home, Castletroy. Dearest Mother of Georgina, Gerard, Deirdre & Richard (Deirdre & Richard now sadly deceased), widow of Richard (Dick) Nugent. She will be sadly missed by her sisters Maureen and Nelly, brother Tommy, sisters-in-law Martha and Lily, daughter-in-law Maureen, beloved grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and many, many friends.

Requiem Mass, for family only, will take place in Mary Magdalene Church, Monaleen on Wednesday (February 3rd) at 12 noon and will be streamed live. (Click here to view Mass). Funeral afterwards to Shannon Crematorium.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul  Psalm 23

Messages of sympathy may be expressed through the rip.ie condolences section (below), through the death notices section of our website: www.griffinfunerals.com or by post to Griffins Funeral Home. May she Rest in Peace

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The death has occurred of Matthew DILLANE Kilmanihan East, Brosna, Kerry / Abbeyfeale, Limerick who passed away peacefully at his residence on Saturday January 30th 2021 in the presence of his family. Matthew, husband of the late Catherine (nee Donovan), is very sadly missed by his loving son Johnny, daughter-in-law Theresa, extended family, neighbours and friends.

A Private Family Funeral will take place for immediate family due to Government advice and HSE guidelines regarding public gatherings.

Funeral cortege will depart Kilmanihan East on Monday at 10.00 a.m. on route to Church of the Assumption Abbeyfeale to arrive for Requiem Mass at 11.00 a.m. Requiem Mass will then be live streamed on the following: www.churchservices.tv/abbeyfealeparish

Burial afterwards in Reilig ide Naofa Abbeyfeale.

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 Book at the bottom of this page or send Mass cards and letters of sympathy by post C/O Harnetts Funeral Home, The Square, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick. May he rest in peace.

You may also send your condolences by email to: harnettsfuneralhome@gmail.com

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The death has occurred of Michael Dore Shanagolden, Limerick. Husband of the late Nora.

Very deeply regretted by his loving sister Eithne, daughters Mary, Michelle & Laura, son Paul, sons in law Brendan, Peter & Kevin, daughter in law Candace, aunt Emer, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, extended family and a wide circle of friends.

On Monday 1st February Michael's funeral cortege will pass his residence at 10.30am for 11am Mass in Kilcolman Church followed by burial immediately afterwards in local cemetery.

In accordance with Government guidelines on public gatherings a private family funeral will take place. May he rest in peace

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To leave a message of condolences, please click here:
Britain has "no vested interest" in clinging on to Northern Ireland and should be given the opportunity to get rid of ties, according to Louis de Bernieres.

In a letter to The Times the author argued for the establishment of an "Irish federation" that would retain Stormont and allow the Irish Government to assume other responsibilities.

"There used to be very strong reasons for the Northern Irish wanting to remain British but these have all gone," wrote the Captain Corelli's Mandolin novelist.

"The Republic is no longer a corrupt and backward theocracy run by gangsters. It would initially be sensible for an Irish federation to be established, retaining Stormont, while Dublin assumes control of defence and foreign policy."

Mr de Bernieres (66), who has written 10 novels, lives in Denton in Norfolk.

He was responding to possibilities of another referendum on Scottish independence, on which he said the populations of England and Wales should be allowed to set the course of any future relationship.

He argued that many in England and Wales would be "glad to see the back of" Scotland despite acknowledging sentimental ties to the country.

"It seems to me that the constant complaining and smug grandstanding of the Nationalists, and the barely concealed Anglophobia of too many Scots, have so alienated us that we would be glad to see the back of them. It is impossible to continue to love those who no longer love us," he said.

Getting rid of the mechanism used by the Treasury to work out the level of public spending for each of the devolved administrations would benefit England and Wales, he added.

"The scrapping of the Barnett formula would leave us about 3% better off, and the two main problems would be theirs rather than ours. These are the fact that they would have to leave the sterling zone while not being in the eurozone, and that there would have to be some kind of border or tariff arrangement between us."

Scotland is poorly run in comparison with England, he claimed, and therefore there would be an opportunity to benefit from a "brain drain" further down the line.

In an article in the Irish Times last year, de Bernieres argued for the Republic to join the UK in an "Anglo-Irish economic zone" outside of the EU - something he claimed would happen "if Ireland were being strictly rational".

Writing about his support of Brexit, he said the main reason he voted for it was because of "our loss of sovereignty".

He said his parents, who were also Brexiteers, were "outraged at having endured two World Wars only to end up being subject to laws not drawn up by our own parliament".

"It was easier for continental Europeans to compromise on democracy because they do not have the advantage of being protected, as we are, by the mere fact of being an island," he added.

He again argued that the English had no reason to want to "cling on" to Northern Ireland, and said if Scotland voted for independence, how they would survive economically should not be England's problem.

"The English should shrug, and agree that it's understandable that everyone should prefer their own mess to somebody else's order, because, after all, that's how we feel ourselves," he said.

Speaking about Boris Johnson's 2019 general election voctory, de Bernieres claimed the UK "at last has a leader who exudes energy, good humour and optimism, and pulls impossible rabbits out of hats even as his detractors scoff".
A meeting between the Acting Head of Dagestan Sergei Melikov and Deputy Energy Minister of Russia Pavel Snikkars was held in Makhachkala. The parties discussed the problems and prospects for the development of electricity and gas supply in the region, the press service of the head of the region informed.

"Problems in the field of energy and gas have become threatening to people's lives," Melikov said during the meeting, citing the recent tragi events when people died as a result of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning, "AiF-Dagestan reports.
Up to 100 people gathered at People's Park Friday afternoon to protest a 16-story student housing complex UC Berkeley is planning to build on the block-square plot of land just off Telegraph Avenue.

A mix of students and old-timers rallied in an effort to save the green space that was born amid the political activism of the 1960s. They carried signs reading "Stop Predatory Capitalism" and shouted, "Whose park? People's park! Whose park? Our park."

The rally was triggered by the installation of a 10-foot-tall chain-link fence that still allows access to the park but obstructs three areas of the park to allow the university to safely conduct soil analysis as part of preparatory work for the project slated to provide housing for up to 1,200 students.

Of course we dont like the fence," said Michael Delacour, who was a leader in the original group that commandeered the university-owned land as a free public park in 1969. "Basically its the first time in the 50 some years where they [UC Berkeley] have gotten this far where theyre investigating the land. Hopefully, they wont be able to build a 17-story building. Theres probably a river bed under the land. That will probably stop them."

Lisa Teague, who joined the Friday protest and objects to the housing project, said the fence is problematic because it blocks the driveway.

"It's the driveway folks used to bring food to the encampment," said Teague, referring to the people without housing who have pitched tents in the park. "It creates a barrier to those who are trying to bring food to the food insecure."

This isn't the first time a fence has been a symbol in a battle over land use between protestors and the university. In 1969, UC Berkeley surrounded the park with a fence in an attempt to reclaim its land that the community had appropriated and turned into a gathering place and park with trees and flowers. The situation escalated into "Blood Thursday," when a clash between demonstrators and police left one person dead and several injured.

Margaret Cullen / Special to SFGATE

The university said in a statement the fencing was installed temporarily, Jan. 19-Feb. 16, to protect the public as engineers obtained soil samples, which involves drilling and boring into the ground.

"Public safety is our primary concern," according to the statement from Capital Strategies at UC Berkeley. "Once samples are collected, temporarily closed areas of the park will reopen. At no time will the entire park be closed."

Located in the center of the Bay Area's high-priced and famously tight real estate market, UC Berkeley has long faced a housing shortage and according to a 2017 survey it "has the lowest percentage of beds for its student body of any campus in the UC System." The survey also found that 10% of respondents self identified as having experienced homelessness at some point while attending UC Berkeley.

In addition to student housing, the Peoples Park housing complex would provide up to 125 apartments offering supportive housing with onsite services for homeless people and low-income residents as well as open landscaped areas

The project is in the early stages with the building design being finalized while the environmental analysis is completed, according to Kyle Gibson, a spokesperson for Capital Strategies.

"The project will be considered for approval by the UC Regents later this year," Gibson wrote in an email. "Construction is not anticipated to begin until 2022."

Margaret Cullen / Special to SFGATE

The rally took a dramatic turn after about an hour when protestors tore down the fence and carried pieces to Sproul Plaza, a center of activity on the UC Berkeley campus that was the site of many Free Speech movement protests in the 1960s.

On Friday evening, the fencing was piled up on the steps of Sproul Hall, which houses the university's administration, and marked with a banner reading "Students for People's Park."

Delacour understands the need for student housing, but his group feels the university should build in another location and preserve the city landmark and long-time gathering place.

"I see it as the start of a lot of mobilization to gather forces, basically trying to convince the university to try to not oppose the community as a whole when there are other places to build," he said.
NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Juan Monteverde, founder and managing partner at Monteverde & Associates PC, a national securities firm rated Top 50 in the 2018 and 2019 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report and headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City, is investigating Perspecta, Inc. ("PRSP" or the "Company") (PRSP) relating to its proposed acquisition by affiliates of Peraton. Under the terms of the agreement, PRSP shareholders will receive $29.35 in cash per share they own.

The investigation focuses on whether Perspecta, Inc. and its Board of Directors violated securities laws and/or breached their fiduciary duties to the Company by 1) failing to conduct a fair process, and 2) whether and by how much this proposed transaction undervalues the Company.

Click here for more information: https://www.monteverdelaw.com/case/perspecta-inc. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

About Monteverde & Associates PC

We are a national class action securities litigation law firm that has recovered millions of dollars and is committed to protecting shareholders from corporate wrongdoing. We were listed in the Top 50 in the 2018 and 2019 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. Our lawyers have significant experience litigating Mergers & Acquisitions and Securities Class Actions. Mr. Monteverde is recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in Securities Litigation in 2013, 2017-2019, an award given to less than 2.5% of attorneys in a particular field. He has also been selected by Martindale-Hubbell as a 2017-2019 Top Rated Lawyer. Our firm's recent successes include changing the law in a significant victory that lowered the standard of liability under Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act in the Ninth Circuit. Thereafter, our firm successfully preserved this victory by obtaining dismissal of a writ of certiorari as improvidently granted at the United States Supreme Court. Emulex Corp. v. Varjabedian, 139 S. Ct. 1407 (2019). Also, in 2019 we recovered or secured six cash common funds for shareholders in mergers & acquisitions class action cases.

If you own common stock in Perspecta, Inc. and wish to obtain additional information and protect your investments free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan E. Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

Contact:

Juan E. Monteverde, Esq.

MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC

The Empire State Building

350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4405

New York, NY 10118

United States of America

[email protected]

Tel: (212) 971-1341

Attorney Advertising. (C) 2021 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC ( www.monteverdelaw.com ). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

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WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Shares of Novavax Inc. (NVAX) set a fresh record high of $235.50 on Friday as investors cheered the company's coronavirus vaccine trial results.



The company's protein-based COVID-19 vaccine candidate, NVX-CoV2373, is created using recombinant nanoparticle technology to generate antigen derived from the coronavirus spike (S) protein and is adjuvanted with Novavax' patented saponin-based Matrix-M to enhance the immune response and stimulate high levels of neutralizing antibodies.



In a phase III trial, conducted in the UK, the two-dose regimen of Novavax jab NVX-CoV2373 has been found to have an efficacy of 89.3%. The efficacy against the original COVID-19 strain is calculated to be 95.6% and 85.6% against the UK variant strain.



The vaccine has also been found to be promising against the South Africa escape variant - with an efficacy of 60% in those who are HIV negative - in a phase IIb study.



The variants of the SARS-Cov-2 virus, i.e., the mutated coronavirus, were first detected in the UK and South Africa in December 2020 and in Brazil this month. These variants of the virus have been of concern as they are found to be more infectious and seem to be spreading faster.



In the U.S., a phase III trial of NVX-CoV2373, dubbed PREVENT-19, is underway, with 16,000 participants having been enrolled so far out of the targeted enrollment of 30,000 people. The results of the PREVENT-19 trial could be revealed by March or April, reports Bloomberg quoting Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.



The UK could be the first to authorize NVX-CoV237 and the country has placed an order for 60 million doses of the vaccine.



Last March, Novavax reported encouraging results from a phase III trial of its recombinant quadrivalent flu vaccine candidate NanoFlu, in which in NanoFlu was found to outperform Sanofi's Fluzone quadrivalent.



The company is working towards advancing NanoFlu to regulatory licensure and is accelerating all activities required to file a biologics licensing application, including exploration of a combined NanoFlu/NVX-CoV2373 vaccine that could be used in a post-pandemic setting.



NVAX was trading around $9 when we alerted readers to this stock on January 21, 2020. We again reminded readers about the potential of the stock on May 12, 2020, when it was trading around $33.



The stock touched a high of $235.50 in intraday trading Friday (Jan.29, 2021), before closing at $220.94, up 64.87%.



Related Reading



Novavax (NVAX) Gains Over 46% In 5 Days, To Report Phase 3 NanoFlu Data In Q1 (https://www.rttnews.com/3061339/novavax-nvax-gains-over-46-in-5-days-to-report-phase-3-nanoflu-data-in-q1.aspx)



The Rise and Rise of Novavax (NVAX) (https://www.rttnews.com/3094956/the-rise-and-rise-of-novavax-nvax.aspx)



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Though more than a billion people worldwide still smoke cigarettes, folks who are looking to kick the habit have an ever-widening wide array of modern assistive techniques and technologies at their disposal. However, among the talk therapies and transdermal nicotine patches, no smoking cessation aid has perhaps had more of an impact in pop and mainstream culture than e-cigarettes. In Viral BS: Medical Myths and Why We Fall for Them, Dr. Seema Yasmin examines controversies surrounding the tobacco replacement technology  as well as a host of other pieces of common medical knowledge. In the excerpt below, Yasmon recalls the months of 2019 when vaping briefly took a turn for the deadly.

Johns Hopkins University

Excerpted from Viral BS: Medical Myths and Why We Fall For Them by Dr. Seema Yasmin, published by Johns Hopkins University Press. Copyright  2021. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

In the spring of 2019, young people, mostly young men in Illinois and Wisconsin, began to fall sick with a strange lung disease. They coughed, struggled to catch their breath, and some ended up on ventilators inside intensive care units. By August, a young man died of the lung disease in Illinois. Another died from the same condition in Oregon. A boy died in New York in October, becoming the first teenager to die from the mysterious disease.

Public health experts interviewed the cluster of sick men and the families of those who had died and discovered they had something in common: they smoked cigarettes. By November 2019, 2,290 people had fallen sick with the lung disease, and nearly fifty people had died across twenty-five states and the District of Columbia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention labeled the condition EVALI, or e-cigarette or vaping product useassociated lung injury.

Investigators seeking clues found that ingredients in the liquids that were being smoked in e-cigarettes could be the culprit. But this discovery sparked a massive debate. Around the world, medical experts have been in disagreement over the safety of e-cigarettes. Some doctors hail them as the best tool to help smokers give up cigarettes, while some health agencies have declared e-cigarettes responsible for creating a new generation of nicotine addicts. Englands leading public health agency, Public Health England, recommends that doctors should be allowed to prescribe e-cigarettes for smoking cessation. Some British politicians have called for e-cigarette laws to be relaxed.

The World Health Organization has argued that too little is known about the long-term effects of using e-cigarettes, that the nicotine in them is addictive, and that some flavorings in e-cigarettes can cause irritation and inflammation of the airways. In 2019, San Francisco became the first US city to ban the sale of e-cigarettes, with city officials declaring an abdication of responsibility by the Food and Drug Administration in regulating the products. In September of 2019, as the outbreak of EVALI continued to grow, the FDA conducted its own investigation and found vitamin E acetate in the cannabis vaping products of nearly every person sick with EVALI in New York. Vitamin E is safe to ingest or apply to the skin and is found in food and lotions, but it is not safe to inhale. The FDA said it was being added as a thickening agent and to possibly increase levels of THC, the main psychogenic compound in cannabis. Two months after the FDAs discovery, the CDC announced a breakthrough. It found vitamin E acetate in the lungs of twenty-nine people with EVALI.

Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, also known as vaporizers and vape pens, are battery-powered smoking devices that contain a vaporizer, which heats up the liquid in a cartridge. That liquid usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and other additives. The heating element in most e-cigarettes is activated by inhaling, while others have a manual switch.

There are two main types of e-cigarettes, open system or open tanks and closed system or closed tanks. In an open tank, the liquid that is vaporized can be manually refilled, and theres usually a removable mouthpiece. In a closed tank e-cigarette, ready-made refills are screwed directly onto the battery. Open tank e-cigarettes are the most popular type of e-cigarette.

In the United States, the FDA says theres an epidemic of vaping among teenagers and e-cigarette manufacturers arent doing enough to combat underage use of their products. Some public health experts in the United States have called e-cigarettes an emerging public health threat, quickly undoing decades of antismoking campaigning.

Why cant everyone agree? For one, e-cigarettes have only been around since 2003, when the first commercially successful e-cigarette was created by Hon Lik, a Chinese pharmacist and smoker. Its said that Lik invented the electronic cigarette after his fathera heavy smoker, like Likdied from lung cancer. Lik may have been inspired by Herbert Gilbert, who patented a smokeless, non-tobacco cigarette four decades earlier in 1965.

While the number of cigarette consumers is steadily decreasingdown from 1.14 billion in 2000 to 1.1 billion people globally, according to market research group, Euromonitorthe use of e-cigarettes is rising dramatically.

The number of e-cigarette smokers has increased fivefold in a five-year period, going up from 7 million in 2011 to 35 million in 2016, according to Euromonitor. The company predicts that 55 million people will be smoking e-cigarettes by 2021.

The industry was worth an estimated $22.6 billion globally in 2018, compared to $4.2 billion in 2013, with the United Kingdom, Japan, and the United States establishing themselves as the biggest markets for vaping products. In these three countries, e-cigarette users spent more than $16 billion on vaping products in 2016.

E-cigarettes have overtaken regular cigarettes to become the most popular tobacco product for American teenagers. One in five 18- to 24-year-olds in the United States has used an e-cigarette, according to the CDC.

Cigarettes contain thousands of compounds, at least seventy of which are known carcinogens. They also contain carbon monoxide, arsenic, and other poisons. E-cigarettes, on the other hand, contain far fewer compounds overall, perhaps hundreds of chemicals instead of the thousands found in cigarettes. The main ingredients of vaping fluid are glycerol and propylene glycol, which many say are harmless when inhaled. But employees of theaters and movie sets who use these chemicals to create mist and fog special effects, have reported breathing problems, perhaps linked to long-term exposure of propylene glycol.

In studies, some e-cigarette vapor has been found to contain very low levels of nitrosamines, which have been linked to cancer. Other studies have shown that the vapor contains toxic chemicals, including acetaldehyde and formaldehyde and some flavorings, especially cinnamon, butter, and vanilla, contain free radicals, which can damage DNA. The relative novelty of e-cigarettes means a lack of long-term safety data. For this reason, some scientists have called out politicians and public health agencies advocating for the expanded use of e-cigarettes.

In a 2018 report, Public Health England said it was plausible that e-cigarettes were responsible for the highest ever rate of people who had successfully given up smoking cigarettes in England. But theres conflicting evidence about the effectiveness of e-cigarettes as a tool for smoking cessation.

In the same report, Public Health England goes on to say that of seven meta-analyses of smoking cessation, two found a positive effect of e-cigarettes on quitting smoking, four were inconclusive, and one found a negative effect. In a 2018 study of more than 6,000 smokers, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found e-cigarettes were not useful in helping cigarette smokers kick the habit. (Cash incentives were.)

Theres a widespread belief among e-cigarette users that vaping is safe and can help with quitting regular cigarettes. In a 2016 report by Ernst & Young, with Nicoventures, a start-up of British American Tobacco, research conducted in seven European and Asian countries showed the most common reason for smoking e-cigarettes was that they were considered less harmful than regular cigarettes. Almost half of all regular users said they were using e-cigarettes to give up smoking cigarettes.

But in the United States, where e-cigarette use has increased 900 percent since 2011 among high schoolers and where nearly 6 percent of middle school students say they have smoked an e-cigarette in the last year, public health officials say vaping is introducing more young people to the idea of smoking and could lead to cigarette use.

In a 2016 report, US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, said young people are at highest risk of becoming addicted to the nicotine in e-cigarettes. Nicotine impacts brain development, which continues until people are in their mid-twenties. Nicotine can affect the prefrontal cortex, a part of the brain that is the last to mature. Studies have shown that exposure to nicotine during the teenage years increases a persons risk of developing psychiatric illnesses and attention deficit disorders.

Some scientists are worried that teens who smoke e-cigarettes are more likely to go on to smoke regular cigarettes. Scientists at the University of Hawaii found e-cigarettes promoted cigarette smoking among young people. The researchers interviewed more than 2,000 high school students in 2013 and again a year later. About a third of those students said they had tried an e-cigarette by the time they were first interviewed. A year later, students who had previously smoked e-cigarettes were about three times more likely to have tried a regular cigarette, compared with those who had not used e-cigarettes.

In Britain, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) says smokers should be given e-cigarettes to help them give up smoking regular cigarettes. In a report published in 2016, the United Kingdoms leading medical body said e-cigarettes are not a gateway to smoking and should be used as a smoking cessation aid.

In 2014, a study in Britain found that those who used e-cigarettes were 60 percent more likely to be successful in giving up cigarettes than those who went cold turkey or used nicotine patches and gum. But some experts say its too soon to tell if e-cigarettes help people quit smoking, although the evidence so far has swayed the RCP and Public Health England. E-cigarettes have now outpaced nicotine gum and patches to become the most popular tool for smoking cessation in Britain.

The FDA has not licensed e-cigarettes as a tool for smoking cessation. In fact, the agency offers a warning about the risks posed by e-cigarettes. In 2009, the FDA analyzed the liquid contents in two leading brands of e-cigarettes. It found them to contain chemicals that can cause cancer, including nitrosamines, and a toxic chemical found in antifreeze.

In 2018, the FDA found prescription medications inside vaping fluid. Erectile dysfunction drugs, Viagra and Cialis, which should be available only with a prescription, were discovered inside e-cigarette liquids made by the Chinese e-cigarette maker, HelloCig Electronic Technology. The medicines could dangerously lower blood pressure, the agency said.

Theres also a threat of injury when the battery inside an e-cigarette overheats. More than two dozen people were injured by exploding e-cigarettes from 2009 to 2014, according to the US Fire Administration. Doctors say those injured suffer flame burns, chemical burns, and blast injuries.

Public health experts continue to disagree about the safety of e-cigarettes, leaving the more than 35 million people who use them in the middle of a heated debate. They may be healthier than smoking cigarettes, but that doesnt mean they are harmless.

By February 2020, the outbreak of EVALI had spread to every state in the United States, and the CDC said it would officially count only those people who were sick enough to be hospitalized with EVALI or die from the disease. By that count, the CDC reported nearly 3,000 people who had been hospitalized and sixty-eight deaths. But federal authorities have been slow to regulate the products; in fact it was only in 2016 that the FDA was given regulatory powers over e-cigarettes. In the absence of federal leadership, the United States has a patchwork of vaping regulations that vary massively by state, leaving individual consumers to figure out what is safe and what is not.
Poland has experienced a second wave of protests against the countrys almost total ban on abortion.

Led by a womens rights group, Womens Strike, people poured on to the streets of Warsaw, where they demonstrated in front of the court, and in other cities and towns.

In Warsaw the atmosphere was tense, and police detained three people who they said had invaded the territory of the Constitutional Tribunal. Womens Strike insisted five people had been detained, including one of its leaders, Klementyna Suchanow.

Protesters insist women should have the right to make decisions about their own bodies. One banner in Rzeszow stated that an abortion ban is discrimination against the poorest, because poorer women will not be able to travel abroad for abortions, as Polish women who can afford to already do.

I wanted to have more children, you killed this desire, read a banner held by one woman among the demonstrators in Warsaw. Some women said that if they are denied the right to terminate pregnancies in cases of badly deformed fetuses, they would not try to have children at all.

Polands top human rights official denounced the further restriction of what was already one of the most restrictive abortion laws in Europe, calling it a tragedy for women.

The state wants to further limit their rights, risk their lives, and condemn them to torture, said Adam Bodnar, the human rights commissioner , whose role is independent from the Polish government. This offensive is opposed by civil society.




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Three kidnap victims in Edo State on Saturday recalled how they were made to trek non-stop for three days in a forest by armed herdsmen who abducted them.

The victims, who identified themselves as Maryam Ighodaro, Richie Ihensekhien, and Racheal Obadoni, told PREMIUM TIMES they were kidnapped on January 23, 2021, while travelling to Ujogba in Esan West local government area of the state to attend a funeral ceremony.

They said after the bitter experiences, they ended up paying N7.5m as ransom before they were released by the herders.

Narrating their ordeal, Mr Ihensekhien, who was the vehicles driver at the time of the incident, said they decided to drive through lsi-Ugieghudu road in Uhunmwode local government area of Edo state for easy access to Ujogba.

He said they had just passed a police checkpoint when he suddenly heard gunshots. A few seconds later, some armed men pointed guns into his car, he said.

Mr Ihensekhien said he attempted to reverse the vehicle to escape but other armed men behind him immediately opened fire.

Having been forced to a halt, Mr Ihensekhien said the bandits quickly advanced towards the three of them in the car and kidnapped them into the forest where they spent five days in captivity.

Speaking further, he said, Out of the five days we spent in the forest, the five Fulani herdsmen, which also have two Southerners, made us walk inside the forest non-stop for three days.

He said they walked through streams, rivers, valleys, and hills amid wild animals in the bush including reptiles like snakes.

Mr Ihensekhien said, The forest was like a no mans land for the kidnappers as they operate freely unhindered.

Another victim, Ms Ighodaro, said their abductors only gave them dirty water to drink for the days they were taken captive without any food.

Life was almost becoming miserable and frustrating as we were tired and stressed out in the forest from the three days non-stop trekking, she said.

Ms Ighodaro disclosed that those who kidnapped them nominated a spokesman, who said he graduated from one of the universities in the southern part of Nigeria, to negotiate a ransom.

She said N7.5 million was later given to the kidnappers as ransom.

We were set free after collecting the ransom. We do not wish our ordeals for their worst enemies. We saw hell as we have to start begging our family members to quickly send money after they threatened to kill the three of us if ransom did not come the next day, she added.

The victims, however, called for intensive security patrols including stop-and-search operation on most roads in Edo State.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Chidi Nwabuzor, did not respond to calls seeking comment from him.
Foreign Secretaries of India and Bangladesh on Friday carried out a comprehensive review of the overall bilateral ties and held discussions on preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Dhaka in March. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said both sides reviewed progress in the bilateral relationship, including in the areas of defence and security, border management, trade, connectivity, power, energy and cooperation in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen arrived here on Thursday on a three-day visit, primarily to prepare ground for Modi's upcoming visit to Dhaka. In the talks held under the framework of India-Bangladesh foreign office consultations, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and Momen agreed to maintain the steady momentum of bilateral cooperation and people-to-people ties.

"Both sides held a comprehensive review of the progress achieved in the bilateral relationship, including in the areas of COVID-19 cooperation, trade, connectivity, development partnership, power, energy and water resources, regional and multilateral cooperation as well as border management and security and defence cooperation," the MEA said in a statement. At a virtual summit with his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina last month, Modi described the neighbouring country as a "key pillar" of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

It said the discussion also focussed on preparations for the forthcoming visit of Modi to Dhaka and events relating to the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. "Both sides also agreed to hold the next home secretary-level talks, commerce secretary-level talks and the secretary-level meeting of joint rivers commission before the March summit," the MEA said.

It said both sides noted with appreciation the close cooperation on the coronavirus-related issues, including India's gift of two million doses of Covishield vaccine to Bangladesh in keeping with its 'Neighbourhood First' policy. "It was also agreed to maintain the steady momentum of bilateral cooperation and people-to-people ties. In this regard, both sides noted with satisfaction the renewal of the air travel bubble arrangement that will facilitate essential travel between the two sides," it added.

In the meeting, the two countries underscored the importance of the year 2021 in the context of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Bangladesh, the 50th year of bilateral diplomatic ties as well as the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Around 93,000 Pakistani troops had surrendered before the joint forces of the Indian Army and the "Mukti Bahini" on December 16, 1971 that led to the birth of Bangladesh.

The MEA said both sides decided to further strengthen the ongoing coordination to jointly commemorate these anniversaries. In this context, both sides expressed appreciation for the participation of the Bangladesh tri-services contingent at the Republic Day Parade here.

"Both sides noted the significance of this event in reminding present generations in both countries about the struggle and sacrifices of Indian and Bangladesh forces and peoples during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War," the MEA said. The Bangladesh foreign secretary was accompanied by Bangladesh High Commissioner Mohammad Imran, Secretary (East) Mashfee Shams and representatives from the ministries of foreign affairs, commerce and water resources of Bangladesh.

The Indian delegation consisted of representatives from the ministries of external affairs, home affairs, commerce and industry, Jal Shakti and finance.
According to writer Yashaswini Chandra, the book demanded interdisciplinary research and a layered account due to its premise concerning 'the historical presence of the horse across Indian culture and society'.

Yashaswini Chandra is a historian who loves horses. When she set out to write her first book, The Tale of the Horse: A History of India on Horseback, she wanted to go beyond a utilitarian outlook by which horses are viewed simply as a commodity in trade or a creature of war. It was important for her to be conscious of the sentience of horses, as animals capable of a range of feelings and inspiring feelings in the humans they have been associated with. The book was published in January 2021 by Picador India.

Chandra has a PhD in History of Art from School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. She has worked for Sahapedia  an open online resource on the arts, cultures and heritage of India  managing the multi-volume documentation of the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi, and an institutional collaboration with Rupayan Sansthan in Jodhpur. She draws on this training to mount a work of non-fiction, which is not only an equestrian history but also a saga of painters, princesses, polo players and politicians whose lives were intimately connected with horses.

In an interview with Firstpost, Chandra talks about life with horses and her book that evolved from it.

What is your earliest memory of getting to know a horse? How did that feel? In what way do horses continue to be a part of your life?

I think I was five or six when I first sat on a horse after my mother hired a horse owner to teach me to ride  although he only ever took me on joyrides, and I do remember my first impression of a horse at that age was that it is huge! I ride and horses are a big part of my life. Theres nothing more uplifting than a good ride or nothing compares to a bond with a horse.

Could you talk a little about your relationship with Sue? For how long have you known each other? What kind of support did Sue offer while you were completing this book during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Not being able to see my horse Sue, or ride for two months, was easily the worst deprivation of lockdown for me, and I had a rather emotional reunion with her after it was lifted. Whenever I dont see her for a while, she makes her displeasure known and has a bit of a go at me. But, in this case, she seemed to understand and was obviously as happy to see me. For long now, riding has been my main escape. It was especially so through the writing of the book and the pandemic when Sues companionship was my mainstay. Im happiest at the stables and all my worries fade away when Im with her  nothing else matters during that time and that is a gift.

How did you combine your love for horses and your academic training as a historian while envisioning and writing The Tale of the Horse?

It was very important to me to strike that balance. And, I must say, the form of the book came naturally. I agonised over the scope and scale of the book, over sources, but never its form. Perhaps the reason theres so little literature on the horse in India is because its difficult to imagine what a rich subject it is unless you have had some experience of horses in your own life. But, once I decided to work on a serious study, with a view on writing an animal's history, or a history through the prism of this animal, I went about the research based on my critical training.

Why was it important for you, as a historian, to engage with mythology, literature and folklore? Could you share your thought process about the choice of sources used in this book, and tell us what constitutes history for you?

I wish I were that conscious of my method! The very premise of the book, concerned with the historical presence of the horse across Indian culture and society, entailed interdisciplinary research and a layered account. I also knew that I wouldnt find the entire history of the horse that went beyond the associations with the elite horse-riding classes in their records, say, court chronicles.

I realised that I would have to read the same sources against the grain as well as cast my net wider for insights about, say, nomadic groups who were breeders and traders of horses or the low-status grooms who looked after them. Much of the history of Rajasthan, for example, including that surrounding the horse, lies in oral traditions. My fieldwork in the region and links with certain institutions in and scholars of Rajasthan made me aware of that. As a trained art historian, I was of course concerned with making the most of art-historical sources.

There is considerable osmosis and overlap between the spheres of history, mythology, literature and folklore. But there are also distinctions between them and, as long as one is conscious of those differences, they can be used to shed light on each other.

What were some of the most astonishing discoveries you made about places and personalities as you galloped into various archives?

The representations of the relationship between humans and horses in some of the stories and paintings were a revelation. Because I was imagining the horse everywhere, I was seeing a lot of material in new light. For instance, I surveyed a group of caravanserais that have survived from the Mughal period in terms of their location on horse-trading routes that connected the different parts of the empire enabling the flow of horses into and across India. Then of course, there are the usual rewards of archival research when you stumble across a cache of records that you had no idea existed  to give an example, I found these files from the colonial office of the Ajmer commissioner about Afghan horse traders and mercenaries and colonial attempts to introduce mule breeding in Rajasthan. I really felt I struck gold with them.

How were you able to stride across time periods and geographical boundaries, keeping the horse central to your narrative, and not feel bogged down by received ideas about how history ought to be written?

I struggled with that aspect of the book, dealing with those regions, periods and disciplines I didnt have a research background in. But rather than feeling bogged down by received ideas, I found my bearings in terms of the bigger picture in the existing literature in many of these cases. Thereafter, it became a matter of excavating the horse and tying together a narrative around it.

Historians dont work in isolation. They build on previous scholarship, even if they differ from it, find inspiration in those works that resonate with them, and share ideas and information  all of which went into the making of this book. Starting out, its a problem if there isnt much literature on a subject, such as the horse in India, but the advantage of a novel topic or approach is that you get to chart your own bridle path (to pay you back in kind for all the equestrian puns!).

What reined you in when you were horsing around with the research material and wondering how to shape it into a book?

For a while, I wondered how to compress a representative, if not a comprehensive, history of the horse into a doable project and a readable book. Its only gradually that I honed in on a structure, which includes a general background, an overview of the Indian scene and a case study of Rajasthan as a horse territory  the latter two in parts consisting of a number of chapters. This also lent a framework to my research.

Is it true that you researched and developed some of the ideas in this book while teaching courses at Ashoka University? How did your interaction with the students enrich your relationship with the material you were working with?

In some ways, I took a break from the book project when I taught consecutively for two semesters at Ashoka University on the visual arts programme in 2019, because I had much less time for research and writing. But, in other ways, teaching courses on painting, and the material world of the Mughals gave me a chance to pause and refresh my knowledge of larger concepts and traditions before I sat down to write the final draft of the book. I was able to refine certain ideas and was obviously fired by the interaction with my students  that's a major reason teaching and research go well together. I remember that I took one of my classes for a field visit to Narnaul in Haryana, where we saw the tomb built by Sher Shah Suri for his grandfather, Ibrahim Khan, who was a horse trader, and I have written about the monument in the book. A couple of students provided me with stellar assistance on the book and quite a few shared references to horses, so it was great to feel supported and cheered on like that.

Historians are often saddled with the burden of making their work seem relevant to the present moment. Is this something that concerns you? When you see knowledge about the past being selectively used to perpetuate hate and violence, how do you re-examine your role as scholar and teacher?

I feel its a burden if self-consciously done. I think a scholar or writer has done well if s/he presents a balanced and nuanced picture of history and its reflections into the present. I would leave it to the imagination of the readers to make any larger connections. Of course, its disturbing and disheartening when history is manipulated and appropriated to violent ends. Its also distracting because then you keep having the same exchanges over and over again instead of moving forward as a discourse or a modern society.

Chintan Girish Modi is a writer, educator and researcher who tweets @chintan_connect
The people of Scotland have no interest in a referendum. We know this because their Prime Minister has told them so. 'I think endless talk about a referendum without any clear description of what the constitutional situation would be after that referendum is completely irrelevant now to the concerns of most people,' Boris explained as he toured the Lighthouse Laboratory in Glasgow on Thursday.

'We don't know what the point of it would be  what happens to the Army, what happens to the Crown, what happens to the pound, what happens to the Foreign Office. Nobody will tell us what it's all meant to be about.'

We've been here before. A British Prime Minister confidently dismissing a desire for independence as the preserve of a few out-of-touch obsessives. The argument that the whole issue is much too complicated, and that those backing it don't really understand what it is they're supporting. Then the pat on the head, and the entreaty to let the Big Boy politicians get on with the serious issues of the day.

In my view the Union is worth preserving. The economic, diplomatic, cultural and historical case for a continuing  if imperfect  constitutional settlement based on unity over separatism is sound.

The people of Scotland have no interest in a referendum. We know this because their Prime Minister has told them so. Pictured: Boris Johnson last week

But this morning one thing's clear. If they carry on as they are, those who have cast themselves as the defenders of the United Kingdom may as well tear the blue from the Union Flag now, and send it to Nicola Sturgeon to wear as a scarf during her triumphal independence parade.

How is it that Boris, Michael Gove and their lieutenants  still proudly sporting the battle-scars of Brexit  have not learned the lessons of their own successful campaign?

Why can't they see they are replicating, with almost perfect symmetry, all the mistakes made by the Remainers? The first of these is the most basic. Like it or not, the referendum is going to happen. And the longer it's delayed, and the longer politicians in Westminster are seen to be trying to delay it, the more certain it is it will be lost. You can't spend years  as Britain's EU champions did  shoving a gag into people's mouths, then expect their first words when you finally take it out to be 'thank you'.

Another glaring failure is the inability to recognise the debate surrounding Scottish independence  just like the Brexit debate  is not actually the preserve of an entitled political elite. Those who oppose a referendum are currently acting as if they are discussing Scotland's future within the rarefied confines of the Carlton Club.

If they carry on as they are, those who have cast themselves as the defenders of the United Kingdom may as well tear the blue from the Union Flag now, and send it to Nicola Sturgeon (pictured) to wear as a scarf during her triumphal independence parade

Every article, every speech, every statement is predicated in the same way  what clever constitutional trick can we, the opponents of independence, come up with to spike the SNP's guns. And they seem oblivious to the fact everyone in Scotland is witness to these machinations. More powers for Holyrood. A Constitutional Convention. Pre-negotiation of the terms of withdrawal. Each one is a fiendishly clever ruse. And each one contains the same fatal flaw. The people of Scotland know perfectly well it's a ruse. They can see it represents an attempt to guide Scottish voters by the nose to an outcome pre-determined by the panjandrums of Whitehall.

We don't need to look into the crystal ball. All we need to do is read the book. Or, in the age of populism, the Twitter feed. Once you are caught trying to stack the deck against the people, you are finished. It doesn't matter how worthy your cause. But again, the Union's protectors are unwilling, or unable, to learn that lesson.

Last week one of them was quoted in The Times describing what Boris's response should be to Nicola Sturgeon's expected victory in the upcoming Holyrood elections. 'If Nicola gets a majority Boris can't just say no. He has to say 'no, because' and that reason has to be deep,' they observed sagely.

'No, because.' That's the strategy. Boris turns his back on the Scottish people, and ignores Sturgeon's triumph at the ballot box. He then spins and turns his back on them a second time by refusing a second referendum. But he comes up with a reason for doing so which is 'deep', at which point they shrug, tug their forelocks and go happily about their business.

It's fantasy politics. Or rather, it's the politics of surrender. If the defenders of the Union believe in their case, they have to go out and make it. They have to take their arguments to the people, not keep coming up with ever more convoluted reasons for cowering from them. In the Brexit referendum, the Leavers campaigned with passion and belief. The Remainers did so half-apologetically and crippled by fear. We all know the result.

But this isn't just a matter of accepting political reality. It's also a matter of principle. Boris, Michael Gove and the supporters of Brexit were crystal clear: Brexit was to be the UK's 'Independence Day'.

As we watch the European Union attempting to establish its Covid vaccine protection racket, thank God it was. But the fact is the constitutional settlement the people of Scotland voted for in 2014 no longer exists. And they too have the right to decide if they want to take back control of their borders and their laws. Because if we deny them that right, then what precisely is it the defenders of the Union are actually defending? The act of Union is voluntary. That's what makes it work. It isn't enforced with guns, or even laws. It's maintained by the people's will.

BUT at the moment the Prime Minister seems intent on fulfilling every caricature Nicola Sturgeon seeks to paint of him. He is indeed acting like colonial potentate. 'I genuinely don't think the people of this country want to spend more time on constitutional wrangling  they had a referendum only six years ago which is not by my understanding, a generation,' he decreed last week.

Sorry Boris. But you should know better than anyone that what people don't want is lectures from politicians about what it is they want.

And that doesn't just go for the people of Scotland, it goes for the people of England as well. Portentous discussions about the need to preserve our sacred 300-year-old fraternal bonds play well within the confines of Westminster. But most people I know on the outside hardly give the issue any thought. And to the extent they do, it's expressed via a vague desire that Scotland stays, coupled with best wishes if she decides to go her separate way.

This is how the Union needs to be defended. With humility and good grace. There should be no attempt to bind Scottish hands. If the people of Scotland wish to remain in the Union we will all be the stronger for it. But if they don't, then good luck to them. Both nations will find a way to co-exist and prosper. The time has come for Boris to again follow his Brexit instincts. Trust the people. Let them have their say. Give Scotland her referendum.


Here what to do in Ocean City on rainy days
Two chieftains of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State have predicted victory for the party in the November 6 governorship poll in the state.

Speaking in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Saturday, they said the party would prove its dominance in Anambra politics during the election.

The Managing Director of Anambra Signage and Advertisement Agency, Jude Emecheta, said APGA remained a mass movement of the people with an edge over the opposition parties.

He said the party was deeply on ground because of how it has impacted on the lives of the people.

APGA is fully on ground, every local government transition committee chairman is an APGA person.

Every councillor is an APGA person. We are in every community and every home, those saying otherwise are jokers.

We are ready for the election. Since the former governor, Peter Obis era till now, APGA has maintained a strong grip on the state.

Opposition parties have formed an alliance over and over to oust our party but repeatedly they have failed.

APGA is a spirit that lives in the heart of every Anambra and Igbo man.

The party stands the best chance in the November election.

The factors that gave us all the 21 local governments in 2017 will work for us in 2021, Mr Emecheta said.

He urged the people to keep faith with APGA, saying that the party would give the state a candidate that would stand tall above other candidates in the election.

He said every member of the party would be given a fair chance to jostle for the governorship ticket.

According to him, there would be no godfather to decide anybodys fate against the wishes of the generality of members.

He said besides being a good brand and featuring the best candidate, the party also has a lot of projects to campaign with.

Projects are not just about roads. Roads are important but there are critical infrastructures that have been put in place in Anambra. We will look at them during the campaign, he said.

Also, Anthony Nchekwube, a member of the State Working Committee of APGA, said the high number of aspirants indicating interest in the partys ticket was an indication of how viable APGA is.

Mr Nchekube, who is the State Auditor of the party, said APGA would continue to be the leading party in Anambra.

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He said that the party would conduct a fair and credible party primary, which would enable the members to select the best candidate to fly the partys flag during the poll.

(NAN)
Illustration picture taken during the vaccination with the Moderna vaccine of the staff members of the CHU Tivoli at the CHU Tivoli polyclinic in Binche, Belgium, on Jan. 18, 2021. (Benoit Doppagne/Belga Mag/AFP via Getty Images)

WHO Removes Advice Against Moderna Vaccine for Pregnant Women

The World Health Organization removed its advice against administering the Moderna vaccine for the CCP virus on pregnant women, after earlier saying it did not recommend the shot.

Earlier, on Tuesday, the WHO said on its website, While pregnancy puts women at a higher risk of severe COVID-19, the use of this vaccine in pregnant women is currently not recommended, unless they are at risk of high exposure (e.g. health workers).

WHO director of immunization Kate OBrien told Reuters at the time that more data is required. There is no reason to think there could be a problem in pregnancy, we are just acknowledging the data is not there at the moment, she said.

But in the updated guidance as of late Friday, while still acknowledging that very little data is available, the WHO has removed its advice against taking the Moderna vaccine for pregnant women.

While pregnancy puts women at higher risk of severe COVID-19, very little data are available to assess vaccine safety in pregnancy. Nevertheless, based on what we know about this kind of vaccine, we dont have any specific reason to believe there will be specific risks that would outweigh the benefits of vaccination for pregnant women, the WHO now says on its website.

For this reason, those pregnant women at high risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 (e.g. health workers) or who have comorbidities which add to their risk of severe disease, may be vaccinated in consultation with their health care provider.

The WHO did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Epoch Times on what prompted the change in its Moderna vaccine advisory.

A vial with the Moderna CCP virus vaccine is displayed at the corona vaccination centre at the University hospital in Magdeburg, eastern Germany, on Jan. 22, 2021. (Ronny Hartmann/AFP via Getty Images)

While the advisory for pregnant women has changed, the WHO is still not recommending the Moderna vaccine for people who have a history of any severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine.

While vaccination is recommended for older persons due to the high risk of severe COVID-19 and death, very frail older persons with an anticipated life expectancy of less than 3 months should be individually assessed, the WHO also noted in its advisory, adding, The vaccine should not be administered to persons younger than 18 years of age pending the results of further studies.

The WHOs updated guidance is similar to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) guidance, which acknowledges that there are limited data about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, including mRNA vaccines, for pregnant women, but adds that people who are pregnant and part of a group recommended to receive the COVID-19 vaccine may choose to be vaccinated.

It said that studies are being planned for vaccines for pregnant women, but in the meantime, vaccine manufacturers Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech are monitoring people in their clinical trials who became pregnant.

Earlier in January, officials in California advised vaccine providers not to administer any doses of a batch of more than 330,000 doses that were produced by Moderna, due to a higher-than-usual number of possible allergic reactions.

A general view of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta, Ga., on Sept. 30, 2014. (Tami Chappell/Reuters)

The CDC on its website noted that there were no safety concerns demonstrated in rats that received the Moderna vaccine before or during pregnancy, and that studies for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on pregnant women are ongoing.

The CDC said of mRNA vaccines in general, mRNA vaccines do not contain the live virus that causes COVID-19 and, therefore, cannot give someone COVID-19. Additionally, mRNA vaccines do not interact with a persons DNA because the mRNA does not enter the nucleus of the cell. Cells break down the mRNA quickly.

Based on how mRNA vaccines work, experts believe they are unlikely to pose a specific risk for people who are pregnant. However, the actual risks of mRNA vaccines to the pregnant person and her fetus are unknown because these vaccines have not been studied in pregnant women.

The CDC in November 2020 found that pregnant women who contract the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus are more at risk for severe illness and death than non-pregnant women who contract the disease.

More recently, a new study funded by the National Institutes of Health released on Jan. 28 found that pregnant women who become severely or critically ill due to CCP virus are at greater risk of dying and experiencing serious pregnancy complications, which include postpartum hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and preterm birth, than pregnant women who have the CCP virus but were asymptomatic or without symptoms.

Moderna recently announced it had developed a new vaccine booster for a new South African variant of the CCP virus, the B.1.351 variant, and will advance it into a phase one study.

Republic Media Network's Senior Executive Editor Abhishek Kapoor on Saturday spoke exclusively to Dr Ron Malka, Isreal's Ambassador to India a day after an IED blast took place near the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi. "As of now, we suspect this is a terror attack targeting the Israeli embassy. The investigation is still ongoing and eventually, they will find out," he said.

'Some people might not like India-Israel friendship': Dr Ron Malka

"We (Israeli ambassadors) generally know that our enemy considers us as the target, so we are always prepared and alert. Lately, due to some incidents around the world, some of which are connected to Israel, we have raised the level of alert. Very important to mention is this attack was conducted exactly when we celebrated the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Israel," Dr Ron Malka said.

When asked whether the friendship between the two countries was the target, the Israel Ambassador said, "It is one of the options because it does not seem like a coincidence but we know that the relations between India and Israel are strengthening from day to day and there might be some people who do not like it. But all other options are also there as the investigation is still underway."

Asked whether Israel would send its investigators to probe the incident, Dr Ron Malka said, "There is always a collaboration between Israel and India in many aspects especially terrorism and counter-terrorism. We not only share values and interests but also threats. India and Israel can be a shining example of how countries can collaborate which makes us much more efficient in such situations. We trust the Indian authorities to take all action need."

READ | Bengal SP who arrested BJP workers for 'goli maaro' slogan quits; denies political entry

READ | Israeli officials may visit India to probe blast near embassy; bigger explosion suspected

IED blast near Israel Embassy in New Delhi

Meanwhile, a team of Delhi Police's Special Cell on Saturday morning visited the spot near the Israeli Embassy where an IED blast took place, officials said. The Special Cell is probing the blast that occurred on Friday evening in the heart of the national capital and collecting evidence as part of the investigation, they said.

The Delhi Police said that the improvised explosive device (IED) went off at 5.05 pm and no one was injured and there was no damage to any property. An envelope addressed to the Israeli Embassy and containing a note was found at the site of the blast, sources had said on Friday.

They said the envelope was addressed to embassy officials but did not divulge any further details including the content of the note. The blast took place when President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were present a few kilometres away at the Beating Retreat ceremony at the culmination of the Republic Day celebrations.

READ | Police recover envelope addressed to Israeli Embassy from blast site: Sources

READ | Delhi blast: Israeli foreign ministry issues statement, says 'diplomats & staff are safe'
Former Midlander Cecelia Freeman has seen many changes in the past century. Freeman, who now lives in Simpsonville, South Carolina, is turning 100 on Thursday, Feb. 4.

Freemans parents, Charles and Florida Gagne Momier, operated a 120-acre family farm in Midland County where they raised cattle and chickens as well as grew corn, beans, sugar beets, oats and barley. On Feb. 4, 1921 Dr. Hudson came to farm in a horse-drawn buggy and delivered Freeman and her twin sister, the ninth and 10th children of the Momier family. Since the twins were so small, they were wrapped in blankets, placed in bread tins and set next to the stove to keep warm.

Mom didnt even know she was having twins, we were so tiny, Freeman said.

Freeman went to school in a one-room schoolhouse in the county and the family moved into town when she started attending Midland High School. She graduated in 1939 and started work for The Dow Chemical Co. in the standards department, keeping track of payroll. She was surprised to meet a familiar face  Chester Rittenour, who was her former second grade teacher.

He was head of the payroll department at the time, Freeman said.

Cecelia married Gordon Freeman in 1956. The couple had known each other in high school and reconnected through friends. The family grew to include four children  Jim Blevins, Becky Blevins Oversmith, Amy Freeman, Gayle Freeman Greer  eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Cecelia and Gordon built their house at the corner of Meadowbrook Drive and Chatham Court in Midland where they spent many happy years raising their family.

It was a very friendly place to live, Cecelia said. It was a wonderful neighborhood and community.

The community played a large part of Cecelias life in Midland. In addition to participating in Beta Sigma Phi sorority and Elk Ells, she was an active member of Blessed Sacrament Church and taught drapery classes at Delta. Cecelia also operated a custom drapery business from her home, creating formal curtains and valances from fabric her customers provided.

She was known around town for her draperies, said Jim Belvins.

Much has changed over the decades for Cecelia. She saw how Midland increased in population due to Dows expanding business. She was fascinated by the construction of the Midland Mall a short time before she moved to Simpsonville in 2007. Another special memory was when her family bought their first car, one of the original Ford models.

I can remember it like it was yesterday, she said.
You (PM) are pursuing vendetta politics as you are yet to come to terms with BJP''s poll defeat in Bengal: CM Mamata Banerjee.to terms with BJP's poll defeat in Bengal: CM Mamata Banerjee.

I appeal to PM Modi to end political vendetta, withdraw order recalling Chief Secretary Alapan Bandopadhyay, allow him torecalling Chief Secretary Alapan Bandopadhyay, allow him to work for COVID-infected: Mamata Banerjee:

If prime minister asks me to touch his feet for welfare of Bengal people, I am ready to do that; but I should not be Bengal people, I am ready to do that; but I should not be insulted: CM Mamata Banerjee.
Johnine is an incredible lawyer and leader, and we are thrilled that she has been featured in Lawdragon, said Pamela J. Marple and Robert Mangas, co-managing shareholders of the firms Washington, D.C. office.

Johnine P. Barnes, shareholder in the Washington, D.C. Labor and Employment Practice of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP, appears on the cover of Lawdragons 15th Anniversary edition print magazine. The magazine features Barnes as one of Lawdragons 2020 500 Leading Lawyers in America and highlights her in a profile story spotlighting her career achievements and ability to help clients make the best strategic choices.

Johnine is an incredible lawyer and leader, and we are thrilled that she has been featured in Lawdragon, said Pamela J. Marple and Robert Mangas, co-managing shareholders of the firms Washington, D.C. office. Johnine not only walks the walk, she talks the talk; she is an exceptional attorney, with her finger on the pulse of employment issues and a keen awareness of putting clients first.

Barnes, who has been recognized as one of the Nations 100 Most Powerful Employment Attorneys by Human Resource Executive (2019) and as one of the 500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers by Lawdragon (2020), has wide-ranging experience litigating, including first chairing jury trials, and defending claims of harassment, retaliation, discrimination, wrongful discharge, and breach of contract. Barnes is nationally noted as recommended for her counselling and compliance practice as well. Her practice focuses on client compliance with federal and state statutes governing employment and labor laws on bet the company issues. She has counseled and represented companies ranging in size from Fortune 10 to small family businesses, government agencies, and associations. In addition to her labor and employment practice, Barnes handles non-compete agreements disputes, contract disputes, trade secret matters, and international disputes.

Greenberg Traurig Vice Chair Lori G. Cohen was also included as one of Lawdragons 2020 500 Leading Lawyers in America.

About Greenberg Traurigs Washington, D.C. Office: Home to a multidisciplinary team of lawyers and governmental affairs professionals, the members of Greenberg Traurigs Washington, D.C. office help clients of all sizes navigate the federal government. The team of lawyers and lobbyists provide strategic corporate, regulatory, and litigation assistance on Capitol Hill, in the board room and before administrative agencies, and federal and state trial and appellate courts. The D.C. offices practice areas include governmental affairs; federal procurement and government contracts; global trade and investment; corporate, securities and financial services; health care and FDA; antitrust; energy; environment; real estate and hospitality; telecommunications; international arbitration; intellectual property; public finance; and employment law. Greenberg Traurig attracts clients from an array of sectors  from federal defense to energy, telecommunications to health care  and represents them before the U.S. Congress, federal agencies and regulatory bodies, and the entire U.S. court system.

About Greenberg Traurigs Litigation Practice: Greenberg Traurigs Litigation Practice includes a team of more than 600 attorneys. The firms trial lawyers regularly appear in state and federal courts throughout the country, as well as in appellate courts and before international arbitration panels. They work closely with in-house counsel to develop a strategy that best fits a litigation cost and proficiency model appropriate to the clients unique needs and goals.

About Greenberg Traurig: 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
Its funny how life works out. If youd told 14-year-old Laoise that one day, not too far in the future, she would be spending a pandemic hunkered down on a small island off the west coast of Ireland writing introspective pop songs, she probably would have laughed at you. Today, the Galway native is on the beach beside her picturesque home enjoying the view (but not the dreary January weather, it should be noted).

Im looking at the waves coming in and out, and Im watching these gulls go back and forth. Its so nice to see the day change every day, she says, painting an idyllic picture as she sighs contentedly. Thats one thing you can feel living in a city: that its monotonous, that nothing is changing. But here, I can look out my window and see things change literally every hour, so its been quite a stark comparison. I went for a nice hike yesterday; I have my coffee sometimes down on the beach and walk along the shore while Im drinking it. Its just so... wholesome!

The now 24-year-olds decision to move from Dublin to her peaceful island retreat (she is reluctant to publicly specify which one for reasons of privacy) wasnt a complete bombshell, given that she has been visiting with her family since she was a child. In fact, its here that she made her debut as a musician, as she jokingly puts it.

I would have sang here a lot, because the pub here is where I wouldve played with my mam and dad as a kid, she recalls, laughing. So they know me as that teenager who had her little guitar  they wouldnt really look at me any differently.

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If her island neighbours knew there was a burgeoning pop star in their midst, they might think otherwise. Laoise, who trades solely on her first name because I have a very Irish surname, and people struggle with Laoise on its own is at the forefront of a new wave of Irish musicians making exciting incursions into the pop realm.

The bubbly, articulate musician grew up in the heart of Galway, just off Eyre Square, with her parents and her sister. Music was always around, thanks to her guitar- and fiddle-playing parents  but it was the trad world that she was immersed in as a youngster.

We were obviously so close to pubs and things, so I was always exposed to music, she explains. Even just walking down Shop Street, youd hear people singing and stuff. It was a really cool place to grow up, actually.

She began fiddle lessons at the age of five, having quickly given up on the tin whistle. I remember seeing a violin solo in an orchestra on TV one day and thinking, Oh, I wanna play that! and my mam and dad went, Um... OK... cool! I didnt cop that Id have to go to trad lessons, she chuckles. But Im glad I did, because it ended up being a huge inspiration, in a way, for me to start singing and writing.

It was while sitting in on trad sessions with her parents that she first realised the power and purity of the human voice. Sometimes, someone would sing a song and I just loved how the whole pub would go quiet for that, and everyone would really pay attention to the words, she says. I always thought that was so cool. So I started teaching myself guitar when I was around 15; I wouldnt let anyone hear me play or sing, though  I was so shy about it for about two years. It took me a while to have that confidence, but once I did there was no looking back. The nerves completely went away and it was all I wanted to do.

She started taking songwriting more seriously when she got a microphone and began recording songs in her bedroom with just her laptop and her guitar, uploading them to SoundCloud and quickly becoming obsessed by the practice. Yet when it came to her college choice, she was torn between her love of art and her love of music, eventually settling on the latter because I wasnt dying to get home every day after school to draw, even though I liked it  I wanted to get home to write songs.

Laoise the electro-pop star was born while studying for a degree in songwriting at Dublin music college BIMM. Apart from the shedding of her tricky surname, she says that her mononymous stage persona had a deeper reasoning. Im a serious thinker, and to have that small disconnect from me  the person that I am with my family and my friends or partner, or whoever  was really helpful in terms of being able to make decisions and not overthink things. It feels more like a project, rather than just me, she reasons.

And its given me the confidence to play around and experiment and change things. I probably wouldnt have dove so much into pop music if it wasnt for that. I know people are like, You grew up playing trad  why dont I hear that in your music? but that was a bridge to making pop music. Then when I got to college, I got a new laptop and I got [music software] Logic and I was like, Oh my God, synths! Lets use them all!

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She has been writing new material in recent months, too, on her island retreat, where she lives with her partner and creative collaborator, Sean Behan. Two songs, Gravy and To-Do, attest to both the light-hearted romanticism and the soul-searching nature of her oeuvre.

My parents are here, and I was lucky to find a really nice spot to move down to with Sean, she explains of their decision to relocate. We were in Dublin and sick of it; I was actually gonna move to London in March, before all this happened. When that didnt happen, I still had that kind of whatever-ness about what I was doing, so I said, Cmon, lets just go somewhere else. This just happened to fall into place really well. Im really enjoying it. Its just such a lovely place  its just so quiet.

Her decision to return has been healing on a deeper level, too. Laoise has been very open about her decision to pursue therapy over the past year, and discusses her mental health with a refreshing frankness. That candour has made its way into her music, too, particularly last years laid-back, impossibly addictive single Healthy.

Its not necessarily that I needed [therapy], but I really wanted it; I really wanted to rejig my path and how I was looking at things, she says. Coming back here to the island to examine or compare myself now to how I was 10 years ago... I was not in a good place when I was 14. I was actually quite suicidal  ideation, more so. But there was a lot of things like that, so its been so nice to come here and it feels like a little reset button on how I want to approach life. Theres a lot to take in, even though its been so quiet, but I think thats why. The quietness gives you that.

I find it quite easy to speak about things; Im pretty chill about it and I dont mind talking about mental health, and Im probably that person wholl somehow end up in the corner at a party with someone having a therapy session, she adds, laughing. But therapy has been great in terms of shifting or adding new perspectives to my life, acknowledging that I am not my thoughts and taking myself out of that, and writing different songs that will somehow achieve that sort of conclusion.

She acknowledges that removing herself from the hustle and bustle of city life for a remote outpost  particularly as a young, up-and-coming star of the music scene  might seem strange to some people.

But I dont go to clubs! she protests, laughing. Im not really much of a go-outer. I mean, a big night out for me would be going to The Workmans and staying there till 1 or 2am.

Im much more into going to someones house and having a cheeseboard; I dont know why I just turned into a 40-year-old the second I turned 20! I dont try to deny myself that, but it is kind of confusing, because there are times where Im like, Youre 24! What are you doing? Youre wasting your youth  youre going to look back on this and realise you had no fun! and whatever else.

But I try to go to a party, or I try to go out, and I just think, Im hungry! I want a slice of pizza and a taxi home. Sometimes I do get those FOMO moments where I think, Oh my God, what are you doing? but I think just trusting myself is something Ive had to learn this past year, and thats actually been very comforting.

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Covid may have put the stoppers on her planned move to London but she now sees it as a blessing in disguise. Taking some time to regroup and plan her next move has come at a welcome moment, and she managed to release two stellar singles against the odds in 2020, as well as participate in the Irish Women in Harmony project.

Now Im glad I didnt make that move, because I think the city would have swallowed me whole, she admits. Im actually really lucky because Id decided in February last year not to do festivals and to take a little moment, because I was kind of just burned out. Id literally just finished college and got my degree the previous November, and I was writing my thesis at the same time I was releasing the Mad EP, she says. I was doing a lot. So luckily, when everything started to close down, I didnt have so much to grieve, in that sense. But London is definitely something Im going to do in the future  for a while, at least.

For the time being, her ambition for this year is quite simple. I wanna go on holidays! she exclaims, laughing. No, but the dream would be to build up a team of people who understand what Im getting at and what Im doing, and to be really excited and passionate about it.

To go out on amazing tours and see real people for the first time in ages... and make some sort of a record that Im really proud of. To really feel like I have a purpose that Im loving. Thats the main thing, I guess.

The bubbly twenty-something ends on an empowering note before escaping the blustery wind and heading back to her cosy cottage for shelter. There is one piece of advice that she would give her troubled, lost 14-year-old self, who was struggling to cope.

Well, I would definitely say that life isnt like the movies, she says, echoing the theme of her recent single Movies. Then she sighs. Its quite difficult when youre that age: your school, your home and your friends are your bubble, and its so hard to see beyond that.

I realised in the past two or three years that my empathy has really developed  because thats what happens when you come into your early twenties. And I didnt have that before. So I think Id just say, Hang on. Its going to change. Oh  and keep running towards the music, because its your safety net.

Laoises new single Gravy is out everywhere now and her EP Healthy is out February 26

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(Alliance News) - The UK government has warned the EU it is considering action after the bloc imposed export controls on coronavirus vaccines and impinged on the post-Brexit deal on Northern Ireland.

Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove spoke to the EU on Friday to express concern at its triggering of an aspect of the Northern Ireland Protocol to stop the unimpeded flow of jabs from the bloc into the region.

Downing Street warned the EU "as a friend and ally" not to disrupt the supply of vaccines, as the bloc took the surprise step while embroiled in a row with pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca PLC over shortfalls in the delivery of jabs.

Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster described Brussels' move as an "incredible act of hostility" that places a "hard border" between the region and the Republic of Ireland.

She demanded a "robust response" from the UK government and spoke with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Gove as the EU provoked widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum by triggering Article 16 of the protocol.

Gove, the chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, or CDL, spoke to his counterpart on the EU-UK Joint Committee, Maros Sefcovic, to "express the UK's concern over a lack of notification from the EU about its actions in relation to the NI protocol".

"CDL said the UK would now be carefully considering next steps," a statement from Downing Street added.

No 10 added that it was "urgently seeking an explanation" from the EU and "assurances as to its intentions", as the government reiterated the need to preserve the commitments of the Good Friday Agreement.

"The UK has legally-binding agreements with vaccine suppliers and it would not expect the EU, as a friend and ally, to do anything to disrupt the fulfilment of these contracts," a statement added.

The protocol, which is part of the Withdrawal Agreement, is designed to allow the free movement of goods from the EU into Northern Ireland, and prevent the need for a hard border on the island of Ireland.

But triggering Article 16 temporarily places export controls on the movement of vaccines, a move taken by the EU to prevent the region being used as a back door to move coronavirus vaccines from the bloc into the UK.

The European Commission's new regulation states: "This is justified as a safeguard measure pursuant to Article 16 of that protocol in order to avert serious societal difficulties due to a lack of supply threatening to disturb the orderly implementation of the vaccination campaigns in the member states."

It was not immediately clear what steps the government was considering, but Culture Minister Caroline Dinenage did not rule out the UK invoking Article 16 in retaliation.

"The stakes are really high and everybody needs to keep their heads about them," she said on BBC Radio 4's Any Questions?, as she assured "we're very confident in our supplies".

Archbishop of Canterbury the Justin Welby urged the EU to rethink its actions.

"Seeking to control the export of vaccines undercuts the EU's basic ethics. They need to work together with others," he tweeted.

Ireland's Premier Micheal Martin expressed his concerns to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Foster said: "At the first opportunity, the EU has placed a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland over the supply chain of the coronavirus vaccine."

Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Louise Haigh said the EU's move is "deeply destabilising" and urged the EU to "revoke this action".

"Unilateral actions like this do nothing to aid the stability in Northern Ireland which the protocol was designed to preserve," the Labour MP said.

Simon Hoare, chaor of the Commons Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, said it was "unconscionable folly" for the EU to escalate its vaccines row by triggering the protocol, adding: "We need calm, stability and level-headedness."

Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis said the region receives its vaccines as part of UK procurement.

But preventing vaccines made with the EU from being exported could hinder the UK's access to further supplies, particularly to the Belgian-made Pfizer Inc jab.

Brussels has also demanded doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured in British plants in order to solve its supply shortage issues, as member states were forced to pause or delay their rollouts.

The EU's "vaccine export transparency mechanism" will be used until the end of March to control vaccine shipments to nations outside the bloc.

It seeks to ensure that any exporting company based in the EU first submits its plans to national authorities.

European Commission Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis told a Brussels press conference: "Today the commission has adopted an implementing regulation making the export of certain products subject to an export authorisation.

"This regulation concerns the transparency and export of Covid-19 vaccines."

The UK was not named among countries exempted from the new measures.

Meanwhile, AstraZeneca published a redacted version of its contract with the EU, which the bloc said was important for "accountability".

The contract mentions that the firm would use "best reasonable efforts" to use European plants, including two in the UK, as production sites for vaccines destined for the EU.

The row intensified as the European Medicines Agency authorised the AstraZeneca jab, which it developed with Oxford University, for all adults throughout the EU.

German authorities had earlier said there was "not sufficient data to assess the vaccination effectiveness from 65 years" in only recommending its use on younger citizens.

But the EMA said that while there is not yet enough data from those aged over 55, protection is expected, and ruled that the jab can be used in older adults.

Oxford Vaccine Group Director Andrew Pollard said "there's no reason to be concerned" about using the vaccine on older citizens.

"We're quite confident because the immune responses are so similar that we will see immune responses in the same way as we have in younger adults," he said.

source: PA

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Stocks Slide in Worst Week Since October This briefing has ended. Follow our latest coverage of markets, business and the economy.

Markets drop to end a volatile week dominated by meme stocks trading. For weeks, as the stock market regularly climbed to records, investors wondered what it would take to snap Wall Street out of its blissful state. The resurgent pandemic certainly wasnt doing it. Even an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol wasnt alarming enough to end the rally. GameStop, though? On Friday, the S&P 500 fell more than 1.9 percent, capping a stretch of volatile trading that left the index down more than 3 percent for the week  its worst week since late October. The selling came as Wall Street was consumed by the antics of a group of day traders who have been bidding up a handful of stocks  notably the ailing video game retailer GameStop  and forcing losses on big hedge funds. The traders appear to be mostly small investors who are focused only on a handful of stocks. But they have emerged as a new risk factor for large firms that had bet against those companies with what are known as short sales. Short sellers lose money when a companys shares rise, and the losses are potentially limitless. GameStops shares gained 400 percent this week and over 1,600 percent this month. Short sellers who had bet against the stock are facing losses of as much as $19 billion in January, according to estimates from Ortex, a market data firm. Another target, AMC Entertainment, gained about 280 percent this week. For the rest of Wall Street, the worry is that the hedge funds will have to sell shares of other companies to cover their losses on GameStop and AMC  forced liquidation. That selling was a factor in the stock markets 2.6 percent drop on Wednesday, the S&P 500s worst daily decline in three months, Mark Haefele, the chief investment officer at UBS Global Wealth Management, wrote in a note to clients on Friday. It isnt just GameStop thats giving investors a reason to sell. Theyre also concerned about the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine as countries begin to clamp down on supplies or warn of shortages. On Friday, the European Union announced plans to effectively halt any attempt by AstraZeneca to move vaccine doses manufactured in the bloc to other countries unless it first meets its supply obligations to the blocs 27 member states. Earlier in the week, Spain said it would have to partly suspend immunizations for lack of doses. The trading Friday reflected some of these concerns. Shares of companies that are sensitive to concerns about the pandemic  including Norwegian Cruise Line, Delta Air Lines and the shopping mall owner Kimco Realty  were among the worst performers on the S&P 500. But the conversation of the week focused on GameStop. And although the Securities and Exchange Commission and several lawmakers have said theyre watching the situation, its not yet clear how it will be addressed. The battle over GameStop is far from over, but there have been huge casualties, Edward Moya, a senior market analyst at the trading firm OANDA, wrote in a note to clients on Friday. A solution for this entire market dislocation will take time, and that could suggest this insane trading will continue a little while longer. The new focus on the markets disconnect from fundamentals has come after stocks rallied more than 16 percent in 2020 despite the decimation of the economy and the human toll of the coronavirus pandemic. Many investors were already starting to raise concerns about the potential that financial markets had risen far too quickly after the Federal Reserve and lawmakers in Washington took unprecedented steps to shore up the economy and financial markets and as investors anticipated even more spending under a unified Democratic government.



To some investors, the weeks turmoil served only as a distraction from those positives. Even as stocks fell this week, several large companies, including Microsoft, Apple and Facebook, reported profit and sales growth. The selling Friday came even after Johnson & Johnson said that its one-dose coronavirus vaccine provided strong protection against Covid-19. Mr. Haefele of UBS said he expected the attention will likely shift back to earnings, stimulus, and the vaccine rollout, and that when it does, stock markets will return to their gains. Mohammed Hadi and

OSHA takes its first steps under Biden to tighten Covid-19 safety practices at work. A protest outside the Denver office of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration last year after hundreds of workers at a Colorado meatpacking plant developed Covid-19, six fatally. Credit... David Zalubowski/Associated Press The federal occupational safety agency on Friday posted new guidance for employers on reducing the spread of Covid-19 in the workplace, just over one week after President Biden signed an executive order directing it to do so. The move by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, part of the Labor Department, includes only recommendations, not requirements. But the agency said it was exploring a rule mandating certain protective measures. The agency declined to issue such a rule, known as an emergency temporary standard, during the Trump administration. But Mr. Biden indicated support for a standard during the campaign. The new guidance makes fewer distinctions than the Trump administrations version based on the exposure risk of different workers. Everyone should be protected, not some more protected than others, Ann Rosenthal, a senior adviser to the agency, said on a video call with reporters. The document issued on Friday also uses less equivocal language than the agency did under President Donald J. Trump. For example, it says the most effective prevention programs ensure that absence policies are nonpunitive. During the Trump administration, the agency advised employers to ensure that sick leave policies are flexible and consistent with public health guidance. Meatpacking and meat processing have been a particular source of concern, accounting for an outsized portion of Covid-19 infections nationally. In late December, a state judge in California issued a temporary restraining order in a lawsuit involving workers at a local poultry plant, requiring a variety of safety protocols such as providing masks and requiring workers to wear them, as well as face shields, where social distancing isnt possible. The court announced Friday that it would issue a preliminary injunction to the same effect, giving workers an ongoing ability to force compliance if the company backs off the protocols. It cited evidence submitted by the plaintiffs that regulatory agencies are overwhelmed by the issues raised by the Covid-19 pandemic and are unable to inspect with the same regularity as was the practice prior to the pandemic.

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A West Virginia newspaper company is suing Google and Facebook over online ads. Google has come under increasing scrutiny for its dominance in the digital ad market. Credit... Elijah Nouvelage/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images The owner of The Charleston Gazette-Mail and other West Virginia news publications filed a lawsuit in federal court on Friday against Google and Facebook, accusing the companies of profiting from anticompetitive and monopolistic practices that have damaged the newspaper business. The publisher, HD Media, said the lawsuit was the first of its kind to be filed by a newspaper company. The suit is focused on the centrality of Google to the online advertising market, as well as an agreement between Google and Facebook that is the center of an antitrust lawsuit brought by 10 state attorneys general. It is estimated the two tech companies together accounted for more than half of all digital advertising spending in 2019. Google and Facebook have monopolized the digital advertising market, thereby strangling a primary source of revenue for newspapers across the country, HD Media said in the suit, filed in U.S. District Court of the Southern District of West Virginia. There is no longer a competitive market in which newspapers can fairly compete for online advertising revenue, the suit continued. The rise of digital media has led to sharp drops in revenue for many newspaper companies, which once depended on print ads and print subscriptions to stay in business. More than one in four American newspapers shut down between 2004 and 2018, and tens of thousands of newsroom jobs have disappeared. In addition to The Gazette-Mail, which in 2018 won a Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting, papers owned by HD Media include The Herald-Dispatch and The Logan Banner. We invite every other newspaper in America to join this cause, Doug Reynolds, the managing partner of HD Media, said in a statement on Friday. We are fighting not only for the future of the press but also the preservation of our democracy. Tech companies have come under new scrutiny in recent months. In October, the Justice Department filed suit against Google, accusing the company of illegally protecting its monopoly over internet search and the digital advertising market. In two lawsuits filed in December, dozens of states accused Google of abusing its dominance of the online ad business and thwarting competitors in search. Last month, the lyric-annotation company Genius Media and two left-wing magazines, The Nation and The Progressive, filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google  as well as its parent company, Alphabet, and a sibling company, YouTube  citing what the suit called anticompetitive conduct in the digital ad market. Google referred a request for comment to a statement the company issued this month in response to a separate complaint. In the statement, the company said its ad business helps websites and apps make money and fund high-quality content. Facebook did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Robinhood is balancing financial stress against customer anger, and the S.E.C. is watching. Increased trading has forced Robinhood to seek additional funding. Credit... Amy Lombard for The New York Times Robinhood raised $1 billion from investors on Thursday to help it cover cash demands during the weeks stock trading frenzy. But the online brokerage, the venue of choice for small investors during the mania for shares in GameStop, AMC Entertainment and others, must still confront feelings of betrayal from its loyal customers and questions about its business model, the DealBook newsletter writes. In imposing trading limits on hugely popular stocks yesterday because of financial requirements from a central Wall Street trading hub, Robinhood alienated some of its core customers. (Small groups of them gathered to protest outside the New York Stock Exchange and Robinhoods headquarters in Menlo Park, Calif.) That sense of abandonment  that the brokerage had chosen to protect Wall Street institutions at risk of losing money over small investors making it  may be harder to address than annoyance over technical outages, like those that bedeviled the platform last year. Meanwhile, Robinhoods business model of no-fee trading is under renewed pressure. The company turned to existing investors and bank credit lines for cash because it cannot raise money by charging customers more. It benefits from more trading  but more trading also means it needs more capital to hold against its users trades, especially when volatility makes its partners in settling trades more risk averse. Becoming a publicly listed company, able to more easily sell stock and raise debt, would help, but future trading frenzies could lead to more demands for cash. Washington also sees cause for concern. The Securities and Exchange Commission said on Friday that it would review action that may disadvantage investors or otherwise unduly inhibit their ability to trade certain securities. Lawmakers in the House and Senate have pledged to hold hearings into the inner plumbing of Wall Street trading, and could perhaps require brokerages to post higher margin requirements to prevent similar runs. That could make trading costlier for users, turning some off to the whole business.

The Texas attorney general will investigate brokers decisions to limit GameStop trades. Ken Paxton, the Texas attorney general. Credit... Al Drago for The New York Times The attorney general of Texas, Ken Paxton, said on Friday that he would begin an investigation into brokerages that limited the buying of the kinds of securities that spurred an enormous rally in the shares of GameStop earlier this week. He accused the brokerages of coordinating with hedge funds, who stood to lose billions if the stock kept climbing, and Discord, a messaging platform that took down a forum where traders were discussing the trades. It stinks of corruption, he said in a statement. Wall Street corporations cannot limit public access to the free market, nor should they censor discussion surrounding it, particularly for their own benefit, Mr. Paxton said. The New York State attorney general, Letitia James, said on Thursday that she was also reviewing complaints about the trading app Robinhood, which is popular among the band of traders who pushed the stocks price up 1,600 percent this month. Mr. Paxton issued civil investigative demands to 13 entities, including Discord, Robinhood, the trading platforms Interactive Brokers and TD Ameritrade, and the hedge fund Citadel Financial. Several brokerages limited how customers could trade securities this week amid wild swings in the stock prices of GameStop, AMC Entertainment and others. The restrictions ranged from limiting the ability to borrow money to buy shares to only allowing traders to liquidate their positions in the companies. Robinhood removed barriers to some of those trades on Friday and said it had raised $1 billion to help ensure it had enough money to cover the transactions.

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GameStop stock surges after trading restrictions are lifted. Credit... Gabriela Bhaskar for The New York Times GameStop shares surged on Friday, the latest turn in a week of wild price swings in companies that have been bid up in a frenzy of activity by small investors. This week, shares in GameStop  a stock Wall Street had given up on  have reached as high as $483 and fallen as low as $61. GameStop had ended the regular trading session down 44 percent on Thursday. The drop earlier in the day had come as Robinhood and other trading platforms said they would limit the ability to buy certain securities, including AMC Entertainment and BlackBerry. Then the trading app reversed some of the restrictions. The shares rose about 65 percent on Friday. We plan to allow limited buys of these securities starting Friday, Robinhood said in blog post on Thursday afternoon. Well continue to monitor the situation and may make adjustments as needed. Robinhood called its move a risk-management decision, and later said it had raised $1 billion to cover the costs of the high volume of transactions so it wouldnt need to reimpose restrictions. Other brokerage firms have also limited trading of some of the same stocks. The Securities and Exchange Commission said Wednesday it was actively monitoring the volatile trading. Other stocks spurred on by day traders in Reddit forums like Wall Street Bets include AMC Entertainment, the movie-theater chain that has narrowly avoided bankruptcy four times in the past nine months, which rose 53 percent on Friday after dropping 57 percent on Thursday. William P. Davis and

Robinhood curbs trading again, this time in cryptocurrencies. Robinhood curbed trading in cryptocurrencies on Friday, its latest restriction on users in a frenzied week of trading centered on the soaring stock of the video game retailer GameStop. The trading platform said that instant deposits were temporarily unavailable for crypto purchases, which means users cannot buy anything until their deposit settles. But customers can still use any settled funds in their account to buy cryptocurrencies. Due to extraordinary market conditions, weve temporarily turned off instant buying power for crypto, Robinhood said in a statement. Well keep monitoring market conditions and communicating with our customers. A spokeswoman for the firm said it typically aims to give customers immediate access to up to $1,000 of their deposit. The new rules do not affect its Gold customers. Robinhood and several other online brokerages put restrictions on trading of stocks like GameStop and the movie theater chain AMC, which soared this week in a rally sparked by amateur investors. But the platform said that it was beginning to relax some of those limitations. Robinhood is now allowing its users to buy shares in some of the affected stocks, but within certain limits: Users can buy just five shares of GameStop, according to its website, and up to 115 shares of AMC. Positions in options contracts are also limited.

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Chevron lost $5.5 billion in 2020 as the pandemic took a toll on oil and gas. Chevron reported its third straight quarterly loss on Friday, as oil and natural gas prices remained low because the pandemic has disrupted activity across the economy. It was the companys worst performance in four years. The oil industry has suffered mightily over the last year, forcing companies to slash jobs, write off assets and, in the case of dozens of mostly smaller firms, file for bankruptcy. With its varied international operations, Chevron comes out of the year stronger than most of its competitors, but the California-based company still lost $665 million in the last three months of 2020. The company lost $5.5 billion for the full year, down from a $2.9 billion profit in 2019. 2020 was a year like no other, said Chevrons chief executive Mike Wirth in a statement. We were well positioned when the pandemic and economic crisis hit, and we exited the year with a strong balance sheet. With oil and gas prices rising at the end of the year, Chevrons oil and gas production yielded a $501 million profit in the fourth quarter, but its refining and chemical businesses continued to suffer as the global economy remained sluggish.

The head of a German regulator is out following a scandal with the fintech company Wirecard. Felix Hufeld, who served as president of Germanys financial regulatory agency for six years, is stepping down after a review of the Wirecard scandal. Credit... Armando Babani/EPA, via Shutterstock The president of Germanys financial oversight authority is stepping down and the body will be reorganized following the collapse of the financial technology company Wirecard and the ensuing accounting scandal, the German finance minister, Olaf Scholz, said on Friday. Mr. Scholz said the regulatory agency, known as BaFin, needed a reorganization to more effectively carry out its duties. The announcement came following a monthslong investigation into Wirecards collapse in June. Alongside of the planned organizational reform at BaFin, there should also be a change in personnel, Mr. Scholz said in a statement announcing the departure of Felix Hufeld, who had served as president of BaFin for six years. German authorities have been criticized for failing to act despite reports of irregularities at the Bavaria-based Wirecard, which filed for insolvency proceedings in June. Days earlier, the company acknowledged that 1.9 billion euros ($2.1 billion at the time) on its balance sheets probably never existed. The episode marked a dramatic turn of events for Wirecard, an electronics payments processor that had once been listed on Germanys blue-chip DAX stock index. Calls for Mr. Hufeld to be replaced came after BaFin reported one of its employees to state prosecutors on Thursday on suspicion of insider trading linked to Wirecard shortly before it collapsed. Munich prosecutors are investigating Markus Braun, Wirecards longtime chief executive, and Jan Marsalek, an Austrian who fled Germany and remains at large. German prosecutors believe Mr. Marsalek may have embezzled more than 500 million.

Janet Yellen briefs Biden on the economy, saying acting big far outweighs the costs in the long run. Video transcript Back bars 0:00 / 1:49 - 0:00 transcript Benefits of Acting Now on Relief Far Outweigh the Costs, Yellen Says Speaking alongside President Biden, Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen pushed for swift action on coronavirus relief legislation to combat the economic impacts of the pandemic. Millions of people are out of work, unemployed. The future of millions are held back for no good reason other than our failure to act. So the choice couldnt be clearer. We have learned from past crises the risk is not doing too much. The risk is not doing enough. And this is the time to act now. Ive asked Secretary Yellen, whos been leading this effort to come in, and were going to go into some detail among ourselves. But I think she has a statement to make as well. Thank you for the privilege, Mr. President. Well, there is a huge amount of pain in our economy right now, and it was evident in the data released yesterday. Over a million people applied for unemployment insurance last week, and thats far more than in the worst week of the Great Recession. And economists agree that if theres not more help, many more people will lose their small businesses, the roofs over their heads and the ability to feed their families. And we need to help those people before the virus is brought under control. The presidents American rescue plan will help millions of people make it to the other side of this pandemic. And it will also make some smart investments to get our economy back on track. I want to emphasize, the president is absolutely right. The price of doing nothing is much higher than the price of doing something and doing something big. We need to act now. And the benefits of acting now, and acting big, will far outweigh the costs in the long run. Speaking alongside President Biden, Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen pushed for swift action on coronavirus relief legislation to combat the economic impacts of the pandemic. Credit Credit... Anna Moneymaker for The New York Times President Biden received his first formal economic briefing from Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen on Friday as the White House pushes to get another stimulus package moving through Congress. The meeting took place in the Oval Office and Vice President Kamala Harris was also in attendance. Ms. Yellen was sworn in on Tuesday and has spent her initial days in the job getting briefed by advisers on the status of the existing stimulus programs and speaking to foreign finance ministers about Americas plans to engage with its allies. She has also been monitoring the unusual stock market activity related to GameStop this week. The price of doing nothing is much higher than the price of doing something and doing something big, Ms. Yellen said before the briefing. We need to act now. The benefits of acting now and acting big will far outweigh the costs in the long run. Ms. Yellen was joined in the meeting by Brian Deese, director of the National Economic Council, and Jared Bernstein of the Council of Economic Advisers. The economic recovery shows signs of slowing, fueling concerns among White House officials that time is running short to pass a robust package before some emergency benefits expire in March. Democrats in Congress are still debating whether to push legislation forward on their own, using a mechanism called reconciliation, or work with Republicans on a bipartisan bill. Ms. Yellen foreshadowed her advice to Mr. Biden during her confirmation hearing last week. She called on lawmakers to act big and said that providing robust support was the fiscally responsible thing to do to avoid long term damage to the economy. Ms. Yellens team at Treasury is still taking shape and people close to her suggest that she will most likely assume the role of offering the White House high-level economic advice and helping to close the deal with lawmakers in Congress, rather than directly engaging in negotiations. The Treasury Department will also be heavily involved in the design and implementation of the relief programs. Mr. Biden indicated that passing relief legislation was his top priority. People are going to be badly, badly hurt if we dont pass this package, Mr. Biden said on Friday.

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France and Germany slowly emerge from severe recessions. A market in Paris this month. The French economy shrank 8.3 percent overall in 2020, but performed better than expected in the October-December quarter. Credit... Ludovic Marin/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images Severe recessions in Germany and France last year, caused by the coronavirus pandemic, began to improve slightly toward the end of 2020, as a second series of lockdowns had a milder impact on their economies, those governments reported on Friday. But prospects for a hoped-for recovery this year in Europes two largest economies may be delayed as a new variant of the virus circulates and as problems emerge in the rollout of vaccines, economists warned. The French economy shrank by 8.3 percent last year as two sets of national lockdowns, lasting months, dealt strong blows to business activity, the national statistics agency reported on Friday. But the overall contraction was less than expected. By reducing the strictness of the nations second lockdown, which went into effect in October and was mainly limited to restaurants and cultural events, the government avoided a worse economic hit, the statistics agency said. Growth in the fourth quarter fell 1.3 percent, compared with the same period a year ago  far less than the 4 percent contraction forecast by many economists. In a note to clients, the Dutch bank ING wrote, The big question now is whether France will manage to avoid a second recession in 15 months. Given the current health situation, another recession looks all but certain, the bank added. The economy in Germany grew 0.1 percent in the fourth quarter compared with the third quarter, the countrys Federal Statistical Office said. That compared to growth of 8.5 percent in the third quarter, as the economy bounced back from a severe downturn early in the year, when the pandemic brought German factories to a standstill. Over all, the German economy shrank 5 percent for all of 2020, the statistical office said. In a separate note to clients, ING said, Its the worst performance since the financial crisis in 2009 but still much better than some had feared at the start of the Covid-19 crisis. Economists predict that the German economy will shrink again in the first quarter of 2021 (not the first quarter of 2020 as was earlier reported here) because of the slow rollout of vaccines and extended lockdowns. Liz Alderman and

American Airlines plans to raise $1.1 billion, taking advantage of a surge in its share price. In the frenzy this week to buy shares of shorted stock, small-scale investors have turned to American Airlines. Its stock is the most shorted of any major U.S. airline. Credit... Kriston Jae Bethel for The New York Times American Airlines appeared to seize an opportunity on Friday morning when it announced plans to raise more than $1.1 billion by selling shares amid a frenzy for its stock. The airline this week found itself in the middle of a war of wills between amateur individual investors and professional traders at hedge funds and financial firms. The individual investors, who congregated on social media sites like Reddit, collectively bought up shares of companies like GameStop and AMC Entertainment that professionals had bet against. In so doing, some of these self-described financial insurgents earned big profits and forced some big investors to take major losses. Emboldened by that success, the amateurs turned their attention to other companies whose stocks have been shorted, or bet against, including American. The airline said on Thursday that it lost nearly $9 billion last year, a figure that was largely ignored by the small-scale investors who tried to pile into its stock, despite being hamstrung by brokerage firms like Robinhood that restricted trading in several stocks, including Americans. The companys stock rose more than 20 percent between Wednesday and Friday morning, but fell 5 percent on Friday. By issuing additional shares, American seems be making the most of the thirst for its stock while it can. There is no guarantee that interest will persist because online traders could easily decide to move onto other companies. American will need to shift its focus to fixing the balance sheet after demand comes back and the company begins generating cash again, Helane Becker, managing director and senior airline analyst at Cowen, an investment bank, said in a note to clients on Thursday. Airlines have been burning through cash since the pandemic took hold early last year. Air travel has recovered somewhat, but passenger traffic is still down about two-thirds compared with the same time in 2019. American entered the pandemic with more debt than its rivals. As a result, professional investors have bet heavily against it. According to S3 Partners, a financial data firm, American is the most shorted major U.S. airline, with nearly 19 percent of its shares subject to short trades, compared to just 4.7 percent for JetBlue and 4.4 percent for United Airlines.

Chinas HNA Group, owner of trophies around the world, now faces bankruptcy. Credit... Greg Baker/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images HNA Group, a Chinese conglomerate that spent $50 billion on trophy businesses spanning the globe but has since grappled with high debt, said on Friday that a creditor has filed a petition for it to be declared bankrupt. HNA said in a short statement that the creditor submitted the application to a court in the southern province of Hainan, where HNA is based, because the company had failed to pay its debts. The company did not say whether the court had ruled on the petition. The announcement highlights challenges that continue to besiege the once high-flying company, which previously owned big stakes in Deutsche Bank, Hilton Hotels and Virgin Australia. HNA asked the Chinese government to help bail it out last year, blaming the impact of the coronavirus on flight cancellations for its debt woes. Founded as a regional airline, HNA was once a rising star among a new breed of Chinese companies that included Anbang Insurance Group, Dalian Wanda and Fosun International. Lubricated by cheap loans from state-run banks and aided by strong political connections, these private companies scoured the world for splashy deals, buying hotels, production companies and even stakes in big global banks. But as these companies expanded their empires, authorities worried that the huge debt bill they had racked up posed a lurking risk to Chinas financial system. Struggling under a massive $90 billion debt bill, HNA sold off billions of dollars worth of properties. At one point it was so strapped for cash that it asked its own employees to lend it money. Eventually, HNAs chairman admitted that the company was having trouble paying its bills and the salaries of some employees. Officials from the civil aviation administrator and China Development Bank stepped in last year to take over the responsibility of managing the companys risk. HNA also gave two board seats to local government officials. HNA said on Friday that it had been notified by a court in Hainan, where it is headquartered, that creditors applied for its bankruptcy. The company would cooperate with the court, it said in a statement on its website.

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ED arrests businessman Anoop Kumar Gupta in VVIP choppers money laundering case

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Jan 30: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested businessman Anoop Kumar Gupta in connection with a money laundering probe into the over Rs 3,600-crore VVIP choppers purchase scam case, official sources said on Saturday.

They said Gupta, the joint managing director of KRBL Limited that sells India Gate basmati rice, has been sent to five-day custody of the central probe agency after he was produced before a special court for cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) here.

ED sources said Gupta was arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP choppers deal case and alleged he was not cooperating in the ongoing probe.

His custodial interrogation was necessary in light of some fresh evidence gathered by the Enforcement Directorate that pertains to "proceeds of crime" or alleged kickbacks of the deal being paid to a firm "controlled" by Gupta, they said.

Gupta's lawyers told the court that his arrest was "not justified" and pleaded that he should not be sent to ED custody owing to his medical condition as he suffers from diabetes and other ailments.

The agency, in its remand application, said two streams were used for channelling about Euro 70 million worth "proceeds of crime" or bribe money to various political persons, bureaucrats and Indian Air Force officials in return of swinging the 12 helicopters deal in favour of AgustaWestland.

"It is submitted that IDS Information Technology and Engineering Sarl, Tunisia has received proceeds of crime to the tune of Euro 24. 37 million from AgustaWestland and out of this about Euro 12. 4 million were further transferred to Interstellar Technologies Limited, Mauritius."

"The proceeds of crime were further transferred to various companies including Rawasi Al Khaleej General Trading (RAKGT) LLC Dubai which was incorporated in 2007 by KRBL DMCC, Dubai and accused Anoop Gupta was one of the director of this company," the ED alleged.

This company (KRBL DMCC) was a subsidiary of KRBL Limited (India), it said.

The ED said that "in 2009, the entire stake (49 per cent shareholding) of KRBL DMCC held in RAKGT was transferred in the name of one Anurag Potdar but in fact, even after this, RAKGT is under the control of KRBL Limited through Gupta and part of the proceeds of crime received in RAKGT were transferred to KRBL Limited."

It claimed that it obtained some documents in December last year pertaining to these purported links and they show that Gupta was "controlling" the financial transactions of this (RAKGT) company.

Gupta has been named by the ED in an another alleged defence deal scam involving aircraft manufacturer Embraer.

The businessman was named in a charge sheet by the agency in December in that case that pertains to payment of alleged commission by Embraer to clinch the USD 208-million deal with India, in which it is suspected and alleged that kickbacks were paid.

The ED slapped money laundering charges to probe allegations of irregularities in the now-cancelled deal to purchase of 12 VVIP choppers from Italy-based Finmeccanica's British subsidiary AgustaWestland.

The deal was scrapped by India in 2014.

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Story first published: Saturday, January 30, 2021, 23:48 [IST]

Hugh Bonneville has revealed that he's had a Covid vaccine as he shared pictures of himself receiving the jab to Instagram.

The Downton Abbey star, 57, took to social media on Friday to post snaps of himself at the Memorial Hall, Midhurst, West Sussex, where he is volunteering with the Midhurst Pharmacy team after joining in March 2020.

Sharing the news with his 126K fans, Hugh said he had received the AstraZeneca jab.

Vaccinated: Hugh Bonneville has revealed that he's had a Covid vaccine as he shared pictures of himself receiving the jab to Instagram

Hugh penned: 'Midhurst's Riverbank Medical Centre started vaccinating last week. Today Midhurst Pharmacy, led by Raj Rohilla, joined the rollout in north West Sussex.'

He then shared a group image with others working at the centre, with everyone donning masks, and added: 'With former nurse Jo Wiltshire (left), Raj and retired GPs Andrew Douglas & Madelaine Litchfield (who gave me my AstraZeneca jab).

Rounding off his post, Hugh shared a cheery snap of himself in a bright yellow vest and hat as he did a double thumbs up.

He penned: 'Delighted to be part of the support team as a volunteer marshall. I get to wear hi viz and everything.'

Working together: The Downton Abbey star, 57, took to social media on Friday to post snaps of himself at the Memorial Hall, Midhurst, West Sussex, where he is volunteering with the Midhurst Pharmacy team after joining in March 2020

A number of other famous faces praised his actions, with broadcaster Ben Fogle commenting: 'Well done. Love this Hugh.'

TV presenter Eamonn Holmes also replied to the news, writing: 'Stay Well Hugh.'

Hugh joins other celebrities in getting the vaccine including Sir David Attenborough, 94, Sir Ian McKellen, 81, and Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith, 80.

Michael Eavis, 85, Lionel Blair, 92, and Marty Wilde, 81, are among the other stars who have announced they have had the coronavirus jab.

Helping out: Sharing the news with his 126K fans, Hugh said he had received the AstraZeneca jab

Sir Tom Jones has also received his dose, telling Jools Holland's Annual Hootenanny show: 'That's one good thing about being 80, you're first in line for the jab.'

After getting the vaccine at the Arts Research Centre, Queen Mary University Hospital in December, Sir Ian McKellen said: 'It's a very special day, I feel euphoric!'

He went on: 'Anyone who has lived as long as I have is alive because they have had previous vaccinations.

'The take-up amongst the older generation will be 100 per cent - it ought to be  because you're having it not just for yourself but for people who you are close to  you're doing your bit for society.'
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Police are treating graffiti targeting Tanaiste Leo Varadkar in south Belfast as a hate crime.

The threats were daubed on a wall of a shop at Drumart Square in the Belvoir Estate. The graffiti has since been painted over.

A PSNI spokesperson explained that the graffiti had been written on a wall in the area sometime between 6pm on Friday and 10am on Saturday.

First Minster Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill have both spoken out against the warning to the Tanaiste to not cross the Irish border.

It is the latest of a number of daubings in Belfast amid anger among some at the Northern Ireland Protocol, with a raft of new checks on goods arriving at ports from Great Britain introduced at the start of 2021.

A recent piece of graffiti in east Belfast called for the resignation of Mrs Foster over the Irish Sea border.

Mrs Foster tweeted: "Violence or the threat of violence has no place in democracy. I condemn those behind this.

"The NI Protocol needs replaced but violence or its threat will not achieve the change Northern Ireland needs."

Ms O'Neill tweeted: "Shocked at the disgusting graffiti targeting Leo Varadkar which I condemn, as will the majority of people across the community.

"This is a hate crime motivated by prejudice. It's also criminal damage and anyone with information should contact police who must investigate."

Shocked at the disgusting graffiti targeting Leo Varadkar which I condemn, as will the majority of people across the community. This is a hate crime motivated by prejudice. Itas also criminal damage and anyone with information should contact police who must investigate.  Michelle OaNeill (@moneillsf) January 30, 2021

The SDLPs South Belfast MP Claire Hanna stated: These vile words and views, all those intent on relighting sectarian and racist fires, also need to be tackled just as swiftly and completely.

Sinn Feins West Belfast MP Paul Maskey added there was no place in society for such threats and hatred.

It has now been removed but those responsible for this hate crime in the first place should be held to account, he continued.

Anyone with information on those responsible should forward that to the PSNI.

Alliance Party leader and Justice Minister Naomi Long described it as sick and offensive, with clearly racist overtones.

Ulster Unionist Party leader Steve Aiken MLA said the graffiti was appalling and unacceptable.

Many of us have had legitimate arguments with Leo Varadkar (I know I have had many) but this is an incitement that must be investigated and health with, he wrote on Twitter.

Anyone with any information about the incident have been asked to call officers at Lisburn Road on the non-emergency number 101 quoting reference number 450 30/01/21.

Reports can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.og
Senior journalist and president of the Press Club of India Anand Sahay alleged the current government does not care for the 'notion of democracy' as the smallest voice of criticism may land people in jail

Media bodies Saturday condemned the filing of sedition charges against six senior journalists and editors for their reporting on the farmers' tractor parade and the ensuing violence here on Republic Day, alleging the situation in the country is akin to an "undeclared emergency".

At a 'protest meeting' held here, a number of media bodies including the Press Club of India, Editors Guild of India, Indian Women's Press Corps (IWPC), Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ) and Indian Journalists Union (IJU) condemned the "practice of filing sedition charges against journalists".

Senior journalist and president of the Press Club of India Anand Sahay alleged the current government "does not care for the notion of democracy" as the smallest voice of criticism may land people in jail.

"Today the atmosphere is such, it's so poisonous, so toxic that anyone who wants to go to the court perhaps is a fool. You know what the result is going to be. Even during the emergency, rules against journalists were not so harsh, I don't recall anybody going in for sedition," Sahay said.

On Thursday, the Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh Police filed FIR for sedition against journalists Mrinal Pande, Rajdeep Sardesai, Zafar Agha, Paresh Nath, Anant Nath, Vinod K Jose for reporting on the farmers' protest rallies and the ensuing violence that took place in the national capital on January 26.

Sahay also named some of the journalists who have been proceeded against in the recent times including Siddique Kappan from Kerala, Kishore Chandra Wangkhem from Manipur, Dhaval Patel from Gujarat, Rahul Kulkarni from Maharashtra, and Vinod Dua.

DUJ president S K Pande alleged the situation was like an "undeclared emergency.

What is happening today is a situation which is an undeclared emergency. People have seen what the emergency was, we are heading for something worse, where if you raise the voice against the powers that are you will be targeted whether through sedition, or filing of FIRs so that you lose desire to fight or feel compelled to call it a day.

"From journalists, to farmers, to trade unionists, to artists, to writers and intellectuals all of them are facing a lockdown of the mouth," Pande alleged.

Editors Guild president Seema Mustafa said the government's action against journalists are meant to "intimidate and harass" them.

"This is only being done to intimidate, harass, victimise the journalists against whom these cases are being filed. But also to terrorise the professionals as well, to make you think twice, to make you afraid of doing your job, to be worried every time you write, to be looking over your shoulder, and then of course the editors, the proprietors those who control the news to be very reluctant in reporting the news as it is," Mustafa said.

SN Sinha of IJU recalled a recent incident where journalists from Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh were charged for reporting on a yoga function. He said that journalists were "society's watchdogs, not the government's lap dogs".

"In today's time, a journalist's duty is to praise the government and if you criticise through a factual story you can be put behind bars. The government wants to hear its praise, but the type of journalism we have done we are the society's watchdogs, not your lap dogs," Sinha said.

Rajdeep Sardesai, who is one of the charged journalists, said that despite the difference of opinion the journalist community needs to come together against the government's practice of filing serious criminal charges.

"Journalists today are divided into Left, Right, and Center. I won't get into that debate. Whether you are journalist in Manipur or Kashmir, or in a Congress-ruled state or a BJP-ruled state, on sedition there should be complete unanimity among every journalist.

"The time has come for all of us to protest in one voice that sedition is an unacceptable charge against journalists. Let us show some solidarity on this issue, we can continue to have disagreement on other issues," he added.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 29: A firefighter paramedic prepares COVID-19 vaccination doses at a Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) fire station on January 29, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The LAFD has recorded a sharp decline in coronavirus cases after firefighters began receiving the vaccine shots on December 28.(Mario Tama/Getty Images/AFP)

The move was firmly criticised by the World Health Organization and risked stoking conflict with the UK just weeks after London and Brussels sealed a trade deal.

"We paid these companies to increase production and now we expect them to deliver," EU Commission vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis told reporters.

"Today's measure has been adopted with the utmost urgency. The aim is to provide us immediately with full transparency.... And if needed, it also will provide us with a tool to ensure vaccine deliveries."

EU officials said they expected the order to come into effect on Saturday after its publication in the official journal.

The emergency measure is initially for six weeks but is intended to then continue until at least the end of March.

The WHO said the move was part of a "very worrying trend" that could jeopardise the global supply chain for vaccines.

"It is not helpful to have any country at this stage putting export bans or export barriers that will not allow for the free movement of the necessary ingredients that will make vaccines, diagnostics and other medicines available to all the world," said Mariangela Simao, WHO assistant director for access to medicines and health product.

The EU's plan applies only to those coronavirus vaccines that are covered by advance purchase agreements between drug companies and the European Commission.

Those firms in the EU will have to apply for an authorisation to export doses meant for countries outside the bloc, and show their export records for the previous three months.

A response would normally be given within 48 hours, though that could be extended if necessary.

Most non-EU countries in and around Europe, such as Switzerland, those in the Balkans or micro-states like Monaco, are exempted from the measure.

But Britain, which last year left the EU amid much acrimony, is not.

Brussels has been in a furious dispute with AstraZeneca this week, accusing it of breaching its contract by delaying deliveries to EU governments while maintaining those under a deal it signed earlier with the UK.

But Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides insisted: "We are not protecting ourselves against any specific country. And we're not in competition or in a race against any country."

The prior three-month reporting period would presumably reveal whether or not AstraZeneca did indeed -- as has been alleged -- send vaccines to Britain from its vaccine plants in Europe, which it says have since been hit by production glitches.

Belgian authorities on Thursday searched one AstraZeneca plant in southern Belgium at the European Commission's request. Data seized is being analysed.

- 'A fair approach' -

EU officials insisted that the scheme is not targeting AstraZeneca alone, but all Covid vaccine-exporting firms tied to the Commission by contracts.

The main goal, they said, was to gather information, though they admitted that in "certain circumstances" vaccine exports could be denied.

"What we want to achieve is of course, a fair approach. And transparency will help us in that respect," said one official on condition of anonymity.

Vaccines, he said, are "a very strategic product, at a very delicate time".

The officials noted that the EU's vaccine procurement portfolio is for 2.5 billion doses of authorised and potential vaccines -- more than enough for the bloc's 450 million inhabitants.

That is because the Commission also bought on behalf of poorer countries, with its excess doses to be funnelled through the WHO-led COVAX facility.

"We're not talking about vaccine nationalism," one official said. "From the beginning we intended to share these vaccines with our neighbours."

Right now, though, the EU's vaccination programme is flagging badly, triggering anger among member states.

On Britain not being exempted from the export-authorisation scheme, one EU official said: "The United Kingdom does not belong to either the COVAX countries nor to the EFTA (EU-linked European Free Trade Association) countries, nor to the neighbourhood."

Speaking at a virtual news conference later Friday, AstraZeneca chief executive Pascal Soriot said the firm was working "24/7 to improve the supply we have".

"We have a very very broad supply chain around the world. We are already producing an enormous amount of vaccine over a month

"Our plan is to source some of this material and bring it to Europe. The first shipment will be about three million doses that are going to leave in the next few days," he added.
Tunisia has become the third country in Africa after Algeria and Guinea, where the Russian anti-coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V was registered, the country's health ministry informed today.

"The Sputnik V vaccine has been temporarily registered for one year as part of the emergency procedure for distribution in the Tunisian market," the press release reads, RIA Novosti reports.

According to the document, the registration was issued based on an assessment of the vaccine clinical trials results.

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President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has instructed completing Egypts Universal Health Insurance System (UHIS) nationwide in 10 years instead of the scheduled 15-years, finance minister Mohamed Maait stated on Friday.

El-Sisi believes the project is one of the tools to reform the healthcare sector in Egypt, pointed out Maait, who is also head of the UHIS.

"The president is continuously asking about the availability and adequacy of financial allocations for the UHIS," Maait added.

The six-phase healthcare scheme, which started experimentally in Port Said governorate in early 2018, was scheduled to cover Egypt by 2032, but, based on Maait's announcement, the project will be now completed nationwide by 2027.

The first phase, which includes Port Said, Ismailia, Suez, South Sinai, Luxor, and Aswan, was due to take four years to complete, with an estimated cost of $510 million.

Governorates with the lowest-income citizens have been given priority in the programmes schedule, with the capital Cairo relegated to the final phase.

Maait said the programme is expected to be rolled out in the rest of the governorates in the first phase this year.

The project will be supported by state-of-art automation technologies as part of the Digital Egypt strategy, a broader national plan targeting the digitisation of all government services countrywide.

The second phase of the scheme will include Luxor, Matrouh, the Red Sea, and Qena governorates.

The third phase will cover Alexandria, Beheira, Damietta, Sohag, and Kafr El-Sheikh.

The fourth will cover Beni Sf, Assiut, Minya, the New Valley, and Fayoum.

The fifth phase covers Daqahliya, Sharqiya, Gharbiya, and Menoufiya.

The last phase will cover Cairo, Giza, and Qalioubiya.

Over three million Egyptians have registered in the country's new healthcare insurance system in six governorates as of October 2020, the UHIS.

Egypt has been scaling up efforts to develop the healthcare infrastructure, including upgrading clinics and hospitals as well as constructing new health units nationwide.

The total cost of the new scheme is expected to hit EGP 210 billion ($13.38 billion) annually once the entire population, estimated in excess of 100 million citizens, registers in the new system.

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Amid the ongoing farmers' agitation against the Centre's agri laws, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday transferred Rs 400 crore in the bank accounts of farmers as part of the 'Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme'.

I have transferred Rs 400 crore to farmers and I will do the same in February and March, said Chouhan, addressing farmers in Sagar district. The efforts to benefit farmers will continue, he added. The sum was offered to 20 lakh farmers.

He also criticised the Congress party over its opposition to the agri reforms, and support to agitating farmers.

"Kamal Nath is moving around on tractors these days but where was he when the premium for crop insurance wasnt paid and crops were getting destroyed," said the Chief Minister.

Former CM Nath has been leading a campaign against the contentious farm laws and has driven tractors at many places as part of the protests.

Shivraj said the BJP, after coming to power, had not only paid the premium but also offered a relief amount to farmers. He added that the Congress only offered "lip service" on farmers issues.

Chouhan objected to former AICC president Rahul Gandhis interventions in farmers protests, saying those "who are unaware of A-B-C of agriculture are offering explanation of the new laws."

"People like Rahul Gandhi are misleading farmers for their vested interests," he said.

Since 2018, when Gandhi had announced farm loan waivers, the issue has remained key in Madhya Pradesh politics. The BJP had accused Congress of betraying peasants when in power by not fulfilling the farm loan waiver promise entirely.

However, when BJP assumed power, the Congress accused the ruling party of not completing the unfinished loan waiver process.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, speaks during a White House press briefing in Washington on Jan. 21, 2021. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Dr. Fauci Casts Doubt on Bidens 100-Day School Reopening Plan

As CCP virus cases continue to spike, infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci cast doubt on President Joe Bidens goal to reopen schools within 100 days, saying, it may not happen because of mitigating circumstances.

American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten and National Education Associations President Becky Pringle held a virtual question and answer session on Thursday with Dr. Fauci to address the reopening of schools.

The President is taking very seriously the issue, both from the student standpoint, and from the teachers standpoint, and he really wants to and believes that the schools need to reopen in the next 100 days, essentially all the K- 8 schools, within 100 days, thats the goal. That may not happen, Fauci said during a virtual event sponsored by the American Federation of Teachers.

On Friday, Biden made another push for Congress to pass a CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus relief package so schools can get funding to open as soon as possible.

The notion here is we have to act now. Theres no time for any delay.  It could take a year longer to return to full employment if we dont act and dont act now. We could see an entire cohort of kids with a lower lifetime earnings because theyre deprived of another semester, Biden told reporters on Friday.

In order to meet his 100-day goal, Biden is urging lawmakers to approve $170 billion for K-12 schools, colleges, and universities to enable buildings to be in compliance with CDC health guidelines, in most cases for in-person learning. Congress authorized $82 billion in funding for schools in December.

The new aid to schools is attached to a larger $1.9 trillion pandemic relief package that would also include expanding unemployment benefits and direct stimulus checks.

Fauci also told the teachers that the president wants to do everything within his power to help get to that, and you know about the rescue plan, because the American rescue plan is something that hopefully will provide the resources for masking, for better ventilation, for whatever resources the schools might need to protect the students and the teachers. In addition, to get teachers vaccinated as quickly as we possibly can.

Since taking office last week, Biden has signed several executive actions to support the reopening of schools. In one executive order, Biden directs the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services to layout reopening guidelines to schools to include cleaning, masking, and testing. In a separate executive action, the government offers reimbursement to schools for the procurement of personal protective equipment through the Federal Emergency Management Agencys disaster relief fund.

Weingarten praised Bidens first executive order supporting the reopening of schools, saying, This executive order will produce guidance that embeds and disseminates best practicesbased on the sciencefor safe and effective in-person, remote and hybrid learning. It will source emergency supplies, such as personal protective equipment for schools and childcare providers.
In interviews with local television stations, the arriving patients said they had been relaxing at home, washing dishes or watching the news when they saw that they suddenly had a chance to get a shot. One couple said their daughter had called after they were in bed to say that she had signed them up for an appointment at 1 a.m.

We didnt have time to dress up, so I just came as I am, the mother said, motioning toward her husband, who was wearing a bathrobe.

The situation in Seattle was only the latest instance in which a breakdown in the inoculation process forced health officials to give the vaccines to anyone they could find. It also highlights the challenge posed by the two vaccines that have so far been approved in the United States  both need to be kept cold. Earlier this week, health workers stuck in a snowstorm in Oregon walked from car to car, asking stranded drivers if they wanted a shot, after realizing that the doses they were transporting might expire as they waited on the highway.

Seattle hospital officials told local news outlets that they had tried to prioritize older patients and others who were already eligible for vaccines in the state, but they said their first priority had been to give out all of the vaccines before they expired.

We are tired, but we are inspired, Kevin Brooks, the chief operating officer of Swedish Health Services, one of two hospitals that administered the vaccines, said in a statement. It was touching to see grandmas in wheelchairs at 2 a.m. being vaccinated.
jockey Danielle Johnson said it was 'very lucky' he didn't get run over

A punter has narrowly escaped serious injury after he foolishly stood in the middle of a track during a horse race in New Zealand.

Racegoers who packed into Trentham Racecourse for the Wellington Cup on Saturday afternoon were in disbelief as the man entered the course just moments before the field of horses charged towards the winning post.

The jockeys miraculously managed to dodge the man, who was dressed in a white button up and black pants.

Moments after walking away unscathed, the man raised his arms into the air, in an apparent attempt to celebrate his survival.

The track invader (circled above in red) left many punters speechless after his antics on Saturday

The man was arrested by police and removed from the ground. It's understood he will likely be charged with endangering public safety.

'He was lucky he didn't get run over,' champion jockey Danielle Johnson said.

'Most of us didn't see him until late.'

One punter told stuff.co.nz the intruder jumped over a fence about 150 metres from the finish line during race eight.

'The guys was stupid. All the horses had to separate around him. It's more about the safety of the horses and jockeys,' she said.

'Everyone was yelling at him... there was quite a bit of outcry from the crowd when they (police) were taking him away.'

Racing identity Andrew Bensley paid tribute to the jockeys for successfully avoiding the man

Not surprisingly, the man's foolish behaviour was all over social media.

Racing commentator Andrew Bensley tweeted that the 'jockeys should be congratulated for not cleaning up the person standing on the track'.

Another racing fan stated he 'was still in disbelief' after watching a replay of the incident.

Te Akau Racing, a long standing New Zealand racing powerhouse, tweeted that the situation was 'barbaric' and that the man 'could have killed our horses and our humans  and himself.'

Racing broadcaster Aidan Rodley described the scenes as 'incredible', before adding the 'idiot is lucky to be alive.'

In the drama-filled race at Trentham, Ruby Rocks was first past the post, beating home Flying Surf and Bruno Magile.

The Wellington Cup is one of New Zealand's biggest days on the racing calendar.

New Delhi:

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) may back Opposition presidential candidate Meira Kumar, while the party has ruled out support to NDAs candidate Ram Nath Kovind, party sources said on Saturday. The AAP has been holding parleys with the Left parties, and Trinamool Congress to arrive at a decision.



There is no question of supporting (Narendra) Modis candidate. We may support Meira Kumar but we are yet to take a decision, said an AAP leader, on condition of anonymity.



However, the leader downplayed Congress not inviting the AAP to the discussions that were held with many opposition parties before Kumars candidature was announced.



He said the AAP was happy to maintain a distance from the Congress. AAP is the principal opposition party in Punjab, where Congress is in power.



In the 2013 Delhi Assembly polls, the AAP defeated Congress and ended its 15-year rule in the national capital.



As Delhis ruling party and Punjabs principal opposition, the AAP has four MPs in the Lok Sabha, and 85 MLAs, which translates to around 9,000 votes in the electoral college.

ALSO READ | Presidential election: Meira Kumar says she is not scapegoat, fighting for an ideology

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TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday thanked HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for joining hands with India in the battle against the Coronavirus pandemic.

India is proud to partner with Bahrain in fighting Covid-19, tweeted Narendra Modi.

Modi also said India will continue to strengthen its long-standing ties with the Kingdom.

Earlier, in a tweet, HRH Prime Salman had thanked Modi for delivering Made-in-India Covishield vaccine of the Oxford-AstraZeneca.

Prince Salman viewed the gift as a sign of Indias global generosity and the strong partnership enjoyed by the two nations.

Bahrain received a consignment of 10,800 Made in India coronavirus vaccines on Thursday, which External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, is a testimony of long-standing fraternal ties between the two countries.
Washington: US Secretary of State Tony Blinken has spoken over phone with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and discussed the accountability of convicted terrorists responsible for the murder of Daniel Pearl, according to the State Department.

Pearl, the 38-year-old South Asia bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal, was abducted and beheaded while he was in Pakistan investigating a story in 2002 on the links between the country's powerful spy agency ISI and al-Qaeda.

State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said on Friday that Blinken reinforced America's concern over Pakistan Supreme Court's ruling acquitting Pearl's killers. Blinken and Qureshi discussed how to ensure accountability for convicted terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh and others responsible for the kidnapping and murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl, Price said in a readout of the call.

In addition, the Secretary and the Foreign Minister discussed the importance of continued US-Pakistan cooperation on the Afghan peace process, support for regional stability, and the potential to expand our trade and commercial ties, Price said. A day earlier, Blinken expressed concern over Pakistan Supreme Court's decision acquitting those involved in the sensational kidnapping and murder of Daniel Pearl in 2002 and said that the judgement is an affront to terrorism victims everywhere.

In a strongly worded statement, Blinken urged Pakistan to explore all legal options to ensure that the killers of Pearl are brought to justice. "The United States is deeply concerned by the Pakistani Supreme Court's decision to acquit those involved in Daniel Pearl's kidnapping and murder and any proposed action to release them," he said.

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed appeals against the acquittal of British-born al-Qaeda terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh in the kidnapping and murder case of Pearl and ordered his release, a judgement denounced by the American journalist's family as 'a complete travesty of justice.' Sheikh and his three aides - Fahad Naseem, Sheikh Adil and Salman Saqib - were convicted and sentenced in the abduction and murder case of Pearl in Karachi in 2002. Blinken said: Ahmad Omar Saeed Sheikh was indicted in the United States in 2002 for hostage-taking and conspiracy to commit hostage-taking, resulting in the murder of Pearl, the South Asia Bureau Chief for the Wall Street Journal, as well as the 1994 kidnapping of another United States citizen in India.

"The court's decision is an affront to terrorism victims everywhere, including in Pakistan, he said. We expect the Pakistani government to expeditiously review its legal options to ensure justice is served. We take note of the Attorney General's statement that he intends to seek review and recall of the decision. We are also prepared to prosecute Sheikh in the United States for his horrific crimes against an American citizen," Blinken said.

The United States is committed to securing justice for Pearl's family and holding terrorists accountable, he said. Pearl's murder took place three years after Sheikh, along with Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar, was released by India in 1999 and given safe passage to Afghanistan in exchange for the nearly 150 passengers of hijacked Indian Airlines Flight 814.

He was serving a prison term in India for kidnappings of Western tourists in the country. A three-judge bench of Pakistan Supreme Court led by Justice Mushir Alam on Thursday dismissed the Sindh government's appeal against the Sindh High Court's (SHC) decision to overturn the conviction of Sheikh in the Pearl murder case. The beheading of the American journalist in 2002 had grabbed international headlines.

The court ordered that three others, who had been sentenced to life in prison for their part in Pearl's kidnapping and death, also be freed.

.


Following more than two decades in prison, 53-year old James G. Boswell received a Compassionate Release on Jan. 7, 2021. The release was secured by, India L. Sneed, a Government Law & Policy Practice associate in the New York office of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, representing him pro bono.

India went above and beyond to secure this fantastic result for a client who was truly in need. We are proud of India, and all of the many Greenberg Traurig attorneys who have allowed our program to have the impact it does by passionately providing equal access to justice for the underserved through pro bono work, said Caroline J. Heller, a shareholder in the firms New York office Litigation Practice and Chair of Greenberg Traurigs Global Pro Bono program.

In the spring of 2020, Sneed took on the Compassionate Release of Prisoners pro bono matter, representing Boswell through the Compassionate Release Clearinghouse. Founded by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, this project specifically helps prisoners who present comorbidities, the presence of two or more illnesses, which make them more susceptible to contracting and dying from COVID-19. This therefore makes them eligible for early release and or home confinement.

In 1999, Boswell was tried and convicted of one federal drug crime (conspiracy to distribute) and sentenced to life imprisonment and $4 million in restitution. This was Boswells first and only Felony.

If charged of the same crime today, Mr. Boswell would only face five to 15 years of imprisonment for his crime. Over the extended period he was incarcerated, Boswell developed several health issues including morbid obesity, diabetes, hypertension, edema, and experienced a heart attack, Sneed said. These comorbidities were demonstrated to Judge Mark Walker of the U.S. District Court of Northern Florida in support of the Compassionate Release Motion. Sneed was admitted to the court pro hac vice.

Prior to submitting the motion, Sneed filed a Freedom of Information Law request to ask for all relevant documents including medical records, prisoner intake information, previous counsels letters to the Court and other pro forma documents.

This took months, largely due to the pushback from the Board of Prisons, the need to use U.S. Postal Service mail and inability to schedule regular calls with the client because free time of all prisoners was limited to one hour daily, Sneed said.

The motion was filed on Dec. 23, 2020. The Board of Prisons as well as the U.S. prosecutor were opposed to Boswells release and put their positions in writing in their responses to Sneeds motion. However, the Court returned an order in favor of the motion and granted Boswells immediate release to home confinement. He was ultimately released on Jan. 7, 2021 and is living in Marion County, Kentucky with his fiancee.

Working with Sneed were Greenberg Traurig Of Counsel Judge Carmen Beauchamp Ciparick, in a supervisory capacity from New York, and Greenberg Traurig Shareholder Elliot H. Scherker as local Florida counsel, in Miami. Both are co-chairs of the firms National Appellate Practice Group.

Sneeds practice is focused on government relations. She represents clients at the Municipal, State and Federal level on election law matters including petition process, ballot access, challenges, and court proceedings.

Most recently Sneed was involved in the ballot challenges that took place during the New York State Primary; Pennsylvania voter protection and candidate representation for the Presidential election; and is providing guidance to campaigns participating in the upcoming New York City elections.

About Greenberg Traurigs Pro Bono Program: Greenberg Traurig lawyers across the firms offices provide pro bono legal services to the indigent and working poor, as well as to numerous civic and charitable organizations dedicated to assisting them. The firm focuses its resources on specialized and interrelated issues including civil rights and affirmative action, anti-human trafficking, family law matters, childrens rights, criminal appeals, immigration and political asylum, housing, and homelessness.

About Greenberg Traurig: 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

A look at jobs that are expected to be in high demand as Canada slowly begins to recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Canadas top 10 in-demand jobs for 2021 A look at jobs that are expected to be in high demand as Canada slowly begins to recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Canadas top 10 in-demand jobs for 2021 A look at jobs that are expected to be in high demand as Canada slowly begins to recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Canadas top 10 in-demand jobs for 2021 A look at jobs that are expected to be in high demand as Canada slowly begins to recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mohanad Moetaz Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif

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A

Canadas economy is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, and restrictions, lockdowns and curfews are expected to be eventually lifted.

As the pandemic began creeping in, many businesses started to adapt and make changes. Many employees started working from home. Businesses began using online collaboration and video-calling platforms. Other businesses that require physical attendance implement health and safety policies consistent with the governments advice, such as wearing face masks and maintaining physical distancing.

Beside these changes, there is a significant number of people who have lost their jobs as a consequence of the pandemic. This may be because certain sectors have become fairly dormant due to restrictions and lockdowns. This however is projected to change in the second half of the year.

It is time to look forward. More than two thirds of Canadian employers plan to rehire employees who were laid off due to the pandemic, and experts are starting to predict the outlook for 2021.

Randstad Canada, a human resources consulting firm, released its predictions for 2021 on the top jobs in Canada. According to Randstad, a great number of jobs will be in high demand and those with a specialized skill set have a good chance of gaining employment in 2021.

Contact Campbell Cohen for Work Permit Assistance

Top jobs in Canada for 2021

The following are some of the positions that are expected to be in high-demand throughout 2021, according to Randstand:

Customer Service Representative

The need for customer service representatives dramatically increased as a result of the pandemic. They deal with customers who may be emotionally distressed. These customers expect to speak to a real person who can professionally handle their situation. Refunds and cancellations can only do so much.

Driver

This one may come as no surprise. Drivers of all types are in high-demand due to the pandemic, especially truck drivers, many of whom are responsible for delivering medical supplies to hospitals and essential goods to stores across Canada.

Registered nurse

There was already a shortage of registered nurses pre-coronavirus. The pandemic only amplified the need of nurses because of an increase in patients who require critical care. It is estimated that Canada will need 60,000 nurses by 2022 to help with the aging population.

General labourer

There exists a need for general labourers across the country. If you are interested, there are more positions available than employers are able to fill.

Electrical engineer

Electrical engineers are in high demand as various companies depend on complex communications system to remain operational throughout the pandemic. Demand is particularly high for electrical engineers with a diverse skillset that goes beyond the technical skills, such as communication skills and writing skills.

Software developer

There are two reasons for why software developers are in need: employees continuing to work from home, and the increasing popularity of ecommerce. Individuals who can code, design and build applications and websites may be able to find employment in Canada.

Accountant

In times of financial inconsistency, accountants are particularly sought-after. Accountants are able to advise businesses on issues such as accessing government funding and financial tax breaks. They also help businesses make important decisions regarding growth.

HR manager

Crucial for businesses to stay afloat during the pandemic, HR managers develop relevant HR policies such as remote work policies and health and safety policies. They are also responsible for keeping up the morale of the employees during such a difficult time.

Financial advisor

With plenty of individuals feeling less financially secure as a direct result of the pandemic, it is understandable that financial advisors are on this list. They offer support and advice to said individuals who may be facing difficulty in mortgage or rent payments, as well as debt.

Tech Sector

With or without the pandemic, labour shortages exist in the technology sector. For this reason, there are immigration programs in Ontario and British Columbia that focus on recruiting for the technology sector. Immigrants are influential in growing the sector in Canada. Tech talent is in high demand particularly in major urban centres like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal.

Contact Campbell Cohen for Work Permit Assistance

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A fight has broken out at the ongoing public hearing organised by the House of Representatives on the Petroleum Industry Bill as members o...

A fight has broken out at the ongoing public hearing organised by the House of Representatives on the Petroleum Industry Bill as members of the host communities engage in physical combat.

The fight broke out when the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas was called to the podium to make a presentation.

Some other bodies of host communities, however, stood up, leading to a rowdy session.





The situation became worse when members of the opposing sides began to exchange blows, forcing the lawmakers to seek the intervention of security operatives.

The leaders of the oil-rich areas under the aegis of the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas had on Tuesday, openly rejected the 2.5 per cent proposed for them in the Petroleum Industry Bill 2020, being considered by the joint Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources, (Downstream, Upstream and Gas).

They insisted that nothing short of the 10 per cent of the operating expenditure they were demanding would be acceptable to them because the proposed 2.5 per cent was grossly inadequate to provide basic social amenities and improve the standard of living of their people.

But the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, faulted the position of host communities who are insisting on collecting 10 per cent of the operating expenditure of the oil firms to set up a trust fund.

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Based on a statement by thelec.net, it seems that Samsung might be developing rollable and slidable displays most likely to be used in products such as smartphones, smart TVs, tablets, and possibly more. While not much is known in regards to the release date of all of the products mentioned, it does give us a better idea on what to expect when it is officially available in the local market.

With all that said, do take some of the information with a grain of salt, due to the fact that Samsung has yet to provide a statement on which exact product will come equipped with either a rollable for sliding display. Not only that, but theres also no news on the Malaysia release date, local pricing, and exact tech specs for now.

Would you be interested in getting a smartphone equipped with any of the displays mentioned above? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.
Egyptian and French air forces began on Saturday a joint exercise using several multi-mission combat aircrafts, a statement by the Egyptian Armed Forces' spokesman read.

The primary stages of the exercise, which is held at an Egyptian air base, includes a series of lectures aimed at the standardisation of combat concepts and an exchange of training expertise.

It also includes training missions for participating forces, the spokesman said, adding that the joint drill aims at enhancing the skills of the forces to reach the highest level of readiness and competence to execute joint missions and manage air operations using the latest aerial weapons under different circumstances.

The spokesman said that the participating forces expressed their happiness of the warm reception and the good organisation of the joint exercise which comes under the framework of the joint military cooperation between the armed forces of both countries.

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New Braunfels, TX (78130)

Today

Thunderstorms likely, especially this morning. High around 85F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 70F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.
Yul Edochie, popular Nollywood Actor, has said Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, is grossly misunderstood. ...

Yul Edochie, popular Nollywood Actor, has said Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, is grossly misunderstood.

Edochie said Kanu was a hero who truly wants lasting peace in Africa.

The popular actor made the remark on his Instagram page while celebrating the IPOB leader for his strides.

Edochie wrote: Today is not his birthday but I choose to celebrate this great man today. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, a Hero who is grossly misunderstood.

But all he truly wants is for Africans to wake up and take serious decisions that will bring lasting peace in Africa. Live long great man. May Chukwu Okike Abiama be with you always.

Kanu has been in the forefront pushing for the actualisation of Biafra and the well being of the Southeast.

Kanu had recently launched the Eastern Security Network, ESN, to protect the region.
AS the white pirogue drifted in the waters just off Belle Garden in Tobago early yesterday morning, fishermen working nearby knew something was wrong.

What they saw in the small vessel stunned them.

Fourteen bodies, all of them male, along with a skull and other skeletal remains, were piled inside the vessel as it floated four miles off Belle Garden, police confirmed.

The bodies were all clad in tracksuits and green rain jackets and were severely decomposed, police investigators said.
Clemson University police took a Tennessee fugitive into custody Friday on campus after briefly evacuating student apartments.

A law enforcement agency in Tennessee contacted university police Thursday night to inform them someone with outstanding warrants from that state could be on campus, according to a statement from the university.

At about 1 p.m. Friday, university officers were following up on that information near Lightsey Bridge student apartments when they saw the person in question, the statement said. Officers then "set up containment of the area," evacuated one of the buildings in the Lightsey Bridge complex and issued a campus-wide alert.

Officers apprehended the fugitive, "without incident," and lifted the alert at 1:39 p.m., according to the statement.

Clemson University on Friday afternoon did not immediately provide details about the person police arrested or the nature of the outstanding warrants.
The many Huron County Sheriff's Department patrol vehicles are pretty recognizable as Thumb Area residents drive around the county.

While those are for everyday use, the sheriff's office also has several specialty vehicles available as well.

When not in use, many of those vehicles are kept in storage in a large shed on South Hanselman Street near the Huron County Road Commission headquarters.

Sheriff Kelly Hanson stressed that all the vehicles have been obtained either through municipal donations, military surplus, grants, or forfeiture funds.

Everything purchased did not cost the taxpayers anything, Hanson said.

Among the vehicles stored include two boats used for patrols on Lake Huron. One of them, a 28-foot whaler based in Caseville the department had since 2015, was formerly used by the Marine Corps in California. The other boat, 31 feet long, is based out of Port Austin.

Just this fall, this boat got a family of four who were out kayaking and were overtaken by the wind, Hanson said. It can be the difference between life and death.

Another vehicle that operates in Caseville is a Kawasaki mule, which the department acquired in 2017 with forfeiture funds. It is mainly used for patrolling the beach at Caseville County Park along with whatever festivals are held in Caseville.

We had a fatality last spring where a tractor rolled over the man driving it in a ditch, Hanson said. This was used to get the vehicle out of there.

There are also two 1991 model military Humvees and an amphibian vehicle with the ability to go out on ice. It has been used to support ice diving operations.

Its virtually unstoppable, Hanson said. I dont know what it wouldnt go through.

The largest vehicle in storage is a large truck the department acquired in 2018 from the military. Over this past year, that truck was used out in Midland County carrying an airboat to rescue residents from flooding caused by a dam failure.

The truck has also been featured in various parades and is used to recognize veterans in the county.

The department also has a bomb defusal robot that has been on loan from the military since 2018, which Hanson said they can have for as long the department needs it.

The robot can pick up objects with its arm, has a mounted camera for its controller to see from a computer, can climb stairs, and has a maximum speed of 10 mph.

While the robot has not had to defuse or dispose of any bombs in the county, Hanson said it has been helpful in dealing with suicidal armed subjects, going into their homes to make sure everything is clear.

Some of the other vehicles not kept here include other boats, a new pickup truck, and a dive trailer. Some boats are kept at the county fairgrounds with an aquaboat kept in Caseville. The pickup truck is kept at central dispatch.

Hanson said the total value of all the departments acquired vehicles and the robot, if they were new, would equate to about $1.1 million. The current value if they had to sell them all, minus the robot and one Humvee because it is classified differently than the other one, would be about $450,000.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, presides over a symposium for soliciting opinions on a draft government work report, as well as the draft 14th Five-Year Plan and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035, on Jan. 29, 2021. At the symposium, Li heard suggestions on the two documents from non-Communist parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, as well as personages without party affiliation. Vice Premier Han Zheng, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, attended the symposium. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

BEIJING, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Friday presided over a symposium for soliciting opinions on a draft government work report, as well as the draft 14th Five-Year Plan and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035.

Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, heard suggestions on the two documents from non-Communist parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, as well as personages without party affiliation.

Pooling wisdom from these groups on the two documents is conducive to the scientific and democratic decision-making of the government, Li said.

Facing various challenges and uncertainties, China will keep its macro policies consistent, stable and sustainable, Li said, adding that the country would step up reform and opening up to address the needs of market entities and the people.

Representatives at the symposium offered suggestions on issues including tapping the country's consumption potential and strengthening pollution control.

Vice Premier Han Zheng, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, attended the symposium.
With the current lock-down now looking certain to go on for many more months - and the severe restrictions on socialising to stay in place long after that -it's hard to find many reasons to be cheerful as the dreariest of Januarys draws to a close.

The departure of Donald Trump has given us a brief moment of relief - if not outright joy - after a truly awful year but with the pandemic showing no sign of slowing it's now clear we still have a long way to go before this crisis is finally behind us.

So it is that we must make the most of what little good news we come across and, in terms of the pandemic, no news is better than the roll out of the various Covid vaccines.

It is a pity then to see that so much of the recent coverage and discussion of the vaccine has become so spiteful and vindictive.

Where once there was an overwhelming sense of togetherness and community spirit, there is now an increasing sense of self righteous indignation in the air at even the slightest of infractions.

This came to a head last week with the depressingly over-the-top reaction to the news that around 30 excess doses of the vaccine had gone to people who were not front-line hospital staff.

To the uninitiated the cacophony of outrage - most of it emanating from a small but vocal handful of anonymous people on social media - would have suggested that thousands of doses had gone astray as Ireland's great and good stole the vaccine from the arms of elderly to dose themselves.

The truth couldn't be more different. Far from the old school 'jobs for the boys' chicanery Ireland is so famous for, this seems to be a situation where intentions were, firmly, in the right place.

All in all about 30 extra doses of the vaccine, that would have been thrown out and entirely wasted within hours, were given to people who were not front-line health workers.

Most went to vulnerable community members, 11 went to builders working to refurbish a ward rife with the virus and four - four out of 140,000 - went to medics' family members.

Should all of these people have gotten the vaccine? Based on Government guidelines no, but surely it's not a hanging offence to give out a few spare vaccines when everyone due to get them has already had theirs.

Let's not forget that the very reason these spare vaccines were available at all is that the teams administering the jabs in the hospitals involved were so efficient they had managed to squeeze a few extra doses from the tiny vials.

Everyone supposed to get the vaccine did and, thanks to the vaccine teams' skill, so did a few more. Surely that's good news.

The task of vaccinating the entire country in a matter of months is an enormous one. Nothing like it has ever even been attempted before and there will be some bumps in the road.

It's early days and progress may seem slow but in just three weeks, 140,000 people - including almost every nursing home resident in the country - have been vaccinated.

What has been asked of the health service is as complex as it is unprecedented and rows like last week's are an unnecessary and unwelcome distraction. Have faith and have patience.
On February 27, 2020, the flagship journal of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, published a case study that described two patients from Wuhan, China who recently underwent lung lobectomies for adenocarcinoma and were retrospectively found to have had COVID-19 at the time of surgery.

Eleven months later, the lung cancer research community gathered virtually at the IASLC 2020 World Conference on Lung Cancer Singapore to share a number of research findings examining the intersection of COVID-19 and lung cancer. Researchers from a variety of countries participated in a press briefing to examine the connection between lung cancer and COVID-19.

The press briefing will be moderated by IASLC President-Elect Dr. Heather Wakelee, chief of the Division of Medical Oncology at Stanford University and deputy director of the Stanford Cancer Institute. Patient Advocate and lung cancer survivor Ivy Elkins, MBA, cofounder of the EGFR Resisters and a member of the IASLC Lung Cancer News (ILCN) Editorial Group, will contribute insights from the advocacy community's perspective.

Earlier this year, Ms. Elkins co-authored an article for ILCN that reported that Black patients, Indigenous People, patients of Pacific island descent, and Hispanic patients are 3.7 times, 3.5 times, 3.1 times, and 2.8 times, respectively, more like to succumb to COVID-19, than White patients. These disparities cannot be explained by differences in income alone. It is, therefore, very likely that the pandemic will only exacerbate lung cancer health care delivery gaps in these already disenfranchised communities.

Studies underscore significance of mental health impact and importance of support organizations

The fear of contracting COVID-19 among patients with lung cancer is palpable, and three new research studies presented today underscore how vulnerable patients with lung cancer feel as they cope with the pandemic. Dr. Domenico Galetta, of the Medical Thoracic Oncology Unit of IRCCS Oncology Institute of BARI Italy, examined 176 patients with lung and breast cancers, as well as lymphoma, for signs of psychological distress and found that about a quarter of them report severe symptoms of Post traumatic stress disorders (PTDS) with female presenting higher levels when compared with males. (Featured Poster, FP06.04).

Patients with lung cancer have higher distress compared to the other groups. This condition risks being overlooked by clinical concerns, so we underline the importance [in our abstract] to place even more attention on the psychological needs of patients." Dr. Domenico Galetta, Medical Thoracic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Oncology Institute, BARI, Italy

Another study conducted by the Chicago-based LUNGevity Foundation echoed Dr. Galetta's findings. The group surveyed 302 patients with lung cancer about anxiety regarding access to lung cancer care, patient preparedness to navigate care, and information needs (Abstract 3800).

Overall, 96% of respondents were concerned that the pandemic will affect their cancer care, and 46% reported interruption in lung cancer care, including not being able to see their doctor. Another 18% said they experienced increased difficulty in receiving appropriate care, and 45% of respondents worry about accessing care post pandemic.

"Our study reveals that patients with lung cancer continue to feel vulnerable and ill-equipped to navigate cancer care post shelter-in-place. Indeed, patient-specific factors (treatment status) and local COVID-19 caseload are important predictors of patient worries. Access to healthcare should be taken into account both during patient--physician discussions and during lung cancer-care planning at a systems-level," according to Jessica Selig, LUNGevity Foundation, Research, Chicago.

At a time when patients are in more need of support services, including mental health support, organizations that provide these services report their resources have been negatively affected during the pandemic.

The Global Lung Cancer Coalition (GLCC) is a partnership of 40 patient organizations across 29 countries, dedicated to improving outcomes for patients with lung cancer. The GLCC conducted a survey of its members and found that 64% receive more requests from patients with lung cancer as compared with before the pandemic, but 67% had closed or discontinued services such as support groups and seminars. GLCC found that 18 percent of organizations surveyed added new programs such as new digital services, including calls to patients and online consultations and extending helpline hours and adding new online content.

"Patient advocacy and support organizations are providing more support to patients during the pandemic. However, many organizations have seen a decrease in funding, making it more challenging to [continue or increase support programs]. Patient organizations need urgent financial support to continue to meet increased patient needs and, for some, to survive," said Dr. Matthew Peters, of Concord Hospital, Concord, Australia (Abstract 3384).

Would the pandemic affect access to lung cancer care or slow diagnosis? One study from Spain suggests that occurred in 2020

A study conducted by a group led by Dr. Roxana Reyes, of the Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Thoracic Oncology Group, Barcelona, collected data of new cases of lung cancer diagnosed in two periods, during COVID and the same period in 2019, and found a decrease in the incidence by 38% during COVID.

Of those, researchers found that in the group of NSCLC there was more symptomatic and severe disease at diagnosis compared to 2019, with worse outcomes (Abstract 3700).

"During COVID, the number of new cases diagnosed decreased by 38% (43 NSCLC; 19 SCLC), compared to before-COVID period (67 NSCLC; 33 SCLC)," Dr. Reyes reported.

"Among those hospitalized, the mortality during hospitalization was 44% vs. 17% before COVID."

TERAVOLT Study Reveals Persistently High COVID-19 Mortality Rates Among Patients with Thoracic Malignancies but no Significant Difference According with Race or Ethnicity

Previously reported data on patients with thoracic malignancies who develop COVID-19 have suggested a higher mortality rate compared to the general population and to other cancer types, particularly in patients aged 65 or older or those patients suffering from active or progressive disease. This underscores importance of COVID-19 vaccination in this vulnerable patient population, when available.

The TERAVOLT study, a multicenter, international observational study composed of a cross-sectional component and a longitudinal cohort component that examined more than 1,000 patients with both lung cancer and COVID-19, found that overall mortality remains high, and males have significantly higher hospitalization and mortality rates compared to females. Importantly the researchers found no significant differences in COVID-19 related mortality among different racial or ethnic groups, according to Dr. Umit Tapan, of Boston Medical Center in Boston. (Poster P09.18).

Can telemedicine play a role for patients with lung cancer during the pandemic?

Although much of the world has moved to remote working and virtual meetings, there was concern about medicine's ability to adapt to the constraints caused by COVID-19. The use of telemedicine has flourished, but what role might it play for patients with complex diseases such as lung cancer?

Previous research has shown that patients with lung cancer who pursue an exercise regimen before treatment, a process known as prehabilitation , may increase their chances of survival. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, the capacity to deliver face-to-face hospital appointments has significantly been reduced. If these crucial in person visits are curtailed by COVID-19, patients may suffer.

However, a study by Stephanie Wynne, of Guy's Cancer Centre, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, , London, demonstrated that virtual, home-based prehabilitation is feasible and may improve patients' pre-surgical physical activity levels and exercise capacity (Abstract 3614).
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.

Infotainment

Moko Koza and Tripura rapper BK release new song 8

January 30, (Agencies) | Publish Date: 1/30/2021 10:49:55 AM IST

Rappers from Nagaland Moko Koza and Tripura, Borkung Hrangkhawl (BK) officially released a new song entitled 8 on January 30.

8 stand for the eight states in the North Eastern part of India. In the song, both rappers talk about the hip-hop scene in the Northeast, music in general and how often the northeast music scene is underrated, demeaned and deprived of bigger platforms.

BK in his verse talks about racism and Moko Koza talks on how he was turned down by one of the biggest hip-hop talent show in India (MTV Hustle, India) for the reason that he did not rap in Hindi.

The song sends out a strong message to the general public and shows the evolving North East music scenario. The music video for the song is out on YouTube at Borkung Hrangkhawls channel.
Large numbers of people flew into Ireland before Christmas as the third wave of the Covid-19 virus took off.

Nearly 136,000 people flew into Ireland during December and arrivals into the country jumped by almost 60% on November.

New Central Statistics Office figures show that flights into Ireland represented the bulk of travel into Ireland during the last month of 2016. The remainder of the 164,400 arrived by sea into the country.

The figures show that arrivals were 89% down on December 2019 when more than 1.3 million entered the country.

The figures also show that more people left Ireland than arrived in the country around Christmas. Nearly 179,000 went abroad as the third wave of infections began to emerge. Of these, 156,000 left by plane.

As restrictions eased with the lifting of the Level 5 October to December restrictions, the CSO says overseas travel to and from Ireland increased in December 2020.

The figures show that over 65,000 people arrived from Britain in December as the UK variant had been shown to be more infectious than the original strain. MORE BELOW TABLE

The CSO says December's figures compare with 103,900 arrivals and 96,800 departures in November 2020, increases of 58.3% and 84.7% respectively.

Apart from the UK, the CSO says that of those arriving in Ireland, 79,100 (48.1%) by continental routes, 11,700 (7.1%) by transatlantic routes and 8,500 (5.1%) by other overseas routes. The corresponding figures for those departing Ireland were 54,800 (30.6%), 107,100 (59.9%), 7,900 (4.4%) and 9,100 (5.1%) respectively.

The CSO says the most important staging countries for persons travelling overseas to Ireland were Great Britain (65,100), the Netherlands (14,700) and Spain (13,100). The most important staging countries for persons travelling overseas from Ireland were Great Britain (54,800), Spain (19,200) and Poland (17,200).

In the year 2020, 4,460,200 persons arrived in Ireland from overseas and 4,452,600 persons departed. These represent decreases of 77.9% and 78.0% respectively compared to 2019.

The Government has introduced new restrictions on travel in 2021.
Pakistan has extended the travel restrictions on several countries, including the UK, till February 28 to contain the spread of the deadly variant of the coronavirus amidst a second wave of infections, authorities said. The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) on Friday said people from countries in its category-C including South Africa, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Ireland, Portugal and the Netherlands would be affected by the travel restrictions till February 28, Dawn newspaper reported on Saturday. However, it added that they would be allowed to enter the country if permitted by the National Command and Operation Centre, the top decision making body on COVID-19.

The PCAA also reduced the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test requirement for the countries categorised as B and C from 96 to 72 hours. The travel-related standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the PCAA in December and January have also been extended till February 28.

The authority has placed 24 countries in category-A and six in category-C. The PCAA said the international travellers from the countries placed in category-A do not require COVID-19 PCR test for entry into Pakistan. The travellers from category-B countries are required to undergo the test before commencement of travel to Pakistan (maximum 72 hours old).

However, the travellers from C-category countries are restricted and only allowed as per the guidelines provided by the NCOC. The restrictions on travellers from C-category countries have been extended following the increasing number of cases reported there during the second wave of COVID-19. The second wave of the pandemic hit Pakistan in November.

On December 21, Pakistan imposed temporary curbs for a week on in-bound passengers from the UK after the emergence of a new coronavirus strain. The country then extended the ban on flights from the UK for another week over fears of the new variant of the coronavirus which was reportedly spreading at a much faster rate.

The total number of coronavirus cases in the country has surged to 543,214 after 2,179 cases were reported in the last 24-hour and the number of fatalities reached 11,623.

Orange County COVID-19 Death Toll Continues Steep Climb

SANTA ANAOrange County Jan. 29 logged 107 more COVID-19 fatalities, a record number in a single batch of death reports, which raised the cumulative to 2,975 for the pandemic.

The death reports are staggered because they come from a variety of sources and are not always logged immediately, but the batch of reports logged Jan. 29 pushed the death toll for the month of December to 801, far and away the countys deadliest month. So far, the death toll for January is at 475.

The deadliest day of the pandemic for the county is Jan. 3, when 53 people succumbed to coronavirus. The runner-up was Christmas Day, when 51 people died of COVID-19-related conditions.

Of the fatalities reported, 15 were skilled nursing facility residents, pushing the cumulative up to 827, and 11 were assisted living facility residents, raising that total to 321.

The post-holidays death tolls offer a marked contrast to November, when the virus killed 164 in the county.

Andrew Noymer, a University of CaliforniaIrvine professor of population health and disease prevention, said this week that at the rate of the past week, it would take 22 days for the countys death toll to reach 4,000.

Hospitalization rates, however, continued a downward trend.

The number of patients hospitalized due to the virus declined from 1,592 Jan. 28 to 1,521 Jan. 29 with the number of patients in intensive care units declining from 439 to 426.

The countys state-adjusted ICU bed availability remained at zero. The county has 43 percent of its ventilators available.

The county logged 1,460 new coronavirus cases on Friday, upping the cumulative total to 229,757.

The countys Health Equity Quartile Positivity Rate, which measures the cases in highly affected, needier parts of the county, declined from 21.2 percent last week to 16.6 percent on Jan. 26.

To move to the less-restrictive red tier from the top, purple, tier in the states coronavirus regulatory system, the county has to improve to four to seven new daily cases per 100,000 and 5 percent to 8 percent positivity rate with a health equity quartile at 5.3 percent to 8 percent.

Orange County Superior Court Judge Peter Wilson on Friday gave sheriffs officials another two weeks to reduce the jail population enough to provide physical distancing for inmates in congregant housing.

If sheriffs officials cannot provide satisfactory physical distancing, then a special master may be appointed by the judge to determine which inmates can be released on some level or another, including home confinement or on GPS monitoring.

He gave us the opportunity to work it out one more time, attorney Kevin Dunn said of the county counsels office.

Previously, Wilson had indicated he wanted to halve the jail population from the level it was at in March. But on Jan. 28, Wilson said he would not peg the percentage of release of inmates to any certain amount anymore, Dunn said

It appears theres some recognition there needs to be flexibility, Dunn said. Part of that is you have populations now being vaccinated and some who have been exposed, so there are different dynamics.

Outbreaksdefined as at least two cases over the past two weekswere reported in 26 skilled nursing facilities and 37 elderly assisted living facilities in the county as of Jan. 29.

Meanwhile, a new program to help some Orange County residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to pay rent and some utility bills was announced Jan. 29 by Board of Supervisors Chairman Andrew Do.

The county is using $65.5 million from the federal government to help some needy renters hang on to their apartments and cover some bills.

Orange County renters have had to bear an incredible burden throughout this pandemic, Do said. Our rental assistance will help keep our most vulnerable community members from losing their home and a sense of security in the midst of this ongoing crisis.

Renters in cities with more than 200,000 population such as Anaheim, Santa Ana and Irvine also received money from the federal government to help with rent payments.

The countys program is open to residents who can show theyre at risk of homelessness without assistance and have a combined income at or below 80 percent of area median income. Starting Monday, residents wanting to apply for the assistance can go to http://era.211oc.org for more information.

The program does not cover homeowners past due on mortgage payments.
Boris Johnson forced the EU into an extraordinary double climbdown during a dramatic late-night intervention to protect the UK's record-breaking vaccine rollout.

During two phone calls just 30 minutes apart, the Prime Minister made European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen ditch plans to stop 3.5 million doses of the Pfizer jab from reaching the UK from a factory in Belgium and abandon the 'nuclear option' of imposing a hard border on Northern Ireland to prevent them reaching the UK.

Following his diplomatic victory, Britain yesterday recorded a daily record for first-dose jabs  487,756  to bring the total to almost 8.4 million.

In his phone calls, Mr Johnson warned Ms von der Leyen that her actions risked denying millions of British pensioners their second Pfizer injections.

She immediately capitulated in a tweet sent out shortly before midnight on Friday.

Boris Johnson made European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen ditch plans to stop 3.5 million doses of the Pfizer jab from reaching the UK from a factory in Belgium

Mr Johnson warned Ms von der Leyen (pictured) that her actions risked denying millions of British pensioners their second Pfizer injections

As part of an implicit 'peace deal' with the EU, No 10 yesterday adopted a conciliatory tone. Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove said the EU recognised that it had 'made a mistake' and both sides agreed on the need for a 'reset'.

Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster was less diplomatic, branding the EU's move an 'incredible act of hostility'.

Meanwhile Tory MPs were jubilant, with one describing the EU's surrender as Mr Johnson's 'Falklands moment'.

The Mail on Sunday understands that before Brussels was forced to blink twice, the Government had drawn up contingency plans to break any EU blockade.

Under a 'vaccine security exercise' adapted from plans for a No-Deal Brexit, supplies of the Pfizer jab could have been airlifted out of the continent.

The EU  and Ms von der Leyen in particular  were savaged by the European media for their handling of the row as governments across the bloc faced a backlash from their voters.

And with the EU having only vaccinated 2.5 per cent of its population  compared to 12 per cent in the UK  Ms Foster suggested that Northern Ireland could help to provide vaccine supplies to Dublin.

The astonishing diplomatic drama came as:

Figures showed daily positive Covid tests have fallen by 31 per cent in the past week to 23,275, with hospital admissions down by 16 per cent over the same period, and deaths down six per cent to 1,200;

German claims that the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine was less effective in over-65s were rubbished by senior government adviser Professor Andrew Harnden, who said: 'We are absolutely confident the vaccine is safe and effective';

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer writes in today's Mail on Sunday in support of the Jabs For Teachers campaign for all school staff to be vaccinated during half-term so pupils can return more quickly  although a major teaching union repeated its opposition to classes reopening;

Mr Johnson signalled that he wanted to relax lockdown rules on exercise, but was urged to move quickly by allowing cooped-up children to enjoy half-term sports;

Some of the UK's biggest firms, including John Lewis and Tata, told this newspaper that rapid workplace tests have prevented thousands of sick days and the closure of sites;

A major US study found proof that Covid-19 originated in China, undermining Beijing's claims it may have come from elsewhere.

Germany's government on Sunday threatened legal action against laboratories failing to deliver coronavirus vaccines to the European Union on schedule, amid tension over delays to deliveries from AstraZeneca.

Yesterday's daily death toll has plummeted as well, as official figures showed 1,200 have died after testing positive - an 11 per cent drop on last Saturday's 1,348 fatalities

The UK's Covid cases plunged yet again after 23,275 people tested positive yesterday - down 30.6 per cent on last Saturday

The UK has streaked ahead of Europe in terms of the number of vaccines administered (pie chart shows the number of vaccines given by January 26)

The Prime Minister visiting a French biotechnology laboratory in Livingston, Scotland

Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove said this afternoon the EU 'recognises they made a mistake' and 'stepped back' following the conversation between the two leaders

The simmering row over vaccines exploded on Friday evening when Brussels said it would trigger Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol to the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement  thereby creating a hard border on the island of Ireland  and take other measures to stop supplies of the Pfizer vaccine from reaching Britain.

Mr Johnson called an emergency meeting at No 10 to decide the UK's response, then spoke to the Commission President just before 10pm to set out his demands and warn Ms von der Leyen her actions could threaten the Irish peace process.

They spoke again at 10.30pm when Ms von der Leyen agreed to issue a climbdown message that 'there should not be restrictions on the export of vaccines by companies where they are fulfilling contractual responsibilities'.

The fiasco has put Ms von der Leyen's position in doubt, with one senior EU source saying 'the disquiet is growing'.

Tory MPs on both sides of the Brexit divide heralded Mr Johnson's efforts. One Remainer said: 'If this had happened in 2016, I would have voted to Leave without blinking.'

The move was slammed by Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster (pictured), who accused the EU of an 'incredible act of hostility'

Another Tory backbencher said: 'This could be Boris' Falklands moment Ministers have played a blinder.'

But former Brexit Secretary David Davis warned: 'I fear we are still going to see them trying to do similar things by the backdoor.'

Former Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith said: 'The EU cocked up big time.'

Mr Gove said: 'I think the EU recognises they made a mistake in triggering Article 16... But now the EU has stepped back.'

The row came just before today's first anniversary of Britain leaving the EU.

Marking the day, Mr Johnson said: 'The destiny of this great nation now resides firmly in our hands. I take on this duty with a sense of purpose.'

What is Article 16 and why has the EU invoked it? Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol allows either the EU or the UK to override part of the Brexit trade agreement in relation to border controls in Northern Ireland. The protocol itself was designed to avoid a re-emergence of a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. But in the deal, both parties agreed to a get-out clause, which could be used if the protocol was thought to be causing 'serious economic, societal or environmental difficulties'. However the EU has now invoked the clause, to put measures on vaccines coming from the EU to Northern Ireland. The move is being introduced amid a huge row between the UK and EU over vaccines supplies, with Brussels accusing the UK of 'hijacking doses'. The row started after Oxford vaccine maker AstraZeneca announced it would not be able to supply as many vaccines as it had first hoped to the EU by Spring. The EU has since unveiled plans for an export ban which could stop 3.5million Pfizer vaccines - made in Belgium - from being exported to the UK. The aim of this move will be to prevent the possibility of the UK bringing vaccines into Northern Ireland 'through the backdoor', by using the controls-free border to bring in vaccines from the EU. Advertisement

He has asked former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith to set up a taskforce of MPs to 'think more inventively about how we boost growth, innovation and competition'.

Last night Ms von der Leyen tweeted: 'Constructive talks with Prime Minister Boris Johnson tonight.

'We agreed on the principle that there should not be restrictions on the export of vaccines by companies where they are fulfilling contractual responsibilities.'

It came about an hour after a statement from the Commission outlining the detail of the export controls of vaccines.

It said: 'To tackle the current lack of transparency of vaccine exports outside the EU, the Commission is putting in place a measure requiring that such exports are subject to an authorisation by Member States.

'In the process of finalisation of this measure, the Commission will ensure that the Ireland / Northern Ireland Protocol is unaffected.

'The Commission is not triggering the safeguard clause.

'Should transits of vaccines and active substances toward third countries be abused to circumvent the effects of the authorisation system, the EU will consider using all the instruments at its disposal.

'In the process of finalising the document, the commission will also be fine-tuning the decision-making process under the implementing regulation.'

Following the conversation between the PM and Ms von der Leyen, an ally of Mr Johnson told the FT: 'The call was fine, hopefully that's the end of it.'

But the move by Brussels to initially say it was triggering Article 16 - seen as the nuclear option - left figures in Britain and Ireland reeling.

Stormont's first minister Arlene Foster called the move an 'incredible act of hostility' and this morning said the rift emanated from the 'EU's vaccine embarrassment and mismanagement'.

Meanwhile former Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith said the EU's move offered no understanding of the delicate political landscape of the island of Ireland.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today: 'Years have been spent trying to ensure goods will flow freely and there will be no hard border and last night the EU pulled the emergency cord without following any of the process that are in the protocol if one side wants to suspend it.

'And they did that, in my view, without anywhere near the understanding of the Good Friday Agreement, of the sensitivity of the situation in Northern Ireland, and it was an almost Trumpian act.'

European newspapers lashed out EU leaders on Saturday after the bloc tried to impose Covid vaccine controls on the Northern Ireland border. A leading correspondent for Germany's Die Welt paper savaged European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen, saying she had committed an 'unforgettable Brexit own goal'

France's Le Monde editorial called the move 'deplorable', adding that Von Der Leyen had 'fortunately' given up on the inflammatory border decision

Elsewhere the Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said the EU's U-turn was 'welcome' but added 'lessons should be learned'.

In a statement on Twitter, he said: 'Welcome news, but lessons should be learned; the Protocol is not something to be tampered with lightly, it's an essential, hard won compromise, protecting peace & trade for many.'

Brussels had triggered the controversial Article 16 just 29 days after the UK and EU struck the post-Brexit trade deal when Britain left the transition period.

The EU's chief negotiator in that agreement, Mr Barnier, today called for 'co-operation' between Brussels and the UK over the supply of vaccines across Europe.

Mr Barnier told The Times: 'We are facing an extraordinarily serious crisis, which is creating a lot of suffering, which is causing a lot of deaths in the UK, in France, in Germany, everywhere.

'And I believe we must face this crisis with responsibility, certainly not with the spirit of oneupmanship or unhealthy competition. I recommend preserving the spirit of co-operation between us.'

Last night, Lord Ricketts, a former UK ambassador to France, accused Brussels of 'escalating recklessly in an attempt to get more doses [of the vaccine] from the UK'. He added: 'The EU is all at sea on this.'

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby tweeted: 'The European Union was originally inspired by Christian social teaching  at the heart of which is solidarity.

'Seeking to control the export of vaccines undercuts the EU's basic ethics. They need to work together with others.'

The World Health Organisation also said the export ban was a 'very worrying trend'.

Vaccines expert shoots down Macron's claim that AstraZeneca jab is ineffective in over-65s A top scientist with Oxford's vaccine team has accused Emmanuel Macron of demand management' after casting doubt on the AstraZeneca jab's efficacy. Professor Sir John Bell today slapped down the French President's baseless claims that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is 'quasi-ineffective' for the over-65s. He said: 'I suspect this is a bit of demand management from Mr Macron... if he didn't have any vaccine the best thing you could do is reduce demand.' Macron stoked tensions yesterday by questioning the efficacy of the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab in older patients, despite it being approved by the EU regulator. Sir John today told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I'm not sure where he got that from.' He acknowledged its original study only had small numbers of elderly people, with many shielding themselves from the pandemic, but added: 'The numbers still pointed toward a very highly effective vaccine but the numbers were small, in fairness, we always accepted that.' He said other studies proved 'elderly people responded just as well in other age groups' and that 'there's really persuasive evidence that this is a protective vaccine in those populations'. Advertisement

Britain's Covid cases plunge for another day - down 31% in a week to 23,275 - as scientists say vaccine drive IS working and UK records another 1,200 deaths

By JEMMA CARR FOR MAILONLINE

The UK's Covid cases plunged yet again after 23,275 people tested positive on Saturday - down 30.6 per cent on last Saturday.

In a positive sign that England's third national lockdown is working, 10,000 fewer people tested positive yesterday compared to the 33,552 cases recorded on this day last week.

Yesterday's week-on-week drop in figures is larger than last Saturdays, which saw an 18 per cent dip in daily cases compared to one week prior.

The daily death toll has plummeted as well, as official figures showed 1,200 people have died after testing positive - an 11 per cent drop on last Saturday's 1,348 fatalities.

Data has shown the UK's ambitious vaccination plan is helping to reduce cases as well as protecting recipients from symptoms.

And, following a week of promising figures, Boris Johnson is considering relaxing lockdown exercise rules to ease the pressure on Britons' physical and mental health.

Potential rule changes could see Britons allowed to exercise more than once a day, or socially-distanced in groups of three or four.

Boris Johnson is considering relaxing lockdown exercise rules to ease the pressure on our physical and mental health

Professor Anthony Harnden, the deputy chairman of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), said preliminary research suggested the first dose of the vaccine is helping to protect young adults and over-80s.

He added that the data, which is set to be published in the next few days, also indicates Britons may benefit in the long-term from a delayed second dose.

The research, accessed through Public Health England (PHE) vaccination records, is mostly based on the Pfizer/BioNTech jab and represents around three to four weeks of the programme.

Government data up to January 29 shows of the 8,859,372 jabs given in the UK so far, 8,378,940 were first doses - a rise of 487,756 on the previous day's figures.

Some 480,432 were second doses, an increase of 2,178 on figures released the previous day.

The seven-day rolling average of first doses given in the UK is now 359,656.

The Prime Minister has asked officials to draw up options for a slight lifting of the rules, which currently limit people to meeting one other person for outdoor exercise once a day

Even though non-essential shops, as well as gyms, bars, and hairdressers are still shut, high streets in parts of the country looked busy, with photos showing packed pavements in Newcastle and London. Pictured: Newcastle Quayside on Saturday

Based on the latest figures, an average of 413,816 first doses of vaccine would be needed each day in order to meet the Government's target of 15 million first doses by February 15.

Wales has reported a further 737 cases and 25 deaths. Scotland has seen 994 new cases and 60 deaths.

The Prime Minister has asked officials to draw up options for a slight lifting of the rules, which currently limit people to meeting one other person for outdoor exercise once a day.

Possible options include allowing people to meet a friend from another household for outdoor exercise more than once a day.

Alternatively, socially distanced exercise could be permitted in groups of three or four  although this is thought to be harder to police.

Government estimates 220,000 will be the true death toll of the pandemic By Eleanor Hayward, Health Correspondent For The Daily Mail More than 100,000 people are likely to die from non-coronavirus causes because of the pandemic, according to an official government estimate. By the end of next month the chaos in hospitals and care homes will have led to 46,000 avoidable deaths, Department of Health research has suggested. Cancellations to routine operations may cause 18,000 excess deaths in the long-term, on top of hundreds more from cancer. Officials calculated that over the next few years another 40,000 people may die due to the economic impact of lockdown, including rising unemployment and mental health issues. The Government paper says the overall death toll of the pandemic will be 222,000, with 54 per cent dying from the virus. Overall, scientists suggest there will be 105,000 additional deaths because of the enormous disruption to non-Covid NHS care, as well as the economic downturn. The document, dated December 17 and published yesterday by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), was drawn up by civil servants at the Department of Health, the Office for National Statistics and the Home Office. It laid bare the unintended consequences of lockdown in detail, but stressed that the overall death toll would be far higher without the draconian restrictions. So far more than 103,000 people in the UK have died after testing positive for Covid-19. Without lockdown, another 97,000 would have died from this winter alone, the report said. The document also suggested the number of virus deaths could reach 122,000 by the end of next month. Advertisement

Government sources have cautioned that the exit out of lockdown will be slow, with shops, gyms and hairdressers possibly opening in April, while scientists say that pubs and restaurants may be unable to open until May.

Even though non-essential shops, as well as gyms, bars, and hairdressers are still shut, high streets in parts of the country looked busy, with photos showing packed pavements in Newcastle.

Last week Mr Johnson announced the lockdown would continue until at least March 8, with schools set to be the first facilities to reopen.

But a source familiar with the PM's thinking said: 'Schools will be first and everything else will have to take its place after that.

'The only exception might be exercise. The PM keeps coming back to social contact  is there anything we could do to help a bit?

'Could we do a bit more on exercise to help with people's mental health? That is being looked at.'

Officials will also examine whether outdoor sports that can be social distanced, such as golf and tennis, could be allowed to resume. However, a source said that was unlikely at this stage.

A Cabinet Office task force has begun work on a new 'road map' out of lockdown, which will be published in the week beginning February 22.

Earlier this month Mr Johnson was spotted cycling in the Olympic Park, seven miles away from Downing Street, despite Government restrictions limiting exercise to once a day and 'you should not travel outside your local area'.

Ministers this month rejected calls to flesh out the rules surrounding exercise amid concerns their vagueness allowed police leeway to hand out fines too enthusiastically.

That two woman in Derbyshire were fined for driving five miles from their homes for a walk was held as an example of the gray area surrounding the 'stay local' advice.

In Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon has permitted people to travel up to five miles outside their local authority area, and in Northern Ireland, the Executive has placed a 10-mile limit. Wales also has a 'stay local' rule.

Although restrictions on exercise was earmarked as being among the first to be loosened, the PM has consistently said that reopening schools is a national pritority.

His announcement last week that children will not go back to classrooms after the February half-term and will have to wait until at least March 8 if the data permits was met with dismay from parents.

Many contacted MailOnline to describe the challenges of homeschooling while juggling a full-time job.

Today, Mr Johnson wrote an open letter to Britain's parents thanking them for doing 'a great job' during the coronavirus pandemic.

In the open letter, Mr Johnson wrote: 'I'm particularly in awe of the way the parents, carers and guardians of children have risen to the unique challenges with which you have been faced.

'Whether you've been welcoming a baby into the world without all the usual support networks, finding new ways to entertain a restive five-year-old when the soft play centre is shut and playdates are but a distant memory, or steering a teenager through the emotional stresses and strains of these unprecedented times, you have been dealt the trickiest of hands yet played it magnificently.'

He insisted the Government is 'doing everything we can to support you', with laptops being sent to schools and the extension of free school meals after pressure from critics.

The Prime Minister penned an open letter to parents, carers and guardians to say they have responded 'magnificently', with the Government having faced sustained criticism for its handling of education during the pandemic

And Government scientists say that pubs and restaurants may be unable to open until May

A woman pictured arriving at an NHS vaccination centre in Wembley, London, yesterday. Professor Anthony Harnden said preliminary research suggested the first dose of the vaccine is helping to protect young adults and over-80s

Vaccines expert Sir John Bell says Macron is 'managing demand' by claiming AstraZeneca jab is 'almost ineffective' on over-65s because he has no vaccines A top scientist with Oxford's vaccine team has accused Emmanuel Macron of demand management' after casting doubt on the AstraZeneca jab's efficacy. Professor Sir John Bell today shot down the French President's baseless claims that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is 'quasi-ineffective' for the over-65s. He said: 'I suspect this is a bit of demand management from Mr Macron... if he didn't have any vaccine the best thing you could do is reduce demand.' While Britain has already inoculated 11 per cent of its population, the rollout on the Continent has been sluggish and blighted by supply issues. The EU is currently tangled in a row with AstraZeneca over supply shortfalls and has demanded UK doses are diverted to the bloc. Macron stoked tensions further yesterday by questioning the efficacy of the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab in older patients, despite it being approved by the EU regulator. Sir John today told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I'm not sure where he got that from.' He acknowledged its original study only had small numbers of elderly people, with many shielding themselves from the pandemic, but added: 'The numbers still pointed toward a very highly effective vaccine but the numbers were small, in fairness, we always accepted that.' He said other studies proved 'elderly people responded just as well in other age groups' and that 'there's really persuasive evidence that this is a protective vaccine in those populations'. Advertisement

Early data has shown that the vaccination drive is already easing the UK's Covid-19 pandemic and is reducing cases.

Deputy chairman of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) Professor Harnden told The Times: 'The preliminary data indicate a vaccine effect from the first dose in both younger adults and in older adults over 80. The effect seems to increase over time.

'It is possible that we may get stronger and better long-term protection by a delayed second dose.'

He also said that, in exceptional circumstances, people may be able to receive a jab from a different manufacturer for their second dose.

Professor Harnden added: 'There arent results from studies on mixing vaccines at the moment, so we havent got evidence but theres no theoretical evidence why you shouldnt mix vaccines.'

The comments follow politicians in London, Dublin and Belfast rounding on Brussels for announcing controls to stop vaccine exports reaching the UK through Northern Ireland by effectively create a hard border on the island of Ireland.

Anger over the move forced a late night U-turn from the European Commission, which first triggered Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol amid a row with AstraZeneca over slow supplies of its jab to the bloc.

French President Emmanuel Macron poured petrol on the rift yesterday when he baselessly claimed there was no evidence the Oxford-AstraZeneca shot worked in over-65s, despite it gaining approval from the EU regulator.

Meanwhile, scientists welcomed the 'extremely encouraging' results of Janssen's new single-shot Covid-19 vaccine trial announced less than 24 hours after the Novavax jab also appeared effective.

The vaccine, developed by the Johnson & Johnson-owned pharmaceutical firm, is 66 per cent effective overall at preventing moderate to severe coronavirus 28 days after vaccination, trial results show.

Novavax announced late on Thursday that its jab was 89 per cent effective following a clinical trial run in the UK.

The results came as yesterday marked the anniversary of the first known death involving Covid-19 in the UK, that of 84-year-old Peter Attwood, from Chatham in Kent.

One year on, the Government on Friday said the death total now stands at 104,371 after reporting a further 1,245 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19.

Separate figures published by the UK's statistics agencies for deaths where Covid-19 has been mentioned on the death certificate, together with additional data on deaths that have occurred in recent days, show there have now been 121,000 deaths involving Covid-19 in the UK.

Sir Simon Stevens (centre) observes a member of the vaccine team during a visit to the Centre for Life in Newcastle on Friday

Pharmacists administer a dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid vaccination during a clinic held in Derby on Thursday

Late-stage trials of the Janssen coronavirus vaccine, taken from a still of an undated video issued by Johnson and Johnson

Anti-lockdown hairdresser who has already been fined 17,000 is met by police as she makes ANOTHER attempt to re-open By Emily Webber For MailOnline A rebel hairdresser has been stopped from opening up her salon today as shopkeepers across the country say they will break Covid rules to start trading again. Mother-of-two Sinead Quinn, the owner of Quinn Blakey Hairdressing, Oakenshaw, near Bradford, returned to her salon shortly before 12pm today and entered the building. Ms Quinn revealed that she had an injunction made against her that forbid her from opening the salon with a power of arrest attached to it. Writing on Telegram, she said: 'Hey guys, Ive had an injunction against me. I wont be cutting hair today but Im gonna go open soon and clean and grab a few things. Police and council all over this morning. Im just having a coffee then going back up!' Ms Quinn also attached a picture of the letter sent to her by Kirklees Council and the injunction is in place until March 31. She added on the Telegram chat: 'I have two little girls at home that want to see their mummy tonight and I don't fancy spending anytime in the cells on b****** charges.' Ms Quinn spoke to two police officers through the door today before letting them inside and closing the shutters. However they left the salon shortly after and Ms Quinn drove away in her black Range Rover. A West Yorkshire Police spokesman told MailOnline: 'Police did attend at a hair-dressers in Oakenshaw on Saturday 30 January. 'No Covid breaches or any other such matters were disclosed or noted.' Advertisement

Experts say the latest vaccine data is another positive sign, with three jabs already approved for use in the UK - Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and Oxford/AstraZeneca.

Professor Kevin Marsh, co-lead of the Covid-19 team at the African Academy of Sciences, and Professor of Tropical Medicine at the University of Oxford, said the results from the Janssen jab trials were 'extremely encouraging'.

He said: 'It is possible that some people will look at the overall reported efficacy of 66 per cent in preventing moderate to severe Covid-19 and focus on comparisons with potentially higher 'top line' efficacy reported for some other vaccines.

'This would be a mistake. The real headline result is that a single-shot vaccine, capable of easy long-term storage and administration, provided complete protection against hospitalisation and death.'

The UK has ordered 30million doses of the vaccine, with the option of 22million more, with deliveries expected in the second half of this year if the jab is approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Some 60million doses of the Novavax jab, to be produced on Teesside, have also been secured, with the hope that the MHRA could approve it within weeks.

Janssen is continuing trials into two doses of its vaccine to see whether this produces an even higher efficacy.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock tweeted: 'This is yet more good news from Janssen on vaccines.

'If this jab is approved this could significantly bolster our vaccination programme, especially as a single-dose vaccine.'

Johnson & Johnson plans to file for regulatory approval in the US next week, followed shortly by applying for approval in Europe and the UK.

However, the latest Government figures suggest the growth rate, which estimates how quickly the number of infections is changing day by day, is between -5 per cent and zero for the UK as a whole.

It means the number of new infections in the UK is broadly flat or shrinking by up to 5 per cent every day.

The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) said the estimates are based on the latest data, available up to January 25, including hospital admissions and deaths as well as symptomatic testing and prevalence studies.

But it warned that cases 'continue to be dangerously high and the public must remain vigilant to keep this virus under control, to protect the NHS and save lives'.
Travellers to Iran from Europe will be required to self-quarantine for two weeks after testing negative upon arrival, a health official said on Saturday, Reuters informs.

Travellers from other regions, including neighbouring countries, will have to have tested negative before arrival in the country, Alireza Raisi, spokesman for the national coronavirus task force, said on state TV.

Raisi said travellers arriving from Europe should be holding negative test results, will be tested again and will have to self-quarantine even if their test is negative, Reuters reports with a reference to state media.
Rights Activist Intercepted by Chinese Police at Shanghai Airport and Lost Contact With Outside World

Renowned Chinese rights activist Guo Feixiong was en route to Shanghai Pudong Airport on Jan. 28 when he was intercepted by Chinese police and prevented from travelling to the United States to care for his wife, who is about to undergo chemotherapy. Guo immediately announced that he would go on an indefinite hunger strike in a show of protest. However, after Guo was taken away by the authorities, he lost contact with the outside world.

Known as the civil rights hero, Guo Feixiong, whose real name is Yang Maodong, is also a lawyer and independent writer in China. Despite being jailed for his activism, Guo is committed to pursuing constitutional democracy.

Guo, 54, is a resident of Guangzhou, the capital city of Guangdong Province. On Jan. 28, he left Guangzhou for the United States so he could be with his wife, who needed urgent care after undergoing surgery for cancer treatment. But he was intercepted by authorities during a stopover at Shanghai Pudong Airport.

Overseas Chinese democracy activist Zhou Fengsuo relayed Guos message via Twitter on the evening of Jan. 28. China Customs has officially announced that I will not be allowed to leave the country in the name of being suspected of endangering national security. I will go on an indefinite hunger strike at [Shanghai] Pudong Airport from now on. Please call on the Chinese people, governments and people of the world to help me urgently, Zhou tweeted.

Voice of America (VOA) contacted Guo at around 9 p.m. on the same day. He said that he was staging a hunger strike at the exit gate of the airport while waiting for the Guangzhou National Security Agency to take him away. He also said he would continue his hunger strike. The authorities accused him of endangering national security, VOA reported. Guos last message to VOA was sent from his mobile phone, asking the U.S. government for urgent help and that he would be very grateful, the report said.

Wang Dan, one of the leaders of the pro-democracy protesters during the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre, condemned the Chinese authorities for preventing Guo from visiting his wife. Wang posted on his Twitter account on Jan. 28: The CCP is anti-human, which is infuriating. He said that he is initiating a joint letter to be sent to international media outlets, the U.S. Congress, and the U.S. Department of State. He called on everybody to pay attention to the situation of Guo and his family.

Guos wife, Zhang Qing, has recently undergone a major operation for treating colon cancer and liver metastases, and is about to begin months of chemotherapy, VOA reported. Due to Guos persecution by Chinese authorities, Zhang left China and moved to the United States in 2009 with their two children.

Due to his activism and defending citizens rights, Guo served two prison sentences totaling 11 years: a five-year term for illegal business operation that ended on Sept. 12, 2011; and a six-year term for gathering crowds to disrupt public places and picking quarrels and provoking trouble that ended on Aug. 7, 2019, according to Chinese non-governmental organization Human Rights in China (HRIC).

Earlier this month, Guo wrote a letter to premier Li Keqiang and minister of public security Zhao Kezhi, calling on both of them to have his passport returned which had been held by the Guangzhou Public Security Bureau for the past ten years, and to allow him to go to the United States to care for his wife.

Due to Guos persistence and help from the U.S. consulate, Guo was able to get a visa and the local authorities in Guangzhou gave him permission to leave China before his new passport arrived, according to a report by Radio Free Asia (RFA). However, on Jan. 26, he was suddenly notified by Guangzhou Public Security Bureau that the Chinas Ministry of Public Security imposed a travel ban.

Guo said at the time that if he was intercepted illegally and brutally, he would go on a hunger strike indefinitely, the South China Morning Post reported.

Guo has defended the adherents of the spiritual practice Falun Gong and openly spoke against the persecution, which has continued since 1999 when former leader Jiang Zemin ordered a brutal suppression. Guo stated in 2006 that Chinas persecution of Falun Gong was the largest and the most brutal at the time. He urged international organizations to go to the mainland to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the persecution of Falun Gong, and said that it is a top priority that could promote the rule of law in China.

Guo worked with renowned human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng, who has also defended Falun Gong practitioners in Chinese courts. Gao was thrice-nominated as a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007, 2008, and 2010.
The number of subscribers in approached nearly 12 million last year since the launch of the latest mobile network in April 2019, data showed.

South Korea's users stood at 11.85 million as of end-December last year, up over 900,000 from the previous month, according to the data from the Ministry of Science and ICT.

The figure accounted for 16.8 per cent of the total 70.5 million mobile network subscriptions in the country.

The number of users picked up in the second half of last year, thanks to launches of new 5G phones, including Apple Inc.'s iPhone 12 series and Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Note 20 models.

The country's migration to the high-speed network is expected to accelerate further with the launches of Samsung's new flagship Galaxy S21 models and cheaper data plans from mobile carriers sold through online retail channels, reports Yonhap news agency.

With the growing number of 5G users, local mobile carriers are focusing on adopting new technology, such as standalone 5G, to improve network quality.

South Korean telecom operators currently support non-standalone 5G, which requires support from the previous 4G LTE network.

Users on the 4G network accounted for the majority of mobile subscriptions last year at 52.5 million, or 74.5 per cent of the total.

--IANS

na/

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
HNA Group, the parent company of Hainan Airlines, has applied for bankruptcy and reorganization after a long period of financial struggles.



The conglomerate said it has received notice from the Hainan High People's Court that creditors had sought the company's bankruptcy and restructuring, after a government-led effort to rework its debts did not succeed.

HNA said it will cooperate with the court's review, push forward debt restructuring. It will also support the court's efforts to protect the legitimate rights and interests of the creditors and ensure normal operations of the company.

The company will undertake a series of measures, such as debt transfer, debt-swaps and debt restructuring, and look for new strategic investors, said an HNA executive who did not want to be identified.

Introduction of new strategic investors will bring new funds that could put the company back on the healthy track, said the executive.

The debt-ridden airline group requested Hainan province for assistance last February after its "self-rescue" efforts failed to resolve the risks.

The provincial government formed a joint working group last year in an effort to streamline the shareholding patterns of more than 2,000 enterprises under HNA Group to get a clear picture of the total assets and debts.

The executive said the bankruptcy and restructuring will not affect HNA's aviation business, which comprises 14 companies and 700 commercial aircraft and is the country's fourth largest air carrier.

Gu Gang, former executive chairman and board member of HNA, resigned from his current positions at HNA last Friday and was elected the Party secretary of HNA Group, according to a company statement. The working group will continue to lead the risk resolution work, it said.

Gov. Kay Ivey plans to sign agreements Monday to lease new prisons to be built in Elmore and Escambia counties, Ivey press secretary Gina Maiola said.

This is the next step in the process, Maiola said in an email. It is our expectation the governor, on Monday, will sign lease agreements to lease two new mens correctional facilities to be constructed by CoreCivics developer team.

Maiola said more details would be released after the governor signs the leases.

CoreCivic is one of two teams of developers the Ivey administration and Alabama Department of Corrections have been in negotiations with since announcing in September the counties where three new prisons will be built.

The governors office has not said when a lease agreement will be signed on the third prison, which will be in Bibb County.

The Montgomery Advertiser reported on Friday the decision to sign the lease agreements Monday.

Ivey announced in October the Elmore County prison would be built on a site near Tallassee close to Alabama 229 and Rifle Range Road.

There is some opposition to the site. A group called No Prison for Tallassee was included on a list of organizations that released a letter on Friday opposing the prison leases.

Related: Elmore County officials urged Ivey to pick different site for new prison

Residents in Brierfield, which is close to Montevallo, have raised objections to the plans for the prison in Bibb County, which will be near state highway 139 and county road 2. The developer team in negotiations on that prison is Alabama Prison Transformation Partners, which includes Star America; BL Harbert International; Butler-Cohen; Arrington Watkins Architects; and Johnson Controls, Inc..

The CoreCivic developer team, which will build the prisons in Elmore and Escambia counties, includes Caddell Construction; DLR Group; and R&N Systems Design.

Ivey and the Alabama Department of Corrections have been working on the plans for three new mens prisons for more than two years. The ADOC says many of Alabamas 13 mens prisons are in poor condition and that new prisons are a better investment than trying to fix the old ones.

CoreCivic will finance, build, maintain, and own the Elmore and Escambia county prisons. The state will operate and staff the prisons under the lease agreements. The ADOC has said the total lease payments for all three new prisons will be capped at $88 million a year. The lease agreements are expected to be 30 years.

The prison leasing plan does not require approval by the Legislature. On Wednesday, some lawmakers told ADOC Commissioner Jeff Dunn they needed to know more about the financial details of the leases because the Legislature is responsible for approving the prison systems budget, which will cover the lease payments.

Were really in the dark about whats going on, Rep. Arnold Mooney, R-Shelby County, told Dunn during a budget hearing.

The ADOC has kept the negotiations confidential.

The lease plan calls for many of the states 13 prisons to close but no decisions have been announced about which ones. Legislators said that uncertainty is a problem because of the job losses that would come with closing a prison.

Ivey has set up a repurposing commission to make decisions about the old prisons.

The three new prisons will be designed for about 10,000 inmates, more than half the inmate population, which was about 18,000 as of November.

The Alabama prison system has faced severe problems with violence, overcrowding, and understaffing for years. The Department of Justice sued the state in December, alleging that the violent conditions violate the constitutional rights of prisoners. The state has until Feb. 15 to file a response.

The Ivey administration said the new prisons will be safer and offer more education and treatment programs to help inmates support themselves after they are released. Critics of the prison leasing plan say new prisons wont solve the problems of failure to keep inmates safe that the DOJ found in its investigation.
UPDATE: See latest snow map, timing as winter storm forecast intensifies (Saturday evening)

Weather forecasters have had a tough time nailing down their snowfall predictions for the big coastal storm thats expected to arrive in New Jersey on Sunday and linger into early Tuesday.

Many meteorologists are stressing there are several major factors that have yet to be resolved  such as the exact location where the storm will track off the Atlantic coast, and how quickly the storm will strengthen.

A slight shift in the track or a substantial change in the storms strength will have a big impact on how much snow, sleet or rain falls from the sky. So, dont be surprised if some of the forecast maps below go up or down during the next 24 hours.

With that said, heres a slew of snow forecasts for the upcoming winter storm, as of early Saturday afternoon.

AccuWeather

This is AccuWeather's latest snow forecast map, as of Saturday, Jan. 30. It calls for as much as 12 to 18 inches of snow in northern New Jersey and 6 to 12 inches in central New Jersey.AccuWeather

National Weather Service - N.J and eastern Pennsylvania

This is the latest snow forecast for most of New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware, updated by the National Weather Service Saturday afternoon. (Note: Projections for several counties in North Jersey and Central Jersey have risen from 8 to 12 inches of snow to 12 to 18 inches.) National Weather Service

National Weather Service - NYC region

This is the new snow forecast for northeastern New Jersey, New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley, updated at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30.National Weather Service

News 12 New Jersey

A significant snowfall is likely Monday and Tuesday. The track of this storm is still uncertain, but prepare for travel disruptions, and a plowable snow. Stay with @News12NJ as we track this Winter Storm. pic.twitter.com/x0hrd6NFgJ  Justin Godynick (@JGodynick) January 30, 2021

New Jersey 101.5 FM

SATURDAY MORNING NOR'EASTER UPDATE...

Storm impacts are still subject to "wiggle" as the storm track continues to evolve.

The "plus" is very important. 14", 16", 18" snowfall not out of the question.

Don't ignore the serious wind and surge threats.https://t.co/TLeZMKHP7y  Meteorologist Dan Zarrow (@DanZarrow) January 30, 2021

NY NJ PA Weather

This forecast from NY NJ PA Weather, based in Monmouth County, is calling for as much as 10 to 20 inches of snow - with sleet mixed in at time - over a wide swath of New Jersey.NY NJ PA Weather

ABC7 New York

6abc Philadelphia

Expected Snowfall - Sunday night through Monday night. The 6" line may have to be adjusted more north and west this afternoon. It all depends on how much sleet and rain mix in Monday morning before going back over to snow during the afternoon. pic.twitter.com/bIj2VsY9J0  Cecily Tynan (@CecilyTynan) January 30, 2021

NBC4 New York

 UPDATE: Powerful Nor'Easter Sunday night-Tuesday will bring 8-12" of snow for much of the tri-state. Heavier totals possible inland. #NYwx #NJwx #CTwx #noreaster pic.twitter.com/iuxmK46APp  Storm Team 4 NY (@StormTeam4NY) January 30, 2021

NBC10 Philadelphia

We're officially in the "fine-tuning" stages of our winter storm forecast. Still looking like a significant snow maker... the highest totals are trending northward slightly/rain-mix potential far south. We've updated our snow totals map. Plus, other impacts: @NBCPhiladelphia pic.twitter.com/2z145gD7pk  Krystal Klei (@KrystalKlei) January 30, 2021

The Weather Channel

Live in the blue or purple? Catch our coverage today to see what's in store 



We have the latest on timing, inches expected, travel delays, and alerts. #Orlena pic.twitter.com/PER4ZK56la  The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) January 29, 2021

Weatherboy forecasting company

Winter Storm Warnings have expanded north and east ahead of a storm expected to bring 12-18" of snow to portions of the Mid Atlantic & Northeast:https://t.co/Txm5XufDRb  the Weatherboy (@theWeatherboy) January 30, 2021

WeatherWorks forecasting company

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.

Len Melisurgo may be reached at LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com.
BTS has dominated the world, and now they are about to conquer the small screen with their special appearance in JTBC's newest drama, "Sisyphus: The Myth"!

On Jan. 29, JTBC posted on their official YouTube account another short but exciting teaser for their forthcoming drama "Sisyphus: The Myth". The fantasy-mystery drama will tell the time travel story of a brilliant engineer, who tries to bring to light the unseen secrets about the different creatures that exist on earth from the future.

The #ALIVE star will be playing the character of Kang Seo Hae, a fearless warrior who was born to be a real fighter.

Park Shin Hye Washed over by Nostalgia in New Teaser for "Sisyphus: The Myth"

In the newly released video, it can be seen that Kang Seo Hae is walking in the middle of an unknown and secluded place, which is surrounded by old buildings. While busy looking for something, she unexpectedly found a precious gem, it was BTS's concert poster for their movie "Bring The Soul."

After seeing the poster, Kang Seo Hae took off her gas mask and got her phone to play one of BTS's heartwarming and most loved songs "Spring Day." The moment she turns on the music, she can no longer hide her smile and even start humming to the song.

Hours after the clip has been released, it already gathered curiosity from the audiences. Meanwhile, one of the representatives from the drama shares a glimpse behind the unexpected appearance of BTS in the drama. The official said that "Spring Day" of BTS shows very nostalgic memories from the past. It represents the era before Seoul's collapse and known to be one of Kang Seo Hae's happiest memories in the past.

When Kang Seo Hae saw the poster, it reminded her of the past life that she had. The moment she heard the song again, gives her a nostalgic moment of how happy her life was before a war occurred.

Cho Seung Woo will also be joining the drama as one of the lead cast, he is Han Tae Sool, a genius engineer and co-founder of the Quantum and Time Company. With his amazing skills, he can confidently innovate such excellent products.

Also Read: JTBC's 'Sisyphus: The Myth' Drops Intriguing Posters Featuring Park Shin Hye and Cho Seung Woo

This thrilling series is expected to show new flavor in the eyes of the viewers. From being a student, doctor, and now a fearless warrior, actress Park Shin Hye is no doubt one of the compelling artists in the industry.

Also Read: Park Shin Hye Returns with Strong and Charismatic Character in 'Sisyphus: The Myth'

Viewers and most especially the fans are already waiting to see this forthcoming drama.

"Sisyphus: The Myth" will kick off on Feb 17 at 9:00 p.m (KST)

Watch the newly released teaser below!

Are you ready to see BTS's special appearance in this upcoming drama? Share your comments with us!

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at Kdramastars.

Kdramastars owns this article.

Written by Shai Collins


The Majority New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Parliament has debunked claims by the Minority National Democratic Congress (NDC) that it did not support the motion to provide reliefs to students of public tertiary institutions.



The Majority also refuted assertions from the NDC that it did not want to build consensus on the issues.



Mr Alex Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Majority Leader, said this at a press conference in Parliament over what he described as a populist journey by Mr Mahama Ayariga, Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central, to court public sympathy even before filing the motion in Parliament.



Mr Ayariga had filed a motion to request the President to take urgent steps to absorb the fees of students of public tertiary institutions for the 2000/2021 academic year.



The relief package was to include accredited private universities as part of the national COVID-19 alleviation measures being implemented by the Government.



On Thursday the House, by a majority vote, rejected the motion on grounds from the Majority Caucus that the Government had already intervened with the fee-paying situation with other relief packages.



Other reasons the Majority gave for rejecting the motion were that it was defective, lacked clarity and not specific with the reliefs being sought.



Mr Afenyo-Markin argued that the Majority was not in opposition of the motion but wanted the House to have a broader view of the matter by ensuring specificity.



If we really want to do something for the people of Ghanaat a time that businesses are suffering and collapsing and people have become unemployed, your main source is revenue, if you dont have, can you give, he added.



Mr Afenyo-Markin recalled that while the NPP was talking about the Free Senior High School Policy and its implementation, the NDC was then opposed to it.



He said if there was any government or political party to provide support in the area of education then it was the NPP, adding that the NPP had demonstrated that commitment and the track record.



Also, any relief that ought to be provided would be done in a manner that would get the real benefit of assuring parents and students that the government cared.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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United issued a strongly-worded statement on Thursday demanding stronger measures against 'mindless idiots', with Solskjaer echoed that message at his pre-match press conference on Friday.

London: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said racist abuse aimed at Anthony Martial and Axel Tuanzebe following Manchester United's shock defeat against Sheffield United this week was "unacceptable and disgusting".

Both players were attacked on social media following Wednesday's 2-1 home defeat by the Premier League's bottom side, which prevented the Red Devils reclaiming top spot.

United issued a strongly-worded statement on Thursday demanding stronger measures against "mindless idiots".

Solskjaer echoed that message at his pre-match press conference on Friday.

"It's just incredible we have these scenes still, this abuse in 2021," said the Norwegian, whose side play Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday.

"We've been campaigning for a long time now with the Premier League and I think it's working, but there are still some people that haven't got it.

"They hide behind social media, be anonymous and it's unacceptable and it's disgusting."

Solskjaer said 23-year-old Tuanzebe, who was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo but was brought up in England, was "fine".

"I've spoken to him and, of course, it's not nice but he's a strong boy, strong character, got support from his family," said the United boss.

Solskjaer is keen to slim down his bloated squad before the transfer window shuts on Monday.

Jesse Lingard is on the verge of moving to West Ham on loan but Solskjaer said he hoped the attacking midfielder would return to Old Trafford "revitalised".

The 28-year-old has found playing time limited this season, making just three appearances in all competitions for United.

"It's likely that Jesse's loan deal with West Ham is going through," said Solskjaer. "We want Jesse to come back here revitalised and having shown at West Ham how good a player he is."

Argentina defender Marcos Rojo looks likely to leave the club, with a move to Boca Juniors edging closer.
The Defense Department, under the Trump administration in mid-January, added Xiaomi and eight other companies to the list, which requires American investors to divest their holdings in the firms by a set deadline.

In the complaint, addressed to Biden-appointed Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Xiaomi called the judgment "unlawful and unconstitutional" and said the company was not controlled by the People's Liberation army.

It added that the investment restrictions, which go into effect on March 15, 2020, would cause "immediate and irreparable harm to Xiaomi."

Xiaomi said 75% of the company's voting rights, under a weighted structure, were held by co-founders Lin Bin and Lei Jun, with no ownership or control from an individual or entity affiliated with the military.

It added that a "substantial number" of its shareholders were U.S. persons, and noted three of its top-ten holders of ordinary shares were U.S. institutional investment groups.

"The company's strategic relationships with U.S. financial institutions - critical for Xiaomi to continue to access the capital it needs to continue to grow in a highly competitive market - will be significantly damaged," the complaint stated.

"Moreover, the public association of Xiaomi with the Chinese military will significantly impair the company's standing with business partners and consumers, causing reputational harms that cannot be readily quantified or easily repaired."

The U.S. Department of Defense and the Treasury Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Also Read:US lobby group urges India not to make foreign e-commerce rules more stringent
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Farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal on Saturday said he expects a record gathering by February 2 at the border points of Delhi, where farmers are protesting against three recent agriculture laws of the Centre, with a large number of people from various states turning up.

"We have been holding a peaceful agitation at Delhi's borders since January 26. Today also the agitation is peaceful," Rajewal, the president of the Bharatiya Kisan Union, told reporters here.

Farmers' protestHe also condemned the violence in Delhi on Republic Day and said it was unfortunate.

"People in large numbers from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand are reaching the protest sites," Rajewal said.

"Possibly by February 2, there will again be a record gathering of people at the protest sites," he said, adding that the agitation would remain peaceful.

Rajewal also condemned the Haryana government for suspending internet services.

Farmers' protestThe Haryana government on Friday decided to suspend mobile internet services in 14 more districts in the state until Saturday 5 pm "to prevent any disturbance of peace and public order". Earlier it had suspended the services in three districts.

"The government is trying to mislead people through false propaganda in order to defame the ongoing agitation," he alleged.

Rajewal accused the government of trying to trigger violence by provoking the farmers at the protest sites. "But we are alert. We will not indulge in any kind of violence," he said.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Restaurant owners expressed relief that indoor dining would once again resume in New York City. But the general sentiment among polled owners was that Gov. Andrew Cuomos decision was insensitive, not soon enough and not enough with its 25% capacity allowances.

Allowances for NYC as of Feb. 14 include 25% occupancy inside with continued temperature checks, enhanced filtration systems and one member of each party as a rep for contact tracing. Masks must be worn at all times when not seated. Tables must be set at six feet apart and outdoor dining can go forward.

We love Staten Island, and are committed to our restaurants, and the community, but we need to operate a business that makes sense financially, and at 25% capacity, that is simply not feasible, said John Gorga, manager at Pastavino, Navy Pier Prime and Navy Pier Taproom at Stapletons Urby. The restaurants are on hiatus as restrictions persist.

Gorga said, We look forward to reopening when we can at 50% capacity, or the return of outdoor dining in a comfortable setting on a regular basis is possible.

Lisa McFarland of OHenrys Public House said, Well take the 25% but Id be happy with 50%.

She scoffed at Cuomos delay until Valentines Day for the reopening plan to commence.

Cuomo had explained at a Friday press conference the reason for the 16-day lag: The restaurants want a period of time so they can notify workers, they can get up to speed for indoor dining, order supplies, et cetera.

Not re-opening immediately so restaurants could prepare their staff? she said incredulously with a laugh. She temporarily closed her Tompkinsville eatery in January and said, If I could open tomorrow I would! But the takeout and delivery only format isnt working for her or business partner Bobby Digi  its just not enough revenue to make it worthwhile.

St. Valentines Day! Is Cuomo trying to feel the love from us all? Not gonna happen, quipped Adobe Blues Jim Stayoch.

The Staaten of West Brighton in these coronavirus times  empty. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)

WEDDINGS, CATERING HALLS AND CLOSING AT MIDNIGHT

Vincent Malerba owns Angelinas Kitchen at the Staten Island Mall and Angelinas, a Tottenville fine dining destination temporarily closed after losing its liquor license earlier in the month. The proprietor said there were some wins in the new guidelines.

Weddings are a huge deal, said Malerba. The phone hasnt stopped in Tottenville since the press conference. Restaurants can also stay open until midnight with a 30 minute grace period.

Thats big, he said.

Starting March 15, receptions can happen up to 50% capacity or a maximum of 150 guests as long as the attendees are tested. Local health officials must approve. That rule came out of what the governors office called success with such measures at two recent Buffalo Bills playoff games.

Juli Valenti of Serenas Catering Hall in New Dorp Beach said, I cant open indoors for only 25 guests.

She added, So everyone has to have a COVID test to go to an affair...but not a restaurant? Seriously, hows that going to work?

Bars are still not permitted to serve and the area is intended as a service station only. Photo taken at Joyce's Tavern, Friday, Jan. 29, 2021. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)

Rob DeLuca of DeLucas Italian Restaurant in Tottenville estimates that the region is halfway through the pandemic and hes concerned the governor will flip-flop down the line. As Staten Islanders continue to flood New Jersey restaurants where indoor dining is legal, he is wary of the politicians words based on his prior stubbornness with lifting dining restrictions. Fresh in DeLucas memory is the lingering ban on indoor dining from March through the fall, then again in December when cases surged after Thanksgiving. It has been on hold even longer on the South Shore and in some East Shore spots when they were designated in November as Orange Zone.

I cant wait to serve people at the bar, said Ken OToole of Joyces Tavern in Eltingville. But unfortunately thats not in the reopening forecast at the moment. The state says, Bars will only be used as a source of making drinks and serving them tableside.

DeLuca said, I want to talk about how safe restaurants are. We have our food service handlers license here. We have grades in the window. Hospital, grocery stores, doctors offices, fire houses, none of them follow such protocols as restaurants.

He and other owners like McFarland worry that a portion of the public will be fearful about coming back to dine.

OToole said, I want people to have a choice in the matter. If you dont want to go out to a restaurant Ill delivery the food to you. I just want to be able to choose again. Do it all responsibly and safe.

Malerba and other restaurant owners are down on the governor. He points to what he calls lingering policy inconsistencies.

Long Island is allowed to move up to 50% although COVID-19 rates for New York City are lower, said Malerba. He combed over the new rules in place and noticed the state recommends having staff bring their meals from home. If they choose to eat in the restaurant on a break the are included in the 25% max head-count.

Angelina's Kitchen at the Staten Island Mall turned to drive-in movies over the summer to generate some business. (Courtesy of Vincent Malerba)

Pamela Silvestri is Advance Food Editor. She can be reached at silvestri@siadvance.com.



NORWICH  Older adults and all of those on Medicare are vulnerable to scams seeking to get their insurance information or personally identifiable information, according to a statement from Senior Resources.

Medicare loses about $60 billion each year due to fraud, errors and abuse; according to the Administration for Community Living, said Alison Dvorak, SMP Coordinator at Senior Resources.

Scammers use public health emergencies as opportunities for fraud schemes. Older adults are currently isolated and more at risk for these scams. Connecticuts Senior Medicare Patrol Program helps Medicare beneficiaries prevent, detect and report suspected health care fraud and abuse.

The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) and the Medicare Health Insurance Counseling (CHOICES) program recommends that Medicare beneficiaries:

1. Do not give out your Medicare number, Social Security number or personal information during an unsolicited call, text, email, home visit or at a public venue.

2. Be suspicious of free offers for supplies or treatments. You will not need to pay for the vaccine and offers to pay for early access to it are a scam. Medicare will cover the full cost of the vaccine so you will provide information at that time.

3. Review your Medicare Summary notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB). Look for errors or any items billed but not received.

4. Contact your local SMP and CHOICES for help with any Medicare related question. Find the SMP and CHOICES contact at your local Area Agency on Aging by calling 1-800-994-9422.

Senior Resources, the Area Agency on Aging in Eastern Connecticut, is a private non-profit organization established in 1976 and authorized by the Older Americans Act of 1965 and state statute to provide unbiased access, information and referral to programs related to aging.

More on Senior Medicare Patrol: https://portal.ct.gov/DORS-SMP

More on Senior Resources: Home - Senior Resources Agency on Aging (seniorresourcesec.org)

Arts & Culture grant applications now available

EAST HAMPTON  The East Hampton Arts & Culture Commission is now taking grant applications from East Hampton organizations and individuals with programs and/or projects that enrich the lives of East Hampton residents through the arts. Deadline to apply is April 1, 2021 to arts@easthamptonct.org

Eligibility: One of two $500 grants are available to be awarded to individuals or organizations residing in East Hampton, Connecticut. The commission reserves the right to award a grant to an individual or organization it determines will have the most potential impact of arts and/or culture on the town. Incomplete forms will be denied; applicants can resubmit.

Criteria for awarding grants: The artistic and organizational quality of the organization and/or project and its likelihood of continuing viability or success. The organizations or projects accessibility and service to the East Hampton community. Grant recipients must credit the East Hampton Arts and Culture Commission on all press releases, posters, print advertising and programs.

Evaluation: An interview may be requested of the candidate prior to awarding the grant. An update of your progress will be required six months post-award date and a final report will be required one year post award date. Artists, Scouts, musicians, sculptors, teachers and troop leaders are welcome to apply.

Applications are available at www.artsforeasthamptonct.org

NAACP receives $10K Liberty Bank grant

MIDDLETOWN  David W. Glidden, President and CEO of Liberty Bank and President of the Liberty Bank Foundation, recently announced the Liberty Bank team has awarded a $10,000 grant to the Middlesex County NAACP to support two much-needed and timely programming initiatives for children and adults.

The grant, through the Liberty Bank Foundation, will support two critical programs offered by the Middlesex County NAACP: Young Readers Pilot Reading Program for African American and Latino Boys and Protecting our Health from the Impacts of Race, Racism, and COVID-19.

Connecticut Water receives award

CLINTON  Connecticut Water has been recognized with two awards by the Connecticut Construction Industries Association. The company received a Safety Recognition Award for excellence in construction health and safety and the CCIAs Community Service Award for its School Water Bottle Filling Station Grant Program, which supplied 15 schools in Connecticut Water service communities with touch-free water filling stations.

The School Water Bottle Filling Station Grant Program began accepting applications in early 2020 as part of Connecticut Waters doubling of community support funds as a result of a merge with SJW Group. Applications for the $15,000 program were open to any school served by Connecticut Water to supply them with a new or retrofit unit to provide an alternative to single-serve, disposable water bottles and a touch-free alternative to traditional water fountains. As the pandemic changed daily operations for schools across the states, the units played an even more important role in the safety measures necessary to welcome students back this fall. A complete list of grant recipients can be found at ctwater.com/community. The program will continue in 2021.

This is the 17th consecutive year that Connecticut Water has received CCIAs Safety Recognition Award. Companies recognized by CCIA have demonstrated solid construction safety and health programs and are evaluated across 17 safety categories, including management involvement, employee training, safety hazard analysis, noncompliance and correction of violations. At Connecticut Water, a cross-functional safety committee, comprising nearly 10% of the workforce, meets on a bimonthly basis to review and reduce incidents and injuries, with a focus on providing a safe and healthy workplace for all areas of the company.
In this week's edition of Rewind, Robert Smith delves back in harness racing history to recall a special man and his continuing family; a story that stretches back nearly 100 years. Old photos and documents from yesteryear help tell the story.

Late last year a Rewind follower sent me a very old picture he had discovered on the Internet. Beyond that I have no idea of who posted it or for that matter anything else about where it originated. The person who sent it to me was immediately interested in this oldie because of an old story he had often heard repeated at his parental home through the years concerning this horse.



Pictured above is a very nice mare named Lady Helen. In 1929 she was the leading race winner of that season. Her amazing year drew the interest of a couple of people from far away Colorado who decided to purchase her for racing on the larger U.S. tracks. The mare's then current owner, Mr. Nate Neely of Sarnia, Ont., decided to sell. Pictured above is a very nice mare named Lady Helen. In 1929 she was the leading race winner of that season. Her amazing year drew the interest of a couple of people from far away Colorado who decided to purchase her for racing on the larger U.S. tracks. The mare's then current owner, Mr. Nate Neely of Sarnia, Ont., decided to sell.

Buried not so deep within this old picture is a pretty good "chunk" of history relating to one of Canada's oldest and longest surviving families involved in harness racing. A gentleman by the name of Nathan Emmerson (better known as "Nate'') Neely of Sarnia Ontario was well immersed in the sport of harness racing at this time. His lifetime involvement covered almost 50 years right up until his passing.

Ninety or one hundred years ago I doubt that the sport of harness racing in Canada was a very big business by today's standards but there was a lot more going on than one might think. Pictures of horses were being taken, registrations and professional looking pedigrees were being issued and the odd horse was being sold and shipped many miles away. Fairly elaborate eligibility certificates were being filled out to keep proper records and individual earnings. Thankfully the odd one has survived.



Registration papers issued by the U.S.T.A. for Lady Helen. The date of 1939 is shown as that was the year the U.S.T.A. was formed. It shows her having records of 2:06 3/4 pacing and 2:15 3/4 trotting. It is interesting to note that several years after being sold to Colorado interests she was again sold to an owner in Oklahoma. It then shows that Lady Helen eventually was reacquired by Mr. Neely and returned to Canada. Records show that while she was an excellent race performer, her career as a dam was a disappointment. Registration papers issued by the U.S.T.A. for Lady Helen. The date of 1939 is shown as that was the year the U.S.T.A. was formed. It shows her having records of 2:06 3/4 pacing and 2:15 3/4 trotting. It is interesting to note that several years after being sold to Colorado interests she was again sold to an owner in Oklahoma. It then shows that Lady Helen eventually was reacquired by Mr. Neely and returned to Canada. Records show that while she was an excellent race performer, her career as a dam was a disappointment.

For many years Nate Neely was a well-known figure in Canadian harness racing circles. He not only owned, bred, trained and drove many horses, he also helped to organize local race meets and in general promote the sport to anyone who would listen. While many of his contemporaries were dabbling with horses who were often "rescued" buggy and plow horses, Mr. Neely had some top notch performers.

He was not afraid to leave his home territory both for racing purposes as well as seeking prospective buyers and sellers. During the years surrounding 1930, Neely owned a pair of full sisters that were pretty much the class of the racing world. The aforementioned Lady Helen, a foal of 1924 and her full sister Miss Hal G (1923) were well known wherever horses were raced. I might mention that Lady Helen occupied a special place in her owner's heart as she was named after his daughter (and only child) Helen who was the mother of Larry Ainsworth, who will enter the story a bit later.

At about this time a rather famous match race took place at Chatham, Ont., literally in Neely's backyard. The two horse affair pitted another noted horse of the day, Jerry The Tramp, against Lady Helen. Legend has it that a huge crowd gathered to watch the race and despite the fact that it is nearly impossible to find many traces of it in local history, it was regarded as one of the great racing spectacles of the times.

On this day Mr. Neely may have been slightly victimized by the promoter of the race who also owned the other horse as well as the track where it was being contested. While Lady Helen was a prolific race winner it was generally known that she was a poor "leaver". Tales of the day stated that the track owner had the racing surface honed to perfection, but only the lane immediately adjacent to the hubrail. The rest of the track resembled a plowed field. As the pair left the switch the "Tramp" horse sped quickly away while Lady Helen "spun her wheels". As she drifted in and gained better traction the other horse opened up an insurmountable lead.

While not a lot of details remain from that day now long ago it is safe to say that while Lady Helen performed admirably, she did not take home the winner's trophy. It was just one of many days Mr. Neely was to enjoy.



A well-preserved Eligibility Certificate from the year 1929 shows the travels of Lady Helen that year. Much of that year's racing activity was recorded in the Province of Quebec. Having a horse of this calibre along with her full sister went a long way to helping the Nate Neely family through the depression years. A well-preserved Eligibility Certificate from the year 1929 shows the travels of Lady Helen that year. Much of that year's racing activity was recorded in the Province of Quebec. Having a horse of this calibre along with her full sister went a long way to helping the Nate Neely family through the depression years.

For quite a few years Nate's brother-in-law Walter Craig "Shorty" Powell, who was married to the former Bea Neely was a part of the racing operation and did quite a bit of the stable's driving. Originally from England "Shorty" learned the harness racing business but later moved to Florida to operate a motel.

When Nate Neely passed away he left his last horse to his grandson, Larry Ainsworth. From that point onward Larry and later members of his family took a very active part in the sport of harness racing. Their travels took them to many places far and near. As time went on their holdings grew and multiplied and many successes followed. With horses quartered in both Ontario and Florida, the Ainsworth stable was well poised to compete with the best the sport had to offer for many years. Perhaps due to the knowledge gained through years of travelling with his grandfather, Larry became quite knowledgeable and successful in selecting and purchasing young stock at auction. The results speak volumes.

For a number of years the Ainsworth stable enjoyed great success in the Ontario Sires Stakes program and their performers were often at or near the top of their respective categories. As an example during the years of 1995, 1996 and 1997 Jim Ainsworth, Larry's son, won the Johnston Cup emblematic of training excellence in OSS competition. Most or all of his top performing colts and fillies were from their own stable.

Larry recently recalled to me just how busy and quite often successful his stable was at times. He remembered on one particular Saturday quite a number of years ago just how far he travelled in a single day. "A bunch of family and friends journeyed to The Meadows track in Pennsylvania where we saw one of our horses win a big race in the afternoon. We left there and headed for Greenwood where another stable member won an early race in downtown Toronto. To cap off the day we headed back home to Sarnia and made a third trip to the winner's circle following an O.S.S. win." All in a day's work!

Despite a lifetime in owning,training and racing countless very good horses, Larry Ainsworth's favourite memories extend well past the last half century or so. In a recent conversation, Larry, now an octogenarian himself, has nothing but fond memories of his late grandfather. "Grandpa was my hero. I loved to travel to the races with him in the days when one day race meets were all there was. He delivered milk for Silverwoods Dairies and we would start the route very early on a Saturday morning with a plan to finish as quickly as possible. We then took off in the truck with a horse or two and travelled the 30 miles or so, wherever races were being held. We raced all afternoon and on the way home we stopped at a roadside diner for a hot beef sandwich. It just didn't get any better than that and I will remember those days forever!"



Nate Neely (1894-1971) proudly displays one of the many horses he owned down through the years (Neely Family archives) Nate Neely (1894-1971) proudly displays one of the many horses he owned down through the years (Neely Family archives)

When "Nate" Neely passed away in 1971 he left this world at about the time the really big era of harness racing was about to take place. He had campaigned his share of good ones when the sport was much smaller. Besides the aforementioned Lady Helen and Miss Hal G he also brought out a few others of note such as Bob Lee, Chestnut Bars and Alice G.

Around 1964 Nate decided to lessen his own "hands-on" involvement with his small stable of horses. He was still very interested but needed less work so he turned his stock over to a fellow townsman from Petrolia named Cecil Coke. The above picture appeared in the local paper at that time.

Mr. Nate Neely can rightfully be considered one of the true pioneers of Canadian harness racing. My thanks to Terry Mullen for sending along that vintage picture of Lady Helen and to Larry Ainsworth for sharing his memories.



A great old family picture of the Neely family taken at the homestead in Sarnia, Ont. Nate is pictured second from the left in the front row. Two of his brothers Orton (rear row second from right) and John (fifth from left) also had an interest in owning harness horses at various times. I have displayed this photo to show what a large old time family looked like approximately 100 years ago. (Courtesy of Neely Family archives keeper Jeff McQueen) A great old family picture of the Neely family taken at the homestead in Sarnia, Ont. Nate is pictured second from the left in the front row. Two of his brothers Orton (rear row second from right) and John (fifth from left) also had an interest in owning harness horses at various times. I have displayed this photo to show what a large old time family looked like approximately 100 years ago. (Courtesy of Neely Family archives keeper Jeff McQueen)

Quote For The Week: "For many of us older folks the road ahead offers far less mileage than the well-travelled one behind."

Who Is It?

Can you identify the gentleman pictured above? (Canadian Sportsman file photo)

Who Else Is It?

Who is the well-known gentleman pictured above? Be sure to remain tuned in during the coming week to see who the people were in this week's photo quiz.
Posted Saturday, January 30, 2021 8:08 am

Suzi LeVine, the departing head of Washington's Employment Security Department (ESD), reportedly will lead the federal sub-agency office that helps states manage unemployment benefits.

LeVine, whose departure from the ESD was announced late last week, will serve as interim assistant secretary of the Employment and Training Administration (ETA), which is part of the Labor Department, according to a report Friday by Bloomberg Law.

Neither the ETA nor LeVine would confirm the Bloomberg account, although LeVine indicated via text that her new role starts Monday.

The new job would put LeVine at the forefront of the Biden administration's economic response to the pandemic, which has cost the United States nearly 10 million jobs since February.

But LeVine's move from Olympia to Washington, D.C., also comes amid continued criticism of the ESD's response to pandemic-related job losses and fraud, renewed scrutiny of its slow response to public records requests by media outlets, and heightened attention to the politics of presidential appointments. LeVine is a major player in the Democratic Party, and she and her husband, Eric LeVine, were big contributors to Joe Biden's 2020 campaign.

That criticism may become an issue, given that the role as assistant secretary at ETA must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

As she did last week, LeVine on Friday declined to answer questions about her new role with the Biden administration or the Bloomberg report. "Per my previous notes, I'm still not at liberty to share what role I'll be taking in the new administration," LeVine said in a text.

LeVine's post at the ETA is temporary, and it isn't yet known whether the 51-year-old former tech executive and U.S. ambassador is in the running for a permanent role as assistant secretary at the ETA, according to Bloomberg. An ETA spokesperson did not respond to questions about the appointment.

Biden hasn't nominated anyone for that post, which requires confirmation by the U.S. Senate, Bloomberg reported. Biden's nominee for Labor secretary is Boston Mayor Martin Walsh, which the Senate reportedly will consider next week.

The ETA "administers federal government job training and worker dislocation programs, federal grants to states for public employment service programs, and unemployment insurance benefits," according to the ETA website.

The ETA "is poised to wield immense authority in executing President Joe Biden's mission to rapidly repair a labor market reeling from the virus-induced surge of layoffs and structural damage," Bloomberg reported.

News that LeVine was leaving the ESD ignited a storm of criticism last week over problems at the ESD during her 2-1/2 year tenure. Notable among those was a fraud scheme last spring that siphoned off $600 million in unemployment funds, as well as chronic delays in benefit payments to legitimate claimants during the pandemic.

That criticism continued Friday. Her move to Washington, D.C., is "great news for all Washingtonians who paid the price for her inept leadership here at home," said Caleb Heimlich, chair of the Washington State Republican Party in an emailed statement. "Unfortunately, it is horrible news for the country."

Critics have also noted that LeVine, who worked at Microsoft and Expedia and served as U.S. ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein for three years in the Obama administration, is a longtime player in Democratic politics.

The LeVines gave more than $400,000 to the Biden campaign and other Democratic causes in 2019 and 2020, according to federal campaign records.

In 2017, the LeVines were appointed as deputy national finance chairs for the Democratic National Committee, according to its website.

But Suzi LeVine's allies say she revived a dysfunctional and demoralized state agency and used her considerable technical and management expertise to help modernize a critical organization that had been slow to upgrade its systems. LeVine has also worked extensively with her counterparts in other states and in September became chair-elect of the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (but will step down from that role Sunday).

Gov. Jay Inslee appointed LeVine as ESD commissioner in July 2018.

In her new role, LeVine will run an organization with a central role in federal labor policy. The ETA has just over 900 employees and had a budget of around $9 billion in 2020, or nearly three-quarters of the Labor Department's overall appropriation, according to an agency budget brief.

Among the ETA's functions are "providing high-quality job training, employment, labor market information, and income maintenance services primarily through state and local workforce development systems," the ETA website says.

LeVine has been a proponent of new job training methods. After her ambassadorship ended, in 2017, she returned to the U.S. and began promoting the idea of a Swiss-style apprenticeship system as a way to help American students be better prepared for the job market.

Another key function of the ETA is approving employer requests for immigrant-worker visas.

But a big part of LeVine's new job at the ETA will be overseeing the federal response to COVID-19's impacts on the U.S. job market.

Under Biden's new $1.9 trillion coronavirus proposal, which has yet to be approved by Congress, unemployed workers would receive $400 a week in federal benefits on top of their regular state unemployment benefits. That's less than the $600 a week offered last spring under the first pandemic relief package, but more than the $300 weekly federal payments included in December's relief package.

In a text last week, LeVine had said she was "humbled to serve my country as an economic first responder."

Another key ETA role is advising states on how to implement unemployment programs and distribute federal relief.

Last spring, the ESD and its counterparts in other states had to wait weeks for specific instructions from the ETA before they could start paying federal benefits to jobless workers.

That dynamic has continued with December's relief package. Although the legislation extended several of last spring's pandemic relief programs, some of those benefits have been slow to roll out as states await federal guidance.

LeVine may face other challenges in her new role, including a Trump administration appointee in a key ETA job.

Amy Simon, a deputy assistant secretary for the ETA under the Trump administration, recently applied to become a civil servant and assume a role as one of the ETA's two top career deputies, Bloomberg reported.

If Simon's move is approved, it would be harder for the Biden administration to immediately replace Simon with its own candidate, and would leave LeVine to work with a Trump political appointee in implementing Biden administration policy.

Seattle Times political reporter Jim Brunner contributed to this report, which also includes information from The Seattle Times archive.

___

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A minor improvised explosive device (IED) blast took place outside the Israeli Embassy in the heart of Lutyens' Delhi on Friday evening, police said. No one was injured. Some cars were damaged in the blast that took place near the pavement outside the embassy on APJ Abdul Kalam Road, a very high-security zone in the national capital.

Delhi Police Additional PRO Anil Mittal said that initial impressions suggest that it could be a mischievous attempt to create a sensation. The bomb disposal squad of the Delhi Police carried out searches to find out if there were more explosives in the area. There was a heavy deployment of police personnel and APJ Abdul Kalam Road road has been cordoned off. Officials said that they are scanning footage of CCTV cameras installed nearby to ascertain the sequence of events. Senior officers of the Delhi Police were on the sport.

Reacting to the blast, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said any attempt to disturb peace should be firmly dealt with. After the blast, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) which guards vital installations in the nuclear and aerospace domain, civil airports and central government buildings in the national capital has put on alert all its units across the country, official sources said. It has asked its personnel to enhance vigil and maintain a "high level of alert", they said.

Narendra Modi to take all-party meet agenda for budget session, invitation sent to leaders

POCSO law is not to punish teens who are in love relationship- Madras HC

Supreme Court allows felling of over 4,000 trees for railway line between Mathura, Jhansi
(TNS)  A committee of residents will be appointed to help with Waterloo, Iowa's quest to explore a municipal broadband utility.The Telecommunications Utility Board of Trustees voted unanimously Wednesday to approve a resolution establishing the committee. The committee will include three to five members that will provide input about city-owned high-speed Internet, phone services and cable television. The members will be appointed by board chair Andy Van Fleet and confirmed by votes from board members.Van Fleet said the residents will help the city in four areas: Risk mitigation, community marketing, digital infrastructure and finance and business strategy. He called the areas "critical pillars to move this project forward successfully when the time is right to turn the plan into actionable items.""This is such a monumental project that we could as a group benefit from having additional minds thinking through some of the best ways to proceed with this," Van Fleet said.The members will serve on the committee for as long as deemed necessary by the telecommunications board, according to the resolution. The committee meetings would be open to the public as required by Iowa law, Van Fleet said.There are residents that Van Fleet already thinks should serve on the committee, but he said he is open to recommendations.The decision to form the committee comes as the Telecommunications Utility Board of Trustees is reviewing a broadband study from consultant Magellan Advisors. The city commissioned the study more than a year ago, allocating $110,000 in unspent general obligation bonds to cover the cost.Board members are privately reviewing the study without public input. The city declined to release the study to Theafter an open records request, citing part of Iowa code that allows "draft" material to stay confidential.Van Fleet previously said the study will be publicly released and brought to City Council for approval in May or June.Waterloo's chief financial officer, Michelle Weidner, said Wednesday the city is including some money for initial broadband costs in the next fiscal year's capital improvement budget. She did not provide specific details.City Council member Sharon Juon, a liaison to the board, asked whether council officials will get a presentation about the budget requests. Weidner said the decision would be up to City Council members.Van Fleet said the board is "waiting on Magellan to finalize the draft study" before Feb. 15. The finalized study will then be reviewed by board members, and there will be a presentation about it at the Feb. 24 board meeting, Van Fleet said.The updated study will include aspects of Mayor Quentin Hart's plans for a "smart city," Van Fleet said. This includes technology that aims to help agencies and officials collect data about city systems, improve communication and enhance interconnectedness."They've been a really great partner to work with," Van Fleet said of Magellan Advisors. "They've done a great job of thinking through the best approach for what we're trying to accomplish here in Waterloo."
France says it's closing its borders to people arriving from outside the starting Sunday to try to stop the growing spread of new variants of the virus and avoid a third lockdown.

French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced the new measure Friday night after an emergency government health security meeting at the presidential palace, warning of a great risk from the new variants.

All those arriving from other EU countries will be required to produce a negative virus test, he said.

France already had limits on cross-border travel because of the virus, and imposed tougher checks in airports and ports last week.

International tourism to France has slowed to a trickle because of the pandemic, and restaurants and tourist sites have been closed since October along with many hotels.

France will also close all large shopping centers starting Sunday and limit travel to, and from, its overseas territories.

Castex ordered stepped-up police checks of those who violate France's 12-hour-a-day curfew, hold secret parties or reopen restaurants in defiance of a closure order in place since October.

Virus infections, hospitalizations and deaths have been rising steadily but not sharply in France in recent weeks, and many doctors have been urging a new nationwide shutdown like those imposed in several other European countries.

Citing the economic devastation of such measures, Castex said: Our duty is to put everything in place to avoid a new lockdown, and the coming days will be decisive.

France has reported among the world's highest virus death tolls, at 75,620, and more than 60% of its intensive care beds are occupied by virus patients.

More than ever we should do everything to respect the rules, Castex 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.)
While stationed overseas, an American soldier found comfort in hanging out with dogs who live near their base. Now, she is raising money to help bring home a puppy she rescued while serving her country.

According to Paws of War, sergeant Char's puppy, who she named PupPup, was born to a stray dog who would often hang around her army base. After the dog gave birth, the soldiers at the base moved the dog and the puppies to a safer place where the litter could be cared for.

While all of the puppies were quick to warm up to the soldiers, Sergeant Char said she instantly was drawn to PupPup as she was more nervous than the other puppies. Sergeant Char focused her attention on her little PupPup and ensured that she was being fed and loved. The pair formed such a close bond that the soldier rescued the puppy and claimed the canine as her own.

Now that Sergeant Char is soon heading back to the United States, the soldier said she "can't stand the thought of leaving [PupPup] behind."

"I'm desperately asking Paws of War to help me bring my beautiful helpless PupPup back to America with me," she told the organization.

According to Paws of War, Sergeant Char is still the only person PupPup will go near. The soldier said she is nervous about leaving PupPup behind as the area she was stationed in is a dangerous environment for stray animals.

"This spot can be very harsh to dogs, and I fear she will die if she is left behind. Plus, we have formed such a strong bond that means everything to me," she shared. "I can't turn my back on her and would be forever grateful for the help to get her home."

Along with helping soldiers bring animals back to the U.S., Paws of War is also dedicated to rescuing and training dogs to pair with veterans who need therapy animals.

Last year, the non-profit similarly helped U.S. soldier Sergeant Etter bring back two rescued kittens from the Middle East.

Related Article: Homeless Man Risks Life to Rescue Animals at a Burning Shelter

Paws of War

Since 2014, the non-profit organization has supported over 100 Veterans with service dogs rescued from kill shelters.



According to the organization, their goal is to:

"To train and place shelter dogs to serve and provide independence to our U.S. military veterans that suffer from the emotional effects of war. In turn, each veteran can experience the therapeutic and unconditional love only a companion animal can bring."

Paws of War provides service dogs & training to veterans and first responders who:

Have served in any branch of the uniformed services in any era;

Have received an honorable or a general (under honorable conditions) discharge;

Have a service-connected disabling medical condition

Have been released from all service and reserve obligations;

Since 2014, 988 volunteers had worked over 68,000 hours

We have attended over 500 community events

Have met all Paws of War requirements for application into the program, applied, and been accepted into the program;

Have successfully completed all required Paws of War training and certification requirements.

Here's where you can donate to the organization.

ALSO READ: [VIRAL] Labrador Barks Non-Stop to Police, Only to See Her Blind Owner Almost Dead in Ice

For more news update about the animal world, don't forget to follow Nature World News!
Speaking exclusively to Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami, Israel's envoy to India Dr. Ron Malka hinted that some nations or non-state organizations might feel threatened by the India-Israel bilateral ties. He was reacting in the wake of a low-intensity IED explosion that took place near the Israeli Embassy on Friday evening. Incidentally, the day also marked the 29th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Israel.

Highlighting that the relationship between the two countries is a "shining example" for the world, Dr. Malka highlighted the collaboration during the COVID-19 crisis. Moreover, he lauded India's role in ensuring the stabilization of the world. According to him, the forces who desire destabilization perceive the India-Israel partnership as a "threat".

Dr. Ron Malka remarked, "I think there must be some countries, maybe some non-state organizations that might be threatened who don't really like what is happening between Israel and India which can be a shining example for the world- how two countries can collaborate and work together. Take for instance, not only this security collaboration. Amid this pandemic, how scientists from both Israel and India were involved in joint efforts and joint research for rapid tests of COVID-19. How we shared techniques, practices, advanced medical treatment between our countries. How much support we gave to each other. How much added value we gave to each other. I think other countries can just see that and try to learn how to collaborate and how two countries become so close."

"Both Israel and India in a much large scale are thriving for stabilization...India contributes so much to the world stabilization...India is bringing so much positive value to the stabilization of the world. Israel is bringing value to the stabilization of our region. So all those who seek destabilization see it as a threat," he added.

Read: Israel Wants To Share Technology For Development Of India's North-east Region: Ambassador Malka

#LIVE | India-Israel relations extend beyond security. Even during pandemic, our scientists collaborated. Our relationship thrives on mutual respect. Maybe they don't like it: Dr Ron Malka, Israel Envoy to India@DrRonMalka



Tune in to watch #LIVE https://t.co/jghcajZuXf pic.twitter.com/uWGiOS6W2o  Republic (@republic) January 30, 2021

Read: 'India-Israel Ties Targeted, Both Sides Investigating': Envoy Dr Ron Malka On Delhi Blast

No injuries in the blast

While no one was injured in the blast, the windscreens of some cars outside the Israeli Embassy on Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Road were found damaged. As per reports, an envelope addressed to the Israeli Embassy containing a note was found at the site of the blast. Moreover, the Delhi Police has recovered pieces of a cold drink can, ball bearings and a half-burnt pink scarf from the spot. Sources added that it is questioning some Iranians living in Delhi in connection with this explosion. The visas of some of these individuals have expired.

Read: Delhi IED Blast: Police Detains Cab Driver Spotted In CCTV Footage; Investigation Underway
On Jan. 28, John Russell "Russ" Elmore, a resident of Diamond Ridge independent senior living in Troy marked a century of life.

For his 100th birthday, Russ daughters Susan Elmore and Nancy Elmore Wendlandt held a birthday lunch for the three of them. The family was unable to hold a large party due to the pandemic, but a birthday card shower was planned by Russ niece Ardy Elmore.

Here are some of the highlights from a life story provided by the family.

Russ was the eighth of 11 children born to Willard Ray Elmore and Rosa Lewis Elmore and grew up on a small dairy farm that also operated as a summer hotel in South Fallsburg.

In fall 1940, Russ enrolled at RPI as an aeronautical engineering student. While attending RPI, Russ took flying lessons and he received his private pilots license shortly after the start of the World War II.

During the war he was assigned to an Army ordinance division, heavy maintenance company. Eventually he got to France in January 1945. Russ and his company repaired tanks, armored vehicles, trucks, canons, rifles, pistols, and optical equipment including gun sights and high-powered binoculars. His unit moved through France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Germany.

He returned home in 1945 but a final physical exam before being discharged revealed he had pleurisy and a collapsed lung, and possibly tuberculosis. He was sent to an Army hospital to recuperate. While there, Russ was one of the first to be treated with streptomycin for tuberculosis. After a few months, Russ was released from military service. In 1949, Russ underwent a series of spinal fusion surgeries to halt the spread of the disease.

In the fall of 1950, Russ was back at RPI and changed his major to mechanical engineering. In March 1951, Russ and Barbara DeGroot were married. Following his graduation, Russ took a job in Syracuse and after a year took a job for another Syracuse company that made parts for secret supersonic jet engine being built by General Electric. In 1955, Russ was hired by The Torrington Company in Torrington, Conn., where he remained until his retirement in 1983.

The Elmores raised four children, John, Susan, Nancy, and Sharon (who died in 2001). Barbara died in 2010, after which Russ made one last move to the Troy area, home of his alma mater, RPI.

Over the past decade, Russ has enjoyed making large yarn pictures of the houses of his family members, drawing lines on a nylon grid based on photographs, and framing these to present as gifts. His favorite thing is to hop onto his electric jazzy wheelchair a few times a day to zip down the halls and go outside for a breath of fresh air. Even at 100 years of age, Russ stays in regular contact with his children and family via email.


Capt. Tom Gregory still gets choked up when he thinks about the flight he took from Michigan last month.

What we delivered that day to the nation  to the world  was hope, the longtime FedEx pilot said this week.

Gregory, a Dickinson native and one-time Marine Corps. second lieutenant, had made similar trips hundreds of times before, helping coordinate deliveries of more than 60 kilotons of protective gear and some 2 billion masks in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But the cargo on last months flight out of Grand Rapids, Mich.,was particularly precious  the first batch of Pfizers vaccine, to be distributed to more than 100 U.S. cities amid a second wave of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

On HoustonChronicle.com: With new COVID variant, Biden's vaccine plan isn't going to work, Dr. Peter Hotez says

And it was especially meaningful for Gregory.

The 63-year-old spent nine days in June curled into the fetal position at Houston Methodist, battling a 102 degree fever and breathing through lungs that looked like they were filled with shattered glass when they were X-rayed, he said.

I was being ravaged by the disease, he said. Im a Marine, a tough old guy. Ive been hurt  have been through some horrific trauma. But Ive never been so ill.

It was not his first time at the hospital: After injuring his thumb a year earlier, Gregory flew himself to a hangar in Houston for treatment at Houston Methodist.

I just flew over here (from Corpus Christi), internal medicine doctor Michael Arriaga recalls Gregory telling him at the time.

When Gregory returned on a Friday night last June, he was well-known by the hospital staff. Arriaga was on the team of doctors that helped Gregory pull through his bout with COVID and, like others, kept in contact with him after he left the intensive care unit last summer.

What a great story, said Robert Parrish, a Houston Methodist neurosurgeon who knows Gregory and his brother through the Lone Star Flight Museum.

And how ironic  here is a guy who was treated here and is now delivering vaccines to the hospital.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Ask us your COVID questions here

Gregory has since made a full recovery from the virus, for which he considers himself blessed.

You bet Im lucky, he said.

COVID, he said, hasnt posed too many challenges to the logistical puzzle required to get jet-fulls of medical equipment and vaccines to cities across the nation. Its in ways reminiscent, he said, of the relief efforts hes coordinated in the wake of natural disasters such as the 2010 earthquake that killed hundreds of thousands of people in Haiti.

Still, his battle with COVID has made him even more appreciative of the cargo that may be on-board every time one of FedExs planes leaves the runway. He knows it may be the difference between a strangers life and death, and considers his job an honor.

If we could have saved one life from that flight, he said, then everything I suffered through was worthwhile.

robert.downen@chron.com
Find service coupons at Carter County Hyundai.

Car shoppers can get $30 off the timing belt replacement at local Ardmore dealership, Carter County Hyundai. This dealership offers a variety of service coupons and specials until March 30. So, any driver who is interested in utilizing these unique deals is encouraged to contact the dealership before the coupons expire.

Carter County Hyundai has an experienced service and maintenance team who works in a top-notch service facility. They use genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer parts on all the models they service and are more than willing to share the service process with any customers who ask. Other service coupons are available as well, including:



$10 off front or rear brake pad replacement

$29.95 In-cabin air filter replacement

$100 off clutch replacement

Free Hyundai Multi-Point inspection

$69.95 four-wheel tire alignment

$99.95 cooling system special

Again, any driver who is interested in taking advantage of these specials should do so before March 30, when the coupons expire. More information about these coupons, as well as the coupons themselves, can be accessed through the Carter County Hyundai website at http://www.cartercountyhyundai.com. Alternatively, shoppers who wish to speak with a team member can call 580-319-4949 or show up in person at 616 Holiday Drive in Ardmore. The Carter County Hyundai team welcomes any automotive questions customers have.

Advertisement

Heavy snow flurries will hit parts of the UK in the coming days, with treacherous icy conditions and heavy rain also affecting many people.

A yellow warning for ice covers much of north-east England and large parts of Scotland until 11am on Saturday, bringing dangerous conditions for motorists.

Heavy snow is forecast for large parts of Wales throughout Saturday, while small flurries could hit London and parts of south-east England, the Met Office said.

Emergency services drive through a flooded road in Chelmsford, Essex yesterday

Floodwater sitting on fields and has closed the road from Thorney to Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire yesterday

Torrential rain is forecast across Cornwall and much of Devon until 8pm on Saturday evening, bringing the risk of flooding and transport disruption.

Forecasters said 15-25mm of rain could fall widely, with 40-50mm possible across Dartmoor and near to the south coast.

The Environment Agency had 69 flood warnings in place across England on Friday evening meaning immediate action is required, and 231 alerts, meaning flooding is possible.

Nicola Maxey, a Met Office spokeswoman, told the PA news agency the downpours will be caused by a weather front moving in from the South West.

Ms Maxey said: 'From Friday evening we've got a series of weather fronts bringing rain across Cornwall and much of Devon until tomorrow.

'As this rain starts to move north it will combine with cold air already over the UK, causing snow across much of Wales, where up to 20cm could fall in the highest regions.

'Over the weekend large swathes of the UK will see some form of snow, with warnings in place for much of Scotland and the north east of England.

'Even parts of London and the South East should see a small flurry, which is unlikely to settle.'

It comes after parts of Scotland were blanketed by up to 19cm of snow in just 24 hours overnight on Thursday, while areas in south-west England recorded almost 30mm of rainfall.

Much of England and Wales will also see snowfall and widespread ice between Monday and Wednesday, with warnings over road closures, power cuts and risk of injury due to ice.

Forecasters added some rural communities could become 'cut off' due to the wintry weather.

Ms Maxey said the weekend will also be very cold, with the highest temperatures only reaching 6C, along with frost on both mornings.

Met Office chief meteorologist Andy Page added: 'The most likely areas for disruptive snow are across Wales and over the Cotswolds, where there is the risk of a few centimetres accumulating at lower elevations, but this could increase to 15cm or more at locations above 250m.

'Saturday night will see temperatures falling away from the far South West, with a widespread sharp frost likely across the rest of the UK.'

Ms Maxey added: 'As we move into next week another front will move in from the South West with long periods of snow and icy conditions for most of England, Wales and Scotland.

'Up to 5cm is expected off the coasts, which will reach highs of 15cm in the higher areas in Scotland and Wales.'

She warned drivers to prepare cautiously for 'dangerous' icy conditions, which could cause some disruption and potential injury.

Parts of Primrose Hill in London were flooded yesterday after a downpour
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Over the years, countless animal species fell victim to extinction. And, unfortunately, many of those were caused by human activities.

Now, many international animal conservation organizations are working hard to ensure that many of the animals at risk of extinction are saved from inevitable demise.

Related Article: 2020 Scary Nature Stories that Came Right Out of People's Nightmares

Here are a few of those animals that managed to overcome the battle against extinction:

Kihansi Spray Toad

From being declared extinct in the wild, the Kihansi spray toad (Nectophrynoides asperginis) managed to become the first amphibian to win the battle against extinction and successfully recover its number in the wild.

Native to Tanzania, these toads are unique to the area, and they cannot be found anywhere else on the planet. For years they lived in relative harmony with only natural predators to hide away from. But, when a hydroelectric dam was built in the region, the environment that they were living in experienced a massive ecological shift.

Fortunately, before they were completely wiped off of the face of the planet, conservationists managed to interfere. They were rescued and bred in captivity as their natural habitats were rehabilitated. Then, when they grew in number, many were released back in the wild.

Not many animal species were able to get recover after being declared extinct in the wild.

Northern Brown Kiwi

The main threats to the northern brown kiwi come from habitat loss and predators like dogs, stoats, and feral cats, which kill fledglings, or the chicks in the nest. The predators are nature's way of maintaining balance, but the destruction of their habitats is not.

Fortunately, international organizations like the IUCN interfered and rehabilitated their homes while ensuring that the population recovers.

Western Thailand Tiger

For the first time in many years, the endangered tigers (Panthera tigris) in western Thailand were found healthily roaming around the region. The tigers' resurfacing signifies that the Southeast Asian country's goal to rehabilitate the tiger population is working.

In late July, Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), wild cat conservation organization Panthera, and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) announced that their remote camera traps - part of a joint wildlife monitoring program - had caught the big cats in high definition.

The Thai government's goal was to increase the wild cat population by 50% by 2022.

Humpback Whale

Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) were hunted to the brink of extinction, with less than 10 percent of their original population left before a hunting moratorium was introduced in 1966. They were listed on the Endangered Species Act in 1973.

Now, they have recovered to as much as 70 percent and 90 percent of their pre-whaling numbers in some places. Internationally, most humpback populations have increased due to worldwide protection, and all but four of the world's populations have been removed from the Endangered Species List.

Grey Wolf

Gray wolves in the U.S. Rocky Mountains were delisted from the endangered list in 2011 after being hunted to near-extinction.

Over the years, run-ins with people have been deadly for grey wolves. Eventually, there were so few left in the lower 48 states that they had to be protected under the Endangered Species Act. This federal law covers plants and animals that are in danger of disappearing from the wild forever.

And, the law worked. The grey wolves are now repopulating.

ALSO READ: Top 5 2020 Events That Surprisingly Awesome for Nature!

For more news update about the animal kingdom, don't forget to follow Nature World News!
There is no virus, other than a digital, theoretical abstraction made on a computer from a genomic database. The virus has never been isolated, purified, sequenced, characterized and proven 100% to exist.

by Makia Freeman

The Imaginary and Theoretical Virus known as SARS-CoV-2, a concept which has been used by the NWO (New World Order) controllers to shut down the world, is becoming more and more exposed as the months go by.

Although those who believe in the COVID cult  both those orchestrating the scamdemic and those blindly following along  will insist the virus is real, the truth is that there has still been no compelling or conclusive evidence that a real SARS-CoV-2 virus exists.

Admissions by governmental scientists and organizations worldwide, as well as omissions and obfuscations by those same people and agencies, reveal the shocking truth. As hard as it may be for the COVID cultists to admit, the emperor truly has no clothes.

There is no virus, other than a digital, theoretical abstraction made on a computer from a genomic database. The virus has never been isolated, purified, sequenced, characterized and proven 100% to exist.

Dont believe it? Thats okay; its good to be skeptical. See the evidence below for yourself and make up your own mind.

#1 SARS-CoV-2 the Theoretical Virus: The Virus Has Never Been Isolated According to Kochs Postulates or Rivers Postulates

Well start with this, because this is the cornerstone of the whole scam. All the following information and evidence below stems from the fact the so-called experts have never isolated and purified the virus according to the gold standard of Kochs postulates, or even the modified Rivers Postulates. Kochs postulates are:

The microorganism must be identified in all individuals affected by the disease, but not in healthy individuals.

The microorganism can be isolated from the diseased individual and grown in culture. When introduced into a healthy individual, the cultured microorganism must cause disease. The microorganism must then be re-isolated from the experimental host, and found to be identical to the original microorganism.

Rivers postulates were proposed by Thomas M. River in 1973 to establish the role of a specific virus as the cause of a specific disease. They are modifications of Kochs postulates. They are as follows:

The viral agent must be found either in the hosts (animal or plant) body fluids at the time of disease or in cells showing lesions specific to that disease.

The host material with the viral agent used to inoculate the healthy host (test organism) must be free of any other microorganism.

The viral agent obtained from the infected host must produce the specific disease in a suitable healthy host, and/or provide evidence of infection by inducing the formation of antibodies specific to that agent.

Similar material (viral particle) from the newly infected host (test organism) must be isolated and capable of transmitting the specific disease to other healthy hosts.

Whichever set of postulates is used, SARS-CoV-2 fails the test. Dr. Andrew Kaufman does a great job explaining why in this video. The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (allegedly causing the disease COVID-19) has not been shown to be present only in sick people and not in healthy ones.

The virus has never been isolated, which must be done with proper equipment such as electron microscopes and which cannot be achieved through CT scans (as the Chinese were using) and the flawed RT-PCR test.

The January 24th 2020 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine entitled A Novel Coronavirus from Patients with Pneumonia in China, 2019 describes how the scientists arrived at the idea of COVID-19: they took lung fluid samples and extracted RNA from them using the PCR test. It admits that the coronavirus failed Kochs postulates:

Further development of accurate and rapid methods to identify unknown respiratory pathogens is still needed  our study does not fulfill Kochs postulates.

#2 SARS-CoV-2 the Theoretical Virus: Top Chinese Scientist Admitted They Never Isolated the Virus

All claims that the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been isolated have turned out to be unsubstantiated. Meanwhile, there have been actual admissions by officials that they havent isolated it. The chief epidemiologist of the Chinese CDC (Center for Disease Control) admitted they didnt isolate the virus in this video clip.

#3 SARS-CoV-2 the Theoretical Virus: CDC Stated No Quantified Isolate Was Available

The US CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) in its July 2020 report CDC 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel admits that it had been running PCR tests based not on an actual viral isolate (an actual sample or specimen taken from an infected human), but rather stocks of transcribed RNA taken from a gene bank to mimic clinical specimen:

Since no quantified virus isolates of the 2019-nCoV were available for CDC use at the time the test was developed and this study conducted, assays designed for detection of the 2019-nCoV RNA were tested with characterized stocks of in vitro transcribed full length RNA (N gene; GenBank accession: MN908947.2) of known titer (RNA copies/L) spiked into a diluent consisting of a suspension of human A549 cells and viral transport medium (VTM) to mimic clinical specimen. (pg.43)

#4 SARS-CoV-2 the Theoretical Virus: CDC Admitted They Made a Digital Virus of 30,000 Base Pairs Using 37 Actual Sample Base Pairs

As covered in my previous article SARS-CoV-2: The Stitched Together, Frankenstein Virus, the CDC has already admitted that SARS-CoV-2 is a computer-generated digital virus, not a real living virus. As I wrote:

In other words, it is a Frankenstein virus which has been concocted and stitched together using genomic database sequences (some viral, some not). It has never been properly purified and isolated so that it could be sequenced from end-to-end once derived from living tissue; instead, its just digitally assembled from a computer database. In this paper, the CDC scientists state they took just 37 base pairs from a genome of 30,000 base pairs which means that about 0.001% of the viral sequence is derived from actual living samples or real bodily tissue. In other words, they took these 37 segments and put them into a computer program, which filled in the rest of the base pairs. This computer-generation step constitutes scientific fraud.

In this article In June Study CDC Scientists Make 2 COVID Admissions that Destroy Official Narrative I reveal how the CDC admitted in their paper that they extrapolated their make-believe virus. Here is the quote:

Whole-Genome Sequencing

We designed 37 pairs of nested PCRs spanning the genome on the basis of the coronavirus reference sequence (GenBank accession no. NC045512). We extracted nucleic acid from isolates and amplified by using the 37 individual nested PCRs.

Another way to say this is that the virus has been constructed using a technique called de novo assembly which is a method for constructing genomes from a large number of (short or long) DNA fragments, with no a priori knowledge of the correct sequence or order of those fragments. You can read more about it here.

#5 SARS-CoV-2 the Theoretical Virus: European Corman-Drosten Paper Used an In Silico Genome of an In Silico Virus

The original Corman-Drosten paper admits they used a theoretical virus sequence for all their work and calculations. They, like the CDC and every government and agency, claim this is only because no isolate was ever available. I wonder if any of these scientists every asked WHY the isolate has never been available?

In the present case of 2019-nCoV, virus isolates or samples from infected patients have so far not become available to the international public health community.

National Security Alert: COVID Tests Scientifically Fraudulent, Epidemic of False Positives

A subsequent study highlighting fatal flaws in the Corman-Drosten paper was published entitled External peer review of the RTPCR test to detect SARS-CoV-2 reveals 10 major scientific flaws at the molecular and methodological level: consequences for false positive results. It highlights how the authors used in silico or theoretical sequences from computer banks, not real isolated samples from infected people. In silico is pseudo-Latin for theoretical; in plain English, synonyms for theoretical are imaginary and make-believe.

The first and major issue is that the novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (in the publication named 2019-nCoV and in February 2020 named SARS-CoV-2 by an international consortium of virus experts) is based on in silico (theoretical) sequences, supplied by a laboratory in China, because at the time neither control material of infectious (live) or inactivated SARS-CoV-2 nor isolated genomic RNA of the virus was available to the authors. To date no validation has been performed by the authorship based on isolated SARS-CoV-2 viruses or full length RNA thereof.



Nevertheless these in silico sequences were used to develop a RT-PCR test methodology to identify the aforesaid virus. This model was based on the assumption that the novel virus is very similar to SARS-CoV from 2003 (Hereafter named SARS-CoV-1) as both are beta-coronaviruses  in short, a design relying merely on close genetic relatives does not fulfill the aim for a robust diagnostic test as cross reactivity and therefore false-positive results will inevitably occur. Validation was only done in regards to in silico(theoretical) sequences and within the laboratory-setting, and not as required for in-vitro diagnostics with isolated genomic viral RNA. This very fact hasnt changed even after 10 months of introduction of the test into routine diagnostics. (emphasis added)

#6 SARS-CoV-2 the Theoretical Virus: UK Government Couldnt Produce Evidence

The governments of many nations around the world couldnt seem to come up with a real virus either when challenged to do so. More evidence proving the virus is constructed on a computer database from a digital gene bank comes from Frances Leader, who questioned the UK MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) whether a real isolated virus was used to make the COVID vaccine. Leader found that the WHO protocols that Pfizer used to produce the mRNA do not appear to identify any nucleotide sequences that are unique to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Leader asked if the virus was actually a computer generated genomic sequence, and ultimately the MHRA confirmed they had no real specimen:

The DNA template does not come directly from an isolated virus from an infected person.

In July 2020, a group of concerned academics wrote a letter to the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson in which they asked him to produce independently peer reviewed scientific evidence proving that the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been isolated. To date they have not received a reply. Similarly, UK researcher Andrew Johnson made a Freedom of Information Request to Public Health England (PHE). He asked them to provide him with their records describing the isolation of a SARS-COV-2 virus to which they responded:

PHE can confirm it does not hold information in the way suggested by your request.

#7 SARS-CoV-2 the Theoretical Virus: Australian Government Couldnt Produce Evidence

In other Commonwealth nations its the exact same story. In Australia scientists from the Doherty Institute falsely announced that they had isolated the SARS-CoV-2 virus. When asked to clarify the scientists said:

We have short (RNA) sequences from the diagnostic test that can be used in the diagnostic tests.

Perhaps this is the reason for this disclaimer by the Australian Government:

The reliability of COVID-19 tests is uncertain due to the limited evidence baseThere is limited evidence available to assess the accuracy and clinical utility of available COVID-19 tests.

#8 SARS-CoV-2 the Theoretical Virus: Canadian Government Couldnt Produce Evidence

Researcher Christine Massey made a similar Freedom Of Information request in Canada, to which the Canadian Government replied:

Having completed a thorough search, we regret to inform you that we were unable to locate any records responsive to your request.

#9 SARS-Cov-2 the Theoretical Virus: Over 40 Institutions Worldwide Cant Answer the Basic Question

In fact, Christine Massey and her colleague in New Zealand

have been submitting Freedom of Information requests to various institutions in Canada, NZ, Australia, Germany, the U.K., the U.S. etc., seeking any records that describe the isolation of a COVID-19 virus (aka SARS-COV-2) from an unadulterated sample taken from a diseased human  As of December 16, 2020, >40 institutions in Canada, U.S., New Zealand, Australia, U.K., England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Denmark, and the European CDC have provided their responses, and none could locate any record describing the isolation of any COVID-19 virus aka SARS-COV-2 directly from a diseased patient.

#10 SARS-Cov-2 the Theoretical Virus: Previous Coronaviruses Have Not Been Isolated

The Spanish health journal Salud published a great article in November 2020 entitled Frauds and falsehoods in the medical field where it exposes the lack of evidence not only for the isolation of SARS-CoV-2, but also for the isolation of other past coronaviruses (unofficial translation here). The scam runs deep. Jon Rappoport has done great work exposing how the exact same scam blueprint was played out in the 1980s (with Fauci in charge, leading the fraud) when scientists asserted there was a new virus called HIV, and it was causing AIDS. The COVID scamdemic greatly mimics other historical fake pandemics such as the 1976 swine flu pandemic. The article is Salud states:

The genetic sequences used in PCRs to detect suspected SARS-CoV-2 and to diagnose cases of illness and death attributed to Covid-19 are present in dozens of sequences of the human genome itself and in those of about a hundred microbes. And that includes the initiators or primers, the most extensive fragments taken at random from their supposed genome and even the so-called target genes allegedly specific to the new coronavirus. The test is worthless and all positive results obtained so far should be scientifically invalidated and communicated to those affected; and if they are deceased, to their relatives. Stephen Bustin, one of the worlds leading experts on PCR, in fact says that under certain conditions anyone can test positive!



We have been warning you since March: you cannot have specific tests for a virus without knowing the components of the virus you are trying to detect. And the components cannot be known without having previously isolated/purified that virus. Since then we continue to accumulate evidence that no one has isolated SARS-CoV-2 and, more importantly, that it can never be isolated  In this report we are going to add the results of a particular research we have done from the data published on the alleged SARS-CoV-2 and on the protocols endorsed by the WHO for the use of RT-PCR as well as the data corresponding to the rest of the human coronaviruses. And the conclusions are extremely serious: none of the seven human coronaviruses have actually been isolated and all the sequences of the primers of their respective PCRs as well as those of a large number of fragments of their supposed genomes are found in different areas of the human genome and in genomes of bacteria and archaea 

Their report analyzed human coronaviruses 229E (said to have been isolated in 1965), OC43 (in 1967), SARS-CoV (in 2003), NL63 (in 2004), HKU1 (in 2005) and MERS-CoV (in 2012). And just to repeat in case you missed it: they discovered the alleged sequences of SARS-CoV-2 are found in both humans and bacteria! This means all the various in silico models of SARS-CoV-2 contain existing human genetic sequences, so it is little wonder that people test positive when the primer or standard being tested against contains human sequences.

Conclusion: The COVID Cult is a Colossal Fraud and Superstition

How did this all start? Chinese scientists took lung fluid samples and claimed they had discovered a novel or new virus. The Gates-Rockefeller WHO backed them up. In the WHOs Novel Coronavirus 2019-nCov Situation Report 1, they state:

The Chinese authorities identified a new type of coronavirus, which was isolated on 7 January 2020On 12 January 2020, China shared the genetic sequence of the novel coronavirus for countries to use in developing specific diagnostic kits.

With the evidence presented above, the WHOs assertions and claims are utterly baseless. They constitute outright fraud.

The world has been shut down over a lie  a coldly calculated, carefully curated lie  that was simulated and war-gamed for decades in advance. The COVID cult is an irrational superstition based on nothing but in silico, theoretical, make-believe viral sequences. Yet, the real-world consequences for millions who have been thrown into stress, despair, poverty, joblessness, alcoholism and suicide is anything but theoretical.

This article was originally published on The Freedom Articles. Makia Freeman is the editor of alternative media / independent news site The Freedom Articles, author of the book Cancer: The Lies, the Truth and the Solutions and senior researcher at ToolsForFreedom.com. Makia is on Steemit and Parler.




The European Union introduced tighter rules Friday on exports of COVID-19 vaccines that could hit shipments to nations like the United Kingdom, deepening a dispute with London over scarce supplies of potentially lifesaving shots.

Reuters

But amid an outcry in Northern Ireland and the UK, the European Commission made clear the new measure will not trigger controls on vaccines shipments produced in the 27-nation bloc to the small territory that is part of United Kingdom bordering EU member Ireland.

44 People Arrested In Singhu Border Violence

The Delhi police arrested 44 people including the man who attacked SHO Alipur in the violence that broke out on Friday afternoon at Singhu border.

AFP

Criminal case under various sections including attempt to murder has been registered in Alipur police station, Delhi and investigation has been initiated.

Anna Hazare Announces Indefinite Fast, Calls It Off Hours Later

Social activist Anna Hazare on Friday said he won't be proceeding with the indefinite fast against the new farm laws and claimed that the Central government has agreed to some of his demands.

BCCL

In a statement earlier in the day, Hazare had announced that he will be starting the hunger strike from his village Ralegan Siddhi in Maharashtra on Saturday.

Former Chief Of China's Top State Lender Executed For Corruption

Lai Xiaomin, former chief of China's top state-owned asset management company, was executed on Friday after a court sentenced him to death for corruption involving $276 million and bigamy.

AFP

The Second Municipal Intermediate People's Court of Tianjin, which sentenced him to death, earlier in its ruling said that between 2008 and 2018, Lai, former board chairman of China Huarong Asset Management Co, took undue advantage of his various posts in the former China Banking Regulatory Commission and Huarong, among others, to assist certain organisations and individuals with financing, project contracting, business operations and job promotion or transfer.

WHO Team Visits Wuhan Hospital That Had Early Coronavirus Patients

A World Health Organization team visited a hospital on Friday where China says the first COVID-19 patients were treated more than a year ago as part of the experts' long-awaited fact-finding mission on the origins of the coronavirus.

AFP

The WHO team members and Chinese officials earlier had their first in-person meetings at a hotel ahead of field visits in and around the central city of Wuhan in the coming days.

India Is The Fastest In The World To Reach 3 Million Vaccinations Says Health Ministry

India took only 13 days to complete the vaccination of three million (30 lakh) people, fastest in the world, the health ministry has said.

AFP

This rate of vaccination puts India ahead of the United States which took 18 days to reach the three million mark.












Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 29)  The local distributor of American firm Novavax said it is hoping COVID-19 vaccine supplies for the country will come sooner than planned, especially with the recently reported 89.3% efficacy rate from a clinical trial in the United Kingdom.

Luningning Villa, Faberco Life Sciences medical director, told CNN Philippines' The Final Word on Friday that the interim results of the trial will likely lead to an emergency use authorization grant in the UK. The results yielded a 96% efficacy rate against the original novel coronavirus, and 86% against the variant first detected in the UK, giving an overall efficacy of over 89%. A trial in South Africa, where another variant has been found, also showed a 60% efficacy rate, she added.

"We are hoping because of the interim results of the phase three that came earlier, and what we are looking at, we hope that the vaccine supply would come earlier," Villa said.

However, she noted that it may also be best to expect the vaccine's arrival in the Philippines in the third quarter. Last month, government officials confirmed that 30 million doses of the Novavax vaccine made at the Serum Institute of India, will arrive in the country by July 2021.

Villa said a person needs to be injected with two doses of the Novavax vaccine  the second dose after 21 days  to get protection from COVID-19.

Novavax is also currently conducting a Phase 3 clinical study in the United States and Mexico and a Phase 1/2 continuation in the US and Australia, data from which are expected as soon as early first quarter 2021, CNN reported.
Residents in Weld County, Colorado Push to Exit Colorado and Join Wyoming

Some residents who feel disenfranchised in Weld County, Colorado, are seeking to get a measure on the November ballot to explore the possibility of the county joining Wyoming.

Were going to move a county to a different state. Were not really moving. Were just moving a line, said Todd Richards, who first created a Facebook page in April 2019 to advocate the idea, in a meeting on Nov. 10, 2020.

The problem is that weve come to a point in our culture today where we no longer as a culture agree on whats good and evil, said the pastor, who hosted the meeting on Nov. 10 at Destiny Christian Center in Greeley, Colorado.

Richards said the Facebook page suddenly drew attention from over a thousand people when getting closer to the election.

I knew that whatever happened with this election was going to either put this in the hole and nobodys going to say anything about it, or its going to fire a bunch of people up and they are going to move tomorrow, Richards said.

Specifically for those of us who live in Weld County, we live in a state who is no longer a minister to us for good, said Richards. The state of Colorado is at war with three major economic drivers for Weld County: small businesses, agriculture, and oil and gas.

Fox News local channel Fox 31 reported that Richards registered the Weld County Wyoming political committee in February 2020.

But not all the 324,000 residents in the County would like to leave Colorado.

I absolutely love living in Colorado. For those that dont love living here, there are certainly less ridiculous ways of moving to Wyoming, said Tommy Butler, a City Council member of Greeley, one of the major cities in the county, according to FOX31.

Jennifer Carroll, Mayor of Erie released a statement that said, If Weld County residents approve the ballot question, the Colorado legislature has to approve it, the Wyoming legislature has to approve it, and its possible both Colorado voters and Congress will need to approve it as well.

As the Mayor of Erie, I respect the process and the cornerstone of voting. Ultimately, the people will choose the outcome. In my role, I can help residents discover the risks and benefits of such a measure. This measure will undoubtedly require a great deal of pre-education for voters.

A similar attempt failed in 2013 in a number of counties in Colorado, passing only 5 in 11 counties, according to the Colorado Sun.

The unions representing the nations health care workers have emerged as increasingly powerful voices during the still-raging pandemic.

With more than 100,000 Americans hospitalized and many among their ranks infected, nurses and other health workers remain in a precarious frontline against the coronavirus and have turned again and again to unions for help.

Nurses across the country from various unions are participating in dozens of strikes and protests. National Nurses United, the countrys largest union of registered nurses, held a day of action on Wednesday with demonstrations in more than a dozen states and Washington, D.C., as it starts negotiations at hospitals owned by big systems like HCA, Sutter Health and CommonSpirit Health.

Its so overwhelming. Its unlike anything Ive ever seen before, said Erin McIntosh, a nurse at Riverside Community Hospital in Southern California, a part of the country that has been among the hardest hit by a surge in cases. Every day Im waist-deep in death and dying.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, together with his Lithuanian counterpart Gabrielius Landsbergis and his Polish counterpart Zbigniew Rau, held the first online meeting of the Lublin Triangle on January 29, the Foreign Ministrys press service reports.

The ministers exchanged views on a wide range of issues important for the region and outlined areas for further trilateral cooperation within the Lublin Triangle.

The Triangle was born in Lublin and matured in Kyiv. Ukraine, Poland and Lithuania have all the opportunities to turn the Lublin Triangle into an important player in our Central European region, Kuleba said.

The three ministers discussed the current COVID-19 situation in the Lublin Triangle countries, the vaccination of the population, as well as possible ways of cooperation in this area. Kuleba thanked for the initiative of certain EU states, in particular Lithuania and Poland, to call on the European institutions to establish a mechanism of vaccine transfer to the Eastern Partnership countries.

The Ukrainian minister expressed his gratitude to Poland and Lithuania for their unwavering support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, and their strong condemnation of Russia's aggression against our state. Poland and Lithuania reaffirmed their continued support for Ukraine's EU and NATO membership aspirations.

Kuleba informed about Ukraine's efforts to de-occupy the Crimean peninsula and preparations for the launch of the Crimean Platform. The foreign ministers of Lithuania and Poland welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed their states readiness to take part in its inaugural summit in Kyiv in August 2021.

An important topic of discussion was the coordination of the Lublin Triangle efforts in Central Europe in the context of the new US administration policies. The parties agreed that a deeper involvement of the United States in the cooperation with the region would play a key role in strengthening transatlantic ties, protecting sustainable development, freedom and democracy in Europe.

A separate topic of discussion was political crisis in Belarus and the prospects for its solution. Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya was invited to join that segment of the discussion. She informed of the current situation in her country. The three ministers reaffirmed their solidarity with the Belarusian people and expressed interest in future cooperation of the Lublin Triangle with a democratic Belarus.

The ministers identified coordination and close cooperation at the level of diplomatic missions within international organizations, such as the UN, OSCE, or CoE, on issues important to the Central European region as one of the main areas of further cooperation within the Lublin Triangle.

The foreign ministers instructed the national coordinators to draft a roadmap for key initiatives and activities of the Lublin Triangle for 2021. Kuleba proposed holding a Summit of Heads of State of the Lublin Triangle in Kyiv in the second half of 2021.

In the end, the ministers approved a Lublin Triangle logo in order to promote it more widely in the world.

The Lublin Triangle was launched in July 2020 during a visit to the Polish city of Lublin by the foreign ministers of Ukraine, Poland and Lithuania, Dmytro Kuleba, Jacek Czaputowicz and Linas Linkevicius.
At least one county in northwest Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) no longer offers Uyghur language instruction to students, according to officials, despite being home to a mostly Uyghur population and national laws guaranteeing minorities the right to a bilingual education.

Earlier this week, RFAs Uyghur Service received an audio recording made by a Uyghur man from the seat of Kelpin (in Chinese, Keping) county, in the XUARs Aksu (Akesu) prefecture, who currently lives elsewhere in China. The county, which is located at the base of the Tian Shan mountains and on the edge of the Taklamakan Desert, is home to some 55,500 residentsaround 97 percent of whom are Uyghur.

In the recording the man, who requested anonymity out of fear of reprisal, makes a phone call to the Bureau of Education in his hometown and asks for information about how to place the children of his neighbors, who he claims are detained in an internment camp, in school. Authorities in the XUAR are believed to have held up to 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in a vast network of camps they describe as vocational centers since early 2017.

A man who identified himself as an employee of the Kelpin Bureau of Education told the caller that he could bring the two children, reportedly aged five and seven, to the bureau offices. When the caller asked to clarify which language the children would study in, the bureau employee said that education in Kelpin is conducted in the national language, or Mandarin Chinese.

Asked whether it was possible for the children to study in Uyghur, the employee responded that the national language was now the norm in Kelpin and that there are no minority languages used in classes anymore.

The national language is the standard now, he said.

RFA called the Kelpin County No. 1 Intermediate School to inquire whether any courses there are taught in the Uyghur language.

A Han employee who identified herself as the school principal answered, saying that there are no Uyghur administrators at the school. When asked whether other schools in Kelpin offer Uyghur-medium instruction, she referred further inquiries to the local propaganda department.

An administrator at the same school told RFA that schools in Kelpin no longer offer Uyghur language instruction, adding that not even teachers or other employees are permitted to use the Uyghur language when speaking to one another.

Speaking Uyghur language is not allowed [on school grounds], she said.

Normally, its not even OK for us [staff] to speak to one another in Uyghur.

Language restrictions

Similar policies to supplant local languages in other ethnic minority regions have led to complaints in Tibet and large-scale protests in Inner Mongolia, RFA has previously reported.

Reports of the language restrictions in Kelpin county come a week after former Secretary of State Mike Pompeoon his last full day as top U.S. diplomatsaid Chinese policies in the XUAR aim for the forced assimilation and eventual erasure of a vulnerable ethnic and religious minority group as he announced a designation that Uyghur exile groups have advocated since the revelation in 2017 of mass internment camps in the region.

Pompeo said he had determined China is committing genocide and crimes against humanity in the XUAR against Uyghurs and other ethnic groups, and that Beijing and the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) must be held to account.

The new Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has endorsed the designation, suggesting that President Joe Bidens administration will pursue a more forceful approach in holding China accountable for its abuses in the region. Emily Horne, the spokesperson for Bidens National Security Council, told the Washington Examiner over the weekend that President Biden has called the oppression of the Uyghurs a genocide, and he stands against it in the strongest possible terms. And on Friday, Bidens national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said the U.S. must be prepared to impose costs on China for its actions against Uyghurs in the XUAR, as well as a crackdown in Hong Kong and threats towards Taiwan.

In the days since the genocide determination, Chinese state media broadcasts have published a number of attacks on Pompeo and the U.S., reiterating an official government position that the XUAR is prosperous and that Uyghurs are living happy and normal lives.

Uyghur-language broadcasters on Xinjiang Television (XJTV) have particularly touted what they say is Chinese government protection of minority language education as evidence that the Chinese government cannot possibly be perpetrating atrocity crimes.

In these broadcast spots, news anchors have claimed that the government has protected Uyghurs rights to mother language, culture, and traditions.

However, Uyghurs who flee government persecution in the XUAR say that in addition to extrajudicial detention, members of their ethnic group regularly face state-sponsored discrimination in the region and are restricted from practicing their religion, using their own language, and preserving their culture.

Reported by Shohret Hoshur for RFAs Uyghur Service. Translated by Elise Anderson. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.

Another poll suggesting a too-close-to-call result in a border referendum. Another statement from Mary Lou McDonald insisting a united Ireland is achievable and affordable (and inevitable).

Another dismissal of both the poll and Sinn Fein by unionists who, despite Boris Johnsons new border in the Irish Sea and the nudging of Northern Ireland into the constitutional equivalent of a granny-flat, remain convinced change isnt coming any time soon.

While a few unionists  former DUP leader Peter Robinson is the most prominent, so far  believe unionism should be preparing for every eventuality, including a border poll, most dont want to engage in that discussion. Not with Sinn Fein. Not with the Irish government. Not with civic nationalism. Not even with themselves.

They take what might be described as the Field of Dreams approach to the subject: if you talk about it, it will come. So dont talk about it.

Which means McDonald and Arlene Foster will not be sitting down for a chat about how a united Ireland could be made a cosy, comfortable place for the DUP and broader unionism. No amount of promising to allow Orange demonstrations, or new flags, or replacing Amhran na bhFiann, or even retaining some sort of separate assembly in a place still called Northern Ireland, is going to make it happen.

For most unionists, a united Ireland spells the end of both political unionism and their constitutional identity. There wont be the option of another border poll seven years down the line if things dont work out well.

And remember, Northern Ireland was never acceptable to nationalism or republicanism, even after 1972, when unionism was stripped of its power and the Stormont Parliament mothballed. Nationalism still believed its true identity was being smothered.

Thats exactly how most unionists would feel in a united Ireland: smothered, cut off from their true identity and trapped in a place that could never fully be their home.

That said, unionists do need to talk to each other. Unionism is a very diverse family, top-heavy with branches, offshoots, factions and with a fondness for internecine warfare.

While they wont agree on everything, of course, it is essential they have a central message and campaign strategy and a recognition that there is no longer a block vote, but rather a series of separate yet interconnecting demographics, each of which must be tapped into with a specifically tailored message.

The days of waving the flag and singing The Sash wont deliver victory any more.

One thing that has been noticeable over the past few years, particularly since the Brexit vote in 2016, is the growth of the political middle-ground, with the centrist Alliance Party the main beneficiary.

It is attracting small-u unionists, people who are happier viewing themselves as broadly pro-union rather than specifically unionist. Its a youngish demographic, mostly well-disposed to the European Union and uncomfortable with the rise of English nationalism (which, polls suggest, doesnt care about Northern Ireland) and some manifestations of traditional conservative/insular/big-U unionism.

Five years ago, this demographic wouldnt have been all that interested in rocking the boat and backing a united Ireland: indeed, they probably wouldnt have paid much attention to a border poll debate at all.

Read More

But if a united Ireland means rejoining the EU, allowing them a freedom of movement they think has been restricted, continuing participation in things like the Erasmus university programme and an alternative to an increasingly populist Conservative government, they will at least be willing to listen to the arguments.

Thats why political unionism needs to have counter-arguments: not only to limit the shift of potential votes to the united Ireland side during a border poll (which seems likely sometime in the next few years), but also to protect once rock-solid unionist seats from what appears to be the ongoing rise of the Alliance Party.

The brutal reality is that a weakened, on-the-back-foot unionism could have a struggle in the next few years, so it needs to address the concerns of the new demographics and settle the minds of voters who want thought-through policies rather than 19th-century slogans.

Centenary celebrations

The other problem for unionism is the mess Boris Johnson has landed it with. Yes, the DUP got carried away and took the kingmaker role far too literally when it was propping up the Conservatives from 2017-19.

But for all the foolishness of Fosters team, the fact remains that it was a British prime minister who deliberately shifted Northern Ireland from Great Britains orbit and towards the EU. In so doing he has done more damage to the union than any of his predecessors: and, ironically, done it in the year when unionism is supposed to be celebrating Northern Irelands centenary.

Bizarrely, the greatest threat to unionism in a border poll is not from Sinn Fein (which has still far too much baggage for the vast majority of unionists, even for those small-u unionists in the newer demographics) but from the Irish government.

Once it gives the nod of approval to a border poll (and Micheal Martins recent talk of five years or so and his upping the ante with the shared island dialogues suggests it is in the back of his mind), an Irish government will also be acknowledging the distinct possibility of being on the winning side.

Its at that point when the crucial debate will really begin, because it will be an Irish government, rather than just Sinn Fein and elements of civic nationalism, which will be making the running in the debate.

The Irish governments arguments will have some sway on small-u unionism, raising the question of whether there are key issues that could win them over.

Who knows, because what the political dynamics will be like in 2025-30 is anybodys guess, and much will depend on five factors: how Brexit has worked for Britain; how it has worked for Northern Ireland; whether Scotland is still in the UK; the confidence of unionism in the status quo; and the British input into the debate and whether it makes the case for a strengthened union, or remains aloof.

Perhaps the most intriguing potential dimension would be the emergence of some sort of federal concept embracing an independent Scotland (in the EU) and a unified Ireland, with a new, bespoke relationship with England and Wales.

At this point almost anything seems possible: and when anything seems possible it makes sense to be considering and preparing for all options.

While I agree with Enda Kennys comments about not having a border poll for the sake of having a poll, I also think a poll is far more likely than not. To some extent the ongoing exchanges between unionism and a variety of pro-united Ireland voices and vehicles represents a phoney war. The real debate wont begin until the British and Irish governments agree to the poll and the date.

In the meantime, it makes sense for both sides to marshal their arguments, prioritise their options, build their vote base and prepare for all eventualities. In other words, that moment when the hurly-burlys done, when the battles lost and won.

Alex Kane is a political commentator and columnist based in Belfast
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 --

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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.

The Telegraph

The daughter of Radovan Karadzic, the former Bosnian Serb leader serving life for genocide and crimes against humanity during the 1990s Yugoslav wars, has claimed her father is living in unhealthy and uncivilised conditions in a British prison. Karadzic, 75, who was convicted in 2016, was transferred from a detention unit in Holland to a UK jail earlier this month following an agreement struck between the UN and the Home Office. But his daughter, Sonja Karadzic-Jovicevic, has complained about the conditions at her fathers new prison after speaking to him on the phone. "As for the physical condition in which he is accommodated, it is unacceptable, she told SRNA, a news agency based in the Republika Srpska, the Serb enclave of Bosnia. If we add to that the fact that he is in a building full of carcinogenic asbestos that is banned around the world, it is clear in what condition he will be in. Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic also claimed that moving her father to the UK was a deliberate act of spite against his family. "My father is in a very uncivilised situation, and as far as his family is concerned, his relocation to the south of England was deliberately made to keep him far away, outside the rules of the United Nations Resolution adopted by the Security Council, she said. It will be very difficult for us physically, financially and procedurally, because of visas, and immunisation during the pandemic, and even after that, to ever go there and visit him," she continued. She added that he had been deprived of his books and his computer, and will be completely removed from his language and his culture. A spokesman for the Justice Ministry said: "UK prisons meet health and safety standards." Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic, who has a political career in Bosnia, has fought to defend her fathers name despite his brutal role in the wars as the Yugoslavian federation separated in the 1990s. Known as the Butcher of Bosnia, Karadzic went down in infamy, in particular for ordering the Srebrenica Massacre in July 1995. Some 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were rounded up by the Bosnian Serb army in and around the town of Srebrenica and then killed in the worst single massacre in Europe since the end of the Second World War. Karadzics lawyers had objected to his clients transfer to the UK, arguing that his life would be in danger owing to Muslim inmates in British prisons. They also argued that owing to possible threats to Karadzics life he would be kept in conditions resembling solitary confinement, but the UN court dismissed the objections. Given his role in the slaughter of Muslims, the experience of another Serb convicted of war crimes may also weigh upon the Karadzic family. In 2010 Radislav Krstic, a former Bosnian-Serb general, was stabbed by three Muslim prisoners while serving a sentence in Wakefield prison, in apparent retaliation for Srebrenica.
29/01/2021 - The COVID-19 pandemic hit Bulgaria as its economy was performing well. Along with continued support to help households and firms weather the crisis, reforms to modernise the economy, improve the business environment and enhance skills in the workforce would help to strengthen the countrys recovery, according to a new OECD report.

A new OECD Economic Assessment of Bulgaria, says the recovery from the economic shock caused by COVID-19 will take time. As an open economy specialised in manufacturing exports, Bulgaria remains exposed to further shocks to external demand, even though prudent management of public finances has put the country in a solid position to provide continued support. There is also room for investment in areas like transport, energy and digital infrastructure, which would invigorate the recovery.

The COVID-19 crisis has hit Bulgaria in a period of robust economic growth and rising incomes. Getting through this crisis and coming out in stronger shape will require continued support to people and businesses as well as investment and reforms to drive productivity and raise living standards for all Bulgarians, said OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria in a video message at a virtual launch of the Assessment with Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. Read the Secretary-Generals speech.

Prior to the pandemic, a series of structural reforms, the successful integration of Bulgarian manufacturing firms into global production chains and sound macroeconomic policies had led to five years of growth rates above 3%, a rapid rise in real wages and a drop in unemployment to historic lows. The Assessment now projects a GDP contraction of 4.1% in 2020, followed by a return to growth in GDP of 3.3% in 2021 and 3.7% in 2022.

Bulgarias wage subsidy scheme has protected jobs and household incomes from the worst of the impact, but the COVID-19 shock has caused a drop in output not seen since the 1996-97 banking crisis. Youths have been particularly affected by job losses in in a country already challenged by high income inequality and relative poverty.

Another key challenge Bulgaria faced even before the pandemic is an ageing and rapidly shrinking population, with young people migrating in search of work, and the large impact this demographic change has on rural areas.

Increasing productivity growth will be vital to raise living standards. The Assessment recommends reforms to improve the business environment and enhance education and adult skills, including through retraining programmes to help unemployed workers find new jobs. Infrastructure investment should focus on improving Internet and transport connections and other services in rural regions. Housing reform has become more urgent to foster mobility and to ensure there is enough affordable housing in cities for workers taking up new jobs.

Reducing regulatory barriers and business red tape, modernising competition policy and improving the governance of state-owned enterprises would all help to stimulate business dynamism in an economy where close to a third of public procurement contracts are granted without a call for tender. A more rapid insolvency framework would also reduce cases of non-viable firms holding back resources and banking credit. The recovery should also be used to accelerate the transition to a lower-carbon economy, including by mobilising EU funds.

The Assessment also calls for Bulgaria to continue its efforts to fight corruption and organised crime. Important steps have been taken to reform the judiciary, but more is needed to strengthen accountability, safeguard judicial independence and establish a coherent system of public integrity. More should also be done to regulate lobbying and protect the independence of the media.

Note to Editors:

The Paris-based OECD is an international organisation that promotes policies to improve the economic and social well-being of people worldwide. Working with member and partner countries, it provides a forum where governments can work together to share experiences and seek solutions to economic, social and governance challenges.

The OECDs 37 members are: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States. Costa Rica has been formally invited to become the OECDs 38th member and is currently in the process of accession.

Bulgaria is one of six other countries that have expressed an interest in initiating an accession process to the OECD. The Organisations governing Council is considering these requests. Bulgaria has co-operated with the OECD via thematic initiatives and a country-specific programme since the early 1990s. Bulgaria is active in the OECD South East Europe regional programme and participates in statistical reporting and information systems, benchmarking exercises, publications and policy reviews.

The Economic Assessment of Bulgaria is part of Bulgarias 2019 OECD Action Plan. Under this Plan, the OECD is supporting Bulgarias reform priorities in 21 policy areas and conducting policy reviews that include a Public Governance Review and an Investment Policy Review. Under the Action Plan, Bulgaria intends to adopt and implement several international standards, including the OECD Codes of Liberalisation of Capital Movements and of Current Invisible Operations, while enhancing its participation in OECD committees in areas like corporate governance, digital economy policy and public governance.

See more on Bulgarias cooperation with the OECD: www.oecd.org/south-east-europe/economies/see-bulgaria.htm

Other news on Bulgaria and the OECD: www.oecd.org/countries/bulgaria/

See an Overview of the Economic Assessment of Bulgaria with key findings and charts (this link can be used in media articles).

For further information, journalists are invited to contact Catherine Bremer in the OECD Media Office (+33 1 45 24 80 97).

Working with over 100 countries, the OECD is a global policy forum that promotes policies to improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world.


US Government Accountability Office (GAO) on January 29 said in a report that at least 8,722 ventilators that the Trump administration sent to other countries that were worth $200 million to help them respond to COVID-19 cannot be traced. The United States Agency for International Development has been trying to locate the ventilators which were dispatched to 43 different countries through Sept. 30, 2020, in an initiative started by former President Donald Trump who spent $200 million on the global ventilator push, according to a report published Thursday by the Government Accountability Office found that USAID.

Since November 2020, the number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. has rapidly increased, further straining health care systems across the country. Between December 31, 2020, and January 13, 2021, new reported COVID-19 cases averaged about 225,000 per dayover 7 and 3 times higher than the surges the nation experienced in 2020, the GAO report stated, sighting the need to ramp up availability of ventilating machines.

Country continues to experience serious economic repercussions and turmoil, the report said, adding that GAO was making 13 recommendations to federal agencies to improve recovery efforts to address critical gaps in the medical supply chain. Furthermore, the watchdog then alleged that the Trump administration lent the mechanical ventilators to several nations across the globe with no clear criteria for determining who should get them, and now, there was no means to keep track of where many ended up. The GAO condemned the US Agency for International Development, which carried out the administration's orders for the lack of its decision-making.

Read: Biden To Open Online Health Insurance Marketplace For Special COVID-19 Coverage

Read: Biden Faces Scrutiny Over Reliance On Executive Orders

#COVID19 revealed vulnerabilities in medical and drug supply chains. Our #CARESAct review found that govt agencies dont have complete data to identify & report on these vulnerabilities. Learn more: https://t.co/mX7P4eLt1w pic.twitter.com/xpIUxxgyTv  U.S. GAO (@USGAO) January 28, 2021

Trump called US 'king of ventilators'

Former President Trump had declared the US as "the king of ventilators, as he manufactured the machines domestically in large quantities and donated to the foreign countries with no recordwhatsoever. The distribution strategy was also found highly flawed as countries with minimum cover cases were donated ventilators in huge numbers. Sri Lanka, for instance, had just three new coronavirus cases per day and the Trump administration dispatched 200 ventilators. While Bangladesh with alarming 1,409 new cases was sent only 100. Small nations such as Nauru and Kiribati, which reported zero cases, received ventilator donations. There was no rhyme or reason in the strategy to distribute the machines worldwide, a USAID official told Devex on condition of anonymity. The effort, despite coordination with National Security Council, lacked direction.

Read: Joe Biden Administration Suspends Sale Of F-35 Fighter Jets To UAE

Read: 'We Will Stand With Friends': Joe Biden Warns China Over Expansionism In Asia
A serial burglar who taunted police with abusive Facebook posts while he was on the run has been jailed for 11 years.

Levi Hilden, 36, posted a string of messages and pictures on Facebook boasting of his life on the run after Suffolk police announced they were hunting him.

He repeatedly referred to one officer as Sgt P***k and even posed half naked outside a police station showing off a tattoo of his name on his back.

Hilden also posted videos and pictures of himself with drugs and tucking into restaurant meals and takeaways while bragging that police could not catch him.

Levi Hilden, 36, of Ipswich, Suffolk, who taunted police with abusive Facebook posts while he was on the run has been jailed for 11 years

But he had his smile wiped off his face when he was arrested in King's Lynn, Norfolk, a week after police revealed he was wanted.

Hilden of Ipswich, Suffolk, has now been jailed for offences including the burglary of his aunt's home while was at her son's funeral.

Ipswich Crown Court heard how he had stolen goods and possessions worth around 50,000 in a year long spree of burglaries and the robbery of a jeweller.

One Facebook video showed him holding up a bag of cannabis in a car, and saying: 'Hey Sgt P***k* get up there you f***ing w****er. Go and f**k yourself.'

Another showed him bare-chested, saying: 'Do you think my pecs look good* that's a life of running.

He repeatedly referred to one officer as Sgt P***k and even posed half naked outside a police station showing off a tattoo of his name on his back

'Do you know what else I was wondering? I was wondering how close the bacon can get to me. Sgt P***k, how close can the bacon get to a man on the run?. I'll show ya.'

The video then zoomed in on a pan of grilled bacon as Hilden said: 'This f***king close. It's as close as I want to be to a bit of bacon. Anyway P***k, see you later.'

A third video had him in a Chinese restaurant, saying: 'This is for Mr P***k. You know who you are. Well anyway, I'm in China now. You can tell by the decor.'

An accompanying picture of his Chinese food, was captioned: 'For Sgt P***k. Just a start wt u having apart from stress' followed by emojis of a laughing face and a police officer.

In another video he went on: 'How are we Sgt P***k? I thought I would let you know that I am living the dream. Another day, another dollar. See you later, you p***k.'

Hilden's Facebook page also showed his face superimposed on a picture of a police officer in a toy police car and with his face over film character Forrest Gump running with the caption: 'Sgt P***k is after my Jenny.'

A selfie of Hilden was captioned 'Sgt P***k give it arrest' with more laughing emojis while a picture of his steak and chips meal, had the message: 'Wonder how many more meals like this I'll have?'.

Hilden posted his bragging messages while he was on the run for a week in January last year after Suffolk Police revealed he was wanted for a string of crimes.

The court heard how Hilden smashed down the back door of his aunt's house because he knew it would be empty when she was at her son's at his funeral on New Year's Eve, 2018.

He caused 'a considerable amount of damage' before stealing ornaments, watches and jewellery worth 8,600 from the property in Kirton near Felixstowe, Suffolk.

Villagers told police that they had seen a silver Volkswagen Beetle leaving the scene and officers later pursued the car.

Stuart Bocock (right) who was an accomplice of Levi Hilden (left) in some of his crimes

But at one stage the police car was reversed into by the VW and officers eventually lost sight of the vehicle, said prosecutor David Wilson.

Hilden's aunt said in a victim impact statement that the impact of the burglary had been 'devastating'.

He admitted burglary, theft, conspiracy to rob, conspiracy to burgle and threatening another with an offensive weapon.

Judge Emma Peters described the burglary of his aunt's home as 'cruel, nasty and wicked' before jailing him for a total of 11 years.

She told him: 'Mr Hilden, this is a year-long spate of significant criminality, not just dishonesty, but dishonesty that has had a horrible effect on a number of people.

Hilden posted his bragging messages while he was on the run for a week in January last year after Suffolk Police revealed he was wanted for a string of crimes

'People who have had their lives changed for some time by your inability to stay on the right side of the law.'

Hilden who has 28 previous convictions for 83 offences since 2002, also snatched bracelets and gold chains from Boreham Christopher jewellers in Ipswich on July 15, 2019.

CCTV pictures showed him taking the items worth 5,326 when the jeweller who knew him was at the back of the shop.

Hilden and accomplice Stuart Bocock, 30, also targeted a Boots branch in Sudbury, Suffolk, on December 13, 2019.

The pair who were wearing ski masks used a sledgehammer to smash glass in the main door before stealing goods including perfume and aftershave, worth 11,500.

Hilden threatened a member of the public with a metal pipe when he was asked what they were doing as they fled with their haul.

Levi Hilden was pictured tucking into fish and chips to taunt police while he was a wanted man

Five days later a jeweller in Sudbury was loading stock into the boot of his car when Bocock threatened him with an axe and ordered him to hand over jewellery.

Hilden put his hands around the neck of the owner's wife before he and Bocock escaped with stock worth 25,000 as well as mobile phones and a handbag.

The two men also stole 3,000 including charity crash from a safe in a burglary at the Nethergate Brewery in Long Melford, Suffolk, on January 8 last year.

On the same night, they smashed their way into a cafe and stole several hundred pounds in cash.

Steven Dyble, defending, said Hilden had various mental health issues which stemmed from a difficult upbringing.

Bocock of Doncaster, South Yorkshire, was jailed for eight years at Ipswich Crown Court last November after he admitted robbery and burglary.

A Suffolk Constabulary spokesman said: 'Levi Hilden may have been on the run, but he could never evade justice forever.

'Through persistence and determination the law finally caught up with him and it is gratifying to see justice take its course and we hope this conviction is also of some comfort to the victims he caused so much distress and upset to.'

Det Sgt Paul Cappleman from Bury St Edmunds CID added: 'Hilden was an individual who caused a great deal of distress and upset and he showed little concern for the impact his actions had on the victims.

'Such acts of robbery and burglary are extremely intrusive crimes and would have been extremely frightening to have experienced. A sentence like this acts as a deterrent to other would be burglars that the courts take this type of offending very seriously.'
The West Australian Liberal Party candidate that Opposition Leader Zak Kirkup blocked from answering questions about whether she shared the same views on homosexuality as her pastor husband says her faith should not be the subject of constant interrogation.

On Saturday Amanda-Sue Markham still did not say whether she shared the same views as her husband.

Mrs Markham, who is running for the seat of Victoria Park, was asked on Friday by a Nine News Perth reporter if she agreed with comments made by her husband Campbell Markham that homosexuals can be cleansed and healed. But Mr Kirkup stepped in to deflect the question and then refused to let her speak for herself.

Liberal Party candidate for Victoria Park Amanda-Sue Markham. Credit:WA Liberal Party

Mrs Markham continued to refuse to comment when questioned about her views later that day but told WAtoday on Saturday she felt the story had already been dealt with five years ago.
Through its Ad Grants Crisis Relief programme, Google assists more than 100 government and global non-governmental agencies in running critical public service health programmes. In order to fight the misinformation about the vaccines, Google's information panels on Search have been expanded to over 40 countries and dozens of languages. Over the next few weeks, support for more languages will be provided.People can easily search when they are eligible to get vaccines and Google will also start showing state and regional distribution information on Search. Another initiative will be made available on Google and YouTube called 'Get The Facts' that provides authoritative information about vaccines.This indicates that there is a need for locally relevant information on vaccines. In order to deliver vaccines in a timely manner, healthcare organizations, pharmacies, logistics companies, and public sector institutions use Google Cloud and their other technologies.In order to provide accurate information to the public to prevent COVID-19 from spreading, Google had previously allocated $250 million in Ad Grants to help WHO and more than 100 government agencies.To alert people when they came in contact with someone infected with the virus, contact tracing apps were created by public health agencies. To help develop contact tracing apps, Google also joined hands with Apple to build exposure notifications technology.Source: Medindia
Twitter suspends Christian magazine for saying Bidens trans nominee is a man, not a woman

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Twitter has suspended a Christian magazine's account for reporting that one of President Joe Biden's nominees is a man who believes he's a woman.

The Daily Citizen, a publication of the Colorado Springs-based Focus on the Family, tweeted on Jan. 19 that Biden's nominee for assistant secretary of health, Rachel Levine, "is a transgender woman, that is, a man who believes he is a woman," along with a link to an article about the nomination.

As a result, the social media giant locked the magazine out of its account, informing the publication that the tweet violated Twitter's user rules forbidding "hateful conduct."

The Daily Citizen appealed the suspension but was informed that its account will remain locked until it deletes the tweet.

Twitter wrote in a subsequent email to the magazine: Hi The Daily Citizen, your account, @FocusCitizen has been locked for violating the Twitter Rules. Specifically for: Violating our rules against hateful conduct. You may not promote violence against, threaten, or harass other people on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, age, disability, or serious disease.

Please note that repeated violations may lead to a permanent suspension of your account, the email said. Proceed to Twitter now to fix the issue with your account.

The Daily Citizen said in its reply to Twitter that numerous media outlets have reported on the nomination and wrote in their articles that Levine was born male and remains a man who believes he is female. Levine has undergone elective cosmetic surgery and taken cross-sex hormones in an attempt to look more like a woman physically.

The magazine has insisted that it never promoted violence and rejected Twitter's claims that it violated its rules.

"As a Christian organization, we would never do so. We simply explained to our readers the appointment and defined what transgender women are  those born male who believe they are a woman, regardless of whether they have had opposite-sex hormones or surgeries."

We believe Twitters blocking of this tweet and lockdown of our account discriminates against Focus on the Familys The Daily Citizen on the basis of our religious affiliation."

Twitter has persisted in its insistence that the publication violated its user rules and rejected the publication's appeal. The platform said the ban would not be overturned.

Big tech's censorship of voices who state biological facts in the context of transgender issues and policies has not been limited to religious or philosophically conservative accounts on the platform.

In November 2018, Twitter updated its policies to prohibit users from tweeting the birth names of trans-identifying people  which transgender activists refer to as "dead-naming"  or from using biologically accurate pronouns when tweeting about trans-identifying people.

Transgender advocates call the use of "he" to describe a male who identifies as female "misgendering." Both dead-naming and misgendering are akin to "abuse" and "violence," according to trans-activists.

For example, Twitter permanently booted radical feminist journalist Meghan Murphy from the platform after she tweeted that "men aren't women." Twitter took this action days before it instituted its trans-activist policy.

Murphy wrote in an editorial at the time that "while Twitter knowingly permits graphic pornography and death threats on the platform (I have reported countless violent threats, the vast majority of which have gone unaddressed), they wont allow me to state very basic facts, such as men arent women.'"

This is hardly an abhorrent thing to say, nor should it be considered hateful to ask questions about the notion that people can change sex, or ask for explanations about transgender ideology, she said.




Nearly one in three federal MPs are suppressing their home addresses from public view, with female MPs more likely to do so than their male counterparts because of concerns about their personal safety.

An analysis of the federal electoral roll has found that 45 of 151 MPs have chosen to become silent electors, which means their address is not listed on the Australian Electoral Commissions public database - up from 36 of 150 MPs in 2016.

Labor MP Clare ONeil. Credit:Elke Meitzel

The figures include 16 of the 46 women in the lower house, or about 34 per cent, compared to 29 of 105 men, or 27 per cent.

The Sunday Age and Sun-Herald contacted female MPs from Coalition, Labor and the cross bench to learn why more women were choosing to suppress their home address and was told, without exception, there was growing concern about MPs personal safety and security, and that of their families.



Gov. Pritzker said it underscored the importance of having a diverse team who can offer perspective and a more personal understanding of the grief and injustice felt over George Floyds killing last year. He told the mayor: I remember one man in particular who walked into my office  a Black man. (He) closed the door. And he was simultaneously emotional, almost crying, and angry. And he was expressing to me what it is that he felt about what was going on, and that he didnt know exactly what he needed to do, but he felt like we needed to do something. And, ultimately  you and I and many leaders  I think, have taken the listening that we did during this time period and even the experience that youve had for your entire life as a Black woman, and (have) been able to bring it to bear in legislating and creating laws and trying to protect people from the sins of many years ... (of) decades of centuries, really.
A 23-year-old Guinean was arrested by the Cagliari police because he was found in possession of a forged passport.

Yesterday morning the young man presented himself at the counters of the Office for Immigration and Foreigners for the request to convert the residence permit from humanitarian reasons to subordinate work. The procedure includes showing a valid identity document.

And it was at that point that the 23-year-old handed over a passport from the Republic of Guinea, bearing the date of issue dating back to about three years ago. The policeman, however, immediately doubted its authenticity, noticing the presence of some anomalies, visible at a glance by an expert.

In fact, the document was not of the biometric type and showed a difference between the perforation of the first 4 internal pages and the remaining ones; furthermore, there were no security elements visible in ultraviolet light and no film with holograms visible through UV rays.

The alterations were then verified through a more in-depth check together with the investigators of the Flying Squad, who ascertained the possession of the false document valid for expatriation and for this they arrested the young man. The direct hearing is scheduled for him today.

(Unioneonline / ss)
Rosalie's Writings

with Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Last weekend I went to PAKn SAVE Thames on the way up to Coromandel. It was the fourth time Id been to a supermarket since the March lockdown.

I watched for a couple of minutes as over 50 people streamed in through the sliding door passing the very clearly displayed COVID-19 poster with its QR code without pausing to scan their phone over it, and I wondered why people are indifferent.

Did they have high levels of trust in border control measures? Or just follow along with the majority like sheep?

I asked a couple of people - well theres no community cases are there - an interesting viewpoint as tracking oneself with the COVID-19 app is intended to help be a preventative for community transmission, and its success relies on people tracking ahead of any community cases, not after the fact. We dont just wait for an outbreak and then start scanning QR codes, as a person with COVID-19 may not show any symptoms for a few days, but they could be contagious during that time. We have a case now who may have been in the community for ten days already before testing positive.

Others I asked were I feel like its big brother or the rather complacent Were all good here. Weve been fine here in New Zealand for ages, theyre stopping it before it can get into the community.

Dr Dougal Sutherland, Clinical Psychologist, Victoria University of Wellington and Umbrella Health said it well: This positive test should serve to shake us out of our holiday smugness and remind us that COVID is still rampant and even more virulent than before. We can only hope that the fast and thoughtful actions of the woman who tested positive will protect us all. It only takes one instance for this virus to get out into our community, but it can also be the thoughtful actions of one person that saves us from a far greater fate."

All the modelling suggests that time-to-isolation is the strongest factor in keeping an outbreak under control.

Dr Andrew Chen, Research Fellow, Koi Tu  Centre for Informed Futures, University of Auckland has also commented: The case did the right thing - they scanned their QR codes and they had Bluetooth Tracing on. This means that MOH can identify locations of interest quickly, and potentially alert other people who have been exposed quickly too. But for all of us to benefit from the use of this technology, we need as many people participating as possible. You can't be alerted via digital means if you aren't participating, and while manual contact tracing is still good and will probably get to you, it may be slower. Speed is of the essence in combatting this disease.

As a team of 5 million here in New Zealand, we cannot control the weather, but we can control COVID-19.

There are four simple things we can each do to keep each other safe:

1. Scan QR codes with the NZ COVID Tracer app. This takes seconds out of your day. Its very easy.

2. Turn on Bluetooth tracing.

Bluetooth tracing allows you to receive an alert if youve been near another app user who tests positive for COVID-19. And your privacy is always protected  it cannot share your location, your name or anything else about you.

3. Stay home if youre sick.

4. Wash your hands.

Wash often. Use soap. 20 seconds. Then dry. This kills the virus by bursting its protective bubble.

My main career was in medical science specialising in medical microbiology and immunohaematology - dealing with things like HIV, the immune system, hepatitis, disinfection, viruses, so Im not blowing hot air. I wish people would just simply do their part, follow the four simple steps above and help keep us all safe. Its not hard. We are all so incredibly fortunate that the Northland woman who has tested positive has been so scrupulous in using the COVID Tracer app and Bluetooth.

Lets promote a scanner culture.

January 30 2021. Rosalie Liddle Crawford, NZCS (Paramedical), Spec.Immunohaematology, Cert. Medical Microbiology, ATCL (Teaching), PGDip. Management Studies.
Coal miners who formed the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox congregation in McAdoo bought their first church from Lutherans in Kelayres and dragged it to a corner on Washington Street with a mule team.

That was 1901.

Fifteen years later, they hired a New York City architect to design a brick church.

By Aug. 5, 1923, the new church was crowded to the doors for a wedding, the Standard-Sentinel reported.

As membership swelled, the congregation boasted a choir, Boy Scout troop and womens club. There were sales of paska bread and pierogis, a community tree lighting at Christmas and summer bazaar with music and a tempting menu.

When the church closed for good last summer amidst a pandemic, eight worshippers remained.

All of us were elderly, said Michael Klesh, who in 1976 joined the congregation where his wife, Michele, grew up.

We lost something. Part of our life is gone. It was a big loss. We still feel it. My wife said today, We have no church, Klesh said Thursday.

For the final service on June 28, 2020 Archbishop Mark Maymon of the Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania Archdiocese of the Orthodox Church in America presided.

Holy Trinitys possessions  antique icons, altar pieces and kitchenware  were divided among regional congregations.

The archdiocese sold the church, parking lot and parish house, without advertising them, for $75,000 on Nov. 17, 2020 to the owners of van Hoekelen Greenhouses.

Holy Trinity timeline 1896  McAdoo Borough founded

In addition to having their business offices a block away at 220 S. Hancock St., the van Hoekelens previously purchased and converted St. Kunegundas School, 34 E. Washington St., into apartments.

Klesh heard that the new owners want to renovate and sell or rent the parish house, but that they might preserve the church for community events.

A member of the van Hoekelen family on Friday didnt return a message asking about plans for Holy Trinity.

In the past, Holy Trinity opened to others. Three years ago, the church hosted a spaghetti dinner to raise money for an animal rescue group.

The local Lions Club decorated trees on the grounds as part of McAdoos celebration at Christmas at least back to 1983.

Parishioners informally dropped Russian from the churchs name to widen their invitation to the community.

We were trying to not really give anyone the impression it was only for Russian Orthodox parishioners. All were welcome, Gregory Kurtz said.

Kurtz, a former mayor of McAdoo, grew up in Holy Trinity, where his father and grandfather also worshipped.

Church members did most of the maintenance at Holy Trinity, he recalled, and Standard-Sentinel accounts bear him out

To prepare Holy Trinity for its 50th anniversary celebration in July 1951, the newspaper reported that parishioners painted the parish house and church, which has two blue onion domes topped by crosses.

John Beregsen, who came up with the design for Holy Trinity in 1901, also was architect for other Russian Orthodox churches, including Cathedral of St. Nicholas in the Upper East Side of Manhattan in 1902.

Kurtz recalls the interior of Holy Trinity.

There were icons on canvas attached to the walls, marbleizing paint on the lower walls, stencil work throughout, Kurtz said.

His father, Michael, and brothers Joseph and Michael Jr., helped with the painting while his own company connected the church when the borough installed new sewers.

From boyhood, Kurtz remembers attending church bazaars each summer with funnel cakes, cotton candy and snow cones.

As a child, it was something we all looked forward to. From our perspective, it was a day at the park with rides, food and everything kids love to have. We had a blast for sure, Kurtz, 55, said.

Church members staged the bazaars themselves. But as the congregation grew older and smaller, the members teamed with volunteers who helped McAdoo observe its 100th anniversary.

For the boroughs centennial celebration in July 1996, McAdoo had a parade, fireworks and entertainers. A barbershop group sang outside Holy Trinity.

In the years after that, community and church volunteers modified Holy Trinitys summer bazaar into an annual homecoming for McAdoo.

Church members continued making a pierogis and haluski for sales that helped pay the bills at Holy Trinity.

My wife and I would go in the morning when it was dark and be there til dark, said Victor Sherkness, who belonged to Holy Trinity for 10 years.

Before Holy Trinity closed, Sherkness left the congregation and started attending Christ the Savior Russian Orthodox Church, a half-hour away in Sugar Notch. Lately mobility issues and the pandemic have kept him at home. On Sundays, he listens to recordings of the liturgy on compact discs and thinks of the blue-domed church two blocks from their home where he and his wife spent so much time.

We really miss it, Sherkness said, Were not the only ones.
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On the eve of Anti-leprosy Day, Sasakawa-India Leprosy Foundation (S-ILF) launched #YesICan campaign to generate awareness amongst the masses. The campaign aims to create awareness around the disease and garner support for leprosy warriors to help them do their job better. Launched in English, the campaign video highlights the role of ASHA workers in the active detection of leprosy cases.

Sharing his thoughts on the campaign Mr. Tarun Das, Chairman Sasakawa-India Leprosy Foundation said, Similar to leprosy those affected with COVID also faced stigma which is primarily from the fear of unknown. This can be addressed by educating people about the disease. Conceptualized by S-ILF, #YesICan is a video campaign to make people realize that they can be a part of the fight against leprosy and bring positive change in the attitude and behaviour towards persons affected by leprosy and their families. In the biggest testimony to the success of the campaign, Sasakawa-India Leprosy Foundations scholars who are from leprosy background are escorting COVID patients without any fear or discrimination.

Congratulating Sasakawa -India Leprosy Foundation on the launch of the campaign video, Mr Vagavathali Narsappa, President, Association of People affected by Leprosy (APAL) said, Awareness generation is very important. Leprosy also has the same stigma associated with it as COVID. We have to generate awareness against Leprosy like we did for COVID. Initially, people were scared of COVID, now it is normal as people are aware. The fact that leprosy can cause disabilities makes awareness and timely treatment vital. I am confident that the initiative taken by S-ILF and the launch of flipchart will together help to generate awareness amongst the masses which will lead to early diagnosis and treatment.

Lack of public awareness about leprosy and myths surrounding it is one of the major challenges that India is facing in its fight against the disease. This results in stigma and discrimination of those affected by the disease. Sasakawa - India Leprosy Foundation(S-ILF) is looking forward to sensitizing each and every Indian citizen so that they can spread the word and contribute towards the elimination of stigma leading to a more inclusive and empathetic society.
Paris:

The EU on Saturday slapped record fine of 2.4-billion-euro on Google for abusing its market dominance. Will find its way back to European citizens, Europes competition chief said on Saturday.



Although the US tech giant has said it expects to appeal, if the European Commission wins, this fine will return to European citizens via the governments of the 13 member states involved, European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said on French radio.



She said each of these countries would see its contribution to the EU budget reduced in the following year, pro rata, based on this fine. Brussels has accused the worlds most popular internet search engine of giving an advantage to its Google Shopping service.

ALSO READ: Google hires Intels former VP of Diversity as reports reveal overwhelmingly 'white and male' workforce



Google Shopping shows the images and prices of products in response to shopping-related searches when someone uses the search engine. The EU says that Google is giving its own service too much priority in search results to the detriment of other price comparison services, such as TripAdvisor and Expedia.



The case, launched in 2010, is one of three against Google and of several against blockbuster US companies including Starbucks, Apple, Amazon and McDonalds. Vestager has said preliminary conclusions in the Android and AdSense cases against Google also showed it breached EU rules.



The cases have stoked tensions with Washington and could face the wrath of President Donald Trump, the tycoon who won office on his America First slogan and has previously hit out against the EU.

ALSO READ: Google News gets new design, now looks clutter-free and simplistic

For all the Latest Business News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
My dog Bruce reckons his COVID 2020 was one of his best years. So apparently does Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Bruce had his family at home all day, he got to be inside a lot, and somehow he thinks it was all his doing. Scotts approval ratings shot up, the country handled the crisis better than most, and somehow he thinks it was all his doing.

The consequence for Bruce is that he now thinks he should be inside on his special cushion all day every day. The consequence for Scott is that Canberra is preparing for an early election.

Illustration: Simon Letch Credit:

According to section 28 of the Constitution, Australia must go to the polls within three years of the first sitting of the current parliament, which could place the next election in the winter of 2022. The Prime Minister, however, is presented with a temptation that would have tried the saints: if he can sheet every COVID mistake to the states and claim every victory for himself, and rely on federal Labors inimitable talent for self-wedging, he can campaign upon an image of himself as the leader who kept Australia safe. What politician could resist going to the polls this spring  little more than two years since the last election  rather than waiting and risking the unknown?

Morrison has said he isnt planning to go to the electorate in 2021, which is exactly what hed say if he was. Labor shuffled its deckchairs on Thursday. A tantalising gap in the parliamentary sitting calendar opens up in the spring. State party directors have put their officials on notice. A COVID vaccine might be rolled out successfully by October, and if its a success, it will be all the Prime Ministers doing. (If it fails, that would be down to the states.) The tea-leaves are getting worn out from constant study. Antony Green is saying late 2021. Case closed.
New research by Mimi E. Lam (University of Bergen) just published in Humanities and Social Sciences Communications identifies and explores the impacts of salient viral or COVID-19 behavioral identities that are emerging.

These emergent COVID-19 behavioural identities are being hijacked by existing social and political identities to politicize the pandemic and heighten racism, discrimination, and conflict. The COVID-19 pandemic reminds us that we are not immune to each other. To unite in our fight against the pandemic, it is important to recognize the basic dignity of all and value the human diversity currently dividing us." Mimi E. Lam, University of Bergen

"Only then, can we foster societal resilience and an ethical COVID-19 agenda. This would pave the way for other global commons challenges whose impacts are less immediate, but no less dire for humanity.

Lam argues that liberal democracies need an ethical policy agenda with three priorities: 1. to recognize the diversity of individuals; 2. to deliberate and negotiate value trade-offs; and 3. to promote public buy-in, trust, and compliance.

Some emergent "COVID-19 personality types":

Deniers: who downplay the viral threat, promoting business as usual

Spreaders: who want it to spread, herd immunity to develop, and normality to return

Harmers: who try to harm others by, for example, spitting or coughing at them

Realists: who recognize the reality of the potential harm and adjust their behaviors

Worriers: who stay informed and safe to manage their uncertainty and fear

Contemplators: who isolate and re?ect on life and the world

Hoarders: who panic-buy and hoard products to quell their insecurity

Invincibles: often youth, who believe themselves to be immune

Rebels: who de?antly ?out social rules restricting their individual freedoms

Blamers: who vent their fears and frustrations onto others

Exploiters: who exploit the situation for power, pro?t or brutality

Innovators: who design or repurpose resources to fight the pandemic

Supporters: who show their solidarity in support of others

Altruists: who help the vulnerable, elderly, and isolated

Warriors: who, like the front-line health-care workers, combat its grim reality

Veterans: who experienced SARS or MERS and willingly comply with restrictions
(Natural News) Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York forcefully rejected the spirit of unity some members of her party claim to be pursuing this week in responding to an olive branch by Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas by accusing him of trying to have her killed.

(Article by Calvin Freiburger republished from LifeSiteNews.com)

An unusual stock market controversy has erupted in recent days over shares for the troubled retail chain GameStop after, as PJ Medias Megan Fox put it, a bunch of Redditors with $600 stimulus checks outsmarted Wall Street hedge-fund managers and boosted the companys share price from $6 to almost $500 in two days. In response, the stock trading app Robinhood blocked users from being able to trade GameStop.

Ocasio-Cortez tweeted Thursday that Robinhoods actions were unacceptable and warranted federal investigation. Cruz tweeted that he fully agree[d].

This is unacceptable. We now need to know more about @RobinhoodApps decision to block retail investors from purchasing stock while hedge funds are freely able to trade the stock as they see fit. As a member of the Financial Services Cmte, Id support a hearing if necessary. https://t.co/4Qyrolgzyt  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) January 28, 2021

But Ocasio-Cortez rejected the olive branch, demanding that Cruz resign for trying to get me killed:

I am happy to work with Republicans on this issue where theres common ground, but you almost had me murdered 3 weeks ago so you can sit this one out. Happy to work w/ almost any other GOP that arent trying to get me killed. In the meantime if you want to help, you can resign. https://t.co/4mVREbaqqm  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) January 28, 2021

You havent even apologized for the serious physical + mental harm you contributed to from Capitol Police & custodial workers to your own fellow members of Congress. In the meantime, you can get off my timeline & stop clout-chasing. Thanks. Happy to work with other GOP on this.  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) January 28, 2021

While a Texas man has been charged with posting death threats against the congresswoman, there is no evidence linking him to Cruz, who has neither explicitly nor implicitly advocated violence of any kind against his colleagues. The sole basis for the charge is that Cruz objected to the certification of the 2020 presidential election unless an audit was conducted to investigate concerns of vote fraud affecting the outcome in several states.

Democrats and their allies in the press have tried to convince the public that raising concerns about election integrity is partly to blame for the Jan. 6 riot on Capitol Hill, the centerpiece of which is their impeachment drive against former President Donald Trump.

Theres a lot of partisan anger and rage among Democrats, and its not healthy for our country and its certainly not conducive to healing or unity, Cruz told The Daily Wire Thursday in response to Ocasio-Cortezs accusation. But everyone has to decide how they want to interact with others.

The Federalist reports that Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah and Rep. Chip Roy of Texas are circulating letters in their respective chambers urging that Ocasio-Cortez be censured for her attack on Cruz.

I believe that, as a conference, we should immediately and publicly call on her to retract her statement and apologize, Lee wrote. If she refuses to do so  and perhaps even if she doesnt  I think she should be admonished or censured by the House.

Read more at: LifeSiteNews.com
Something to look forward to: The fact that Apple's A14 Bionic only brought modest performance improvements over the A13 has led some to believe the smartphone spec war is over. However, Samsung's partnership with AMD may soon bring a mobile chipset that challenges the mobile performance crown for the first time in years.

When Samsung announced the Exynos 2100 mobile platform, it outlined a number of improvements that make it competitive with the new and popular SoC in town -- the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888. However, that's because with the new Exynos chip and the Snapdragon 888 bear some similarities in terms of the CPU design, and the South Korean giant has been under significant public pressure to come up with a better chipset of its own or drop the idea altogether from future flagship phones.

Early benchmarks performed using Samsung's new Galaxy S21 Ultra show that there's still a gap in performance between the two chips and that it mostly comes down to the different GPUs, with the Adreno 660 (Snapdragon) showing a 28% lead over the Mali-G78 MP14 (Exynos), albeit at the cost of running hotter. On the other hand, the Exynos 2100 is quite comparable on the CPU front, as it even manages to beat the Snapdragon by a small 4% margin in some tests thanks to slightly higher clocks.

That could mean that given enough effort and resources, Samsung could perfect its design to become competitive even with Apple's A-series SoCs. And since that hinges on integrating a more powerful GPU, that's where its partnership with AMD would become crucial.

The two companies have been silently working on an RDNA-based GPU for smartphones since 2019, and the little benchmark data that fell through the cracks in 2020 showed promising results against Adreno designs at the time.

According to a new leak, Samsung is getting close to releasing an Exynos chip equipped with an RDNA-based GPU, possibly before the end of this year. This is in line with what Samsung had already disclosed on its development schedule, but the more interesting part is that someone was apparently able to benchmark an engineering sample of the upcoming SoC.

This person only performed GPU-specific benchmarks and the results appear to be impressive. When compared to Apple's A14 Bionic, the RDNA SoC almost doubles the GPU performance in the GFXBench Aztec Normal and High School tests. Furthermore, the A14 Bionic manages 120 fps in the GFXBench Manhattan 3.1 test, while the unnamed Exynos SoC achieves around 181 frames per second.

Take these results with the customary grain of salt, but this could mean that future premium Galaxy smartphones will pack some serious GPU performance that will be competitive with Apple's next-gen A15 that is said to power the iPhone 12S lineup. Otherwise, the biggest question mark pertains to the chip's performance per watt, which could be worse on the Exynos chip. If Samsung and AMD can solve that equation, it could give Qualcomm a run for its money, while MediaTek will run for cover.
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.
She emphasised on the need to take care of students' health, safety, psychological and nutritional aspects after resumption of physical classes (DC Image: S. Surender Reddy)

HYDERABAD: Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan on Friday asked vice-chancellors and registrars of universities to follow the standard operating procedures in order to ensure safety of students while reopening campuses on Monday.

She emphasised on the need to take care of students' health, safety, psychological and nutritional aspects after resumption of physical classes.

The Governor was reviewing with VCs and registrars the preparedness of universities in reopening colleges amid the prevailing conditions at a meeting that was held online.

"The best possible preventive measures need to be in place on the campuses. Social distancing, handwash facilities, wearing of masks, availability of quality sanitizers need to be ensured," she added.

The Governor appreciated the VCs for conducting online classes, examinations and declaring results thus helping students to continue their education.

"Telangana was one of the first states to launch online classes. We need to be the role-model state in establishing safe campuses and in imparting quality education," she said.

Referring to students whose parents are not willing to send their wards to physical classes, she directed the VCs to make special online class arrangements for them.

Special Chief Secretary Chitra Ramachandran informed that physical attendance was not mandatory to allow the students for examinations at the school level. Alternative arrangements are in place to offer online classes for those who are not willing to attend physical classes. The standard operating procedure (SOP) prepared by the Union and state governments will be scrupulously implemented, she said.

Senior bureaucrat K. Arvind Kumar, who is also the in-charge Vice-Chancellor of Osmania University, sought a state-wide policy on the reopening of hostels, including for research scholars, instead of leaving it to the discretion of universities.

JNTU, Hyderabad, in-charge Vice-Chancellor Jayesh Ranjan said that they have started coordinating with all the 261 affiliated colleges for implementation of Covid-19 protocol and all constituent colleges are ready for reopening on February 1.

Later, the Governor urged VCs to prepare a vision document to promote the role of alumni in the development of varsities. The Governor was reviewing the progress of the "Chancellor Connects Alumni," initiative launched last year.

The alumni can contribute in different ways like extending financial assistance, scholarships, fellowships, travel grants, sponsorships, and research grants to the students. They can also donate laboratory equipment, computers, and other requirements to the universities, she explained.

Terming the initiative as her 'dream project,' Dr. Soundararajan directed the universities to expedite enrolment of alumni in the chancellor connects alumni portal developed by NIC for Raj Bhavan.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-30 08:59:13|Editor: huaxia

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A farmer drives a harvester to harvest wheat on the outskirts of Islamabad, capital of Pakistan on May 12, 2020. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal)

Agriculture is the backbone of the Pakistani economy. The Pakistani gov't is collaborating with China in learning agricultural techniques under CPEC to enhance yield of crops, modernization of irrigation system and value addition.

ISLAMABAD, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday that his country is expected to get help from China in its efforts to improve its agriculture sector under the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The Pakistani government is collaborating with China in learning agricultural techniques under CPEC to enhance yield of crops, modernization of irrigation system and value addition, Khan said when addressing the ceremony of an anti-poverty initiative, in the eastern city of Sahiwal.

Farmers harvest oranges at a village near northwest Pakistan's Peshawar, Feb. 26, 2020. (Xinhua/Saeed Ahmad)

"The production of crops and dairy products in China is far more than that of Pakistan due to their advanced research and technology," the prime minister said, adding that the Pakistani government is taking revolutionary steps to uplift agro-based industries of the country to ensure sustainable development and prosperity, and China is willing to help Pakistan in this regard.

Agriculture is the backbone of the Pakistani economy, and cooperation with China could turn a new page in agricultural modernization and will be a destiny changer for the people of Pakistan, he said.

On Tuesday, China and Pakistan launched an online platform to collect and display information and achievements of agricultural and industrial cooperation between the two countries, aiming at enhancing bilateral cooperation under CPEC in the two sectors.
After years of going into work every day, there comes a point when its time to kick up your feet, relax and enjoy retirement. And luckily for Athens residents, theyre in just the right place.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted late Friday that she spoke with Ireland's Prime Minister Micheal Martin to agree on "a satisfactory way" to introduce an export authorization mechanism for COVID-19 vaccines.

The EC's president also tweeted that she had "constructive talks" with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and agreed on the principle that there should not be restrictions on the export of vaccines by companies where they are fulfilling contractual responsibilities.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
The University of Alabama at Birmingham will open two new sites in coming weeks to deliver COVID-19 vaccines to eligible people in Alabama, said Dr. Sarah Nafziger, vice president of clinical support services at UAB Medicine.

A site at the Hoover Met will open Feb. 2 by appointment for people age 75 and older. Another site at A.H. Parker High School will also open soon. Nafziger said officials at UAB are still working out the details about the Parker High School location.

Both sites will join the health systems existing drive-through vaccine clinic at UAB Highlands, which has been vaccinating eligible UAB patients against COVID since Jan. 18. UAB announced the additional clinics on the same day Alabama State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris announced increased eligibility to some essential workers and people between the ages of 65 and 74. That starts on Feb. 8.

Now of course as these vaccination eligibility groups open up, then more and more people will be able to sign up for vaccine, Nafziger said.

UAB will work with the Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency to schedule appointments for people who are not UAB patients. People who have already signed up through UAB or the Jefferson County vaccine call center and website do not need to re-register, Nafziger said.

There is no need to do it again, Nafziger said. Its not going to get you served any faster and its going to slow down the process as we have to remove duplicate entries from the system.

Nafziger urged people to use online portals and vaccine hotline numbers. She urged family to check on older relatives and friends who might not have access to the internet to help them register for the vaccine. People should not call UAB Hospital to make a vaccine appointment because its call center can become overwhelmed.

This actually happened when the age 75 and up group was announced, Nafziger said. We actually had some difficulty in the hospital because our call center had a lot of people calling in asking about vaccine and it introduced some delays for us being able to make some of the phone calls we needed to do for patient care.

Nafziger said UAB will have the capacity to deliver up to 17,000 vaccines per week with unlimited supply. Right now, the supply of vaccines coming from the federal government has been limited. She said the vaccine supply will probably increase in coming months.

So far, UAB has not had a serious vaccine reaction among the health care workers and older patients who have received shots at its clinic.

The vast majority of people have a sore arm, a little bit of sore muscles, Nafziger said. Some people have reported a low-grade fever. Just feeling a little yucky for about a day. The vast majority of people say those symptoms resolve within 24 hours.

For those who still dont qualify for a vaccination, she urged patience. The vaccine roll out in Alabama started slowly, but Nafziger said providers are working hard to get shots to everyone who qualifies.

Were ready as soon as the doses are there, Nafziger said. If you want the vaccine, guess what, we want you to have the vaccine. All health care providers in the state want you to have it desperately.
Cadbury-owner Mondelez International faces a competition probe by the EU over claims it has hindered cross-border trade of its products.

The US-based group is accused of restricting the trade of its products between EU countries.

Traders and retailers within the EU can try to buy Mondelezs chocolates, biscuits and coffee in a country where it is cheaper.

Probe: Cadbury-owner Mondelez faces a competition probe by the EU over claims it has hindered cross-border trade of its products

They can import the products to countries where the price is higher, helping to lower the cost for consumers in that area.

But regulators in Brussels are investigating whether Mondelez tried to force retailers into agreements to restrict this practice.

The Commission will also examine whether Mondelez hiked prices or limited volumes for firms that traded across the EU.

Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: 'Chocolates, biscuits and coffee are products consumed by European citizens daily.

'We are opening a formal investigation to see whether Mondelez, a key producer of these products, might have restricted free competition in the markets concerned by implementing various practices hindering trade flows, ultimately leading to higher prices for consumers.'

Brands: Mondelez owns a string of well-known brands including Oreo, Ritz, Philadelphia, Cadbury Dairy Milk

Mondelez said: We learnt about the European Commission's announcement that it has opened a formal investigation into Mondelez International's practices related to the cross-border supply of products within the European Economic Area.

'We will work constructively with the European Commission as it conducts its review.'

Chicago-based Mondelez, which was spun off from Kraft in 2012 before its merger with Heinz, owns a string of well-known brands including Oreo, Ritz, Philadelphia, Cadbury Dairy Milk and Belvita.

Back in November 2019, Commission investigators made a series of raids on Mondelez premises amid concerns that prices for food and drinks products significantly varied across EU member states.

The takeover of Cadbury by US based Kraft in 2010 prompted a revamp of the rules governing how foreign firms buy UK companies.
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Workers prepare to greet passengers at the COVID-19 testing centre in the International Arrivals area at Pearson Airport in Toronto on Tuesday January 26, 2021. Ontario is awaiting the first COVID-19 projections since a stay-at-home order came into effect two weeks ago.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn
A 47-year-old teacher died by an apparent suicide inside Pompton Lakes High School, where he worked, authorities said Saturday.

Police found the mans body inside the school building on Friday while conducting a welfare check around 9 p.m., the Passaic County Prosecutors Office said.

The teacher lived in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, and taught the form, function and design course at the high school, Pompton Lakes Public Schools Superintendent Paul Amoroso wrote in a letter to parents.

He began teaching in September and leaves behind a wife, two children and two step-children, Amoroso wrote.

The district will be providing onsite counseling support 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday; students must wear masks while following social distancing guidelines. The district will also be providing ongoing virtual counseling.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day for people in distress.

New Jersey residents struggling with pandemic-related issues can text NJHOPE to 51684 or call 866-202-HELP (4357), for emotional support, education and referrals from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The program is made possible through the state Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services within the New Jersey Department of Human Services.

Local journalism needs your support. Subscribe to NJ.com.

Rebecca Panico may be reached at rpanico@njadvancemedia.com.
Mr Prosper Afenyo, a member of the Mens Fellowship of the E.P. Church in Ho, has said former President Jerry John Rawlings laid a sure foundation for the progress of the Volta Region during his days in office.



He said contrary to assertions that Rawlings, who hailed from the Region, did little to enhance its growth, key projects that formed the base for development, were initiated by him.



He cited that the Regional capital got one of two major hospitals he built, which now is a teaching hospital that has birthed the nations first Health University.



The late President also established a regional agriculture development project and made Volta the only region at the time with three television transmission sites.



Mr Afenyo said the start of the Keta Sea defense project was worth mentioning as one of the legacies of Rawlings, who defied its huge cost to save Keta till today.



The senior citizen eulogised the late Presidents life of compassion, which he said was most notably exhibited in his rescue of over two million Ghanaians from Nigeria during the famine of 1983.



It was the most challenging time for leadership but Rawlings excelled, he said



Mr Afenyo also remembered the former President who came to power through a military coup, for eliminating terrorism and serious crime gangs in the country.



He said as Archbishop Charles Palmer-Buckle, the Catholic Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Coast has appealed to Ghanaians as a form of legacy to the memory of the late former President Rawlings to forgive him, "Rawlings was a human being and not perfect".

Source: GNA









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A French blogger killed himself in a luxury Paris hotel room on the day he bankrolled the far-right Capitol Hill rioters, MailOnline can reveal.

A source close to the Paris police confirmed that 'no crime was committed' in connection with the death of Bitcoin millionaire Laurent Bachelier, 35.

Mr Bachelier rented a room at the Hyatt Regency Etoile Paris several days before he is believed to have taken a drugs overdose on December 8, having funded the mob who stormed Congress in Washington with a $520,000 donation.

Why he chose to rent the hotel room and did not use his flat three miles away in the northern suburbs of the French capital is unknown.

A source close to the police investigation into the death told MailOnline: 'Mr Bachelier was found in a room at the Hyatt Regency by a member of staff. He had been dead some time.'

For the past eight years the computer programmer had suffered from trigeminal neuralgia, a chronic nerve condition that sends bolts of excruciating pain through the body.

Laurent Bachelier (above), 35, killed himself after donating $520,000 to far-right causes. Here the reclusive French computer programmer is seen in a YouTube video giving a lecture in 2017

The mysterious French blogger (third from the right) donated the money on December 7 and then took his life at a hotel in Paris where his body was found by staff 'several days later'

Bachelier booked a room at the four star Hyatt Regency Etoile Paris where rooms cost 650-a-night several days before he is believed to have taken a drugs overdose on December 8

There is no cure but sufferers are treated with powerful anti-convulsive drugs and pain killers, both of which can be fatal if taken in non-prescribed doses.

While the lonely death of a troubled tech wizard may be unremarkable, his life was another matter altogether, shrouded as it was in mystery and sinister intrigue.

For just a few miles away at his first-floor boutique apartment in a narrow street just off the bustling Avenue de Clichy in the northern suburbs of the French capital, lay the nerve centre of Bachelier's cyber-crime operation which provided his ill-gotten fortune in Bitcoin.

His method was to blackmail and troll victims online, using his formidable skills to 'enrage, threaten' and expose anyone who expressed opposing views to his clients.

His donation to the DC insurrectionists included some $250,000 to white supremacist Nick Fuentes, in the days leading up to the January 6 outrage.

Bachelier committed suicide just hours after making the huge cash gift, in the form of 28.15 Bitcoin, from the central hotel room last month.

His suicide note appeared on December 9, one day after his donations were recorded on a publicly available block chain.

In his suicide note, Bachelier said his body felt 'three times my age' and was a 'prisoner of my body' who was 'interested in what an autopsy will reveal'.

The hotel room was just three miles from the first floor flat (pictured) Bachelier owned in a narrow street off the bustling Avenue de Clichy in the northern suburbs of the French capital

Neighbours where Bachelier lived behind the brightly-lit front door at the top of some polished wooden stairs said the computer programmer was polite, but reclusive, not seeing him often

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in France, like many computer programmers, Buchelier had been working from home (hallway pictured) doing his job for GeneatNetSA

His suicide was confirmed by local official sources, while his brother, Fabien Bachelier, confirmed his death and said enquiries were ongoing.

A local official source in Paris confirmed there was an ongoing enquiry into his death, which would include an autopsy.

At the time of his death Bachelier worked as a data mananger at GeneatNetSA , specialising in Python development, data retrieval and analysis  a job he had held since 2014.

Like most computer experts in Paris, he had been working at home during the coronavirus pandemic since March last year.

Buchelier's name still appears on the post box in the hallway leading to his 500,000 flat

Neighbours at his flat with its brightly-painted front door atop a polished wood stairway have described the talented computer programmer as a short man, civil but reserved, who travelled around the French capital by bicycle.

'He was always polite and kind to the children, but he was a recluse,' one told MailOnline.

'He did not go out very often. He stayed in his apartment most days.'

Another added: 'I did not know him well. I don't think anyone in the building did. I heard he hanged himself. Sad.'

But Bachelier, also known by his online persona 'pankkake', revealed his darker nature in a series of posts to an internet forum dating back to 2013 in which he supplemented his income by offering his skills for hire.

'I offer my trolling services,' he wrote on June 22, 2013.

'Do you want to make some users rage? Reveal their dark/hideous side? Have some fun? Do you have no time to reply, yet have a hard time resisting duty calls?'

Setting out his twisted skillset to potential customers, Bachelier/pankkake, who expressed his dislike for political correctness, revealed he had been trolling victims for over ten years before 2013 and had adapted his own technology to avoid being silenced.

He wrote: 'I have 10+ years' experience trolling forums and have eventually been banned in most.

'I have extensively tweaked browser which allows me to be faster than most.

'I have hurt a lot of feelings.'

He added he could work in English and French.

Born in the University city of Aix-en-Provence, in the heart of the picturesque Provence region in the south of France, in 1985, Bachelier flourished at maths and computer science at school.

As well as his job as a data manager for GeneatNetSA, Bachelier used his online username 'pankkake' to advertise (above) his IT skills for hire in offering to troll people

Early in his life Bachelier's family moved from Aix-en-Provence to Toulouse where he and his brother attended local schools, the Lycee Saliege and the Lycee Bellevue.

Flourishing in maths and computer science as a teenager, he went on to study computer engineering at the Universite Paul Sabatier in Toulouse from 2004 to 2006.

He also studied advanced Mathematics and Computer Science from 2006 to 2007 at ESIGETEL in Toulouse.

During that period he was surrounded by like-minded 'techies' who shared his enthusiasm for programming and desire to flourish in the exploding online world.

His first job was as a web developer at the French tech firm Theodo, before moving on to create new software that enabled access to the web without using a browser - weboob, with friends at the start-up Budget Insight before moving to Geneanet.

An official record in France of Bachelier's birth in 1985 in Aix-en-Provence and death

Secretive Bachelier was well-liked by his colleagues but somehow kept his growing sympathies with far-right politics to himself, along with his 'side hustle' in fomenting hatred.

Former colleague Ludovic Vigouroux: 'I have very good memories of Laurent [Bachelier] who I worked with for two years. I was very saddened by his death. I respected him a lot as a developer, hacker and security expert.'

Monsieur Vigouroux added: 'As for his political opinions, I always thought he was libertarian but he was very discreet about his politics in professional circles.

'He was much looser in his opinions in his personal blogs.

'But only a few of us knew them and we considered that he was trolling people, which corresponds to his biting character.'

Another former colleague Fabrice Bernhard told MailOnline: 'Laurent was very discreet on his personal life as techies can be.'

Meanwhile Bachelier was among the first in France to invest in Bitcoin which launched in 2009, realizing the untraceable web-based currency provided the perfect way for him to conduct his clandestine business dealings.

The programmer became a member of the Bitcoin Paris Group, an online association of users of the currency, at its inception in March 2013.

Members would meet up for drinks once or twice a year, although Bachelier rigorously refused to be captured in group photos which were posted on the internet.

'There is only one photo of Laurent on the internet,' a friend told MailOnline.

It was about this time that Bachelier began to turn to the dark side by offering his trolling services  to be paid, of course, in Bitcoin.

He wrote: 'What I would like the most is doing stuff like responding to idiotic comments or articles, for examples [sic] about Bitcoin. There are many in the French press, and I have responded to some rather well.

An investigation by Chainalysis, a firm that investigates Bitcoin transactions, found that before taking his life, the Frenchman sent 28.15 Bitcoins, worth about $522,000 to 22 addresses, including many belonging to American far-right activists and organisations

After killing himself on December 8, Bachelier had arranged for this suicide note to be posted online on December 9 in which the tech wizard confirmed he had been suffering from a chronic nerve condition, that his body felt 'three times my age' and was a 'prisoner of my body'

'Price: 0.005 Bitcoin per post, i.e. 1 Bitcoin gives you 200 posts.

'This price is indicative; some people will have a 'pay what you feel it's worth' deal.

'I also give free trials to people with enough reputation provided they give public feedback (positive or negative).

'Terms:

 If I get banned before some something results you'll get a reduce price

 I am not selling my identity, I am selling content, you are not buying sock puppets

 I reserve the right to refuse offers though I have little interest for political correctness.'

Bachelier benefited from the wild fluctuation in the price of the cryptocurrency.

In June 2013, when the hacker announced he was a troll for hire, one Bitcoin was worth $100. In December 8th 2020, when he gifted his fortune to America's far right figures, one Bitcoin was worth $18,518.52.

In his suicide note Bachelier talked about the 'decline' of western civilization and lamented the 'rejection of our ancestors and our heritage', in which he asked his best friend Romain Bignon to organize his affairs.

As well as his health problems, he explained he has suffered from severe depression for years and adds that he 'decided to bequeath [his] modest fortune to certain causes and certain people', in a kind of cyber will.

An investigation by Chainanalysis, which specializes in digital currency money laundering and fraud, found that the Frenchman had sent 28.15 Bitcoin, worth about $522,000 to 22 addresses, including many belonging to American far-right activists and organisations.

An investigation found that the majority of Bachelier's 22 transactions on December 8 went to Nick Fuentes, a far-right influencer. Fuentes was pictured at the Capitol rally on January 6

Mr Fuentes, who was suspended from YouTube for hate speech, attended the Stop the Steal rally (pictured) but insists he was not one of the protesters to storm the capital building

The riots in Washington DC took place on January 6, a month after the reclusive French blogger ended his own life in a luxury hotel room in Paris

White supremacist Nick Fuentes, who was suspended from YouTube for hate speech, was the largest benefactor, receiving 13.5 Bitcoins, worth about $250,000. Of Bachelier's 22 transactions on December 8, 18 of them were sent to Mr Fuentes.

Mr Fuentes was pictured at the Stop the Steal rally in Washington DC on January 6, but insists he wasn't one of the rioters who stormed the Capitol building.

Other recipients included anti-immigration organization VDARE, white nationalist leader Patrick Casey, the Daily Stormer blog, alt-right streamer Ethan Ralph and a number of unidentified addresses.

French police have investigated Bachelier's death and ruled no crime was committed.

A source close to the Paris police told MailOnline: 'In relation to the death of Laurent Bachelier, I confirm that the Paris prosecutor's office has carried out an investigation into the causes of death.

'At the end of the investigation, the inquiry was dismissed for lack of infringement of a crime.'

Both his parents and brother declined to comment on Bachelier's death or his possible involvement with the Capitol riot in Washington DC.
Two cattle herding brothers will make more than $80million after selling their Victorian farm to LendLease developers.

The Wuchatsch family bought the 83 hectare property in Nar Nar Goon, in Gippsland around 60km south-east of Melbourne, in 2003.

But the sprawling property was nearly sold one year later after the family put it on the market for a week for just $265,000.

LendLease has now snapped up the farm for its new Averley estate which will hold up to 1,500 homes.

The Wuchatsch family bought the 83 hectare property in Nar Nar Goon, in Gippsland around 60km south-east of Melbourne in 2003 (pictured land in Nar Nar Goon)

The brothers had been herding as many as 300 cattle on the property before the deal was struck.

Core Projects acquisitions manager, Kane Malcomson, said the brothers would receive a payment for every home that will be built on the farm over the next five to six years.

'The family will stay in the deal  they will collect a significant share of the revenue,' Mr Malcomson told realestate.com.au.

He said the sheer size of the Nar Nar Goon farm was 'pretty rare' in the state's south-east.

'So this is one of the bigger estates for the near future. Most of the land on the urban growth boundary now is 40ha, which is a few hundred lots (once developed),' Mr Malcomson said.

Development on the Averley estate is expected to kick off in June with residents due to start moving in from early 2023.
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Hong Kong: SJ explains China-UK pact

Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng

The UK government announced the opening of a new visa for Hong Kong British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) status holders. A correct comprehension of the Sino-British Joint Declaration will allow one to understand that there is no single clause which provides for British rights or obligations to Hong Kong after the city's reunification with the motherland.

On July 12, 1983, the Central Peoples Government proposed 12 principles to resolve the issue of Hong Kong, which later became part of the joint declaration. On December 19, 1984, the joint declaration which reflected the basic principles and policy of one country, two systems was concluded.

The joint declaration is a treaty made between China and the UK. The provisions of the joint declaration, including its three annexes, have been deposited with the United Nations. While the latter part of the preamble of the joint declaration states that the two sides agreed to declare as follows, the crucial parts of Articles 1, 2 and 3 (read with Annex I) are all unilateral declarations made by one side without any reference to the other side. Articles 4, 5 and 6 and Annexes 2 and 3 provide for arrangements during the transitional period, while Articles 7 and 8 are about the implementation and entry into force of the instrument.

From the above observations on the content and nature of the joint declaration, it can be seen that there is no clause that provides for British rights or obligations to Hong Kong after the city's reunification with the motherland. Judge Xue Hanqin, Vice President of the International Court of Justice, pointed out at the Basic Law 30th Anniversary Legal Summit on November 17, 2020 that, after the reunification, the system to be adopted in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as well as how to implement its reunification with the motherland, was purely within the ambit of the sovereignty of China from an international law perspective. In a speech by Mr Xie Feng, former Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in Hong Kong SAR, he also stated, all legal relations between the UK and Hong Kong created by the instrument had terminated by January 1, 2000 at the latest, when the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group ceased operation. The UK is not entitled to claim any new rights over or obligations to Hong Kong by citing the joint declaration. To be brief, the UK has no sovereignty, jurisdiction or right of supervision over Hong Kong whatsoever after the latter returned to China.

The signing of the joint declaration marks the final resolution of the Hong Kong question, setting a laudable example on peaceful resolution of historical issues and marking a significant milestone for the reunification of China. As remarked by Judge Shi Jiuyong, former President of the International Court of Justice, the joint declaration is an unprecedented treatment of invalidity of unequal treaties imposed by big powers in history. This practice can be counted as Chinas contribution in the process of progressive development of contemporary international law.

At the signing of the joint declaration, there was also an immediate exchange of memoranda between the two sides dealing with the issue of nationality. This exchange of memoranda between the two sides represent each sides understanding of the issue of nationality under the backdrop of the joint declaration.

The British Memorandum to the People's Republic of China (PRC) opened with the statement in connection with the joint declaration... to be signed this day, the Government of the UK declares that..., and stated the UK governments pledge, inter alia, not to confer the right of abode in the UK on holders of the BN(O) passport who are Chinese nationals in Hong Kong. Similarly, the Chinese Memorandum to the UK opens with acknowledging receipt of the British Memorandum, stating the Government of the PRC has received the memorandum from the Government of the UK, going on to assert that, inter alia, under the Nationality Law of the PRC, all Hong Kong Chinese compatriots are Chinese nationals, and then makes the commitment to permit Chinese nationals in Hong Kong who were previously called British Dependent Territories Citizens to use travel documents issued by the government of the UK for the purpose of travelling to other states and regions.

A pertinent question would be the nature and legal effect of the memoranda in question, in particular the UK governments pledge as contained in the British Memorandum regarding the conferral of the right of abode to BN(O) passport holders who are Chinese nationals in Hong Kong. This would depend on whether it could give rise to a binding effect as a unilateral act under international law.

According to the International Law Commissions Guiding principles applicable to unilateral declarations of States capable of creating legal obligations, declarations publicly made and manifesting the will to be bound may have the effect of creating legal obligations, taking into account their content, the factual circumstances in which they were made, and of the reactions to which they gave rise. In the Nuclear Tests case, the International Court of Justice also held that a unilateral declaration is binding when the State proclaiming it intends to undertake a legal obligation.

It is noteworthy that the UK also considered the provisions contained in the British Memorandum to be of binding effect. For example, in 1985, at the second reading of the Hong Kong Bill in the UK House of Commons, the then Secretary of State for Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs, Sir Geoffrey Howe, remarked that the proposed powers to make the amendments to the then nationality legislation are necessary as a result of the joint declaration and the British Memorandum. Additionally, in his 2008 Review of Citizenship, former Attorney General for England & Wales, Lord Goldsmith, recognised that to give BN(O)s full British citizenship automatically would be a breach of the commitments made between the PRC and the UK in the joint declaration, noting: The only option would be to offer existing BN(O) holders the right to gain full British citizenship However I am advised that this would be a breach of the commitments made between China and the UK in the 1984 Joint Declaration on the future of Hong Kong.

In line with Chinas countermeasures against the British government's handling of issues related to the BN(O) passport, the Hong Kong SAR Government has announced the non-recognition of the BN(O) passport as a valid travel document and proof of identity. With effect from tomorrow, BN(O) passports cannot be used for immigration clearance and will not be recognised as any form of proof of identity in Hong Kong.

Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng wrote this article and posted it on her blog on January 30.

This story has been published on: 2021-01-30. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.

I am a frontline nurse at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, one of the two main hospitals of the recently founded University Hospitals Dorset NHS Trust (UHD). We are in a perilous situation and so are our colleagues at Poole General Hospital.

Our two hospitals have not only reached their maximum capacity but are on a knife edge because of the surge of COVID-19 patients.

We have been on level 4 Operational Pressures Escalation Alert for months. Patient safety and care has also been compromised for months. UHD is one of the worst hit trusts in the South West of England. Our own lives and wellbeing are in jeopardy.

Ambulances stationed at the Emergency Department of the Royal Bournemouth Hospital (credit: WSWS media)

We saw this coming from the first wave of the pandemic and colleagues sounded the alarm by speaking out. But these warnings have fallen on deaf ears.

Since last week, dozens of military personnel have been deployed to the trust to maintain the day to day functioning of the hospitals. They are helping to transport patients and equipment, providing food, and completing general housekeeping. However, only a handful of them, who have got experience in health care, are able to deliver help on the frontline.

It was sickening to listen to the Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday after doing an unrelenting and exhausting shift. Tuesday marked the very bleak milestone of the UK COVID-19 death toll surpassing 100,000. Worse still is that these are the governments highly downplayed figures. Among the dead are 883 health and social care workers in England and Wales who lost their lives fighting to save others.

At the press conference Johnson said that we did everything we could to minimise suffering and minimise the loss of life. What a lie! Understandably, colleagues were repulsed by his remarks.

Johnsons apology for the death and suffering was totally dishonest. As health workers, we know that he and his government based themselves on the unscientific and criminal herd immunity policy. Preparing his governments strategy, he infamously declared in March 2020 one of the theories is, that perhaps you could take it on the chin, take it all in one go and allow the disease, as it were, to move through the population.

His government was forced to take measures to curb the spread of the virus as public opposition grew. But every such action was too little too late. They defied scientists and experts at every step.

Moreover, 10 years of austerity attacks on the National Health Service had crippled it even before the pandemic hit the UKs shores. Stockpiles of personal protective equipment (PPE) had been slashed by 40 percent and bed capacity was reduced by 40,000. There were over 100,000 unfilled NHS posts, including more than 40,000 for nurses.

Even after discovering a new and more virulent strain of the coronavirus in September, the government refused to declare a full lockdown until it was too late. PPE guidelines were not improved, causing a massive surge of cases among health and social care workers.

One of my colleagues in the stroke unit told me, When we care for a patient with scabies, we are told to wear gowns. But we are not allowed to wear them and effective FFP3 masks when we look after patients with Covid. We are the people who are doing their personal care, medication and other necessary treatment and care.

My colleagues and I agree that the massive outbreak among staff could have been avoided had management provided adequate PPE which includes FFP3 masks. One consultant here said, I am happy to wear a single FFP3 mask all day rather than wearing a few of these useless surgical masks.

Lack of infection control, prevention measures and adequate PPE has had a devastating impact on staffing levels and patient care. Many wards have had more than half of their staff infected with the virus and some are still struggling with the debilitating effects of Long Covid. Currently 585 members of staff are absent because of Covid symptoms, isolating or shielding. Five weeks ago, this figure was 213. Colleagues are dropping like flies.

In my ward, maintaining safety of patients is simply impossible. Almost 90 percent of us became infected with Covid. We function with several staff down. Some colleagues are struggling to resume work due to Long Covid and PTSD. Management opens up new bays for patients, but without additional staff and resources. Some patients are having to stay in bays disconnected from our ward. We cannot observe them properly.

When colleagues start the morning drugs round for patients it goes on until lunch time, by which time we have to start the lunch time medication. Personal care, feeding and other needs of the patients cannot be attended to. It is terrible when we have elderly patients with acute delirium, dementia and confusion. They wander around without realizing that they have Covid. They need one to one care which we cannot provide. Several patients had falls, incurring severe harm including fractures. Some colleagues have reported the situation about patient safety, but nothing happened.

Those in management positions do not even have the courtesy to come and answer inquiries from patients relatives. If they would it would free nurses and health care assistants to attend to patient care.

From last week, several patients with COVID-19 were transferred to the Exeter Nightingale Hospital, 80 miles away. Other patients who needed Intensive Care were transferred to NHS hospitals such as Portsmouth, Exeter, Plymouth and Bristol, far away from Bournemouth. Our critical care unit has been expanded to operation theatres to accommodate critically ill patients. Two theatres accommodated six patients at one point, but the major problem is the lack of nurses and other staff who are trained to work in Intensive Care.

After an exhausting 12 and half hour shift, a colleague said to me, It is so demoralising that we cannot maintain standards of care. Today, I had to look after three critically ill patients with some support from theatre staff who had no previous experience in critical care. Patient safety has gone out of the window. So has our emotional and physical wellbeing. We get two half hour breaks during our long shifts to doff and don PPE, eat, drink and use toilets. Naturally, we tend not to drink enough to avoid needing toilets in between breaks. We know this is not good physically, but the emotional drain is more obvious. To see death and suffering day in day out is awful."

By Monday this week, we had 376 COVID-19 patients in dozens of wards and units, including 24 patients in Intensive Care at the two main hospitals. At the peak of the spring outbreak, we had a maximum of 79 patients. Cumulative cases have risen to 2,352 with 496 deaths. On Christmas Eve we had only 103 patients with eight in Intensive Care. Cumulative cases and deaths stood at 1,099 and 260 respectively back then.

I know some colleagues try to avoid seeing blue trolleys in which the dead bodies are taken to the mortuary. Unfortunately, this is a common site whichever part of the hospital you are in. I have seen colleagues crying in corridors.

Hospital management opened up Covid wards adjacent to surgical wards, special units and cardiology wards and this facilitated the spread of the virus. Many patients became ill with COVID-19 during their hospital stay.

This had a devastating blow to ongoing elective procedures and investigations. These procedures have come to a standstill. The patient waiting list has hit a new record of 45,000 and 7,478 of them are waiting more than 40 weeks. Some 4,094 patients are waiting more than a year.

The main apologias for hospital management and the government comes from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). Speaking to the Bournemouth Echo, BJ Waltho, associate director of operations and leading RCN member said, "Sometimes we all feel overwhelmed but we manage. And we all recognise that sometimes it's ok not to be ok. There's a lot of work going on around staff wellbeing.

What an insulting attitude towards their members, other hospital staff and patient suffering!

We urge all health care workers to join the NHS Fightback initiative and organise rank-and-file committeesto fight for better pay, terms, and conditions, and to safeguard health and safety at work. These committees must take up a political struggle to secure the resources needed for a fully functioning health care system. This requires seizing control of the wealth and resources of the financial oligarchy, banks, big corporations, and big pharmaceutical companies, as part of the struggle for socialism.

For further information visit NHS Fightback: facebook.com/Fight4theNHS
Posted Friday, January 29, 2021 4:33 pm

State Rep. Peter Abbarnos rural infrastructure bill was met this week with support from local stakeholders who say the proposed state grant program could help further sewer, broadband and other infrastructure projects that have so far been difficult to fund.

House Bill 1263 is the first bill of the session with Abbarno as the primary sponsor, aligning with what the Centralia Republican said before the Legislature convened: that his focus would be on issues that, while not the most glamorous, would lay the groundwork for economic development.

To say we want housing, to say we want family-wage jobs is phase two or three in any plan, Abbarno said Wednesday. If a locality doesnt have infrastructure like sewer, water, transmission lines or even broadband, economic development cant happen. Housing cant be built.

The hope is that the grant program will have high ceilings and low matches so that larger, regional projects can go forward and distressed counties such as Lewis County dont have to put projects on hold.

In a press release put out before public testimony, Abbarno said local governments have previously applied for low-interest loans from the states public works assistance account, and that the Legislature has been able to raid the account in years past to compensate for budget shortfalls.

Supporters such as Lisa Striedinger, a housing advocate in Lewis County, said the bill would help address homelessness by speeding up development currently slowed down by lack of infrastructure. That housing, she said, is critical to getting homeless residents connected to other vital services like health care.

Health care is housing, housing is health care. Without housing, our community members cannot get well, Striedinger said.

Levi Rodriguez, who works in IT for the Centralia School District, also told lawmakers that the grant program could accelerate broadband expansion and help address educational inequities that have been exacerbated by the pandemic. Buck Lucas, special projects manager at the state Public Works Board  which would likely administer the grant program  testified that rural communities are limited in their ability to pay for infrastructure projects, with fewer residents to bear the costs.

For them  the cost of a multi-million dollar project cannot be spread among a few rate-payers, Lucas said.

So far, no Democrats have signed onto the bill. If the bill progresses, it will likely undergo more changes. The Hoh Tribe, for example, raised concerns Wednesday that the bill leaves out tribal governments. Abbarno said he plans to address the issue in a substitute bill.

Mike Ennis, government affairs director for the Association of Washington Business, also criticized the bill for leaving out private industry, although Abbarno said businesses couldnt be included in the grant program due to legal concerns.

Because, most of us know that you cant gift money. So theyll still be eligible for loan programs, but this is a grant program, he said, noting that other provisions would allow businesses to object to grants that overstep into private projects. The intent of the bill is not to duplicate, but instead to coordinate.

There is a young woman, wrong, there is not. Shes not yet an adult, but shes not still a child. Shes in her teens. She wants to consider herself an adult, let it be that shes accorded that. Begin again.

There is a young adult sitting beneath a tree under a grey-blue sky. There may be a seven-week-old foetus buried inside her, there may be not.

Whats to be said about the tree? Well, first, this is no wind-shook sapling. Its immense, measured against the young adult, whos no longer a child but only recently, quietly so. Its fully grown, compared to the soft changeling who sits cross-legged on damp ground at dusk. Its a lone, cold-blooded ash tree in the middle of a field. At the first autumnal winds, itll shed its leaves, easy, without thought, even while theyre still working green. But, for this evening, its soft new leaves glisten unhindered, twisted hopeful towards an inkling of faded sun. For now, its dark roots bury, disappearing into the earth.

Read More

And whats to be said about earth? Very little can be said with certainty about the ground underfoot. Roots bury, invisible things, etc...

Its a Saturday, twilight. She sits quiet, a silver stud in one eyebrow, a couple of indigo swallows in flight around a crimson heart tattooed behind her ear. Eight of her nails are varnished blue-grey, the middle two a lustrous yellow. Her Swallows-Circling-Heart tattoo is recent, she had to wait for her 16th birthday. The heart is slightly skewed; the lines dont quite join up; its blood-red appears to be constantly on the verge of spilling out. But there it is nevertheless, imperfect, behind her left ear.

Jonquille is the name she did not read on the nail-varnish bottle when, as an after-thought, she had pulled it out of her cosmetics drawer earlier this afternoon. Had she read the name, she would by now have decided there was some magical implication to the coincidence of her striding through a field of daffodils to get to the tree, a lush field of bowing Narcissus jonquilla bobbing and swaying around her as she tips the damp yellow flower heads with her fingers. But she has not read it, therefore hasnt had any thoughts on mysterious happenings, and whether or not there is ever such a thing as an accident.

This afternoon, before pulling out the tear-shaped bottle whose name she didnt read, she had first varnished her nails with her favourite: a pearlescent blue-grey titled Misty Dawn. Then shed closed her eyes, stuck her hand back into the drawer, shuffled the little glass varnish containers and drew out a bright yellow bottle; an as-yet unopened birthday present from her best friend (because of Yellow Flicker Beat her friend had said at her birthday party seven Saturdays ago in TGI Fridays and, arms locked in the leatherette booth, theyd sung the song together though neither of them knew what it was in fact about).

The unopened yellow varnish in hand, she had closed the drawer with a nudge of her hip, sat on the edge of the bed, and thought of that day, of that night, her 16th birthday party, what she wore, what she looked like, what she hoped she looked like to others. Holding static in her mind an inaccurate image (a drone view of a glitzy birthday-party self circled by friends), she had placed her hands in turn on the top of her chest of drawers and painted her two ring fingers with the glossy varnish, wiggling her nails of yellow and blue-grey until they hardened. Later that day, while walking under an overcasting sky through the daffodils to the ash tree, clutching her phone with one hand and finger-tipping the flower heads with the other, she did not think about her two yellow nails and therefore any potential significance regarding the randomness of colour choice did not materialise.

The straight-grained ash tree is trustworthy, if trust is a want. It has endured alone, in the centre of this fenced field, and may well endure for some time to come. This could be why she has chosen to sit beneath it this evening, surrounded by its fallen winged fruit, could be why she sits cross-legged, pelvis to ground, spine to bark. This possible reason, but if so, not this alone. The hardened tree will or wont endure with or without her, above and below the ground, mostly below, where its certain no light shines, conceiving neither colour nor shadow.

The other reason is that here beneath the tree is not home. Its close enough to home but cannot be confused with home despite being so near that she could be seen, and maybe summoned, if that Saturday evening unlikelihood was a want. Whats to be said about home? This: she has decided that beneath the ash tree is the only place to make the call.

No, its too soon to mention the call. Shes not ready. She sits under the tree, thats enough.

She has cleared her throat, many times. It has begun to hurt. She clears her throat to overcome the fear. She listens to herself clearing her throat but nothings clear and nothings clearing. The trees not working, the grounds not working. She looks at her two yellow nails, brings them side by side, considers which one looks best. One nail is sealed perfectly, the lacquer extending in a glossy stripe from nail-bed to tip. The second stripe finishes in a blur; she can see through to the pearly blue-grey beneath. Why are these two nails not the same? Was it not her intention to have them the exact same? It was. Sometimes these unintentional things can just happen. She clicks her nails together, clears her throat again. Looks to home.

Nobody at the kitchen window. What does it matter? Nobody at the upstairs bedroom window. What does any of it matter? Looks to see if she has closed the back door behind her. She knows she has closed the door, but the knowing doesnt make anything clearer.

She gets up, moves slightly to the left, checks if she can still be seen. Shes already certain theres no one in the kitchen, theres no one in the bedroom, shes not seen. She knows her parent and younger siblings are still in the sitting room at the front of the house, watching some pre-watershed disaster film on Sky; shed sat silent among them before walking to the tree. She moves a little further to the left. Shes out of sight, or its better said that her home is. It is, and will be, until theres a want, out of sight. Leave it there for now.

Leaning into the trunk, she pulls her knees tight to her, turns her feet in. The branch network overhead metaphors into some kind of inconsistent umbrella; shield-like, it could be said, but letting occasional blinks of slanting light tweak through nevertheless. The tiny shards appear and disappear around her. The hard ground beneath the ash has felt little rain or sun in years, her soles are flat to this firm earth.

Taking out her phone, she checks the coverage, the charge. She knows there is coverage here; this is her private call place. Knows her phone is charged, she didnt leave home until it was at 100pc. She scaled the fence and headed for the ash primed to be an adult, ready with a wholly charged phone. Its now cast at 96pc possibility, a 4pc shuttered door to some next thing. Charge is draining slow from the small bright window through her soft core, into the bark, down the trunk to the roots, and beyond, searching a dark equilibrium, maybe an earthly foothold.

Tiny things burying. A thing that wants to be considered good. She thinks she feels the cocooned panic fluttering inside her. Is it a want? What is it if it is not a want?

Tapping one yellow nail off the illuminated screen, she looks at a photo of herself and a young man, an attractive young man, yes, let him be attractive. Hes young, but hed like to be considered a man and would expect to be described as attractive.

The photo is from her birthday party. Wherever he is now, he doesnt know hes smiling at a small her within her phone. She was looking at the camera when the photo was taken. She looks now at herself, sees herself looking back. She looks at him smiling at the other her, and pushes harder into the trunk, turning her face up towards the shimmying leaves, her smile unfolding. There are two halves to think about; the party, and after.

Closing her eyes, she sees the dark of his body forming, him saying her name. Remembers the clearness of it coming from his mouth, his thin brass-link chain falling on her face. Him saying it to the imperfect crimson heart behind her ear. She hears this evenings breeze sifting through the ash leaves above her and the rustle now binds invisible with her thoughts of him.

Grips the phone to steer this good from draining. Sits up straight, clears her throat, goes to Contacts, taps his name. His profile photo surfaces bright on the top half of her screen, his name in italic letters beneath. She taps the Call icon.

She has spelt his name with an i instead of a y. The phones ringing. Shes not sure now if she shouldve spelt it with an i or a y. Shes not sure if he was smiling at her or at something else, something behind her, a thing beyond that she doesnt know. The phones ringing. Should it be an i or a y? Shes not sure. Is he smiling in the photo? The phones ringing, its possible hes not smiling, she doesnt know, its possible she spelt his name wrong, its possible he wasnt looking at her, the phones ringing, it could be that this isnt his number, or she dialled wrong, did he give her a wrong number, did she dial incorrectly the wrong number he gave her.

A woman answers, says yes this is his mam who will I say hold on hes up in his bedroom as usual haha dya want to hold on for a moment please thanks hell be delighted hold on there sweetie OK?

She listens to a clamber up stairs. Theres a mother, a staircase, a bedroom. She waits, touching a small plastic stick in her pocket, a test branded with two solid blue lines at its tip. The stick contains a little rectangular window which encloses the two lines extending in steady parallel from one end of the window to the other, meeting edge to edge, a silent, a tiny blue truth, beginning in the window on the tip of the stick in her pocket. There were instructions on how to read these two stripes. The empty packaging lies read and re-read on top of the unread bottle of Jonquille at the bottom of her cosmetics drawer in her bedroom.

She leans into the tree. There is an end in sight. If there was now an image presented of her beginning to cry, its likely those tears would be made to vanish into the dry ground, ground that has been sheltered for decades by the symbolic umbrella-branches overhead. The field would appear to dissolve her tears as if it was nothing to take them on, just another figure of speech.

So, whats to be said about this ending? First, shes not crying. Here she is, waiting, angled into the trunk, gripping her phone, biting her lip, the photo of his face held up to her ear, up to the miniature swallows circling their skewed heart, its red threatening to leak. Her flawed yellow nails bury into her palms. Held close against her temple, the phones bright screen will darken by default after 10 seconds.

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Niamh Mac Cabe

Niamh Mac Cabe is an award-winning writer and visual artist, published in over 40 literary journals and anthologies in Ireland, the UK and the US including The Stinging Fly, Mslexia and No Alibis Press. She has been twice nominated for a Pushcart Prize and awarded a Tyrone Guthrie Centre residency. She has won the Wasafiri Prize, John McGahern Award, Molly Keane Award, Allingham prize, Francis Ledwidge Award and Psychopomp Magazine prize. She lives with her sons in Leitrim.

How to Enter

New Irish Writing, edited by Ciaran Carty and appearing in the Irish Independent on the last Saturday of each month, is open to writers who are Irish or resident in Ireland. Stories submitted should not exceed 2,000 words. Up to four poems may be submitted. There is no entry fee. Writers whose work is selected will receive 120 for fiction and 60 for poetry. You can email your entry, preferably as a Word document, to newirishwriting@independent.ie. Please include your name, address and contact number, as well as a brief biographical paragraph. Only writers who have yet to publish their first book can be considered.


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Islamabad:

Pakistan government on Saturday handed over the list of prisoners to Indian envoy on Saturday. The list includes at least 546 Indian nationals out of which nearly 500 are fishermen, who are languishing in Pakistani jails.



The list was handed over the Gautam Bambawale, Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad, under the Consular Access Agreement signed between the India and Pakistan on May 21, 2008.



The Indian prisoners included 52 civilians and 494 fishermen, the foreign office said.



It said the step is consistent with the provisions of the Consular Access Agreement, under which both countries were required to exchange lists of prisoners in each others custody twice a year - on January 1 and July 1.

ALSO READ | Pakistan summons India's acting Deputy High Commissioner over alleged ceasefire violation



The foreign office said the Indian government will also hand over a list of its prisoners in India to Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.



According to the list Islamabad shared with India on January 1 this year, there were 351 Indian prisoners held in Pakistan, including 54 civilians and 297 fishermen.



The foreign office said 219 Indian fishermen were released on January 6 this year and added that Pakistan would release another 77 fishermen and one civilian on July 10.

ALSO READ | Pakistan violates ceasefire along LoC in Uri sector of Kashmir, one woman injured



(With PTI inputs)

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.



Photographer Colorizes Holocaust Photos, Bringing Them to Life So This Never Happens Again

Photographer Tom Marshall has grabbed the attention of thousands by adding color to black-and-white photographs of the Holocaust, making distant-seeming faces seem vivid and recognizable.

His updated photographs are both striking and horrifying, bringing to light the depth of suffering that happened in the concentration camps of World War II.

Marshall, who is known for restoring historical photographs to color, called the project the most harrowing photo restoration project he has ever worked on.

This week the world held Holocaust Memorial Day, marking 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp by the Soviets, he shared with Bored Panda in February 2020.

And to mark this anniversary, I have colorized a selection of historical photos taken throughout the first few months of 1945, as the rest of the world became fully aware of the horrors of the Nazi holocaust.

His photographs soon went viral, with over 600,000 views on the website alone.

The photographer pointed out that adding colors to these photos was a challenge because the photos do not feature your usual run-of-the-mill subjects.

The photo editing and colorizing process was also different as these people were close to death by the time of their liberation, so painting skin tones was utterly different, he explained. In color, you can see the bones and the pale, bloodless skin, and even young men look older with graying hair and dark patches around their eyes.

By sharing these images, Marshall hopes to keep images like these relevant and shocking, so this never happens again.

Living Skeleton

Perhaps no more than a child, this young man resembles a living skeleton. This photo, taken at Ebensee concentration camp, unfortunately was not an uncommon sight at camps throughout Europe.

Men at Lager Nordhausen

Two starved men stare into the camera after being liberated from the Gestapo concentration camp Lager Nordhausen. They had lived among 3,0004,000 beaten, mistreated, and starved inmates.

Children at Auschwitz

Marshall restored a still taken from the Soviet film of the liberation of Auschwitz in January 1945, depicting children kept in captivity.

18-Year-Old Russian Girl

ERIC SCHWAB/AFP via Getty Images;  Colorized by Tom Marshall (PhotograFix)

Unbelievably, this is a photo of an 18-year-old prisoner, taken in 1945 during the liberation of Dachau concentration camp, the first German concentration camp.

Here, 31,591 deaths were reported, with hundreds dying every week, the most common causes of death reported being disease, starvation, and suicide. Under these horrific conditions, this young woman came to appear much older than she actually was.

Starved Men at Ebensee

Emaciated from starvation, prisoners in a concentration camp in Ebensee, Austria, pose for the camera. Scientific experiments were reportedly conducted at this concentration camp, which, according to The Holocaust Encyclopedia, was liberated by the U.S. Army in May 1945.

Bergen-Belsen in Flames

 Colorized by Tom Marshall (PhotograFix)

The prison camp of Bergen-Belsen was infested with typhus. After the prisoners were freed in May 1945, the British Army burned it to the ground. This photo was taken by Marshalls great-grandfather, Charles Martin King Parsons, who was a chaplain with the British Army.

Mass Graves at Belsen

Also taken by the photographers great-grandfather, a photograph of the mass graves at Belsen depicts the horrific death count from the concentration camp at Bergen-Belsen. Marshall said he chose not to colorize it, as it didnt feel like the right thing to do.

Perhaps hes right. That photo can be seen here. It is a shocking reminder of where tyranny can bring us if good people do nothing to prevent it.

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

SoulCycle instructor Stacey Griffith Ari Perilstein/Getty Images for American Express

SoulCycle instructor Stacey Griffith posted a video of herself receiving a coronavirus vaccine Friday evening.

"I see hundreds every week, I think it's fair to say it was a good decision," Griffith said in a comment on the now-deleted post.

In New York, healthcare workers, people over 65-years-old, teachers, public-transit workers, and first responders are eligible for the vaccine.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

A SoulCycle instructor drew ire for an Instagram post showing her get a COVID-19 vaccine jab.

Stacey Griffith, a New York City and Los Angeles instructor, posted a video of herself receiving a coronavirus vaccine in Staten Island Friday afternoon.

"Step one of the Moderna magic!" read the caption on Griffith's now-deleted post. "One hour drive to Staten Island worth every minute!"

Instagram

Read more: SoulCycle's top instructors had sex with clients, 'fat-shamed' coworkers, and used homophobic and racist language, but the company treated them like Hollywood stars anyway, insiders say

In New York state, healthcare workers, people over 65-years-old, teachers, public-transit workers, and first responders are eligible for the vaccine. Gov. Andrew Cuomo loosened restrictions in mid-January to allow certain providers to open vaccinations to a wider group if it would prevent shots from going to waste.

New York's eligibility guidelines has not yet opened vaccines to fitness instructors. Griffith does not appear to work a second job that qualifies for the vaccine.

Immunocompromised New Yorkers will be included in the next eligible group, but the state is "working with the CDC to find out exactly how best to define this category," said Melissa DeRosa, Cuomo's secretary.

SoulCycle and Griffith did not immediately respond to Insider's requests for additional comment.

Got a tip? If you have information on individuals or businesses abusing coronavirus vaccine rollout rules, email aakhtar@businessinsider.com or jnaftulin@businessinsider.com.

Story continues

Many people criticized Griffith's post in the comments, saying they've struggled getting appointments as essential workers or immunocompromised people.

Instagram

Instagram

"But also questioning the priority allocations in NY State if a fitness professional (even with pre-existing conditions) is in front of elderly, teachers, essential workers, etc," fellow SoulCycle instructor Julianne Mulvey commented. "I love teaching at Soul and think it is a personal priority to get vaccinated, but am certain I wouldn't take the vaccine for safety in my workout classes if I thought it would mean even one person in the group listed above was going without."

Some SoulCycle insiders have questioned the special treatment instructors like Griffith get from company management. Insider's Katie Warren reported on the lavish perks, like luxury cars and Soho House memberships, allotted to top instructors. Some SoulCycle ex-employees and riders said management even let instructors off the hook for harassment complaints.

Two former employees recently told Vox Griffith made a minimum of $800 per class, which adds up to $500,000 a year not including other bonuses.

"Keeping you all safe is my top priority, keeping my elderly riders safe is my top priority," Griffith said in response to one comment. "I see hundreds every week, I think it's fair to say it was a good decision."

Read the original article on Business Insider
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Report Description

A recent market intelligence report that is published by Data Insights Partner on the global Kegerator market makes an offering of in-depth analysis of segments and sub-segments in the regional and international Global Kegerator market. The research also emphasizes on the impact of restraints, drivers, and macro indicators on the regional and global Kegerator market over the short as well as long period of time. A detailed presentation of forecast, trends, and dollar values of global Kegerator market is offered. In accordance with the report, the global Kegerator market is projected to expand with healthy CAGR over the period of forecast.

Market Insight, Drivers, Restraints& Opportunity of the Market:

A kegerator usually helps the user to keep favourite kegged beverage chilled in the comfort of the users home. Commercial kegerator is able to hold a keg or multiple and dispense icy drinks and beverages with perfect pressurized condition. Kegerators are devised to pressurize a keg and distribute the suds through the line to the tap- in the kegerators, no hand pump is required.

Request for Report Sample: https://datainsightspartner.com/request-for-sample?ref=599

The global kegerators market would likely to propel by the increasing demand of icy brews at the bards and restaurants as well as in the home. Increasing income, cultural demands additionally help to boost the global kegerators market during the forecast period. On the contrary, the global kegerators market might be restrained due to the technical difficulties of the kegerators, unclear regulatory scenario etc. In addition, impact of covid -19 pandemic, increasing raw material cost etc. also resist the growth of the market in the upcoming period. Strategic alliance among the key players and technological advancement etc. would provide the global kegerators market an opportunity to propel during the forecast period. For instance, the EdgeStar Kegerator is not completely portable, but the product has caster which helps the product to move from one place to another when it is needed.

Segment Covered:

This market intelligence report on the Global Kegerator Market encompasses market segments based on application, tap, end user, portability, distribution channel and country.

In terms of application, the Global Kegerator market is classified into:

Beer kegerator

Wine kegerator

Iced coffee kegerator

Kombucha kegerator

OThers

In terms of tap, the Global Kegerator market is classified into:

Single tap

Double tap

Triple tap

Others

Based on end user, the Global Kegerator market is classified into:

Indoor

o Built in

o Free standing

Outdoor

o Built-in

o Free standing

o Commercial

Based on portability, the Global Kegerator market is classified into:

Portable

Non-portable

Based on distribution channel, the Global Kegerator market is classified into:

Offline

Online

By country/region, the Global Kegerator market has been divided into:

North America (the U.S., Canada)

Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and other countries)

Europe (Germany, France, the U.K., Spain, Italy, Russia, and other countries)

Asia Pacific (India, Japan, China, Australia and New Zealand and other countries)

Middle East and Africa (GCC, South Africa, Israel and Other countries)

Get Request for Table of Contents: https://datainsightspartner.com/report/kegerator-market/599#content

Profiling of Market Players:

This business intelligence report offers profiling of reputed companies that are operating in the market. Companies such as:

BEER MEISTER, LLC.

Danby

FireMagic

Arctic King

Synek

Taprite

Turbo Air

UBC Group

Value Series

Versonel

VinoTemp

New Leaf

Other companies are profiled into detail so as to offer a glimpse of the market leaders. Moreover, parameters such as Global Kegerator related investment & spending and developments by major players of the market are tracked in this global report.

Report Highlights:

In-depth analysis of the micro and macro indicators, market trends, and forecasts of demand is offered by this business intelligence report. Furthermore, the report offers a vivid picture of the factors that are steering and restraining the growth of this market across all geographical segments. In addition to that, Growth Matrix analysis is also provided in the report so as to share insight of the investment areas that new or existing market players can take into consideration. Various analytical tools such as DRO analysis, Porter's five forces analysis has been used in this report to present a clear picture of the market. The study focuses on the present market trends and provides market forecast from the year 2020-2028. Emerging trends that would shape the market demand in the years to come have been highlighted in this report. A competitive analysis in each of the geographical segments gives an insight into market share of the global players.

Salient Features:

 This study offers comprehensive yet detailed analysis of the Global Kegerator market, size of the market (US$ Mn), and Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR (%)) for the period of forecast: 2020-2028, taking into account 2019 as the base year

 It explains upcoming revenue opportunities across various market segments and attractive matrix of investment proposition for the said market

 This market intelligence report also offers pivotal insights about various market opportunities, restraints, drivers, launch of new products, competitive market strategies of leading market players, emerging market trends, and regional outlook

 Profiling of key market players in the world Global Kegerator market is done by taking into account various parameters such as company strategies, distribution strategies, product portfolio, financial performance, key developments, geographical presence, and company overview

 The data of this report would allow management authorities and marketers of companies alike to take decision when it comes to launch of products, government initiatives, marketing tactics and expansion, and technical up gradation

 The world market for Global Kegerator caters to the needs of various stakeholders pertaining to this industry, namely suppliers, manufacturers, investors, and distributors for Global Kegerator market. The research also caters to the rising needs of consulting and research firms, financial analysts, and new market entrants

 Research methodologies that have been adopted for the purpose of this study have been clearly elaborated so as to facilitate better understanding of the reports

 Reports have been made based on the guidelines as mandated by General Data Protection Regulation

 Ample number of examples and case studies have been taken into consideration before coming to a conclusion

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Full View of Report Description: https://datainsightspartner.com/report/kegerator-market/599
A District Judge said he was very concerned about the safety of a family where it was alleged that a young man took out a carving knife and made threats at home.

Judge Olann Kelleher noted that the case had a domestic background and he was concerned about the safety of the family.

Detective Garda Liam Lynch arrested the 20-year-old and brought him before Cork District Court.

It was alleged that the young man produced a carving knife and threatened to stab his father with it and burn down the family home.

Det. Garda Lynch said: The knife allegedly used to make the threat was still at the scene when we arrived. He (the accused) was asleep on the couch. Det. Garda Lynch objected to bail being granted to the young man and said there was a possibility of interference with witnesses by the accused and that he had an alcohol addiction which resulted in bad decision-making by the defendant.

During cross-examination of the detective by defence solicitor Frank Buttimer it emerged that the full extent of the alleged threat was that he allegedly threatened to stab his father in the neck and slit his throat with the carving knife.

The young man said he was out of his senses at the time. He said he was about to get treatment for his alcohol problem and would have gone into treatment already but for Covid-19 restrictions.

Bail application

He said he would not drink if he was given bail.

Judge Olann Kelleher said although the court was concerned about the case, bail would be granted to the accused. Conditions require him to sign daily at Anglesea garda station, stay away from the family home which is in a Cork city suburb, stay off intoxicants and keep a curfew to be at an alternative address every night from 9pm until 8am.

Sergeant Pat Lyons said directions were awaited from the Director of Public Prosecutions on the charge of production of a weapon in the course of a dispute. Judge Olann Kelleher adjourned the case until February 11.
New Delhi, Jan 30 : During the all-party meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, ahead of the Budget session of Parliament, the Prime Minister said that the government still stands by the proposal given to the protesting farmers of suspending the three contentious farm laws for 18 months.

The Prime Minister assured that the government is approaching the farmers' issue with an open mind.

He said, "The government's stand is the same as it was during the meeting on January 22 - the proposal made by the Union Agriculture Minister still stands." The Prime Minister stressed that Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar had said that he is just a phone call away for talks.

Modi referred to the violence on January 26 and said that the law will take its own course.

He reaffirmed the importance of smooth functioning of Parliament and comprehensive debates on the floor of the House. He added that frequent disruptions mean smaller parties suffer as they can't express themselves adequately.

He said it is for the bigger parties to ensure Parliament functions smoothly, there are no disruptions and thus, the smaller parties are able to voice their views in Parliament.

The Prime Minister's all-party meet was conducted a day after 18 opposition parties boycotted the Presidential address on Friday on the commencement of the Budget session of Parliament.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been repeating that the government should find solutions regarding the farmers' agitation.

Along with the Congress, 17 opposition parties had announced a boycott of President Ram Nath Kovind's address to express solidarity with farmers who have been protesting since November 26 on Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur borders along Delhi and other places to press for their demands, including repealing of the three farm laws.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
'Plans for the Oriel Windfarm project are set to be submitted for approval to An Bord Pleanala later this year.' Stock image

Plans for an ambitious renewable energy project off the County Louth coastline are set to be submitted for approval to An Bord Pleanala later this year.

The Oriel Windfarm project being jointly developed by Parkwind and ESB stretches back two decades, but by 2021, the project has become centred on proposals for 25 wind turbines just off Dundalk bay, a reduction on the original plans for more than fifty.

With a planning application set to be lodged in the coming months, Parkwind and ESB have presented details of the full project online, with Covid restrictions preventing face to face public consultation.

Garrett Connell, project manager explained that when completed the project will have the capacity to generate electricity to meet the needs of 300,000 homes.

'We are preparing to submit a planning application later this year, and as part of that we would normally undertake some public consultation where we would get the views of local communities and other stakeholders.'

Instead, Parkwind and ESB are encouraging the public to join the online forum, and participate in a webinar being held on February 10th.

The Louth development will be the first Irish Sea Offshore Wind Energy project developed by Parkwind and ESB, and is also likely to be the first fully operational commercial wind farm in Irish waters.

The site was chosen based on an assessment of water depth, seabed sediments, wind speeds, shelter from high wave loads, low tidal currents, and access to existing grid infrastructure.

In 2010 Oriel was granted a conditional Foreshore Lease to construct an offshore wind farm in the waters to the east of Dundalk Bay. The project was delayed due to market conditions and the collapse of the economy.

In 2017 Parkwind invested in the project, becoming the operator, bringing considerable technical expertise to the project. More recently, ESB have joined the project.

The new project team has spent the last two years updating environmental surveys and technical data, and the final updated design of the Oriel wind farm will be established following further study and public engagement.

The project will be up to 370 MW in capacity. It will be located between six and 22km from the coast, and will be visible from the Cooley coastline, Blackrock, and as far south as Annagassan and Dunany point.

Application submitted under new marine development legislation

Planning for the proposed Oriel windfarm will come in under new legislation set to be made law this year.

Oriel have confirmed they will apply for consent for the updated project under the Marine Planning and Development Management legislation when enacted.

This new legislation will provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to the management of the development and activities in the marine space and aligns the consent process with onshore planning and development.

They company intends to make an application for planning consent to An Bord Pleanala under this new process in mid 2021.

This application will take into account the feedback from this and other parts of the public consultation process. The application will be accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment Report. When the application is made, there will be another opportunity for the public to make observations.

As part of the planning process, the company say they are committed to working with all stakeholders in the region to maximise the economic benefits that this project will bring and to enable local businesses to participate in Irelands transition to a low carbon economy.

The Oriel Wind Farm project will also have a substantial community fund, which will be paid on an annual basis for fifteen years.

The fund will be required to provide for significant investment in local projects each year during its lifetime.

A fisheries fund has also been announced to support the long term sustainability of the local fishing communities and enable research into fisheries in the region.

Anyone who would like further information on the Oriel windfarm project, and to find out how you can make submissions to the public consultation phase sign up on the Oriel website, www.orielwindfarm.ie

'Cautious welcome' from fishermen group

Fishermen working off the Louth coast have cautiously welcomed plans for the new Oriel Windfarm.

The Clogherhead fishing group, with around fifty members stretching south from Annagassan, are one of the groups affected by the proposals to build the first offshore windfarm in the north east. Chairman, Patrick Smith said the project leaders had been liasing with their group as plans for the windfarm progressed over the last few years.

He explained that their members are mainly prawn fishermen who are not significantly impacted by the plans.

I think everyone accepts in the long term that these windfarms are going to happen in some form or another.

He described Oriel windfarm as one of the smaller projects proposed for the eastern coastline, and at this stage they were giving it a cautious welcome.

Some of their members have pots for crabs and lobsters in the area where the turbines are set to be located, which is a greater concern, he said, adding. We would like them to be facilitated in some way.

The other concern we would have is the use of Clogherhead harbour, which is already very busy with fishing boats, so wed like to know their plans there.

He said they were encouraging everyone who will be impacted to sign up to the webinar to find out all they could about the plans for the windfarm.

Power to be piped to Ardee

The power supply generated from the multi-million euro plan for an offshore windfarm, close to Clogherhead, will be carried underground to a substation east of Ardee.

Oriel Windfarm Ltd has confirmed that cables will be buried along the route of the project, which is set to come ashore south of Dunany Point.

It will then go underground and for the most part, along roads with a limited number of landowners impacted.

Those that are part of the scheme have already been contacted.

The company say that as part of the consultation process , local residents along the route will be advised about the project.

Due to public health restrictions, the consultation will be hosted online.

A virtual exhibition featuring details of the project is now available online and a public webinar is also scheduled for 10th February.

Once operational, the Oriel offshore wind farm is expected to generate enough electricity to cover the needs of over 300,000 households  more than the population of counties Louth, Meath, Cavan, Monaghan and Down.

Oriel will thereby contribute to the reduction of Irelands carbon emissions by 600,000 tonnes per annum.

Developing renewable energy resources is key to reducing the reliance on imported fossil fuels, and offshore wind is a clean renewable source of energy.

Offshore winds are more constant enabling offshore wind turbines to generate power more of the time compared to other technologies.

The benefits of offshore winds are that they are stronger, meaning offshore wind turbines generate more electricity.

Offshore wind speeds are also faster. A turbine in a 24km/h wind can generate twice as much energy as a turbine in a 19km/h wind.

An online community briefing webinar on the new Oriel Windfarm will take place on February 10th at 7pm.

You can register a place at this event on the website or by emailing: contact@orielwindfarm.ie

The goal of these events is to obtain feedback on the project. You can email your views on the project to contact@orielwindfarm.ie. You can also write to Oriel Wind Farm, DKIT, Dundalk, Co. Louth or call on 01 963 0313.

The project is on track to start construction in 2024, subject to planning permission and government policy. They would commence generation in 2025.
STAMFORD  A New Haven man already facing charges for allegedly breaking into cars in New Canaan and Darien was charged Tuesday with stealing a loaded semiautomatic pistol out of an unlocked car in Ridgeway.

The arrest of Trevor Dixon, 28, of Henry Street, stemmed from the October theft of a loaded gun taken out of a car parked on Reynolds Avenue, Sgt. Kelly Connelly said.

The thief took a 9-millimeter Sig Sauer loaded with a 10-round magazine out of the glove box of an unlocked car parked in a driveway sometime during the night of Oct. 21, 2014, Connelly said.

A security camera on the Reynolds Avenue property as well as some collaboration with the New Canaan Police Department helped crack the case and track the crime down to Dixon, Sgt. Peter diSpagna said.

Many times thieves commit a spate of car break-ins all at once, diSpagna said, which is why Stamford police reached out to New Canaan, which was also having a problem with car break-ins at the time.

People travel from all over to hit the Gold Coast, diSpagna said.

In January of this year, Dixon was charged in a New Canaan car break-in the same night and he also faces charges that he broke into a Darien car in early January. So far Dixon has posted $115,000 in court appearance bonds.

In the Reynolds Avenue break-in, Dixon was charged with stealing a firearm, third-degree burglary, fifth-degree larceny and attempted sixth-degree larceny. He was released Tuesday after posting a $50,000 court appearance bond.

jnickerson@scni.com; stamfordadvocate.com/police reports
San Antonios economic recovery from the pandemic could be slower than the rest of the state because of the citys dependence on the leisure and hospitality industry, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.

The picture is brighter for the Texas economy, which the Dallas Fed expects to recover faster than the nations this year.

The states economic growth, however, likely wont return to its brisk, pre-COVID-19 pace in 2021, according to the Dallas Feds 2021 Texas Economic Outlook, released Friday.

And a lot will depend how the rate of coronavirus infections spreads across Texas in the coming months, said Keith Phillips, senior economist at the bank. A successful rollout of vaccines would help drive a recovery.

Just as doctors dont fully understand COVID-19s long-term impacts on the human body, economists are struggling to determine the pandemics enduring impacts on the economy. Phillips calls it pandenomics because the recession last year was different than what economists have seen before.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonios unemployment rate dipped in December

Aprils job losses were far greater than in the early months of previous recessions, with workers in restaurants, bars, hotels and stores taking the brunt of it because of stay-at-home orders and social-distancing requirements. Manufacturing wasnt hammered as severly as it was in past downturns.

Consumers switched their spending patterns away from services like going to the Spurs game here in San Antonio, or going out to nice restaurants, to buying more goods shopping online, he said. So manufacturing has been stronger than the service sector.

Across the state, workers making less than $60,000 annually got hit the hardest, and are still way down, he added.

Of the seven largest Texas metros, San Antonios job growth improved the second least over the last half of 2020. Jobs here increased by 1.3 percent, trailing Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and El Paso. Only Corpus Christi fared worse.

Austin saw the most job growth, at 5.1 percent, largely because of its tech-heavy economy.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio tech grew in 20, poised for more expansion in 21

High tech really benefited from all this movement online, Phillips said.

San Antonios economy historically grows just slightly above the state average, but we dont vary as much ... and during recessions we dont decline as much, he said. But this recession were declining more because its in leisure and hospitality.

I think next year we have a lot more room to come back since we declined more, he said. But I still think well probably be slightly less than the state average.

Phillips predicts Texas will see 4.2 percent job growth in 2021, while San Antonio should come in slightly less at around 3.5 percent.

San Antonio will still be kind of lagging, but still have a good year, he said. A lot of conventions for the first quarter and some into the second quarter have already been canceled.

The two Texas industries that lost the most jobs in 2020 were oil and gas, which experienced a 26.7 percent plunge in employment, and leisure and hospitality, which saw a 17 percent drop in jobs.

SA Inc.: Get the best of business news sent directly to your inbox

One reason Texas weathered the downturn better than many other states was the influx of people and businesses seeking low-cost places to settle down.

The Dallas Feds outlook for 2021 is also bolstered by the recent decline in COVID-19 cases and the rising number of vaccinations.

Were very optimistic about growth this year, Phillips said. As we go forward with more and more vaccinations it could be a very strong second half of the year in particular.

Brandon Lingle writes for the Express-News through Report for America, a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms. ReportforAmerica.org. brandon.lingle@express-news.net
Patna: Concerned about the poor performance of the party in the recently-concluded state assembly elections, the Janata Dal (U) supremo and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar is trying to consolidate its vote base of Kurmi and Koeri (Luv-Kush) and further strengthen its electoral base from other castes. The legislative tally of the JD (U) was reduced from 115 in 2010 to 43 in 2020  fall of 72 seats in a decade.

To achieve his goal, the Bihar chief minister has relinquished the post of national president of the party and handed over the charge to RCP Singh, his trusted lieutenant and a Kurmi by caste. Simultaneously, former party MLA Umesh Kushwaha, a Koeri by caste, has been appointed as the state party president. The appointments are aimed at consolidating the Luv-Kush combination in favour of the party.

Also read: Ram Nath Kovind on Vaccine Diplomacy, Farmers Protests, China: Highlights from President's Speech

The backward community in Bihar is divided into two categories  Annexure 1 category called the extremely backward castes (EBCs) and Annexure 2 category called backward castes (BCs)  as per the classification approved by the state government for the purpose of providing reservation in government jobs. There are 113 castes in the Annexure 1 category and only four castes comprising Yadavs, Vaishyas, Kurmis and Koeris (Kushwaha) in the Annexure 2 category.

In Bihar, the Kurmis and Koeris are said to derive their lineage from Luv and Kush, the twin sons of the epical character Lord Rama, respectively. The Koeris are numerically preponderant with 8 percent of the votes. The Kurmis, the caste which Nitish Kumar belongs to, are less in number with approximately 2 percent of the votes. Together they constitute nearly 10 percent of the total votes in the state.

While the Kurmis are landowning farmers spread over Nalanda, Patna and adjoining districts of central Bihar, the Koeris are basically vegetable growers living in Munger, Banka, Khagaria, Samastipur, East Champaran, West Champaran and Bhojpur districts.

Ever since he severed ties with Lalu Prasad in 1993 and floated his own Samata Party, which later transformed into JD(U), Nitish Kumar has been meticulously and silently nurturing the Luv-Kush combination and also the associated sub-castes to expand his social base. He leveraged the Luv-Kush equation to garner non-Yadav backward caste votes. It was aimed at countering the Muslim-Yadav (MY) vote bank of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad.

But the Koeris later started drifting and cracks surfaced in the Luv-Kush vote bank when Upendra Kushwaha, a Koeri leader, broke away from Nitish Kumar and floated Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) in March 2013. In June 2013, Nitish quit the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) over elevation of Narendra Modi as campaign committee chairman and later as its prime ministerial candidate.

Also read: Once His Student, KV Subramanian's Economic Survey Takes Aim at Raghuram Rajan's Policies as RBI Guv

The split between Nitish and Kushwaha had its impact on the outcome of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections where the JD(U) won only two of the 40 parliamentary seats in Bihar. The JD(U) had fought the 2014 parliamentary polls in an alliance with the Communist Party of India (CPI). After breaking away from the JD(U), Kushwaha had joined the NDA bandwagon and won three Lok Sabha seats in 2014.

In a quick turn of events before the 2015 state assembly polls, Nitish joined hands with the RJD and won 71 seats as part of Grand Alliance. The Koeris along with Kurmis remained loyal to Nitish while Kushwaha could not garner much support and could win only two out of 23 assembly seats it contested as part of the NDA.

When Nitish returned to the NDA fold in 2017, Kushwaha faced rebellion in his party allegedly engineered by the JD(U) leader. He quit the NDA and joined the Grand Alliance before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. However, due to dismal performance in the parliamentary polls, Kushwaha was not given much weightage by the Grand Alliance during the 2020 assembly polls.

Kushwaha eventually formed an alliance with All India Majlees-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and others. He had fielded 40 per cent Koeri candidates out of the 104 seats it contested in 2020 assembly polls but drew a blank.

As Kushwaha vacillated from one alliance to the other in quick succession, the Koeris lost their trust in his leadership. The Koeris did not remain a solid caste group and the votes were divided among different political outfits including the BJP.

After the assembly polls results, the ruling JD (U) has been making attempts to bring Upendra Kushwaha into the party fold once again but there are many roadblocks before it materializes. He had met Nitish Kumar and defended the JD(U) leader on many occasions.

Nitish has been relentlessly fortifying his position by expanding his base beyond the Luv-Kush axis with new experiments. He intends to expand its support base among the EBCs and other caste groups including the upper castes as was the case in 2010.

In this connection, he has roped in the powerful Dhanuk community, which falls in the EBC (Annexure 1) category and constitutes nearly 5 percent of the vote share in the state. The Dhanuks claim their lineage from the Jaswar clan of the Kurmi community.

At present, the Koeris are facing a severe crisis of leadership. The RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha nourished chief ministerial ambitions but his wavering stand has put a question mark on his qualities to lead the community.

The BJP, which has been trying to rope in the Koeris, has put its weight behind Samrat Chaudhary, son of veteran Koeri leader Shakuni Chaudhary. The other leaders of the Koeri community in different political parties only play second fiddle to their leaders of different castes.

If the unity among Kurmis, Koeris and Dhanuks are cemented, they can form a powerful political force to reckon with and help any formation to win considerable seats.

The Koeris and Kurmis along with Yadavas were part of the Triveni Sangh, a socio-political outfit formed before independence. Though it could not leave a significant mark politically, it successfully worked to eradicate certain social evils. The Koeris have been yearning for social uplift and had formed All India Kushwaha Kshatriya Mahasabha to achieve the status of Kshatriyas. They also had a significant presence in the Maoist movement in central Bihar in the 1960s.

KOLKATA/NEW DELHI : Former West Bengal minister Rajib Banerjee, who recently quit the Trinamool Congress, joined the BJP in the national capital on Saturday along with a few other leaders of the state's ruling party after meeting senior BJP leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Banerjee and MLAs Prabir Ghosal and Baishali Dalmiya, who was recently expelled from the TMC, and former Howrah Mayor Rathin Chakraborty, flew to the national capital on a special plane, and met central BJP leaders.

"They have joined the BJP," party general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya told PTI following the meeting.

Former TMC MLA Parthasarathi Chattopadhyay and actor Rudranil Ghosh had also accompanied them on their visit to meet BJP leaders in the national capital.

BJP national vice-president Mukul Roy and Vijayvargiya arrived in Delhi with them.

The TMC, which has been facing dissent from a number of leaders ahead of the assembly election due in April-May, said that those who are leaving do not have long political history.

Earlier in the day, Banerjee said he had a word with Union Home Minister Amit Shah who called him to the national capital.

"After I resigned from the TMC, I received a call from the BJP leadership.... Amit Shah ji told me to come over to Delhi. He also requested me to pass on the information to five other important public figures who wanted to serve people in a better way to accompany me.

"If I get an assurance on the state's development, if I get an assurance that I can work for the betterment of people, I will join the BJP," he told reporters at the Kolkata airport.

When asked what role does he expect to play in the BJP, Banerjee said it is for the party to decide.

"I want to work for the people. So whatever role is assigned to me, I will accept," he said. Instead of mudslinging at each other, the Centre and the West Bengal government should work together for the people of the state.

Actor Rudranil Ghosh, who has recently been voicing his discontent over the issue of governance in Bengal and alleged corruption in the distribution of monetary compensation to Cyclone Amphan-affected people last year, said he wants to work for people and play an important role in the state in future.

Uttarpara MLA Prabir Ghosal, who recently alleged that repair of a road in his constituency was not being allowed by a faction of the party to harm his poll prospects, told reporters that he would join the BJP.

According to BJP sources, these TMC leaders were supposed to join the saffron party during Union Home Minister Amit Shah's rally at Dumurjula in Howrah on Sunday. However, Shah's two-day visit to West Bengal was cancelled at the last minute.

Former TMC leaders Mr. Rajib Banerjee, Ms. Baishali Dalmiya, Mr. Prabir Ghoshal, Mr. Rathin Chakraborti and Mr. Rudranil Ghosh joined BJP today in New Delhi. I am sure their induction will further strengthen BJPs fight for Sonar Bangla. pic.twitter.com/twXrHXWCbY  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) January 30, 2021

The ruling TMC in West Bengal was rocked by a fresh bout of desertions on Friday with Banerjee quitting the party and several other leaders rallying behind him.

Reacting to the development, senior TMC MP and party spokesperson Sougata Ray said, "Those who left don't have a long political history and most of them were inducted into the party by (Chief Minister and party supremo) Mamata Banerjee. In future, the TMC will be careful."

Another senior TMC leader and minister Subrata Mukherjee said, "What can we do if anyone wants to go? Ours is a big party. We cannot prevent dissenters by deploying military."

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Contradictory statements by Chief Minister and a Minister in Karnataka on extension of lockdown 29 May 2021 | 5:18 PM Bengaluru, May 29 (UNI) Karnataka Minister for Home Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday hinted about extending lockdown till June 30, Chief Minister indicated that if people cooperate with the government the necessity for extension may not arise. see more..

Lockdown guidelines being strictly enforced by police in Hyderabad : Anjani Kumar 29 May 2021 | 4:58 PM Hyderabad, May 29 (UNI) Hyderabad City Police Commissioner Anjani Kumar on Friday said that the lockdown guidelines was being strictly enforced by the police in the city since the last 17 days. see more..

SRM, AP student granted copyright for Design of Face Shield 29 May 2021 | 4:58 PM Vijayawada, May 29 (UNI) When the Covid-19 outbreak crippled the world, P Mohan Aditya, a 3rd-year Mechanical Engineering student from SRM University, AP, took giant steps into developing the highly useful face shield made from biodegradable substances. see more..

Kerala Muslims loses lion share in scholarship schemes also meant for Christians, other minorities 29 May 2021 | 4:55 PM By K P Pushparaj

Malappuram, May 29 (UNI) The Muslim community of Kerala is aggrieved while the Christian community rejoiced as the Kerala High Court has nullified the controversial minority scholarship sharing formula under which the lion share went to the Muslims. see more..
In 2012, six Chinese miners developed a severe, pneumonia-like disease while cleaning out an abandoned copper mine in the county of Moijang (file image of a mine, left. Not the one cleaned out by the Chinese miners). All six died. Blood samples from the victims were sent for analysis to the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) (top right) in Hubei Province. There the blood was analysed by Dr Shi Zhengli (left, in the WIV in 2017), a famous scientist known as 'Bat Woman' by her colleagues because of her pioneering virus-hunting expeditions to bat caves in remote parts of China over almost two decades. Nine years on and the miners of Mojiang are suddenly generating headlines worldwide after the Wall Street Journal reported conclusions from a confidential U.S. intelligence report claiming three researchers from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) (top right) were hospitalised in November 2019 with symptoms 'consistent with Covid-19'. The revelation gives fresh impetus to long-standing claims that the novel coronavirus virus - official name SARS-CoV-2 - originated not at the Huanan seafood and wildlife market in Wuhan, or at any of the other suggested 'ground zeros', but via a leak in a Wuhan laboratory. So could the virus (or a related variant) that infected the miners - and which is known to have been studied in Wuhan - be the cause of a global pandemic that has caused 168 million confirmed cases and at least 3.5 million deaths to date? Bottom right: Dr Shi Zhengli with British scientist Dr Peter Daszak who runs a U.S. government-funded science group which for several years had financially backed the WIV in its hunt for new viruses in a bid to better predict emerging diseases.
(Newser)  The CDC is hoping everyone gets on board with its newest coronavirus order, going into effect next week. Starting Monday at 11:59pm, anyone riding public transit in the USincluding buses, trains and subways, planes, taxis, boats, and even Ubers or Lyftswill be required to wear an appropriate face covering over the nose and mouth not only during the ride itself, but also while in waiting rooms, stations, and terminals, as well as while boarding and disembarking, CNN reports. The masks can either be commercially made or homemade, and passengers will be allowed to take them off in some situations, such as when they're eating, drinking, or taking meds. Exceptions under the mandate include children under the age of 2, as well as riders with certain medical issues.

story continues below

The CDC says it's hoping for "widespread voluntary compliance" with the new mandate, issued as part of a slew of COVID-related executive orders President Biden signed on his first full day in office, though it says it's ready to bring criminal penalties if need be. Operators have to put forth their "best efforts" at getting people to comply, and "at the earliest opportunity, [disembark] any person who refuses," the order reads, per the Washington Post. The mandate does fall short of considering non-mask wearers to be violating federal law, which would've made enforcement in some situations, such as on planes, easier, per Reuters. "Requiring masks on our transportation systems will protect Americans and provide confidence that we can once again travel safely even during this pandemic," reads the 11-page order. The CDC's lobby for a mask mandate on public transportation, as well as the same from Congress, was previously rebuffed by the Trump administration. (Read more face masks stories.)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-31 03:25:16|Editor: huaxia

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RIYADH, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Civil Defense announced on Saturday that a projectile landed near a hospital in the border city of Jazan, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

Mohammed AL Ghamidi, spokesman of the civil defense, said the projectile was launched by the Houthi militia in Yemen, adding no injury or damage was reported, according to SPA.

Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition announced the interception of a bomb-laden drone in Yemen flying toward the kingdom.

It was the latest in a series of missile and drone attacks that targeted areas in Saudi Arabia, mainly its border cities. Most of the attacks were foiled before reaching the targets.

The Saudi-led coalition will complete in March its sixth year of war in Yemen against the Houthi militia in support of the government of Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. Enditem
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Omar Sheikh, a British-born man of Pakistani origin, who was convicted for the abduction and murder of WSJ reporter Daniel Pearl, was acquitted on Thursday. Sheikh was one of the three terrorists released by India after the hijacking of Indian Airlines plane in 1999

Pakistan Supreme Court's decision this Thursday to allow a man named Ahmad Saeed Omar Sheikh to walk free has created ripples reaching out as far as the United States. Sheikh, a British-born man of Pakistani origin, was convicted for the 2002 abduction and murder of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl after the former had reportedly admitted to his involvement in the scribe's kidnapping.

The White House has expressed 'outrage' and strong concerns over the decision, calling it an affront to terrorism victims everywhere.

It has asked the Pakistan government to promptly review its legal options or allow the US to extradite Pearl's murderers and prosecute them on US soil.

The US Secretary of State Tony Blinken has also called up Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Saturday and expressed the need to hold killers and terrorists accountable for their actions.

Sheikh was indicted in the US in 2002 for hostage-taking and conspiracy to commit hostage-taking, resulting in the murder of Pearl, as well as the 1994 kidnapping of another US citizen in India, Blinken said in a statement.

What was a tragic case of a journalist's brutal murder and the West's confrontation with extremist forces festering in South Asia has now become a hurdle in the US-Pakistan relationship under the presidency of Joe Biden. Here is all you need to know about the case:

Daniel Pearl's murder

Pearl, South Asia bureau chief of WSJ, had come to South Asia in the aftermath of the 11 September 2001 attacks on the US. He was researching for a story about Islamist militants in Afghanistan and Pakistan during his deputation in India.

He had been investigating the link between Pakistani militants and Richard Reid, dubbed the shoe bomber after his attempt to blow up a flight from Paris to Miami with explosives hidden in his shoes.

Pearl travelled to Pakistan in January 2002 expecting to conduct an interview with a hard-line cleric Sheik Mubarik Ali Shah Gilani. But apparently, it was a trap.

According to the prosecution, Sheikh, posing as a staunch follower of Gilani met Pearl at a hotel in Rawalpindi and then conspired with militants for his abduction on the pretext of getting him the interview at a further meeting in Karachi. However, Sheikh's lawyers deny he was ever present at the meeting or that a conspiracy was hatched.

What authorities did confirm at the time was that Pearl was abducted in the southern port megacity of Karachi in Sindh province on 23 January 2002. Four days later, various US media organisations received their first emails confirming Pearl's abduction, accusing him of being a Mossad agent.

Nearly a month later, after a string of ransom demands  varying from fighter jets for Pakistan to release of all Pakistani prisoners held in Guantanamo Bay in the wake of the 9/11 attacks  a graphic video showing his decapitation was given to officials.

Sheikh, a British-born jihadist who once studied at the London School of Economics and had been involved in previous kidnappings of foreigners, was arrested days after Pearl's abduction.

He was later sentenced to death by hanging after he told a Karachi court that Pearl had already been killed days before the gruesome video of the journalist's beheading had been released.

The brutality of Pearl's killing shocked many in 2002, years before the Islamic State group began releasing videos of their militants beheading journalists.

An autopsy report told the gruesome details of the Wall Street Journal reporters killing and dismemberment. Pearls body was discovered in a shallow grave soon after a video of his beheading was delivered to the US Consulate in Karachi.

Sheikh was convicted of helping lure Pearl to a meeting in Karachi, during which he was kidnapped. Meanwhile, Pearl's killing was attributed to Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, and not Sheikh.

The conclusion was reached at by an independent inquiry into the case, called The Pearl Project, which was led by Pearl's friend and former Wall Street Journal colleague Asra Nomani and a Georgetown University professor.

The Pentagon in 2007 released a transcript in which Mohammed appears to have admitted to killing pearl.

I decapitated with my blessed right hand the head of the American Jew Daniel Pearl, the transcript quoted Mohammed as saying.

Mohammed first disclosed his role while he was held in CIA custody and subjected to waterboarding, sleep deprivation and other forms of torture. He remains in the US prison in Guantanamo Bay and has never been charged with the journalist's death.

Meanwhile, Sheikh had long denied any involvement in Pearls death, but the Supreme Court on Wednesday heard that he acknowledged writing a letter in 2019 admitting a minor role  raising hopes for some that he might remain behind bars. Faisal Siddiqi, the Pearl family lawyer, had expected it would advance his case. Still, Siddiqi had previously said winning was an uphill battle.

Sheikh has been on death row since his conviction  even after his subsequent acquittal  and is currently being held in a Karachi jail. A three-judge Supreme Court ruled 2 to 1 to uphold Sheikhs acquittal and ordered him released, according to the Pearl family lawyer.

A lawyer for Sheikh said the court also ordered the release of three other Pakistanis who had been sentenced to life in prison for their part in Pearls kidnapping and death. The three  Fahad Naseem, Sheikh Adil and Salman Saqib  all played lesser roles, such as providing a laptop or internet access to send pictures of Pearl, with a gun to his head. Yet, at the original trial, all four were charged with the same crimes.

All accused had previously been acquitted in April by the Sindh High Court on the grounds that the initial prosecutions evidence was insufficient. During the appeal of that acquittal, Siddiqi unsuccessfully tried to convince the Supreme Court of Sheikh's guilt on at least one of the three charges he faced, specifically the kidnapping charge, which also carries the death penalty in Pakistan. The court is expected to release a detailed explanation for Thursday's decision in the coming days.

Siddiqi said the only legal avenue available now is to ask for a review of the court's decision to uphold Sheikh's acquittal. However, he said the review would be conducted by the same court that made the decision. In practical terms, that means the case is closed in Pakistan, he said.

Omar Sheikh, the British-born terrorist who traded LSE stint for life in prison

Sheikh, the militant who spent close to 19 years behind bars for masterminding Pearl's abduction, traded privilege and scholarship for a life of jihad, kidnappings, and ultimately a prison cell.

Born in London in 1973 to a prosperous Pakistani garment merchant, Omar was given the best education, including enrolment at a private primary school in London, a stint at Lahores prestigious Aitchison College, and a brief tenure at the London School of Economics (LSE).

He abandoned his comfortable Western upbringing after just a year at LSE, reportedly travelling to Bosnia during the brutal Balkans war in the early 1990s, where his jihadist zeal sprouted after coming into contact with Pakistani militants.

The former boxer and arm wrestling enthusiast is believed to have returned to Pakistan to spend several months in a militant training camp and travelled to the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir to fight Indian forces.

In India, he carried out his first kidnapping, abducting an American and three British tourists in 1994. The police captured him in a shootout, initially thinking he was one of the British hostages because of his clipped accent and Western bearing. He was jailed in New Delhi but never charged.

In prison, he met Pakistani jihadist Maulana Masood Azhar, who went on to form the militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed. India freed Azhar, Sheikh and Mushtaq Ahmad Zargar in 1999 when the hijackers of an Indian Airlines plane demanded his release in exchange for their hostages.

With inputs from agencies
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

The residency of former US President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida is under legal review by the town of Palm Beach since permanent living there contradicts the agreement on registering the estate, Palm Beach Town Manager Krik Blouin told CNN

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th January, 2021) The residency of former US President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida is under legal review by the town of Palm Beach since permanent living there contradicts the agreement on registering the estate, Palm Beach Town Manager Krik Blouin told CNN.

Trump returned to Mar-a-Lago on January 20 and skipped the inauguration of Joe Biden saying that he was planning to live there.

"This matter is under legal review by our Town Attorney, John 'Skip' Randolph. Mr. Randolph is reviewing the Declaration of Use Agreement and our Code of Ordinances to determine if former President Trump can live at Mar-a-Lago," Blouin said.

Trump bought Mar-a-Lago estate in 1985 and turned it into a social club in 1993 agreeing to limit his stays to no more than seven consecutive days or no more than three weeks total a year.

In addition, there could be no more than 500 members in the club. Trump had to agree to certain limitations in order to transform the private residence into a revenue-generating business.

According to media reports, residents of this luxurious Florida resort are not interested in Trump's permanent living there after he left the White House.

The broadcaster said that the issue of Trump's residency at Mar-a-Lago may be put on the agenda of the upcoming town council meeting scheduled for February 9.
The Delhi police arrested 44 people including the man who attacked SHO Alipur in the violence that broke out on Friday afternoon at Singhu border.

Criminal case under various sections including attempt to murder has been registered in Alipur police station, Delhi and investigation has been initiated.

"Accused Ranjeet Singh, a resident of village Kazampur, Distt Naya Shehar, PS Rahu, Punjab, age 22 years who attacked SHO Alipur with sword has been arrested from the spot," a senior police officer said.

ALSO READ | Delhi Police Says SHO Grievously Injured After Clashes Between Farmers and Locals at Singhu Border

Situation at Delhi's Haryana border at Singhu deteriorated on Friday afternoon as villagers clashed with protesting farmers after one thing led to another and the mob was seen armed with stones, lathis, swords. A police officer among others was injured.

Group of men, who claimed to be from nearby villages and wanted to get the over two-month old road blockage cleared came to blows with the farmers after heated arguments and then locals damaged tents, leading to stone pelting from both sides. The situation was controlled an hour later.
Thousands of Australian chemists will be enlisted in the coronavirus vaccine rollout under a $200 million program to be announced by the federal government on Sunday.

Health Minister Greg Hunt is confident Australias current vaccine schedule is on track after talks with the country heads of Pfizer and AstraZeneca, despite a decision by European leaders to give themselves sweeping powers to potentially block crucial coronavirus vaccine shipments to Australia.

Biotechnology company CSL said on Saturday that it was ahead of schedule for its Australian production of the Oxford University Astrazeneca coronavirus vaccine. CSL senior vice president Chris Larkins told 7 News the company was in the final stages of producing 10 million doses of the vaccine at its facilities in Victoria and expects to roll out the first doses by the end of March.

The federal government will pay 5800 community pharmacies across the country to give coronavirus vaccines for free. The program will start in May, when phase 2 of the rollout to people over 50 and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders is due to start.

Lakeside shipping greenhouse tomatoes, cucumbers to market

Chris Cervini explains how Lakeside cogenerates its own energy in its Canadian location and is exploring it here.

MILLS RIVER  Boasting the lowest food miles in the industry, Lakeside Produce is shipping fresh tomatoes and cucumbers from its new Mills River greenhouse to supermarkets across a wide area.



Originally announced in 2017, Lakeside has invested $30 million to build a 15-acre greenhouse employing 140 people. Its now growing, packing and shipping tomatoes and mini-cucumbers with a Got to be NC Agriculture brand. The company plans to triple the glass under roof to 45 acres and eventually employ 300 workers for a total investment of $100 million.

Our food miles are the lowest in the industry when we are producing vegetables in the wintertime this close to the market, Chris Cervini, Lakesides fourth generation owner, told business leaders and elected officials in a tour recently. Were very very happy of what the team has done here to be producing local, flavorful, sustainable tomatoes and cucumbers, year-round, right here in Mills River, North Carolina. And we cant thank AgHC enough for all the support they have given us with this project from when it was just a bare piece of land.

Mark Williams, AgHCs executive director, pointed out that Lakeside is the latest greenhouse farming operation to take advantage of Henderson Countys favorable sunlight hours, lower humidity and proximity to large population centers to grow fresh vegetables year-round. In addition to Lakeside, Tri Hishtil grows watermelon plants and other products in Mills River and salad greens grower Bright Farms is investing $21 million to build a seven-acre greenhouse that will create 54 jobs in the Pleasant Grove community.

Traditional agriculture is rapidly changing and crops that can be produced indoors are increasingly being grown in protected environments to better manage risks of weather and pests and to provide local, year round supply of fresh, flavorful product, Williams said. Lakesides Mills River facility is futuristic and so is the way they do business. As a company they are a recognized industry leader in production technology, quality of product, sustainable practices and taking care of their employees.

Cervini is overflowing with energy, enthusiasm and never ending ideas for future growth and the next generation, Williams added. He and his highly skilled team have been fascinating to work with and AgHC is extremely pleased they chose this location. Were confident they will be successful here and look forward to working with them as they grow in phases to come.

Based in Ontario, Canada, Lakeside has distribution facilities in Michigan and Texas and operates more than 650 acres of greenhouse production. The Ladson Road facility includes water treatment systems for reuse of water, capturing of CO2 for reuse in the greenhouse, a complete packing and shipping facility adjoining the greenhouse and on-site housing for guest workers. To produce 2.2 pounds of tomatoes in the field requires 120 bottles of water, Cervini said. The Lakeside greenhouse uses only eight bottles of water to produce that much.

Williams said many people want to know where they can buy the products being grown here.

While Lakeside has established relationships with some of the area chain stores, they are not in all of them, such as Ingles, but they would like to sell to Ingles, he said. Folks should make it known to their grocers that they want the option of buying Lakeside tomatoes and cucumbers, especially since they are locally grown and its January.
CORK schoolboy Oliver Lynch has been recognised as a community hero for his fundraising heroics last summer.

The eight-year-old Ballincollig boy, who has cerebral palsy and epilepsy, raised 37,000 with his 5k in 50-days walk last year. The inspirational Cork youth has now added another 20,000 to the tally after he was named one of Axas five community hero winners during last nights Late Late Show.

The hero awards programme was developed to celebrate the unsung heroes in communities nationwide and to support charities. Axa will donate 20,000 to each of the winners chosen charities and each winner will also get a personal award of 5,000 to mark their achievement.

Oliver walked five kilometres over 50 days in his walking frame outside his home every day from mid-April to July last year to raise money for three charities Enable Ireland, Dogs for the Disabled, and the CUH Charity.

His mum Alison collected the prize from talkshow host Ryan Tubridy, while Oliver, his twin Reuben, his older sister Caoimhe and their dad watched on from home.

His proud father Kevin acclaimed Olivers efforts.

Oliver Lynch, Ballincollig, Cork, completing the final 100m of his 5,000m fundraising walk during lockdown in which he raised over 31,000 for the CUH Charity, Dogs for the Disabled and Enable Ireland, pictured with his parents Kevin and Alison, his sister Caoimhe and brother Reuben as the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Joe Kavanagh and Lady Mayoress Stephanie Kavanagh were holding the tape at the finish line.

It is fantastic recognition. We are all delighted. The whole family is thrilled and so proud. It is a great honour for his achievement. He has great determination. We had the popcorn out and we were cheering on mom from our home. His siblings are so proud of Olivers achievements, he said.

While Olivers GoFundMe account closed last July, people are still finding ways to donate money and the total raised has topped 37,000. Mr Lynch said that the family have been overwhelmed with the support they have received from the Cork public.

The fundraiser was a super initiative. It raised a great sum of money for three great charities. We got great support from so many people in Cork, which meant a lot to us.

"The President wrote him a lovely letter saluting his courage and hailing him as one of lifes great heroes. The Taoiseach sent him a video message praising Oliver for his resilience.

Oliver began his challenge after he became frustrated that he could not join siblings Reuben and Caoimhe in their couch to 5k challenge. His proud dad refused to rule out another fundraising initiative in the near future for the second class pupil in Gaelscoil Ui Riordain Primary School, Ballincollig.

He got a new bike recently so he might embark on another fundraiser down the line. He is a great ambassador for his school, family, charities and community, he added.
A 33-YEAR-OLD man has been remanded in custody with an order for psychiatric treatment after he appeared in court accused of attempted murder of his former employer at a pub in Dublin.

Paul Smith, the manager of The Elphin Pub on the Baldoyle Road in Sutton, was rushed to Beaumont Hospital with serious injuries. It followed a knife attack at his premises at about 1pm on Wednesday.

Neil ODowd, from Tuscany Park, Baldoyle, D13, was arrested and detained under section four of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. The scene was preserved for a technical examination.

Mr ODowd was charged on Friday evening at Clontarf Garda station and held overnight pending his appearance before Judge John Campbell at Dublin District on Saturday.

He is accused of attempted murder of Mr Smith at the Elphin Pub, assault causing him harm and production of a knife during a dispute inside and outside the premises.

Dressed in a grey sweater and tracksuit bottoms and wearing a face mask, the accused sat silently at the side of the court.

Garda Conor Guckian told Judge Campbell that the accused made no reply when charged.

The garda sought a remand in custody. He said there will be an objection to bail based on the seriousness of the case.

A bail application has yet to take place.

Defence solicitor Danica Kinane said there was consent to her client being remanded in custody to appear via video-link at Cloverhill District Court on Thursday.

Legal aid was granted after the court heard the accused was in receipt of the Covid-19 social welfare payment.

Judge Campbell also acceded to the defence solicitors application to direct appropriate psychiatric medical attention in custody.

Family members of Mr ODowd, who has not yet indicated how he will plead, were present for the hearing.

He nodded to relatives who waved to him as he was led from the courtroom.
A group of activists who stopped a deportation flight leaving Stansted airport have had their convictions overturned by the Court of Appeal.

They had been prosecuted following a protest in March 2017, where they ultimately prevented a charter flight that was due to deport 60 individuals to Africa.

The group, known as the Stansted 15, were initially charged with aggravated trespass but the charge was changed to endangering safety at a public airport.

All defendants denied the offence at trial, and said they were guilty of nothing more than intervening to prevent harm to migrants on board the plane.

On Friday, the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Burnett, sitting with Mr Justice Jay and Ms Justice Whipple, overturned all 15 demonstrators convictions.

Lord Burnett said the protesters should not have been prosecuted for the extremely serious offence ... because their conduct did not satisfy the various elements of the offence. There was, in truth, no case to answer.

The judgment said the offence they were charged with was intended for conduct of a different nature after the campaigners lawyers told the Court of Appeal the offence used was related to terrorism and had been created in the wake of the 1988 Lockerbie bombing.

May MacKeith, a member of the Stansted 15, said almost four years of legal proceedings should never have happened.

But for many people caught up in the UK immigration system the ordeal lasts much, much longer, she added.

The nightmare of this bogus charge, a 10 week trial and the threat of prison has dominated our lives for four years. Despite the draconian response we know our actions were justified.

Raj Chada of Hodge Jones and Allen Solicitors, who represented the Stansted 15, said the case should be a matter of great shame to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and attorney general.

Both have questions to answer as to why they authorised such an unprecedented charge, he added.

Amnesty International adopted the 15 as human rights defenders, Liberty intervened in the case and even the UN, through their special rapporteurs, expressed concern, yet the case went forward.

In March 2017, the defendants cut through the perimeter fence of Stansted airport in Essex and used pipes to lock themselves together around a plane.

Six members of the so-called Stansted 15 (left to right) May MacKeith, Ben Smoke, Helen Brewer, Emma Hughes, Mel Evans, and Ruth Potts outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London on 24 November 2020 (Victoria Jones/PA Wire)

The Boeing 767 had been chartered by the Home Office to remove 60 people to Nigeria, Ghana and Sierra Leone, and was stationary on the airports apron.

The trial heard the defendants believed the deportees were at risk of death, persecution and torture if they were removed from Britain, and many were asylum seekers.

Campaigners said that 11 of the 60 passengers remain in the UK, and included victims of human trafficking.

The protesters, who all pleaded not guilty, were convicted in December 2018 of the intentional disruption of services at an aerodrome under the Aviation and Maritime Security Act 1990.

A judge at Chelmsford Crown Court handed three defendants, who had previous convictions for aggravated trespass at airports, suspended prison terms and gave 12 defendants community sentences.

Judge Christopher Morgan said alleged human rights abuses, immigration policy and proportionality did not have any relevance to whether a criminal offence had been committed.

In normal circumstances only a custodial sentence would have been justified in this case, but I accept that your intentions were to demonstrate.

United Nations human rights experts raised concern over the case and warned the British government against using security-related laws against protesters and critics.

We are concerned about the application of disproportional charges for what appears to be the exercise of the rights to peaceful and non-violent protest and freedom of expression, a statement said in February 2019.

Protesters outside the 2018 trial

It appears that such charges were brought to deter others from taking similar peaceful direct action to defend human rights, and in particular the protection of asylum seekers.

The group received high-profile support from MPs and public figures, including the Bishop of Chelmsford.

An open letter signed by dozens of politicians and academics in September condemned the practice of secret deportation flights, which came into renewed focus following the Windrush scandal.

Amnesty International said the case was part of a Europe-wide trend of volunteers and activists being criminalised for helping migrants.

Kate Allen, Amnesty International UKs director, said the Court of Appeal ruling was a good day for justice.

The Stansted 15 will take their place in the history books as human rights defenders who bravely brought injustices perpetrated by the state into the light, she added.

This case should never have been brought and there must be lessons learnt for how we treat human rights defenders in this country.

Lana Adamou, a lawyer for the Liberty human rights group, called the charges an attack on our right to express dissent.

All too often it is the most marginalised in society, and those acting in solidarity with them, who bear the brunt of over-zealous policing and crackdowns on protest, making it even more important for the government to take steps to facilitate protest and ensure these voices are heard, rather than find ways to suppress them, she added.

At Novembers Court of Appeal hearing, lawyers for the activists told the court the legislation used to convict the 15 is rarely used and not intended for a protest case.

In documents before the court, the Stansted 15s barristers argued it was intended to deal with violence of the utmost seriousness, such as terrorism, rather than risks of a health and safety-type nature posed by those who have trespassed at an airport.

Lawyers for the group also argued that the attorney general  who is required to sign off on the use of the legislation  should not have granted consent for the law to be used in this case, that the crown court judge made errors in summing up the case and in directions given to the jury.

Barristers representing the CPS had said the convictions are safe and that the trial judge was correct.

Tony Badenoch QC told the court: We dont accept that the act is constrained to terrorism and nothing else.

A CPS spokesperson said: We will consider the judgment carefully in the next 28 days.

The 15 are: Helen Brewer, 31; Lyndsay Burtonshaw, 30; Nathan Clack, 32; Laura Clayson, 30; Melanie Evans, 37; Joseph McGahan, 37; Benjamin Smoke, 21; Jyotsna Ram, 35; Nicholas Sigsworth, 31; Melanie Strickland, 37; Alistair Tamlit, 32; Edward Thacker, 31; Emma Hughes, 40; May McKeith, 35; and Ruth Potts, 46.
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has said it is illegal for the administration of the President Muhammadu Buhari not to license the South-W...





Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has said it is illegal for the administration of the President Muhammadu Buhari not to license the South-West Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, to bear arms.

Falana, who spoke on a Punch Online interview programme, The Roundtable, on Friday, argued that if a private citizen can apply for a licence to bear arms for self-defence, the Amotekun Corps are also entitled to the same benefit.

He tasked the state governors in the region to approach the authorities in Abuja for the Amotekun operatives to bear arms to effectively tackle the myriad of security challenges ranging from kidnapping, banditry to rape, among other challenges, confronting the South-West region in recent times.

The overwhelming insecurity in the region had forced the six governors of the South-West to inaugurate the security outfit to tackle peculiar security threats in the region. The Amotekun Corps had also got the constitutional backing of the six state assemblies in the region.

Ondo, Ogun, Oyo and Ekiti states have since kick-started the operations of the security outfit endorsed by the governments of the six South-West states last year. Falana however said it was suicidal for the operatives of Amotekun to carry on without bearing arms because the criminal elements they were to confront use sophisticated weapons.

The senior advocate said, You set up a security outfit like the Amotekun Corps without arms and ammunition. You are either risking the lives of the men and women in that organisation or you are giving people a false sense of security.

I have advised our governors to apply for licences for those young men and women to bear arms. My argument is this: if an individual can apply for licence to bear arms to defend himself and his family members, it is illegal not to give licences to about 5,000 or 10,000 young men and women to protect a state like Lagos of about 20 million. And if they refuse to give the licences, we must go to court and accuse the authorities in Abuja of endangering the lives of people in Lagos. We must get to that level.

We cant have members of the neighbourhood watch to guide people without arms and ammunition, members of the Amotekun Corps without arms and ammunition, yet the people you are asking them to confront are armed with AK-47 and rounds of ammunition. For me, that is not security.

There is even a section of the constitution, Section 220, that empowers a governor to ask for military training in the state because every Nigerian is entitled to military training but pending the time the National Assembly would enact a law to achieve that objective, a state government can ask the authorities in Abuja. We have facilities for military training. Can you allow our citizens to acquire military training? It is in the constitution.

By Jose Torres

CATARINA, Guatemala (Reuters) - The family of a young Guatemalan woman believed to be among 19 victims of a massacre in northern Mexico has urged the Mexican government to bring those responsible to justice.

Authorities in Mexico's Tamaulipas state bordering the United States this month recovered the bodies, which some Guatemalan families said they feared were loved ones who had been trying to migrate to the United States.

Many of the dead had gunshot wounds and were badly charred. Authorities are still trying to identify them.

Paola Damaris Zacarias, 22, from the small Guatemalan town of Catarina near the border with Mexico, is suspected to have been among those who died, her grieving family told Reuters.

"We want justice, an investigation that gets right to the bottom of who was responsible," her brother Hector Zacarias said in an interview on Friday. "I ask the Mexican authorities to look into this, to find out the truth, and what motivated it."

"This has caused us great sorrow."

Paola's father, Gerardo Zacarias, said the family had given DNA samples in the hope that investigators can identify the remains found in Tamaulipas, an often dangerous region where migrants have previously fallen victim to ruthless drug gangs.

Zacarias said his daughter had set off for the United States to find work because of the lack of opportunities in Guatemala. The family last heard from her on Jan. 22, he said, not long before Mexican officials discovered the bodies.

The killings have caused renewed consternation in Mexico about the perils faced by migrants, many of whom come from the three violent and impoverished Central American countries of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

Hector Zacarias was disconsolate.

"These are young people with goals, who were battling to get ahead in the world," he said. "But unfortunately, they fell into the hands of people with no heart, no mercy."

(Writing by Dave Graham; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
The budget is around the corner and this weekend the government offices, big finance and us, the common men and women are all wondering about money. As always I turn to Netflix and other OTT platforms to share movies and shows that could help you get distracted from the big tax question.

We have seen all movies about men who ruled Wall Street and Dalal StreetOn the other hand, there are men like Bernie Sanders in that one jacket he wears everywhere (including the memes!) and I wondered if we need to understand how our ideologies shape our attitudes to money. How differently do we choose to spend money? I watched the entire docu series called Dirty Money on Netflix with a sense of awe. How much money is enough money? How far will people go to make more money? Does money break everyones moral compass?

Dirty money: series that exposes financial frauds from VW clean diesel engines to Donald Trumps great con about making everything bigger and better than anything anyone has ever seen.

No matter how strongly you feel about making public transportation better, it is a pleasure in driving a vehicle that promises less pollution. The Volkswagen Clean Diesel vehicles became all the rage in the US. and it took one skeptic to check the claims and what tumbled out had global repercussions and millions and millions of fines. The VW in Volkswagen suddenly stood for very worried.

We too have corporate culture and government office-like systems in our country just like at Volkswagen, where if you need a pen, you have to requisition one by signing three forms (at least!). Then how do companies like VW get away by saying some software engineer added a defeat device without the management ever knowing?

The second documentary hit hard. If youve signed on papers without reading the fine print then youd also understand why these poor Americans just clicked on the online loan papers without reading the links they should have for those small loans they needed. How easily they gave access to their bank accounts! They thought the company was deducting money towards the loan but it was only a service charge

It made me shudder to imagine how many people fall for the scam when they share their bank PIN numbers to win a car or homes in India. How easily we trust the voices who say they are from the bank?

Martin the smirking drug fraud guy Shkreli is known as Pharma Bro and is finally spending his time in jail. But what about Valeant pharma who raised the prices of essential drugs by 300%, 400%? Should they be punished? What happens to the essential drugs they are making? Arent we punishing patients if we get them out of business?

$18 million worth of sweet, sticky deliciousness from a warehouse in Quebec! Thieves replaced barrels of maple syrup with water. No laughing matter because each barrel costs more than a barrel of oil. It costs about $1800!

In season one (there are two, because theres no dearth of financial scams, no?!), theres HSBC who laundered money for drug cartels and got away by saying sorry, we will try and do better, and in season two theres Wells Fargo bank which used this technique of cross-selling banking products to their customers (without informing them sometimes!). Imagine stepping into the bank to send money to your child abroad and stepping out with a home loan, a credit card, a debit card and investing in mutual funds! And then having to pay for it all!

The last documentary in the first series is about men who sell snake oil to unsuspecting villagers and absconds with their money. It is about the latest con-man (a word derived from Confidence Man) that Americans lived with for the last four years. It is about Donald J Trump and tracks how his method of the biggest, the best evolved, without getting into his personal life.

Geographically closer, in Malaysia they spent money made by fraud on Picassos, Monet and even a fancy yacht. He was a Prime Minister and his wife wore diamond tiara and giant diamond drop earrings that cost more than the GDP of a small nation. What amazes me is how these guys - Trump or Najib - have and hold public trust. And when you see Jared Kushner (Former president Trumps son in law) use 70s Bollywood movie tactics to evict people from his rentals so that he can build fancy homes you are left seething.

The two other documentaries about dirty gold and plastic in the soil and water is sure to make your stomach turn. So I found it easier to watch The China Hustle, another brilliant documentary on how the Americans put their trust in Chinese companies getting listed on American Stock Exchange and using the shady Reverse Merger tactics to cheat investors of trillions of dollars.

You cannot catch fish in clear waters, you need muddy waters to catch a fish. The Chinese professor explains the concept of Guanxi or quid pro quo. And you see how bankers and lawyers and even auditors just process paperwork. No one goes to the customer to check if they are satisfied. The documentary shows us how only one CEO of 400 companies went to jail for fraud.It also shows men who were part of the money making schemes acting on their conscience.

Speaking of discovering conscience, will our Finance Minister do right by the people? Will the cacophony of special interest drown out the already strangled voice of the common man? Are we going to view our world through the eyes of the stock market? Will the budget widen the circle of opportunity and include more of us? Will we never stop complaining about how money is never enough?
When Drew Cohen and Scott Seeley opened the Writers Block in 2014, it was Las Vegass only independent bookstore. Today, it still is. It is also the only independent bookstore in southern Nevada and, along with Sundance Books and Music in Reno, one of only two independent bookstores in the state focused on selling new books.

The growth of Las Vegas has really outpaced the book scene, said Cohen, who noted that Las Vegass best-known used bookstore, the Amber Unicorn, closed at the beginning of January after nearly 40 years in business.

Cohen and Seeley came to Las Vegas from New York City, where Seeley had been cofounder and executive director of Brooklyn literary nonprofit 826NYC. The opening of the Writers Block was serendipitous: [Author] Jennifer 8. Lee was working with [late Zappos CEO] Tony Hsieh and approached Scott to ask if he knew anyone who might want to come to open a bookstore in Las Vegas, Cohen recalled. He said he did: us.

Initially, the Writers Block was part of Hsiehs $350 million Downtown Project, an effort to revitalize several blocks of Downtown Las Vegas, and featured a true novelty at the time: an Espresso Book Machine. Today, the machine is gone and the store occupies a much larger space in the Lucy, an arts and culture center established by local philanthropist Beverly Rogers. The Lucy also has residences for writers with fellowships from the Black Mountain Institute at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, as well as space for writers on monthlong Writing Downtown residencies sponsored by Plympton, the digital publishing studio run by Lee.

In a rather unique decorative decision, the Writers Block also serves as what Cohen described as an artificial bird sanctuary, with a variety of plush, stuffed birds available to be adopted (i.e., purchased). The cash register is ensconced inside a large-scale birdcage, and the offices are in a greenhouse. The store also features several bird-themed attractions, including King Pigeon, a stuffed pigeon that offers advice and answers questions posed by customers in letters; there are also some resident psychic peacocks, Cohen said, as well as a chicken that dispenses recipes. Among the non-avian wildlife is the Baron, an elderly (live) rabbit that lives in a cage near the childrens section and has been with the store since it opened.

When the Writers Block moved to the Lucy in 2019, it expanded to have 3,000 sq. ft. of sales floor. Upstairs is another 800 sq. ft. for events and workshops that has, since the start of the pandemic last year, been converted to a fulfillment center for online orders.

The Writers Block stocks approximately 18,000 titles and typically holds just one or two copies of each; as a buyer, Cohen emphasizes breadth over depth. The book buzz from New York doesnt typically make it to Las Vegas, he said, so the bulk of the stores sales are backlist paperbacks. A lot of our readers are playing catch-up, so we sell a lot of classics, from Bukowski to Plath. This past year, Camus was also popular, for obvious reasons.

The sales pattern means Cohen is not obliged to purchase cartons of new hardcovers, so he often buys books as nonreturnable, adding a bit to the stores profit margin.

Reflecting on the past year, Cohen said it could have been far worse. We didnt have much of an online presence when the pandemic started and we locked down, but we were lucky because we had Bookmanager installed. It was a godsend, as it allowed us to, more or less, flip a switch to get online sales started.

The Writers Block reopened for in-person shopping in June with reduced hours. Today, the store maintains a staff of eight, including Cohen and Seeley.

Considering the drastic drop in tourism, Cohen said foot traffic at the Writers Block had been reasonable and that holiday sales were strong. The store holds relatively few author events so it didnt suffer much from the cancellation of author tours, save for the cancellation of the annual Believer Festival, which is part of the Black Mountain Institute and was originally scheduled for the end of April and for which the store serves as the official bookseller.

Looking ahead, Cohen said he has modest short-term ambitions for the Writers Block, which include producing more store-branded and original sidelines, such as note cards and other stationery products. Otherwise, he said, much like us all, hes just looking forward to the end of the pandemic.
INDIANAPOLIS  The Indiana Department of Health today announced that 2,647 additional Hoosiers have been diagnosed with COVID-19 through testing at state and private laboratories. That brings to 622,625 the number of Indiana residents now known to have had the novel coronavirus following corrections to the previous days dashboard.



A total of 9,549 Hoosiers are confirmed to have died from COVID-19, an increase of 46 from the previous day. Another 376 probable deaths have been reported based on clinical diagnoses in patients for whom no positive test is on record. Deaths are reported based on when data are received by the state and occurred over multiple days.

Indiana COVID-19 Dashboard & Map



To date, 2,940,233 unique individuals have been tested in Indiana, up from 2,930,353 on Thursday. A total of 6,929,205 tests, including repeat tests for unique individuals, have been reported to the state Department of Health since Feb. 26, 2020.

To find testing sites around the state, click here.

Hoosiers age 70 and older, along with healthcare workers, long-term care residents, and first responders, are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

As of today, 518,997 Hoosiers have received the first dose of vaccine, and 127,521 are fully vaccinated.

To schedule, visit https://ourshot.in.gov or call 211.

The state and its partners are adding more locations for you to get vaccinated including select Meijer, Kroger, & Walmart pharmacies across the state.

Vigo Countys three Kroger locations are included.

All locations will show up on the state's vaccination website.

It's important to note Meijer and Kroger will have their own appointment sign-up areas on their websites.
Conakry, Guinea (PANA) - Guinea decided on Friday to apply reciprocity with the European Union (EU) by closing the visa service at its embassy in Paris "until further notice", said a statement received by PANA


Britain has "no vested interest" in clinging on to Northern Ireland and should be given the opportunity to get rid of ties, according to Louis de Bernieres.

In a letter to The Times the author argued for the establishment of an "Irish federation" that would retain Stormont and allow the Irish Government to assume other responsibilities.

"There used to be very strong reasons for the Northern Irish wanting to remain British but these have all gone," wrote the Captain Corelli's Mandolin novelist.

"The Republic is no longer a corrupt and backward theocracy run by gangsters. It would initially be sensible for an Irish federation to be established, retaining Stormont, while Dublin assumes control of defence and foreign policy."

Mr de Bernieres (66), who has written 10 novels, lives in Denton in Norfolk.

He was responding to possibilities of another referendum on Scottish independence, on which he said the populations of England and Wales should be allowed to set the course of any future relationship.

He argued that many in England and Wales would be "glad to see the back of" Scotland despite acknowledging sentimental ties to the country.

"It seems to me that the constant complaining and smug grandstanding of the Nationalists, and the barely concealed Anglophobia of too many Scots, have so alienated us that we would be glad to see the back of them. It is impossible to continue to love those who no longer love us," he said.

Getting rid of the mechanism used by the Treasury to work out the level of public spending for each of the devolved administrations would benefit England and Wales, he added.

"The scrapping of the Barnett formula would leave us about 3% better off, and the two main problems would be theirs rather than ours. These are the fact that they would have to leave the sterling zone while not being in the eurozone, and that there would have to be some kind of border or tariff arrangement between us."

Scotland is poorly run in comparison with England, he claimed, and therefore there would be an opportunity to benefit from a "brain drain" further down the line.

In an article in the Irish Times last year, de Bernieres argued for the Republic to join the UK in an "Anglo-Irish economic zone" outside of the EU - something he claimed would happen "if Ireland were being strictly rational".

Writing about his support of Brexit, he said the main reason he voted for it was because of "our loss of sovereignty".

He said his parents, who were also Brexiteers, were "outraged at having endured two World Wars only to end up being subject to laws not drawn up by our own parliament".

"It was easier for continental Europeans to compromise on democracy because they do not have the advantage of being protected, as we are, by the mere fact of being an island," he added.

He again argued that the English had no reason to want to "cling on" to Northern Ireland, and said if Scotland voted for independence, how they would survive economically should not be England's problem.

"The English should shrug, and agree that it's understandable that everyone should prefer their own mess to somebody else's order, because, after all, that's how we feel ourselves," he said.

Speaking about Boris Johnson's 2019 general election voctory, de Bernieres claimed the UK "at last has a leader who exudes energy, good humour and optimism, and pulls impossible rabbits out of hats even as his detractors scoff".
Uzbek doctors recorded the British coronavirus variant in the country, Deputy Health Minister, Head of the Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health Service Bakhodir Yusupaliev said, the press service of the Ministry informs.

A resident of Tashkent who traveled with his family to the UAE became infected with the coronavirus, he returned to Uzbekistan on January 23, Kabar reports.
Will the Scots really break the 300-year-old bond with their English cousins  and face the world as a newly independent country?

Its difficult to comprehend, but the drive for Scottish independence shows no sign of easing, despite all powerful distractions of Covid, lockdowns and vaccines.

The main momentum is coming from opinion polls. Support for those who wish to end the centuries-old link with Westminster is on an upward, if slightly hesitant, curve. Currently, the breakdown is 40pc support for staying in the UK  with an equal percentage in favour of the country going it alone.

The remaining 20pc can be broadly placed in the undecided fringe. But polling experts believe the underlying instinct in this grouping is to back the independence drive.

Read More

This weeks flying visit by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson north of the border is seen as an attempt to counteract his governments hard-wired unpopularity in Scotland. Johnson himself is perceived by many Scots as an uncaring posh boy from way down south. He is undoubtedly a major electoral liability for the Conservative party north of the divide.

There is also a general belief among Scottish voters that First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her government have done a better job coping with the pandemic than their London counterparts.

However, hardliners in Sturgeons Scottish National Party are now pushing her to demand a second referendum on Scottish independence. When voters went to the polls in 2014, they lost the argument: those against a breakaway won 55pc to 45pc.

What independence enthusiasts seem to ignore is that should they lose the vote again  the issue will most likely be on the back-burner for many years to come.

On another level, those agitating for a border poll in Ireland, should be wary of comparing Scotlands independence drive with demands for Irish unity in whatever guise.

The most profound difference is that after 30 years of violent conflict, over 3,000 deaths and thousands maimed and injured, Northern Ireland has been left a traumatised place. The emotional scars seared into the psyche of both communities must be given a long, long, time to heal.

History teaches us time is the great healer of wounds wrought by conflict of whatever hue. France and Germany fought three wars between 1870 and 1945. But out of the ashes of all that death and destruction, they have forged a kind of shared destiny within the EUs ambit.

Pushing for a border poll at this point in time, as a springboard for a united Ireland, is irresponsible and dangerous. A hard won peace process needs time to bed in. A poll  which in theory could result in 50pc plus a few votes one way or the other swinging the result  would inflame old hatreds.

The fact we have institutionalised power sharing, checks and balances against discrimination and an open border on the island should console those of nationalist persuasion in the immediate to long term

In practical day to day living, those who consider themselves Green rather than Orange, can express their identity in various ways, from learning the Irish language to playing Gaelic games.

In addition, those who hope for a united Ireland can avail of some of the more attractive aspects of life under a Downing Street government, such as an unrivalled health service and first-rate education opportunities. Most importantly, Irish governments have political and legal mechanisms to ensure fair play holds in the North.

The Republic of Ireland has made massive strides in recent years, by way of making itself a more attractive country for those we seek to woo from the unionist tradition.



We should stop stirring the pot as regards border polls. Such agitation only drives unionists and nationalists further apart. Let us instead wait and see what a more distant future holds. Dublin governments should concentrate on pushing up living standards  the pound or euro in the pocket in any future unity vote may decide the destiny of Ireland north and south.

The choices facing the Scots and ourselves are very different. We want a coming together  they seek a growing apart.
The Manitoba NDP has elected Brandons own Lonnie Patterson as president.

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Lonnie Patterson is pictured with Manitoba NDP Leader Wab Kinew in 2019 after she received the NDP nomination for Brandon East. (File)

The Manitoba NDP has elected Brandons own Lonnie Patterson as president.

She joined the balance of the partys executive in being acclaimed to their positions during Saturdays convention, held virtually due to COVID-19 health concerns.

Patterson previously held the position of vice-president of the Brandon and southwest region, which now falls in the hands of Garnet Boyd.

She also ran under the Manitoba NDP banner in the 2019 election in Brandon East, earning 2,311 votes, which fell short of Progressive Conservative Len Isleifson's 3,272.

"I am honoured to be taking on this position," Patterson said. "I am really excited to work with Wab Kinew  and am very grateful for the support Ive had from both members and non-members."

She said the foremost issue of the moment is ongoing government response to the pandemic.

"We need people to get vaccinations, we need people to be safe and we need government to support small business in our community that are suffering."

Manitoba NDP Leader Wab Kinew received 93 per cent of support in a leadership review from the approximately 300 delegates registered.

See Mondays newspaper for more on this story, including an interview with Kinew.

 The Brandon Sun
Beijing, Jan 30 : Taking a regular afternoon nap can keep your brain sharp as a new study suggests that afternoon napping is linked to better mental agility.

The researchers, including Wei Li from the Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China, suggests that afternoon nap seems to be associated with better locational awareness, verbal fluency and working memory.

For the study, published in the journal General Psychiatry, the researchers involved 2,214 ostensibly healthy people aged at least 60 and residents of several large cities around China.

In all, 1,534 took a regular afternoon nap, while 680 did not. All participants underwent a series of health checks and cognitive assessments, including the Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) to check for dementia.

The average length of night time sleep was around 6.5 hours in both groups. Afternoon naps were defined as periods of at least five consecutive minutes of sleep, but no more than 2 hours, and taken after lunch.

Participants were asked how often they napped during the week -- this ranged from once a week to every day.

The dementia screening tests included 30 items that measured several aspects of cognitive ability, and higher function, including visuospatial skills, working memory, attention span, problem-solving, locational awareness and verbal fluency.

The MMSE cognitive performance scores were significantly higher among the nappers than they were among those who did not nap.

And there were significant differences in locational awareness, verbal fluency, and memory.

This is an observational study, and so can't establish the cause. And there was no information on the duration or timing of the naps taken, which may be important, the researchers said.

But there are some possible explanations for the observations found, say the researchers.

One theory is that inflammation is a mediator between mid-day naps and poor health outcomes; inflammatory chemicals have an important role in sleep disorders, note the researchers.

Sleep regulates the body's immune response and napping is thought to be an evolved response to inflammation; people with higher levels of inflammation also nap more often, explain the researchers.
An army chaplain in Texas is currently under investigation following his statement saying that transgender soldiers are "mentally unfit" and "unqualified to serve."

Reacting to Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin's support for lifting the ban of transgender individuals in the U.S. military, Army chaplain Maj. Andrew Calvert wrote controversial remarks on the Facebook page of Army Times, The Independent reported.

"How is rejecting reality (biology) not evidence that a person is mentally unfit (ill), and thus making that person unqualified to serve. There is little difference in this than over those who believe and argue for a "flat earth" despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary. The motivation is different, but the argument is the same. This person is a MedBoard for Mental Wellness waiting to happen. What a waste of military resources and funding!" Calvert's full statement says, captured by the Daily Mail.

Joe Biden issued an executive order reversing the ban on transgender people in the military, that same day.

An army veteran shared a screenshot of the chaplain's comments on Twitter and wrote that Calvert cannot be trusted in supporting the soldiers.

The chaplain immediately gained criticism from other people on Twitter, urging the Army to intervene. He defended his statement saying that it "is not the extreme in the slightest" and that it is "the very definition of conservative."

Following the uproar, the chaplain's brigade, through its spokesman Army major Jefferson Grimes, released a statement by an email to the Military Times revealing that an investigation is being launched over Calvert's remarks.

"Always remember to 'Think, Type, Post' when it comes to engaging in conversation on social media platforms. We are soldiers 24/7 and that means always treating people with dignity and respect. We are aware of the recent comments posted to the Army Times Facebook in regard to the ban being removed on transgender service members. This incident is under investigation," the statement says.

The command unit further stated that it supports the Commander in Chief, Secretary of Defense and all DoD policies and said that the U.S. Army has a strict standard against all forms of discrimination on the bases of gender identity.

Biden released the executive order on Jan. 25 revoking President Trump's Presidential Memorandum on March 23, 2018 (Military Service by Transgender Individuals). The new policy allows transgender individuals who meet the requirements to serve in the U.S. military without discrimination. The order forbids discharges, involuntary separations and reenlistment denials or continuation of service based on gender identity.

Relative to the issuance of the executive order, Biden released an official White House statement saying that the policy is a reinstatement of "a position that previous commanders and - as well as the Secretaries have supported" and that what he is doing is to enable qualified citizens to serve America in uniform. This, he said, would restore the situation that previously existed wherein qualified transgender personnel can serve the country in the U.S. military.

Maj. Calvert is a chaplain at the 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade in Forthood, Texas. In his Facebook page, he describes himself as a Christian, husband, father, pastor and army chaplain. Currently, he seems to have disabled his Facebook page, the Daily Mail noted.


Africas richest man, Aliko Dangote, has told a U.S. court how his former American girlfriend, who exposed a part of his body via a social...

Africas richest man, Aliko Dangote, has told a U.S. court how his former American girlfriend, who exposed a part of his body via a social media post, is trying to extort $5 million from him.

The documents of a civil suit he filed with a pseudonym against the lady identified as Autumn Spikes at a Miami-Dade County Court in Florida, United States of America.

The wealthy businessman used the pseudonym, John Doe, with AD, that stands for the acronym for his name, Aliko Dangote, as his alias.

He seeks excess of $30,000 in damages against Ms Spikes.

One of the court documents filed by the plaintiff on January 22, is titled, Complaint petition for declaratory judgment complaint for (about) extortion petition for injunctive relief.

The document, among others accused Ms Spikes of libel, defamation, cyberstalking and a breach of agreement to keep their relationship private and off the social media.

It stated that Mr Dangotes business acumen has made him a target for coercion by the defendant, adding that Ms Spikes demanded meritless claims of $5 million in the nature of palimony to which she is not legally entitled.

Palimony is an amount of money a law court orders someone to pay regularly to a former partner whom they were living with but were not married to.

Autumn Spikes has made a demand that the plaintiff pays her five million dollars ($5,000,000.00) as shown in Exhibit 1, Mr Dangotes court document states.

How it began

The affair between Mr Dangote and Ms Spikes first came to public knowledge on January 1, when the lady using the Instagram handle, Allarounda1, posted a video clip showing herself seated and Mr Dangote stretched on a couch.

The images, which went viral on social media, appeared to have been captured during their good times together.

It showed most of Mr Dangotes body covered in an orange blanket but with his buttocks exposed while he fiddled with his phone.

Ms Spikes also shared other images of the billionaire but later deleted them.

In later updates, she said she did not make her affairs public on social media to acquire fame.

She also claimed her action was aimed at helping Mr Dangote clear his name of the embarrassment caused by another ex-mistress of the businessman, Bea Lewis, who exposed their intimate affairs on social media.

Rattled

Mr Dangote had tried to quickly end his relationship with Ms Spikes.

In addition to ending the relationship, he asked Ms Spikes for a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) about their affair.

Ms Spikes demanded $5 million, through her representatives, in exchange for the NDA.

The demand was followed by an email by Mr Dangotes lawyer, Mr Fleisher, to Ms Spikes lawyer, Paul Petruzzi, on January 13, asking for the basis of Ms Spikes demand.

Responding to Mr Fleishers email, Mr Petruzzi described the affair between his client and the billionaire as an ongoing initimate relationship for nearly the entire past decade since she was pretty young.

Mr Petruzzi added in the email that  the relationship was quite involved and pretty interesting and insisted that Mr Dangote must pay his client the sum of $5 million in exchange for the NDA.

He stated, For whatever reason, your client broke off the relationship as soon as one of his other conquests broke her silence.

Your client now wants my client to sign an NDA and, through his representatives, offered her money to do so.

While I appreciate your clients desire to continue to exercise his control over mine, she will only agree to the NDA proposed by your client in exchange for the lump sum of 5 million dollars.

Mr Dangote filed the email exchange as Exhibit 1 in his suit.

Good relationship turns sour

The wealthy man noted in his suit that Ms Spikes had in the past requested financial assistance from him to start up a business.

He said he agreed to grant her the assistance on the condition that it would remain confidential.

His court document read in part, Autumn Spikes demanded from the plaintiff assistance as an entrepreneur in a start-up business when there was no loan commitment, nor oral or written promise.

The plaintiff once announced an oral willingness to provide entrepreneurial assistance to Autumn Spikes on the condition that it be confidential and private.

He said he later started seeing social media posts and planned media talk shows done to expose him and make his life miserable if he fails to comply with the demand for $5,000,000.

John Does generosity toward Autumn Spikes, if any, has been breached by Autumn Spikes exposure and solicitations to talk show media if he fails to pay her meritless demands, he added.

Mr Dangote said his generosity toward Autumn Spikes, if any, has been breached by Autumn Spikes exposure and solicitations to media talk shows if he fails to pay her meritless demands.

He maintained that he had the right to stop being generous to her and demand a refund of the funds he had given her to assist her business in the past.

Meritless demands

The businessman, who described Ms Spikes alleged demands as meritless extortive demands said such are not protected by First Amendment freedom of speech and are barred by Fla. Stat. 771 01 et. Seq.

He alleged that Ms Spikes continued her illegal demands and threatened that should he fail to pay her the money she would subject him to nasty and untrue publicity.

He said she also threatened to take the matter to social media, including, Facebook and Instagram.

He stated, Autumn Spikes continues illegal demands for a plaintiff to pay her what he does not owe her, under threat he will be a victim of nasty and/or untrue publicity in order to induce payment of support, in the form of alimony, and as if she was married to the plaintiff.

Defendant has threatened communications on social media, Facebook, Instagram, and otherwise.

John Doe has a right to terminate his generosity and to obtain from Autumn Spikes a refund of the monies he had given her to assist her in starting up a business.

Dangotes complaints, prayers

Meanwhile, Mr Dangote said the alleged demand by Ms Spike is embarrassing and upsetting adding that she demands support in lieu of marriage or alienation of affection when she is not entitled to the same.

He also accused her of cyberstalking and making demands for money in exchange of release of private information if he does not pay the proverbial ransom described above.

Among his prayers are a non-jury trial, damages, an award of refund of all of those monies she claims plaintiff paid her, court costs and such remedies as available under the law.

The plaintiff insists that Ms Spikes had proposed to expose her relationship with him if he failed to compensate her with $5 million, support her or marry her.

He added that her media posting violates the plaintiffs agreement with the defendant that their relationship was private and not subject of social media or talk shows.

He wants the defendant restrained from demanding payment in exchange for non-disclosure of their relationship.

Pseudonym

Mr Dangotes lawyers described him in the court document as a wealthy entrepreneur whose business acumen has made a target for coercion by the defendant.

The lawyers said their client used pseudonyms to institute the case to avoid unnecessary media attention and avert coercion to pay the money demanded by Ms Spikes.

The plaintiff, John Doe, also known as AD, is a foreigner and for the purpose of this action employs the pseudonym John Doe in order to avoid unnecessary publicity designed to impair his right to privacy and to coerce his payment of money he does not owe Autumn Spikes, the document read in part.
He's a veteran of the soap world, having appeared in EastEnders, Hollyoaks, Emmerdale and River City.

But Glen Wallace's latest role in Coronation Street is the one that has most impressed his mum Sandra as it's her favourite soap, with the soap star stating in a new interview that she's 'beside herself'.

The Northern Irish actor, 44, also teased that there's set to be drama for Carla Connor in the ITV soap as his character Lucas sets his sights on the Underworld boss.

Proud: New Coronation Street star Glen Wallace has revealed his mum is ecstatic after he landed a role in her favourite soap (pictured in 2020)

Speaking of his mother's reaction that he's gracing the cobbles, he told The Mirror: 'Shes beside herself. She sent me a text that went along the lines of, "I can die happy now. Youve made an old woman very happy."'

Glen made his debut in Weatherfield on Friday as businessman Lucas, an 'old friend' of Carla's who is very much taken by the feisty factory owner.

In fact, Lucas made his intentions clear as he invited a shocked Carla to stay with him at his hotel.

However, despite being tempted amid tensions between her and Peter Barlow, Carla remained loyal and turned Lucas down.

Drama: The Northern Irish actor, 44, also teased that there's set to be drama for Carla Connor in the ITV soap as his character Lucas sets his sights on the Underworld boss (pictured as Lucas)

But Glen has told how her relationship with Peter won't let him stop him getting what he wants and Peter is merely an 'obstacle'.

He explained: 'Whilst the fans and I may know their backstory - I think somebody has described them as the Burton and Taylor of Weatherfield - Lucas isnt going to know that.

'Lucas doesnt care. As a businessman, theres plenty of obstacles in his day-to-day life. I guess Peter is possibly another obstacle.'

Glen is no stranger to soap land, probably best known for his role as Malachy Fisher in Hollyoaks.

While he also appeared as DS Cameron Bryant in EastEnders as part of the who killed Lucy Beale storyline.

Love triangle? Glen has told how Carla's relationship with Peter won't let him stop him getting what he wants and Peter is merely an 'obstacle'

Discussing how his alpha male character is different to his past roles, he noted that all the characters he has portrayed were Northern Irish and 'nearly six foot tall', with 'varying shades of grey hair'.

He added that the difference was their 'external circumstances', noting that his Hollyoaks character Malachy had dealt with his struggles at having a bisexual brother [Kris Fisher] as well as a HIV diagnosis.

However, he remarked on the similarities with DS Bryant, who like Lucas, found himself in a love triangle with DS Summerhayes and Max Branning.

Ladies man: 'Lucas doesnt care. As a businessman, theres plenty of obstacles in his day-to-day life. I guess Peter is possibly another obstacle' (pictured in 2015)

Role: Discussing how his alpha male character is different to his past roles, he noted that all the characters he has portrayed were Northern Irish and 'nearly six foot tall', with 'varying shades of grey hair' (pictured as Malachy in Hollyoaks with Jennifer Metcalfe)

Glen added of the storyline that his character was the 'jilted' man, adding that there was 'revenge involved'.

With that said, it looks as though Weatherfield's Peter and Carla could be set for a bumpy road as Lucas doesn't appear to be one that gives up easily.

He said in an interview: 'In business life and personal life, he wont take no for an answer. He is not willing to miss out on lifes opportunities.'

Coronation Street continues Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on ITV.
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A western Sydney council is pushing ahead with plans to sell land for an $800 million private hospital and medi-hotel led by neurosurgeon Charlie Teo, to attract tourists from Asia seeking treatment for brain illnesses.

Blacktown City Council unveiled plans last week for the sale of its administration centre to make way for the Blacktown Brain and Spinal Institute (BBSI), including a medical research facility, private hospital, medi-hotel, retail space and residential apartments.

An artists impression of the Blacktown Brain and Spinal Institute proposed by neurosurgeon Charlie Teo. Credit:Blacktown Brain and Spinal Institute

Not like your traditional hospital, this facility will be modern, technologically advanced, with natural light and ecologically conscious, providing patients with a feeling of wellness rather than illness, Dr Teo said.

The medical facility would offer complementary, alternative treatments for patients and provide affordable care, Dr Teo said.
Photographer Captures Once-in-a-Lifetime Moment Rare Hummingbird Hangs on Birds Beak

Dramatic photos taken in Ecuador capture an extremely rare hummingbird the split moment it hangs onto the elongated beak of a rival bird in the wild.

The sword-billed hummingbird was beaten to the bird feeder in the photographs, taken by Nicolas Reusens, who described the scene as a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

The 45-year-old photographer caught the buff-tailed coronet, another species of hummingbird, jump the queue, throwing its sword-billed rival off balance in a bid to snatch a bite to eat.

A photo taken in Ecuador shows a buff-tailed coronet hummingbird and a sword-billed hummingbird. (Caters News)

The incredibly rare photo taken by Nicolas Reusens captures the buff-tailed coronet hummingbird grasping the beak of a sword-billed hummingbird. (Caters News)

The buff-tailed coronet hummingbird is shown hanging on the beak of the sword-billed hummingbird. (Caters News)

Nicolas said, During one of my trips to Ecuador I had the luck of watching a very unusual bird coming to the feedersthe sword-billed hummingbird.

The small hummingbird wanted to feed, so to prevent the sword-billed from feeding, it perched on its beak to unbalance it. After six intense days, and the very last afternoon, I got one of the most unusual captures of my life.

Using triggers and large amounts of lighting to freeze motion in the shot, Nicholas was able to capture the photo, which earned him accolades in the Asisa Foto contest.

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
OnSceneTV

A man died early Saturday when his SUV veered off a road near northeast Houston, authorities said.

The man veered off the road about 1 a.m. in the 12100 block of Mesa Drive, south of East Mount Houston Road, when he failed to navigate a curve, the Harris County Sheriff's Office said. His GMC Terrain flipped multiple times and fell into a ditch. The man, whose identity is not yet known, was ejected from the SUV and found dead at the scene.
HARRISBURG  The Department of Corrections has been using flawed data to keep inmates, families and public officials informed about COVID-19 in its prisons, raising questions about the agencys ability to accurately track the extent of the outbreak.

A five-month analysis of prison data by Spotlight PA found large fluctuations in the number of tests administered and unexplained changes to the death count. The findings were confirmed by a California researcher who was also tracking the departments data and had noticed problems.

Its one thing to have little mistakes here and there, but if its month after month that theres many data reporting problems, it definitely causes me pause, said Hope Johnson, a data fellow at UCLAs COVID Behind Bars Project, which tracks COVID-19 infections in prisons nationwide.

In an announcement Friday, sent moments before this story was published, Corrections Secretary John Wetzel said he was taking action.

In our haste to get information out to the public, we put a process in place that involved a single individual pulling data from multiple sources manually every day, Wetzel said. Its unacceptable to continue in this manner, and I need to both accept responsibility for it, and address it permanently moving forward.

Wetzel said the data dashboard would be taken offline for 30 days while the department updates its reporting system and prepares for the addition of new data points related to the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. He said new, automated reporting would improve the process.

In previous statements to Spotlight PA, department officials had acknowledged flaws in the data, and said they had recently transferred responsibility for tracking infections to their data science experts, who would undertake a thorough evaluation to determine how to improve reporting.

The department declined to comment on why data experts were not originally in charge of tracking, or when the change was made.

National researchers said Pennsylvania officials deserve some credit for, on the whole, being more transparent than prison systems in other states. And those advocating for more prisoner releases said the data is clear enough to know some people would be safer if released.

Others, however, said there has been a double standard about widespread concern and scrutiny of statewide coronavirus data reporting by the Department of Health, but not nearly as much attention paid to problems with data tracked and reported by corrections officials.

There are certain individuals who dont care that the data is crap, state Sen. Katie Muth, D-44, Royersford, said, and that theyre dying in the prison system. Theyre fine letting that happen.

The department has documented more than 13,200 positive cases and up to 101 deaths among staff and inmates at its 24 prisons. The Spotlight PA review found tests are being double-counted and disappearing, while deaths are sometimes counted but then erased.

Department officials have said in statements to Spotlight PA and before state lawmakers that removing data was because of errors in duplicate testing. But questions still remain on when and how many prisoners actually had the virus, were negative, or recovered.

In an emailed statement to Spotlight PA in December, Maria Bivens, a department spokesperson, said the numbers published online now indicate the total number of inmates tested, not how many tests were performed. As of Friday, however, the data dashboard said 62,980 inmates have been tested. The departments most recent population data for December said it only housed 40,766 inmates, a discrepancy of nearly 22,000 extra people.

Department officials declined to explain the difference.

Bret Bucklen, the lead data analyst for the department, said in an interview he couldnt fully make sense of the numbers presented on the departments dashboard, and has been tasked with reviewing some of the information to improve accuracy.

Bucklen has used the departments data to challenge those pushing to release prisoners early through Gov. Tom Wolfs temporary reprieve program. In a Jan. 7 posting to Twitter, he wrote in part, There are several data points to suggest that in PA prison is safer than the community from COVID.

But Wetzel, the corrections secretary, used the same data earlier this month to advocate to Senate Democrats for the opposite: to release more inmates through legislation in order to create safer distance between inmates inside.

The department has reduced its total prison population by 6,116 since the start of the pandemic through early release or parole. Another 120 people were released after the governor signed the temporary reprieve program, which fell far short of initial expectations and what some said was needed to safely social distance within prison facilities.

I thank God, frankly, for a 6,500 inmate reduction, or these numbers of deaths and infections would be significantly worse, Wetzel said at a committee hearing hosted by Senate Democrats. But let me be very clear, we need further population reduction.

Wetzel said restrictions around reprieve and early parole have increased the ratio of prisoners who are more at risk of dying of the coronavirus, noting that as of now, 47% of the states inmate population is medically vulnerable.

Sean Damon  the organizing director for Amistad Law Project, a prisoner legal advocacy group  has been compiling prison data in the state and said, Its startling to see the lack of accountability.

The data problems have compounded concern among families desperate to understand whats happening to their loved ones inside prisons. The department recently doubled down on its policy to not inform family when loved ones get sick or die unless they are listed as the emergency contact on department paperwork, which is often as old as an inmates prison term.

Sharon Murchison, whose husband and two brothers are incarcerated at SCI/Chester and SCI/Huntingdon, said she relies on the dashboard for information but is never certain about whats happening.

I check every chance I get and the information is so incorrect, she said. I can recall going back and forth and looking at it and going, something is off. 

Other researchers who have been collecting the states prison infection data said its better than some other states, but that officials need to rectify inaccuracies and let taxpayers know when and why they do it.

It just creates a downstream effect of data inaccuracy,  said Lauren Brinkley-Rubinstein, co-lead investigator and co-founder for the research consortium the COVID Prison Project. If theyre not noting inaccuracies and giving the public that level of transparency and data standardization, then the data can be really meaningless because it just doesnt make sense.

Still, some lawmakers and advocacy groups say the inaccuracies do not take away from the fact that prisoners are endangered.

Sen. Sharif Street, D-3, Philadelphia, has drafted legislation to release people from prison who are medically vulnerable. Despite the data being hard to understand, Street said he wasnt as concerned about accuracy because he knows the severity within the prison system.

If I needed to be convinced, then that would be true, but I dont need to be convinced, Street said.

And other groups, like the Pennsylvania Prison Society, the states unofficial ombudsman for prisoners and their families, align with Streets view.

I do feel like day-to-day, week-to-week, the DOC is giving us information that allows us to understand the spread and the degree of the spread, said Claire Shubik-Richards, executive director of the Pennsylvania Prison Society. If I was a medical provider, this data would not be helpful.
A World Health Organisation-led team of experts investigating the origins of COVID-19 on Friday visited a hospital in the Chinese city of Wuhan that was one of the first to treat patients in the early days of the outbreak.

After meeting with Chinese scientists earlier in the day, the team went to the Hubei Provincial Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine.

Zhang Jixian, director of the hospitals department of respiratory and critical care, has been cited by state media as the first to report the novel coronavirus, after treating an elderly couple in late 2019 whose CT scans showed differences from typical pneumonia.

The WHO-led team was released from two weeks of quarantine on Thursday. It plans to visit labs, markets and hospitals during its remaining two weeks in Wuhan, where the coronavirus was first identified in late 2019.

While an exact itinerary has not been announced, the WHO has said the team plans to visit the seafood market at the centre of the early outbreak as well as the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

One hypothesis, rejected by China, is that the outbreak was caused by a leak at the government lab.

The WHO-led probe in Wuhan has been plagued by delays, concern over access and bickering between China and the United States, which accused China of hiding the extent of the initial outbreak and criticised the terms of the visit, under which Chinese experts conducted the first phase of research.

The WHO has sought to manage expectations. There are no guarantees of answers, its emergency chief, Mike Ryan, said this month.

It is important to remember that the success of this mission and origin-tracing is 100% depending on access to the relevant sources, Thea Fischer, a Danish member of the team, told Reuters on Thursday.

No matter how competent we are, how hard we work and how many stones we try to turn, this can only be possible with the support from China.

The origin of COVID-19 has been highly politicised.

Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning

The investigating team had been set to arrive in Wuhan earlier in January, and Chinas delay of their visit drew rare public criticism from the head of the WHO, which former U.S. President Donald Trump accused of being China-centric.

China has pushed the idea that the virus existed abroad before it was discovered in Wuhan, with state media citing the presence of the virus on imported frozen food packaging and scientific papers saying it had been circulating in Europe in 2019.

Chinas foreign ministry has also hinted that the sudden closure of a U.S. army laboratory at Fort Detrick in Maryland in July 2019 was linked to the pandemic.

At the early stage in China, it was a burden particularly for Wuhan people when everyone was calling it a Wuhan virus, which was humiliating, said Yang You, a 30-year-old Wuhan resident. If it could be traced to the source clearly, in my opinion, it could clear either Chinas or Wuhans name.

(REUTERS)

FRANCE 24 is Premium Times syndication partner. We have permission to republish.

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The Telegraph

The daughter of Radovan Karadzic, the former Bosnian Serb leader serving life for genocide and crimes against humanity during the 1990s Yugoslav wars, has claimed her father is living in unhealthy and uncivilised conditions in a British prison. Karadzic, 75, who was convicted in 2016, was transferred from a detention unit in Holland to a UK jail earlier this month following an agreement struck between the UN and the Home Office. But his daughter, Sonja Karadzic-Jovicevic, has complained about the conditions at her fathers new prison after speaking to him on the phone. "As for the physical condition in which he is accommodated, it is unacceptable, she told SRNA, a news agency based in the Republika Srpska, the Serb enclave of Bosnia. If we add to that the fact that he is in a building full of carcinogenic asbestos that is banned around the world, it is clear in what condition he will be in. Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic also claimed that moving her father to the UK was a deliberate act of spite against his family. "My father is in a very uncivilised situation, and as far as his family is concerned, his relocation to the south of England was deliberately made to keep him far away, outside the rules of the United Nations Resolution adopted by the Security Council, she said. It will be very difficult for us physically, financially and procedurally, because of visas, and immunisation during the pandemic, and even after that, to ever go there and visit him," she continued. She added that he had been deprived of his books and his computer, and will be completely removed from his language and his culture. A spokesman for the Justice Ministry said: "UK prisons meet health and safety standards." Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic, who has a political career in Bosnia, has fought to defend her fathers name despite his brutal role in the wars as the Yugoslavian federation separated in the 1990s. Known as the Butcher of Bosnia, Karadzic went down in infamy, in particular for ordering the Srebrenica Massacre in July 1995. Some 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were rounded up by the Bosnian Serb army in and around the town of Srebrenica and then killed in the worst single massacre in Europe since the end of the Second World War. Karadzics lawyers had objected to his clients transfer to the UK, arguing that his life would be in danger owing to Muslim inmates in British prisons. They also argued that owing to possible threats to Karadzics life he would be kept in conditions resembling solitary confinement, but the UN court dismissed the objections. Given his role in the slaughter of Muslims, the experience of another Serb convicted of war crimes may also weigh upon the Karadzic family. In 2010 Radislav Krstic, a former Bosnian-Serb general, was stabbed by three Muslim prisoners while serving a sentence in Wakefield prison, in apparent retaliation for Srebrenica.

A smoker could pay anywhere from 6,000 to 60,000 than their non-smoking counterpart for life assurance according to figures released today by Royal London.

Experts at the leading protection specialist say that many policyholders are unaware of the significant cost savings that can be made on their life insurance premiums if they have given up smoking  with non-smokers benefiting from a reduction in premiums of up to around 50%.

Royal London is highlighting the issue now as this is a time when many smokers make it their New Years resolution to give up smoking once and for all and, after the expense of Christmas, they believe it comes as welcome news to anyone who has successfully managed to quit since January 2020 or before, that this year their life insurance premiums may be reduced dramatically.

Michele Murphy of Royal London explained: When weighing up the advantages of quitting smoking, we generally think about the obvious health benefits and the cost savings to be gained from not purchasing cigarettes frequently  especially given that, from 2021, one packet is set to cost 14.

"However, fewer people may immediately think of the significant cost benefit of quitting in terms of the impact it has on life cover premiums. As you might imagine, smokers pay more in premiums for life insurance than non-smokers, due to many damaging health effects, but people may not be aware of just how sizeable the difference can be between the premiums charged.

Commenting on the cost analysis carried out by Royal London, Ms. Murphy said: The figures speak for themselves - showing massive savings for non-smokers when compared with smokers. A smoker turning 35 on their next birthday will pay over 6,000 more in premiums than their non-smoking counterpart for 300,000 worth of Level Term Life Cover over a 25-year term.

"A smoker turning 45 on their next birthday can expect to pay over 68,300 more than a non-smoker during the course of a Specified Serious Illness policy for 300,000 over a 25-year term. Our experience is that while many people expect that smokers will pay more in premiums; they are surprised how much the cost savings can add up to over the lifetime of the cover.

Royal London says that anyone considering quitting smoking as their 2021 New Years resolution has the added incentive of looking forward to a reduction in premiums next year. To be classified as a non-smoker for insurance purposes you must have not used any tobacco products in the last 12 months, including the use of e-cigarettes and nicotine replacement products such as patches or chewing gum, with no intention to do so in the future. It is possible that your insurance provider may ask you to complete a cotinine test (smoker test). This is a simple test which involves screening a sample of saliva or urine for tobacco use.

Last year the then Minister for Health, Simon Harris, said that the COVID-19 pandemic has made it more important than ever to quit smoking. Smoking impairs lung function and the infectious virus primarily attacks the lungs. Added to that, tobacco is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease and diabetes. According to a report from the World Health Organisation research suggests that when smokers are affected by the virus that they are at higher risk of developing severe illness and death.

Ms. Murphy concluded by saying, Given the pandemic, more focus than ever has been on our physical health, and with tobacco use being the leading cause of preventable death in Ireland each year, it stands to reason that those that smoke may make giving up the habit a priority in 2021. Fortunately, the prevalence of smoking in Ireland is decreasing  according to HSE figures for the first half of 2020 15.7% of the Irish population smoke, which is down from the 2019 full year figure of 17.1%.

"We are calling on ex-smokers who have successfully kicked the habit since at least 01 January 2020 to go about reaping the financial rewards of their outstanding achievement. If you are a smoker, who is considering quitting, the potential cost savings on your life insurance is another reason to break the habit that you can add to the list.

If youre an ex-smoker since this time last year, we recommend that you get in touch with your Financial Broker who, by assessing your individual needs, will be able to advise you about the potential cost savings for non-smokers. It may be possible for you to avail of cheaper rates and start the New Year by saving money on your insurance policy.

Following the Republic Day tractor parade organised by farmers' unions and the chaos that ensued in Delhi, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait was one of the leaders named in an FIR filed by the Delhi Police. The charges against him included attempt to murder, rioting and criminal conspiracy.

Two days later, visuals of Tikait breaking down at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border in Ghazipur on Thursday prompted hundreds of farmers to continue protests on Friday and Saturday.

"More farmers from western Uttar Pradesh districts will reach here. Everybody has condemned what happened in Delhi on Republic Day but now they have made Chaudhary sahab (Rakesh Tikait) cry. Unke aansu nikle hain, wo sahan nahi hoga (Farmers will not tolerate that Tikait had to shed tears)," one of the farmers at the protest site told reporters.

Rakesh Tikait, son of legendary farm leader Mahendra Singh Tikait, has been at the forefront of the protest against the Centre's three contentious farm laws at the Ghazipur border since the start. The latest build-up at the border comes on the heels of attempts to evacuate the protesters from the sites.

An influential farmers' leader, Tikait is also one of the leaders representing the farmers in the negotiations with the Cente. "I will commit suicide but won't end protest until the farm bills are repealed," Tikait said to PTI.

Read | Internet suspended at Delhi's Singhu, Ghazipur, Tikri borders till January 31 amid farmers protest

Tikait had announced a nationwide protest against the legislation on September 25, just a couple of days after two of the three farm Bills were passed in the Rajya Sabha. The farm leader, who has been part of various farmers' movement for the past 30 years, had called for a 'chakkajam' (traffic jam) during a demonstration against the farm Bills outside the Muzaffarnagar district magistrate's office.

BKU activists led by Tikait had reached the UP Gate bordering Delhi on November 28 and have stayed put ever since, demanding a 'written assurance' about the continuation of the minimum support price (MSP) system.

Tikait soon became the face people identified with the protests  addressing the press, representing the farmers and pressing for the repeal of laws. He even donated blood at the camps organised at the Ghazipur border.

Death threat

On December 26, Tikait's personal assistant Arjun Baliyan claimed that the farm leader had received a death threat on his phone. A case was registered under Section 507 (criminal intimidation by an anonymous communication) of the IPC at the Kaushambi police station and a probe is underway.

Past protests

This isn't the first time the BKU or Tikait have had a head-on collision with the Centre. In 2018, Tikait had threatened the Centre that farmers would topple the BJP in the 2019 General Elections if the promise of the MSP on the C2+50 formula at 50 per cent of the cost was not announced.

Tikait was also one of the leaders that led the 'Kisan Kranti Yatra' march with thousands of farmers towards New Delhi in September 2018 for demands of farm loan-waiver. He has also locked horns with the UP government on issues ranging from clearance of sugarcane farmers' dues to ban on old tractors.
Support for the farmers' protest swelled on Saturday, as more villagers poured in at a key protest site on the Delhi- Meerut highway in Ghazipur on the border with Uttar Pradesh.

The Bharatiya Kisan Union-led protest against the Centre's new farm laws here looked like it was going slim on Thursday but more protestors have joined the stir, following a mahapanchayat of farmers on Saturday in Muzaffarnagar, while supporters also joined in from Haryana and Rajasthan districts.

Farmers' protest

"The movement was and is strong," BKU's Meerut Zone president Pawan Khatana said.

Khatana, who is at the demonstration site with BKU leader Rakesh Tikait, said there has been continuous support for the "peaceful protest" against the farmers' demand for removal of the new agri laws.

Asked about estimated crowd size at the site, the farmer leader from western Uttar Pradesh said, "Farmers are coming in to show solidarity and leaving. It is not a stagnant crowd."

Farmer unionsOn Saturday night, the BKU office-bearers had estimated a crowd of around 10,000 people at Ghazipur while the Ghaziabad police officials pegged it around 5,000 to 6,000.

Heavy security deployment, including personnel of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), Rapid Action Force (RAF) in anti-riot gears and civil police, was made at the protest site.

More students applied to the University of California this year than at any time in its history, despite uncertainty during a pandemic that has led to nearly a year of remote instruction, and steep declines in college enrollment across the country.

One reason for rising interest in UC may be because this year a judge has barred the university from considering SAT or ACT exams in student admissions for the first time.

The university received 203,700 freshman applications for fall 2021, an increase of 18.4% from last year, UC is reporting.

The number of Black applicants grew by nearly 22%, an increase of 1,505 requests for admission. Applications from Latino students rose by more than 12%, or an additional 5,250 requests. Overall, freshman applications from underrepresented minority students remained at about 45% of the total.

Our record number of applications is a testament to the resilience of students and their families, as well as their undeterred focus on higher education, said UC President Michael Drake.

John Perez, chairman of the Board of Regents, said he was heartened and inspired that so many students want to enroll at UC, noting that the diverse backgrounds, many strengths and impressive talents will enrich the university.

Across the country, college enrollment declined by 2.5% in fall 2020 compared to the prior year  nearly twice the drop seen in fall 2019  according to a report from the National College Clearinghouse, which tracks such data. Colleges lost more than half a million students last fall.

At UC, university leaders credited the rising number of applications to their strong outreach efforts within California.

This years application cycle was also the first in which the standardized admissions tests SAT and ACT will play no role in enrollment decisions.

UC spokeswoman Claire Doan declined to connect that to the unprecedented interest in attending UC, saying, It is difficult to attribute it to any particular data point.

The regents voted in May to make the exams voluntary for applicants, in response to Dec. 2019 lawsuit by low-income, minority and disabled students who argued that the tests discriminated against applicants who couldnt afford test prep classes, and that they posed other obstacles that often prevented qualified students from being accepted to UC. Many colleges around the country have gone test-optional for these reasons.

This fall, a judge barred the tests for any admissions decisions at UC.

The university will continue to evaluate students based on grade-point average and required high school coursework. In some cases, UC also considers talent or other special circumstances, such as overcoming adversity.

Individual campuses also weigh in on admissions decisions. And the university has long guaranteed admission to California applicants who rank in the top 9% of high school students statewide or at their school.

Meanwhile, UC says it may continue to rely on SAT or ACT scores in three ways if students choose to submit them: to determine your eligibility for the California statewide admissions guarantee, as an alternative method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility, or for course placement after you enroll.

The application information UC released Thursday painted a detailed picture of who is applying to each campus as a freshman or transfer student, and where they are coming from.

Here are highlights:

COVID Resources Coronavirus Map Tracking COVID-19 cases across the Bay Area and California.

 Out-of-state and international students represented 37% of all freshman applications (75,572), higher than the prior years 34% (58,760)

 Among California applicants (freshman and transfer students), 46% would be the first in their family to graduate from college, and 44% were from a family with an annual income of less than $58,004.

 More freshmen applied to UCLA than to any other campus (139,463), with UC Berkeley coming in third (112,820) after UC San Diego.

 All nine undergraduate campuses saw increases in freshman applications, from 4.4% at the newest campus, UC Merced, to 28.2% at the oldest, UC Berkeley.

 Among California freshman applications, 573 came from American Indians, less than 1%. Those applicants generally applied to more than one campus, with UCLA receiving the most from this group, 352.

 UCLA received more applications from Californians trying to transfer in than any other campus: 23,591. UC Berkeley received 18,194 transfer application from in-state residents, trailing Irvine with 22,781, and San Diego with 19,406.

A strong number of applications doesnt always translate into high enrollment, however.

Of the 172,308 people who applied for a freshman slot at UC for last fall, more than 54,000 were disappointed when the envelope arrived last spring.

UC invited 118,242 of them to enroll  but just 46,709 did so, or 40%.

Nanette Asimov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: nasimov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @NanetteAsimov

Govt continuously trying to resolve farmer issue: PM Modi at all party meet

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 30: The government has been continuously trying to resolve issues of protesting farmers through talks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

He was referring to the farmer protests during an all party meeting ahead of February 1 when Parliament would meet and the Budget will be presented.

Government's proposal still stands. Please convey this to your supporters. The resolution should be found through dialogue. We all have to think about the nation," the PM said at the meet according to sources.

In the all-party meeting chaired by PM Narendra Modi, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, TMC's Sudip Bandyopadhyay, Shiv Sena MP Vinayak Raut, and SAD's Balwinder Singh Bhunder spoke at length on farmers agitation. JD(U) MP RCP Singh on the other hand supported the laws.

The PM said that he wanted to reiterate what Agriculture Minister, Narendra Singh Tomar told the farmers. Tomar had told the farmers that they had not reached any consensus, but are giving them the offer and you may go and deliberate. Tomar also told the farmers that he was just a phone call away, PM Modi said at the all party meeting.

The PM assured that GOI is approaching the farmers issue with an open mind. PM said GoI's stand is same as it was on 22nd- proposal by Agriculture Minister still stands. He reiterated what Tomar Ji said - that he is phone call away for talks, said Prahlad Joshi, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs sId.

Moradabad-Agra highway accident | Gandhi statue vandalised in US | Oneindia News

Joshi also said that at the all party meeting the PM said that the incident that took place on January 26 was unfortunate and law would take its own course. The PM further said that it is for the bigger parties to ensure that the Parliament functions smoothly and there are no disruptions, so that the smaller parties are able to voice their views in Parliament.
Think of the coronavirus vaccine as a test run or dress rehearsal for your immune system in preparation for the day it might encounter the protein found in the highly contagious and deadly COVID-19, says Midland County Medical Director Dr. Catherine Bodnar.

The typically milder symptoms of the first dose of the vaccine means your immunity system has been triggered. The more flu-like symptoms after the needed second dose is because your immunity system is primed and acts more vigorously to fend off the protein found in theSARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.

"Vaccinations are like education for our immune systems," Bodnar said. "Getting the vaccine helps our system produce a response-like a practice run or rehearsal."

Health officials hope the Pfizer and Moderna vaccinations  and those expected to come after  will prove to be highly effective against stopping the spread of the highly contagious virus and, hopefully, ending the pandemic.

The first vaccine was developed in 1798, to combat smallpox, Bodnar said, adding the last case of smallpox was in 1978.

"Smallpox was officially declared eradicated from the planet in 1979," she said. "Once common diseases, polio, measles, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), rubella (German measles), mumps, tetanus, rotavirus and chickenpox can be prevented by vaccination. Now we have the first vaccines for COVID-19, an important tool to help end the pandemic and get the economy and our lives back to normal."

The stats behind the vaccines

The Moderna vaccination has an efficacy rate of 94.5% while the Pfizer has a rate of 95%, based on clinical trials, Bodnar said, adding the measles vaccine has an efficacy rate of 97%.

Bodnar says current coronavirus vaccine is believed to be highly effective against the new strain first identified in the United Kingdom, but it is thought not to be as highly effective against the strain first identified in South Africa.

The Centers for Disease Control health officials hope that 5.6 million people, age 16 and older and eligible for the vaccine, are vaccinated by the end of 2021. The state has set a goal of having 70% percent of those eligible for the vaccine by the fall. Bodnar hopes for 80%.

"I would like for 80% to get vaccinated to get that heard immunity or some people call that community immunity," she said. "People not accepting vaccine is kind of my worst nightmare right now."

Bodnar said the vaccine could be beneficial to people who contract coronavirus.

"Even if you get COVID-19, the vaccine may protect you from becoming seriously ill. It also protects people around you, especially those at high risk from severe complications of COVID-19. The best way to quell the pandemic is to get vaccinated and continue to follow public health measures," including wearing masks, social distancing, handwashing and limiting interactions with people outside your household.

So far, Midland County seniors have indicated a "very high" acceptance rate of the vaccine as do school personnel, who have been getting their vaccinations. She said one school district had a 70% expected acceptance rate and another had an 82% acceptance rate.

"And this is just the first pass with them," she said. "What tends to happen is people see other people getting vaccinated, some people want to wait and will jump in a little bit later. I think getting numbers like 70%, 82% is really great."

How the vaccine work

Coronavirus vaccines do not contain live coronavirus, and people cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine.

Instead the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines contain messenger RNA (mRNA,) which contains genetic instructions for making a piece of a harmless spike protein. The mRNA is delivered in a fragile, oily sphere (which is why the vaccine needs to be frozen) that meets up with cells in the body. The mRNA instructs the cells to make the spike protein, which is carried on cells. The immune system will recognize the protein as something that shouldn't be there and makes antibodies to destroy it.

"The next time our system encounters that spike protein, which might be attached to the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19, our immune system is ready to go and ready to respond because it has had its practice run or rehearsal."

Another promising vaccine on the horizon is the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which uses double-stranded DNA for instructions to build the mRNA, Bodnar said.

"That has to get into the nucleus of the cell and make the mRNA. DNA is not as fragile as RNA . It can be refrigerated not frozen."

Asymptomatic virus 'a big problem'

Especially troublesome with COVID-19 is how easily it can be transmitted without the carrier showing any symptoms unlike the SARS-associated coronavirus that made headlines earlier this century.

"SARS is a coronavirus that gave us severe respiratory distress syndrome back in early 2000s, which kind of magically disappeared. We saw some illness from it but not (like COVID-19). The thing about that SARS, it wasn't thought to be transmissible until people had symptoms so it was relatively easy to curtail something like that versus SARS-CoV-2 where there's a lot of asymptomatic transmission. They're like night and day really. Asymptomatic is huge  it's a big problem."

That virus was much easier to curtail because, just as with influenza, people with symptoms of a contagious virus tend to wear masks and isolate themselves when they are sick. Without symptoms, people tend to go about their business and can spread the virus everywhere they go without knowing it.

Common misconceptions

 Myth: COVID 19 vaccine not safe because it was rapidly developed.

Bodnar said some of the technology already was in place because of the SARS virus in the early 2000s. Researchers were aware of coronaviruses and their issues and were able to adapt their work to focus on the virus that causes COVID-19.

Government funding of research also helped speed the process, she said, allowing phases to be worked on simultaneously without skipping any steps.

"Once you get to go to Phase 3 trial you're starting to manufacture the vaccine. That's why as soon as Phase 3 was done, the vaccine was ready to go because it was being manufactured," Bodnar said, adding that would not have been the case if funding had to be found with each step.

"I have no reservation about how these vaccinations were developed and the speed makes sense to me because we have this global pandemic that is just devastating to our planet and all this energy and resources were directed to getting this done."

 Myth: Masks are no longer needed after a vaccine.

Bodnar said early on in the pandemic it wasn't advised to wear masks because medical officials didn't think COVID-19 was asymptomatic.

"Masks traditional have been used to prevent transmission so having people without symptoms wearing masks were not thought to be something we needed until realization came about that this can be spread by people who don't have symptoms," Bodnar said. "When that happened the realization that anybody can be a source because they don't have to have symptoms, that's when the whole flip flop came with the masks, the CDC recommendations. Really this asymptomatic transmission is huge. It's a big problem."

Bodnar said it is crucial for people continue to wear masks, social distance and follow all public health recommendations even after they are vaccinated.

 Myth: I don't need a vaccine, I've already had coronavirus.

There is not enough information to say for how long after an infection someone is protected from getting COVID-19 again, which is called natural immunity.

"Early evidence suggests (natural immunity) may not last for long but we really don't understand that so it's recommended even if you have COVID-19 to get the vaccine," Bodnar said. "You can delay getting the vaccination until about 90 days after diagnosis but if we're going after priority groups right now, we are not delaying vaccines to people who had the disease."
Six power plants in the Benban Solar Park in Egypts southern governorate of Aswan have now been finished and connected to the national grid, the company in charge of the project announced on Sunday.

The announcement was made by Salah Ghobrial, CEO of Gama Construction, an Egypt-based company that provides engineering and construction services for industrial buildings and infrastructure projects.

We have completed the construction of the 390 MW solar power plants and successfully connected them to the national grid within the set time frame and to international standards. This achievement is a demonstration of Egyptian companies potential and capability in playing an active role in executing mega-projects, especially in the field of renewable energy, Ghobrial said.

The power park, which has a total capacity of 1.8 GW, making it the worlds largest solar park when completed, is subdivided into 41 plots, each given to a power company to generate solar energy.

The plants are then to be connected to the national grid. The list of companies that have power plants on the site includes a consortium of Hassan Allam and TAQA Arabia, as well as Scatec Solar, Al-Sewedy Electric, and Germanys Ib Vogt.

Work on the park started in 2015, according to a presidential decree, and it is built on 27 square km. While many of the plants in the park have started commercial operations during the past six months, the official inauguration of the park as a whole took place this week.

In May, World Bank Group Chief David Malbas visited the solar park and praised reforms in the Egyptian energy sector, saying it was opening a door to strong investments by the private sector.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is also providing financing for 16 projects in Benban as part of its $500 million framework for financing renewable energy in Egypt.

According to Egypts Vision 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy, the government has issued a renewables feed-in tariff law to encourage private investments in this sector.

The goal by 2030 is to ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix, and double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.

Egypt aims to produce 20 per cent of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2022 and 42 per cent by 2035.

Salah Arafa, AUC professor of physics, told Al-Ahram Weekly that expanding the use of solar energy is an important step that took so long to be achieved.

As Egypt is still suffering from energy shortages, which is crucial to serve developmental purposes, the need for clean and renewable energy is inevitable, Arafa said.

Arafa argued that Egypt needs to increase awareness about solar and renewable energy so that people understand that they can get it either directly or indirectly. An example of a direct source of energy is putting solar energy panels on a house roof to generate power that is sold to the national grid. Indirect sources include wind energy and agricultural waste such as biogas.

A 2018 report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) concluded that Egypt has already achieved remarkable progress in developing an enabling policy, regulatory and institutional framework for the deployment of renewable energy.

IRENA also praised the countrys success in gaining experience in the implementation of a wide range of renewable projects, particularly for solar and wind electricity generation.

Yet, the report also gave a number of policy recommendations, including facilitating access to data and information for project developers with respect to on-site solar and wind resource assessments, land-allocation procedures, and the performance of existing renewable energy power plants under sometimes difficult environmental conditions.

It also called on Egypt to develop specific capacity targets for the deployment of solar thermal systems and explore different options for supporting the accelerated penetration of solar thermal systems in the residential and industrial sectors.

Other recommendations included creating a national master plan for the development of local job creation in the renewable energy industry, with a specific set of actions defined for solar photovoltaic and wind energy technologies.

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MEPs are gearing up to torpedo an EU-China investment deal over human rights concerns.

The deal, inked at the end of December, is seen by many in Parliament as a rush job, and badly timed given Chinas crackdown in Hong Kong and ongoing ill-treatment of its minority Uighur population.

The problems with China are mounting, said Fianna Fail MEP Barry Andrews, who sits on the Parliaments international trade committee.

The opposition within the Parliament to this agreement is mounting [and its] very much related to Hong Kong and forced labour of the Uighurs, he told the Irish Independent.

Read More

The European Commission says the deal will open up Chinas economy in protected sectors such as energy, transport, healthcare and telecoms.

Caroline Devlin, Chair of the Ireland-China Business Association and a partner in law firm Arthur Cox, said the agreement is a game changer for investors.

Setting up business in China requires significant commitment and experience, and even then the rules are complex for those investing in China, she told the Irish Independent.

She said the deal would result in fair competition, and allow unprecedented access for EU (Irish) investors into many sectors and businesses".

Enterprise Ireland says over 300 Irish companies are engaged with China, with exports of around 1bn in 2017.

Chinese investment here is at record highs and rose over 50pc in 2019, according to law firm Baker McKenzie.

"Ireland is viewed as a friendly destination for Chinese investment and it has been steadily increasing year on year, Ms Devlin said, pointing to the success of Dundalk-based WuXi Biologics, which has announced its intention to build a vaccine production facility.

Before they green-light the deal, MEPs want to see China sign up to and implement the International Labour Organizations forced labour convention and release jailed Hong Kong activists.

They have also raised the case of Irish businessman Richard OHalloran, refused exit from China for almost two years, despite not being charged with anything.

A resolution adopted by the Parliament last week urges China to release unjustly detained EU citizens, such as Irish citizen Richard OHalloran.

Its unlikely MEPs will vote on the deal for at least a year but they intend to make their position clear in a resolution in March.

The China deal doesnt require the approval of the Dail or other national governments.
Extremely worthwhile community news reporting offer a glimpse of the Democratic Party leader pushing for more public health resources for her urban core constituents despite renewed opposition from right-wing suburban critics.

Read more . . .

U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-3rd Dist., touring the Unified Government Health Department vaccination clinic on Thursday, said she would advocate for more vaccines in the region. "It was incredibly encouraging to see the capacity Wyandotte County has to vaccinate folks thanks to the strong investments they've made in public health, but it's clear that we need more vaccines if we are going to get this virus under control and keep our community safe," Rep.
The U.S. Mint is issuing a collectible coin honoring one of South Carolinas notable civil rights leaders.

The $1 coin depicts Septima Poinsette Clark marching with three Black students carrying books and an American flag, representing that education and literacy among oppressed people is necessary for empowerment and enjoyment of civil rights.

Its part of an ongoing series called the American Innovation $1 Coin Program that pays tribute to pioneering individuals and groups, and their inventions and accomplishments, from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. Four coins are made each year, through 2032.

The Clark coin, the last made during 2020, can be purchased now in rolls and bags of 25 or 100. The reverse proof version of the coin, available Monday, is priced at $11.50, with production limited to 50,000.

"Septima Clark was one of the concepts that was proposed by the governors office and presented in design form to the advisory committees," U.S. Mint spokesman Michael White said. "In the end, the committees and the governor agreed that the selected design was the best option to represent South Carolina in this program."

The coin's imagery was created by Utah-based artist Justin Kunz.

Clarks life  she was born in 1898 and died in 1987  corresponded closely with the Jim Crow period of legalized segregation and oppression. Her father had been born a slave; her mother was a laundrywoman. Growing up in Charleston, her parents emphasized education and economic uplift. Clark attended the Avery Normal Institute, then launched a productive teaching career.

She joined the NAACP during the World War I years so she could add pressure to the city of Charleston to install African American teachers and principals at Black public schools. During the World War II years, while living in Columbia, Clark fought with the NAACP for equal pay for Black teachers. She went on to form citizenship schools, first under the auspices of the Highlander Folk School, and later with Martin Luther King Jr.s Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

In 1969, she lent support to Charleston's hospital workers who were striking for fair pay and treatment. She remained active in Charleston throughout the 1970s, winning a seat on the school board and achieving recognition from President Jimmy Carter.

So there is some irony in the recent announcement by the U.S. Mint that Clark is being honored with the production of a collectible $1 coin, said Katherine Mellen Charron, history professor at North Carolina State University and author of the biography Freedom's Teacher: The Life of Septima Clark.

What does it mean for a civil rights activist committed to economic justice and to rectifying the inequities of racial capitalism to appear on a coin? she asked rhetorically. Its really important to raise this question.

Money was a central concern of Clark throughout her life. She fought for equal pay and economic security, and she endured targeted attacks on her own pocketbook.

The state of South Carolina took away her retirement after 40 years of teaching, Charron said. She had to fight in the 1970s to get it back.

In 1956, the Charleston school board fired Clark because she was a member of the NAACP. The state had passed a law forbidding state workers to belong to civil rights organizations.

So this question of money is ironic, Charron said. At the same time, its important to increase her visibility. Weve all heard about Rosa Parks. And now people mention Ella Baker, as well they should, and Fannie Lou Hamer, as well they should. But the pantheon needs to be expanded.

Losing her teaching job in Charleston County was a blow, but it also liberated her to pursue civil rights work full time, Charron noted. In 1957, Clark joined the Highlander Folk School in Tennessee where she set up what many consider to be her greatest legacy, the citizenship schools, which taught reading and civics to prospective Black voters, first on Johns Island and then throughout the South.

Clark traveled near and far to raise money for the school based on the success of her program.

She would go representing Highlander, but also the (civil rights) movement to white funders, Charron said. One time she came back from one of these trips to find out shed been named director of education.

When the state of Tennessee revoked Highlander's charter in 1961, Clark transferred to SCLC and expanded the citizenship schools program. King knew her as the mother of the movement and considered her efforts the bulwark of SCLCs program department.

The citizenship schools established a model that civil rights groups adopted repeatedly over the years. In 1964, the Congress of Racial Equity and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, with support from SCLC and the NAACP, set up Freedom Schools in Mississippi, part of voter registration efforts in the Deep South.

Marion Wright Edelman, an attorney who participated in Freedom Summer and many other episodes of the civil rights movement of the 1960s, founded the Childrens Defense Fund in 1973 and eventually adopted the Freedom School concept, making it a cornerstone of her organizations work.

Even today, in North Charleston, the community development corporation Metanoia organizes a summertime Freedom School that teaches children reading as a way to build up their self-esteem and encourage civic engagement.

Millicent Brown, a community activist and former history professor at Claflin University, said recognizing Clark on a commemorative coin is a nice honor, though it likely reaches a limited audience.

If that helps to educate more people, both in and outside of South Carolina, about her work and the issues she promoted, then fine. Though she is wary of small public courtesies meant to appear grand, she added. If there is not some tangible, ongoing commitment to her work, then it becomes just a perfunctory gesture.

Brown does not expect the U.S. Mint to do more than produce the coin (the Mint doesnt do economic policy, she said), but she hopes the memento can become part of a larger push for justice.

President Joseph Biden, who has pledged to address social and economic justice issues during his time in office, issued a memorandum Tuesday instructing the secretary of Housing and Urban Development to investigate ways to redress historical housing and transit discrimination.

"The Federal Government must recognize and acknowledge its role in systematically declining to invest in communities of color and preventing residents of those communities from accessing the same services and resources as their white counterparts," he wrote.

Sometimes honoring historical figures publicly can be interpreted as cynical or insincere, Brown said. For example, renaming the Crosstown  the roadway that, when built in the 1960s, decimated the predominantly Black community on Charleston peninsula  the Septima P. Clark Expressway seems particularly paradoxical, she said. Or naming streets after local Black residents but failing to repair the potholes or address the flooding they endure comes across as an empty compliment.

We hope that if you name a street for somebody in an economically depressed area, that street sign is supposed to open the door to considering the condition of the people living on the street, Brown said. All too often we dont take those next steps.

Honoring Clark with a road or a coin might be a cause for celebration if officials took the opportunity to put the educators advocacy work and legacy into action, she said.

What would Septima Clark think of charter schools, or disparities in school funding, or the racial gap in education outcomes, Brown wondered. What would she answer to the question: How do we best care the children?

CORRECTION: A photograph of hospital workers in 1969, used with an earlier version of this story, misidentified Rosa Parks as Septima Clark.

Come on kids, get ready. Were going to spend the day at the beach in Auburn. As strange as that may sound in Corn Country, theres a real possibility that sunning and swimming may be on the horizon for residents if the City of Auburns public-private fundraising drive meets it goals.

We are looking at the possibility of having a beach at Auburn City Park, said Auburn Mayor Lee Kilbourn. It would be a place where families can come and swim, enjoy the sun and bring stand up paddleboards or kayaks to use in our pond.

The city has announced that it is seeking a grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund to complete phase one of a three-phase Auburn Park Renovation Project. At a projected cost of $290,000, the initial phase of the project entails construction of a 1.25 mile, 10-foot wide concrete pathway around the parks existing pond. The current pathway is too narrow and has fallen into disrepair, according to Auburn officials.

This will be the final piece, the main artery, to seamlessly connect all of the ADA-compliant amenities at the park, such as picnic tables, seating, grills, a childrens playground and a future all-access outdoor gym or senior playground, said Robin Devereaux-Nelson, the citys funding specialist.

A new and wider path will better allow for walkers, runners, strollers, wheelchairs and bicyclists to navigate around the pond, officials said.

Making the park ADA-compliant is important because that means everyone can enjoy it, Kilbourn said. The current path has low spots that puddle up and further erodes the pavement. An all-access pathway will be a safer place for everybody. If you visit the park, youll see people there constantly. We think its a worthwhile investment for the community.

According to Devereaux-Nelson, a new senior workout area, designed for strength training and coordination, would feature several pieces of workout equipment installed on a rubber pad or cement slab.

It has disability-friendly stations that can be accessed standing, sitting and for persons who use wheelchairs, she said. I like to think of it as an all-access outdoor gym. It would be the first of its kind in Michigan.

For that portion of the project, the city is applying for grant funding from an organization called Kaboom. Even though its primary mission is to build playgrounds for children in urban areas, the national nonprofit does provide playground grants aimed at providing outdoor recreational opportunities for seniors.

They also provide a project manager for the playground project, said Devereaux-Nelson. Its a very exciting opportunity.

The city is also seeking the publics financial assistance to make these planned improvements happen through its Walk in the Park Sponsorship Program. The program has varying sponsorship levels, ranging from $25 up to $1,000.

Granting organizations like to see that there is community support for projects seeking funding.

We are hoping to raise $100,000 in matching funds to go toward the proposed $300,000 DNR grant, she said. All sponsorship dollars raised will be used to leverage local, state and federal grant funds to complete all (three) phases of the Auburn Park Renovation Project.

The city is also eyeing adding a second dock on the pond, similar to the one it installed a couple of years ago that serves primarily as a fishing pier.

Phase 1 of the plan is expected to cost approximately $290,000, while the price tags for phase 2 is $100,000 and phase 3 (outdoor fireplace/gathering area) is $15,000.

The latest round of planned improvements continues the citys commitment to its multi-year park master plan designed to promote a healthy and vibrant community. These initiatives also include offering the community a much-improved Auburn Farmers Market that enjoyed a surge in vendors this past season despite COVID-19.

To receive a sponsorship application, please contact Devereaux-Nelson at robindevereaux@gmail.com or phone her at 989-928-3561.
Shortly before 5:30 p.m. Friday, a male victim whose age was unknown was seated in a parked vehicle in the 5300 block of West Van Buren Street when a dark-colored vehicle pulled up and someone inside opened fire, striking the victim multiple times in his body. He was pronounced dead at the scene, police said
The Pennsylvania Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee wholeheartedly supports the ongoing resistance of Chicago educators to the demands of Chicagos Democratic Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to force 10,000 educators and 71,000 K-8 students into unsafe buildings by February 1.

Pennsylvania classroom with in-person instruction (Credit: Conestoga Valley School District Facebook page)

Chicago educators voted by 71 percent not to return for in-person instruction and to strike if the district retaliated against teachers defying orders. However, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) has conspired against the teachers, allowing a phased-in return of Pre-K and Special Education teachers and punitively isolating locked-out teachers who refused to enter buildings. The CTU is engaged in frenzied negotiations to push through a reopening of schools in line with the policies of the Democratic Party in Illinois and nationwide.

This fight is our fight and the fight of educators everywhere. There is no safe return to school when the pandemic is totally out of control and has entered a new and deadlier phase. Resistance is growing to these homicidal policies, both nationally and internationally, including in Democratic Party-controlled Montgomery, Alabama where teachers this week conducted a sickout fighting for the right to teach fully remotely.

Under Pennsylvanias Democratic Governor Tom Wolf, state guidelines mandating virtual instruction under conditions of substantial viral spread have been left entirely at the discretion of a patchwork of 500 local school districts administrations.

Now even the toothless state recommendations have been swept away. Starting on January 25, all districts are encouraged to return elementary school students to in-person learning regardless of the level of community spread, fully in line with the Biden administrations directive to reopen K-8 schools nationally within his first 100 days in office.

Philadelphia Schools, also under local Democratic Party control, is the 18th largest school district in the country, with over 18,000 staff and 200,000 students. After two attempts last year to reopen for face-to-face instruction met with fierce public opposition, Philadelphia schools have announced that K-2 classrooms will reopen on February 22, with older grades being phased in.

Earlier this month, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) President Jerry Jordan signaled his approval, stating that during contract negotiations the union secured a series of conditions necessary to open schools, complete with grievance procedures to enforce them.

I think teachers want to be in the classroom; they want to be face-to-face with kids; kids need direct instruction, Jordan said. We as a district and union are farther ahead than many places. This boils down to facilitating countless more deaths and disease, despite his call for more assurances that schools are safe.

For its part, the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) has worked throughout the pandemic to block teachers opposition to working in unsafe buildings across the state. Instead of mobilizing its 187,000 members to fight, the PSEA has issued mealy mouthed calls on the governor to enforce state guidelines.

The Pennsylvania Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee, which is wholly independent of the Democrats, Republicans and the unions , stands for a lockdown of all nonessential businesses and fully-remote learning until the pandemic is contained. Democratic Governor Wolf and President Joe Biden are demanding in-person learning, with the connivance of the unions, for only one purposeto force workers back to work in unsafe conditions. These measures are being taken with complete disregard for human life. In opposition to these policies, we say not one more child or educator should die.

What are we facing in Pennsylvania?

Currently, teachers and students lives are being treated with absolute disregard. More than 830,000 people have officially contracted the virus in Pennsylvania and over 21,350 people have died. Just since November 1, over 600,000 people have contracted COVID-19 and 12,000 people have died.

Overall, Pennsylvania ranks 8th in the number of cases and 5th in the number of deaths out of all the US states. Nationally, one in 14 people has officially been infected, and over 400,000 people have died, more than all those who died fighting in the Second World War. Seroprevalence studies indicate that the real number of infections is closer to one-third of the US population.

Teachers forced to work face to face are not even being equipped with enough personal protective equipment (PPE). One district sent an email stating that PPE should only be used in emergency situations and when hand sanitizer is gone!

Thousands, if not tens of thousands of teachers and staff, have been denied their legal rights to accommodations or otherwise forced to leave the profession due to lack of safety. This has compounded the crisis for those who remain.

Bus drivers report that they are being told to keep windows open while temperatures drop into their teens. At least 74 bus drivers have died of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic.

The state refuses to tell us the truth as to COVID-19-related deaths of educators or students. Indicating the widespread tragedy across the state, Harrisburg University Professor Charles Shearrow, who along with his students worked to produce 3D-printed face shields for first responders, has succumbed to the disease himself. Countless others have been infected through community spread.

Under conditions in which vaccines are now available with the promise of ending this deadly pandemic, sending children and educators back into classrooms will only exacerbate its further spread. The science is clear: keeping children and teachers in the classroom is spreading the pandemic, prolonging this disaster and leading to more illnesses and death.

The pandemic has created enormous economic and emotional burdens on parents and students who cannot attend in-person classes. The politicians have sought to pit parents against teachers, by blaming teachers for millions being out of work.

We seek to mobilize the power of all educators, parents and students along with all workers throughout the state, in unity with our sister committees across the United States and throughout the world, to prepare for a general strike to achieve the following demands:

 An end to all in-person instruction until the vaccine has been administered to all people and the virus eliminated!

 A shutdown of all nonessential production with full income protection for all workers who cannot work!

 Full funding for remote learning, including computers, audio visual equipment and high-speed internet connection!

As many educators have pointed out, schools are not magical places where the virus does not spread. It is impossible to cram students into overcrowded classrooms and schools and prevent the virus from spreading. Research from multiplestudies now provides evidence to show that opening schools in communities with high levels of transmission is a major contributor to higher case numbers, hospitalizations and deaths.

Further, the Pennsylvania vaccine rollout has been dismal. Six weeks after the approval of the vaccine, fewer than half of the states first 1.6 million doses have been administered. Many health care workers as well as clients in long-term care facilities have not yet been vaccinated. We call for these critical vaccines to be safely administered to all essential workers, educators, school employees, students, parents and the majority of the population prior to schools being reopened.

While study after study have shown that reopening of schools leads to spikes in their communities and deaths, the State University System and other state-supported schools are reopening. The Wolf administration never ordered the closing of private universities.

This crisis is a political one. The means exist to bring the virus under control and save lives. But both the Democrats and Republicans are parties of big business and the banks, whose only concern is the wealth of their capitalist constituents. Biden has made clear that he will not order a shutdown and follows in the footsteps of the Trump administration in prioritizing the growth of share values on Wall Street over lives.

The network of Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committees of which we are a part is organized independently of the big business political parties and the pro capitalist unions. We do not seek to put pressure on politicians or union bureaucrats, nor do we ask for someone else to save us. These are the methods of preserving the status quo. We reject any orientation towards pseudoleft union caucuses or corporate campaigns. The latter are public relations coverups for the unions and useless appeals to the capitalist elite, who are directly responsible for the crisis. Any such orientation will only lead to defeat, as they have so many times before.

The Pennsylvania Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee is working with our sister committees throughout the country and internationally to prepare for a political general strike. Only the mobilization of the entire working classincluding workers in steel, auto, health care, retail, Amazon and other industriescan stop this pandemic. Join us this Saturday, January 30, at 1:00 p.m. EST at our national meeting, The Growing Educators Rebellion and the Fight Against the Pandemic.

The teachers' unions are not making a lot of friends these days. Their insistence on keeping schools closed out of fears of COVID is damaging to children.

And they seem to be going out of their way to blow up relationships, especially with those of their parents who pay their taxes  i.e., teacher salaries!

It reminds me of that famous line from Napoleon: "Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake."

Well, I am not going to refer to the unions as my enemy. Nevertheless, I am not very happy with them, and lots of others seem to agree with me.

David Brooks, writing in the New York Times, is right:

The first fact is that remote learning is a disaster, especially for disadvantaged students. I recommend an article Alec MacGillis wrote for ProPublica last fall on how things were going for students in Baltimore. It paints a finely grained portrait of chaos: online classes in which almost no students show up, schedules rearranged at the last minute, Zoom links that are inaccessible. The 12-year-old boy at the center of the piece was passionate about school before the pandemic, but by last fall he was talking about school in the past tense. The broader data on school closure is horrendous. Mental health problems have increased. Many children have simply vanished from official oversight. Schools in Hillsborough County, Fla., started the year missing 7,000 students. The children who are attending aren't learning much. A Stanford study suggested that the average student has lost at least a third of a year's worth of learning in reading and three-quarters of a year's worth of learning in math.

Private and some public schools are already operating safely all around the country, with little evidence that attendance is spreading the virus.

That's correct, and I can see it with my own eyes. The Catholic schools and other private schools are up and running. They are super-careful and go out of their way to protect the teachers and students. The bottom line is that they are teaching students.

On the other hand, the teachers' unions have managed to shut down in-class teaching for millions of kids, coast to coast.

Why are the teachers' unions acting like this? My guess is that they just wanted to oppose President Trump. After all, they do support the Democrats most of the time.

My second guess is that it's a monopoly, and parents face two alternatives: homeschooling or pay tuition. Unfortunately, a lot of working couples cannot afford to have one parent stay home and serve as a home school teacher. Also, paying tuition may not be an option for many family budgets, especially the ones paying property taxes that finance schools.

So where do we go? We are moving in the direction of many parents taking control of their kids' education. I like that option. I don't think the teachers' unions will when state legislatures start passing laws that support alternatives to public schools.

Memo to parents: Be patient, because the public school monopoly is destroying itself.

PS: You can listen to my show (Canto Talk).

Image: Pixabay, Pixabay License.
Rahul Gandhi stoking fear on vaccine, all will be vaccinate by December: Union Minister

Rahul declared war on Indians: Irani on his remarks on farmers' protest

India

oi-Briti Roy Barman

New Delhi, Jan 30: After Rahul Gandhi claimed the country would be "on fire" if all farmers understood the farm laws, Union Minister Smriti Irani responded, "Rahul Gandhi declared war on Indian people, said cities will burn if PM doesn't support his stand."

Irani added that Gandhi "not only wants law-order breakdown, but also supports anarchic elements daring to insult Tricolour, break nation".

I appeal to every Indian citizen to ensure that Rahul Gandhi's call for violence is met with sustained peace," Ms Irani declared.

"Rahul Gandhi announced that the country would see the January 26 riots replicated in every city and even into slums... For the first time in history of India, a Congress leader asked for more violence instead of a call for peace," she added.

Earlier Gandhi said the "only solution" to the prolonged stand-off with farmers - tens of thousands of whom have braved police action and a freezing winter to remain camped out around Delhi since late November - was to "put them (the laws) in the wastepaper basket".

"The government must not think that the farmers are going back home. They are not going home, and my concern is that this situation is going to spread. We do not need this situation to spread... we need a conversation with farmers, and we need a solution," Mr Gandhi asserted.

Moradabad-Agra highway accident | Gandhi statue vandalised in US | Oneindia News

"You are bullying... discrediting them... (when) the only solution is to put the laws in the wastepaper basket," he added.

Accusing the Prime Minister of "working for a few corporates", Gandhi said: "What will he (the Prime Minister) say... I am telling the farmers 'don't give up an inch... we are with you'."

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, January 30, 2021, 11:20 [IST]
A policeman walks past the Supreme Court building in Islamabad, on Jan. 29, 2021. (Aamir Qureshi/AFP via Getty Images)

Pakistan Appeals Against Freeing Islamists Convicted of US Journalist Pearls Beheading

KARACHI, PakistanPakistans government on Friday appealed to the Supreme Court to review its decision to free a British-born Islamist and three others convicted of beheading U.S. journalist Daniel Pearl, a day after the United States expressed deep concerns over the ruling.

A panel of three judges of the court on Thursday acquitted Ahmad Omar Saeed Sheikh and three other Islamists, who had been convicted in 2002 on charges of kidnapping and murder of the Wall Street Journal reporter.

The court ordered the men to be released forthwith if not required in any other case.

The government in southern Sindh province filed a petition asking the top court to review its decision, the Pearl familys lawyer, Faisal Siddiqi, and a government prosecutor told Reuters.

We have filed three review petitions, prosecutor Faiz Shah said, explaining that the petitions would seek a reversal of the acquittal and the reinstatement of Sheikhs death penalty.

Being aggrieved of and dissatisfied with the judgment, the petitioner files an instant criminal review petition for leave to appeal on matters of law, facts, and grounds, the petition said.

The release orders would stand irrespective of the review petition, provincial law minister Murtaza Wahab told Reuters.

We havent received the release orders yet, he said, adding that the Islamists were not likely to be freed over the weekend, as it usually takes some days for court orders to be sent to prison authorities.

Pearl, 38, was investigating Islamist terrorists in Karachi after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States when he was kidnapped. A video of his beheading emerged weeks later.

His parents expressed shock over the Supreme Courts decision, which U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called an affront to terrorism victims everywhere, including in Pakistan.

Washington was also prepared to prosecute Sheikh in the United States, Blinken said.

By Syed Raza Hassan and Asif Shahzad
In Reopening Muslim Minds (St. Martins Essentials, Apr.), New York Times opinion writer Akyol argues for an Islamic universalism.

What inspired you to write this book now?

I have been working on these questionshow Islam can be compatible with liberalism, human rights, freedom of speech, and religionfor the past two decades, but the book begins with the story of me being arrested by the religious police in Malaysia in 2017, after a lecture in which I advocated religious freedom. That religious police force, I admit, was acting on a mainstream Islamic tradition which criminalizes apostasy, but I was making another Islamic argument. In the book, I dig into the theological bases of these different understandings of Islam. Theirs is the authoritarian understanding, which doesnt fully accept freedom of speech, of thought, and of religion, but there were alternative views in Islamic history on all these matters. I also demonstrate in the book that the authoritarian understanding was not divinely mandated, but just a historical interpretation, which prevailed thanks to its political use. The liberal understanding I advocate is also an interpretation too, of course, but at least on a rational ground I can argue why it is better.

What do you most want readers to take away from the book?

It is true that the Islamic civilization is going through a crisis. We Muslims do not need to be defensive about that. There is a crisis and it is that Islamic teachings have not fully made peace with liberal values and, in particular, human rights. However, this was a problem in other civilizations as well. Christianity persecuted infidels or heretics for centuries, only to change with arguments from within. In Islam, too, change will come only when most Muslims realize that by giving up coercive power in the name of their faith they will not be betraying their faith, which is one of my key arguments in this book. Theyll even be better Muslims, out of their free conscience, not any political or social dictate. This is an argument for an Islamic Enlightenmentand I really mean an Islamic Enlight-enment. Im not translating John Locke into a Muslim language; rather, I am showing that the ideas of such Western liberals can be found within Islamic sources.

How do you see your reasoning straddling Islamic and Western thinking?

One reason many conservative Muslims are resistant to liberal modernity is precisely because its coming from the West, the very civilization that has colonized and traumatized Muslim lands in the past two centuries. I want to defuse that tension first by showing that the Western Enlightenment borrowed some ideas from the Islamic civilization. I also argue that there are universal values, which the West might have cultivated better in the past few centuries, but which can also be cultivated by Muslims in our tradition as well.
Whilst much of the Caspian is struggling to come out of COVID-induced hibernation, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan settling one of the regions longest-standing maritime disputes has finally brought a spark to one of the worlds oldest producing regions. The Sardar/Kyapaz block, discovered in 1986 by Soviet geologists at a total depth of 5km and contested for most of the subsequent period, straddles their maritime border, abutting the Azeri field of the ACG complex. By signing a memorandum of understanding on the disputed block and by simultaneously renaming it to Dostluk (Friendship), Baku and Ashgabat are signaling that past grievances should be left behind for the purpose of greater good and greater (shared) profits. The move to jointly develop the Dostluk field did not come as a complete surprise, following President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedovs visit to Baku in March 2020, though it was never confirmed that the field was on the tapis during the talks. Dostluk has had several names throughout its existence, initially identified in 1959-1960 in the same string of appraisal events as Azerbaijans flagship group of fields, ACG. Initially the assumption was that Dostluk will be named after the Communist October Revolution, however, an even less illuminating name caught on, Promezhutochnaya (Russian for intermediary). Needless to say, by 1991 the field boasted at least 80 MMbbls in recoverable reserves therefore in the post-Soviet period the relations between Baku and Ashgabat were not always as rosy as they seem to be today.

Exactly 20 years ago Turkmenistan has closed its embassy in Baku after the failure of the first round of demarcation talks. This was still back in the heyday of Turkmenbashi quarreling with Heydar Aliyev, i.e. two Soviet-era leaders that carried their respective countries from the rubbles of the Soviet Union to more nationalistic, more locally driven policies. The talks did not collapse for nothing  by that point both parties have already allotted the much-disputed Sardar/Kyapaz block and failed spectacularly to have their choices affirmed by the international community. First in 1997 Azerbaijan awarded the Kyapaz block to the Russian tandem of LUKOIL and Rosneft but was forced to retract, a year later Turkmenistan tried the same with US-based Mobil, to no avail.

Related: Global Natural Gas Demand Set To Rebound After Pandemic Shock



For most of the 2000s and 2010s the issue of Sardar/Kyapaz was off the agenda, however, its resolution became a fully plausible option after the five littoral states signed the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea in August 2018. Its adoption provided the legal background against which Caspian states could seek non-conventional solutions for decades-old problems  in this case, clarifying whose right is overbearing. Geographically Dostluk is closer to the Turkmen seashore, on the other hand Azerbaijans Absheron Peninsula extends so far out into the Caspian that with the usage of the right demarcation angle Baku could rightly claim it to be under its control.

Objectively speaking, Dostluk will hardly be the Caspians largest oilfield. Its reserves are assessed at 100 million tons of crude and some 30 BCm of gas and the block is generally assumed to be the geological continuation of the Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli structure. Once Dostluk is further appraised, this could either mean that Azerbaijani drillers were right in prioritizing ACG and keeping Dostluk for later or that the decades-long dispute was well justified. All in all, Dostluks main benefit will most probably in creating early Azeri-Turkmen synergies might pave the way for further cooperation. Primarily this would imply using the cross-Caspian route for Turkmen gas, one of those evergreen concepts of European energy policy that seek to find alternative gas conduits that could diversify the EUs imports from heavy dependence on Russia and Norway.

For Turkmenistan this might be quite the development, considering its increasing gas production and ample reserves. Turkmenistan is not publishing any official data on its crude and gas production, rendering it almost impossible to pinpoint its production in an exact manner. However, thanks to ENIs latest statistical survey it might be assumed that in the past 3 years crude output has oscillated around the 220kbpd mark. Most of Turkmenistans crude production ends up being blended into streams of Russian Urals and Azeri BTC, meaning that if there is any Caspian subsea pipeline to be laid it will most probably focus on gas and not crude. Turkmenistan boasts the supergiant Galkynysh field (gas in place around 27 TCm, recoverable reserves assumed at 14 TCm), outstripped any other Caspian asset within Azerbaijans or Russias territorial waters.

Graph 1. Turkmenistan Gas Production in 1990-2019 (billion cubic meters).





Source: BP Statistical Survey 2020.

The Galkynysh gas field is now undergoing Phase 2 preparations which, once over, should add another 30 BCm per year of processing capacity, effectively doubling the current tally. Virtually all of Phase 1 exports usually ends up in China and there remain substantial doubts that despite its alluded interest, China would be willing to accommodate additional production from Phase 2 capacities. The main reason of Chinese reticence lies in the relatively high price of Galkynysh gas  looking at the 2020 statistics issued by Chinas General Customs Administration one can notice that imports from Uzbekistan or Kazakhstan, albeit smaller in volume, are generally cheaper than Turkmen gas. Needless to say, the slump in LNG prices in H1 2020 has compelled Chinese buyers to reduce pipeline imports and to focus heavily on the more profitable LNG stream.

Should Turkmenistan consider the option of feeding its gas into the existing infrastructure of TANAP and TAP, it would need to clear three main roadblocks. The first would be the most politicized one  Russia might object to having a new contender from the former Soviet Union, especially on the back of the massive pressure Nord Stream 2 has been under. Secondly, any revived variant of the Nabucco pipeline would need a committed owner  Turkmenistans financial travails with TAPI attest to its lackluster financial stature. Thirdly and perhaps most importantly, the gas pricing would be quite a challenge, considering that TAP and TANAP tariffs would eat up all of profit under current circumstances, i.e. gas prices would need to be much higher than 200 USD per MCm to warrant the pipelines construction.

By Viktor Katona for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Have the Marxists won, even though the Soviet Union lost? Americas moral courage in confronting the evil empire was a truly heroic act; but in the aftermath of the Soviet blocs dissolution and Americas unrestrained bid for liberal hegemony over the world, we let our guard down. Not to external foes, but to internal ones.

Over the summer and fall of 2020, Americas cities and public landscape burned and were vandalized. As Nancy Pelosi said when questioned about whether these vandals would be sought and prosecuted for wanton destruction of private and federal property, I dont care that much about statues. Her attitude, perhaps symptomatic of many Americans, needs to be repudiated because it is a blank check for destroying our heritage, history, and moral consensus.

Plato, in his Republic, infamously banned the poets and artists. Why? Because Plato argued, they offered a false vision of the truth and the good life. Plato was himself an artist. He wanted to be a dramatist before turning to the nascent seed called philosophy. His animus against art wasnt against art, per se, but was against the story that the artists and poets of his time communicated. What Plato understood is what Marxists understand and most Americans sadly cant see: Art tells a story.

Walter Benjamin, the chief Prophet of the New Left, wrote that all art is based on another practicepolitics. What Benjamin unleashed was a new campaign to destroy Western civilization by making us hate our own history and heritage and the story that our public landscape, the treasures of our civilization, told. Or as Griselda Pollock said, The reality is that anything the Europeans have touched is contaminated by their money and disciplined by their gaze, imprinted with their power, and shaped by their desire.

Michael Oakeshott, perhaps the worlds foremost conservative philosopher in the mid-twentieth century, is indispensable for us in understanding the lefts destructive impulses. [T]he real spring of collectivism is not a love of liberty, but war. The anticipation of war is the great incentive, and the conduct of war is the great collectivizing process, Oakeshott once wrote. And war is the animating spirit of the left. If there is no war, then the left must invent a war.

Our public landscape, statues, sculptures, and paintings tell us a story. It is the story of American grace, progress, and freedom. From the Mayflower to the Founding Fathers, to Abraham Lincoln and the crosses and Stars of David that line Arlington Cemetery, Americas lost moral consensus is manifested in the treasures of our civilization celebrating Americas people, history, and progress from a few courageous pioneers and settlers to a sprawling nation from sea to shining sea that overcame many obstacles to establish a more perfect union and continued to create a more perfect union as time went by.

The lefts sudden vandalizing spirit to our public memorials and landscape should not be surprising. For Americas public landscape is the treasure of all, but insofar as it tells the real story of freedom, progress, and opportunity, the left understands that it must banish or, better, destroy our statues, paintings, and all that is embodied by our public landscape.

It has been drilled into our heads, ad nauseum, that America is an irredeemably racist country, as well as sexist and economic oppressive. The 1619 Project isnt the spearhead of this ideology. It is just the latest and most potent manifestation of an ideology that goes back to the mid-twentieth century. But the 1619 Project should be seen as a blessing in disguise for all Patriotic Americans. For it unequivocally proclaims what we must understand: The left hates America and is threatened by our memorials of love and truth.

What the 1619 Project exudes is the very spirit of politicized art and aesthetics that Walter Benjamin advocated. The original sin of slavery taints Americas public life and every aspect of her civilization. What is most ingenious about the lefts language is how it evokes an eschatological, millenarian, and religious strugglethe war for righteousness takes on a spiritual and moral dimension that perfectly preys on people who are abandoning religious practice and find its false substitute in political vandalism, barbarism, and destruction.

But the Marxists in America have a factual problem on their hand. If America is as irredeemably evil as they claim, then why are many of the oppressed and exploited peoples clamoring to find refuge in the country that is still the last best hope for humanitys aspirations for God, freedom, and opportunity? Well, the Marxists must conjure up some hocus pocus magic and stir it in a cauldronthe masses are enslaved by a false consciousness!

Thankfully, the Marxist elite exists to tell them what they should really believe and feel and join them in the march to the New Jerusalem to be inaugurated on earth once all the vestiges of evil America are destroyed: Christianity, the white middle-class, the patriarchy, free markets, and all those works of art that otherwise remind us of American goodness, grace, freedom, and progress.

Thus, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and even Frederick Douglass are not safe from the anti-American lefts decapitating mob because, as long as such statues stand, they are an enduring reminder that American Marxists peddle a false story. Washington reminds us that America was not born in slavery but in freedom. Lincoln reminds us that America is always true to that founding spirit of building a more perfect union. And Frederick Douglas reminds us that America bleeds with a spirit of reconciliation and unity.

The stories that these men tell -- and oh, yes, it's problematic that theyre all men, too! -- is a threat to the Marxist story of an evil and irredeemable America, an America that cannot be forgiven and needs to be purged, exterminated, and destroyed. For in a world where grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation do not exist because God does not exist, well, there is only power and extermination as Raskolnikov says before his apotheosis.

Down, then, come the monuments and statues honoring Americas history of grace, freedom, and progress, and up to the new landscape of race, class, gender struggle, and liberation. All art will become media of the Marxist story. For the medium is the message.

We must, therefore, counter the Marxists at every stage, turn, and level. For to let them have a monopoly on our cherished and sacred history, monuments, and landscape is to let them have a totalizing monopoly over American life. It wont be long until the paintings that adorn the Capitol, John Trumbulls Surrender of General Burgoyne and Surrender of Lord Cornwallis, along with other such important moments of American freedom and progress like William Henry Powells Battle of Lake Erie, will be burned because they are testimonies to white supremacy, which is what all Marxists now parrot in unimaginative collective unison.

The Marxist war on art is the final campaign for Marxisms domination of America. Make no mistake, they are waging a war. When the last stories of American freedom, progress, and reconciliation are eliminated, the Marxists will have their monopoly on power; not a dictatorship of the proletariat, but a dictatorship onto themselves. And they will wage another war against all of those who they claim have contaminated the world.

IMAGE: Portland Washington statute vandalized. YouTube screengrab.
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When I wrote about Samantha Armytage in this column a month ago, the Sunrise co-host, who had ignored my overtures to pick up the phone and talk, opted for her usual response: a dummy spit on social media and a bit of name calling, labelling me a grot.

The Sunrise team: Natalie Barr, executive producer Michael Pell, Samantha Armytage, David Koch and Mark Beretta. Credit:Seven

My crime? Reporting that - given Armytages supposedly happier new life with her millionaire husband and home in the country - a question mark hung over her future at the helm of Sunrise and the unrelenting daily grind of breakfast TV, which she partially stepped back from last year.

Armytage was incensed. So much so she emboldened many of her hundreds of thousands of fans to chime-in. The mostly anti-masker, anti-lock-down Trumpianesque whack-jobs with shabby grammar threatened all manner of ill-will. No doubt they will be barking at the shadows of Twitter yet again today after reading this.
The last time ecologist Dr Rohan Clarke and his colleagues visited Howe Flat, near Mallacoota, there was dense smoke in the sky, flames on the ridgeline and their bird nets filled with burnt leaves.

It was a delicate rescue mission: a crack team of bird handlers flew on a defence force Chinook helicopter to capture an insurance population of 15 critically endangered eastern bristlebirds, before the 2020 bushfires swept in and decimated their habitat.

The survivors were released at the same site some months later, after the fire threat had gone.

Given the intensity of the blaze, Dr Clarke and other researchers was surprised at what they found when they returned to the area just before Christmas.
Burma Myanmar Military Will Respect Constitution, Commander-in-Chief Says

Troops take part in the Myanmar Armed Forces Day Parade in Naypyitaw in March 2018. / The Irrawaddy

YANGONThe office of Myanmars military chief announced on Saturday that the armed forces will respect the Constitution and act lawfully, in an apparent effort to ease the ongoing political tension between the government and military over electoral disputes and the perceived threat of a coup.

Since early last week, Myanmar has been gripped by speculation that another military takeover was on the way. Military spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun refused, during a press conference on Tuesday, to rule out the possibility of a coup if the militarys claims of mass fraud in the November election were not addressed. The following day, military chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing told his subordinates the military-drafted 2008 Constitution should be revoked if its laws are not being followed. Military officials had complained about the governments silence on their fraud claims, so the senior generals remark was widely interpreted as a threat to stage a coup, as a military takeover would likely mean the abolition of the Constitution.

The fears only escalated when a meeting between the government and military representatives to try and resolve the crisis over the election failed, with the government rejecting the armed forces demands, which included the abolition of the Union Election Commission (UEC), the government-appointed electoral body.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Office of the Commander in Chief accused the media and other organizations of misinterpreting military officials words by reporting that the armed forces intended to abolish the charter.

It said the commander-in-chiefs comments that the charter could be revoked if its laws were not being followed were simply intended to make sure the trainees understood the nature of the Constitution.

However, the news media and other organizations made misleading reports, analyses and statements without respecting the commander-in-chiefs full speech, it said.

The military will act lawfully while safeguarding the Constitution, it added.

Yangon-based political analyst U Yan Myo Thein said Saturdays statement would serve as an early step to ease the ongoing tension.

As Myanmar has been through coups detat, its no wonder that people have that kind of fear, he said, referring to the concerns that another military takeover was imminent.

U Myint Kyaw, a member of the Myanmar Press Council, said he didnt totally agree with the accusation that the media had misinterpreted the military chiefs speech.

It happened because there is no channel available for the media to make clarifications, such as [by asking], Did you precisely mean this? If reporters have questions, they have to save them until the military holds a press conference, he explained.

Officials should take this as a lesson that a regular communication channel is needed for confirmation. If not, the media will continue to be blamed, he added.

The military has a designated spokesperson, but he rarely takes questions outside of press conferences.

You may also like these stories:

Myanmars Supreme Court Hears Election Misconduct Claims Against President, Suu Kyi

Myanmar Election Observers Urge Military to Accept Election Results

Four Years On, No Answers Over Murder of Critic of Myanmars Military
The killer of 16-year-old Megan McAlorum in 2004 in Belfast is set to be released.

Thomas Purcell, who was also 16 at the time, murdered Megan after she had been in the Hunting Lodge bar in the west of the city after a shift in a local bar.

She had gone to get takeaway food after being in the pub and was on her way home whenever Purcell pulled up in a car and offered to give her a lift.

Megan's body was later discovered in a forest near Dunmurry.

She had been so badly beaten that she had 54 fractures to her skull and showed signs of having suffered a sexual attack, even though this was not proven in court beyond a reasonable doubt.

Purcell then returned the next day to where hed left Megan's body and pretended that he had discovered her.

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Before that, hed gone to hospital pretending he was ill in a bid to provide a false alibi.

Purcell was later sentenced to 15 years in prison and was initially sent to a young offenders centre.

However, when he turned 21, he was due to be sent to HMP Maghaberry but he argued there would be a threat to his life there.

He was then transferred to an English prison, but Megan's family only found out about the move through the press and spoke of their anger at the time that the Prison Service hadn't informed the family.

Purcell was due to be freed in 2019 but he was still deemed too dangerous to be released into the community. He was given March as a release date after reapplying.

When Purcell was moved to England without his victims family being informed, Megan's brother Richard said: "We are all just totally shocked that the prison service didn't even give us the courtesy to lift the phone or even send a letter to tell us that this could happen in the coming weeks.

"I think it shows that everything is currently being weighted in favour of the guilty."

Megan's mother, Margaret McAlorum, passed away in 2017 while waiting for a liver transplant for a rare condition.

Miss McAlorum campaigned relentlessly for justice for Megan after Purcell was transferred to an English prison.

Her work led to a change in policy which meant that victims families must be informed of the release date or any transfer of convicted killers.
The Telegraph

The daughter of Radovan Karadzic, the former Bosnian Serb leader serving life for genocide and crimes against humanity during the 1990s Yugoslav wars, has claimed her father is living in unhealthy and uncivilised conditions in a British prison. Karadzic, 75, who was convicted in 2016, was transferred from a detention unit in Holland to a UK jail earlier this month following an agreement struck between the UN and the Home Office. But his daughter, Sonja Karadzic-Jovicevic, has complained about the conditions at her fathers new prison after speaking to him on the phone. "As for the physical condition in which he is accommodated, it is unacceptable, she told SRNA, a news agency based in the Republika Srpska, the Serb enclave of Bosnia. If we add to that the fact that he is in a building full of carcinogenic asbestos that is banned around the world, it is clear in what condition he will be in. Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic also claimed that moving her father to the UK was a deliberate act of spite against his family. "My father is in a very uncivilised situation, and as far as his family is concerned, his relocation to the south of England was deliberately made to keep him far away, outside the rules of the United Nations Resolution adopted by the Security Council, she said. It will be very difficult for us physically, financially and procedurally, because of visas, and immunisation during the pandemic, and even after that, to ever go there and visit him," she continued. She added that he had been deprived of his books and his computer, and will be completely removed from his language and his culture. A spokesman for the Justice Ministry said: "UK prisons meet health and safety standards." Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic, who has a political career in Bosnia, has fought to defend her fathers name despite his brutal role in the wars as the Yugoslavian federation separated in the 1990s. Known as the Butcher of Bosnia, Karadzic went down in infamy, in particular for ordering the Srebrenica Massacre in July 1995. Some 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were rounded up by the Bosnian Serb army in and around the town of Srebrenica and then killed in the worst single massacre in Europe since the end of the Second World War. Karadzics lawyers had objected to his clients transfer to the UK, arguing that his life would be in danger owing to Muslim inmates in British prisons. They also argued that owing to possible threats to Karadzics life he would be kept in conditions resembling solitary confinement, but the UN court dismissed the objections. Given his role in the slaughter of Muslims, the experience of another Serb convicted of war crimes may also weigh upon the Karadzic family. In 2010 Radislav Krstic, a former Bosnian-Serb general, was stabbed by three Muslim prisoners while serving a sentence in Wakefield prison, in apparent retaliation for Srebrenica.
A western Sydney council is pushing ahead with plans to sell land for an $800 million private hospital and medi-hotel led by neurosurgeon Charlie Teo, to attract tourists from Asia seeking treatment for brain illnesses.

Blacktown City Council unveiled plans last week for the sale of its administration centre to make way for the Blacktown Brain and Spinal Institute (BBSI), including a medical research facility, private hospital, medi-hotel, retail space and residential apartments.

An artists impression of the Blacktown Brain and Spinal Institute proposed by neurosurgeon Charlie Teo. Credit:Blacktown Brain and Spinal Institute

Not like your traditional hospital, this facility will be modern, technologically advanced, with natural light and ecologically conscious, providing patients with a feeling of wellness rather than illness, Dr Teo said.

The medical facility would offer complementary, alternative treatments for patients and provide affordable care, Dr Teo said.

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The Telegraph

The daughter of Radovan Karadzic, the former Bosnian Serb leader serving life for genocide and crimes against humanity during the 1990s Yugoslav wars, has claimed her father is living in unhealthy and uncivilised conditions in a British prison. Karadzic, 75, who was convicted in 2016, was transferred from a detention unit in Holland to a UK jail earlier this month following an agreement struck between the UN and the Home Office. But his daughter, Sonja Karadzic-Jovicevic, has complained about the conditions at her fathers new prison after speaking to him on the phone. "As for the physical condition in which he is accommodated, it is unacceptable, she told SRNA, a news agency based in the Republika Srpska, the Serb enclave of Bosnia. If we add to that the fact that he is in a building full of carcinogenic asbestos that is banned around the world, it is clear in what condition he will be in. Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic also claimed that moving her father to the UK was a deliberate act of spite against his family. "My father is in a very uncivilised situation, and as far as his family is concerned, his relocation to the south of England was deliberately made to keep him far away, outside the rules of the United Nations Resolution adopted by the Security Council, she said. It will be very difficult for us physically, financially and procedurally, because of visas, and immunisation during the pandemic, and even after that, to ever go there and visit him," she continued. She added that he had been deprived of his books and his computer, and will be completely removed from his language and his culture. A spokesman for the Justice Ministry said: "UK prisons meet health and safety standards." Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic, who has a political career in Bosnia, has fought to defend her fathers name despite his brutal role in the wars as the Yugoslavian federation separated in the 1990s. Known as the Butcher of Bosnia, Karadzic went down in infamy, in particular for ordering the Srebrenica Massacre in July 1995. Some 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were rounded up by the Bosnian Serb army in and around the town of Srebrenica and then killed in the worst single massacre in Europe since the end of the Second World War. Karadzics lawyers had objected to his clients transfer to the UK, arguing that his life would be in danger owing to Muslim inmates in British prisons. They also argued that owing to possible threats to Karadzics life he would be kept in conditions resembling solitary confinement, but the UN court dismissed the objections. Given his role in the slaughter of Muslims, the experience of another Serb convicted of war crimes may also weigh upon the Karadzic family. In 2010 Radislav Krstic, a former Bosnian-Serb general, was stabbed by three Muslim prisoners while serving a sentence in Wakefield prison, in apparent retaliation for Srebrenica.
ALTON  Alton High School students will now have the opportunity to take a fourth year of math.

At its Jan. 19 meetihg the Alton school board unaminously approved offering a Transitional Math QL- Stats class to be taught to seniors at the high school.

Illinois is requiring every high school to offer a transitional math course in conjunction with a local community college. The three different pathways the Transitional Math program offers are STEM, Technical, and Quantitative Literacy/Statistics. Alton High School will be offering the Quantitative Literacy/Statistics pathway.

In Illinois, three years of high school math are required for graduation and to be admitted to most colleges and universities.

Rene Hart, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Alton School District, said that Transitional Math is designed to encourage students to take a fourth year of math during their senior year.

Transitional math courses are not skill based, but instead focus on the integration and application of skills in larger problems, Hart said. These courses are about reducing the list of skills to an essential set, putting those skills together often, and reducing any deficits in them.

The class is designed to help students understand the meaning behind the math and be able to explain it. A passing grade in Transitional Math QL-Stats gives a student guaranteed placement into certain college-level math courses for up to 18 months and removes the students need to take a math placement test at Illinois community colleges and some universities.

The students will have paper homework and a Capstone project that sums up the entire class.

Each unit focuses a little bit on the project and by the end of the fourth unit they should be able to tie everything together by applying the principles learned during class, Hart said. The paper homework is not your typical math assignment. It has more of a real life connection to it.

Natalie Rhea, Math Department Chair for Alton High School, said that she is excited students will be able to connect this class to the math they learn in the real world.

The question I get asked the most is, When am I ever going to need this math? Rhea said. This course will not only help students see the connection to adult life, but it also gets them placed into a credit-earning college course. Its a win-win situation for these students.
NASA's solar spacecraft do more than just sungazing.

Three missions that focus on the activities of our nearest star  Parker Solar Probe, the Solar and Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) and Solar Orbiter (a partnership with the European Space Agency)  have captured some incredible images showing many worlds in our solar system.

In various areas of our neighbourhood, these spacecraft are travelling to understand solar phenomena such as the intense heat of the outer atmosphere of the sun, the distribution of dust in our solar system or the output of solar wind, the steady stream of particles coming from our sun.

Each spacecraft captured the incredible views of the planets, shared in a recent press release by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland.

This joint mission with ESA would finally depart the solar system's plane to study the poles of the sun. In July 2020, about five months after its launch, the spacecraft first transmitted test images.

.@ESASolarOrbiter took these images  showing Venus, Earth, and Mars  on Nov. 18, 2020, when the spacecraft was about 156 million miles from Earth. pic.twitter.com/ggH0slrdcJ  NASA Sun & Space (@NASASun) January 26, 2021

An especially spectacular picture came on November 18, when the Solar Orbiter captured three planets from the same view. You will see Venus (which looks exceedingly bright as the sun bounces off the clouds of the planet) from left to right, Uranus, Earth and Mars. The sun on the right-hand side, is just out of the image view.

When the data was transmitted, the Solar Orbiter was about 155.7 million miles (250.6 million kilometres) from Earth, which is a little less than twice the distance from the Sun to Earth, or two astronomical units (AU). A single AU is approximately 93 million miles (150 million km).

The NASA's Parker Solar Probe spacecraft was roughly one AU from Earth at imaging time in June 2020, at 98.3 million miles (158 million kilometers). It captured six planets of our solar system - left to right, they are Mars, Saturn, Jupiter, Venus, Earth and Mercury.

Also Read: Indian-Origin Scientist Studies The Possibility Of Life On Other Planets

Finally, our STEREO mission had another perspective on this June 7 scene, seeing the same six planets that #ParkerSolarProbe saw from a different point of view. https://t.co/72YCuhFW0E pic.twitter.com/Q045D8uLjY  NASA Sun & Space (@NASASun) January 26, 2021

The single STEREO operating spacecraft, one of a pair that circled the sun behind and ahead of Earth in the estimated orbit of our planet beginning in 2014, also looked at the planets on June 7, 2020. You can see the same six planets as Parker on the same date in this picture, but from another vantage point in the solar system.

Mercury, Mars, Venus, Earth, Saturn and Jupiter appear from left to right. The dark columns in the image are due to the saturation of the detector, which is, according to NASA, a combination of the long exposure period with the relative brightness of the planets compared to the background stars.

What an incredible juxtaposition!

Also read: Underground Water Discovered On Mars, May Have Possible Alien Life

The United States has slammed China for its military activities in the disputed South China Sea, saying Beijing actions reflect a continued Peoples Liberation Army attempt to use the military as a "tool to intimidate or coerce those operating in waters and airspace".

The United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) said that Chinese military flights in the past week in the "at no time" posed any threat to a US Navy aircraft carrier strike group in the region, Sputnik reported.

"The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group closely monitored all People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and Air Force (PLAAF) activity, and at no time did they pose a threat to U.S. Navy ships, aircraft, or Sailors," INDOPACOM spokesperson, US Navy Captain Mike Kafka, said in a statement on late Friday.

He also described the intensified Chinese activities in the region as the latest example of "aggressive and destabilising actions".

"These actions reflect a continued PLA attempt to use its military as a tool to intimidate or coerce those operating in waters and airspace, to include their neighbours and those with competing territorial claims," Kafka said.

The INDOPACOM spokesperson pointed out that the United States would continue to fly, sail and operate in any area where it is allowed by law.

"The U.S. has a persistent military presence and routinely operates throughout the Indo-Pacific, including the waters and airspace surrounding the and East China Sea, just as we have approached the region for the past 240 years. Our operations are a continued demonstration of our willingness to support a free and open Indo-Pacific for all nations under international law," he added.

China claims almost all the energy-rich waters of the It has established military outposts on artificial islands.

Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims to parts of the sea.

The waters have also become a flashpoint in the Sino-US relationship.

The United States regularly accuses China of militarising the South China Sea and trying to intimidate Asian neighbours who might want to exploit its extensive oil and gas reserves.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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A new bill aims to support gay, lesbian and transgender veterans who were expelled from the military.

The legislation would restore state benefits for Connecticut service members discharged for no other reason than their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The brave Americans who served this nation deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and deserve the benefits they earned, said state Rep. Raghib Allie-Brennan, D-Bethel, one of the co-sponsors of the bill. Who you are or who you love shouldnt have an impact on the care you receive. Our bill will correct an incredible injustice.

The number of Connecticut veterans affected by this is unclear because their discharges could have been logged under mental health or a slew of other categories, Allie-Brennan said. Its hard for these veterans to come forward because they have been shamed by military, he said.

Its going to be a small group of people in the state, but obviously the effect and what its going to do for these veterans is going to be big, Allie-Brennan said.

About 100,000 service members across the country were discharged from the military due to their sexual orientation between World War II and the 2011 repeal of the Dont Ask, Dont Tell act, according to the American Psychoanalytic Association.

Many LGBTQ service members were subjected to public and long-lasting humiliation, resulting in lingering trauma, the association wrote. In addition, many who would have served their country never had the chance to do so, for fear of being rejected or receiving less than honorable discharges.

These veterans also were ineligible for benefits, including insurance, employment and education assistance, and the right to be buried in a military cemetery, the legislators said.

This hurt veterans as they tried to get jobs and reintegrate into the civilian world, said Steve Kennedy, an Iraq war veteran.

This bill is an important step in recognizing the service of all veterans, regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, and helping them to build their lives here in Connecticut, said Kennedy, Connecticut team leader for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.

A federal bill that died in Congress in 2019 would have helped correct the record of these veterans to ensure they were considered honorably discharged.

This bill focuses on Connecticut veterans who were discharged other than honorably due to their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

I am eager to work collaboratively with my colleagues to bolster and restore protections for our LGBTQ+ neighbors who served, state Rep. Jeff Currey, D-East Hartford. Inclusivity brings strength to our community and armed forces and will help mend the fractures strained by the discriminatory policies of our past. This is an important opportunity and we must not let it pass.

The bill was proposed Tuesday, the day after President Joe Biden signed an executive order reversing the Trump-era policy that largely prevented transgender individuals from serving in the military.

I look forward to the day when the law of our land recognizes that all people are equal, said Sen. Alex Kasser, D-Greenwich, another co-sponsor. Until then, I will continue to advocate for laws like this that mandate equal treatment and grant every individual the dignity and respect they deserve.

The Committee on Veterans Affairs is studying the bill, which is one of several recently proposed legislation supporting veterans.

A bill sponsored by state Rep. Bill Buckbee, R-New Milford, seeks to eliminate service in time of war as an eligibility criteria for state veterans' benefits.

Buckbeee also proposed exempting veterans pension benefits from the calculation of income when determining eligibility for state and municipal benefits.

Another Buckbee bill would provide a tuition waiver for public colleges and universities to the children of veterans who did not use these waivers.


A jailed Vietnamese blogger has refused to appeal his 11-year prison term imposed for writing articles criticizing Vietnams government, tearing up a petition form given to him after prison guards told him what to write on it, his lawyer says.

Nguyen Tuong Thuy, who had blogged on civil rights and freedom of speech issues for RFAs Vietnamese Service for six years, was sentenced on Jan. 5, with two other independent journalistslike Thuy members of the Vietnam Independent Journalism Associationhanded lengthy jail terms at the same time.

Arrested in May 2020, Thuy was indicted along with Pham Chi Dung and Le Huu Minh Tuan on Nov. 10 for making, storing, and disseminating documents and materials for anti-state purposes under Article 117 of Vietnams Penal Code.

Sentenced with Thuy, Pham Chi Dung was given a 15-year prison term, while Le Huu Minh Tuan was jailed for 11 years.

Only Le Huu Minh Tuan has filed a petition so far to appeal his sentence, with Thuy at first delaying a decision to appeal and then refusing after prison guards attempted to dictate the documents wording, Thuys lawyer Nguyen Van Mieng told RFA on Friday.

One week after the lower courts trial, I met Nguyen Tuong Thuy at his detention camp, where he said he was considering whether or not he wanted to file an appeal, and I told him it would be good for him to do so, Mieng said.

Thuy also told me that conditions in the camp were so harsh that he wanted only to be allowed outside his cell to work, and not be locked up all the time, he said. I later learned that Nguyen Tuong Thuy had finally filed an appeal petition, but the police required him to fill it out according to their instructions, and he refused and tore the document up.

Thuy and Pham Chi Dung, who has also not appealed his sentence, were then moved on Jan. 25 from detention in Ho Chi Minh City to work at the Bo La detention camp in Binh Duong province, Mieng said, adding that Thuy may possibly be moved again.

Also speaking to RFA on Jan. 29 Thuys wife Nguyen Thi Lan said that she had gone to see Thuy at the police detention camp in Ho Chi Minh City but was told by a guard that her husband had already been transferred.

She was not allowed to see Thuy at the Bo La camp because of concerns over a possible spread of COVID-19, though, and left gifts and money for him to use, she said.

Family visit denied

Hoang Duc Binh, a longtime labor and environmental activist held in Quang Nam provinces An Diem detention camp, has meanwhile again been denied family visits, Binhs younger brother said on Jan. 29.

This morning, I submitted my papers and visit request to the prison officials at An Diem, and after waiting for over 30 minutes I was told I could not see my brother, Hoang Nguyen said.

They wrote in my visit book that I had violated prison camp regulations, but didnt explain to me what those violations were, and that I could therefore not visit with my brother. They also gave back some traditional medicines that I had sent to him in the mail, he said.

Binh had previously been refused family visits by prison authorities angered by his insistence on his innocence and refusal to wear a prison uniform, with relatives turned away by prison officials on Nov. 24, 2020, family sources told RFA in earlier reports

A longtime activist, Binh was arrested on May 15, 2017, by police officers who dragged him from his care more than a year after he had taken part in protests over the governments response to a waste spill in Vietnam the year before by the Taiwan-owned Formosa Plastics Group steel plant.

The spill killed an estimated 115 tons of fish and left fishermen jobless in four coastal provinces

Binh was later handed a 14-year prison term in February 2018 for abusing democratic freedoms and obstructing officials in the performance of their duties under Articles 257 and 258 of Vietnams Penal Code, and in July 2018 he was transferred to the An Diem Prison in Quang Nam, some 300 miles away from his home province of Nghe An.

Citing ill health behind bars, he has since petitioned to be moved back to a detention facility closer to his home.

Reported by RFAs Vietnamese Service. Translated by Huy Le. Written in English by Richard Finney.
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Another wave of COVID-19 is putting millions out of work, while tens of millions more remain unemployed, and Congress debates aid.

Now, a new Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) study shows that unemployment help directly translates to people being able to put food on the table.

The CARES Act--passed in March of 2020-- expanded unemployment insurance coverage, amount, and duration.

Published in JAMA Network Open, the study finds that receiving unemployment insurance cuts a person's risk of food insecurity by a third, and halves the likelihood of needing to eat less because of financial constraints. And receiving more coverage, such as the weekly $600 supplement included in CARES until last July, means an even bigger reduction in the risk of going hungry.

There has long been a need to improve the proportion of people covered, the duration of coverage, and the amount of coverage in our unemployment insurance system. This paper speaks to the critical role that unemployment insurance can play in preventing people from facing food insecurity during a crisis." Dr. Julia Raifman, Study Lead Author and Assistant Professor of Health Law, Policy & Management, Boston University School of Public Health

Raifman and colleagues used data from the Understanding Coronavirus in America study, looking at a sample of 2,319 people who had household incomes less than $75,000 and had been employed in February. By the end of July, 1,119 people (nearly half) had experienced unemployment.

Of those who lost their jobs, 415 reported food insecurity and 437 reported that they sometimes ate less because of financial constraints.

The researchers found that receiving unemployment insurance was associated with a 35.0% relative decline in a person's risk of food insecurity, and a 47.8% relative decline in the likelihood of having to eat less. Receiving larger amounts of unemployment insurance and/or the weekly $600 CARES supplement came with even more substantial declines in food insecurity and having to eat less.

The researchers also identified major disparities in who is facing food insecurity among those who have lost their jobs during COVID: 69.2% of Indigenous participants in the study reported food insecurity, as did 52.5% of Hispanic participants, 42.2% of Black participants, 40.3% of Asian participants, and 26.9% of non-Hispanic white participants.

They also found that 46.1% of households with kids faced food insecurity, compared to 32.8% of households without kids.

"It is heartbreaking that families with children are even more likely to face food insecurity," Raifman says. "The recent Booker/Pressley policy proposal to provide direct payments to children's families could make a big difference for their food security and short- and long-term health."
Yanghwajin Cemetery in Hapjeong-dong, Seoul, in April 2020 Robert Neff Collection



By Robert Neff





Anna P. Jacobsen in the mid-1890s / From Prof. Oak Sung-Deuk's book "A Pictorial History of Modern Nursing in Korea." "A Pictorial History of Modern Nursing in Korea" by Prof. Oak Sung-Deuk

One of the first Norwegians in Korea, and possibly the earliest to be buried here, was Anna P. Jacobsen, a young nurse whose past is relatively unknown and only remembered with a small plain stone in the Yanghwajin Foreigners' Cemetery. Anna's life was one of hardships and sacrifices brought upon her by her extreme religious devotion.



Anna was born April 18, 1866, on the island of Nottero, near the town of Sousberg, Norway. With the passing of time, Sousberg has disappeared from the map, but it was most likely a large village of fishermen and farmers. She grew up in a large family. Her father, a baker, appears to have made a good living and had several employees working for him. Not only was he successful, he was also very conservative and domineering. Like most of the population, her father was Lutheran, and he demanded that his entire family follow his faith, thus, at a young age, she was forced to become a member of the Lutheran Church. It was not her wish. She was troubled by attending the Lutheran Church because it violated her own personal beliefs, and she was obviously afraid of her father's wrath, but, while still young, she summoned the strength to declare that she would no longer attend the Lutheran services and instead switched to the Presbyterian Church. "After a long hard struggle, she found Christ and the forgiveness she craved."



While still a young teenager, she became engaged to marry a young Lutheran boy. Unfortunately, Anna left no diary, but apparently from the conversations she had with her friends in Seoul, the marriage was not one of her choosing. "Feeling that she could not conscientiously marry an unbeliever, her engagement was broken." This broken engagement further infuriated her father who cast her from his house without means at the tender age of 15.



Anna managed to find employment as a maid, and appears to have saved up enough money that she was eventually, in the summer of 1889, able to leave Norway, arriving in New York on Aug. 27, 1889, aboard the steamship Wyoming. She eventually settled in Portland, Maine, where she again found employment as a maid, but it was her dream to save up enough money so that she could attend a nursing school.



Maine General Hospital Training School for Nurses was established in the 1880s in Portland. Its first class of seven women (10 started but three were unable to complete the course) graduated in 1887, and were gainfully employed almost immediately afterwards. Sometime in the early 1890s, Anna, who had worked for three years as a maid in Portland, managed to save up enough money to enroll in the prestigious school. Despite her poor English, she was able to keep up with, and often surpass, her fellow students  all native English speakers.



While attending school, Anna was active in the Presbyterian community, and often heard stories of missionaries in faraway lands. These stories inspired her to apply for a position as a missionary, which was accepted the year before her graduation. Much to her pleasure, the Presbyterian Church assigned her a position in Korea as the assistant to Dr. Oliver R. Avison. Many of the doctors at Maine General Hospital tried to discourage her from leaving. They assured her of ample employment opportunities in Portland, but she politely turned down their offers and insisted that she wanted to be a missionary.





Anna P. Jacobsen's grave at Yanghwajin Cemetery in April 2020 Robert Neff Collection
On a frosty winter morning, two anglers are on their way up to the first fishing hole on their favorite steelhead river.

As the father and son gear up, the only sounds they hear are the water running and the snow crunching beneath their feet.

Over the next 10 minutes, these woods will awaken with the sounds of chickadees and other birds. As the sun cuts through the clouds, it melts frost off the branches, dripping into the river's slow, churning waters.

Anticipation gathers within the minds of the two men, with a looming battle of epic sport about to occur.

The son looks at his dad, who nods back. They know within the first three casts they are going to have a fish on the line.

The first cast passes the bait through the water with no takers. Any minute now 

"Right about there," the father mumbles as he casts.

Almost immediately, the float on the line drops and the water erupts. Out comes a shiny, chrome steelhead, fighting with all its might, trying to shake the hook.

This time of year, steelhead battles are creating magical memories like this across the Great Lakes State.

Michigan provides access to half of all the fresh water in the United States, thanks to four of the five the Great Lakes, more than 11,000 inland lakes, and 36,000 miles of navigable rivers and streams.

This enormous volume of water, and the state's world-class fisheries it supports, provide fishing opportunities of all kinds in every season.

During late fall and early winter months, steelhead river fishing becomes a prized pastime for anglers seeking a unique challenge.

Steelhead is a name given to migratory rainbow trout that are born in rivers but spend most of their lives in the ocean or the Great Lakes. Steelhead are not native to Michigan.

These beautiful fish, first brought to Michigan waters from the west coast in the 1885, are known fighters that provide great table fare - a combination making them a popular sport fish in Michigan.

Hayden Gosen, a fourth-generation steelhead angler from Sanford, in Midland County, caught his first steelhead on the Pere Marquette River at a young age, with guidance from his father, Craig Gosen.

The Pere Marquette, Muskegon and Hersey were the first three rivers in Michigan to have steelhead stocked in the late 1800s.

"I actually caught my very first steelhead on my own when I was 5 years old," Hayden said. "The passion, the thrill, the adventure, the chase of catching a wild steelhead that's traveled all the way from the Great Lakes up into these rivers ... I never know what the next cast is going to bring and that's the adventure I'm always chasing."

Steelhead river fishing has provided a generational influence that has fueled the Gosen family's interest and enjoyment of Michigan's natural resources for more than 70 years.

Craig was born and grew up in Spaulding Township and learned the sport of steelhead fishing from his grandmother, Mary Vleet, during visits with family on the East Branch of the AuGres River in Iosco County.

"I started going to the East Branch of the AuGres River and got my first steelhead when I was 7 and I was hooked on it at an early age," Craig said.

When Hayden was old enough to fish, Craig mentored him and passed on his knowledge of the sport through many fishing trips. The two have bonded and spent a lifetime together chasing steelhead.

"He's taught me everything I know," said Hayden, who today lives in metropolitan Detroit. "There is no way I would be an avid angler if he wouldn't have taught me everything he knows, and if his grandparents wouldn't have taught him what they knew."

Hayden recalls that before he could even walk, Craig would tow him in his little red wagon down the banks of the AuGres.

"Steelhead fishing to me, it's a passion. I have a love for it," Hayden said. "That passion was instilled at a young age. For years, until I could catch fish on my own consistently, I was my dad's 'net man,' his right-hand man."

Like most sportfishing adventurers, the Gosens find significant meaning and connection in participating. Little things, like taking a break and enjoying a sandwich together while sitting on the riverbank, help create lasting memories.

Fishing together is special for the Gosens.

"The bond between a father and a son sharing the same passion together - now that's priceless," Hayden said.

"I enjoy the challenge, the thrill, the fight of catching a steelhead. It's gonna be that next memory that I'll remember for the rest of my life. That's what keeps me going, what will that next cast bring me?"

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources manages the state's steelhead populations through numerous fisheries management activities, including fish stocking and regulations.

The Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery, established in 1927 near Kalamazoo, and the Thompson State Fish Hatchery, opened near Manistique in 1922, rear Michigan's steelhead that are stocked in public waters.

"Michigan's steelhead planting program has really expanded fishing opportunities to countless rivers around the state," said Craig, who now lives in Sandford. "I think it's an excellent program."

Steelhead travel from the Great Lakes and spend their winters upstream, finishing their stay spawning during spring months. Michigan geography offers a plethora of winter steelhead fishing opportunities found in all regions of the state.

During the winter season, Lake Michigan's rivers are among the prime places to find steelhead. Popular destinations include the Betsie, Muskegon, Grand, Kalamazoo and St. Joseph rivers. Some additional rivers elsewhere in Michigan offering steelhead runs include the Cheboygan, Clinton and Huron Rivers - which feed Lake Huron - and the Chocolay River, which flows to Lake Superior.

"There's endless opportunities to steelhead fish in Michigan," Craig said.

In recent years, the DNR has promoted steelhead fishing through various projects, including a steelhead hatchery video produced at the Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery. The video featured Hayden and Craig Gosen as anglers.

In winter 2020, a second DNR video expanded this effort highlighting winter steelhead fishing, capturing a Sunday scene of Hayden's family fishing on the Pere Marquette River. This video highlights Hayden's journey to locate, hook, fight and land steelhead, surrounded by the snowy banks of a wintery Michigan river.

Anglers interested in trying steelhead fishing can visit Michigan.gov/Fishing to learn more about getting started. A Michigan fishing license is required to pursue steelhead. Fishing regulations are published in the DNR's Fishing Digest, available at Michigan.gov/DNRDigests.

Charter and guide services offer steelhead opportunities around the state. These captains and guides are valuable stewards passing on the sport to future generations.

"Enjoy the surroundings and get outside," Craig said.

"The state has tremendous resources to participate in and view. With steelhead fishing, either walking the bank or floating the river, you get to enjoy that all at the same time."

Check out previous Showcasing the DNR stories in our archive at Michigan.gov/DNRStories. To subscribe to upcoming Showcasing articles, sign up for free email delivery at Michigan.gov/DNR.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-30 11:44:42|Editor: huaxia

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WUHAN, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Archaeologists have discovered a noble family tomb dating back to the Warring States Period (475-221 BC) in central China's Hubei Province.

The Xincun Tomb in Shayang County consists of two chambers, where a Chu Kingdom patrician and his wife were respectively interred, two pits for chariots and horses and another sacrifice pit, as well as wall structures, said Zhou Qing, lead archeologist of the excavation team.

A profusion of artifacts were unearthed from the two chambers, including ritual objects, musical instruments, jade items, jewelry and lacquer wares, said Zhou. The finest pieces among them were an exquisite lacquered goblet, a large carving of a tomb-guarding beast, and a drum with a bird-shaped frame and a tiger foundation.

Eight chariots and 18 horses were also found in the two chariot pits accompanying the tomb, said the archaeologist.

The tomb was the latest found in the local tomb clusters dating back to the Chu Kingdom. The unearthed items indicate the tomb was built between 300 and 278 BC, researchers said. Enditem

Why North Star felt it was key to keep in-person education amid COVID
Indian market closed in the red through the week pushing benchmark indices below crucial support levels while the broader market outperformed. The S&P BSE Sensex closed below 47,000 while Nifty50 also closed below 13,700 levels.

The S&P BSE Sensex and Nifty50 plunged more than 5 percent each for the week ended January 29 compared to 3.6 percent fall in the S&P BSE Midcap index and a 2.3 percent decline in the S&P BSE Smallcap index in the same period.

Weak global cues, selling by foreign institutional investors (FIIs), which only increased in the run-up to the Budget, weighed on sentiment. FIIs have pulled out more than Rs 12,000 crore in the cash segment of the Indian equity markets.

"The market traded negative, during the week, due to continuous FII selling under a weakening global trend. Both FIIs and domestic investors sold ahead of the key Union Budget, Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services told Moneycontrol.

Global sentiment turned fragile as further lockdown delayed economic recovery and speculative activities in the US market. The economic survey indicated a V-shape recovery in India and pegged real GDP to grow at 11% in FY22, he said.

The big events to watch out for will be the Budget 2021 announcements and December quarter earnings which have been mostly stable. More than 400 companies will declare their results from February 1-5, 2021.

Technically, the Nifty50 broke below crucial support placed at 14000-13800 levels. The market broke below crucial support placed at 50-Days SMA placed around 13750, and 50-Days EMA at 13700 levels.

Experts advise investors to stay cautious and watch out for crucial support placed at 13,400 levels. Now, a close above 14,000 levels could give bulls some confidence.

Key benchmarks witnessed profit booking closed at 13635, down 5% over the week. Meanwhile, the broader market relatively outperformed. The current profit booking phase ahead of Budget is healthy for the overall trend. A decisive close above 14000 levels would open the door for 14500 in coming weeks, Dharmesh Shah, Head  Technical, ICICI direct told Moneycontrol.

We expect buying demand to emerge around 13400-13500 levels, so incremental buying in quality large-cap stocks is recommended. Sectorally we expect IT, banking, consumption, and infrastructure should outperform and to lead the rally, he said.

Shah further added that quality small caps stocks like Bajaj Electrical, PNC Infra, Amber Enterprise, Birla soft among other look attractive.

: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
Another fact check and more testimony as Black history month approaches . . . Read more:

As part of last weeks celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, noted local history writer Brian Burnes recounted six visits the civil rights leader made to Kansas City. The following is Burnes account of a 1961 visit to Bnai Jehudah.
Ellsworth: Did you get the message from your body?

A bomb exploded outside of the Israeli Embassy in India on Friday. Who the perpetrators were and other details surrounding the incident were not immediately clear.

The explosion occurred around 5 p.m. outside of the embassy in New Delhi. Nobody was injured and Israeli and Indian authorities are working together on the investigation, Israel's ambassador to India, Ron Malka, said on Twitter.

The blast was low intensity and happened just a few feet from the embassy. The impact shattered the windshields of three cars in the vicinity, The Times of India reported.

Malka said it is unclear who carried out the attack and the motivations behind it.

An Israeli official told Reuters that both Israel and India regard the explosion as a terrorist incident.

The explosion took place on the 29th anniversary of Israel and India establishing diplomatic relations. Relations have improved significantly under prime ministers Benjamin Netanyahu and Narendra Modi.

Besides screening all direct and indirect contacts with confirmed COVID-19 transmissions, Hanoi will also implement testing for all citizens who returned from Chi Linh City of Hai Duong Province since January 14.

The Hanoi City Peoples Committee summoned an emergency meeting on COVID-19 prevention on Thursday, with Vuong Dinh Hue, secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, as the chairperson.

Prompt action

As of Thursday afternoon, Hanoi had not reported any direct transmission from patient 1,552, a COVID-19 case detected in Hai Duong Provinces Chi Linh City, according to Nguyen Khac Hien, director of the Hanoi Center for Disease Control.

Meanwhile, patient 1,553, another newly-announced COVID-19 case in Quang Ninh Province, was identified as the direct source of transmission for 11 patients in Hanoi, who reside in districts of Ha Dong, Thanh Tri, Ba Dinh, Bac Tu Liem, Hoang Mai, Nam Tu Liem, Thanh Oai, Thuong Tin and Chuong My.

Ten of these cases were sent to quarantine at the Hanoi Municipal Police Hospital, while one is returning to the city from Son La Province.

Meanwhile, the Hanoi Center for Disease Control is maintaining a testing capacity of 3,000 samples per day, which can be pushed to 10,000 per day if necessary.

The meeting also discussed the case of D.T.C., 26, from Hanois Gia Lam District, who rode a bus to Chi Linh City with his family members to pick up his bride-to-be for a wedding ceremony.

The group of roughly 50 members departed from Hanoi around midday of Thursday on three separate buses. On their way back to the capital city, they were joined by 23 members, including the driver, from the bride-to-bes family.

Upon being notified, we immediately ordered functional forces to cease the wedding banquet, collect personal information of everyone involved, and asked the 23 members of the brides family to return home, a Gia Lam leader reported.

Members of the grooms family are also required to self-isolate to prevent transmission.

Functional forces also fumigated the wedding venue. The [Gia Lam] district also formed control posts around the grooms house, and urged the city authority to perform tests on his family members.

Leaders of Hanoi said they have ordered police of districts and wards having suspected COVID-19 transmission cases to heighten monitoring at high-risk areas.

By Thursday, three police officers of Ba Dinh District had been deemed at high risk of coronavirus infection after their duty trip to Quang Ninh Province, while four others had been suspected of transmission after coming in contact with high-risk individuals.

Prompt contact tracing

Hanoi strives for fast responses but will always assume a proactive position and avoid panicking, as we have surmounted three similar challenges before, Vuong Dinh Hue, secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, said during the meeting.

According to Hue, the two epicenters  Hai Duong and Quang Ninh  are close to Hanoi with intensive transport and trade activities with the city.

Knowing this, all actions must be hastened and escalated to avoid failures in preventing transmission.

Hue required the whole administration system to step in, utilize local resources, ensure monitoring on a 24/7 basis, and form emergency response teams.

Leaders of each wards and districts can make decisions based on their authority and regulations to ensure immediate responses.

Hue also ordered strict adherence of COVID-19 prevention guidelines in medical institutions of the city.

The city will mobilize the whole administration system at an elevated scale, said Hanoi's chairman Chu Ngoc Anh.

The medical sector, as well as the Hanoi Center for Disease Control, are required to cooperate with authorities at grassroots levels to track returnees from epicenters.

All returnees from outbreak sites from January 14 until now must undergo contact tracing. The city-level probe must be done within three days.

Test sampling for people who returned to Hanoi from Hai Duongs Chi Linh City after January 14 is also required, Ngoc Anh stated.

Vietnam has documented 1,657 COVID-19 cases as of Friday morning, with 1,448 recoveries and 35 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health.

The country had spent nearly two months detecting no local transmission before the new clusters were uncovered.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Assam elections 2021: CPI to discuss polls in national council meet

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 30: A two-day meeting of the CPI''s national council meeting to be held here from Saturday would discuss preparations for the forthcoming Assembly elections in Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Assam. The meeting would also dwell into the alleged anti- people policies of the NDA government at the Centre, among others. Addressing the CPI''s national executive committee meeting on Friday, the party general secretary D Raja said the Assembly elections are crucial to the CPI. The meeting finalised the agenda for the national council meetings.

"There is a special agenda for the elections in Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Assam. These polls are critical ones for the Left...", he said. The preparations for the polls would be heard from the respective state leaders during the national council meetings, and the party''s prospects in the elections can be discussed, he said.

Congress has 'surrendered' to IUML, alleges CPI

While the CPI is a part of the ruling LDF in Kerala, it is a constituent in the Left front in West Bengal.

Congress and the Left have formed an alliance for the polls in the eastern state. In his address, Raja alleged that the NDA government used Parliament to enact a number of anti-worker and anti-farmer laws and the upsurge of working class, peasantry, students and women could be seen across the country against the alleged retrograde policies.

The COVID-19 pandemic hit the country in March last year, but some sources said the virus cases were reported in December or January, he claimed. But the Modi government was busy in organising a welcome party to the then US President Donald Trump, he said. The Assembly elections in Delhi happened around the same time and the BJP-RSS decided to win the poll in the national capital by polarising people, the CPI leader alleged.

The NDA government has been working in the interests of corporate houses, he said. "Using the pandemic as a smokescreen, the government brought out many policies which are really anti-national.

Moradabad-Agra highway accident | Gandhi statue vandalised in US | Oneindia News

So, we will discuss all these things," he said. Raja further said the BJP''s membership has increased in spite of the pandemic.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, January 30, 2021, 11:14 [IST]

Bills in Arizona, Mississippi and Wisconsin would end the practice of awarding all electoral votes to the presidential candidate who wins the statewide vote. Instead, they would be allotted according to votes in congressional districts  which in Republican states are generally gerrymandered to favor Republicans. In Arizona, the Legislature also would choose two electors.

In the last election, the moves would have reduced Mr. Bidens electoral vote total by 11 votes.

Nebraska, on the other hand, would do the reverse with a similar partisan outcome: The state now awards presidential electors by congressional district, but legislation would move the state to the winner-take-all system. One of Nebraskas three House districts voted for Mr. Biden in November.

The Battle Over Voting Rights Amid months of false claims by former President Donald J. Trump that the 2020 election was stolen from him, Republican lawmakers in many states are marching ahead to pass laws making it harder to vote and changing how elections are run, frustrating Democrats and even some election officials in their own party. A Key Topic : The rules and procedures of elections have become a central issue in American politics. The Brennan Center for Justice, a liberal-leaning law and justice institute at New York University, counts 361 bills in 47 states that seek to tighten voting rules. At the same time, 843 bills have been introduced with provisions to improve access to voting. The Basic Measures: The restrictions vary by state but can include limiting the use of ballot drop boxes, adding identification requirements for voters requesting absentee ballots, and doing away with local laws that allow automatic registration for absentee voting. More Extreme Measures: Some measures go beyond altering how one votes, including tweaking Electoral College and judicial election rules, clamping down on citizen-led ballot initiatives, and outlawing private donations that provide resources for administering elections. Pushback: This Republican effort has led Democrats in Congress to find a way to pass federal voting laws. A sweeping voting rights bill passed the House in March, but faces difficult obstacles in the Senate. Republicans have remained united against the proposal and even if the bill became law, it would likely face steep legal challenges. Florida: Measures here include limiting the use of drop boxes, adding more identification requirements for absentee ballots, requiring voters to request an absentee ballot for each election, limiting who could collect and drop off ballots, and further empowering partisan observers during the ballot-counting process. Texas: The next big move could happen here, where Republicans in the legislature are brushing aside objections from corporate titans and moving on a vast election bill that would be among the most severe in the nation. It would impose new restrictions on early voting, ban drive-through voting, threaten election officials with harsher penalties and greatly empower partisan poll watchers. Other States: Arizonas Republican-controlled Legislature passed a bill that would limit the distribution of mail ballots. The bill, which includes removing voters from the states Permanent Early Voting List if they do not cast a ballot at least once every two years, may be only the first in a series of voting restrictions to be enacted there. Georgia Republicans in March enacted far-reaching new voting laws that limit ballot drop-boxes and make the distribution of water within certain boundaries of a polling station a misdemeanor. Iowa has also imposed new limits, including reducing the period for early voting and in-person voting hours on Election Day. And bills to restrict voting have been moving through the Republican-led Legislature in Michigan.



Even Republicans in states where the November election was not close are proposing to tighten voting laws. In Texas, a state with perhaps the nations strictest voting rules and one of the lowest levels of turnout, the state party has declared election integrity the top legislative priority. Among other proposals, legislators want to cut the time allotted for early voting, limit outsiders ability to help voters fill out ballots and require new voters to prove they are citizens.

Republicans who control the Pennsylvania Legislature have mounted one of the most aggressive campaigns, even though any laws they enact probably would have to weather a veto by the states Democratic governor.

A handful of Republican state lawmakers want to abolish no-excuse absentee voting only 15 months after the Legislature approved it in an election-law package backed by all but two of its 134 G.O.P. members who cast votes. The main supporter of the bill, State Senator Doug Mastriano, has claimed that Mr. Bidens victory in the state is illegitimate, and spent thousands of dollars to bus protesters to the Jan. 6 demonstration that ended in the assault on the Capitol.

Rolling back the law appears a long shot. But there seems to be strong Republican support for other measures, including eliminating drop boxes for absentee ballots, discarding mail-in ballots with technical errors and ending a grace period for receiving ballots mailed by Election Day.

State Representative Seth Grove, the Republican chair of the committee holding 14 hearings into election practices, said at the initial gathering on Jan. 21 that he was not interested in dwelling on the 2020 election. We want a better process going forward, and were committed to that, Mr. Grove said.
Gardai have issued a fine to a man who presented a letter to them falsely claiming he was travelling on essential business.

The letter claimed the man was employed by a construction company and works within Cork County & Kerry.
YEREVAN, JANUARY 30, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian sent a congratulatory message to King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on his birthday, the Presidential Office told Armenpress.

President Sarkissian noted in particular that Armenia and Jordan have mutual interests and great prospects for cooperation. The recent meetings and fruitful discussions outline new ways of developing the existing relations between the two countries.

The President of Armenia expressed confidence that the agreements reached due to constructive discussions on bilateral, regional and international issues will come to life in the near future.

President Sarkissian wished good health and plenty of success to the King of Jordan.
A federal appeals court on Friday allowed border authorities to use an emergency policy under former President Donald Trump to quickly return unaccompanied migrant children apprehended at the US-Mexico border without an asylum interview or a court hearing.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit reverses a lower court ruling in November that blocks authorities from expelling migrant children at the border.

The expulsions started during the Trump administration as it closed the border to asylum seekers under a public health policy citing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trump used the rule established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to authorize border agents to return migrants to Mexico or to their respective home countries.

After a lower court barred the practice, the Trump administration requested for the policy to stay. According to a New York Times report, the said policy expelled thousands of migrant children without the chance to assess their asylum requests or other protections under U.S. law.

Before the federal court order, the Associated Press reported that around 8,800 unaccompanied migrant children were known to have been expelled, including kids as young as nine.

The report noted that many migrant children, including several babies with their parents, have been detained in hotels in border states before being placed on deportation flights.

In the last three months of 2020, border agents had conducted over 180,000 expulsions. They continued expelling most border crossers - adults and children - even during President Joe Biden's first days.

Related story: Immigrant Children at Border Have High Chance of Staying in the U.S.

Biden's Promise on Immigration Policies

Pres. Biden earlier vowed that he would enact a more humane policy at the border. However, his administration did not say how it will handle the pandemic emergency rule.

The previous administration under Donald Trump argued that the rule was needed to prevent the further spread of the COVID-19 in detention facilities.

Lee Gelernt, a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union, said that if the administration did not immediately lift the restrictions, it could still use its decision not to apply the policy to migrant children.

Trump's top immigration officials earlier warned that if Pres. Biden would roll back the restrictions, border crossings will continue to rise.

Meanwhile, Breitbart reported that many migrants are quietly traveling north to the U.S. border to accept Biden's apparent offer of asylum and jobs.

Citing a New York Times report, it noted that there was a growing number of migrants filling shelters along the migratory routes.

According to Father Mauro Verzeletti, director of the Casa del Migrante migrant shelter in Guatemala City, the shelter has already rented an annex to handle overflow from the main building.

Earlier this month, Guatemalan forces broke up a large caravan of migrants from San Pedro Sula, Honduras that numbered as many as 8,000.

The migrants are fleeing violence and poverty made worse by the global pandemic and recent deadly hurricanes that caused severe destruction in Honduras. They were hoping that Biden would be more welcoming to asylum seekers than Trump.

Biden is using his executive orders to reopen the flow of government-aided consumers and cheap workers into the country. But critics said this makes it more difficult for governments in Latin-American to block migrants.

They further noted that although it is good for the economy, it is bad for the U.S. employees and families.

Read also: US Border Authorities Expel Migrant Children to Other Countries Far From Their Families


The President, Women Arise for Change Initiative, Joe Okei-Odumakin, has urged the Inspector-General Police, Mohammed Adamu, to sack all p...

The President, Women Arise for Change Initiative, Joe Okei-Odumakin, has urged the Inspector-General Police, Mohammed Adamu, to sack all policemen who impregnated women out of wedlock.

Okei-Odumakin was reacting to the sacking of an unmarried female corporal, Olajide Omolola, who was dismissed for getting pregnant.

The activist, who spoke on a PUNCH Live programme on Thursday, described the dismissal of Omolola as pure discrimination.

According to her, many male operatives in the Nigeria Police Force have at one time or the other impregnated ladies whom they were not married to.

She stressed that the Force must respect the equality of rights, and accord same regard to both genders in the Force.

Okei-Odumakin said, It is quite insensitive. The decision of the police authorities typifies the assault encountered by the average Nigerian woman in their workplace. We should be able to interrogate the system and also find out if the leadership within the system can also provide the number of men within the police force who have impregnated women out of wedlock and that have also served similar punishment.

She noted that it is quite sad knowing that at this point in the history of our country, an institution like the Nigeria Police Force could slam such heavy punishment on a policewoman.

They slammed the police over what they described as a discriminatory law and called on rights group to fight for the woman.

The police, in a wireless message with reference number CJ:4161/EKS/IY/Vol.2/236, DTO:181330/01/2021, said Omolola was dismissed for getting pregnant while unmarried.

The signal originated from the Department of Finance and Administration in Ado Ekiti and was addressed to the Divisional Police Officer at Iye Ekiti, where Omolola was based.





The chief financial officer in Ekiti was asked to relay the information to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System to ensure that her salary was stopped.

The document read, Section 127 of the Police Act and Regulation against women police getting pregnant before marriage; W/PC (woman corporal) Olajide Omolola passed out of Police Training School on 24/04/2020 attached to yours, contravened above provisions.

She stands dismissed from the Force. Dekit her. Retrieve police documents in her possession with immediate effect. O/C CFO Ekiti only. You are to relay signal to IPPIS Abuja for the stoppage of her salary with immediate effect.

DECOMPOLS (Deputy Commissioners of Police)/ACPOLS (Assistant Commissioners of Police)/HODs/DPOs Ekiti State only. You are to lecture women police. Treat as very urgent.

It was gathered that the aspect of the Act relied on to justify the sacking had been repealed in the amended police Act signed into law by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), in September 2020.

Part of the old law, which has been repealed, also made it compulsory for policewomen to seek the permission of their superiors before getting married.

But Okei-Odumakin said, To justify her sack is really very sad. Our institutions must respect the equality of rights.
The Gujarat government on Saturday extended till February 15 the night curfew in four major cities of the state- Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot- to prevent the spread of coronavirus, a senior official said. However, the duration of the night curfew has been curtailed by an hour, from 10 pm-6 am to 11 pm-6 am, he said.

The government had imposed the night curfew in these four cities following a spike in COVID-19 cases after Diwali in November. It had later announced that the night curfew would continue till January 31, but reduced the curfew timing by one hour to 10 pm and 6 am. "Starting February, Gujarat will strictly follow till February 28 the COVID-19 guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on January 27," Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Pankaj Kumar said.

"The night curfew would continue to be in force in four metros of the state - Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot and Surat. But it would now be between 11 pm to 6 am till February 15," he said. Kumar said the state has succeeded in improving the COVID-19 recovery rate to 96.94 per cent.

"But there is a need to remain cautious, vigilant and adhere to the prescribed containment strategy to prevent and completely eradicate the COVID-19 transmission," he said. According to him, all the activities outside of the containment zones will continue as per the SOPs issued by the various departments of the central and state governments.

Activities related to marriage functions, large gatherings, places of worship, malls, restaurants, hotels, cinema halls, swimming pools, gymnasiums, exhibition, passenger movement by train, air travel, metro train, schools, institutions of higher learning, yoga centers, gymnasiums, etc will have to be conducted in strict adherence to the SOPs, he said. As per the release issued Friday evening, there are 3,589 active cases in Gujarat, which has so far reported 2,60,901 COVID-19 cases and 4,385 deaths.
Marjorie Taylor Greene does not intend to resign her position from Congress amid intensifying calls for her expulsion from members of Congress and parents of school shooting victims.

The newly appointed lawmaker has fielded significant scrutiny over the last few days, following the emergence of a number of alleged social media interactions and controversial videos on her YouTube page.

Certain uncovered social media posts have appeared to show Rep Greene supporting conspiracies surrounding the 9/11 attacks and various school shootings in the US, suggesting they were fake or inside jobs.

Rep Greene was also seen heckling Parkland school shooting survivor David Hogg in a video posted to her YouTube page in January 2020, prompting renewed outrage from the families of shooting victims.

However, amid increased pressure to hand in her resignation, a spokesman for Greene told CBS News she had no plans to resign.

Rep Greene did not immediately respond to The Independents request for comment.

Gun safety activist Fred Guttenberg, whose 14-year-old daughter, Jaime, was murdered during the Parkland shooting in 2018 told MSNBC on Thursday that Rep Greene does not belong in Congress.

Mr Guttenberg said Rep Greene ran for Congress on a lie", adding: She has called Parkland a lie, Sandy Hook a lie, Las Vegas a lie, and 9/11 a lie."

Mark Barden and Nicole Hockley, parents of two children who were killed in the Sandy Hook school massacre in Connecticut in 2012, echoed similar sentiments in regard to Rep Greenes positions in Congress.

Having a Sandy Hook and Parkland denier on the House Education and Labour Committee is an attack on any and every family whose loved ones were murdered in mass shootings that have now become fodder for hoaxers, they said, CNNs Jake Tapper reported.

The couple noted that they were grateful to lawmakers who recognise that hateful conspiracy theories and suggestions that our childrens violent deaths never happened have no place in our society, much less the United States Congress.

Mr Hogg, who has been a vocal gun control activist since he survived the 2018 massacre, has been urging his followers to sign a petition calling for Rep Greenes resignation.

The 20-year-old has said he absolutely felt threatened by Rep Greene during their interaction in the YouTube video, during which she called him a coward and told him she was carrying a gun.

Rep Greene told CNN that the video was taken while she was in Washington, "going from office to office in the Senate to oppose the radical gun-control agenda that Mr Hogg was pushing".

Mr Hogg said in an interview with the broadcaster on Thursday that the controversial representative would rather choose to protect guns than children.

Mr Guttenberg urged Republican House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy to take action against Rep Greene and remove her from Congress.

"Kevin McCarthy, when you're done having drinks and cake with the bully in Palm Beach, you need to come back and you need to remove her. She has no place in Congress, he told MSNBC.

A spokesperson for Mr McCarthy, told Axios in a statement on Wednesday that leader McCarthy plans to have a conversation with Rep Greene about the deeply disturbing comments.

Rep Greenes past social media interactions also allegedly included indications of support in 2018 and 2019 toward the idea of executing prominent Democrats.

In response to the surfaced posts, Rep Greene has suggested that other people had access to her social media accounts.

Over the years, Ive had teams of people manage my pages. Many posts have been liked. Many posts have been shared. Some did not represent my views, she said in a statement.

California congressman Jimmy Gomez moved on Wednesday to expel the hard-right representative from Congress over the posts.

Such advocacy for extremism and sedition not only demands her immediate expulsion from Congress, but it also merits strong and clear condemnation from all of her Republican colleagues, he said.

Rep Greene said in a statement on Twitter that they are coming after me because I'm a threat to their goal of Socialism. They are coming after me because they know I represent the people, not the politicians.

They are coming after me because like President Trump, I will always defend conservative values. They want to take me out because I represent the people. And they absolutely hate it.

House GOP Whip Steve Scalise told CNN, I've consistently condemned the use of violent rhetoric in politics on both sides, and this is no exception. There is no place for comments like that in our political discourse."

Expelling Rep Greene would require a two-thirds vote of Congress. Democrats hold only a 10-seat advantage in the House.
Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City on Saturday morning confirmed a passenger hailing from the now epicenter of northern Hai Duong Province, who arrived in the southern metropolis on a flight from Hanoi, had tested positive for the coronavirus.

The male passenger, whose hometown is in Nam Sach District, Hai Duong, came into contact with patient No. 1,612 at a wedding party on January 18 before boarding the flight VN213 from Noi Bai International Airport to Ho Chi Minh City at 3:00 pm on Thursday.

The citys Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control announced his positive test result during a virtual meeting on Saturday morning.

From the beginning, we applied all measures and put the patient in isolation on the night of January 28 with symptoms of cough and fever, said director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health Nguyen Tan Binh at the meeting.

Twelve cases who had close contact with the patient have also been quarantined, according to the municipal health department, with their first test results all returning negative for the virus. Other four cases are still waiting for their results.

On Friday night, the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC) issued an urgent notice to find passengers boarding the same VN213 flight as the aforementioned patient.

The HCDC recommended that all passengers traveling on the above flight contact the local health authorities for guidances on medical quarantine and COVID-19 testing.

Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health Nguyen Tan Binh speaks at a virtual meeting on COVID-19 prevention and control in the city, January 30, 2021. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre

Earlier, the HCDC had also said on Friday morning it would increase the quarantine period to 21 days for people who had come into contact with the confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection and those returning from epidemic areas in Hai Duong and Quang Ninh Provinces.

In a related move, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health recommends that local hospitals activate the infection prevention and control mode at the highest alert level, re-establish quarantine rooms at the clinical wards and the isolation areas for COVID-19 treatment according to regulations.

Vietnam confirmed 34 more local coronavirus cases on Saturday morning, excluding the new case in Ho Chi Minh City.

The number of patients mounted to 1,740, with 1,448 recoveries and 35 virus-related deaths, according to a Tuoi Tre News tally.

The country had gone almost two months without any locally transmitted cases until the latest coronavirus outbreak, which began on Thursday and has spread to five northern cities and provinces, including Hanoi.

Authorities are conducting quick and extensive contact tracing to contain the new wave of infections, at a time when the Lunar New Year holiday, Vietnams biggest festival, is only two weeks away.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
(Singapore--January 30, 2021 11:00 p.m. SPT/January 30, 2021 10:00 a.m. EST)-- A study presented today by researchers with the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Taiwan confirmed the effectiveness of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening in a pre-defined, never-smoker, high-risk population. The research was presented today at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer 2021 World Conference on Lung Cancer.

In Taiwan, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality, and 53% of those have died of lung cancer were never-smokers. The National Lung Cancer Screening Trial (NLCST) and NELSON Trials demonstrated that the use of low-dose CT is effective for lung cancer screening; however, most of the lung cancer screenings focused on heavy smokers, which may not be suitable for an East Asian population as this population tend to have higher incidence of lung cancer in never-smokers.

The researchers, led by Dr. Pan Chyr Yang, of the National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei/Taiwan, developed by the Taiwan Lung Cancer Screening for Never Smoker Trial (TALENT), a nationwide lung cancer LDCT screening study focused on never-smokers. TALENT's goal is also to develop an effective strategy for screening of lung cancer in never-smoker and establish a risk prediction model to identify high-risk population that may benefit from LDCT screening.

The TALENT study enrolled and followed 12,011 individuals between February 2015 and July 2019. To be enrolled in the trial, participants must have been between 55 and 75 years of age and never-smokers. In addition, participants must have had one of the following risk factors for lung cancer: family history of lung cancer within the third-degree of relations, passive smoking exposure, tuberculosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cooking index of 110 or greater, and absence of ventilation during cooking.

Of the 12,011 individuals, 6,009 (50 %) had family history of lung cancer, and 2,094 (17.4%) were considered positive on screening. Of these, 395 participants (3.3%) underwent lung biopsies or surgeries. Lung cancer (2.6%) was diagnosed in 313 patients, with 255 (2.1%) diagnosed with invasive lung cancer--all but one was adenocarcinoma and 96.5% were diagnosed with stage I disease. The remaining 81 patients had benign lung disease or a malignancy other than cancer.

The prevalence of lung cancer was 3.2% and 2.0% (p < 0.001) in participants with and without lung cancer family history, respectively. The prevalence of invasive lung cancer was 2.6% and 1.6%, respectively. The lung cancer risk increased with the number of first-degree relatives with lung cancer (0: 2.0%, 1: 3.1%, 2: 4.0%, 3: 6.7%, ? 4: 9.1%; p < 0.001).

"Most importantly, 96.5% patients were stage 0 or 1, [and] were potentially curable by surgery," said Dr. Yang. "Our study also revealed the high risk of family history, especially those [participants] with a first-degree family history of lung cancer."

"The study revealed that LDCT screening for lung cancer in never-smoker with high risk may be feasible, which is very important to all who are fighting against lung cancer, [considering] the increasing global threat for lung cancer in never-smoker. Most importantly, the study showed that family history of lung cancer may increase the risk of lung cancer," he added.

Dr. Yang said his team plans to develop a risk score predictor that includes the family history, and genetic and environmental factors for identification of high-risk population who can benefit from LDCT screening for lung cancer in never-smokers. A standard screening protocol will be established, and Dr. Yang and his team will advise the authority to formally implement the LDCT for lung cancer screening in Taiwan.

"We hope the screening program can benefit patients suffering from lung cancer especially in those countries with high incidence of lung cancer in never smoker," he said.

"This study paves the way to additional studies in this unique group of high-risk individuals," Dr. Scagliotti, IASLC interim CSO said, "in order to maximize the benefits of early detection of lung cancer."

###

About the IASLC:

The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) is the only global organization dedicated solely to the study of lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies. Founded in 1974, the association's membership includes nearly 7,500 lung cancer specialists across all disciplines in over 100 countries, forming a global network working together to conquer lung and thoracic cancers worldwide. The association also publishes the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, the primary educational and informational publication for topics relevant to the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of all thoracic malignancies. Visit http://www. iaslc. org for more information.

About the WCLC:

The WCLC is the world's largest meeting dedicated to lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies, attracting more than 7,000 researchers, physicians and specialists from more than 100 countries. The goal is to increase awareness, collaboration and understanding of lung cancer, and to help participants implement the latest developments across the globe. The conference will cover a wide range of disciplines and unveil several research studies and clinical trial results. For more information, visit wclc2020.iaslc.org.
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Market witnessed continuous selling throughout the truncated week ended January 29 amid volatility due to monthly expiry, FII selling and weak global markets. Meanwhile, market participants also booked profit ahead of the Union Budget to be presented on February 1.

Last week, BSE Sensex slipped 2,592.77 points or 5.3 percent to end at 46,285.77 and while the Nifty50 fell 737.3 points or 5 percent to finish at 13,634.60 levels.

The BSE Large-cap Index slipped 5 percent dragged by the Piramal Enterprises, Maruti Suzuki India, Reliance Industries, Tata Motors and Dr Reddys Laboratories, while Grasim Industries, Axis Bank, Cipla and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries ended with marginal gains. (Disclaimer: Reliance Industries Ltd. is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd.)

BSE Mid-cap Index declined 3.6 percent with Info Edge India, Kansai Nerolac Paints, Aditya Birla Fashion, Vodafone Idea, Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services shed 10-18 percent, while gainers were Shriram Transport Finance Corporation, Cummins India, TVS Motor Company, Colgate Palmolive (India) and Supreme Industries.

BSE Small-cap index shed 2.3 percent dragged Chennai Petroleum Corporation, Dewan Housing Finance Corporation, Vakrangee, Apollo Tyres, Astec Lifesciences, DCB Bank, Ramkrishna Forgings and Suven Life Sciences. However, gainers were IIFL Finance, Majesco, Cosmo Films, Solara Active Pharma and Salasar Techno Engineering.

On the BSE Sensex, Reliance Industries lost the most in terms of market value, followed by Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys and Housing Development Finance Corporation, while Axis Bank, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries and ICICI Bank added most of their market value. (Disclaimer: Reliance Industries Ltd. is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd.)

On the sectoral front, Nifty IT, Auto and Energy lost more than 6 percent each and Infra sector lost 5 percent.

In the last week, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) sold equities worth Rs 12,096.69 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought equities worth of Rs 3,788.98 crore. However, in the month of January FII bought equities worth Rs 8,980.81 crore and DII sold equities worth Rs 11,970.54 crore.
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. A few storms may be severe. High 73F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms early, then cloudy skies after midnight. A few storms may be severe. Low around 50F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
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The Government has warned the European Union it is considering action after the bloc imposed export controls on coronavirus vaccines and impinged on the post-Brexit deal on Northern Ireland.

Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove spoke to the EU on Friday to express concern at its triggering of an aspect of the Northern Ireland Protocol to stop the unimpeded flow of jabs from the bloc into the region.

Downing Street warned the EU as a friend and ally not to disrupt the supply of vaccines, as the bloc took the surprise step while embroiled in a row with pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca over shortfalls in the delivery of jabs.

Northern Irelands First Minister Arlene Foster described Brussels move as an incredible act of hostility that places a hard border between the region and the Republic of Ireland.

She demanded a robust response from the UK Government and spoke with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Mr Gove as the EU provoked widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum by triggering Article 16 of the protocol.

Mr Gove, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (CDL), spoke to his counterpart on the EU-UK Joint Committee, Maros Sefcovic, to express the UKs concern over a lack of notification from the EU about its actions in relation to the NI protocol.

CDL said the UK would now be carefully considering next steps, a statement from Downing Street added.

No 10 added that it was urgently seeking an explanation from the EU and assurances as to its intentions, as the Government reiterated the need to preserve the commitments of the Good Friday Agreement.

The UK has legally-binding agreements with vaccine suppliers and it would not expect the EU, as a friend and ally, to do anything to disrupt the fulfilment of these contracts, a statement added.

The protocol, which is part of the Withdrawal Agreement, is designed to allow the free movement of goods from the EU into Northern Ireland, and prevent the need for a hard border on the island of Ireland.

But triggering Article 16 temporarily places export controls on the movement of vaccines, a move taken by the EU to prevent the region being used as a back door to move coronavirus vaccines from the bloc into the UK.

The European Commissions new regulation states: This is justified as a safeguard measure pursuant to Article 16 of that protocol in order to avert serious societal difficulties due to a lack of supply threatening to disturb the orderly implementation of the vaccination campaigns in the member states.

It was not immediately clear what steps the Government was considering, but culture minister Caroline Dinenage did not rule out the UK invoking Article 16 in retaliation.

The stakes are really high and everybody needs to keep their heads about them, she said on BBC Radio 4s Any Questions?, as she assured were very confident in our supplies.

Archbishop of Canterbury the Most Rev Justin Welby urged the EU to rethink its actions.

Seeking to control the export of vaccines undercuts the EUs basic ethics. They need to work together with others, he tweeted.

The European Union was originally inspired by Christian social teaching - at the heart of which is solidarity.



Seeking to control the export of vaccines undercuts the EUas basic ethics. They need to work together with others.  Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) January 29, 2021

Irelands Premier Micheal Martin expressed his concerns to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.

Mrs Foster said: At the first opportunity, the EU has placed a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland over the supply chain of the coronavirus vaccine.

Shadow Northern Ireland secretary Louise Haigh said the EUs move is deeply destabilising and urged the EU to revoke this action.

Unilateral actions like this do nothing to aid the stability in Northern Ireland which the protocol was designed to preserve, the Labour MP said.

Simon Hoare, chairman of the Commons Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, said it was unconscionable folly for the EU to escalate its vaccines row by triggering the protocol, adding: We need calm, stability and level-headedness.

Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis said the region receives its vaccines as part of UK procurement.

But preventing vaccines made with the EU from being exported could hinder the UKs access to further supplies, particularly to the Belgian-made Pfizer jab.

Brussels has also demanded doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured in British plants in order to solve its supply shortage issues, as member states were forced to pause or delay their rollouts.

The EUs vaccine export transparency mechanism will be used until the end of March to control vaccine shipments to nations outside the bloc.

It seeks to ensure that any exporting company based in the EU first submits its plans to national authorities.

European Commission executive vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis told a Brussels press conference: Today the commission has adopted an implementing regulation making the export of certain products subject to an export authorisation.

This regulation concerns the transparency and export of Covid-19 vaccines.

The UK was not named among countries exempted from the new measures.

Meanwhile, AstraZeneca published a redacted version of its contract with the EU, which the bloc said was important for accountability.

The contract mentions that the firm would use best reasonable efforts to use European plants, including two in the UK, as production sites for vaccines destined for the EU.

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The row intensified as the European Medicines Agency (EMA) authorised the AstraZeneca jab, which it developed with Oxford University, for all adults throughout the European Union.

German authorities had earlier said there was not sufficient data to assess the vaccination effectiveness from 65 years in only recommending its use on younger citizens.

But the EMA said that while there is not yet enough data from those aged over 55, protection is expected, and ruled that the jab can be used in older adults.

Oxford Vaccine Group director Professor Andrew Pollard said theres no reason to be concerned about using the vaccine on older citizens.

Were quite confident because the immune responses are so similar that we will see immune responses in the same way as we have in younger adults, he said.
Federal prosecutors charged two Pennsylvania women for their participation in the Capitol riot and the FBI said one of them expressed a desire to shoot House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Dawn Bancroft and Diana Santos-Smith are facing charges of knowingly entering a restricted building without authority, violent entry, and disorderly conduct. The two women were identified through a video that showed the two women as they left the Capitol among a large group of insurrectionists. We broke into the Capitolwe got inside, we did our part, Bancroft says in the video. We were looking for Nancy to shoot her in the friggin brain but we didnt find her. Both Bancroft and Santos-Smith are wearing Make America Great Again hats in the video.

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In an affidavit, an FBI special agent describes how Santos-Smith lied to authorities. Santos-Smith first tried telling law enforcement that she and Bancroft did not go inside the Capitol building. When she was shown the video, Santos-Smith admitted they had gone inside the building but insisted they did not have a pre-planned agenda of entering the Capitol. Santos-Smith said that when she and Bancroft got close to the Capitol they heard people in the crowd yelling, Theyre letting us in, which she said they interpreted as being allowed inside. They proceeded to enter the Capitol through a broken window. She alleged they were only inside for approximately 30 seconds to one minute. Bancroft acknowledged she shot the video and sent it to her children but later deleted it and told her children to delete it as well.

The revelation of the arrest comes as security is increasing for lawmakers amid rising concerns about their safety. The Acting House Sergeant at Arms has called on lawmakers to share their travel plans to help local law enforcement agencies keep track of their movements.
The first meeting of the trilateral working group was held in Moscow today in pursuance of the January 11 statement of Presidents Vladimir Putin, Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Shahin Mustafayev, Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Mher Grigoryan and Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexei Overchuk agreed to create expert subgroups for rail, road and combined transport and on issues of ensuring transportation, including security, border, customs, sanitary, veterinary, phytosanitary and other types of control.

The parties decided to complete the formation of the expert subgroups by February 2 and hold their first meetings by February 5. The next meeting of the trilateral working group will also take place in Moscow.

If Armenia joins a six-country regional platform, she will benefit from regional opportunities, reach economic stability and its dependence on the West will decrease, which will be favorable for Russia, experts said Friday, Anadolu Agency writes. Countries in the region supported Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyevs request to join the platform that includes Russia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Iran and Georgia, as well as Armenia, if it accepts. The six-country platform is an enterprise that will provide a win-win opportunity for everyone. If Armenia joins this process and takes positive steps, Turkey-Armenia relations can have a new turn, said Erdogan. Undoubtedly, Armenias gains will increase considerably as new opportunities emerge.

The six-country platform will contribute greatly to stability and development in the region. Muhittin Ataman, a faculty member at the Social Sciences University of Ankara said Turkey and Azerbaijans roles in the Caucasus increased after the victory in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. There is no problem of cooperation in terms of politics, economics or security. In case Armenia, which does not have a coast, is not involved in the six-country platform, it will be her loss, Ataman said. Underlining that the Armenian diaspora has been harming Armenia for 30 years, Ataman said, The diaspora instrumentalizes the Armenian state for its own goals and to influence the politics of countries where they live. The diaspora in Western countries is living through Armenia's victimization. He noted that the platform offers Armenia an opportunity for normalization.

Armenia is very similar to Israel. In a sense, the occupation of Karabakh was like the occupation of Palestine. More importantly, Armenia is a state with no clear borders, like Israel, he said. Armenia presents an image as if she demands territories both from Azerbaijan and Turkey. Thus, she puts herself in a state of war and this will definitely prevent her normalization in this region. He noted that the two main terms that Armenia needs to accept if she becomes a part of the platform are retreating from lands that she occupied and officially acknowledging her borders. Ataman indicated that if Armenia joins, she will be able to benefit from already relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey. Definitely Armenia will have economic stability and economic prosperity will be possible. Consequently, she will be in a position to benefit from all regional opportunities. Normalization in Armenias relations with Azerbaijan and Turkey will decrease Armenias dependence on the West, and that will be a favorable situation for Russia, he added.

Hazar University academic Telman Nusretoglu said cooperation between Turkey and Azerbaijan created a new geopolitical power in the South Caucasus. He said Armenia is the biggest obstacle before the cooperative atmosphere that can be established in the region due to her aggressive approaches as well as her hostile attitude toward Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Ege University International Relations faculty member Aydin Ibrahimov said Armenia does not have an option but to join the platform. Armenia must take a significant step to join the platform. If she takes this step, she can have the chance to open new pages in her relations with Azerbaijan and Turkey. Reminding that the Russian Foreign Ministry announced a trilateral negotiation joined by Armenia and Azerbaijan to be soon held, Ibrahimov said, The negotiation between Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia will be about opening railroads from Nakchivan to Baku and from Armenia to Russia. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan leans toward it. But the opposition and the Armenian diaspora object to all sorts of agreements with Turkey. Western countries will want to use Armenia against Russia, Azerbaijan and Turkey. Ibrahimov noted that in case Armenia does not step back in terms of borders, continues its aggressive policies and does not recognize Azerbaijans territorial integrity, it might be difficult for Armenia to join the platform.




Lisa D'Amato has put Tyra Banks on blast for exploiting her 'childhood traumas' for profit on reality TV.

The America's Next Top Model: All Star winner took to Instagram Friday, calling out the supermodel host in a video confessional, set to Lily Allen's 2009 hit F*** You.

She revealed that she risked breach of contract by appearing on an episode of E! True Hollywood Story, where she discussed the alleged mistreatment she faced on the show.

On blast: Lisa D'Amato has put Tyra Banks on blast for exploiting her 'childhood traumas' for profit on reality TV

F*** you: The America's Next Top Model: All Star winner took to Instagram Friday, calling out the supermodel host in a video confessional, set to Lily Allen's 2009 hit F*** You

The 40-year-old got choked up as she explained: 'I did it knowing that it was a breach of contract, still, because I felt like it was my duty to warn other girls that were going to audition for America's Next Top Model to know that what you guys do.

'And the way that you guys would poke me and use my childhood trauma against me, day in and day out. It was just so f***ed up, and it broke my heart. Like, how could you do that?'

She continued: 'I don't know how you sleep at night. You, Tyra, you knew very well the horrible trauma that my mom inflicted on me.

'And you also talk so much about how you wouldn't be where you are without your mother and how powerful she is [in your life]. So knowing that, you still did that to me and continued to do it to other girls, even after I spoke publicly about it.'

Breach of contract: She revealed that she risked breach of contract by appearing on an episode of E! True Hollywood Story, where she discussed the alleged mistreatment she faced on the show

Heartbreaking: The 40-year-old got choked up as she explained: 'And the way that you guys would poke me and use my childhood trauma against me, day in and day out. It was just so f***ed up, and it broke my heart. Like, how could you do that?'

Traumatic experiences: D'Amato also included footage from fellow ANTM contestants Jeana Turner and Angelea Preston detailing their own traumatic experiences on the show

In addition to calling out Banks, 47, she took aim at the show's co-creator: 'You know, I never knew if you were innocent or guilty. I always just pinned Ken Mok.'

D'Amato, who first appeared in cycle five, also included footage from fellow ANTM contestants Jeana Turner (cycle 24) and Angelea Preston (cycles 12, 14 and 17) detailing their own traumatic experiences on the show.

She later addressed the Coyote Ugly actress in another statement on Instagram: 'I warned you that I was coming after not you specifically months ago. But then I found out more information so now it is you directly. I'm still nicer that you tho because I gave you warning. Come out come out where ever you are?...

'I'm just so f***ing done. So many girls are so fucking done and voiceless. I had to do it and stand up for all of us.'

Fair warning: She later addressed the Coyote Ugly actress in another statement on Instagram: 'I warned you that I was coming after not you specifically months ago. But then I found out more information so now it is you directly' (pictured in August, 2017)

Teaming up: The native Angeleno called for other ANTM alums to come forward: 'More girls/ boys from #ANTM dm me. Get on the train. No f***ing liars tho'

One-on-one: She also gave Banks a chance to come forward: 'Help me help you, Tyra. Lets do a one-on-one? We can be like your Naomi and Tyra interview except it's worst and your the villain. I dare you'

The native Angeleno called for other ANTM alums to come forward: 'More girls/ boys from #ANTM dm me. Get on the train. No f***ing liars tho. Come at me with lies and I'll expose you too. Only truth tellers. Now's the time. No do-overs. I worked hard for this.'

She also gave Banks a chance to come forward: 'So crazy...found out some new information in quarantine about other girls and I was like...ohhh hell NO! Done with this bulls***.

'Help me help you, Tyra. Lets do a one-on-one? We can be like your Naomi and Tyra interview except it's worst and your the villain. I dare you.'

Banks has faced backlash over the years from past contestants and fans alike, most recently last May, when a clip resurfaced of her telling cycle six winner Dani Evans she would never be a covergirl with the gap in her two front teeth.

Poor taste: Banks has faced backlash over the years from past contestants and fans alike, most recently last May, when a clip resurfaced of her telling cycle six winner Dani Evans she would never be a covergirl with the gap in her two front teeth

Owning up: She addressed the moment on Twitter: 'Been seeing the posts about the insensitivity of some past ANTM moments and I agree with you. Looking back, those were some really off choices. Appreciate your honest feedback and am sending so much love and virtual hugs' (pictured in November, 2020)

She addressed the moment on Twitter: 'Been seeing the posts about the insensitivity of some past ANTM moments and I agree with you. Looking back, those were some really off choices. Appreciate your honest feedback and am sending so much love and virtual hugs.'

Former ANTM creative director Jay Manuel took aim at Banks and the show in his satirical novel The Wig, The B**** & The Meltdown, which came out in August.

He previously told Variety: 'I do think it's a little unfair for people to persecute Tyra now, especially because she has already taken heat for her past executive decisions in past years. However, I can't really defend her either because when ratings were high and things were great, she remained a clear figurehead, because it was her show.

'Consistently, when s*** hit the fan and people wanted to talk about some of the things that were said on the show, we would have another singular EP come forward to claim that all creative decisions were made as the team, and I really wish that were the case, but that just simply is not true.'
Rajib Banerjee, 4 other rebel TMC leaders join BJP ahead of West Bengal polls

India

oi-Deepika S

Kolkata, Jan 30: Former West Bengal minister Rajib Banerjee, with four other disgruntled MLAs joined the BJP in the national capital on Saturday after meeting senior BJP leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Banerjee and MLAs Prabir Ghosal and Baishali Dalmiya, who was recently expelled from the TMC, and former Howrah Mayor Rathin Chakraborty, flew to the national capital on a special plane, and met central BJP leaders.

Former TMC MLA Parthasarathi Chattopadhyay and actor Rudranil Ghosh had also accompanied them on their visit to meet BJP leaders in the national capital.

BJP national vice-president Mukul Roy and Vijayvargiya arrived in Delhi with them.

The TMC, which has been facing dissent from a number of leaders ahead of the assembly election due in April-May, said that those who are leaving do not have long political history.

Earlier in the day, Banerjee said he had a word with Union Home Minister Amit Shah who called him to the national capital.

LJP to contest all seats in West Bengal, Assam Assembly elections

"After I resigned from the TMC, I received a call from the BJP leadership.... Amit Shah ji told me to come over to Delhi. He also requested me to pass on the information to five other important public figures who wanted to serve people in a better way to accompany me.

"If I get an assurance on the state''s development, if I get an assurance that I can work for the betterment of people, I will join the BJP," he told reporters at the Kolkata airport.

Moradabad-Agra highway accident | Gandhi statue vandalised in US | Oneindia News

When asked what role does he expect to play in the BJP, Banerjee said it is for the party to decide.

"I want to work for the people. So whatever role is assigned to me, I will accept," he said. Instead of mudslinging at each other, the Centre and the West Bengal government should work together for the people of the state.

Actor Rudranil Ghosh, who has recently been voicing his discontent over the issue of governance in Bengal and alleged corruption in the distribution of monetary compensation to Cyclone Amphan-affected people last year, said he wants to work for people and play an important role in the state in future.

Uttarpara MLA Prabir Ghosal, who recently alleged that repair of a road in his constituency was not being allowed by a faction of the party to harm his poll prospects, told reporters that he would join the BJP.

According to BJP sources, these TMC leaders were supposed to join the saffron party during Union Home Minister Amit Shah''s rally at Dumurjula in Howrah on Sunday. However, Shah''s two-day visit to West Bengal was cancelled at the last minute.

The ruling TMC in West Bengal was rocked by a fresh bout of desertions on Friday with Banerjee quitting the party and several other leaders rallying behind him.

Reacting to the development, senior TMC MP and party spokesperson Sougata Ray said, "Those who left don''t have a long political history and most of them were inducted into the party by (Chief Minister and party supremo) Mamata Banerjee. In future, the TMC will be careful."

Another senior TMC leader and minister Subrata Mukherjee said, "What can we do if anyone wants to go? Ours is a big party. We cannot prevent dissenters by deploying military."

As the ancient proverb says, when the gods wish to destroy a man, they first make him mad. The contortions and swerves of the European Union over vaccines in the past few days certainly suggest that it is losing its reason.

Perhaps in time these events will weaken its strange power over much of Europe and compel its peoples and leaders to reconsider the wisdom of building a vast multinational state in defiance of human nature.

What is the reason for all this flailing, for the sudden threat to create a border across Ireland in defiance of everything that the EU and its leaders have claimed, for years, to stand for?

This proposal, now abandoned amid fury and derision, is in fact the key to understanding the significance of the moment.

How many times have we had to listen to supporters of the European project, and of Britain's continued membership of it, lecturing and preaching to us about this very issue, and about how Brexit would lead to a renewed hard frontier along the 300 winding miles from Carlingford Lough to the Foyle Estuary? It was never true. The physical border which once existed was created largely by the Troubles, and vanished when they ended, becoming virtually invisible in recent years.

As the ancient proverb says, when the gods wish to destroy a man, they first make him mad. The contortions and swerves of the European Union over vaccines in the past few days certainly suggest that it is losing its reason. Pictured: Boris Johnson on Wednesday

Britain and Northern Ireland had no desire to create any such thing, and no reason to do so, and Boris Johnson bent over backwards in his negotiations with Brussels to ensure that no demarcation line would ensue when we left the EU.

In fact, a unique internal division now exists between Britain and Northern Ireland, a powerful sign of just how much London wished to keep the island of Ireland physically undivided.

Not so Brussels, as we now find out. When the European Commission thought its interests were threatened, out went all the pious rhetoric of the past and in came total power-hungry cynicism.

In Dublin, in Belfast and London alike, politicians and people who have long been divided came together in a coalition of amazed shock and dismay.

It must be a unique achievement to have combined Boris Johnson, the Democratic Unionist leader, Arlene Foster, the fervent anti-British Republicans of Sinn Fein, the Irish Government itself, the Labour Party and even the Archbishop of Canterbury in unanimous fury.

Initially speechless with anger, this unexpected alliance of disparate opponents made their feelings known in the foggy, insulated corridors and committee rooms of Brussels. And the EU, suddenly remembering that it was supposed to be Dublin's most reliable ally and friend, grabbed hold of the handbrake and swivelled round to face in the opposite direction.

It must be a unique achievement to have combined Boris Johnson, the Democratic Unionist leader, Arlene Foster (pictured), the fervent anti-British Republicans of Sinn Fein, the Irish Government itself, the Labour Party and even the Archbishop of Canterbury in unanimous fury

Well and good. It is far better to admit and correct a mistake than to persist pigheadedly with the original error. But as in so many such events, the lasting outcome is that we now know what the EU's directing spirits are really like when they panic and pursue their own interests with honest ruthlessness.

It would be hard to find a clearer way of showing that those who campaigned to take this country out of the EU were right when they said it was a sclerotic, centralised scheme which was bound by its nature to trample on the rights and freedoms of independent nation states, even those it claims to favour and nurture.

Its guiding idea was that traditional nations were unable to govern themselves or make their own decisions, that major actions were better done in unison, that together they were stronger.

But contrast the EU's performance over Covid vaccinations with that of the independent UK. The results say it all.

While millions of UK citizens have been vaccinated and the programme speeds ahead, many EU countries have barely begun, and are still squabbling among themselves.

The Irish crisis resulted from those squabbles, and a selfish desire to grab as big a share as possible of Pfizer vaccines, which Britain had already secured by forethought and good planning. Even a German newspaper has described Britain's nimble, alert performance as 'the best advert for Brexit'.

Early decisions to develop a vaccine, to ensure swift experimentation and tough but decisive approval mechanisms, to prepare the necessary logistics, and to sign vital contracts, all paid off.

Compare the glacial performance of the EU's cumbersome bureaucracy, as usual moving at the pace of the slowest.

In fact, several EU nations did try to launch out on their own, with France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands forming a 'Vaccine Alliance'. But, in a highly significant demonstration of the realities of living in a centralised superstate, this was abruptly cancelled.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel realised that it was defying EU dogma. And dogma won. So, far from together being stronger, the opposite is true.

The nation state, with its lasting common interests, its short lines of communication, its existing structures of experience and co-ordination, its single language and law, actually works better in a crisis than a vast multi-lingual collection of wholly disparate nations which can and does spend years standardising the most basic widget, notorious for delay, indecision and tardy outcomes.

Sister Joanna Sloan (left) becomes the first person in Northern Ireland to receive the first of two Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine jabs at the Royal Victoria Hospital on December 8

Certainly in this case, Britain has demonstrated beyond doubt that it is far more supple, quick, inventive and ready to take necessary risks than its giant neighbour. How fitting it would now be if Britain, which has always hoped to remain on the best of terms with its former EU partners, were able to offer help with vaccines to our valued friends in the Irish Republic.

Many people deserve credit for this outcome. Health Secretary Matt Hancock realised from the start we would need to boost our manufacturing capacity to ensure that others would not capitalise on the likely success of our science. The 'vaccine tsar' Kate Bingham, devoted extraordinary energy and commitment to her task, single-mindedly obeying Boris Johnson's mandate to 'stop people from dying' with an intense purpose comparable to a wartime scramble to develop vital new weapons.

Where expertise was needed, it was found and devoted to the task. Where money was needed, it was allocated.

But there was also planning. The Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Jonathan Van-Tam, showed extraordinary and crucial foresight, spotting in time that without vials to put the vaccine doses in, and without freezers to store them, all other efforts would fail.

So here the United Kingdom is, responding with speed, skill and efficiency to the challenge, vaccinating multitudes hour by hour and driving back the danger of the virus, jab by jab and day by day.

And there is the EU, fumbling, held back by internal jealousies and meaningless rivalries between national governments and central power.

And on Friday night it all came to a head in an astonishing demonstration of the abiding truth.

We were, and are, and will be better off outside this lumbering, inefficient monster. And it may well be that the peoples of the EU will now seek reforms to restore to their own nations at least some of the freedom which we have won back.
Chief Minister has written a letter to Union Minister Piyush Goyal urging him to increase the rice procurement limit from 24 lakh metric tons to 40 lakh metric tons for the Kharif marketing year 2020-21 under the central pool.

In a letter dated January 29, Baghel stated that in the Kharif marketing season in the state, the paddy was procured at the minimum support price from the farmers as per the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Central government's food department, under the decentralised procurement scheme for the procurement of paddy.

"In the state in the Kharif marketing year 2020-21, as on 28 January 2021, under the decentralized procurement scheme, 90 lakh metric tonnes of paddy has been procured from 20.29 lakh farmers on the support price and paddy purchase will be done by 31 January 2021," the Chief Minister wrote.

Stressing that paddy cultivation is the main source of livelihood for the people of the state he said that in the Naxal-affected areas, registration of farmers, who are holding forest rights certificates, was also done and their paddy produce is being procured, which is helping in eliminating the Maoist menace.

"There is a directive to supply rice stock to the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in addition to the requirement of Public Distribution System (PDS) of the state out of the paddy acquired under clause 18 of the paddy, so the proportion of all surplus paddy remaining in addition to the state requirement by the Government of India under the said provisions. There is a request to take 40 lakh metric tonnes under the Central Pool in Food Corporation of India," he said.

He added that if the additional 40 lakh metric tonnes is not given by the central government then an economic loss of an amount of about Rs 2,500 crores is likely, which the state government will have to bear, making the situation "very worrying".

The State Government has "not announced any kind of bonus payment in addition to the minimum support price (MSP) directly and indirectly" in the Kharif marketing year 2020-21.

(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.)
Whats a political commentator to do when their biggest rival goes silent? For much of last year, Bill Maher had Donald Trump in the White House to verbally critique  with the occasional rude Trump tweet swinging back at Maher. With Joe Bidens inauguration now behind us  with all that implies for political television  it begs the question of how best to move forward. The latest episode of Real Time With Bill Maher offered a few options, from delving deeper into the coronavirus to addressing Trumps relative absence from national dialogues directly.



In the episodes opening monologue, Maher began with a quip about the government of California  a running theme in 2021s episodes so far. We are now allowed to get the mail and flee wildfires, Maher said. Things are really loosening up out here. (Later in the episode, he struck a more contemplative note with respect to state politics, expressing his frustration with the ongoing effort to recall Governor Gavin Newsom.)

Before long, Maher had shifted topics to national politics, with a particular focus on Republican politicians behaving badly. Trump has been quiet for a little while, he said. Doesnt that.alarm you? And Marjorie Taylor Greenes social media activity also came up for criticism, which felt like one part open mockery, one part genuine alarm. Greenes penchant for conspiracies and conspiracy theories led Maher to a conclusion that put things in perspective: Maybe Im getting old, but I remember when the nuttiest thing Republicans believed in was trickle-down economics!



Mahers first guests were evolutionary biologists Heather Heying and Bret Weinstein, co-authors of A Hunter-Gatherers Guide to the 21st Century and co-hosts of the DarkHore Podcast. Though both have been cited as members of the intellectual dark Web, here the focus was more on their scientific background as it pertains to the coronavirus. Maher cited their podcast when he began the interview, noting that the two had, as of late, been discussing COVID-19 vaccines on it, with some debate over mRNA vaccines versus adenovirus vaccines, the more familiar process by which the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine works.
A TV crew was threatened with arrest at a town hall held by QAnon-supporting congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, after they asked a question.

Meredith Aldis, a reporter with WRCBtv, said she was asked to attend the town hall event on Wednesday, but when the TV crew arrived they were told they would not be allowed to ask questions or speak with anyone.

The event, which took place in Dalton, Georgia, was the third held this week by Ms Greene, who has become embroiled in numerous controversies.

WRCBtv reported that when Ms Aldis attempted to ask a question, she and a camera person were approached by a Whitfield County Sheriffs Deputy who told the TV crew to leave.

She had attempted to ask Ms Greene about a resolution introduced by Democrat congressman Jimmy Gomez on the same day, that could expel her from Congress over previous comments.

The WRCBtv crew, who showed their invitation and press credentials to the sheriffs deputy, were escorted out of the town hall after the reporters intervention.

That was when the sheriffs deputy threatened them with arrest and charges of criminal trespassing if they did not leave the facility.

The reporter wrote afterwards on Twitter: I tried to ask a question during the Town Hall meeting and was threatened to be arrested by Whitfield County Sheriffs Deputies and was escorted out.

A spokesperson for Ms Greenes office told WRCBtv that Ms Aldis and a camera person were removed because the event was not a press conference and that asking questions was a disruption.

CNN reported on Wednesday that the Georgia congresswoman previously liked posts about executing top Democrats in Congress, after analysing her social media activity from 2018 and 2019.

In a statement on Twitter she responded: "Over the years, I've had teams of people manage my pages. Many posts have been liked. Many posts have been shared. Some did not represent my views."

She was also widely criticised after a video went viral showing her verbally harass a Parkland School shooting survivor - also before she was elected to Congress as a QAnon and Donald Trump supporter in November.

A number of Democrats, including congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have joined Mr Gomezs calls for Ms Greene to be removed from officer for her previous comments.
Coronavirus infections appear to be levelling off across the UK, the latest figures show  sparking concern that the new variant first detected in southeast England is proving very difficult to suppress.

An estimated one in 55 people in England had Covid-19 between 17 and 23 January, according to a new infection survey published by the Office for National Statistics. This is broadly unchanged from the previous estimates for 10 to 16 January.

This suggests more than one million people had coronavirus last week.

The ONS said the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus in England remains high, with the greatest rates continuing to be seen in London, where one in 35 people were infected in the seven days up to 23 January.

The UK R rate is meanwhile estimated to be between 0.7 and 1.1, according to the governments Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage).

The latest growth rate range, which reflects how quickly the number of infections is changing day by day, now stands between -5 and 0.

If the growth rate is greater than 0, then the epidemic is intensifying. If the growth rate is less than 0, then the epidemic is shrinking.

The new estimates released by the ONS and Sage suggest that the recent decline in UK infections, first triggered by the national lockdown, may be plateauing or even slowing in some regions.

Todays release from ONS is not good news, said Professor James Naismith, director of the Rosalind Franklin Institute. Whilst cases are clearly down from their peak, (also seen in hospital admissions) over the last two weeks the decline may have stopped. Next week will confirm this.

The prevalence of infection rates remain high and this will translate to a high number of deaths in the weeks ahead. The new variant has, as we feared, proven very difficult to suppress with UK lockdown measures.

With over 100,000 dead, I realise the certainty of thousands more deaths is bleak news.

In Wales, around one in 70 people had Covid-19 last week  also unchanged from the previous estimate, the ONS said.

The figure for Northern Ireland was around one in 50, up slightly from one in 60, while the estimate for Scotland was broadly unchanged, down slightly from around one in 100 people to one in 110.

The ONS data is based on swabs taken from people in households, regardless of whether they have symptoms or not. It does not include care homes, hospitals and other institutional settings.

Because of this, it is seen as a more accurate reflection of the current state of the epidemic in the UK.

Test and Trace data released on Thursday showed a 17 per cent decrease in cases from the previous week, but the system does not account for asymptomatic infections within the population  a key driver of the Covid crisis.

Prof Naismith said data from the ONS echoes the findings from the React study published on Thursday, which showed nearly one in 60 people had the virus between 6 and 22 January.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 28 May 2021 Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures as he meets Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban at Downing Street in London REUTERS UK news in pictures 27 May 2021 White Pelicans in the sunshine in St James's Park, London PA UK news in pictures 26 May 2021 Boats are seen at Southsea Moorings in Portsmouth Reuters UK news in pictures 25 May 2021 York Glaziers Trust employees Kieran Muir (left) and Emily Price (right) remove a stained glass window panel at the start of a new five year, 5m project to conserve York Minsters South East Transept and its medieval St Cuthbert Window PA UK news in pictures 24 May 2021 Dark rain clouds above an oast house at Bewl Water reservoir near Lamberhurst in Kent during one of the rainiest Mays on record, with the UK seeing 131 per cent of the usual months rainfall already PA UK news in pictures 23 May 2021 The Premier League trophy with the Manchester City club colour ribbons on, at Etihad Stadium, prior to the last Premier League match of the season. City will finally pick up the trophy after they won the league on 11 May Getty UK news in pictures 22 May 2021 Gary Kenny lifts the Buildbase FA Vase Trophy after Warrington Rylands won the FA Vase Final against Binfield at Wembley Stadium Getty UK news in pictures 21 May 2021 A family buffeted by the wind whilst crossing the the Millennium Bridge in London, with wind and rain forecast to ravage the UK on the first Friday that people have been allowed to meet in large groups outside in England PA UK news in pictures 20 May 2021 Devon And Cornwall Police Demonstrate Their Skills For Policing The G7 Summit Getty Images 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. 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These types of studies are more helpful than the official number of positive tests, it is clear that these can underestimate the prevalence of the infection, he said.

This is a long-standing and perhaps insoluble problem given where we are, but the mismatch in the number of people actually infected and the number of people who are actually tested is what dooms the track and trace system.

The vaccine campaign is realistically the only way out of the bind we are in.

Nonetheless, the weekly number of people admitted to hospital with Covid-19 appears to be decreasing.

In the week ending 24 January, Covid-19 hospitalisations across the country fell to 33.51 per 100,000 people from a rate of 35.64  the lowest of 2021 so far.

The ONS survey also showed that the percentage of cases that are compatible with the new variant increased in the East Midlands in the week up to 23 January. Rates were relatively stable or declining in all other regions of England.
KATHMANDU, Nepal  When President Donald J. Trump scrapped tens of millions of dollars in aid to womens health care providers around the world four years ago, the Family Planning Association of Nepal was forced to dismiss more than 200 people and close clinics in at least four parts of the country, one of Asias poorest.

Family planning education and birth-control distribution slowed or stopped in Nepal, which relies heavily on American financial assistance for public health programs. While abortion is legal in the country, the options for safe procedures were abruptly narrowed.

We couldnt provide contraceptives to needy people, said Subhash Shrestha, the associations acting director. Because of this many couples failed to control births. They were forced to give unwanted births.

His group lost $5.5 million in aid, part of Mr. Trumps promise to anti-abortion activists in the United States, who had exhorted him to revive a Reagan-era rule known as the Mexico City Policy and by its critics as the Global Gag Rule.
Ciara and Andrea McKevitt with the cake they baked for the day

American flags, a borrowed Harley Davison and a specially baked cake were the order of the day as the McKevitt family celebrated the inauguration of the man they call 'Cousin Joe' as the 46th President of the United States of America.

'We had the flags up and my sister Ciara made a cake,' says Cllr Andrea McKevitt, who is fifth cousin of President Joe Biden.

She jokes that Ciara was under pressure to make the cake as she told an ITV interviewer that they would be celebrating with cake but obviously her sister came up trumps!

'We all watched it together as a family and we zoomed with our aunts and uncles and cousins,' she continues. 'We all very emotional watching it. There was a sense of pride as this was 'Our Joe' and he's the man, basically!'

They toasted the President with champagne and enjoyed an 'All-American' evening, with hamburgers, hot dogs and fries and music by Bruce Springsteen and Garth Brooks in the background.

While Andrea didn't meet President Biden on his previous visits to the Cooley peninsula, she says her uncles did, and she hopes that she will get to meet him whenever he gets to visit Cooley.

'We did send him a letter after the election and we will be getting together to send him our congratulations in the next few days.'

She says that had things been different and the inauguration had taken place during the pandemic, a group of fifteen or twenty McKevitts would have gone to Washington DC for the historic occasion.

'Even back in November, we thought that we would have been able to organise some sort of small celebration locally but unfortunately that wasn't to be.'

She is hopeful that President Biden will visit the land of his maternal ancestors during his term in office, noting his pride in his Irish roots and his commitment to the Good Friday Agreement.

Although all library buildings are closed in line with Level 5 restrictions, staff in Louth Library Service are busy working hard behind the scenes finding new ways to support the community.

During the first lockdown last March, staff were seconded to the HSE Helpline in Ardee and then Louth County Council's own Community Call, explains Linda Larrigan, Senior Executive Librarian.

'After that we felt that the libraries needed to go back to business and the big challenge was getting doing everything online as we are so used to dealing with the public and interacting with members.'

With many library users cocooning, Louth Libraries introduced their new Housebound Service. 'We decided last May that this was something which we could do to get books to older members of the community or those who are vulnerable.'

Operating from the Dundalk branch, people who are cocooning that simply get in touch with the library staff through email or phone, leaving a message with name and phone number. A staff member will get back to them, find out what type of books they like, and driver Lorcan Hughes will deliver them to their door, following all public health protocols.

The service is proving 'really popular and is a lifeline for people who have to stay at home,' says Linda.

For all other library users, services have gone on-line with a hose of resources including e-books, e-audiobooks, and magazines. People can even learn a language with Transparent Languages or a new skill with Universal Class. All these resources are available through the Louth Libraries App. Anyone who is not already a library member, can join by filling in the online form , which gives them a temporary library card number and PIN and will then be able to access services. Once libraries re-open they will be able to collect their membership card from their local branch.

And the good news for those who took books out when the library was open is that all loans are extended while they closed so there's no need to worry as there are no late fines. Any library cards that were due to expire are automatically renewed.

'Our staff have been busy upskilling and zooming,' continues Linda. 'We are all working from home and have managed to move seamlessly from one level to another.'

While they were delighted to be able to open for a time during the summer, they are now back to delivering services from behind closed doors.' As part of Louth Library Services' commitment to supporting the community's well-being during this time, they are continuing to programme events online settings for children and adults. Forthcoming virtual events include a mindfulness workshop, baby sign classes and advice from LMETB under the Work Matters initiative. For Engineers Week there will be Lego and Minecraft workshops.

Louth Library Service also secured funding under the Government's Community Resilience Fund (under the theme of Switching off and Being Creative) for projects like a Creative Writing workshop with mentor Declan Burke and a Manga Workshop for teenagers with Alan Nolan.

Their online story time and craft sessions have proven very successful on their social media channels where there is also information on supports and resources for parents and students.

For more information on all Louth Library services log onto www.louthcoco.ie, or check out their Facebook page or e-mail the helpdesk at libraryhelpdesk@louthcoco.ie or phone 042-9353190.

YERASKH, Armenia -- Just an hour south of the Armenian capital, Yerevan, the country's main north-south highway heads east and cuts through a roundabout in the center of Yeraskh, a dusty, threadbare village of several hundred people.



Ringed by hilly country of barren fields and yellow mountains, an older road will lead you a short way before suddenly ending as it runs into a massive, 30-meter-high earthen berm.



On the other side of the berm is barbed wire, entrenched military positions, and Naxcivan -- the diamond-shaped, large Azerbaijani exclave nestled along southwestern Armenia.



For 30 years this odd border was little more than a curiosity and the site of the occasional shoot-out between Azerbaijanis and Armenians.



But Yeraskh and its border with Naxcivan are now at the center of the next stage of the aftermath of the second Nagorno-Karabakh War that concluded in November with more than 6,000 killed, tens of thousands displaced, borders reordered, and Russian soldiers entrenched as peacekeepers.



This is also where an old Soviet rail line, abandoned for a generation, is set to run once again, perhaps bringing trade and new economic opportunities with it.



On January 11, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev held their first meeting since the war, in which Armenia lost control of large swaths of territory it had occupied in Azerbaijan.



In Moscow alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin, the architect of the cease-fire deal that ended the war, the two leaders announced that Armenia would be getting a rail link to Russia, its principal ally.



That rail line, according to the Russian daily Kommersant, entails the repair and reopening of the Soviet-era railway from Yerevan.



The line runs through Yeraskh into Naxcivan before crossing back into southern Armenia -- where some of it was completely disassembled and sold to Iran -- then Azerbaijan proper, and finally into Russia.

The line would also give Azerbaijan a direct rail link to close ally Turkey via nearly the same route through Naxcivan.



On a broader scale, the prospect of the railway's restoration offers Armenia an economic driver it has never possessed since gaining independence in 1991.



But for locals in Yeraskh who have memories of often-violent disputes with their neighbors, the picture is not entirely rosy.



"I was stunned when I heard about it," said an official in Yeraskh, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue. "I only learned about it from the newspapers. I'm only happy about it because it means people will stay here, in the village, and not leave to find work in Russia."



The Russians Are Here



The Russians, meanwhile, have come to Yeraskh.



A small Russian garrison flying the white-blue-red tricolor stands near the town's crossroads. The Russians "arrived on the first day of the [recent] war," the unnamed official said.



Like many in the town, the official has a personal history with the Azerbaijanis on the other side of the berm.



"I have defended this village with my own hands," he said. "My father did the same before me."



Yeraskh was the site of some of the very first fighting between ethnic Armenian and Azerbaijani villagers in the opening stages of the first Nagorno-Karabakh War that started with guerrilla warfare in the late 1980s and developed into a full-blown conflict that lasted until 1994.

In January 1990, armed clashes involving light weapons and rocket artillery erupted in Yeraskh after members of the nationalist Azerbaijan Popular Front Party -- which later held power in Azerbaijan (1992-93) -- attacked the village from Naxcivan.



The fighting stopped after the Soviet Army was deployed to the area.



The clashes also helped launch the career of Vazgen Sarkisian, who served as Armenian defense minister and later prime minister and was considered one of the country's most powerful figures in the 1990s before he was assassinated.

The railway that runs through Yeraskh was officially closed around the 1994 end of the war as trains travelling through Naxcivan were occasionally attacked, though the last train went through Yersaskh some three years earlier.



The station today is a rather sad sight.



Dilapidated and nearly abandoned, it still hosts daily trains from Yerevan and provides much of the local employment.



But that route, too, ends at the huge earthen barrier at the border.



Turkish-Armenian Trade?



There is another new Russian garrison in the area, five kilometers to the east in the village of Paruyr Sevak.



Like Yeraskh, most of the village is unremarkable with two exceptions: the de facto annexed Azerbaijani enclave of Karki (Tigranashen in Armenian) on its outskirts, and the Russian helicopter that was downed here by Azerbaijani forces on November 9, just hours before the cease-fire ended the war.

"I saw the helicopter shot down with my own eyes," said an official in Paruyr Sevak, who requested anonymity. "It was a provocation [by the Azerbaijanis]."



Unlike in Yeraskh, the Paruyr Sevak official sees the potential of reopening the railway as a threat to his village.



"People here are mostly engaged in agriculture, growing fruits and vegetables," he said. "If the border will open [for trade] it will destroy the local economy. Turkish imports will lower the prices [of our produce]," he claimed.

It is unclear if renewed trade with Azerbaijan or Turkey is in the offing once the railroad is running again.



The ninth point of the tripartite agreement that ended the war in November includes the "unblocking of regional economic and transport links."



Turkey's stated reason for keeping its border with Armenia closed -- as it has for nearly three decades -- was always explained by Armenia's occupation of the seven Azerbaijani regions adjacent to Nagorno-Karabakh, an issue that was resolved by the cease-fire deal.



But that doesn't automatically mean that Turkish freight cars will soon be arriving in Yerevan.



Friends Not Foes



For others, meanwhile, the memories of the "old days" during the Soviet era are enough to instill hope for the future.



Sos Arakelian, a 68-year old pensioner in Yeraskh, remembers when his Azeri neighbors were friends, not foes.



"Why shouldn't we live next to the [Azerbaijanis]?" he asked. "In communist times we got along just fine. There were no problems then."

Arakelian, like others in the village, hopes for new economic opportunities if and when the rail line with Naxcivan is restored.



"Of course it is hard to find work here," he said. "I had to go to Russia for years [to get a job]. But if the railway will be running [into Naxcivan] again, then people will have jobs and the village won't die."

And the years of cross-border conflict? For Arakelian, he thinks that was nothing personal and shouldn't affect future ties between Armenians and Azerbaijanis.



"Sometimes they shoot at us," he admitted, "but they know we'll shoot back at their village. If we both stop shooting forever, why can't we be friends?"
Posted Friday, January 29, 2021 3:55 pm

Washington State may soon have a new state dinosaur, thanks to the efforts of an elementary school class and the Washington state Legislature.

The proposed state dinosaur is Suciasauras Rex, named for a fossil fragment found in 2012 on Sucia Island in San Juan Islands. The fossil is a 17-inch piece of the dinosaurs upper leg and dates to about 80 million years ago. It is the only dinosaur fossil ever found in Washington state.

HB 1067, the bill to recognize Suciasaurus, was introduced this year by Melanie Morgan, D-Tacoma, on behalf of a class at Elmhurst Elementary in the Franklin Pierce School District, who learned about the fossil and took steps to have it recognized by the state Legislature. The bill was introduced last session, passed the House by a wide margin, but did not get a hearing in the state Senate. Morgan reintroduced the bill this session.

This bill is more than just about a dinosaur, Morgan said at a hearing Jan. 27. It's our formal recognition and appreciation for the hard work, preparation, creativity, and the drive of these students who are now in the sixth grade.

Suciasaurus was a two-legged carnivore about half the size of its relative Tyrannosaurus Rex and lived about 12 million years before its famous cousin. It originally stalked its prey between Baja Mexico and Northern California. The fossil came to rest in the San Juan Islands after land masses drifted north over eons.

Twelve states and Washington D.C. also have official state dinosaurs. Washington already has a state fossil. It is the Columbian mammoth.



The Washington State Journal is a nonprofit news website managed by the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation. Learn more at wastatejournal.org.
The UK has recorded another 1,245 deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid test, bringing the total to 104,371.

A further 29,079 cases were also reported, according to the government, while 414,419 people were given their first vaccine dose.

The latest updated figures show that deaths, cases and hospital admissions over the past seven days have all decreased compared to the previous week.

However there are still 35,375 people in hospital with Covid and 3,918 patients on ventilators in intensive care.

The UK has a rate of 328.7 new cases per 100,000 people over the last seven days, mainly due to Englands rate of 354.2. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have rates of 168, 191 and 262 respectively.

Knowsley in Merseyside continues to have the highest rate in England, with 1,090 new cases recorded in the seven days to 25 January - the equivalent of 722.5 cases per 100,000 people, down from 1014 the previous week.

Separate data from the Office for National Statistics suggest that coronavirus infections have levelled off across the UK, although more than one million people were infected in the most recent week available.

An estimated one in 55 people in private households in England had Covid-19 between 17 and 23 January, broadly unchanged on the previous estimates for the period 10 to 16 January.

In Wales, around one in 70 people had Covid-19, also unchanged from the previous estimate. The figure for Northern Ireland was around one in 50, up slightly from one in 60, while the estimate for Scotland was broadly unchanged, down slightly from around one in 100 people to one in 110.

According to the latest estimates, the R number indicating the spread of the virus is currently between 0.7 to 1.1, with a daily infection growth rate range of -5 per cent to zero per cent.

Additional reporting by agencies
Heavily pregnant London Goheen is counting down the weeks until she welcomes her first child with husband, Reece Hawkins.

And on Friday, the 23-year-old looked radiant as she flaunted her burgeoning baby bump in a fun at-home photoshoot.

The Instagram model, who is 34 weeks pregnant, shared two photos of herself in her soon-to-be born son's nursery.

Bumping along nicely! Heavily pregnant London Goheen looked radiant as she flaunted her burgeoning belly in a satin pyjama set in a fun at-home photo shoot on Friday

She cropped up the top of her pink and white satin pyjama set to reveal her bump.

The brunette beauty wrote in the caption: 'Just having fun, goodnight.'

In the second image, the model blew a kiss in the air as she cradled her belly.

Earlier this week, the mother-to-be shared a series of videos showing her unborn son moving around in her belly.

Friday night fun! In the second image, the model blew a kiss in the air as she cradled her belly. She wrote in the caption: 'Just having fun, goodnight'

On the move! Earlier this week, the mother-to-be shared a series of videos showing her unborn son moving around in her belly

In the Instagram Story videos, London filmed her bare belly as she lay back on the couch.

Her son's body could be seen pressing against London's belly as he wriggled around.

'Y'all loved the kicking video yesterday so I thought I'd share more this morning 'cause he's going a little crazy right now,' she wrote in the caption.

'I could sit here all day watching him move, such a blessing growing a little human,' she added.

Husband and wife! London and Reece revealed their baby news in September, just weeks after announcing their engagement. In December they secretly tied the knot

London and Reece revealed their baby news in September, just weeks after announcing their engagement.

He proposed to her with a stunning ring from luxury jewellery brand Tiffany & Co, valued between $15,800 and $26,200 - depending on the diamond cut and clarity.

In October, the brunette beauty revealed the baby's gender during a candid exchange with an Instagram fan.

in December, the pair were secretly wed.

The impending arrival will be Reece's third child. He is already a proud father to two children - son Wolf, five, and daughter Saskia, four - whom he shares with ex-fiancee Tammy Hembrow.
Controversial Liberal MP Craig Kelly is facing twin challenges to hold on to his southern Sydney seat of Hughes, with moderate Liberals and a local campaign hoping to blast him out of federal Parliament.

But a defiant Mr Kelly  who increased his margin by 0.5 per cent to 9.9 per cent at the last poll  has declared he is confident of again having the support of both the Liberal Party and the local constituents at the next election.

Craig Kelly is unapologetic about sharing misinformation. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Mr Kelly, a climate change sceptic, frequently promotes the use of drugs hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin to treat COVID-19 on his widely shared Facebook page. This is despite local and global health authorities stating they do not help treat the disease.

The MPs outspoken advocacy for the medically unproven treatments are a growing headache for Scott Morrison, particularly as Australia prepares to begin vaccinating the population, with Labor demanding the Prime Minister rebuke Mr Kelly.
There have been calls for the asylum process for LGBTQ applicants to be reviewed, after the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland (MASI) highlighted the case of a man at risk of deportation to Nigeria, despite the fact he says he is bisexual and may suffer persecution there.

A High Court judge also questioned the decision-making in the case.

The man, known as Mr X, applied for asylum back in 2016. In 2017, he had an interview where he had to detail sexual encounters with other men.

However, according to court documents, his claims were not believed by the Minister for Justice so he was not granted refugee status.

He applied for a judicial review in 2019 and a judgement was made in the High Court this week by Mr Justice Max Barrett.

While the man's judicial review was unsuccessful, the judge said many of the conclusions reached by the Minister for Justice "did not follow".

Sexual encounters

Justice Barrett said Mr X recounted a number of sexual encounters with other males, yet the Minister for Justice had found that: "It simply is not credible that a young man having been raised in... a restrictive environment would engage in behaviour both unacceptable and outlawed in the society in which he lives."

However, Justice Barrett's judgement said: "Growing up in a 'straight' or strait-laced environment does not mean that a male of any age who is bisexual/homosexual is going to avoid expressing his natural sexuality."

Justice Barrett also commented on how there was early consideration of whether Mr X was involved with LGBTQ organisations or visited gay bars and clubs.

Many LGBTI+ people doubtless go through life without ever becoming involved in rights organisations and the notion that a poor man seeking asylum would have money to throw about in bars/clubs speaks for itself.

"...if the minister is wrong and Mr X is bisexual, he is set to be deported to a country where LGBTI+ people are treated badly and suffer greatly," the judgement concluded.

An LGBTQ+ asylum seeker from Nigeria faces possible deportation from Ireland as Minister for Justice says his sexuality is not credible. @DeptJusticeIRL says it's not plausible that a young man would have sex with same sex partners if law & custom forbid it. God help us all! pic.twitter.com/NxCbpLwnIU  MASI - Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland (@masi_asylum) January 25, 2021

Bulelani Mfaco, spokesperson for MASI, said this experience was common for LGBTQ asylum seekers and there should be a review of how these cases are handled.

"They start by asking 'when did you realise that you are gay or different', then probe for intimate details in follow-up questions."

Mr Mfaco also said, previously, a Zimbabwean teenager's asylum claim was rejected partly because he was not part of an LGBTQ+ organisation.

"They also rejected him because he hadn't had a relationship with a person of the same sex.

"Then in the case of Mr X, who actually had sexual relations with people of the same sex, they say it's implausible when law and custom forbid it. There is no standardisation there."

In response, the Department of Justice said: "Under the International Protection Act 2015 each application is assessed individually on its merits.

"The assessment takes into account both subjective elements (the applicants own account or personal history) and objective elements (up-to-date information on the applicants country or place of origin, including the laws relating to, and societal treatment, of individuals who identify as LGBTI)."

UNHCR guidance

The department said Ireland follows UNHCR guidance and International Protection Office (IPO) caseworkers and interviewers are trained.

"The IPO has incorporated the Difference, Stigma, Shame, Harm model into training for caseworkers. The model is designed to help the applicant provide a detailed narrative and to be a sensitive and appropriate way of assessing credibility in sexual orientation/gender identity claims.

"It should be noted that a number of the comments referred to in the recent judgment were made in the determination of the appeal by the International Protection Appeals Tribunal, rather than by the IPO."
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-30 14:04:07|Editor: huaxia

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GENEVA, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech and his pledge on multilateral cooperation set the tone for the World Economic Forum (WEF) Virtual Event of the Davos Agenda held on Jan. 25-29 as topics such as climate actions and making COVID-19 vaccines a "common good" dominated the debates.

World leaders were united in their call for more collaboration and trust rebuilding as more than 2,000 heads of state and government, and leaders in business, academia and civil society joined the meeting themed "A Crucial Year to Rebuild Trust."

MULTILATERAL COOPERATION

In his special address on Monday, Xi called for the world to work together to tackle global challenges, particularly the still ravaging COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.

Highlighting the importance of the principles of multilateralism, Xi said, "the problems facing the world are intricate and complex. The way out of them is through upholding multilateralism and building a community with a shared future for mankind."

"The pandemic is far from over. The recent resurgence in COVID cases reminds us that we must carry on the fight," he said. "There is no doubt that humanity will prevail over the virus and emerge even stronger from this disaster."

Xi also pledged to jointly promote strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth of the world economy.

His call came as the International Monetary Fund this week raised its forecast for global economic growth to 5.5 percent in 2021, 0.3 percentage point higher than the previous forecast, but warned that the world economy continued to face "exceptional uncertainty".

Antonio Guterres, the United Nations secretary-general, who also spoke on the opening day of the Davos Agenda, reiterated the need for a "reinvigorated, inclusive and networked multilateralism," and a "full, inclusive and equal participation for developing countries in global institutions."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel joined this pledge on Tuesday, saying "this is the hour of multilateralism" and that the World Trade Organization and fair international trade are a cornerstone for more international cooperation.

Warning of the possibility of conflicts caused by modern-day challenges, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, "all of this cannot but impact on international relations, making them less stable and less predictable."

"Despite differences and challenges, it is essential that we keep looking positively into the future and remain committed to the constructive agenda," Putin said.

"A COMMON GOOD"

As the global number of coronavirus cases surpassed 100 million this week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday focused her address on the urgency to make the vaccines a "common good."

"Europe invested billions to help develop the world's first COVID-19 vaccines, to create a truly common good," she said, urging pharmaceutical companies and vaccine manufacturers to live up to their delivery promises.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his country is making progress in combating the COVID-19 and promised to step up the development and manufacturing of vaccines made in India.

"So far, only two made-in-India corona vaccines have been introduced to the world. In the near future, many more such vaccines will be made available from India. These vaccines will help us in assisting countries across the world faster and on a much bigger scale," he said.

He made the remarks as COVAX, the global initiative led by the World Health Organization, strives to ensure rapid and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for developing and developed countries alike.

CLIMATE CHANGE

French President Emmanuel Macron said that climate challenge is a top priority, expressing his hope that the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26, to be held in Britain in November, will help protect biodiversity.

"During the coming summit, we need to be able to negotiate the equivalent of the Paris Agreement for biodiversity. What we are doing for climate we need to do for biodiversity. This year we have to come up with common rules," he said.

Cyril Ramaphosa, president of South Africa, said, "the task is not to return the world to where it was when the pandemic struck, but to forge a new path and a new design."

During the week, the WEF, the Energy Transitions Commission think tank based in London, U.S. independent organization Rocky Mountain Institute, and the We Mean Business, a global coalition working with influential businesses for climate action, launched the Mission Possible Partnership in a bid to accelerate the decarbonization of heavy industry and transport.

The conclusions from the Davos Agenda week will feed into task forces working on global issues for its upcoming Special Annual Meeting in Singapore in May, the forum said before the virtual gathering, adding that the high-profile annual summit is expected to return to the Swiss ski resort of Davos in 2022. Enditem

I am a 76-year-old man in good health, except that I suffer from recurring nightmares. I'm usually being chased or attacked and it results in me screaming or lashing out. The last time, I hit my wife  luckily just on the shoulder. I've had a quiet life with no trauma.

Can you recommend anything to stop these terrifying dreams?

We all have the occasional nightmare. There's nothing abnormal about that  although there are all sorts of theories about why we have them.

We do know that nightmares are more common in patients who suffer with mental health conditions, or who are stressed, anxious or over-tired.

Certain medications, such as antidepressants or those used for Parkinson's disease, are linked to more frequent nightmares.

They're also more likely to occur when sleeping patterns are disrupted  this can simply be due to sudden changes in routine (which we are all suffering from lately), as well as drinking too much alcohol.

We all have the occasional nightmare. There's nothing abnormal about that  although there are all sorts of theories about why we have them, writes DR ELLIE CANNON. Pictured: Stock image

Having the same nightmare again and again can be associated with a specific stress or traumatic event.

Nightmares are considered a disorder when they occur very frequently and affect someone's sleep pattern on a very regular basis.

Treatment would involve relaxation therapy or counselling, or, for those suffering severe nightmares as a result of a traumatic event, a very specialised treatment called systematic desensitisation.

Under supervision, patients write out what happens during various nightmares then 'rescript' them, replacing the frightening scenario with one that's pleasant.

Nightmares or a fear of having a nightmare can lead to broken sleep, which in turn can lead to further nightmares.

It is important to keep this cycle at bay by focusing on a good sleep routine and behaviours such as relaxation before bed and no stimulants such as caffeine.

Don't suffer ear trouble in silence I often receive letters from readers who are suffering dizzy spells and difficulties with balance but seem to be struggling through life without a proper diagnosis. In many cases, those affected are middle-aged women who, sadly, feel their problems aren't being taken entirely seriously. A lot of these people also tell me there has been a change in their hearing, which would indicate a common cause: problems with the inner ear. The tiny bones and other structures inside the ear don't just help us hear, they also contain fluid and a network of nerves that tell the body which way up it is, and so are vital for our sense of balance. An ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist will be able to offer a proper diagnosis, so getting a referral is a vital step. Are you suffering from these kinds of problems, but not getting the right help? Write to me, because I want to know. Advertisement

I have been suffering abdominal aches and twinges, on and off, for about a year.

Scans have shown nothing untoward. I thought it might just be muscle strain but it seems to be getting worse. I'm in otherwise good health. Can you help?

Pain in the abdomen, most people assume, is linked to the digestive system. And often it is. An ultrasound or CT scan can help us spot whether this is the case.

Another indicator that the stomach or gut is the source of the problem is if the pain is linked to eating or bowel function.

But if it's not, what then?

Surprisingly, abdominal pain can also be a sign of problems with the heart, the back and even nerves, among other things.

Sometimes the pain isn't coming from inside the abdomen but the muscles around it  so-called abdominal wall pain.

This is usually fluctuating pain that's felt in specific areas and often only when lying, sitting or tensing the abdominal muscles.

Hernias  when a bit of the intestine or other abdominal organ pushes through a weakness in the muscles around them  are a common cause of this kind of pain. It could also simply be muscle strain.

When the cause of a pain isn't totally clear, it's vital an examination is undertaken. This can really help to pinpoint the issue, which may not be apparent on a scan.

For a man it is particularly important to remember that lower abdominal pain may not come from the abdomen at all but in fact may come from the genital area.

I suffer from ankylosing spondylitis and take a new drug called secukinumab, which helps. But I know it also has an effect on my immune system. Should I be shielding right now?

My GP hasn't sent me a letter telling me to but I'm worried that I've slipped through the net and have been forgotten.

Ankylosing spondylitis is a kind of arthritis that affects the spinal joints.

It's caused by the immune system turning inward and attacking healthy tissue, leading to inflammation and pain.

And for this reason, patients with this  and other rheumatic conditions  are often prescribed powerful immune-suppressing drugs. These are effective but they can also increase the risk of picking up and suffering badly from infections  including Covid.

The British Society of Rheumatology offers guidance to doctors on how to assess the risk to their patients according to the treatments they are on.

For anybody concerned, it is worth trying to clarify this with a GP or rheumatologist.

After the creation of vaccination priority groups and the advice going out to some people to shield, unfortunately we have seen some patients in the past year slip through the net, but a conversation with a specialist should be able to correct this and put your mind at rest.

Last year I asked if you were having difficulties getting a face-to-face GP appointment, writes DR ELLIE CANNON. Pictured: Stock image

My new target dentists who won't do check-ups

Last year I asked if you were having difficulties getting a face-to-face GP appointment.

At the time I knew there was a bit of a problem, as a few readers had previously written in to say their surgery had shut up shop at the start of the pandemic and never really reopened.

Do you have a question for Dr Ellie? Email DrEllie@mailonsunday.co.uk or write to Health, The Mail on Sunday, 2 Derry Street, London, W8 5TT. Dr Ellie can only answer in a general context and cannot respond to individual cases, or give personal replies. If you have a health concern, always consult your own GP. Advertisement

But I was shocked at the sheer volume of letters and emails that flooded in  all telling similar, worrying stories about lack of access to vital care.

We ran a major investigation and, according to many reports, the situation in clinics has improved.

So now I have a different question: Are you struggling to get to see your dentist?

While they are open for emergencies, it seems many are not seeing NHS patients for 'routine' matters. I know of a woman who'd had major jaw surgery due to cancer but was then unable to get a check-up with a local dentist for almost a year.

One worry, for instance, is that if infections are left to fester until they become an emergency, they're often far harder to treat and may also result in permanent damage.

Let me know if you've had trouble seeing your dentist or have been forced to pay through the nose to go private, and The Mail on Sunday's Health team will investigate.


Last fall, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost opined in a state Supreme Court case that a school district in Butler County was within its rights to authorize teachers to carry concealed weapons in their schools even though they lacked the firearms training required by Ohio law. An appellate court had ruled the Madison Local Schools exceeded the bounds of the law in letting teachers with Ohio concealed-carry (CCW) permits and active-shooter training -- but who lacked the full training required by Ohio law to carry weapons on school grounds -- voluntarily bring their weapons concealed to school.

Ohio law says security guards or others expected to be armed while on duty at Ohio educational institutions must complete an approved basic peace officer training course or have 20 years active experience as a police officer.

Yost argued the state requirements were only for armed security personnel and didnt apply to janitors or teachers or others who may work at schools and who just voluntarily choose to carry a weapon, as opposed to being required to do so by their jobs.

Senate Bill 317, which passed the Ohio Senate 21-11 last year but died without action in the House, would have expressly authorized school boards in Ohio to let any employee other than security or police personnel go armed, without any need for training or even a CCW permit.

Regarding the Madison Local Schools case, the Ohio Supreme Court -- now made up of four Republican justices and three Democrats -- heard oral arguments earlier this month.

Chief Justice Maureen OConnor, a Republican, was particularly pointed in her questioning of the Madison school district lawyer on the security role of an armed school guard versus that of an armed teacher without equivalent training who might be expected to play the same role in a school without other armed personnel.

Besides Yost, 15 other school districts have sided with the Madison schools. Parents in the Madison school district who challenged the policy have drawn support from the Fraternal Order of Police, Ohio Education Association, Ohio Federation of Teachers and the cities of Cincinnati and Columbus.

Should teachers with CCW permits but without the required training for armed school personnel be able to carry their concealed weapons onto school premises? Our Editorial Board Roundtable draws some conclusions.

Thomas Suddes, editorial writer:

No. Its a lunatic idea, and any school board that would allow this -- if the Supreme Court clears the way -- better start shopping for mega-dollar liability insurance.

Ted Diadiun, columnist:

I can confirm the value of the training and information one receives in obtaining a CCW license. It would help anyone who might be called on to use a firearm in an emergency. But Id want teachers or custodians armed and ready to protect the helpless ones in an emergency, with or without a permit.

Eric Foster, columnist:

Its a given that guns on school grounds are bad. Therefore, the legislature decided to only allow them where the carriers have sufficient training. Its irresponsible to introduce more weapons to school grounds  only this time, the carriers are insufficiently trained. Imagine your child getting accidentally shot by a teacher during a school shootout: Law. Suit.

Lisa Garvin, editorial board member:

Putting an inadequately trained teacher in an active shooter situation is a tragedy waiting to happen. Who takes the blame if an unsecured gun falls into the wrong hands or someone is killed by friendly fire? If schools want to arm teachers, they should pay them more and assume complete liability when things go wrong.

Mary Cay Doherty, editorial board member:

CCW-licensed teachers who want to carry concealed weapons on school property do not need the same training that is required for armed security personnel. But since the current law does not address school staff with CCW licenses, the General Assembly should pass more specific legislation to provide clarity for schools, teachers, and parents.

Elizabeth Sullivan, opinion director:

Why is Ohio law so much stricter about concealed weapons at schools than elsewhere? Why the extra training required to carry a weapon on school property? Why did Ohio lawmakers fail to loosen those requirements last year when they had the chance? Simple. The risks of a terrible school tragedy costing innocent young lives is too great from deficient training. Ohio law is clear: The state high court should say no to Madison Local Schools.

Have something to say about this topic?

* Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication.

* Email general questions about our editorial board or comments on this editorial board roundtable to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com.
File image: Delhi airport

Passengers arriving from the United Kingdom will not be sent to mandatory institutional quarantine if they test negative for COVID-19, the Delhi government has said on January 30.

The passengers who test negative in the RT-PCR test will now have to be quarantined at home for all 14 days.

Earlier, it was mandatory for passengers coming from the UK to go through a seven-day mandatory institutional quarantine followed by a seven-day home quarantine. This protocol was put in place amid concerns that the new coronavirus strain found in the UK is more infectious.

Follow our LIVE blog for the latest updates of the coronavirus pandemic

All such passengers must carry a COVID-19 negative certificate from a test conducted within 72 hours of their journey. Passengers will still have to quarantine for 14 days even if they have tested negative.

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

As of January 29, the total number of people in India infected by the UK strain stood at 166.
The community of Vaughn Chapel Baptist Church in Milledgeville, GA, helped their beloved pastor Tony Fraley raise funds through a GoFundMe campaign for heart transplant and medications, which has gone viral.

According to Macon, Fraley has been receiving the outpouring of support from his community after serving as pastor for Vaughn Chapel Baptist Church for 40 years now.

Fraley released a video on YouTube that is placed in his GoFundMe page, which is named, "Tony E. Fraley--Heart Transplant".

"This malfunction that has been placed on me, I really feel in my heart that it is for the glory and edification of God, and you have made it so easy by your act of kindness, your act of love, your act of concern for my well being," Fraley expressed his gratitude in the video.

As of writing time, the GoFundMe page indicates that people have already donated $10,680 - more than the $10,000 goal. This actually came from more than 80 donors after being shared 411 times by 87 followers.

Union Recorder reported that Fraley's wife, Daphne, and church Associate Minister Lisa Shinholster have spearheaded the creation of the GoFundMe page as part of the requirements of the Georgia Transplant Foundation fund matching program.

Fraley will be getting his transplant funding support through the said Foundation which provides a fund matching program wherein it matches 100% up to $10,000 whatever funding the patient has accumulated through the GoFundMe page.

"One of the criteria for a heart transplant with the Georgia Transplant Foundation is that you do a fundraiser," Shinholster said.

Shinholster explained to Union Recorder that the matching program was "part of the criteria is to make sure that the cost associated with that medicine is not something the patient's worried about going into the surgery".

Union Recorder said that Shinholster and Daphne worked on the Georgia Transplant Foundation fund matching application process last Nov. 18 while Fraley was still confined in the hospital. The GoFundMe page was launched Dec. 9 by Shinholster while Fraley's relatives, friends, and church members helped spread word about its fund raising.

Shinholster said that Fraley's "peers are being very supportive" and of his friends Mike Couch "really reached out to other areas of the community to get the word out" while Willie Davies went out his way to reach to other local churches for other faith communities' support.

Shinholster narrated to Union Recorder that Fraley has been suffering from congestive heart failure for more than 20 years before he started having "three or four episodes in one month" in the middle of summer of 2020.

She said the episodes were "more than he had in a year in prior years" that come November his fatigue levels increased and he started retaining water in his heart, which is said to be indicative of a person's heart valves not functioning properly anymore. It ws then that they had him visit his doctors at Emory University who decided he be confined for a series of tests.

"They did everything from a genetic study, to a kidney analysis, to his heart, his lungs," Shinholster said, "They checked everything out to make sure that they knew what plan of action he needed to take."

The tests revealed that he had the option to be connected to a left ventricular assistance device equipment for the rest of his life, which Shinholster said Fraley opted out from because "he didn't want to live like that," or that he could have a heart transplant surgery.

Fralery chose the latter, and as soon as Fraley decided on which option to take and once Daphne gave her blessing, Shinholster immediately set out for funding help with Georgia Transplant Foundation.

Union Recorder revealed that besides the GoFundMe page, Fraley has a bank account from which Shinholster and Daphne were able to complete the $10,000 check given to the Georgia Foundation, which in turn helped secure their enlistment for transplant at Emory. The check was given during their program orientation session.

While Macon added that Fraley also has a health insurance that would be able to fund some of the costs associated with his operation, he will need more funds to cover his medications post-operation. Accordingly, the "co-pay for the immunosuppressive medications will cost around $20,000-$30,000 per year."

"We are thankful for friends like you who will help to make it seem less overwhelming. We thank you in advance for your support," Shinholster wrote in the GoFundMe page.

But the battle isn't done, as per Union Recorder, since Fraley needs medication after the transplant and donations are welcome to help him out of the financial stress from it.
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A 36-year-old Quincy man is facing charges after Boston police say he struck a victim with a BB gun during a carjacking.

Before 1:15 a.m., a man on Dorchester Avenue was approached by Jeffrey Haslett, who asked for a ride to the area of Boston Medical Center. When they got close to the hospital, Haslett became violent and struck the victim in the back of the head with what appeared to be a firearm and was later determined to be a BB gun, according to a statement from Boston police.

The victim stated that he was in fear for his life, so he exited his vehicle. Haslett then climbed over to the drivers seat and drove off towards Washington Street, the statement said.

After getting out of the vehicle, the victim reported the carjacking to police from the area of 658 Massachusetts Ave. Officers then broadcast the description of the suspect and the victims car.

An officer from Roxbury was patrolling and saw the car at the intersection of Hampden Street and Melnea Cass Boulevard. The car then turned onto Hampden Street and accelerated toward George Street. The officer turned on the cruisers lights and sirens and chased after the suspect, who did not immediately stop, police said.

The suspect continued onto Shirley Street to Dudley Street and then went onto Wendover Street, where he was forced to stop at a dead-end, police said.

Haslett got out of the car with his left hand up in the air and his right hand down by his leg, holding the BB gun, the statement said. Haslett complied when officers demanded that he drop the weapon. The BB gun was retrieved and Haslett was arrested, police said.

Haslett is expected to be arraigned in Roxbury District Court on charges including carjacking, assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon (BB gun), speeding and driving after a suspended license.
Health Minister, Robin Swann at a press conference in Parliament Buildings, Stormont. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.

Health Minister Robin Swann has said the vaccination programme is making "great strides" after revealing more than 220,000 jabs have been given to people.

The latest figures show 196,131 first doses and 24,070 second doses.

Yesterday the Department of Health confirmed a further 22 local people had died after testing positive for Covid-19.

It also confirmed another 669 positive cases of the virus. There are 745 patients with the virus in hospital - 67 in intensive care.

As the vaccination process continues, health officials said mobile teams have administered first doses in all local care homes, and second doses to over 80% of them.

Some 83% of the over-80s group have received their jabs, and work has started to vaccinate 70 to 79-year-olds through the GP programme.

Online booking opened on Wednesday night for 65 to 69-year-olds to book appointments. In the first 30 hours, 39,825 people had booked their jabs via the system.

Health officials said "intensive work has been undertaken" to address what they described as "teething problems" with the online system linked to high levels of demand.

They also confirmed a "further significant consignment" of the AstraZeneca vaccine was due here next week.

It came as a large-scale UK trial for a new vaccine, Novovax, indicated it to be 89.3% effective against the virus.

It is expected to be available across the UK in the second half of this year if approved for use by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.

The UK has ordered 60m doses of the vaccine, which will be manufactured in Stockton-on-Tees in the north-east of England.

Nearly 500 local participants were recruited for the Novovax trial.

The programme was led here by researchers from Queen's University and the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

Mr Swann said: "I want to thank everyone working on the vaccination programme right across Northern Ireland.

"This is a massive logistical exercise and I am very encouraged by the strong start we have made.

"It should be remembered that the first Covid-19 vaccine approval was only announced last month, with the second approval coming some four weeks later.

"We have made great strides forward since then.

"There will inevitably be frustrations along the way. We will get to everyone - we are getting to thousands more each day."

Health officials plan to offer everyone over 65 a vaccine by the end of next month.

People who are clinically extremely vulnerable to Covid-19 are also a priority for February.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer has said he is content to wait for his turn to receive the jab.

Neither Dr Michael McBride nor Mr Swann have received the jab. However, the chief executives of the health trusts have.

Dr McBride said: "I will be delighted to get the vaccine because I know it is a safe vaccine, it is an effective vaccine, and I would encourage everyone else to get the vaccine."

Yesterday new figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency revealed that another 150 deaths involving Covid-19 took place in the week to January 22.

It was the second-highest weekly toll since the pandemic began.

January 17 saw the highest number of related deaths occurring in any one day since the start of the pandemic (34).

The total number of Covid-19-related deaths that occurred up to January 22 has now reached 2,355.
The greatest political scandal in American history is going to be swept under the rug. That is the moral I extract from the story that former FBI attorney Kevin Clinesmith has been sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to altering a key document supporting one of the governments FISA renewal applications on the warrant taken out on Carter Page, who must be the cleanest man in the United States.

Among the most informative stories on yesterdays sentencing hearing are Josh Gersteins Ex-FBI lawyer spared prison for altering Trump-Russia probe email (Politico) and Jerry Dunleavys Ex-FBI lawyer gets probation for Carter Page FISA email deception in Durham investigation (Washington Examiner). Coincidentally, the sentencing judge was James Boasberg.

Coincidentally, Judge Boasberg has doubled as a member of FISA court since 2014 and served as its presiding judge since January 1, 2020. Perfect! I take it that it is time to tear down the whole rotten system beginning with the FBI itself and moving on to FISA and the FISA court.

The editors of the Wall Street Journal take up the Boasberg factor in A pass for Kevin Clinesmith. This must be Kim Strassel speaking on behalf of the editors:

How can the American people take the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court seriously when it doesnt do so itself? Thats our view of Fridays sentencing of former FBI lawyer Kevin Clinesmith, who admitted to falsifying evidence submitted to the court for a warrant to spy on onetime Trump foreign-policy adviser Carter Page. Federal Judge James Boasberg spared Mr. Clinesmith prison in favor of 12 months probation and 400 hours of community service. The judge said the evidence persuaded him that Mr. Clinesmith likely believed that what he said about Mr. Page was true. In their brief, prosecutors made clear how unlikely this is. The evidence of Mr. Clinesmiths animus toward Donald Trump is considerable. As for being an honest mistake, remember that Mr. Clinesmith changed an email confirming Mr. Page had been a CIA source to one that said the exact opposite, explicitly adding the words not a source before he forwarded it. In their brief arguing for prison time, prosecutors contended that Mr. Clinesmiths behavior struck at the very core of the candor the FISA court fundamentally relies on and allowed the FBI to conduct surveillance on a U.S. citizen based on a FISA application that the Department of Justice later acknowledged lacked probable cause. Prison time for Mr. Clinesmith, they said, was also necessary to deter others from committing similar crimes. Fridays sentencing will fuel cynicism about two-tiered justice. While George Papadopoulos served time in prison for making false statements to the FBI, and a federal judge refused to drop charges against former national security adviser Michael Flynn after the Justice Department said they had no basis, a top law enforcement official who abused his police powers while operating in secrecy escapes with probation. Judge Boasberg should be especially outraged by Mr. Clinesmiths behavior because in 2020 he became the FISA courts presiding judge. With his lenient sentencing, Judge Boasberg has sent a message that FBI agents who deceive the court can get off with a slap on the wrist when they are caught.

Last night Jerry Dunleavy collected disaffected comments from Devin Nunes and others in Devin Nunes rips two-tiered system after ex-FBI lawyer dodges prison time for Carter Page email deception. They speak for me.

PAUL ADDS: Judge Boasberg was appointed to the bench by Barack Obama whose interests Clinesmith was promoting through his criminality.
A goanna swaggers from side to side, tail swooshing left and right, his fat stomach dragging through the dirt. He isnt frightened of us, but we keep an eye on him. Goannas are one of the native animal species that have returned to the Cape Conran Coastal Park in in East Gippsland in the wake of the devastating 2020 bushfires.

Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and CFA crews monitor fires and begin back burns between the towns of Orbost and Lakes Entrance in East Gipplsland. Credit:Darrian Traynor

One year on from when our summer camping plans were cancelled by the fires, we have come back to our favourite camping spot, the Banksia Bluff at Cape Conran park. A year of restoration and regrowth has followed the bushfire, on January 31, 2020, which saw 80 per cent of the coastal park destroyed.

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As well as goannas and campers, new growth has returned: thick spirals of green epicormic growth wrap around the tall black trunks of eucalypts, the buds lying dormant until activated by damage such as fire. A mixed green palette of ferns and tiny new eucalypt trees cover the ground. Bushes of kangaroo apple, dangling shiny fruit and a sprinkling of purple flowers, are thriving.

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In Tory Bellecis new Amazon Prime show, The Great Escapists, the former Mythbusters alum finds himself shipwrecked on a desert island alongside Top Gear host Richard Hammond. The goal is to find a way back to civilization, but unlike the typical Bear Grylls outdoor adventure, surviving is the easy part.

We figure out water, food and shelter straight away. The real challenge is how do we deal with the boredom of being stuck on this island, says Belleci over Zoom.

The faux-reality show, which premiered January 29, pits Bellecis affable inventor ingenuity against Hammonds need for speed personality as the pair bicker over the best way to get themselves rescued in a premise thats essentially Gilligans Island meets MacGyver. Filming took place in Panama over the course of six weeks in early 2020, just before shelter-in-place was announced.

We literally got off the island a week before the shutdown. So if wed been filming any longer, we wouldve got stuck on the island for real, says Belleci. But based on how much fun they look like theyre having on the show as they build tricked-out soap box racers and a two-story shelter, that might not have been too bad. Plus, despite how rough the conditions on the show look, the cast and crew actually lived in a relatively comfortable island inn. We got back to the real world and it was like, ahhhh, I want to go back to our fantasy life!

Courtesy of Buchwald

Currently Belleci spends most of his time in Monterey, but still has an apartment in San Francisco from his days hosting the long-running scientific debunking show Mythbusters, which was filmed out of a super-secret warehouse in Potrero (to the dismay of their neighbors). Once during a segment on gunslingers, the crew were firing Colt 45 revolvers with blanks and got an unwelcome visit from the police after someone called in a complaint.

Another time, Belleci was testing a theory about what happens to deep sea divers who lose air pressure if detached from the boat. Legend has it that one of those old-timey copper diver helmets would collapse in, crushing the person inside. Since no human was stupid enough to test that, Belleci improvised by building a plastic skeleton and attaching pork loins to it to create a meat man, which they kept fresh in a refrigerated truck.

I remember coming into work one morning and flies were coming out of the truck. I was like, what the heck? The generator would kick on all night to keep it cool, and the neighbor jumped over the fence and unplugged the generator, he says.

Belleci worked on the show from 2003 to 2014, but it wasnt his first stint in San Francisco. Before joining the crew, he studied at San Francisco State Universitys film school. One of his most inspiring classes featured members of the Industrial Light & Magic special effects team explaining the techniques used in films like Jurassic Park and Terminator 2: Judgement Day. He felt so inspired by the experience that he applied at the iconic studio, founded by George Lucas, and landed his dream job building models for the first two Star Wars prequels.

Given the hero worship that many feel for Lucas, the company stressed that no one should approach the director if they saw him on-set or in the office. One day while working on the Federation Battleship for Star Wars: Episode One, Belleci took the policy a little too seriously.

He came out on set, and Im freaking out, because Im a geek and hes George Lucas. And he asked me a question, and I didnt say anything because I was told not to talk to him. He kind of looked at me, then looked at the producer, and the producer said, its okay, you can talk to him if he asks you a question.

Bellecis most recent trip to San Francisco took place during the short period when indoor dining was reopened in the early fall, when he visited Greek restaurant Kokkari Estiatorio in the Financial District. Some of his other go-to spots include Pizzeria Delfina (my favorite restaurant hands-down) and Velvet Cantina (which recently closed).

Back on that deserted island, there was no modern Greek food to be found, at least on-screen. In the first episode, after scavenging through the ruins of their ship, the pair find a couple cans of rations: Hammond scores a tin of baked beans, but Belleci has to settle for dog food. Belleci tentatively wolfs down a bite or two, while Hammond relishes his beans. For Belleci, welding together a tank-like vehicle to race against Hammond was easy, but these more casual scenes were the real challenge.

It was grueling because Im not an actor. So the hard part was getting used to playing myself, pretending what we were doing is real, that was the biggest challenge," says Belleci. "Normally on Mythbusters were just working away and theyre documenting us. For this we were playing ourselves. There were emotions that we had to hit. It was like, ah, Im a TV host, not an actor!
KYIV, Ukraine - There was a consistent message from Ukraine's leadership over everything from the Trump campaign's dirt digging to Ukraine's central role in the first impeachment proceedings: No comment.

But now, as the Biden administration settles in, some close allies of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky are opening up about one of the longest-running dramas from the Trump era - the blitz of meetings, messages and public statements in Ukraine by former president Donald Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani.

Among the accounts emerging from Ukrainian officials is a July 2019 phone call between Giuliani and Andriy Yermak, formerly one of Zelensky's top aides and now his chief of staff. Yermak said the conversation was the first direct contact between Giuliani and the Zelensky administration and, until now, was only discussed in general terms.

The new disclosures from Ukraine do not offer any bombshell revelations about Giuliani's dealings. But they help fill in some blanks on his frantic - and unsuccessful - quest to press Ukraine to make statements seen as potentially helpful to the Trump reelection bid.

Giuliani's overall goal, according to the accounts, was to have Zelensky's government validate the Trump campaign's unsupported claims - including that Joe Biden's son, Hunter, engaged in corrupt dealings in Ukraine and that then vice president Biden attempted to cover it up.

Giuliani, saying he was acting on President Donald Trump's behalf, also was promoting a false narrative that the Ukrainian government colluded to interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential elections against Trump - an unproven claim that sought to deflect attention from Russia's interference in the campaign.

Ukraine's willingness to discuss Giuliani's forays also lands at a difficult time for the former New York mayor as he faces mounting personal battles, including a $1.3 billion defamation lawsuit by Dominion Voting Systems over alleged false claims about ballot rigging in the 2020 election.

Giuliani did not respond to a list of questions sent to him, and also through his lawyer. Kurt Volker, the former State Department's special envoy to Ukraine for peace negotiations, who was also on the call with Yermak, declined to comment.

- - -

The Zelensky team's decision to talk about Giuliani's tactics coincides with efforts for a reset in relations with President Biden, who dealt closely with Ukraine during his eight years as vice president.

"We've gotten through all these trials, despite criticism at home and abroad," said Yermak. "And today, this feeling that Ukraine - the mention of Ukraine - is associated with various scandals should disappear."

Giuliani's tone and actions during his dealings with the Ukrainians were "aggressive and threatening," said one Zelensky insider, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.

But the Ukrainians, he said, steadfastly refused to "play ball."

The accusations against Biden centered on his son, Hunter, and his previous position on the board of the Ukrainian energy company Burisma, which is under investigation for alleged corrupt dealings. Trump and his allies claimed, without evidence, that Joe Biden, then vice president, used his clout to end the investigations.

Ukrainian investigations into Burisma and its founder, Mykola Zlochevsky, are ongoing. But authorities say that none of the cases involve Hunter Biden. A Senate report in September described the younger Biden's position at the company as "problematic" but found no wrongdoing by Joe Biden.

Giuliani's pressure began almost from the moment of Zelensky's election in April 2019. The former New York mayor planned to travel to Ukraine the following month.

But Giuliani canceled at the last moment, claiming that Zelensky was surrounded by "enemies" of Trump. This set off concerns in Zelensky's inner circle that Giuliani would poison Zelensky's relations with the White House.

In July 2019, Yermak asked Volker to introduce him to Giuliani in an effort to clear the air.

Ukrainians needed U.S. diplomatic and financial muscle to bolster them in their ongoing battles with Kremlin-backed insurgents in eastern Ukraine, a conflict that has killed more than 13,000 people since 2014.

- - -

"Until we were 100% certain that Rudy was the go-to guy, and nothing would happen without him, we were trying to avoid him as much as possible," said Igor Novikov, who served an adviser to Zelensky until August and was a member of the team tasked with responding to U.S. overtures during the Trump administration.

"But then toward the end of June, we realized that we couldn't achieve anything with Trump without talking to Rudy first," Novikov said.

To this end, Volker set up an introductory phone call on July 22, 2019 between himself, Yermak and Giuliani, according to Volker's testimony during the impeachment proceedings. Novikov, unknown to Giuliani and Volker, sat next to Yermak and took notes.

Volker mentioned the phone call briefly in his testimony, saying that it was short and that he did not remember any discussion of Ukraine opening investigations.

Novikov, however, said the call lasted more than 40 minutes, during which Giuliani spelled out what he wanted.

The Giuliani wish list, according to Novikov: Zelensky would publicly announce the launch of investigations into Burisma and allegations that Ukrainian officials conspired to interfere in the 2016 presidential elections.

"Just let these investigations go forward, get someone to investigate them," Novikov recalled Giuliani saying. Furthermore, Giuliani wanted a public statement from Zelensky "at the right time" saying that he supports the investigations. It would "clear the air really well," Giuliani said, according to Novikov's notes.

According to Novikov, Giuliani told the Ukrainians that Zelensky should "be careful" of the people surrounding him or he could find himself "in trouble."

Ukrainian officials believe Giuliani later played a key role in setting up the July 25, 2019 call in which Trump asked Zelensky to "do us a favor." The call became the centerpiece of the House impeachment later that year. Trump later was acquitted by the Senate.

"Trump took the phone call because Rudy said Zelensky would say the right things," said the official involved in the Ukrainian discussions. "But the Americans' tone changed after the call. Trump apparently didn't hear what he wanted to hear."

After the phone call, Giuliani ratcheted up his efforts for the Ukrainians to open investigations.

In early August 2019, Giuliani and Yermak met in Madrid, according to testimony during the impeachment hearing. Also present was Lev Parnas, an associate of Giuliani's who is now under federal indictment for campaign finance violations and wire fraud. He has pleaded not guilty.

"In Madrid, Rudy was like a confident mobster, with a smirk and a smile," Parnas said in an interview. "He was like, 'We don't care, you need this more than we do.' "

Yermak, however, said that Giuliani did not pressure him in Madrid and that Burisma was mentioned only briefly.

In the meantime, the Ukrainians found out from American media that $250 million in U.S. military aid had been put on hold.

Members of Zelensky's team contemplated giving Giuliani and Trump what they desired, and considered having Zelensky announce the investigations during a planned interview with CNN. Some advisers objected strongly to this, however, and the announcement was canceled.

"Can you imagine what would have been the reaction one second after that interview?" said Oleksandr Danyliuk, the former head of Zelensky's security council. "Zelensky would be looked upon as a toy, as a soft toy - not as a president. Nobody would have respected him."

Some Zelensky aides now say it was a mistake to open channels with Giuliani. But Ukraine's rebuff of the demands, said Novikov, was a victory in keeping the country out of U.S. affairs.

"Without our actions," he asserted, "the U.S. presidential race would have been very different."



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AS the white pirogue drifted in the waters just off Belle Garden in Tobago early yesterday morning, fishermen working nearby knew something was wrong.

What they saw in the small vessel stunned them.

Fourteen bodies, all of them male, along with a skull and other skeletal remains, were piled inside the vessel as it floated four miles off Belle Garden, police confirmed.

The bodies were all clad in tracksuits and green rain jackets and were severely decomposed, police investigators said.
Teresa Giudice and her new boyfriend Luis Ruelas were just in Los Angeles last week.

And on Friday the 48-year-old reality TV personality and the 46-year-old businessman were seen on a white sand beach during yet another getaway.

Fans went wild for the image as Teresa posed in a bikini. And a few followers even asked if Luis might be planning a Valentine's Day proposal.

Life is a beach: Teresa Giudice and her new boyfriend Luis Ruelas were just in Los Angeles last week. And on Friday the 48-year-old reality TV personality and the 46-year-old businessman were seen on a white sand beach during yet another getaway

Smiling again: 'You make my heart  smile @louiearuelas,' wrote the Bravo star in her caption

'You make my heart  smile @louiearuelas,' wrote the Bravo star in her caption.

The cookbook author was in a black bikini with an open fuchsia lace cover up and a hat with sunglasses. Her new love had on swim shorts and sunglasses as well.

Icookncreate_farmhouse_decor said, 'Valentine Ring maybe?' while beth72376 called them 'Ken and Barbie!'

His thoughts: He shared a beach photo this week where Teresa was in a white and red bikini: 'Grateful 4 this amazing woman'

Her fellow Bravo stars approved of the post. Vicki Gunvaloson of RHOC said, 'So happy for you' and Tamra Judge gave her two fire emojis.

JWoww of Jersey Shore said, 'Beautiful.'

On Wednesday Luis professed his love for Teresa on Instagram: 'Everyone has a journey and a path in life and we all have to go thru the pain in order to find the JOY  JOY Is a constant feeling of happiness and thats what I feel when Im with you XO.'

And then he shared a beach photo where Teresa was in a white bikini: 'Grateful 4 this amazing woman.'

On Monday the stars were mask free as they were seen inside Mastro's Steakhouse in Los Angeles. 'Enjoying some LA vibes with my man @louiearuelas,' said the star as she added a red heart.

A match: On Wednesday Luis professed his love for Teresa on Instagram: 'Everyone has a journey and a path in life and we all have to go thru the pain in order to find the JOY  JOY Is a constant feeling of happiness and thats what I feel when Im with you XO'

There are several Mastro's in California with locations in Beverly Hills, Malibu and Thousand Oaks.

It's an unusual sight to see anyone inside a restaurant in California. California has been under strict lockdown for months.

Not only are residents not allowed to dine inside restaurants, they also have not been able to dine outside restaurants.

While a return to outdoor dining in Los Angeles will take place on Friday, even then diners have been asked to follow the usual coronavirus protocols such as not eating inside restaurants, socially distancing when outside and mask wearing when not eating.

Teresa and Luis were seen at the Los Angeles airport LAX on Monday.

It's love! Giudice with Ruelas at Mastro's in Los Angeles while on a trip to California last week

Close as can be: The pair on a hike: 'Hollywood with Boo' she told her 2M Instagram followers

Teresa and Luis seemed to have a ball while in Los Angeles.

On Sunday the lovebirds posed arm in arm in front of the famed Hollywood sign: 'Hollywood with Boo' she told her 2M Instagram followers.

The cookbook author also posed in the same location with two of her four daughters.

She had on a maroon bra top that flashed her toned tummy and added matching leggings with a dark jacket tied around her waist. The reality TV fixture added white sneakers and black ombre sunglasses.

Her partner was in a tank top and shirts with dark sneakers. He too had on sunglasses as the Hollywood sign was seen behind them.

They can't keep their hands off each other: Teresa then shared another photo where they were arm in arm while on a sidewalk in front of a wall of bright bougainvillea

Teresa then shared another photo where they were arm in arm while on a sidewalk in front of a wall of bright bougainvillea.

The lovebirds have been dating since the fall of 2020 and only went public in November.

They also spent the holidays together. They were side by side as they stood by a tall Christmas tree in the foyer of her New Jersey mansion which she once shared with ex-husband Joe Giudice.

The beauty had on a low-cut black dress with her raven hair down as she was glammed to the nines. Her new man was dapper in a dark suit as he put an arm around his lady love and held her hand.

In her caption she said, 'It's official.'

She also said Luis was 'the BEST thing that came out of 2020.'

In early November, the reality TV personality posted an image to her Facebook account to let her followers know that she was moving on and had met someone new; the caption for the post read: 'Excited to reveal my new boyfriend.'

It was made known that month that Giudice had begun a relationship with Ruelas.

Teresa was previously married to Giuseppe 'Joe' Giudice from 1999 until this year.

The former couple were heavily featured on The Real Housewives Of New Jersey and share four daughters.

It's love: The reality TV personality shared this photo in December with her better half

They're serious! In her first photo to social media with Luis she looked just as happy. And she said in her caption, 'The BEST thing that came out of 2020'

In 2009, Joe and Teresa couple filed for bankruptcy, which set off a chain of legal battles culminating in the two being convicted for various forms of fraud.

Five years later, the two were handed prison sentences; Joe's status as an illegal immigrant was also brought into question, as he had never gained citizenship despite living in the United States since he was a year old.

At the end of his time being incarcerated, Joe went to live with his family in Italy to await the results of his deportation hearing and subsequent appeals.

The Giudices separated in December of 2019, months after Joe was released, and finalized their divorce in September.

The media personality's former husband is reportedly both aware and supportive of her new relationship.
After COVID-19 abruptly ended 120,000 Philadelphia students in-person education in March, children were set to return to classrooms in September until community pushback scuttled that attempt.

The next plan had some young people returning in November. But a surge in coronavirus cases kept doors closed.

Superintendent William R. Hite Jr. announced Wednesday the district was trying again: Prekindergarten through second-grade students can return to classes two days a week beginning Feb. 22, with staff who work with those children due back Feb. 8.

Will this return plan stick? Its not clear; the teachers union hasnt signed off, though Mayor Jim Kenney, City Council, and the school board have emphasized their desire to have children back in school as soon as possible.

 READ MORE: Most Philly kids off track on reading; school board grills Hite

For families, its complicated.

Bader Lilleys kids miss their friends, she said.

But even if Lilleys daughter, an eighth grader at AMY Northwest, and her son, a freshman at Randolph High School, were allowed to go back in February, shed keep them at home, Lilley said.

Its an iffy situation, and Im not comfortable with that, said Lilley. My daughter told me, If they didnt have toilet paper or hot water for us before COVID, whats it going to be like now?

Schools are safe for young children if precautions are taken, city health officials have said.

But the calculus is different in Philadelphia schools  the huge, complicated system had a spotty track record of keeping schools clean and safe before the pandemic. Some rooms in city schools have no mechanical ventilation, though officials said no room or school will be used unless its proven safe for occupancy.

Jerry Jordan, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers president, has said he doesnt yet have confidence that schools are safe for staff and students, and wont agree to a reopening until he does.

But Jordan wont say what would happen if such evidence isnt produced before teachers are due back. Chicago teachers halted a planned reopening in the nations third-largest school district with their refusal to return to buildings over safety conditions; a strike is possible.

 READ MORE: Youre already political: Post Trump, Philly kids talk civics, school reopening and whats next

Though Jordan and the PFT say its too soon to speculate over whether such steps are possible here, Shira Cohen, a member of the Caucus of Working Educators, an activist group within the union, said that if any teacher chooses not to go back over safety concerns, we support them in making that decision. This is a matter of life and death.

When parents were given the option to send their prekindergarten through second-grade children back in November, two-thirds said they would keep them at home. (Families who changed their minds and now want to send their children to school cannot do so in February.)

Still, some have waited months for this opportunity.

Johna Little, whose son is a first grader at Shawmont Elementary in Roxborough, is a little nervous about sending her boy back to school; he has asthma, and she worries about his health, particularly with new strains of the virus afoot. But Little trusts the school staff, and ultimately decided to send him.

I do the best I can, but Im not a teacher, said Little. My son didnt have a full year of kindergarten in school, and he struggles in certain areas.

Littles son needs the social interaction and the academics school provides, she said, and she needs a break. She works the overnight shift, and can now only catch catnaps when her son doesnt need her help.

Its just a lot on parents, she said.

The frustration for Teresa Ko, mother of twin fourth graders who attend McCall Elementary in Center CIty, is a lack of communication from the school system. Information is vague and not easy to find, she said, and the lack of parental input in decisions is a problem.

I want to trust that theyre doing the right thing, but its all shrouded in mystery, said Ko. Its such a dysfunctional process, and I fear that if we dont try something now, its just going to get more and more delayed. If its unsafe, I will take them out, but can we try?

For J.R. King, father of a kindergartner in Point Breeze, it comes down to a fundamental problem: Why are Philadelphia public school students learning remotely while private and suburban schools are offering in-person classes?

If schools are an unsafe environment for children or teachers, then the state Health Department needs to shut down all of the schools and day cares, said King, whose daughter attended Stanton Elementary until the difficulties of remote kindergarten caused him to switch her to private school. But if they are safe environments  and the CDC says that they are  then we shouldnt have a situation where kids can only learn in person if their parents can afford to pay for private school or a house in the suburbs.

Teacher Cheryl McFadden isnt due back in the first wave. But she teaches English at Randolph, a career and technical high school in Nicetown, a high-priority group for returning to school if the prekindergarten through second-grade reopening goes well.

Shes scared. And incensed that Hite and city health officials have said they know bringing students back will mean cases of COVID-19 coming to schools, despite precautions.

So we just go to school and hope that we dont inhale the wrong thing at the wrong time? asked McFadden. Were supposed to be OK with that? Four hundred thousand people have died.

Kate Sannicks-Lerner, a kindergarten teacher at Julia de Burgos Elementary, opposes what she calls the wrongheaded plan to send her and other staff back Feb. 8. Yes, young children, especially vulnerable students, learn best in person. But she didnt sign up to risk her life for her job, said Sannicks-Lerner, who is 60 with a health condition that puts her in a high-risk group, she said.

Im tired of being told that we are suddenly essential workers, said Sannicks-Lerner. Why are we now essential when we were never paid nor treated as such before?
In nearly 8 months, Taiwan on January 29 reported the first COVID-related death since May, as the island started containment efforts to stem locally transmitted cases. The 80-year-old woman, with comorbidity, is identified as a part of the domestic cluster from a hospital and is the eight fatalities since the pandemic hit the region. The island sprang to enact health precautionary measures to curb the further spread of the coronavirus among its 24 million citizens after a domestic cluster was identified at Taoyuan General healthcare facility located in the northern city of Taoyuan. This spiked the total number of COVID-19 cases on the island to 19 as of January 30, of which 6 cases were imported. The total caseload of COVID-19 now stands at 909 in Taiwan.

The patient, that succumbed to the symptomatic injection reported high fever, dry cough, and respiratory distress, according to Health Minister Chen Shih-Chung's statement to CNA. At least four new imported cases of COVID-19 from Taiwans hospital cluster were recorded Friday. Three of the four patients were returnees from the Philippines, while one COVID-19 patient returned from South Africa, Taiwans according to the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said in a statement. All four infected passengers had tested negative on the PCR tests while they boarded the flights for Taiwan, the center added.

Read: Taiwan To Quarantine Around 5,000 People In Effort To Curb Latest Coronavirus Outbreak

Read: Taiwan Reports Large Incursion By Chinese Warplanes For Second Day

79 hospitalizations

The Philippines migrant labourers arrived in Taiwan on Jan. 14 and were put under mandatory isolation at a governments dedicated center. All three returnees were asymptomatic. Furthermore in the statement, the CECC informed that the fourth hospital cluster case was a 60-year-old Taiwanese national who visited South Africa. The man who was put in quarantine reported all symptoms but denied medical attention. He came in contact with a family member who resided in the same building as himself. Thus far, as many as 79 patients have been hospitalized in Taiwan due to covid related health complications. However, Taiwan has been lauded for the highly effective and robust response against the deadly pandemic that involves mandatory quarantines, rigorous contact tracing, and testing. Earlier this week, the island imposed stringent three-tier pandemic emergency to bring the Taoyuan outbreak under control.

Read: Taiwan Claims Incursions By Chinese Air Force Including 'nuclear-capable Bombers'

Read: 'Engage In Dialogue': US Reaffirms Taiwan Support After 'incursions By Chinese Air Force'
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Amid the coronavirus, 2020 was unpredictable in more ways than anyone would have expected. But one thing that stayed fairly constant was the steady flow of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) across the tech sector.

Global tech M&A deals last year totalled $634 billion, a 91.8% year-over-year increase, according to GlobalData. Among a late flurry of big deals was the $35 billion acquisition of Xilinx by Advanced Micro Devices and Salesforce's $27.7 billion acquisition of Slack.

[ Further reading: Biggest technology acquisitions of 2020 ]

As for whether 2021 will maintain last years pace, if the first part of the year is anything to go by, there will be no slowing of big deals across the industry, with silicon innovations and collaboration software already proving to be hot areas.

Here are the biggest enterprise technology acquisitions of 2021 so far, in reverse chronological order:

May 10: ServiceNow acquires Lightstep

ServiceNow acquired software observability specialist Lightstep for an undisclosed amount. Observability is a hot technology area this year due to the increased complexity of enterprise systems in the cloud era, meaning engineers and tech leaders want more insight into how their systems are performing and what is causing issues  quickly. Post-acquisition, ServiceNow will look to bring these capabilities together with its existing tools, which are used by IT teams to respond to issues.

Founded in San Francisco by ex-Googlers, Lightstep had already raised around $70 million in venture funding from the likes of Sequoia, Redpoint, and Altimeter.

This acquisition is going to help a great deal: ServiceNows customers run many of the most critical software applications in the world! As part of ServiceNow, Lightstep will be in a far better position to reach these customers, deliver our product, and help them innovate faster  with clarity and confidence, Lightstep cofounder and CEO Ben Sigelman wrote in a blog post.

ServiceNow CEO Bill McDermott was an acquisitive chief during his time at SAP and appears to be taking this strategy with him in the new role, adding half a dozen new companies already since joining in 2019.

May 3: Dell sells Boomi for $4B

Dell made the second high-profile move to restructure its business in the space of a month by selling the integration specialist Boomi, which it acquired in 2010, to private equity firms Francisco Partners and TPG for $4 billion. This follows the earlier decision to spin out its VMware business in April.

The ability to integrate and connect data and workflows across any combination of applications or domains is a critical business capability, and we strongly believe that Boomi is well positioned to help companies of all sizes turn data into their most valuable asset, Francisco CEO Dipanjan Deb and partner Brian Decker said in a statement.

April 30: IBM acquires Turbonomic

IBM announced the acquisition of Turbonomic at the end of April for an undisclosed amount.

The Boston, MA-based company specializes in Application Resource Management (ARM) and Network Performance Management (NPM) software; it uses machine learning to spot application performance issues and optimize underlying resources, whether that involves containers, VMs, servers, storage, networks, and databases.

The acquisition is similar to the pick-up of Instana last year, as IBM looks to jump on the observability bandwagon. These acquisitions will all help IBM offer a greater range of AIOps and observability options for customers, particularly through its IBM Cloud Pak for Watson AIOps.

IBM continues to reshape its future as a hybrid cloud and AI company, Rob Thomas, senior vice president, IBM Cloud and Data Platform, said in a statement. The Turbonomic acquisition is yet another example of our commitment to making the most impactful investments to advance this strategy and ensure customers find the most innovative ways to fuel their digital transformations.

April 29: Microsoft acquires Kinvolk

Microsoft made a move to boost its capabilities in the Kubernetes space with the acquisition of German firm Kinvolk for an undisclosed amount.

Founded in 2015, Kinvolk has been building enterprise-grade tools to help developers adopt cloud-native technologies like containers and Kubernetes, including Flatcar Container Linux, as an alternative to CoreOS Container Linux, as well as the Lokomotive and Inspektor Gadget projects.

Microsoft expects to integrate the Kinvolk team and technology into the team responsible for its managed Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), its hybrid solution Azure Arc, and to boost Microsofts upstream open-source contributions.

Were excited to bring the Kinvolk team and their technologies to Microsoft and look forward to the contributions they bring to Azure, our customers, and the open source community, Brendan Burns, corporate vice president, Azure Compute wrote in a company post.

April 23: Panasonic acquires Blue Yonder for $7.1B

Panasonic acquired the remaining 80% of shares in Blue Yonder in April, spending $7.1 billion, including the repayment of debt.

Arizona-based Blue Yonder specializes in automated supply chain software that uses AI, IoT, and edge computing technology to track goods. Panasonic will look to add these capabilities to its Autonomous Supply Chain offering, which helps customers better track their supply chain and predict future demand for better efficiency.

Im extremely happy to welcome Blue Yonder and its associates to the Panasonic Group. Both companies have the same mission to support customers frontline operations and we have a high affinity in our corporate cultures. By merging the two companies, we would like to realize a world where waste is autonomously eliminated from all supply chain operations and the cycle of sustainable improvement continues, Panasonic CEO Yuki Kusumi said in a statement.

April 15: IBM to acquire myInvenio

IBM acquired process automation specialist myInvenio for an undisclosed amount. The Italian firm specializes in process mining, a fairly nascent technology that allows enterprises to identify inefficient business processes and find opportunities for greater automation using data and software.

The acquisition marked the continuation of a bit of a trend, as fellow vendor SAP acquired process automation specialist Signavio earlier this year (see below). IBM will fold myInvenio into its existing Automation business unit.

"Digital transformation is accelerating across industries as companies face increasing challenges with managing critical IT systems and complex business applications that span the hybrid cloud landscape," Dinesh Nirmal, general manager for IBM Automation, said in a statement. "With IBM's planned acquisition of myInvenio, we are continuing to invest in building the industry's most comprehensive suite of AI-powered automation capabilities for business automation so that our customers can help employees re-claim their time to focus on more strategic work."

April 12: Microsoft to acquire Nuance for $19.7B

Microsoft unveiled the biggest acquisition of the year so far when it announced the purchase of Nuance for $19.7 billion in an all-cash deal.

Based in Burlington, MA., Nuance specializes in conversational artificial intelligence (AI) and speech recognition technology, primarily aimed at helping healthcare workers streamline the capture and interrogation of clinical information to free up their time. Microsoft will be eying its capabilities to complement its existing Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare product, one of a growing selection of industry-focused cloud suites.

Nuance provides the AI layer at the healthcare point of delivery and is a pioneer in the real-world application of enterprise AI, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said in a statement. AI is technologys most important priority, and healthcare is its most urgent application. Together, with our partner ecosystem, we will put advanced AI solutions into the hands of professionals everywhere to drive better decision-making and create more meaningful connections, as we accelerate growth of Microsoft Cloud in Healthcare and Nuance.

March 31: Hitachi acquires GlobalLogic for $9.6B

Japanese conglomerate Hitachi announced it is acquiring tech services outsourcing company GlobalLogic in a $9.6 billion deal that includes repayment of debt at the end of March.

Based in Silicon Valley, GlobalLogic works with customers such as McDonalds and Reuters to build digital services and products and has more than $1 billion in annual revenues. Hitachi will look to combine GlobalLink with its own technology units, specifically Lumada.

"The acquisition of GlobalLogic creates an exciting new opportunity for Hitachi to expand our offerings of Lumada solutions and services, provide value to customers in their digital transformation journey, and grow our Lumada business globally, Hitachi CEO Toshiaki Higashihara said in a statement. The synergy of GlobalLogic's leading experience design and innovation with Hitachi's expertise in IT, operational technology, and products, will help us realize our goal to be the leading digital transformation innovator in social infrastructure worldwide.

March 23: UiPath acquires Cloud Elements

On the same day ServiceNow made a robotic process automation (RPA) acquisition, RPA vendor UiPath made an addition of its own, picking up the Denver, CO-based firm Cloud Elements for an undisclosed amount.

Cloud Elements specializes in API integration, similar to Mulesoft and Apigee, which are now part of Salesforce and Google, respectively. For UiPath, this capability could allow customers to better link processes that span various enterprise systems to build more effective automations.

By making automation both easier and faster to deploy, the UiPath Platform has the capability of significantly improving some of the most costly and time-consuming activities of the modern enterprise. The acquisition of Cloud Elements is just one example of how we are building a flexible and scalable enterprise-ready platform that helps customers become fully automated enterprises, UiPath CEO Daniel Dines said in a statement.

March 23: ServiceNow acquires Indian RPA company Intellibot

ServiceNow moved to add more robotic process automation (RPA) capability to its platform by picking up the Indian startup Intellibot for an undisclosed price. ServiceNow intends to build Intellibot's capabilities into its Now Platform to allow customers to automate more business processes.

ServiceNow is the platform of platforms for the workflow revolution, offering powerful endtoend automation capabilities that allow customers to streamline business decisions and unlock new levels of productivity, Josh Kahn, senior vice president of Creator Workflow Products at ServiceNow, said in a statement. With Intellibot, we will extend ServiceNows ability to help customers connect systems so they can easily automate workflows and drive productivity.

This acquisition continues a trend of IT companies offering RPA capabilities, either by building them, as Microsoft has, or buying them, as SAP did when it acquired Signavio in January (see below).

March 19: Aveva completes $5B OSIsoft deal

British industrial software specialist Aveva completed the $5 billion acquisition of its US rival OSIsoft in March. The deal was initially announced last summer and passed regulatory approval in March 2021.

Based in California, OSIsoft is part of SoftBanks $100 billion Vision Fund portfolio and specializes in real-time industrial operational data, which should complement the Cambridge-based firm if smoothly integrated.

Data has been enabling organizations to more effectively determine the cause of problems by allowing them to visualize what is happening in different locations, departments and systems. This agreement will enable our customers to improve business processes as well as eliminate inefficiencies, AVEVA CEO Craig Hayman said in a statement last year when the deal was first announced.

March 18: VMware acquires Mesh7

VMware announced plans to acquire the security vendor Mesh7 for an undisclosed amount in March.

Based in Sunnyvale, CA, Mesh7 specializes in API security for distributed cloud environments. The Mesh7 team will join the Tanzu unit at VMware to work on service mesh security.

Mesh7 technology will enable VMware to bring visibility, discovery, and better security to APIs, Tom Gillis, senior vice president and general manager for networking and security at VMware, wrote in a blog post. Security teams and operators need better visibility into application behavior and overall security posture, and the developer experience needs to lead to more secure operations.

March 9: Dropbox acquires DocSend for $165M

In one of the more obviously complementary deals of the year so far, cloud file storage specialist Dropbox is acquiring DocSend, the secure document sharing company and fellow San Francisco native, for $165 million in cash.

DocSend had raised just $15 million in funding since being founded in 2013, marking an excellent exit for the company and its investors, which includes DCM Ventures and August Capital.

Its unique selling point is the ability to give those who share a documents full visibility into whether a doc is opened, by whom, and when. Dropbox also acquired the e-signature company HelloSign last year, and is looking to integrate all of those capabilities into a secure end-to-end document sharing experience for customers.
[January 29, 2021] DigitalEd and Binary Semantics Announce 'DigitalEd India' - A Joint Venture to Introduce Best-in-class, Digital Learning to India

GURUGRAM, India, Jan. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- DigitalEd India will sell and support Mobius, a globally-proven, comprehensive online learning platform that automatically test and immediately provides feedback to STEM students. DigitalEd and Binary Semantics are excited to announce that they have entered into a joint venture with the name of DigitalEd India LLP. DigitalEd India will sell and support Mobius, a globally-proven comprehensive online learning platform that automatically tests and immediately provides feedback to STEM students. DigitalEd and Binary Semantics are excited to announce the launch of DigitalEd India LLP. DigitalEd India will sell and support Mobius, which provides an unparalleled immersive online learning experience primarily for higher education STEM students. India has a long tradition of providing outstanding higher education, with a particular focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The Mobius online platform has unique STEM- related capabilities that automatically test students' comprehension and provides immediate sophisticated feedback and guidance. DigitalEd India, will work with leading educational institutions throughout India, to simultaneously improve the effectiveness and lower the costs of higher education, through digital learning. Mobius is currently used by leading educational institutions worldwide, and India has millions of students who will benefit from improved online STEM education. DigitalEd India will work closely with leading Indian universities to improve Indian education and allow these educational institutions to scale to teach students from around the globe, independent of their current geographical location. "We partnered with Binary Semantics to address the potential of the emerging online education tchnology market in India. Now with the accelerated pace of online learning adoption, establishing this new joint venture company allows us to tailor our interactive educational content and platform for the particular needs of the Indian higher education market and to allow Indian education institutions to more easily scale to a worldwide student market". Jim Cooper, CEO, DigitalEd



About DigitalEd - India DigitalEd India is a joint venture of DigitalEd, Canada and Binary Semantics Limited, India and is an Edutech company having its headquarter in Gurgaon, India and branch offices in Mumbai and Bangalore. As the value and necessity of remote/ online education is the demand of the modern world, DigitalEd India appreciates the value of better STEM education and aims to provide high-quality, STEM-based course materials to the India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives educational markets.

The dedicated online learning expert team of DigitalEd India will work with higher education institutions to establish an Indian network of educators to lead and inspire others on their online journey. This team will work closely with educational institutes to develop interactive Mobius educational content that utilizes the advanced features of the platform. "Online education in India is going to touch 9.5 million users this year. This is high time to shift the paradigm to innovative and futuristic Flip Learning. Mobius supports transformation in the conventional learning system by creating and deploying online STEM courses, providing powerful offline content, interactive lessons, assessments, and engaging learning activities, to unfold unparalleled immersive learning experience." Ashima Choudhary - CEO of DigitalEd India and Director of Binary Semantics About DigitalEd: DigitalEd is an online learning company with a simple and resonant purpose-to shape the world through digital learning. Mobius is DigitalEd's global cloud platform for creating and deploying online STEM courses used by over 300 universities worldwide. Providing lessons, assessments and interactive learning activities, Mobius unfolds the potential for the STEM student to acquire knowledge at a guided yet self-defined pace. DigitalEd is based in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada About Binary Semantics: Binary Semantics is a global software products and services company offering a range of value-driven products, solutions, and services encompassing SaaS, PaaS, broadly XaaS, Hybrid and Enterprise to its customers. The range covers - Insurtech products and platforms under VISoF, Logistics & Transportation solutions under FleetRobo, GST, E-way Bill and e-invoicing solutions as a GSP under GSTrobo and solutions around leading BI and Analytics products from SAS, IBM, Qlik, Altair, and Maplesoft. Media Contact:

Swapnil Saxena

media@digitaled.in

+91-9867088532

DigitalEd India

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The Telegraph

The daughter of Radovan Karadzic, the former Bosnian Serb leader serving life for genocide and crimes against humanity during the 1990s Yugoslav wars, has claimed her father is living in unhealthy and uncivilised conditions in a British prison. Karadzic, 75, who was convicted in 2016, was transferred from a detention unit in Holland to a UK jail earlier this month following an agreement struck between the UN and the Home Office. But his daughter, Sonja Karadzic-Jovicevic, has complained about the conditions at her fathers new prison after speaking to him on the phone. "As for the physical condition in which he is accommodated, it is unacceptable, she told SRNA, a news agency based in the Republika Srpska, the Serb enclave of Bosnia. If we add to that the fact that he is in a building full of carcinogenic asbestos that is banned around the world, it is clear in what condition he will be in. Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic also claimed that moving her father to the UK was a deliberate act of spite against his family. "My father is in a very uncivilised situation, and as far as his family is concerned, his relocation to the south of England was deliberately made to keep him far away, outside the rules of the United Nations Resolution adopted by the Security Council, she said. It will be very difficult for us physically, financially and procedurally, because of visas, and immunisation during the pandemic, and even after that, to ever go there and visit him," she continued. She added that he had been deprived of his books and his computer, and will be completely removed from his language and his culture. A spokesman for the Justice Ministry said: "UK prisons meet health and safety standards." Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic, who has a political career in Bosnia, has fought to defend her fathers name despite his brutal role in the wars as the Yugoslavian federation separated in the 1990s. Known as the Butcher of Bosnia, Karadzic went down in infamy, in particular for ordering the Srebrenica Massacre in July 1995. Some 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were rounded up by the Bosnian Serb army in and around the town of Srebrenica and then killed in the worst single massacre in Europe since the end of the Second World War. Karadzics lawyers had objected to his clients transfer to the UK, arguing that his life would be in danger owing to Muslim inmates in British prisons. They also argued that owing to possible threats to Karadzics life he would be kept in conditions resembling solitary confinement, but the UN court dismissed the objections. Given his role in the slaughter of Muslims, the experience of another Serb convicted of war crimes may also weigh upon the Karadzic family. In 2010 Radislav Krstic, a former Bosnian-Serb general, was stabbed by three Muslim prisoners while serving a sentence in Wakefield prison, in apparent retaliation for Srebrenica.

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President Kovind tributes to Mahatma on his 73rd death anniversary

India

oi-Briti Roy Barman

New Delhi, Jan 30: President Ramnath Kovid on Saturday has paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on Martyrs Day on Twitter on the occasion of 73rd death anniversary of Gandhi.

Martyr's Day or Shaheed Diwas is observed on January 30 every year in the memory of Mahatma Gandhi.

"On behalf of a grateful nation, my humble tributes to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi who embraced martyrdom this day. We should adhere to his ideals of peace, non-violence, simplicity, purity of means and humility. Let us resolve to follow his path of truth and love," tweeted President Kovind.

On January 30, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Nation was assassinated at Gandhi Smriti in the Birla House during his evening prayers.

Gandhiji or Bapu was a freedom fighter who sacrificed his life for the welfare and growth of India.

Moradabad-Agra highway accident | Gandhi statue vandalised in US | Oneindia News

Every year on January 30, the president, the vice president, the prime minister and the Defense Minister get together at the Rajghat to pay tribute to the martyrs.

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Story first published: Saturday, January 30, 2021, 11:09 [IST]
The Ministry of Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have agreed to cooperate to improve water supply systems in Ukraine.

This was discussed during a meeting between Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine Oleksiy Chernyshov and Head of the EIB Resident Representation for Ukraine Jean-Erik de Zagon, the Government portal reported.

In Ukraine, only 30% of rural settlements are provided with centralized drinking water supply. Imported drinking water is still used in nine regions of Ukraine; therefore, the issue of repair and reconstruction of water supply networks requires an immediate solution.

The experience and resources of partners from the European Investment Bank will be extremely useful for solving such a problem. At the initial stage, the ministry will act as a communicator between local authorities and the Bank and will actually create a platform for further work, which, as a result, will initiate a solution to the problem with drinking water supply, Chernyshov said.

Together with the EIB, the Ministry of Communities and Territories Development is implementing three projects worth EUR 615.5 million. They are aimed at restoring municipal and social infrastructure, in particular those that was damaged as a result of the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

As reported, the Cabinet of Ministers supported Ukraine's application for the presidency of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) from November 2021 to November 2022.

ish
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-30 18:30:31|Editor: huaxia

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Villagers make traditional fish balls in Quanyi Village of Donglin Town in Huzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 30, 2021. A folk culture event was held in Quanyi Village Saturday to welcome the Chinese Lunar New Year. Villagers make traditional food with fresh fish and serve them to the elderly and staff from other cities in local nursing home. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)
The hilarious web-series Metro Park, directed by Abi Varghese and Ajayan Venugopalan, opened with rave reviews as people were introduced to the crazy Patel family in New Jersey who navigated life as first-generation immigrants in America. The show even shot a 'quarantine edition' where the cast shot a few episodes from home.

Now, Metro Park is back with its sophomore season, which dives deeper into this well-knit extended family. Ranveer Shorey, Purbi Joshi, Omi Vaidya, Vega Tamotia and Pitobash reprise their roles from season 1, along with latest additions including Sarita Joshi, Milind Soman, and Gopal Dutt.

In a freewheeling chat, Purbi Joshi talked about show's highly anticipated second season, her character's journey and filming during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. "When I first read the script of season 2, I really said, 'wow, they have really taken it to the next level," she said.

Gushing about the show, Purbi said, "In a world of OTT streaming, you have so much content that you are spoilt for choice. But there is a lot of heaviness, there is drama, there is violence and amongst all that is Metro Park. You dont see shows like Metro Park which is slice-of-life, sit-com comedy. We had those in Dekh Bhai Dekh and Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi. So Metro Park is in that zone. In the world of OTT, there is this sweet, nice and light situational comedy which is about an NRI family. It is so different, it is not just about Gujaratis but Indians and immigrants living in America. But most importantly it is family-friendly viewing, which is not the case in a lot of shows these days."

"One of the reasons why people should really watch Metro Park is the performances. We have Ranvir Shorey, this time we have Padma Shri Sarita Joshi join us, we have Milind Soman, Omi and Vega. These are enough reasons to give. If you havent seen season 1 then you should binge-watch it and then watch season 2. This is what I genuinely feel and I hope people feel the same when they watch it," she further added.

Purbi plays Payal Patel, a first-gen Indian immigrant in New Jersey who runs her own beauty parlour with her business partner. In season 2, we see Payal trying to achieve her dream of becoming a social media influencer.

Purbi said, "When I first read the script of Metro Park season 1, I realised I had never played the character of a Gujarati NRI like Payal before. It was a lot of fun working on the Gujarati and American accent that she talks with. As an actor I really enjoyed working on that process, portraying somebody I had never played before. Working with Ranvir Shorey is such a joy and my writer and director Abi Varghese and Ajayan Venugopalan, we sat and discussed what we are looking for. It is a very understated performance by everyone and full marks for both Abi and Ajayan for telling us what they were looking for.

The show was shot from September to December 2020 in New Jersey. Purbi revealed that she was initially anxious to go back to work.

"Going into the shooting schedule was definitely scary. With the pandemic I had my apprehensions, I was very afraid and skeptical. But my producers and Eros made sure that we are taken care of. We had a Covid compliance officer on set. We had a doctor coming and visiting us on set, helping us with the questions we had and testing us whenever we wanted. Our producer Jiju John made sure that everyone was just going to the sets and the accommodation that was being provided. Nobody was meeting outsiders or family and friends. So it was just us, a harmony of people that we were. They took all the precautions," she signed off.

Metro Park Season 2 is streaming on Eros Now.
[January 30, 2021] Bayestree Intelligence and Infranics Announce Strategic Partnership to Offer AIOps Capabilities to Infranics' Cloud Customers

SEOUL, South Korea and MCKINNEY, Texas, Jan. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Sainapse, built by Bayestree Intelligence Inc., based out of Dallas, TX, uses proprietary patent-filed technology and delivers high-accuracy classification and resolution recommendations for customer problems. Adopting Sainapse requires no prior data cleaning, labeling or indexing - a differentiator that tilted Infranics' selection of Sainapse, in addition to its ability to manage multi and mixed lingual situations. Infranics has been offering ICT infrastructure management solutions for the past 20 years: SysMaster Suite, Cloud Managed Service Provider (MSP), Systeer Service, and Korea Internet Security Agency (KISA) security certified cloud infrastructure. M-Console, a superior governance and management service, offered via SaaS, brings together the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data-based platform services. It also provides a 24/7 ICT infrastructure control center (M-Center). Leveraging M-Console and M-Center, corporate customers across public, financial, manufacturing, and service industries can efficiently and conveniently manage their operations. Infranics ICTWORKS - is a one-stop-shop for customers using multiple commercial software, freeing them up from the challenges of maintaining service levels and availability. Infranics ICTWORKS delivers full-suite IaaS, PaaS, along with relaed consulting. ICTWORKS is used by our customers across manufacturing, education, logistics and even e-commerce.



Infranics will be leveraging Sainapse for its ICTWORKS offering as well, making Infranics services truly cutting-edge and delivering the 'instant first time right' experience that Infranics customers have come to expect from them. With the introduction of Sainapse, Infranics and Infranics America move to the next generation of customer problem-solving. Infranics has been winning the Grand Prize in Korea for excellent service in the cloud service sector for five years, from 2016 to 2020. While signing the agreement with Infranics America, Avijit Biswas, co-Founder and CEO of Bayestree Intelligence, mentioned, "We are excited to work with Infranics, undoubted Cloud and AIOps market leader in Korea, and extend the power of Sainapse to their cloud customers."

Mr. Song, Founder and CEO of Infranics America, said, "We are excited to work with the Bayestree team and look forward to launching Opscow in the AWS marketplace to serve our customers even better." About Infranics: Infanics is a market leader in offering cloud-based ICT services in Korea and North America. About Bayestree: Bayestree Intelligence is an Accel funded enterprise AI product company that's redefining enterprise support with its proprietary omni-lingual IntentExtraction and Instant First-time Right technologies. Media Contact:

Prashanth Rai

Phone: 201.282.9820

Email: prashanth.rai@bayestree.com Related Images sainapse-logo.png

Sainapse_logo

Sainapse logo View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bayestree-intelligence-and-infranics-announce-strategic-partnership-to-offer-aiops-capabilities-to-infranics-cloud-customers-301218436.html SOURCE Bayestree Intelligence Inc.

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Al Mohler warns of impending 'normalization' of transgenderism under Biden administration

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A prominent theologian has described the "normalization" of transgenderism as "a major advance for the sexual and moral revolutionaries" in the country, warning that those who subscribe to traditional beliefs about gender and sexuality will soon find themselves subject to "coercion."

During the Jan. 21 episode of his podcast, The Briefing, Albert Mohler, the president of Southern Baptist Theological Summary, weighed in on President Joe Biden's nomination of Dr. Rachel Levine to serve as his assistant secretary of health. Biden nominated Levine to the post on Jan. 19, one day before he was inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States.

In the podcast, which aired the day after the inauguration, Mohler spoke about the mainstream media's coverage of Biden's selection of Levine, who would become the first trans-identified individual confirmed to a cabinet position by the U.S. Senate.

Mohler contended that Biden's selection of Levine, who was born male and continues to be a man, had less to do with the qualifications of his nominee and more to do with the fact that "identity politics has been the key to appointments made by then President-elect Biden and now President Biden."

Specifically, Mohler argued that Levine's nomination resulted from the fact that "there wasn't anyone who was transgender yet" in the cabinet.

He insinuated that based on the way the Biden administration touted Levine's nomination, it was as if they were saying "the transgender issue is not really that important, but did we mention this person will be the first openly transgender Senate confirmed high individual of office in the federal government?"

Throughout his remarks, Mohler stressed that "it is entirely possible to like someone whose lifestyle or gender identity we cannot accept." However, he maintained that, according to the press coverage, "this appointment is to be celebrated as a massive advance in a necessary moral progress toward full inclusion for LGBTQ persons."

He also warned that Levine's appointment will "bring the power of coercion" and "bring about the process of further normalization."

"Normalization means that something that had been considered sometimes unthinkable but abnormal becomes normalized in this society," Mohler continued. Citing same-sex marriage as a previous example of something that has become normalized, he contended that "when it comes to transgender[ism], the same effort is now very much underway, and it comes with coercion."

According to Mohler, the coercion surrounding the normalization of transgenderism involves "the language that is mandated, whether it's pronouns or even a name in this case." After mentioning that a radio personality was accused of "misgendering" Levine by referring to the current Pennsylvania secretary of health as "sir," Mohler suggested that "the only way to avoid being charged with misgendering is to accept in totality the idea that an individual can claim and indeed become a gender other than the gender of their genetics."

Another aspect of coercion, Mohler asserted, involves the content of Biden's executive order on Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation.

He predicted that "the great grave sin, according to the moral revolutionaries of misgendering, is now going to become a preeminent moral concern of the federal government."

After mentioning that the executive order contains "direct coercion to all who are employees of the federal government  those who are writing policy in the federal government to avoid the sin of misgendering," Mohler said that "every moral regime comes with an understanding of what is right, what is wrong, what is right, what is sinful."

"Misgendering pretty much tells the story of the new morality of the sexual revolution," he added.

Mohler was an outspoken supporter of former President Donald Trump during the 2020 presidential election, stating at the time that a vote for Biden was "beyond" his "moral imagination."

When elaborating on his characterization of Biden, Mohler cited his positions on abortion, religious liberty, and LGBT issues.

Mohler criticized the former president after a fringe group of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, however, but maintained his support for Trump, emphasizing that he "could not" support Biden because of his policy positions.
Former U.S. President, Donald Trump has resumed his campaign for the Republican Party to win back the House of Representatives in 2022, ac...

Former U.S. President, Donald Trump has resumed his campaign for the Republican Party to win back the House of Representatives in 2022, according to the Guardian UK.

The immediate past President met with US House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy in Florida amid a tug of war over their partys future.

Leadership of the Congress is appearing eager to present a united front with Trump.

The primary topic in Trump and McCarthys meeting was winning back the House of Representatives from Democrats in 2022.

President Trumps popularity has never been stronger than it is today, and his endorsement means more than perhaps any endorsement at any time, it said.

Recall that McCarthy stood by Trump during his baseless claim of election fraud but distanced himself from him when he (Trump) was accused of inciting his supporters to attack the US Capitol on January 6.

However, the House Minority Leader appeared back in the former Presidents graces, as the men grinned broadly in a handout photograph taken in an ornate room reminiscent of a European palace.

Today, President Trump committed to helping elect Republicans in the House and Senate in 2022, McCarthy said in a statement that also attacked Democrats for impeaching a president who is now a private citizen.

A united conservative movement will strengthen the bonds of our citizens and uphold the freedoms our country was founded on, McCarthy added.

Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of America on the 20th of January, taking over from Donald Trump.

The House had earlier impeached Trump after he was accused of inciting his supporters to storm the US Capitol where the Congress had converged to certify Bidens win.
The following are some of the most popular but completely untrue stories and visuals of the week. None of these are legit, even though they were shared widely on social media. The Associated Press checked them out. Here are the facts:

False claims target Bible used for Bidens presidential inauguration

CLAIM: President Joe Biden swore on a Masonic/Illuminati Bible during his inauguration last week.

THE FACTS: Following Bidens inauguration, false social media posts spread about the Bible he used to take his oath of office.

Some social media users falsely suggested that the several-inches thick Bible, a Biden family heirloom, was Masonic or associated with an Illuminati conspiracy. Conspiracy theorists suggest the Illuminati, a purported secret society, wants world domination.

Freemasons, a fraternal organization, have been the subject of conspiracy theories since the group was founded over 300 years ago. Some founding fathers were even part of the group. Sooo has anyone else realized this yet or???? Masonic/Illuminati Bible that Biden swore on yesterday wrote one Facebook user along with a photo of Bidens hand on the Bible. The false post had 19,000 shares.

But in fact, Biden was sworn in on a Douay-Rheims Bible, an English translation of a Latin Bible. The Bible has been in the Biden family since the 1890s. He used the same Bible when he was sworn in twice as vice president and seven times as a senator from Delaware, The Associated Press reported.

Nothing even vaguely Masonic would have been anywhere near these Bibles, Robert Miller, professor of biblical studies at The Catholic University of America, told the AP in an email. Same thing for the Illuminati, to the extent that such a thing existed: repeatedly condemned by the Popes and certainly coming nowhere into contact with Catholic Bibles.

Rev. Brent A. Strawn, a professor of Old Testament and law at Duke University, told the AP in an email that theres no conspiracy behind the Bible. He explained that the Douay-Rheims Bible is a translation of the Vulgate, a Latin translation of the Hebrew Old Testament and Greek New Testament.

Douay-Rheims is simply an English translation of the Latin Bible so popular in Catholic piety and worship, he said.

No, Biden did not instruct ICE to release all detained immigrants

CLAIM: A new order from the Biden administration directed Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to release all detained immigrants immediately.

THE FACTS: The Biden administration did not order all immigrants to be released from ICE custody. The false claim is based on an email issued by a local ICE officer in Houston to agents that was leaked to Fox News and taken out of context.

The email begins I am just the messenger... and instructs agents in that office to stop all removals. One line reads, Release them all, immediately. No sponsor available is not acceptable any longer. The email signature shows the author of the email holds the rank of assistant officer in charge for the Houston ICE field office.

Social media users and conservative websites cited the leaked email to spread the false claim that the Biden administrations various immigration reforms had included immediate, mass releases of detained immigrants.

Joe Biden Orders ICE Agents to Release All Illegal Aliens in Custody, read the headline of one article that was widely shared on Facebook. Bidens Department of Homeland Security did issue a memo on Jan. 20 that established enforcement priorities and paused deportations of certain noncitizens who already had a final order of removal. But that directive, which was temporarily blocked by a federal judge in Texas on Tuesday, did not include an order to release all immigrants from detention.

A statement issued by ICE that was shared with the AP on Tuesday confirms the agency is not under orders to free everyone in its custody. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continues to make custody determinations on a case by case basis, in accordance with U.S. law and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy, reads the statement. During the course of routine operations, individuals can be released from custody based on the facts and circumstances of their cases.

Furthermore, a review of the email thread from the Houston ICE office revealed that the email in question was retracted a day later, only applied to a certain cohort of detainees and was issued in response to a federal court order  not a directive from Bidens administration.

The emails became available to the public as part of a lawsuit the state of Texas filed against the Biden administration over its deportation moratorium. The email thread, which redacts email addresses and names, shows that after the first email was sent late Thursday morning, it was reversed Friday afternoon by an email that read, Retract this directive immediately.

That second email was signed FOD, which is likely a reference to the field office director, the highest ranking position in the Houston office. Another email in the chain clarifies the initial email was not instructing agents to release all immigrants, but rather High risk detainees with health issues who had to be evaluated for release under an ongoing federal lawsuit. In that legal case, a federal judge in California had previously ordered ICE to individually review detainees and identify those who were at high risk of serious illness or death from COVID-19 and prioritize their release.

ICE does have the obligation to affirmatively review anyone in their custody with risk factors, said Elizabeth Jordan, an attorney with Civil Rights Education and Enforcement Center, which represents immigrant detainees in that lawsuit.

WHO did not say COVID-19 test led to case numbers being overstated

CLAIM: The World Health Organization admits that PCR tests to diagnose COVID-19 gave massive false positives, overinflating COVID-19 case numbers.

THE FACTS: A WHO press release is being misrepresented online to say it shows that polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for COVID-19 caused large scale false positives. Since the outset of the pandemic, some social media users have been falsely suggesting that false positive test results are the real reason behind the millions of reported COVID-19 cases.

The latest posts are misrepresenting a WHO information notice. In widely shared posts on Facebook and Twitter, social media users claim the WHO admitted that PCR tests were causing false positives. Kelly Wroblewski, director of infectious disease at the Association of Public Health Laboratories, said that people are confusing infectiousness with what they think are false positives. The PCR test can determine when someone is at the beginning of the virus or at the tail end of it.

The PCR test doesnt find something that is not there, the virus is there, she said. The PCR test is generally a more sensitive test compared to rapid antigen tests, which identify proteins from the virus.

The WHO released an informational notice to lab technicians on Dec. 14 clarifying instructions about analyzing PCR tests for COVID-19. WHO then updated the news release and published it on Jan. 20. The January release spread online with claims it revealed a failure by the WHO.

Wait. So there were too many false positives because the PCR tests were set at too high a threshold? one Facebook post said. Man, I hadnt heard that anywhere - except about 5 million times from reputable doctors who were conveniently silenced by the media for the past 10 months.

But the WHO made no such admission, nor did the health agency see a large scale number of false positives. The supposedly massive false positives being mentioned in the post were in fact much rarer. WHO told The Associated Press that it has received 10 reports of problems related to PCR tests for the detection of SARS-CoV-2.

The reports were for misdiagnosis, both false positive and false negative results, according to WHO. After thorough investigation, WHO confirmed that tests were not always being used appropriately and in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

The release emphasized the importance of knowing the details about the patient, the number of cycles of testing done when analyzing the specimen provided as well as the patients clinical history. PCR tests work by analyzing the viral load in cycles.

Dr. Wafaa El-Sadr, a professor of epidemiology and medicine at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, said the higher the viral load in a patient the easier it is for a PCR test to become positive. More cycles of the test are needed to detect infections with a lower viral load, such as at the start or end of having the virus.

The National Guard received no offer to stay at Trump Hotel in Washington

CLAIM: Donald Trump invited National Guard members to stay at the Trump Hotel in Washington so they didnt have to sleep in a cold parking garage.

THE FACTS: A spokesperson with the National Guard Bureau told The Associated Press they received no offers to stay at Trump International Hotel Washington, D.C., the former presidents hotel.

After National Guard troops came to Washington to secure President Joe Bidens the inauguration, they were temporarily assigned to take rest breaks in a parking garage. Images of the guard members camping on the garage floor on Jan. 21 sparked widespread outrage as well as misinformation online.

President Trump said he is opening his entire Trump Hotel in Washington, DC to the National Guard troops whom President Biden and the Democrats literally kicked to the curb, having sent them to bed down in the unheated Capitol parking garage with no food and only one toilet for 1,000s of men. God bless President Trump!!! read one popular Facebook post. Most media wont tell you that TRUMP HAS OFFERED THE NATIONAL GUARD STILL REMAINING IN D.C. to stay at his hotel, rather than sleep on the garage cold floor, another Facebook post stated. But guard officials say the troops already had hotel rooms and no such offer from Trump was ever communicated.

We have not received any offers at the National Guard Bureau, Maj. Matt Murphy, media relations officer at the bureau, told the AP in an email. A spokesperson at Trump International Hotel in Washington declined to comment when contacted by the AP. Captain Chelsi Johnson, a spokesperson for the D.C. National Guard, said all troops participating in the mission had hotel rooms to go back to at the end of their shifts.

Some photos circulated online that appeared to show some troops inside the Trump Hotel, though the photos were first posted before claims that Trump had offered his hotel to them. For this mission we are not lodging any National Guard troops at the Trump Hotel, Johnson said. National Guard troops can rest in between their shifts at a location of their choosing.

In a briefing on Monday, Army Maj. Gen. William J. Walker said guard members photographed in the garage on Jan. 21 were taking rest breaks. Nobody slept there. Nobody spent the night there, Walker said. At the same briefing he said, You stand 12 hours on your feet, you want to take a break.

The AP reported the National Guard said it originally moved troops out of the Capitol Rotunda and other spaces to rest in garages at the behest of the Capitol Police. The National Guard and Capitol Police issued a joint statement on Jan. 22 saying they coordinated to establish appropriate spaces within congressional buildings for on-duty breaks, according to AP reporting.

Bill Gates did not say 3 billion people need to die

CLAIM: Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates wants to eliminate at least 3 billion people in the world, starting in Africa, in a plot involving vaccines.

THE FACTS: A 2019 video falsely claiming Gates wants to depopulate the globe is circulating online anew this month as COVID-19 vaccines become more widely available in the United States and elsewhere. Instagram and Twitter posts containing the video made the further unsubstantiated claim that Gates wanted to use mandatory vaccines as part of his plan to eliminate billions of people.

The video shows naturopath Robert O. Young, who uses natural remedies in healing, speaking on a panel for the International Tribunal for Natural Justice, an independent, U.K.-based group that holds hearings and trials and whose members have promoted baseless conspiracy theories about 5G technology and the coronavirus.

Young, who has previously been convicted for practicing medicine without a license and was ordered to pay $105 million to a woman who said he advised her against traditional cancer treatment, claimed without evidence that Gates planned to kill billions of people, starting in Africa.

In the words of Bill Gates, at least 3 billion people need to die, Young said. So well just start off in Africa, well start doing our research there, and well eliminate most of the Africans because theyre deplorable. Theyre worthless. Theyre not part of this world economy.

A review of public statements by Gates found nothing matching these claims. Youngs statement appeared to misrepresent comments Gates made during a TED Talk in 2010, when he said vaccines and improved health care could help reduce the rate of global population growth and, as a result, lower carbon emissions.

The world today has 6.8 billion people, Gates said during the talk. Thats headed up to about 9 billion. Now, if we do a really great job on new vaccines, health care, reproductive health services, we lower that by perhaps 10 or 15%.

Gates was talking about reducing the rate of population growth, not the population, by 10 or 15%. In past interviews, Gates has argued that improving vaccines and health care can paradoxically slow the rate of population growth in poor countries, because it lowers the child mortality rate. With more children making it to adulthood, Gates has said, parents may choose to have a smaller family size.

Amazingly, as children survive, parents feel like theyll have enough kids to support them in their old age, so they choose to have less children, Gates said in a 2012 interview. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the International Tribunal for Natural Justice did not respond to requests for comment.

Biden cancellation of Keystone XL pipeline was not a favor to Warren Buffet

CLAIM: Billionaire Warren Buffett donated $58 million to President Joe Bidens campaign, so Biden canceled the Keystone XL pipeline as a favor to Buffett.

THE FACTS: Buffett, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, did not donate to Bidens presidential campaign, nor did he endorse him.

Buffett previously has voiced public support for the Keystone XL pipeline.

On Bidens first day in office, he canceled the permit for construction of the Keystone XL pipeline saying it was not consistent with the administrations economic and climate imperatives. The 1,700-mile pipeline was planned to carry roughly 800,000 barrels of oil a day from Alberta to the Texas Gulf Coast.

A Facebook post that has been shared more than 60,000 times suggests Biden halted the pipeline not for environmental reasons, but as a favor to Buffett. But the posts main thesis, that the billionaire investor was a major donor to Bidens campaign, is not true. Warren Buffet owns the railroad that is now transporting all that oil.

Warren Buffet donated 58 million to Biden campaign. Warren Buffet would lose billions in transport fees if the pipeline is completed. See how politics works? It is not an environmental issue, it is a money issue the Facebook post reads.

In fact, there is no record Buffett gave any money to Bidens 2020 presidential bid, and Buffetts assistant, Debbie Bosanek, confirmed to The Associated Press that he did not. Federal Election Commission records show that Buffett made no individual contributions in 2020. In 2019, he gave $248,500 to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which supports Democratic House candidates, and $5,800 to Democratic Arizona Sen. Mark Kellys campaign.

In 2018, he gave $33,900 to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, $33,900 to the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee, and $2,700 each to the campaigns of Democrats Donna Shalala and Rufus Gifford. Bosanek told the AP that the 90-year-old billionaire did not make other donations through a political action committee in the 2020 campaign cycle.

Nor did Buffett campaign in favor of the current president. Mr. Buffett did not endorse Mr. Biden, but both he and his wife voted for Mr. Biden, Bosanek told the AP in an email. It is true that Buffetts company, Berkshire Hathaway, owns BNSF Railway, a freight railroad network that transports crude oil. While analysts over the years have suggested that the Keystone XL pipeline would take business from BNSF, Buffett voiced his support for the project in a CNBC television appearance in 2014.

Its not that big of a competitor, Buffett said at the time. I think probably the Keystone pipeline is a good idea for the country. Bosanek told the AP that Buffett had not offered any opinions about the project more recently that he can remember, nor did he have a stance on how it would impact his business. Mr. Buffett has never seen any report by BNSF projecting whether the Keystone Pipeline would increase or decrease the revenue of the railroad, Bosanek wrote.
There are people who dream of achieving something big and then there are people who work hard to achieve their goals.

Sunny Seth, a determined digital entrepreneur has made it through many challenges with his relentless pursuit and futuristic vision to create a revolution with his new-age business strategies and entrepreneurial skills.

As digital media continues to grow, businesses are looking for real marketing solutions to address the challenges and competition in the field of digital marketing. This is where Sunny comes in. He offers a full range of digital marketing and advertising services that turn brand potential into business performance. With an insatiable appetite for ideas and innovation, Sunny is an expertise in PR, design, advertising, media, and all things digital.

A prominent name in the field of digital marketing, Sunny is bringing advancement in the digital ecosystem by helping entrepreneurs expand their businesses through digital transformation and mediums. With more than three years experience across digital strategy, social media advertising, and influencer marketing, Sunny has delivered for some of the biggest brands and top celebrities in the country. And he goes that extra mile to provide a professional yet personalised approach to his clients.

Sunny started his journey of entrepreneurship in 2019 and never looked back since then. He describes his journey as exciting but filled with lots of bumps along the way. But his hard work, dedication, and never-give-up attitude is what made him a successful digital entrepreneur. Says Sunny, 'Back then, I always dreamt of becoming an entrepreneur and was quite fascinated with the digital media world. I came across a TEDx video on YouTube that inspired me to do something great and that's what changed my life. I quit my job. Since then I have led the a full-fledged digital marketing company on my own and produced some very impressive results on behalf of my clients.

Hailing from a banker family, Sunny also carried his family profession and joined a private bank but a zeal to do something different helped him create a niche for himself in the digital marketing world and today he has become one of the top digital entrepreneurs in the country.

It is enlightening to see young talents like Sunny representing India on Global platforms and making the county proud.

This story is provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article.

DISCLAIMER

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Lokesh praised TNSF leaders for courageously fighting for the cause of PG students, who have been denied their fee reimbursement.  DC

VIJAYAWADA: Telugu Desam national general secretary Nara Lokesh on Friday accused Jagan Mohan Reddy government of breaking promises and giving a raw deal to students, youth, women, Dalits and all other sections in the state.

Speaking on occasion of Telugu Nadu Students Federation (TNSF) leaders' release from jail, Lokesh visited Guntur to formally welcome these leaders. He appreciated that TNSF leaders have emerged out of jail with their heads held high, unlike Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy who had to hang down his head because of his guilt in cases registered against him.

The TD general secretary praised TNSF leaders for courageously fighting for the cause of PG students, who have been denied their fee reimbursement. He alleged that GO 77 has been issued as a part of the suppressive Raja Reddy constitution. He remarked that rape cases filed against TNSF leaders are a mark of Jagan Reddy Penal Code being implemented in AP instead of the Indian Penal Code.

Lokesh expressed concern that over three lakh students belonging to weaker sections and backward classes have been badly hit because of GO 77, as it denied fee reimbursement to PG students studying in private colleges. He lamented that poor students belonging to SC, ST, BC and Minorities are losing opportunities to study abroad. But Jagan Reddy's daughters are enjoying their foreign education.

The TD leader demanded that the government immediately withdraw GO 77 or face a state-wide agitation.
German students Hans Scholl (19181943, L) and his sister Sophie (19211943), circa 1940. Both were members of the non-violent White Rose resistance group against the Nazis. After their arrest for distributing anti-war leaflets at the University of Munich, they were convicted of high treason and executed by guillotine. (Authenticated News/Archive Photos/Getty Images)

The Suns Still Shining: The Courage of Sophie Scholl

Right now, millions of patriotic Americans are apprehensive about the sea change in our federal government. Many regard with dismay the proposals to open borders, to include more indoctrination in our schools, for higher taxes, for continued closures and restrictions to fight the pandemic, and for more politically correct measures, to name a few. Many of us fear greater restrictions on our constitutional liberties, like free speech, religious freedom, and gun ownership.

Were facing some tough times.

And those times mean that we have to be tough as well. The summer soldiers and the sunshine patriots, described long ago by Thomas Paine, will retreat into their homes, muttering complaints but otherwise unwilling to stand up and defend their principles. Others want to resist oppression and to celebrate liberty with joy, but are looking for the inspiration to do so.

Which brings us to Sophie Scholl: The Final Days.

The White Rose

In this award-winning 2005 German film, directed by Marc Rothemund and written by Fred Breinersdorfer, Sophie Scholl (Julia Jentsch), her brother Hans (Fabian Hinrichs), and friend Christoph Probst (Florian Stetter) are members of the White Rose, a nonviolent group of students opposed to the Nazis.

Actress Julia Jentsch during the 55th annual Berlin International Film Festival on Feb. 13, 2005. (Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

When Sophie and Hans distribute anti-Hitler leaflets at their university, they are caught, and along with Christoph are arrested for treason. Throughout the rest of the film, we follow Sophie as she meets with a Nazi interrogator, faces trial in a kangaroo court, and is then summarily executed by the guillotine.

Based on a true story, this movie offers inspiration to all who value their natural rights, their liberty, and their religious faith. From it, we can learn the importance of protest against injustice, the courage needed to make that protest, and the faith that can sustain us in our quest for truth and justice.

Woke

Woke, meaning to become more socially and politically aware, is a popular word with the left these past couple of years.

But that definition is broad. In Sophie Scholl: The Final Days, woke readily applies to her resistance to the Nazis. Once a member of a Nazi girls organization, Sophie and the others now see and understand that they live in a country of lies and oppression.

Today, many Americans are similarly awakened, having opened their eyes to the fact that Big Tech and many of our political elites are corrupt. That act of awakening is the necessary first step in tackling this mess.

Law, Conscience, Morality

Shortly after Sophies arrest, her interrogator Robert Mohr (Alexander Held) points to a book and explains that it contains the laws of the Reich regarding treason. Later, when Sophie tells him that decency, morality, conscience, and God are her compass in life, Mohr reacts with scorn, denying the existence of any higher power.

When Mohr tells Sophie that her parents and perhaps even the schools have failed to educate her properly, she answers him in this way:

Do you realize how shocked I felt that the Nazis used gas and poison to dispose of mentally ill children? My mothers friends told us. Trucks came to pick up children at the mental hospital. The other children asked where they were going. Theyre going to heaven, said the nurses. So the children got on the truck singing.

You think I wasnt raised right, because I feel pity for them?

To which Mohr responds: These are unworthy lives.

A few lines later, Sophie tells him, Every life is precious.

For decades, we have seen manmade law in conflict with natural law. Given the possibility that this conflict may grow even more intense, we must, like Sophie, hold to our principles and remember that, as Sophies father says in the movie, There is a higher justice!

Actor Alexander Held plays Robert Mohr, Sophie Scholls interrogator, in Sophie Scholl: The Final Days. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

The Evils of Bureaucracy

From the moment of her arrest, Sophie finds herself caught up in a machine run by petty officials. The man with the Adolph Hitler copycat haircut, who marches Sophie from room to room, is the worst of this lot: a fanatic delighted that the state has arrested students who dared to write and issue literature denouncing the regime.

Other bureaucrats may show a more human facethe stenographer who gives Sophie a fleeting glance of pity, the female guard who slips her a cigarette and allows her to say goodbye to her brother and Christoph, and even Mohr, who attempts to convince Sophie to save herself by betraying her friends. If accused of abetting evil, however, all of these people would likely reply, I was just doing my job.

Here, the film should raise questions among its viewers. Can we ourselves risk speaking truth to power? Are we willing to be canceled on social media, be shunned by family and friends, or even lose our jobs for standing up for what we believe? As many know by now, some through firsthand experience, the powers that be no longer need concentration camps to erase their opponents from public dialogue. They simply cancel them, removing unwanted voices from the public forum.

These are tough questions with no real easy answers.

White Rose memorial in Room 253 of the Munich Court of Justice, where the first trial, which convicted Sophie and her brother Hans, was held. (Richard Huber/CC BY-SA 3.0)

Education as Indoctrination

At one point, Mohr faults the education system as having failed to teach Sophie that a new age has dawned. When he asks why as a teenager she had joined a Nazi girls organization, she says: I heard that Hitler would lead our country to greatness and prosperity and ensure everyone had work and food and was free and happy.

For a century, tyrants have made these same promises in Russia, China, Cuba, and dozens of other countries around the world. And power-hungry politicians are now making them in the United States of America.

We must teach our young people the truth.

Beauty

Several times during the movie, Sophie subtly reminds viewers of her love and appreciation for the beautiful. At one point, writing a letter to a friend, she remarks of Schuberts Trout Quintet: In Schuberts piece, you can feel and smell the breezes, hear the birds crying out for joy. The piano repeats the motif like cold, sparkling water.

Later, when her female cellmate asks about her fiance, Sophie describes a vacation with him on the shores of the North Sea: Take a fishing boat out at dawnjust the sea, the sky, and our dreams.

Throughout the movie, Sophie gathers strength and solace from the sun, turning her head to the sky when being marched from place to place or basking in the sunlight by the window in her cell.

As it does for Sophie, beauty can sustain us when we feel battered by horrible events.

Bust of Sophie Scholl by Wolfgang Eckert. Walhalla Temple, in Donaustauf, Germany. (Figurator/CC BY-SA 4.0)

Faith

Like her parents, Sophie is a devout Christian. A Lutheran pastor visits her before her execution and prays with her. Several times, Sophie offers her own prayers, seeking consolation in the presence of God.

At one point in her despair, she whispers these tender words: Dear God, all I can do is stammer to you. I can do nothing but hold out my heart to you. You created us in your likeness. Our hearts are uneasy until they find peace in you. Amen.

Amen.

Time to Stand Up

In the coming months, we may face a storm of legislation the likes of which weve never seen. Well need to gather our strength and our wits, find comrades as did Sophie and Hans, and push back against those who would reset our country. We must love our country and our freedoms more fiercely than ever, and speak up when others try to take them away from us.

And we must always hold on to hope. As her executioners escort her through the door to the guillotine, Sophie turns to Hans and Christoph, and says, The suns still shining.

Lets keep those words in mind this winter.

Sophie Scholl: The Final Days is available free of charge on YouTube.

Jeff Minick has four children and a growing platoon of grandchildren. For 20 years, he taught history, literature, and Latin to seminars of homeschooling students in Asheville, N.C. He is the author of two novels, Amanda Bell and Dust On Their Wings, and two works of non-fiction, Learning As I Go and Movies Make The Man. Today, he lives and writes in Front Royal, Va. See JeffMinick.com to follow his blog.
Posted Saturday, January 30, 2021 8:14 am

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Commission approved a limited hound pursuit training program, Friday.

The program will allow agency-approved hound handlers to nonlethally pursue cougars, bears or bobcats to train their dogs. The commission voted 4-3 in favor of the rule.

The training is necessary, according to WDFW and hound handlers, to keep the dogs trained and effective. Under state law WDFW is allowed to use dogs to hunt or pursue black bear, cougar, or bobcat if there is "a public safety need; to protect livestock, domestic animals, and private property; for scientific purposes; or to protect endangered species."

However, due to a 1996 citizen initiative that banned hound hunting in Washington, hound handlers have had to train their dogs out of state. WDFW enforcement currently works with about 20 hound handlers throughout the state.

"It's an important program and I'm pleased we have it instated," said commissioner Kim Thorburn from Spokane. "We recognize the need for the hounds and the use of them for public safety in northeast Washington."

Under the program hound handlers will coordinate with regional WDFW enforcement staff to get approval to train on specific days in specific areas. They will be required to fill out a log sheet including, among other things, GPS markers, roads traveled, whether they saw a cougar and if any weapon was discharged. WDFW staff hope to have the training program up and running within six months, although it may take longer.

Some environmental groups decried the decision.

"I'm very concerned about the potential for abuse of hound hunting under this newly created program," said Sophia Ressler, a Seattle-based staff attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity in a news release. "Without additional safeguards and staff for enforcement, this new program doesn't appear up to the task of protecting wildlife or the will of the voters who passed the initiative banning hound hunting."

WDFW staff did change a few components of the training program in response to public input, said Becky Bennett, the spokeswoman for WDFW's enforcement division and the project manager for the new training program.

"We have worked with external stakeholder from day one on this," she said. "This isn't something that we're creating this is something we're (creating) alongside other organizations."

In particular, WDFW changed its proposal to prohibit hound handlers from tracking cougars with spotted kittens.

Ressler doesn't believe that restriction will do much, pointing out that hound tracking is scent based and that it's "unlikely that you know what exactly you're tracking until it's potentially too late to observe that cat has kittens."

Instead, she believes WDFW should have included date and geographic restrictions. Date restrictions would prevent accidentally chasing spotted kittens and geographic restrictions would prevent hounds and wolves from coming into conflict.

"There is a lots of conflict between hounds and wolves during these training programs," she said referencing research from Wisconsin looking at similar training programs. "Even though they are not in pursuit of the wolves."

During the commision meeting Friday, Ressler argued that the state should have undergone a State Environmental Analysis before moving forward. The Center for Biological Diversity will consider filing a lawsuit challenging the legality of the rule under SEPA, she said.

Hound handlers applauded the decisions. WDFW received 240 public comments, with 179 in support of the training program. During a Dec. 4 commission meeting 23 people testified with 9 in support and 12 opposed.

"I'm so glad to see that go through finally. That's been a long time coming," said Bart George, a biologist for the Kalispel Tribe and a hound handler. "It's just hard to train a dog without on the ground exercises."

Having trained and competent hound handlers is, in some cases, a matter of public safety George said.

For instance in 2019, a cougar attacked and injured a boy in Leavenworth, Wash. However, there were no state-approved houndsman close enough to respond to the incident, said Bennett.

"This is a tool to make sure we do have those individuals available," she said.
Washington: US President Joe Bidens national security adviser has warned of an escalating nuclear crisis with Iran as the new White House administration seeks to salvage a multinational 2015 agreement that President Donald Trump abandoned.

Jake Sullivan told an event at the US Institute of Peace on Friday that Tehran was moving towards having enough fissile material for a nuclear weapon. Returning to the deal intended to limit the countrys nuclear program was a critical early priority for the Biden administration, he said.

US President Joe Biden has signalled a clear intention to get Iran relations back on track. Credit:AP

We would like to reestablish some of the parameters and constraints around their program that have fallen away over the course of the past few years, Sullivan said.

The White House announced on Friday that Rob Malley, who served on the Obama administration team that negotiated the original Iran deal, would serve as an envoy to the Islamic Republic.

Liz Truss will today deliver a 'huge dollop of Brexit boosterism' by announcing that the UK is applying to join a 9 trillion pan-Pacific free trade area.

The International Trade Secretary hopes that Britain will become the 12th member of a bloc of nations  including Japan, Canada, Australia and New Zealand  in which 95 per cent of goods are traded between members tariff-free.

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) accounts for 13 per cent of global commerce

Last night Ms Truss said that membership of the bloc would vindicate the decision to leave the European Union.

Liz Truss will today deliver a 'huge dollop of Brexit boosterism' by announcing that the UK is applying to join a 9 trillion pan-Pacific free trade area. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) accounts for 13% of global commerce. Above, Ms Truss with the UK application to join the bloc, on Saturday

The International Trade Secretary hopes that Britain will become the 12th member of a bloc of nations  including Japan, Canada, Australia and New Zealand  in which 95% of goods are traded between members tariff-free. Other signatories of the CPTPP, which came into effect in 2018, are Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. (She is seen above with her Singapore counterpart, Chan Chun Sing, signing a free-trade deal in December)

The Cabinet Minister, who will speak to ministers in Japan and New Zealand tomorrow morning, said: 'Joining will create unheralded opportunities for UK businesses that simply weren't there as part of the EU  and deepen our ties with some of the fastest-growing markets on earth.

'It will mean lower tariffs for car manufacturers and whisky producers, and better access for our brilliant services providers, delivering quality jobs and greater prosperity for people here at home.

'We're at the front of the queue and look forward to starting formal negotiations in the coming months.'

The announcement would cut tariffs on food and drink and cars and boost the service industries. As an example, joining the bloc would cut the tariff on Scotch whisky in Malaysia from 165% to nothing

The announcement would cut tariffs on food and drink and cars and boost the service industries.

As an example, joining the bloc would cut the tariff on Scotch whisky in Malaysia from 165 per cent to nothing.

Today marks the first anniversary of the UK leaving the EU and a source close to Ms Truss said of the CPTPP move: 'This is a huge dollop of Brexit boosterism.

'Joining would position us right in the middle of some of the world's fastest-growing economies, and will deliver a huge boost to British jobs and British industries such as cars, whisky, tech and services.'

The source added: 'CPTPP has all the benefits of a massive free trade area, but unlike the EU does not come with major strings attached. This is exactly why we left the EU, to make good on these sorts of opportunities and deepen links with the rest of the world.'

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: 'One year after our departure from the EU, we are forging new partnerships that will bring enormous economic benefits for the people of Britain.

'Applying to be the first new country to join the CPTPP demonstrates our ambition to do business on the best terms with our friends and partners all over the world and be an enthusiastic champion of global free trade.'

Other signatories of the CPTPP, which came into effect in 2018, are Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.
DESPITE no pubs or nightclubs being open, the gardai capturing 250,000 worth of cocaine in Raheen a week ago reflects the pervasion of drugs in our society.

It may also point to the number of illicit house parties taking place or just drug users taking cocaine at home on their own.

Bruff Superintendent John Ryan is tackling the amount of cannabis, cocaine, heroin, MDMA, benzodiazepines et al in his district head on.

For the first time in the history of Bruff Garda District, Supt Ryan has put in place a dedicated drugs unit.

It is the first time. It is very positive, Supt Ryan told the Limerick Leader.

While the names of the two officers cant be revealed they are known to be experienced and intuitive officers.

Why  under his tenure  did he feel the need to create this unit?

The main reason was listening to the communities and listening to councillors at the joint police committee meetings who have constantly raised the issue of drugs in the district.

Really, from day one, my onus was to make an impact and to tackle whatever issues are pertinent to the local community and this was certainly one.

We now have two people dedicated to tackling drugs. We will see the fruits of that in 2021, said Supt Ryan.

Their job wont be purely kicking down doors, flashing garda warrants and searching houses, or tailing cars, putting on the blue lights and looking in the tyre well.

Supt Ryan said their role will include talks to all ages and passing on their knowledge.

It will be through education as well as enforcement, said Supt Ryan.

The Tipperary man said the two gardai in Bruff will work in tandem with the divisional drugs units in Limerick city and the dedicated drugs unit under Supt Aileen Magner in the Newcastle West Garda District. This special unit was formed in January of last year.

Even prior to the creation of the new drugs unit in Bruff, Supt Ryan has seen a year on year increase of 150% in drugs seizures.

There was a big jump in drugs detections in 2020.

It increased from 16 in 2019 to 40 in 2020, said Supt Ryan, at the last Cappamore-Kilmallock Joint Police Committee meeting.

News of the new drugs unit in the Bruff garda district was welcomed by all the local councillors in the area, PJ Carey, Mike Donegan, John Egan (cathaoirleach), Ger Mitchell, Eddie Ryan, Martin Ryan and Brigid Teefy.
Arrest: Police detain a man during a protest against the jailing of Alexei Navalny in St Petersburg last Saturday. Photo: Dmitri Lovetsky/ AP

It will be around minus 40 degrees Celsius tomorrow as Russians in Yakutsk, one of the worlds coldest cities, join nationwide protests against the jailing of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

You always have to dress in a sort of spacesuit, said Niurgun Semenov (26). Its extreme.

Eastern Siberias Yakutsk, a city of more than 300,000 people, was the scene of a small opposition street rally last Saturday as around 150 people paced up and down for warmth in a white, glacial haze. Police detained around 30 people.

It was one of dozens of rallies that involved tens of thousands of people across Russia calling on the Kremlin to release Mr Navalny from jail.

Police said the rallies were illegal and detained more than 4,000 people, according to a monitoring group. The police have not given an official number.

Mr Navalnys allies plan to stage a new round of protests in more than 80 cities tomorrow, including in Yakutsk.

Protesters wrapped themselves up in layers of thermal clothing and wore traditional fur boots known as unty, breathing through their scarves so as not to lose body heat, Mr Semenov said.

He said he was shocked by Mr Navalnys treatment, and that his return to Russia despite the threat of arrest had become an inspiration.

Sulustaana Myraan, a former lawmaker in the regional legislature, was among those detained last weekend.

Ms Myraan, who resigned as a lawmaker last year to protest against reforms allowing Vladimir Putin to potentially extend his rule until 2036, said she had not yet decided whether to protest again so soon after her detention.
They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder. In their hit song Fast Times In Tahoe, Elemeno P really doubted that old cliche.

However, after the madness of 2020, this classic Kiwi rock band are clearly excited to be back touring on home shores again.

Frontman Dave Gibson suspects its roughly 10 or 15 years since they played such an extensive Kiwi tour.

Dave, along with drummer Scotty Pearson, guitarist Justyn Pilbrow, and bassist Lani Purkis, will play 14 different locations promoting the High Fidelity vinyl release. The tour includes two shows in the Bay of Plenty at Waihi Beach Hotel, Waihi Beach on February 7 and Totara Street, Mount Maunganui on March 6.

The High Fidelity tour is promoting the release of the bands first three albums Love & Disrespect, Trouble In Paradise, and Elemeno P on vinyl. New York based Dave, who has enjoyed a month of being free in Aotearoa since leaving quarantine a week shy of Christmas, is proud of a pretty good record collection Stateside. He is stoked to see the band's works in the format.

I like the physical nature of a vinyl, says Dave. Its a considered purchase. A thing that exists as opposed to when you are streaming music. Of course I stream music all day every day but it is like such a throwaway commodity.

Vinyl has enjoyed a renaissance in recent years with music fanatics embracing the platform as an alternative to streaming. It has become a playlist world, according to Dave, compared to the deliberate nature of needle on wax.

Its like a considered thing. Like a ritual. You feel like: I am going to take this time to do this thing.

Fans at the shows are therefore promised a special and intimate treat. The band will be playing their 2003 breakout album Love and Disrespect in full from the start, the way it was initially intended.

There are some songs on that album that we have never played live, says Dave. So it is going to be the first time we are ever doing it. Thats quite exciting.

That album meant a lot to us because it has kind of changed our whole lives. It is going to be dope. You might not ever get to see us play those songs live again.

The band will then play some more favourites from their back catalogue. 11:57, from their sophomore release Trouble In Paradise could be one of them. Its a song that bassist Lani once claimed was written in the Mount, a narrative Dave is happy to push.

I feel like there is a story and there is a memory of a songwriting trip that Justin and I took down to The Mount. That feels vaguely true. I am just going to say it is true.

The plot thickens, with Dave playfully suggesting the song was penned at the top of Mauao, with an acoustic guitar and a melodica.

I wrote it at the Mount in 2001 on a trip up that mountain, that rock. Thats where it was written. We were at the very top of that.

Whether that yarn is entirely accurate or not, remains up for debate. What is undebatable is that Elemeno P are ready to put on a special show in the shadow of that rock nearly two decades later.

You can preorder Elemeno Ps vinyl releases and buy tickets for their upcoming shows at: www.elemenop.co.nz
Influential wealth creation guru and lawyer Dominique Grubisa helped arrange a $1.2 million loan to a company associated with disgraced Sydney businessman Salim Mehajer and several of his family members.

Documents obtained by The Sunday Age and The Sun-Herald reveal how Ms Grubisa enlisted her father, a former lawyer banned from practising after being convicted for misappropriating client funds, to oversee the loan arrangement between a Queensland financier and the Mehajer family in 2017.

Dominique Grubisa leaving her Turramurra home in November, 2020. Credit:Nick Moir

The deal turned sour in 2018 when problems emerged with a caveat placed over one of the Mehajer properties in Lidcombe in Sydneys west as security for the loan from Queensland financier, Unity Funding Pty Ltd.

Unity Funding was represented by Ms Grubisas DG Legal in relation to the loan agreement with the Mehajer family. The company changed lawyers after the issue with the caveat emerged.
A Texas representative is demanding that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez apologize and retract comments made to Sen. Ted Cruz over Twitter in a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Rep. Chip Roy, who represents parts of Austin, San Antonio and Central Texas, asks Pelosi to implore Ocasio-Cortez to retract her comments, or he (and presumably other Republicans) "will be forced to find alternative means to condemn this regrettable statement."

"It has come to my attention that Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez sent out a tweet a few hours ago in which she accused Senator Ted Cruz, in essence, of attempted murder," Roy wrote. "As a member of this body who disagreed with 'objections' to the electors and who has expressed publicly my concerns about the events leading to January 6th, it is completely unacceptable behavior for a Member of Congress to make this kind of scurrilous charge against another member in the House or Senate for simply engaging in speech and debate regarding electors as they interpreted the Constitution."

IMPEACHMENT: Don't expect Sens. Cornyn or Cruz to vote to convict Trump during impeachment trial

Ocasio-Cortez had harsh words for Cruz when he expressed agreement with Ocasio-Cortez's call to look into stock trading app Robinhood for blocking people from purchasing stock in GameStop and other companies as Wall Street reels from a sudden increase in share prices for shorted stocks, Chron's Jay R. Jordan reported.

"I am happy to work with Republicans on this issue where theres common ground, but you almost had me murdered 3 weeks ago so you can sit this one out," Ocasio-Cortez wrote in response to Cruz, referencing the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Cruz has faced widespread criticism for his vocal objection to certifying the 2020 presidential election results and parroting former President Donald Trump's baseless claims of voter fraud.

Ocasio-Cortez called on Cruz to resign and reiterated that she's willing to work with other Republicans in Congress on the issue.

Roy is in his second term as representative. He previously served as Cruz's chief of staff during Cruz's first term as senator.
In 2019, when the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons asked Bruce Norris what his home plan was and what he might need to be successful, the inmate, who was in his late 60s, shook off the question. He wasnt worried, he told them. He had all he needed.

My dad was so excited, knowing we had jobs and housing for him and there was nothing he could possibly need, his son Perry Lighty said.

The board took that as a lack of plan, and held his recommendation under review. Norris finally got the boards approval on Dec. 19, 2020  but joined 13 other lifers who were all waiting for Gov. Tom Wolf to act on the recommendation. Many of them hoped he would act quickly, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the vulnerability of prisoners, who have been infected at more than three times the rate of the general population.

Norris caught COVID-19 earlier this month at State Correctional Institution Phoenix. He believed he caught it from a cellmate, his first after decades of single-cell status. He died early Saturday at Einstein Medical Center Montgomery after nearly 45 years in prison. He was 69 years old.

For Lighty, the loss was doubly painful. This was time after 45 years that he could have been home with his loved ones, he said.

A spokesperson for Wolf said all recommendations for clemency must follow a process before the governor can sign off on them.

The recommendations are processed by Board staff and then through a thorough legal review before heading to the governors desk for consideration. Upon receipt of the written recommendations the governor will review each case individually and weigh his decision after factoring in the effect a pardon will have on any victims and the likelihood of the person to re-offend, the spokesperson said in an email.

Given the success of efforts to increase the number of applications, without additional resources and staff there is no ability to process the recommendations any faster. The administration has increased the number of staff ... more needs to be done.

Norris, a father of three and a great-grandfather, was convicted of playing a role in a 1975 murder that occurred during a robbery of a speakeasy in Philadelphia. He was always keenly aware of the wrong he had done, telling a reporter in 1992 that he told his family not to lament Christmas in prison: Think about the guy who was killed, how his family feels. At least you can talk to me.

He earned a bachelors degree from Villanova University in prison, was a top seller of Girl Scout cookies within Graterford prison, and was a father figure to many young men who came through the prison over the years.

Norris had applied for commutation twice, Lighty said, knowing the odds were long. The question always is, How long are you going to be here? When are you coming home? Norris said in 1992. The answer for the last 17 years has always been, Im not sure. For a lifer there are only a few ways out of here: in a pine box, commutation, the courts, or over a wall.

The boards recommendation had brought hope, finally. But the last few weeks had been a roller coaster, Norris daughter Janice Stewart said, as his health took a turn for the worse.

Celeste Trusty, of the advocacy group Families Against Mandatory Minimums, said the situation underscored the need for faster action on clemency, or a reprieve process for those under review.

I just wish there was more of an emphasis on the immediate need to get people out to support the Department of Corrections in their efforts to mitigate the spread of this disease, Trusty said. Until we have legislation for medical parole  which has been proposed in Harrisburg, but has not passed  were kind of stuck with clemency as the main mechanism for relief.

Staff writer Abraham Gutman contributed to this article.
Brendan Connolly, Foynes Court, formerly of Templemichael Terrace, Longford Town, Longford / Ardagh, Limerick



The death occurred, peacefully, in the kind and tender care of the staff of Sunset Lodge, St Josephs Nursing Home Longford, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday, January 30 of Brendan Connolly, Foynes Court and formerly of Templemichael Terrace, Longford and Main Street, Ardagh, Co Limerick. Predeceased by his parents Malachy and Mary Ellen, brothers and sisters.Brendan will be sadly missed and remembered with love by his wife Elma, sons John, Kevin and Dessie, daughter Helen Richardson, daughters-in-law Lorraine, Deirdre and Diane, son-in-law Kris, adoring grandchildren Rachel, Darragh, Ava, Kyle, Caitlin and Eoin, brothers Tony and Frank, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Brendans funeral cortege will leave his residence at 10.30am on Monday, February 1 (via Templemichael Terrace) to arrive at St Mels Cathedral for Mass of the Resurrection at 11am, interment afterwards in Ballymacormack Cemetery.

Given the exceptional circumstances and in accordance with government guidelines and social distancing protocols and to protect everyone dear to Brendan and his family, the Mass will be restricted to 10 people only. The Mass will be streamed live, please go to www.longfordparish.com

Those who would have liked to attend but due to current restrictions are unable to, may leave their personal messages in the condolences section on RIP.ie.The family very much appreciate your support and consideration at this time.

Family flowers only please donations if desired to St Christopher's Services, Longford c/o Glennon Funeral Directors or any family member.

Mary Conmy (nee Kelly), Rathcline, Lanesboro, Longford



The death occurred,peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family, on Friday, January 29 of Mary Conmy (nee Kelly), Rathcline, Lanesboro, Longford. Mary was the loving and much loved wife of Frank, devoted mother of Catherine, Stephen and Edward, and the loving sister to Florence, Eugene, Catherine and the late Imelda. She is deeply missed by her son in law, daughters in law, her grandchildren Ella, Niamh, Tom, Ben, Louis and Juliette, her dear friend Freda, relatives, neighbours and her wide circle of friends. May Mary rest in peace.

Marys funeral cortege will leave her residence on Sunday, January 31 at 11:45 to arrive at St Marys Church, Lanesboro for Funeral Mass at 12 noon. Burial afterwards in Clonbonny Cemetery. Due to government and HSE restrictions Marys funeral Mass will be private to family only. To view Marys funeral Mass please use the following link https://www.facebook.com/St-Marys-Parish-Lanesboro-106248174586123/

Please donate to the wonderful Palliative Care Team, Longford or the Irish Cancer Society in lieu of flowers. Messages of condolence may be added in the Condolence section on RIP.ie.

The Conmy family appreciates your support, sympathy and co-operation at this very sad time.

Ann Connell (nee Kenny), 27 Tromra Road, Granard, Longford

The death occurred, peacefully in Mullingar General Hospital, surrounded by her heartbroken family, on Friday, January 29 of Ann Connell (nee Kenny), 27 Tromra Road, Granard, Longford and formerly Ballinacross, Granard. She is predeceased by her husband Christy and sister Agnes. Ann will be forever missed by her loving family, son Paul, daughters Louisie and Karen, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, brothers John, Patrick, James, Willie, Gabriel, Michael and Christopher, sisters Margaret, Mary and Liz, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, neighbours and friends. Always in our thoughts, forever in our hearts. Rest in peace. Ann will repose in her home.

Funeral cortege will leave her home on Sunday, January 31 at 12.45 to arrive at St. Mary's Church, Granard, for Funeral Mass at 1pm, followed with burial in Granardkill Old Cemetery. Family flowers only please, donation if desired, to the Palliative Care Team c/o Connell Funeral Directors.

Due to the current restrictions the funeral Mass will be for family only, for those who would have liked to attend the funeral Mass but can not, please leave a message for Ann's family in the link on RIP.ie.



Sr Corona (Rose) Diffley, Coolarty, Edgeworthstown, Longford



The death occurred, in her 93rd year and in the loving care of the sisters and staff of Marian House, on Friday, January 29 of Sr Corona (Rose) Diffley, Dominican Sisters, Marian House, Johannesburg, South Africa and formerly of Coolarty, Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford. Predeceased by her sister Margaret McGarry (Farnaught, Mohill), her brothers Peter (Coolarty), Packie (London) and infant brother John. Deeply regretted by her brother Jim & sister-in-law Imelda (London & Sligo). Lovingly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and her family of Dominican Sisters. Sr Corona was professed in July 1947 in Bushey, Hertfordshire. She left for South Africa in August 1947 where she devoted her life to missionary work and teaching. May she rest in peace

Mass will be offered for the repose of Sr Corona in The Holy Trinity Church, Ballinalee on Sunday January 31 at 11am, which can be followed through the following link: https://www.facebook.com/parishofclonbroney/



David Duke, Corkeenagh, Strokestown, Roscommon

The death occurred, tragically following an accident, on Wednesday, January 27 of David Duke, Corkeenagh, Strokestown, Roscommon. Loving husband of Edel and much loved dad of Evan and Samuel. Dear brother of Clement and Fiona. He will be very sadly missed by his heartbroken wife, sons, brother, sister, niece Lauryn, sisters-in-law, mother-in-law, uncles, aunts, relatives and many friends. Rest In Peace. David's remains will be removed to Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan, on Sunday, January 31, to arrive for Funeral Service at 1pm. Owing to current restrictions David's Funeral is private to family and close friends. Condolences may be left on RIP.ie.

The Funeral Service can be viewed live at www.lakelandscrematorium.ie or by clicking here. Password: Lakelands2018

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding at this difficult time for the family. House private please.

Helena Prior, Rathcline Road, Lanesboro, Longford



The death occurred, peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on Thursday, January 28 of Helena Prior, Rathcline Road, Lanesboro, Longford. Predeceased by her beloved mother Bridie. Helena will be sadly missed and remembered with love by her family, her dear father Pat, her sister Michelle, brother Ciaran, sister-in-law Jacqui, nephews Paul, Shane and Richard, aunts, uncles, relatives and friends. May She Rest in Peace.

Helenas funeral cortege will leave her residence on Saturday, January 30 at 10.40am to arrive at St Marys Church, Lanesboro, for Mass of the Resurrection at 11am, interment afterwards in Rathcline Cemetery.

Given the exceptional circumstances and in accordance with government guidelines and social distancing protocols and protect everyone dear to Helena and her family, the Mass will be restricted to 10 people only. The Mass will be streamed live on the St.Marys Parish , Lanesboro Facebook page

Those who would have liked to attend, but due to current restrictions are unable to, may leave their personal messages in the condolences section on RIP.ie.

The family very much appreciates your consideration and support at this time. Family flowers only, please, donations, if desired, to Longford Palliative Care c/o Glennon Funeral Directors or any family member. House Private Please.

Mary Hayes (nee Mulryan), Croshea, Edgeworthstown, Longford



The death occurred, peacefully at Mullingar Regional Hospital, on Thursday, January 28 of Mary Hayes (nee Mulryan) Croshea, Edgeworthstown and formerly Marian Ave, Edgeworthstown, Co Longford. Predeceased by her parents Thomas and Mary and her beloved son Brendan. Greatly missed by her loving husband Pat, daughters Lorraine, Janice, Caroline and Patricia and her adored grandchildren Rebecca, Rachel, Melissa, Cian, and Katie, brother and sisters, sons-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and neighbours. Rest in Peace.

Mary's funeral cortege will leave her residence on Saturday, January 30 at 11.30am to arrive at St. Brigid's Church, Ardagh, for funeral Mass at 12 noon. Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Given the current exceptional circumstances and in accordance with government guidelines and social distancing protocols, and to protect the welfare of everyone dear to Mary, her funeral service and burial will be restricted to family only.

The family would like to thank you for your support and cooperation during this sad time. Those who would like to have attended but due to current restrictions are unable to, may leave a personal message for Mary's family in the condolences section on RIP.ie.

The family appreciates your support and understanding at this time.

Family flowers only please, donations, if desired, to St Christopher's Services Longford.

Monica Beausang (nee Fagan), Palmerstown, Dublin / Granard, Longford / Cork



The death occurred, peacefully, at St. Lukes Hospital, on Thursday, January 28 of Monica Beausang (nee Fagan), (TOSF), Palmerstown, Dublin 20 and formerly of Granard, Co Longford. Sadly missed by her loving husband Joe, daughters Frances (Millerick) and Aine (McGee), sons Eamon and Liam, sons-in-law Micheal and Pat, daughters-in-law Val and Brid, brother-in-law Jim and his wife Helen, grandchildren David, Richie, Derry, Max, Grace, Kate, Harry, Jessica and Luke, nieces , nephews, relatives and friends. Due to Government advice and restrictions regarding public gatherings a private family funeral will take place.

Those who would have liked to attend the funeral but due to current restrictions cannot, may follow the Mass on Saturday, January 30 2021 at 11am by clicking on the link below: http://www.churchservices.tv/palmerstown or you may leave a message by selecting condolences on RIP.ie or at www.cunninghamsfunerals.com .

Family flowers only. Donations in lieu, if desired, to Friends of St. Lukes Rathgar. Ar dheis De go raibh a h-Anam dilis.

James Oliver (Oliver) Turner, late of Curry, Edgeworthstown, Co Longford

The death occurred, suddenly in Nottingham, England, on December 28, 2020 of James Oliver (Oliver) Turner, late of Curry, Edgeworthstown, Co Longford.

Predeceased by his parents Patrick and Kathleen, brothers Patrick and Brendan, nephew Adrian, brother in-law Paul. Oliver will be sadly missed and remembered with much love by his wife Carol, daughter Yolande, sons Jimmy and Shane, sons in law, daughters in law, grandchildren and great grandchildren, his brother Michael, sisters Annette and Mary, sisters and brothers in law, nephews, nieces, grand nieces and nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Funeral will take place in Nottingham, England on Monday, February 8. Memorial Mass for the soul of Oliver will be held at a later date.





If you wish to have a death notice published on www.longfordleader.ie you can email it to newsroom@longfordleader.ie

And if you wish to submit an obituary for publication in the Longford Leader, you can submit it along with a photograph of the deceased to newsroom@longfordleader.ie
As dozens of countries across the globe focus on reducing emissions and improving environmental practices, recent studies show that abandoned oil and gas wells could be having a severely detrimental impact on the environment. Across the USA and Canada, methane is leaking out of 4 million abandoned oil and gas wells, contributing significantly to climate change. This January, researchers from McGill University announced that these leaks are causing considerably more environmental damages than originally estimated by national governments.

According to a study from Environmental Science and Technology, figures suggest Canada has underestimated its methane emissions from abandoned wells by 150 percent, and the USA by around 20 percent.

While methane emissions from abandoned wells were reported to the United Nations as part of the U.S. and Canadas greenhouse gas inventories, experts worry that there could be as many as 500,000 undocumented wells in the USA and 60,000 in Canada contributing to these emissions.

In 2018, in the USA alone, 3.2 million abandoned oil and gas wells emitted 281 kilotons of methane, equivalent in terms of climate change to consuming 16 million barrels of crude oil.

Related: Global Natural Gas Demand Set To Rebound After Pandemic Shock



And its not just in the USA and Canada that were seeing this problem. Extensive exploration projects by thousands of companies and governments means there are millions of abandoned wells in various states across the globe.

In the Gulf of Mexico, tens of thousands of wells are leaking methane gas into the ocean. Although all these wells are supposed to be plugged to prevent leaks, few of these plugs are monitored to ensure their effectiveness. On top of methane leaks, some of these wells are also releasing other gasses into the surrounding environment such as benzene, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide.

In addition, recent studies in Europe suggest that decommissioned wells could be the dominant source of methane in the North Sea. According to Geomar, there are thousands of tonnes of methane are leaking onto the North Sea floor annually.

As well as damaging the environmental, leaks from abandoned wells pose a great threat to public health. For example, there have been several instances where unmaintained wells have been linked to groundwater contamination.

Yet, beyond independent studies, there is little data available to present the whole picture on a global scale. Energy companies are understandably unenthusiastic about exploring this issue further, leaving governments and environmental organizations to slowly understand the gravity of the situation.

However, if oil majors were willing to monitor and maintain decommissioned wells more closely, they could prevent these methane leaks and their impact on the environment. In fact, better management of these wells might even buy energy companies time to introduce long-term green policies by improving the current situation without curbing fossil fuel production.

Having been overlooked for decades, abandoned wells present a substantial challenge on a global scale. Methane gasses leaking into the atmosphere could exacerbate climate change. Further, as companies justify the need to continue to produce cheap fossil fuels to provide affordable energy, while regulators and governments are putting pressure on them to reduce emissions, leaking wells present a major challenge with no reward.



By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:

Black Lives Matter has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of what the nominator said was BLM's impact in raising awareness of racism worldwide.

Despite a turbulent summer in the United States following the death of George Floyd, which saw some BLM protests splinter into violent confrontation, the group was praised for forcing important conversations.

Petter Eide, the Norwegian parliamentarian who nominated BLM, dismissed questions about violence carried out in the movement's name.

'Of course there have been incidents, but most of them have been caused by the activities of either the police or counter-protestors,' he said.

The Black Lives Matter movement has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize

A man raises his first during the "Commitment March: Get Your Knee Off Our Necks" protest against racism and police brutality on August 28. BLM was praised for raising awareness

Norwegian politician Petter Eide nominated BLM for the accolade, awarded in October

An aerial view of a Black Lives Matter mural on East Pine Street in Seattle, seen on June 14

More than 90 per cent of BLM demonstrations involved no serious harm to people or property, according to data assembled by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project in September 2020.

Yet ugly scenes erupted this summer after Floyd's May 25 killing, as BLM protesters took to the streets.

From Portland to Minneapolis to Kenosha, Washington DC and New York, demonstrators would clash with police once the sun went down and the main marches had disbanded.

Groups of delinquents took advantage of the unrest to loot shops and set fire to businesses and buildings in acts which were condemned by many within the movement.

Donald Trump and his supporters were swift to label BLM rioters.

'The stated goal of BLM people is to achieve the destruction of the nuclear family, abolish the police, abolish prisons, abolish border security, abolish capitalism and abolish school choice,' said Trump on September 25, in a dramatic distortion of the group's main aims.

Protests over the killing of Breonna Taylor are seen in Louisville, Kentucky

A BLM protest is pictured on May 30 in Los Angeles after the May 25 killing of George Floyd

The majority of the protests were peaceful but some, such as this in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sept 21, ended in a confrontation between police and demonstrators

Looters in New York City are seen ransacking a store after a June 1 BLM protest

Demonstrators raise their fists as a fire burns in the street in Seattle on June 8

A BLM supporter fights with a Trump supporter at Civic Center Park in Kenosha on Sept 1

Riot police are seen confronting protesters near the White House on June 1

BLM was founded in 2013, in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin's killer, George Zimmerman.

It has since grown into a loosely-structured international movement.

Eide said BLM leaders should be praised for their work in raising awareness of racism.

'I find that one of the key challenges we have seen in America, but also in Europe and Asia, is the kind of increasing conflict based on inequality,' Eide said in his nominating statement, obtained by The Guardian.

'Black Lives Matter has become a very important worldwide movement to fight racial injustice.

'They have had a tremendous achievement in raising global awareness and consciousness about racial injustice.'

Riots broke out in Minneapolis (pictured on May 29) following Floyd's killing

In Portland, police are pictured confronting demonstrators on July 20

Eide, 61, who has previously nominated human rights activists from Russia and China for the prize, said he appreciated how BLM 'have been able to mobilize people from all groups of society, not just African-Americans, not just oppressed people, it has been a broad movement, in a way which has been different from their predecessors.'

His written nomination concludes: 'Awarding the peace prize to Black Lives Matter, as the strongest global force against racial injustice, will send a powerful message that peace is founded on equality, solidarity and human rights, and that all countries must respect those basic principles.'

There are few barriers to being nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize: actually winning is a far tougher challenge.

Any member of parliament of government or university professor, plus directors of foreign policy institutes, past recipients of a Nobel Prize and members of the Norwegian Nobel Committee can nominate a person or organization.

The nominations require no invitation and as long they are entered before February 1 of the qualifying year, they will be accepted.

Last year 318 nominations were made, and the prize was won by the World Food Program.

Trump was nominated in 2018 and again this year - both times by far-Right Norwegian politician Christian Tybring-Gjedde.

The award's most famous recipients include Martin Luther King Jr, Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa, but the broad criteria for nominations means that past nominees have included some controversial selections.

Adolf Hitler was nominated for the peace prize in 1939 by a member of the Swedish parliament. Reportedly submitted in satire, the nomination was withdrawn soon after.

A few years later, the Soviet leader Josef Stalin was nominated for the same award, twice: once in 1945, for his efforts ending World War Two, and again in 1948.

After nominations are submitted, the recipient is selected by a five-person Nobel Committee, which is appointed by the Norwegian Parliament.

The winner of the 2021 prize will not be announced until October.

A winter storm system that brought heavy rainfall, historic snow and mudslides to parts of California and is blamed for two deaths may strengthen into a nor'easter as it moves across the Midwest over the weekend.

Winter weather advisories, watches and warnings span 20 states, according to the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center, which has said 8 or more inches of snow is likely in regions of Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts and other Eastern states by Tuesday morning.

The Washington D.C. area, which includes Baltimore and northern Virginia, will receive 4 to 6 inches of snowfall, Jermey Geider, a National Weather Service meteorologist for the region, told USA TODAY. It could be the largest snowfall the area has seen in two years, the Washington Post reported.

Geider's suggestion to those expecting to travel: "Take extra time and be prepared."

In the Midwest, the storm will bring the heaviest snow to eastern Iowa, southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois and parts of Indiana and Ohio, The Weather Channel reported. Chicago may see up to 10 inches of snow, according to ABC.

A lone runner leans into a stiff wind near Lake Michigan on the Northside of Chicago Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021. A major winter storm dumped more than a foot of snow on parts of the middle of the country stretching from central Kansas northeast to Chicago and southern Michigan.

Philadelphia can expect 5 to 11 inches of snow; 6 to 9 inches is expected for New York City and up to 11 inches for Boston, according to the National Weather Service.

However, snowfall is largely dependent on the storm's track, which meteorologists are closely watching. If its path moves off-coast, areas from Washington D.C. to Boston will see the heaviest snow, Accuweather reported. If it remains closer to the coast, moderate to heavy snow is more likely farther inland.

More: Another winter storm is expected to dump snow and heavy rain from West Coast to Northeast

The storm had been impacting California until Friday, and was linked with the deaths of at least two people.

Truck driver Russel Daily pulls over on the west bound I-80 just outside of Reno, Nev. to install chains on his semi-trailer trucks on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021. An atmospheric river storm pumped drenching rains into the heart of California on Thursday as blizzard conditions buried the Sierra Nevada in snow. (Andy Barron/Reno Gazete-Journal via AP) ORG XMIT: NVREN404

One person died near a Mexican border crossing after being trapped with multiple people in a flooded storm drain system. A skier in the mountainous Sierra Nevada region was found dead in deep snow

Story continues

That area was buried in 9 feet of snow, while the central coast saw around 15 inches of rain, which trigged floods and mudslides.

The heavy precipitation was a result of an "atmospheric river," which are thousands-of-miles long ribbons of water vapor, that strengthen rain and snow in the West Coast.

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Washington DC, NYC, Boston brace for snow, nor'easter

Unfortunately, as presidents have found it more and more difficult to get anything at all through a deeply divided and polarized Congress, theyve sought shortcuts around the normal process. Obama, for instance, frowned on executive action at first, but came to rely on it when he felt stymied by Congress. Trump issued more than 200 executive orders during his four years in office (and executive orders are just one form of unilateral presidential action).
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been accused of pedaling a 'dark fantasy' about the Republican party in a bid to 'terrify' Americans into submission.

The New York congresswoman on Wednesday night claimed the party has had an influx of 'legitimate white supremacists' into its ranks. In the aftermath of the Capitol riots, she told of fearing for her life and even feeling unsafe among her Congressional colleagues, whose motives she distrusted.

On Friday night Fox News host Tucker Carlson charged Ocasio-Cortez with stirring up dangerous panic in the country, and creating yet more division.

Carlson railed against 'power-mad members of Congress dividing people by race, so they can conquer' and played his viewers a clip of the 31-year-old's appearance on MSNBC on Wednesday.

Tucker Carlson on Friday night accused Ocasio-Cortez of setting out to 'terrify' the USA

AOC appeared on MSNBC on Wednesday night

Ocasio-Cortez urged Kevin McCarthy, the leader of House Republicans, to take action against those in his party who she believed had crossed a line.

'There are no consequences in the Republican caucus for violence,' said Ocasio-Cortez.

'There's no consequences for racism. No consequences for misogyny. No consequences for insurrection. And no consequence means that they condone it. It means that that silence is acceptance, and they want it because they know that it is a core animating political energy for them.'

Carlson, on Friday, said Ocasio-Cortez was 'a tool of corporate power, posing as a truth teller.'

He said: 'Look at her campaign contributions. Who is supporting her campaign: people who want to change the subject away from economics to identity politics.'

Ocasio-Cortez's biggest donor is the University of California, according to OpenSecrets.org, followed by Google's parent company Alphabet and the City of New York.

Carlson continued: 'Listen specifically to what she says, and think about the effect on the people listening, people standing in airports will hear her say that.

'Fealty to white supremacist organizations as a political tool. What does that even mean? We are not sure who she's talking about,' he said.

'Apparently the Republican party and its grand leader Kevin McCarthy of California.

Kevin McCarthy was singled out by AOC Wednesday for not doing enough to stamp out racism

'That's not true, but it's worse than that. This is a fantasy, it's a very dark fantasy, designed to terrify people and make them easier to command.'

Carlson's accusations came hours after Republican lawmakers demanded Ocasio-Cortez apologize to Senator Ted Cruz for accusing him of almost having her murdered during the January 6 insurrection on Capitol Hill.

On Thursday, Cruz had tweeted at AOC, as she is known, that he agreed with her that Congress should investigate Robinhood's decision to block GameStop trades.

'I am happy to work with Republicans on this issue where there's common ground, but you almost had me murdered 3 weeks ago so you can sit this one out,' Ocasio-Cortez replied on Twitter.

'Happy to work w/ almost any other GOP that arent trying to get me killed. In the meantime if you want to help, you can resign.'

Two of Cruz's colleagues in the House have since condemned her response.

Republicans Reps. Devin Nunes (left) and Chip Roy (right) have both voiced anger at AOC over her comments about Ted Cruz, with Roy writing a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi demanding that the New York Democrat apologize

AOC declined the invitation to work with Sen. Ted Cruz saying, 'you almost had me murdered 3 weeks ago,' for his role in inspiring the Capitol insurrection. Cruz was among a group of Republican senators who gave weight to then President Donald Trump's lie about voter fraud

Devin Nunes, a California Republican and ally of former President Donald Trump, told Sean Hannity on Fox News Channel Thursday night that 'socialist revolutionaries' like AOC are doing their best to promote that Republicans are evil.

Chip Roy, a Texas Republican, sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi demanding that Ocasio-Cortez apologize of 'we will be forced to find alternative means to condemn this regrettable statement,' he said.

'It has come to my attention that Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez sent out a tweet a few hours ago in which she accused Senator Ted Cruz, in essence, of attempted murder,' Roy wrote.

'As a member of this body who disagreed with "objections" to the electors and who has expressed publicly my concerns about the events leading to January 6th, it is completely unacceptable behavior for a Member of Congress to make this kind of scurrilous charge against another member in the House or Senate for simply engaging in speech and debate regarding electors as they interpreted the Constitution.

'I ask you to call on her to immediately apologize and retract her comments,' he said.

Cruz said that 'there's a lot of partisan anger and rage on the Democratic side' when asked about AOC's response to his invitation to work together.

'It's, it's not healthy for our country, it's certainly not conducive of healing or unity, but everyone has to decide how they want to interact with others,' the Texas Republican said.

AOC reacted to that too.

'Oh, there's anger?' she tweeted. 'Now why would there be anger that Cruz amplified known lies about our election that fueled an insurrection that cost ppl's lives?'

'What does he think the logical response to his lies should be? A hug?' she asked.

'Maybe there's anger bc his actions deserve accountability.'
Joe Biden could meet the Queen for the first time since becoming US President when he visits Britain for the G7 summit in June, senior sources have told The Mail on Sunday.

Buckingham Palace officials are understood to be exploring the possibility.

Mr Biden is due to arrive in Britain for the three-day summit in Cornwall starting on June 11.

Prince Philip's 100th birthday is the day before  when Prince Harry is expected  or the President could fly to London for Trooping the Colour on June 12. The ceremony marks the Queen's official birthday.

Joe Biden could meet the Queen for the first time since becoming US President when he visits Britain for the G7 summit in June, senior sources have told The Mail on Sunday

Mr Biden is due to arrive in Britain for the three-day summit in Cornwall starting on June 11. Prince Philip's 100th birthday is the day before  when Prince Harry is expected. (Above, the Queen and Philip last November)

The President could fly to London for Trooping the Colour on June 12. The ceremony marks the Queen's official birthday. (Pictured, the parade in 2019)

By June, it is hoped that global vaccination programmes combined with the usual summer drop in infection levels will allow a measure of normal life to have resumed, including the Queen's performance of her Royal duties.

Mr Biden, who prides himself on his Irish roots, will face a diplomatic quandary over whether to tie in a visit to Dublin.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment yesterday on any plans for Mr Biden's visit.

But depending on his schedule, the President is also likely to receive a formal invitation to visit the Palace of Westminster.

It emerged yesterday that Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has already written to Mr Biden to invite him and House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the Commons.

In a letter sent before Mr Biden's inauguration on January 20, Sir Lindsay said he was 'shocked and appalled' at the invasion by Donald Trump supporters of Washington's Capitol as Congress met to confirm Mr Biden's election.

Sir Lindsay wrote: 'When force is used, the argument is lost and every right-minded person across the globe must condemn such action.'

Depending on his schedule, the President is also likely to receive a formal invitation to visit the Palace of Westminster

It emerged yesterday that Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle (pictured) has already written to Mr Biden to invite him and House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the Commons

He added: 'When the time is right, I would be very honoured if you and Speaker Pelosi would be my guests on a visit to the House of Commons.'

The invitation comes four years after Sir Lindsay's predecessor, John Bercow, effectively blocked Donald Trump from addressing MPs and peers in the historic Westminster Hall, part of the Palace of Westminster, when he was President.

Mr Bercow cited Mr Trump's alleged racism and sexism for refusing to give him the honour of a joint address to both Houses of Parliament.

However, Commons sources yesterday said that Mr Biden would receive that privilege only if his visit this summer was upgraded to a full state visit. One said: 'If it's not a state visit, then it's more normal simply to invite the President to visit the Commons rather than give a joint address in Westminster Hall.'

Last night, Sir Lindsay said: 'Visits from overseas heads of state to Parliament are rightly a matter for Government.

'As I mentioned to the President in my letter, when the time is right I would love to welcome him to the House of Commons.'

Lord Fowler, the Lord Speaker, also acknowledged that the formal invitation to Mr Biden would have to come from the Government, but added that he 'would very much welcome a visit to Parliament from a US President'.
New Delhi:

In a tragic incident, a guard of a ATM cash van was shot dead by three unidentified men in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh after trying to loot cash. The matter is still being investigated by the police.

Madhya Pradesh has witnessed various incidents regarding security guards. A security guard at an HDFC bank branch opened fire from his licensed rifle in the month of May killing three people in Ashok Nagar district of Madhya Pradesh.

ALSO READ: Security guard shot at in Ghaziabad, accused held

He shot himself dead after firing indiscriminately.SP Ashok Nagar Santosh Singh Gaur had said that four people died including the security guard. The incident had triggered a panic in Housing colony of Ashok Nagar town.

READ: Toll plaza cashier, guard shot dead in Delhi's Badarpur

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
A Dublin man who travelled to Ballinamore to meet his brother, but became intoxicated on the way, and then interfered with a vehicle in the town was sentenced to two months in prison.

Daryl Cassells, aged 24 from Isaac's Hostel, Frenchman's Lane, Dublin 1, appeared in Carrick-on-Shannon District Court on a plea of guilty to interfering with a mechanically propelled vehicle, property of Cornellius Verbeek, at High St, Ballinamore on December 17, 2020.

Sgt Gallagher outlined the facts to the court. He said that at 8.45pm on that date Gardai were alerted to a young man trying to open doors of houses and get into parked cars. He was seen rooting around in one private car.

The court heard the defendant has previous convictions for failing to appear in court and theft which has resulted in prison sentences of seven and six months respectively.

He is currently on remand since before Christmas for cases yet to come before Blanchardstown District Court.

Martin Burke, solicitor, explained the defendant had gone to Ballinamore before Christmas to meet his brother. However, he became intoxicated on the way and became disoriented and in effect didn't know where he was.

He said Mr Cassells broke into the car seeking a place to sleep. He said Mr Cassells has a lot of previous but he was in a desperate state at the time and it was an act of necessity in his own mind.

Judge Kevin Kilrane said the defendant went to Ballinamore to meet his brother but couldn't describe where his brother lived.

He said the defendant misled the court and offered no explanation.

He said the defendant's trip was rather unusual in the circumstances and noted he was currently on remand for other more serious offences.

Judge Kilrane convicted and sentenced him to two months in prison.
(@FahadShabbir)

ATHENS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th January, 2021) The Russian Foreign Ministry will announce a response to the Albanian decision to expel a Russian diplomat from the country over the alleged non-compliance with the coronavirus-linked restrictions, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said.

"That will be announced," Grushko told reporters, when asked whether Moscow had decided to respond to Albania's move.

On Thursday, Albania declared the Russian diplomat persona non grata, citing violation of anti-coronavirus measures as the reason; he must leave the country within 72 hours. The country also provided the name of the diplomat in violation of the international diplomatic practice.

The Russian Embassy in the country indicated that the decision to expel the Russian diplomat was considered unfounded and expressed surprise over the "content of the relevant statement of the Albanian Foreign Ministry for the press."
It was another busy week in the small-cap oil and gas sector.

Zephyr Energy PLC ( ) updated investors on its analysis of the State 16-2 well results which include positive indications of stacked, continuous oil and gas plays. The well, drilled in the Paradox Basin, Utah, USA, penetrated a total of 21 clastic reservoirs within the Paradox formation, and hydrocarbon saturation is indicated across most of them, Zephyr noted.

It added that substantial drilling gas shows were observed across five of the reservoirs including the primary target, Cane Creek. Robust drilling gas shows were observed across a further ten of the reservoirs.

( ) shares were boosted as field operations for the Merlin exploration well are expected to get underway in Alaska in the next few days. It followed regulatory uncertainty amidst changes to the permitting for oil and gas projects in the United States, following the inauguration of Joe Biden as Americas new president.

Nonetheless, the company in a statement last night said that the Alaska branch of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is currently reviewing the companys permit to drill and the authority has indicated that it is now very close to being complete with only minor outstanding items

On Thursday, ( ) chairman David Bramhill said that, in the companys opinion, considerable upside remains in the West Newton project in Yorkshire.

The company's chairman made the comments as the group relayed details from a new technical presentation about the results of the West Newton B-1 and B-1Z appraisal wells. It noted that the presentation gave new significant technical data that is material to the ongoing commercial evaluation of the West Newton project.

( ) reported on the latest round of crude oil payments from the Kurdistan Regional Government, for sales made in the month of December 2020.

It told investors that the partners in the Tawke fields have received US$43.1mln gross, with Genels net share amounting to US$10.5mln. For the Sarta field the gross payment was US$2,9mln, Genels share is US$1.4mln.

( ) is to restructure its board and further cut costs, as it seeks to take advantage of opportunities provided by the recently sealed farm-out deal for the Ruvuma project.

The company said it plans to reduce gross general and administrative costs by 30% this year plus by a further 25%-30% next year. It aims to lower these costs to below 1mln per year, which would equate to a 75% reduction since 2018.

On Wednesday, ( ) said its average production increased by 18% to around 100,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) in. 2020, marking a new company record.

The company noted that its Smarter Asset Management programme continued to offset natural declines within the portfolio. It also pointed out that operating expenses were marked at US$5.58 per barrel, whilst total cash costs equated to US$6.93 per barrel. A robust hedging portfolio, meanwhile, provides the company with cash flow and dividend stability, the group added.

Looking ahead, DGOC highlighted an improved pricing outlook which it says is a constructive backdrop.

( ) is a buy and could more than double in value, thats according to an initiation note by stockbroker SP Angel. The small-cap oiler bucked the trend of its peers in 2020 with a year of operational development, highlighted analyst Sam Wahab.

Against a challenging market backdrop, the company successfully transitioned into a low cost, high margin producer, exiting the year with a transformed production profile, Wahab said in a note.

Eco Atlantic Oil and Gas Ltd (LON:ECO) said it has launched plans that will see it become a diversified, growth-oriented energy company. The firm has set up a new company, Eco Atlantic Renewables, which will seek to source, acquire, and develop exclusive renewable solar energy projects.

The new company is a joint venture with Nepcoe Capital Partners, a UK based renewables investment firm, which is providing exclusive access to a pipeline of opportunities with potential for up to 2 gigawatts of solar generation capacity.

The ventures first acquisition is the Kozani project in Greece which is fully licensed, permitted and ready-to-build. The 10.57 megawatt project was acquired on Monday, with 1.1mln paid by Eco Atlantic Renewables.

Eco Atlantic Renewables is initially funded by a US$6mln loan from Eco Atlantic Oil and Gas Ltd, which will retain 70% ownership of the new company

Tuesday saw ( ) released new and upgraded contingent resource estimates for the Buchan oil project in the North Sea. Following dynamic reservoir work conduced by Schlumberger the company has set P50 contingent technically recoverable resources of 126mln barrels of oil for the Buchan oil field, which will be the central part of the Greater Buchan Area (GBA) hub project.

It marks an improvement from a prior estimate of around 82mln barrels, and lifts the whole GBA inventory to 162mln barrels.

SDX Energy PLC ( ) set its 2021 production guidance at 5,620 to 5,920 barrels oil equivalent and said it plans to spend some US$25mln to US$26.5mln of capex. The Egpyt and Morocco focused firm noted that the production guidance range is slightly lower than the like-for-like run-rate last year.

( ) was allowed to be added as a primary respondent in the pending legal challenge by environmentalists seeking to impede oil and gas operations offshore Bahamas.

The company noted that the Honourable Justice Petra Hanna-Adderley had exercised discretion to add BPC as a respondent to the application which is seeking a judicial review of various decisions taken by the Government in relation to Bahamas Petroleum's licences and the drilling of the Perseverance #1 well.

As a result, Bahamas Petroleum will be entitled to request that the applicants provide security for costs, for which purpose a hearing has been scheduled for February 17, 2021.
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The European Committee of the Regions' Commission for Natural Resources (NAT) met on 29 January, for the first time in 2021, to discuss about health and the experiences and lessons learned by regions and cities during the COVID-19 crisis. At the meeting, members also adopted an opinion on the Atlantic maritime strategy.



The meeting of the NAT commission started with a discussion on the EU's action plan for its maritime strategy for the Atlantic  an updated action plan for a sustainable, resilient and competitive blue economy in the European Union Atlantic area.

The CoR's rapporteur for the "Atlantic action plan 2.0" of the Atlantic maritime strategy is Paula Fernandez Viana (ES/Renew Europe), minister of the interior, justice and foreign action in the government of Cantabria. Ms Fernandez Viana advocated relaunching the creation of the Atlantic macro-region. "The macro-region will help us to face the future challenges and the double economic crisis caused by the pandemic and Brexit," the rapporteur said.

In its first edition, the Atlantic Action Plan was able to inspire a huge number of European projects, worth 6 billion euro in investments in total, aimed at creating a safer, cleaner and economically more developed Atlantic Ocean area. The update of the Action Plan version 2.0  will offer focus even more on the priorities under the Green Deal and the available new funding possibilities for regional projects and research.

"It is precisely the blue economy that can help us achieve the European Green Deals objectives. The blue economy is part of the solution. Because the two challenges we face today, one economic, the other environmental, are deeply intertwined," said Charlina Vitcheva, Director General of European Commission's directorate-general for maritime affairs and fisheries.

The opinion includes initiatives and proposals to boost economic recovery in the maritime area of the regions of Spain, France, Ireland and Portugal and calls for a "competitive and cohesive" macro-region with projects focusing on the capacity of the blue economy. "The Atlantic ports, which are strategically important for the backbone of the European transport system and which currently appear outside the core network of the Trans-European Transport Network TEN-T, must be included in it, and actions must be financed to enable the development of Motorways of the Sea," argued Ms Fernandez Viana.

The NAT commission also held its discussion on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the EU's cities and regions being at the front line in the response to the COVID-19 crisis and taking active measures in the diverse policy areas within their competences. An opinion on the impact of the pandemic, currently being drafted by Joke Schauvliege (BE/EPP), a member of the Flemish Parliament, will supplement the findings of the CoR's Annual Regional and Local Barometer, published in October 2020, with new data about how rural communities' needs and about their use of EU emergency funding.

The outlook opinion is an opportunity to bring forward concrete suggestions and recommendations from regions, cities and rural areas to the EU level, in order to improve the response capacities of the EU in future health crisis. Including a local/regional dimension to the national and EU-level response and recovery strategies would make these more effective by taking into account the local circumstances and different realities on the ground.

During a health debate with Andrea Ammon, Director of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), local leaders will share experiences from the ground.

"ECDC welcomes the European Commissions legislative proposal to reinforce our Centres role and capabilities in addressing surveillance, preparedness, early warning, risk assessment and response, and international collaboration", says ECDC Director Andrea Ammon. "The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that serious threats to health from communicable diseases are inherently cross-border and early lessons underline the importance of strong national and international cooperation and coordination with partners at EU and global level. We look forward to following the discussions related to these legislative proposals, also in the European Committee of the Regions."

The members of the NAT commission discussed the following working documents:

 Roberto Ciambetti (IT/ECR)  European Health Union: Reinforcing the EUs resilience

 Olgierd Geblewicz (PL/EPP)  Regulation for tackling cross-border health threats and legislative proposal for changing the mandate of the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC)

 Birgitta Sacredeus (SE/EPP)  A pharmaceutical strategy for Europe and legislative proposal for changing the mandate of the European Medicines Agency (EMA)

The opinions are to be adopted at the CoR's plenary session on 5-7 May 2021.

Meeting documents

More information:

 Annual Regional and Local Barometer

 Maps in support of the Council Recommendation on a coordinated approach to the restriction of free movement in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the EU/EEA

 On 25 January, the European Commission proposed an update of the coordinated approach on free movement inside the EU, to strongly discourage non-essential travel, while avoiding border closures or blanket travel bans. The updated approach includes stricter measures for those coming from high-risk regions, which will be identified via an updated colour code map. The Commission proposed to add dark red to the existing colour-coded map provided by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) to indicate areas where the virus is circulating at very high levels. The new methodology has provoked strong criticism in some regions. It is now up to EU Member States whether to agree on the Commission's proposal.

Contact:

Wioletta Wojewodzka

Tel. +32 (0)2 282 2289

Mobile: +32 (0)473 843 986

wioletta.wojewodzka@cor.europa.eu








President Nana Akufo-Addo has instructed that the price of Covid-19 test at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) be reduced.



Health officials and the company administering the antigen test at KIA will be expected to charge $50 instead of the previous $150.



However, the Health Minister-designate, Kwaku Agyemang-Manu who disclosed this on the Floor of Parliament on Friday did not state when the reduction will take effect.



This comes on the back of an agreement by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to cap the cost of testing within the sub-region.



He said this while contributing to a statement made on the floor by North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa; Pusiga MP, Laadi Ayii Ayamba and Ayawaso West Wuogon MP, Lydia Seyram Alhassan.



The three MPs raised concerns about the havoc caused by Covid-19 in the country and the cost associated with testing.



In response, Mr Agyemang-Manu said the president has instructed that the cost of testing is reduced to $50 from $150 announced when international borders were opened.



The Minister also reiterated that public laboratories have been directed to undertake free testing except for travellers.



On vaccines, he said the president and stakeholders were in a meeting on how Ghana could get Covid-19 vaccines.

Source: Myjoyonline.com









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The Customs department will question Kerala legislative assembly Speaker P Sreeramakrishnan next week pertaining to his alleged role in dollar smuggling and his investment in some educational institutions in a West Asian country, a senior customs official said.

To begin with, he will be sent a questionnaire and later he will be summoned based on his replies. He said Customs had earlier sought legal opinion on this and got the go-ahead and the investigation was at a key stage. In January first week, his personal secretary K Ayyappan was questioned by the Customs for more than 10 hours.

The alleged dollar smuggling and other irregularities came to light when central agencies were probing the gold smuggling case through the United Arab Emirates consulate in the state capital in July last year.

Swapna Suresh with the Speaker. He later admitted that he knew Suresh as an employee of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) consulate and attended some functions where she had invited him. But, the opposition Congress and BJP alleged that it was more than an official relationship and that Sreeramakrishnan had travelled with Suresh several times to certain West Asian countries.

They also alleged the accused smuggled US dollars to Gulf countries using Sreeramakrishnans green channel access. They also alleged that a major portion of the smuggled US dollars was commission obtained from various government projects including the Life Mission Project.

Kerala CM Pinarayi declares completion of 2.5 lakh houses for needy

Kerala assistant coach rues missed chances after goalless draw against Jamshedpur

Ktaka Govt prioritises teachers as frontline workers in the ongoing COVID-19 vac drive
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pitched legalization using a fairness argument. He argued that it was unjust to make people criminals for possessing small amounts of marijuana, potentially ruining their lives.

One statistic dramatically illustrates the effect of legalization. In 2018, before the law took effect that October, the police recorded 26,402 possession cases. In 2019 there were just 46.

But I found in my reporting that there are still lingering fairness issues. While the minor possession charges that once disproportionately affected Indigenous people and Black Canadians are no more, members of those groups are notably absent from the business side of the new industry the law created. Even so, a system that would allow people to wipe out earlier marijuana possession convictions is so costly and convoluted that few people have bothered to use it. And despite promises to bring Indigenous communities into the system, the law has left shops operating on their lands in legal limbo.

The illegal market hasnt gone away. But statistics show that consumers are shifting to the legal system and that large-scale illegal growers seem to increasingly be focused on exporting to the United States.
Aircraft of Vietnamese airlines (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi - The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has set up a hotline, on 024 3872 7912, to address bottlenecks in the implementation of COVID-19 prevention and control measures.

Aviation agencies nationwide have been urged to strictly observe the Prime Ministers dispatch on COVID-19 prevention and control as well as measures to repel the spread of the pandemic.

A member of staff at northern Quang Ninh provinces Van Don International Airport is among the newly-emerging COVID-19 cases in the community.

Airport staff must wear face masks and wash their hands regularly. They are also asked to check passengers body temperature and disinfect devices and high-risk public areas at airports.

Meanwhile, passengers are required to closely follow health regulations before boarding the plane and during the flights, and keep their masks on the whole trip.

A representative of the Vietnam Airlines Group, which includes national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines, budget carrier Pacific Airlines, and the Vietnam Air Services Company (VASCO), said it has tightened preventive measures on all routes.

Vietnam Airlines will heighten the alert to Level 3 on flights from Hai Phong starting from January 29. Social distancing measures will be applied and only water served.

The carrier has not flown from or to Van Don since January 9.

Precautions remain in place on other domestic air routes, the representative said.

Vietnam has reported 1,651 infections to date, including 786 community transmissions.
Bengaluru: On January 1, 2015, Poonam celebrated her 28th birthday with family and friends. Since then, for the past five years, the most important day of her life has been celebrated amidst antiseptic, pungent disinfectants, with undertones of artificial fragrance of soaps and cleaners; on a white sheet beside an array of medicines and IV tubes hanging around her.

For an abdominal pain checkup, a hospitalisation that happened 1,920 days ago (till January 29, 2021), still remains an admission with no sign of either recovery or discharge  she has gone through multiple complications leading to a comatose state.

This is perhaps one of the longest hospital admission stories in India that is quietly playing out in the upmarket Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru.

And the bill? It has crossed Rs 6 crore, and counting. While Poonams medical summary itself runs into 11 pages including a long panel of 20 plus doctors names who have been attending on her since over 5 years, her four-page treatment bills with 63 particulars, are mind-boggling for her family and friends.

Also read: Delay Pregnancy Until Two Months After Taking Covid-19 Vaccine, Caution Indian Health Experts

Now, 33-year-old Poonam lies in a vegetative state. A once-healthy, happy-go-lucky business reporting analyst with Accenture, she can barely move or talk today. Though doctors at the institute had "written her off" five years ago and had reportedly asked the family to "take the body home", the family is still hoping that if treatment as per rehabilitation protocols is administered, Poonam can be out of hospital.

Numerous representations to the hospital, complaints to police and different government bodies including NHRC hasnt helped in this case, relatives say.

Family blames hospital

Poonam with her husband before hospitalisation.

The family blames the hospital for Poonams condition and her husband Rejish Nair, a native of Kottayum, sums up the 5.4 years this way: "From severe stomach pain leading to emergency surgery due to leakage in intestine, multiple-organ failure, asking the family to take the 'body' home, to continuous renal replacement therapy, brain damage, irreversible deep coma to artery burst."

"I mean isnt it murky?" he asks. "On October 3, 2015, Poonam had walked into the hospital with stomach pain and today, she is a vegetable." The family has so far managed to pay Rs 1.34 crore through health insurance and its own resources. Nair, had to give up his IMB and Microsoft jobs and settle for a consultancy role to give time to his wife, hospital and all the work.

Multiple communications on mail sent to Manipal Hospitals media manager for the doctors opinion about the case went unanswered. However, News18 was able to access Poonams comprehensive medical summary and the bills.

Recalling the most horrible five years of his life, Nair said, "Poonam was a perfectly healthy girl, who went to Manipal Hospital, merely for a stomach ache, is reduced to a comatose, bedridden state, due to wrongdoings committed during surgery on the pretext of clipping a leak in the intestine. The fact that Poonam was absolutely conscious and appropriate was documented by the hospital itself in the first medical summary post surgery. But as soon as the hospital realised that they have been caught in the wrong, they fabricated medical summaries, to claim that Poonam was extremely serious when she came to the hospital, which is contradictory to their own earlier statements. This is basis documented evidence."

"In October 2015, the hospital constantly told us that Poonam will not survive beyond the three weeks of hospitalisation. The hospital was proven wrong multiple times by the sheer grit, conviction and determination of Poonams brave fight for survival. She came out of the initial comatose state. By January 2016, She started obeying commands and was assessed at M6 (GCS - Glasgow Coma Scale) which is the highest level of consciousness on the GCS. Poonams consciousness got a tremendous boost, and she was breathing successfully, on ventilator-support mode, which was an excellent feat, because this indicated that she can come out of the ventilator, Nair said.

However, when the hospital stopped the medicine (amantadine), that had improved her condition, she started crumbling. From then on, she suffered multiple complications. Nair said,"There have been no efforts from the hospital side to make her better. The doctors wrote her off five years ago but Poonam is still surviving. What she needs is protocols of rehabilitation for neuro, sensory regeneration. She cannot survive at a home set up with her current frail health."

The excruciating anguish is visible on Poonams fathers face when he talks about his daughters struggle. A retired army veteran, Hem Bahadur Rana has been making daily hospital visits for over five years now. "I am proud of Poonam. She is putting up a brave fight. The medical negligence, cover-ups by the hospital, inaction by the state machinery is appalling. It has happened to my daughter and it can happen to anyone," says Rana.

Doctors call for higher investigation

News18 spoke to a few well-known, senior doctors in the city for their take on this case. On the condition of anonymity, they expressed shock over this long-term hospitalisation, terming it as the rarest of rare cases.

"Any young person between 20 and 40 who has had a blunt injury on the stomach resulting in intestine leakage and sepsis will recover in one to three months maximum. It cannot take five years or so. Here we are talking about a then 28-year-old young woman. And hospitalisation for more than five years is a never-heard-of case. There is something that has gone majorly wrong here and it calls for higher investigation. It is also a rarest case of neuropathy," said a renowned doctor and surgeon.

Poonam's clinical summary from the hospital record reads:

# Background  Blunt trauma abdomen with perforation with faecal peritonitis shock; septic shock with multisystem organ failure. # Diagnosis  Prolonged weaning- ventilator dependant, severe critical illness polyneuropathy, recurrent gram negative sepsis (urine/chest), laxative dependant constipation. In laymans jargon, it translates to a stomach injury with a blunt object resulting in large intestine injury that led to leakage of stool inside abdomen. This caused bacterial infection which spread all over the abdomen. When a patient is on a major surgery, they are put on a ventilator. Muscles and nerves will be affected with the infection  the gram negative bacteria entering the bloodstream resulting in recurrent infection.

Hospital denies family's allegations

Manipal Hospitals responded to the News18 article saying that whatever treatment Poonam received was done with concurrence with her family. The hospital said in a statement,

"Mrs. Poonam is presently at Manipal Hospitals Old Airport Road under the doctor's observation and continues to fight for her life under ventilator support. We would like to categorically deny the allegations made by the spouse of Mrs. Poonam Rana against the medical team at Manipal Hospitals. Every clinical decision taken on Mrs. Poonam Rana has been done in complete concurrence with the family member (patients father) who is well aware of the unique nature of this case."

The hospital said that they provided the best possible treatment to her despite the problems they faced from her family. "As a patient centric hospital and given the fact the patient is young and showing signs of resilience, the quality of treatment provided by our team of medical experts and the entire nursing staff has been best-in-class notwithstanding the constant abuse and non-cooperation from the family members."

The hospital is also has also sought legal opinion and support from the investigating authorities the statement said.

According to the hospital Poonam was admitted with "delayed blunt injury of the abdomen resulting in small intestine perforation and severe abdominal sepsis with multisystem organ failure."

They said she developed a catastrophic bleeding from the trachea leading to a critical condition."With the dedicated efforts of our doctors, we were able to successfully perform the surgery" the hospital said.

Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-30 20:59:19|Editor: huaxia

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BEIRUT, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab said on Saturday that the government will secure food aid for over 50,000 families in northern city of Tripoli under current tough circumstances, the National News Agency reported.

"We will also work to secure other kinds of support as fast as possible," Diab said.

Tripoli this week witnessed four consecutive days of violent protests leaving hundreds of people injured.

Demonstrators took to the street in the city to protest against the COVID-19 lockdown measures which led to increased poverty amid absence of support. Enditem
Vietnam has ordered 30 million doses of vaccine from the UK, with first doses are expected to arrive in the country in the first quarter this year to serve widespread vaccination.

Astrazeneca Covid-19 vaccine

This is the first COVID-19 vaccine licensed by the Ministry of Health for immunization to prevent COVID-19 caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in Vietnam.

According to Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long, Astra Zeneca pledged to supply about 30 million doses of vaccine to Vietnam in 2021.

The ministry is working with other partners to increase the number of vaccines for Vietnam.

Astra Zenecas COVID-19 vaccine is expected to be available and injected into Vietnamese people in the first quarter of this year.

AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine was co-invented by the UKs University of Oxford and its spin-out company AstraZeneca. This vaccine is recommended for people aged between 18  64.

The ministry has also directed domestic vaccine producers to urgently conduct vaccine research, clinical trials and production.

The ministry said that Nanogen Pharmaceutical Biotechnology JSC (Nanogen) has completed the first phase of clinical trial of Nanocovax vaccine in the first phase, and it will carry out the second phase of trial in early February.

Meanwhile, the Institute of Vaccines and Medical Biologicals (IVAC) in Nha Trang city began the first phase of trial for Covivac vaccine on January 21.

Thuy Hanh
San Jose suspended its search for a new police chief for two weeks and postponed an upcoming candidates forum Thursday after the only finalist from outside the department  the chief who presided over the Minneapolis Police Department at the time of the killing of George Floyd  withdrew his candidacy.

The two-week pause gave the city time to seek candidates from outside the San Jose Police Department, San Jose City Manager Dave Sykes said in a statement. A virtual forum for the five remaining candidates, set to take place Saturday morning, was postponed to Feb. 13.

The city had fallen short of its commitment to find a diverse candidate pool, Sykes said.

The postponement capped a hectic week in the search to replace retired chief Eddie Garcia, who stepped down last month to become Dallas top cop. The city manager named six finalists on Monday, a list that included Medaria Arradondo, the Minneapolis police chief since 2017.

Arradondo withdrew his application within 24 hours, leaving four candidates from within the department and one who spent two decades as a San Jose officer.

Through a spokesman, Arradondo told the Minneapolis Star Tribune that he remained committed to Minneapolis and downplayed his pursuit of the San Jose chiefdom.

A San Jose recruiter reached out to request Arradondos resume and he gave permission for it to be sent to San Jose, the spokesman told the Star Tribune.

Sykes declined to say whether Arradondos characterization was correct, but confirmed that the Minneapolis chief conducted an interview with a recruiter in the application process.

Arradondo likely did not want to go through public vetting in the candidates forum, said District 2 Councilman Sergio Jimenez.

Jimenez said San Joses next police chief will need to strike a delicate balance on issues of race and police misconduct in a city of immense diversity.

We are a third Asian, a third Latino, a third white  and that is the beauty of our city and our country, but it also has some inherent challenges, Jimenez said.

He hoped to see a broader range of finalists, including those from within and those from outside the San Jose Police Department. He said both perspectives come with pluses and minuses when it comes to creating changes in policing.

There is no perfect solution, he said.

Maya Esparza, councilwoman for San Joses District 7, questioned the wisdom of recruiting Arradondo to San Jose, which, like many Bay Area cities, erupted in protest following Floyds death last year. The unrest prompted officials to impose the citys first-ever curfew.

I was just as disappointed as anyone else to see the Minneapolis chief make it to the finalist position, Esparza said.

Following Garcias resignation announcement in August, the city made extensive efforts to solicit community input, Esparza said, with many residents expressing a desire to see a chief with new ideas to reimagine policing in San Jose. Residents were told they would have an opportunity to weigh in on the search at a virtual forum Saturday, she said, only to see that event postponed in the wake of Arradondos abrupt withdrawal.

It has been really disheartening for the community and the police department to see the deadlines extended, Esparza said, emphasizing the need for transparency. We need to have these conversations in public, and the public needs to have their voices heard.

District 10 Councilman Matt Mahan called the two-week pause appropriate, but said it is important that the search include perspectives from beyond San Jose.

We need someone with proven leadership skills who can simultaneously motivate and support officers while also building trust and holding those officers to high standards of accountability, he said. I dont think there should be a trade-off there.

Nora Mishanec is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: nora.mishanec@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @NMishanec
ARCHIVED - Oxford-AstraZeneca covid vaccine approved for use in Spain



The European Medicines Agency (EMA) gave its approval on Friday

The approval comes in the midst of a row about the lack of supply being made available to the European Union.

On Friday the EMA, which is the EU's drugs regulator, gave its formal approval for the use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid vaccine throughout the European Union.



Spain is part of the block buying group which is expecting to receive up to 400 million vaccines from AstraZeneca, and is depending on the outcome of feisty negotiations between the EU and the Anglo-Swedish drug-maker.

Last week the manufacturer said that up to 60% fewer doses than expected would be delivered to the EU during the first quarter of 2021. The EU has also received fewer than expected doses of the two other vaccines it has approved - from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, leading to a shortage throughout the countries depending on these manufacturers in order to vaccinate their populations, amongst them Spain.



The European Medicines Agency (EMA) said the vaccine was about 60% effective in the trials on which it based its decision, and even though there have been questions about how well it works in people aged 65 and above, because there isn't as much data for that age group - fewer than 10% of the trial volunteers were in this age bracket, it is still sufficient evidence to suggest it works well in the more elderly members of the population for approval to be granted.



The dispute over whether AstraZeneca is breaking its vaccine delivery commitments to the EU has continued on Friday.



European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said in an interview with German radio on Friday morning that "There are binding orders and the contract is crystal clear," making it absolutely plain that she will not back down and expects the manufacturer to deliver the vaccines as promised, based on the contract signed, even if this does mean diverting doses from its UK manufacturing plant to compensate for the manufacturing difficulties being experienced in Belgium. The company maintains that its other contractual obligations to the Uk for their vaccine roll-out, prevented this, but this point of view is being disputed by the EU, which is adamant that AstraZeneca's UK facilities are not back-up facilities; they are part of the main network, and are part of the overall supply chain for all of the vaccies in production; "This is not an option, it is a contractual obligation," they say.



On Friday afternoon the EU introduced controls on vaccines being made in the bloc in order to prevent their exportation to the UK via Northern Ireland by invoking Article 16 of the Northern Ireland protocol. The European Commission states: "This is justified as a safeguard measure pursuant to Article 16 of that Protocol in order to avert serious societal difficulties due to a lack of supply threatening to disturb the orderly implementation of the vaccination campaigns in the Member States."



DUP leader Arlene Foster described the move as "an incredible act of hostility" by the EU although this will not affect vaccine supply in Northern Ireland, which receives its vaccines from the UK. She said that the EU had  placed a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The EU has implemented mechanisms to prevent vaccines manufactured within the bloc leaving it, if the commitments made to the EU have not been fulfilled. The move also affects exports to countries such as Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia as well as Andorra.

UPDATE:However by Friday evening the EU had announced that it would not be implementing the measures as announced in order tnot to upset other partner nations which depend on the European supply chains.



The roll-out in Spain is a lot slower than had been anticipated and this week first vaccinations have been suspended in Madrid, Catalunya and other regions due to the shortage of doses. The Spanish authorities are insisting on applying both doses of the vaccines in order to guarantee the fullest degree of protection possible and have been allocating the small amount of stock being delivered to fulfilling second vaccinations, rather than continuing to vaccinate as many people as possible with a first vaccine.



This has caused a great deal of political argument this week, but the health ministry is concerned that the most vulnerable in society will be left without full protection if the two doses are not administered, and given the erratic supply of vaccines at the moment, has opted to complete as many vaccines as possible with the supplies available.



By Friday afternoon, Spain had only received a total of 1.7 million vaccines. 1,474,189 had been administered and the number of people who have received both doses is only 250,866 in total.


Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) -- Just when the vaccine rollout and economic optimism left gold looking like last years metal, it staged a recovery.Bullion is one of the best-performing commodities this month, erasing almost all of this years losses. Investors have been lured back by golds appeal as an inflation hedge, while the Federal Reserve maintains its monetary stimulus and says price pressures should prove temporary. Spot gold rose 0.4% on Friday, capping a fourth straight weekly gain.Diego Parrilla, who runs the Quadriga Igneo fund, is among those who recently boosted their exposure to gold, saying that central banks wont risk increasing interest rates to combat inflation for fear of pricking the enormous bubbles theyve created.We have entered a new paradigm that will be dominated by deeply negative real interest rates, high inflation, and low nominal rates -- an extremely supportive environment for gold, said Parrilla, who manages $350 million.Still, gold is ultimately a haven asset which conventional logic suggests should suffer as the economy booms. So can the latest rally be sustained? Here are four key charts to watch.Inflation ConundrumIts been the hottest question in finance this year, and probably the biggest one for gold: will current inflationary pressures be transitory or persistent?If you ask the Fed, the answer is the former. Parts of bond market disagree, with market-based measures of long-term inflation expectations rising to the highest since 2013 earlier this month.Thats a sweet-spot for gold, which benefits when monetary policy keeps bond rates low even as inflation persists. Real yields on Treasuries have slipped deeper into negative recently, burnishing the appeal of bullion.Where they go next will be critical. Any hint the Fed may taper because of inflation or labor market strength could see bond rates spike -- triggering a repeat of the taper tantrum seen in the wake of the financial crisis, when gold dropped 26% in the space of six months.The position I think you get to is a place where it gets to be very vulnerable to the taper narrative, said Marcus Garvey, head of metals strategy at Macquarie Group Ltd.On the other hand, anything that drags on the global economic recovery -- be it poor jobs data or new virus variants -- should see real yields plunge, benefiting the metal.Dollar DriverThe dollar has been another important driver of gold this year. After initially strengthening as the U.S. vaccination program outpaced the rest of the world, its declined since March as other nations closed the gap, providing a tailwind for the precious metal.Most analysts dont see much movement in the dollar going forward, with the median forecast compiled by Bloomberg suggesting only a slight strengthening.If theyre wrong, be it due to divergence in the global recovery or surprising hawkishness from other nations central banks, the implications for bullion could be significant.Investor DemandGolds poor start to the year came as exchange-traded funds cut their holdings of the metal by 237 tons in the four months through to April. Hedge funds trading on Comex also reduced their exposure to the lowest since 2019 in early March.In the second quarter, flows have started to reverse. If that picks up steam, gold could find another leg higher.There is still potentially a lot of pent-up investment demand, said Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank A/S. Still, positions are relatively small.Others, including Aegon NVs Robert Jan Van Der Mark, who cut his exposure to gold in November after vaccines were announced, remain to be convinced.With vaccination rollout on track and economies reopening, we have less appetite for a safe haven/stagflation type of assets in the portfolio, he said.Bitcoin BounceOften touted as digital bullion, Bitcoins rally in the first months of the year was demoralizing for gold bulls. The two assets are both favored by those fearful of hyperinflation and currency debasement, so the cryptocurrencys outperformance may have turned the heads of would-be bullion buyers.Bitcoin has dropped about 40% from its mid-April high, with substantial outflows from funds. Gold could be a beneficiary.(An earlier version of this story corrected spelling of the central bank in the second paragraph.)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 Verkhovna Rada has greenlighted the founding of the Bureau of Economic Security and elimination of tax police, the Cabinet promised to curb the rise in heating and hot water tariffs for households, while the State Statistics Service reported an increase in wages over 2020  these are the main economic developments of the last week of January.

This week, Ukraine came out of the tough quarantine and started to gradually return to normalcy. For the first time in two weeks, Ukrainians were able to enjoy simple things like dining out or buying clothes, accessories, or hardware  the goods banned from selling on lockdown. The last week of January saw some nice snowy weather in many regions and brought important news as regards the country's economy.

Ukraine's parliament has finally adopted a law to establish the Bureau of Economic Security (BES), tasked with preventing, suppressing, and solving crimes related to the country's financial. The Bureau's detectives will perform the exclusive function of investigating such violations, while other law enforcement agencies will no longer deal with the said type of offenses.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has welcomed the creation of the new body and the dissolution of tax police.

"This is a significant event, without exaggeration. Ukraine is taking another step towards Europe and the civilized world. Tax police are becoming a thing of the past, and a new analytical body will emerge in its place to investigate financial and economic crimes without corruption and persecution," the head of government wrote on Telegram.

The Bureau's director shall be appointed by the Cabinet following an open competition for the post. Candidates for the top position are yet to be announced.

Also in the outgoing week, the Rada adopted a law on an all-Ukrainian referendum, submitted by President Volodymyr Zelensky. New legislation will potentially allow Ukraine to resolve a number of reverberating and controversial issues, for example, on whether to allow foreign actors to purchase farmland.

Meanwhile, the government further remains without a full-fledged energy minister. On Thursday, for the second time in recent weeks, the Rada failed to appoint the current acting minister Yuriy Vitrenko, former top manager of NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine, for the post of first deputy prime minister, minister of energy.

Vitrenko has been "acting minister" since late December 2020. According to Ukraine's' legislation, an acting minister shall be appointed for a period of no more than 30 days.

Tariff caps

Due to the increase in tariffs for gas, heating, hot water and electricity, a wave of rallies swept across Ukraine throughout January. Unhappy citizens demanded a prompt response on the part of the authorities. And the authorities delivered.

"The issues of tariffs should be analyzed and resolved comprehensively, on my instructions, the government and [energy regulator] NEURC are now dealing with this. To put it shortly, we're working to keep your homes warm and save your wallets from depletion," said President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Last week, the government held consultations with the energy regulator, legislators, local authorities, and gas suppliers, after which Prime Minister Shmyhal reassured Ukrainians that heating and hot water bills won't be going up any time soon.

"Tariffs for heating and hot water will not increase until the end of the heating season. We've managed to reach a certain consensus with local authorities," he said.

Also, the Cabinet expanded the effect of the natural gas price cap at UAH 6.99 per cubic meter for February-March 2021 for associations of apartment building owners. Previously, such a tariff was set for household consumers.

Also, the prime minister has assured that Ukrainians would not have to pay fines or penalties for failing to pay their January gas and heating bills on time.

As for the more expensive electricity, the government has proposed to allocate from the budget UAH 1.4 billion to compensate for electricity consumption in the first quarter of 2021 to households using electric heating. Already on Friday, the Rada adopted the corresponding law.

Multiple children families and family-type orphanages will also get compensation.

Wage growth and pension indexation

Last week, the State Statistics Service said the average wage in December 2020 increased by 15.6% on year, to UAH 14,179. This is almost triple the minimum wage.

The average wage in Kyiv as of late December 2020 amounted to UAH 21,812. Residents of Chernihiv region receive the least  an average of UAH 9,615.

The State Statistics Service also noted a positive trend as regards wage arrears, which in December 2020 decreased by 21.8% compared to the previous month, amounting to UAH 3.1 billion as of January 1, 2021.

Also this week, the government initiated the introduction of mandatory indexation of pensions for all categories of pensioners, starting next year. The Cabinet endorsed a bill required to this end, to be soon submitted to parliament.

"From 2022, no later than March 1, an annual indexation of pensions is envisaged. The bill will fix the injustice where pensions for certain categories of citizens have not been indexed for several years," the prime minister said.

Besides, the Cabinet proposed an interesting idea to support labor migrants and approved a bill according to which migrant workers returning to Ukraine will be offered a grant of up to UAH 150,000 for opening their own business in Ukraine.

The coming week promises to be no less interesting. The mission of Ukraine's key creditor, the International Monetary Fund, which has been in Kyiv for the past weeks, decided to continue its work for another seven to ten days. In early February, the first deliveries of COVID-19 vaccines should take place, although the exact dates are yet to be announced. Also, Sweden's IKEA will open its first store in Ukraine on February 1.

Hanna Nahorna

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Paul Casey put himself in pole position to boost his Ryder Cup ambitions as a birdie-eagle finish handed him a one-shot lead heading into the final 18 holes of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

The Englishman admitted this week that making a fifth appearance for Europe later this year is at the forefront of his mind, and he carded a bogey-free 64 on day three to get to 15 under par and sit a shot ahead of another Ryder Cup hopeful in Scot Robert MacIntyre.

With no world qualification points available in events played opposite the European Tours Rolex Series tournaments, Casey has not accrued any points since the race restarted on January 1 despite last weeks top 10 at The American Express on the PGA Tour.

Paul Casey will take a one-shot lead going into the final round at the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic.#ODDC pic.twitter.com/Qr0rmdz8pj  The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) January 30, 2021

But the 43-year-old showed why he could be of value to captain Padraig Harrington come September, as he looks to match the three-time major champions winning haul of 15 events on the European Tour.

He made five birdies in his first 10 holes and then broke a run of six pars with a chip-in at the 17th.

A remarkable second to 10 feet at the par five 18th set up a closing eagle, and Casey is taking inspiration from 47-year-old reigning Race to Dubai champion Lee Westwood as he looks to stay at the very top beyond his 40th birthday.

Paul Casey has won twice before in the UAE (Richard Sellers/PA)

We always say, if you stay the same level youre going to go backwards in this game and every year it gets better and better and better, every year the young guys come up longer and stronger and they putt it better, he told europeantour.com.

Theres no question that Im lucky that my physical attributes have allowed me to maybe give me another five years.

Westy is inspiration. I saw him this morning. He was looking fit. Ive still got to chase those guys.

At 19 years Caseys junior, MacIntyre is looking to make a Ryder Cup debut after claiming a first victory on a top-flight tour at last seasons Cyprus Showdown.

He birdied the second and then chipped in for eagle at the third but missed the green at the fourth and three-putted the fifth after a poor tee-shot to surrender all his progress.

Back-to-back birdies followed and MacIntyre made further gains at the 10th, 13th and 17th to sign for a 67.

Im not going to hang about, he said. Im going to put it all on the line whether its good or bad.

But tomorrow, hopefully its going to be good and Ive just got to enjoy it again. Its another experience that I want to get. Its something that not many people get the chance at my age to do and Ill give it everything Ive got.

South African Brandon Stone was at 13 under, three shots clear of Sergio Garcia  who won this event in 2017 before going on to win his first major at the Masters  and Englands Laurie Canter.
no why

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OUAT turned into garbage really fast. Disney should be embarrassed for what they let them do to their characters.

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I loved the first season, and I think I watched most of the second as it aired but didn't bother with it after that. every time I heard about what was happening in the later seasons, it just sounded worse and worse. and all the tie-ins with different Disney characters got to be super excessive.

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Didn't it come out the Damon Lindelwhatever was the one who outlined the first season for them.

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Agreed. I think I lasted until the Neverland storyline and then I finally had to give up.

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Is their production company called No Trick Pony?

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how the fuck do these dudes get another chance to be garbage? AT THE SAME THING?



This is like how the 3rd X-Men movie was so badly written and critically panned that they gave the writer hundreds of millions of dollars to not only write it again, but direct it this time. Then they were surprised when it was really bad written and critically panned.

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It happens at every level. My company wasted a fuckload of money redoing the website in a way that totally sucks, and they promoted the guy who was in charge of that so he can ... be in charge of fixing it.

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I hate that so much. The person(s) who come up up with the great idea, have either never done the job they are improving or havent done it in years.

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I don't trust them ever since they had Ruby's true love be someone she knew for exactly one episode compared to a really sweet chemistry with Belle but I guess we can't have a woman leave a toxic awful man who's been given a dozen second chances

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lol omg



Kitsis and Horowitz were nominated for the WGA Award for Best Dramatic Series at the February 2009 ceremony for their work on the fourth season of Lost. They were promoted to executive producers for the fifth season in 2009. The writing staff was nominated for the WGA award for Best Dramatic Series again at the February 2010 ceremony for their work on the fifth season. Kitsis and Horowitz remained as executive producers and regular writers for the sixth and final season in 2010.

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STOP FALLING FOR THE MYSTERY BOX, AMERICA

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PREACH

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No thanks.

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Wow. Have the Disney execs seen OUAT?

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Im such a dumbass, I didnt realise Disney owned ABC until this year when Shona Rhimes was talking about her Disney discount or whatever. But of course they own ABC because how else would once upon a time be made or why marvel people always get it interviewed on Jimmy Kimmel



I also didnt realise Microsoft owns LinkedIn until this year either lol

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When I was a kid I thought it was cool because of the weekly Wonderful World of Disney movie, the cartoons from Disney Channel because I never had cable so it was the only way for me to catch some of them lol, and random shit like I remember the cast of Boy Meets World hosting a special about the making of Tarzan. But yeah now it's like... a lot.

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NGL, I loved when they did the Wonderful World of Disney. I kinda wish they would bring that back.

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So not only do these absolute trashbin writers get a second chance to fail upward, they cant even do it with a new idea?? Just a retread of their old one? Reinventing Disney fairytales lmfao literally how OUAT was sold.



Fucking keep it. I have never wanted anything to flop so badly.



I HATED OUAT viscerally by s3 for wasted potential and what it had done to all my faves, and somehow the character assassination and godawful writing in favour of A&Es faves just worse from there (which is the one thing I do still find impressive about that show). Hook, Regina, and Rumple being shot into the sun was the only finale I wouldve accepted and it didnt happen so.

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So not only do these absolute trashbin writers get a second chance to fail upward, they cant even do it with a new idea??



well, that's hollywood in a nutshell

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OUAT was legitimately awful I have no idea how it was so popular and went on for that many seasons. Like, I get that people have different tastes, but it was unwatchable for me, not just bad. The concept and some of the actors were amazing though.

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The Frozen season give it a huge ratings bump. I think if they hadn't done thay, it would have ended two seasons before it did.

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I stand by the first season of OUAT being legitimately good. Not amazing, but very enjoyable. It tanked so hard after that though.

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I wish I could blow an opportunity for excellence this hard and then get another chance lmao

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Give it a REST

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Men failing upwards as usual

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I have to admit the first and second seasons of OUAT was great TV and then....horribleness happened. I'm not wasting my time watching another series from these people.

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Same. It started off with so much potential and just went all over the fucking place.

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Yeah, the first season especially was great. As soon as they introduced Hook and started catering to insane C*ptain S*an shippers, it went downhill fast.

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Islamabad, Jan 30 : In a sensational observation which will have far reaching ramifications particularly in the highly volatile nuclear armed South Asian neighbourhood, Pakistan has said that it does not consider itself bound to any obligation preserved under the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons as it was not part of its negotiations.

During a weekly press briefing, the Foreign Office spokesperson said that "none of the nuclear-armed states, including Pakistan took part in the negotiations of the Treaty which failed to take on board the legitimate interests of all the stakeholders".

"Many non-nuclear armed states have also refrained from becoming parties to the treaty," he said.

Pakistan has maintained that the UN General Assembly had agreed by consensus, during its first special session focused on nuclear disarmament in 1978, that disarmament measures will be adopted, keeping in mind the right of each state to security.

"The UNGA, at its first special session devoted to nuclear disarmament in 1978, had agreed by consensus that the adoption of disarmament measures, the right of each state to security should be kept in mind, and at each stage of the disarmament process, the objective would be undiminished security for all states at the lowest possible level of armament and military forces," the Foreign Office said in a statement.

"Pakistan believes that this cardinal objective can only be achieved as a cooperative and universally agreed undertaking, through a consensus-based process involving all the relevant stakeholders, which results in equal and diminished security for all states." Pakistan has highlighted and urged that "it is indispensable for any initiative on nuclear disarmament to take into account the vital security considerations of each and every state", adding that the current treaty does not contribute to progress or development of customary international law.

"Pakistan stresses that this Treaty neither forms a part of, nor contributes to the development of customary international law in any manner," the Foreign Office statement added.
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CoolSocial advanced keyword analysis tool is able to detect and analyze every keyword on each page of a site. The description meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. The keywords meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. The URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of the site. The title found in the head section of the homepage.

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Sarah Jessica Parker is preparing to return to her most iconic role with the upcoming Sex and the City reboot.

And the four-time Golden Globe winner is promising fans a new adaptation that properly reflects the times we live in.

She recently confirmed that the HBO Max miniseries, titled And Just Like That..., will address the COVID-19 pandemic and the effect it has had on the show's iconic setting of New York City.

COVID and the City: Sarah Jessica Parker recently confirmed that the Sex and the City reboot will address the COVID-19 pandemic and the effect it has had on the show's iconic setting of New York City

The 55-year-old told Vanity Fair that the pandemic will 'obviously be part of the storyline, because that's the city [these characters] live in.

'And how has that changed relationships once friends disappear? I have great faith that the writers are going to examine it all.'

She added: 'I think that Cynthia [Nixon], Kristin [Davis], and I are all excited about the time that has passed. You know, who are they in this world now? Have they adapted? What part have they played?

'Where have they fallen short as women, as friends, and how are they finding their way? Did they move with momentum? Are they like some people who are confused, threatened, nervous [by what's happening in the world]? I'm so curious and excited to see how the writers imagine these women today.'

Sign of the times: The 55-year-old told Vanity Fair that the pandemic will 'obviously be part of the storyline, because that's the city [these characters] live in. And how has that changed relationships once friends disappear?'

Time passed: She added: 'I think that Cynthia [Nixon], Kristin [Davis], and I are all excited about the time that has passed. You know, who are they in this world now? Have they adapted? What part have they played?'

Diverse team: Parker promised the show is in good hands, as she said of the writers room: 'It's incredibly diverse in a really exciting way'

Parker promised the show is in good hands, as she said of the writers room: 'It's incredibly diverse in a really exciting way.'

It comes after reports that Caitlyn Jenner is in talks to appear in the highly-anticipated reboot, amid efforts to make the new installment more inclusive.

The I Am Cait star, 71, is reportedly at the top of the list of potential cameos for the reboot, according to The Mirror.

Jenner, who's appeared in the 1980 film Can't Stop the Music and the classic cop show CHiPs, has recently gotten back into acting with the upcoming indie sitcom Duke of the Valley, based on Dick Van Patten's memoirs.

A source said: 'Caitlyn has been a media fixture in one way or another for going on 50 years. She's really perfect for an appearance. They want new faces for the show, but they want people viewers actually know and care about too.'

Special guest star: It comes after reports that Caitlyn Jenner is in talks to appear in the highly-anticipated reboot, amid efforts to make the new installment more inclusive (pictured in November, 2019)

Potential cameo: The I Am Cait star, 71, is reportedly at the top of the list of potential cameos for the reboot, according to The Mirror (pictured in January, 2020)

Lack of diversity: Although the iconic HBO series and its subsequent spinoffs have been beloved by fans for decades, some of its material hasn't aged well, as Sarah Jessica Parker, 55, said in September of 2018: 'You couldn't make it today because of the lack of diversity on screen'

It comes after an insider told The Mail On Sunday: 'Samantha isn't coming back but we are introducing two new characters, strong and feisty women of color, who will help introduce the show to a new generation of viewers and more accurately reflect the world we live in.'

Although the iconic HBO series and its subsequent spinoffs have been beloved by fans for decades, some of its material hasn't aged well.

Parker addressed the show's mostly white cast to The Hollywood Reporter in September of 2018: 'You couldn't make it today because of the lack of diversity on screen. I personally think it would feel bizarre.'

She said of a potential reboot with a new cast: 'It wouldn't be a reboot as I understand it. If you came back and did six episodes, you'd have to acknowledge the city is not hospitable to those same ideas.

'You'd look like you were generationally removed from reality, but it would be certainly interesting to see four diverse women experiencing NYC their way It would be interesting and very worthwhile exploring, but it couldn't be the same.'

No replacement: She recently clarified that there will not be a fourth main character replacing Kim Cattrall's Samantha Jones, after the British actress refused to return to the franchise (pictured in May, 2008)

Not returning: Cattrall, 64, frequently stole the show as sex symbol and publicist to the stars Samantha Jones, and her absence in the new series comes after a years-long feud with her costars

Secret feud: After years of the cast playing coy about rumors of a hostile set, Cattrall said of Parker in October of 2017: 'I think she could've been nicer. I really think she could've been nicer. I don't know what her issue is'

She recently clarified that there will not be a fourth main character replacing Kim Cattrall's Samantha Jones, after the British actress refused to return to the franchise.

In perfect Carrie Bradshaw fashion, she told YouTuber Adam Glyn: 'We're not looking to create a fourth character, we have New York City as a fourth character and it will be an interesting new character that we are excited about.'

Candace Bushnell, 62, who wrote the 1996 book on which the show is based, said the new installment work without Samantha, recently telling Page Six: 'You know what, I think it's fine. Kim is a grown woman. She is 64 and she's made a decision that I'm sure she has 10 very good reasons for and I respect her for that.'

She added: 'Kim should be happy  and I think she is happy. I think that her character Samantha is always going to be an inspiration to them. So somehow, I imagine she'll be there in spirit and as an inspiration that gives them a chance of exploring sexuality with different characters.'

Parker starred in the original series and two movies as sex columnist Carrie Bradshaw, alongside Cynthia Nixon, 54, as career-driven attorney Miranda Hobbes, and Kristin Davis, 55, as marriage and family-oriented gallery director Charlotte York.

Cattrall, 64, frequently stole the show as sex symbol and publicist to the stars Samantha Jones, and her absence in the new series comes after a years-long feud with her costars.

DailyMail.com reported in September of 2017 that a third movie was axed, after Cattrall demanded that Warner Bros produce other movies she had in development, and they refused.

Where are they now? Parker took to Instagram earlier this month with a teaser for the new series, writing: 'I couldnt help but wonder... where are they now? X, SJ'

Famous city: The short clip shared by Parker and her co-stars includes sights and sounds of the city, cut with shots of a computer screen as leading lady Carrie Bradshaw types away

The story continues: 'And just like that...' she writes, referencing a frequent preface used by Carrie in the show's narration, before typing: 'The story continues...'

After years of the cast playing coy about rumors of a hostile set, she told Piers Morgan that October that she and her co-stars had 'never been friends.'

She added: 'This is really where I take to task the people from Sex and the City, and specifically Sarah Jessica Parker. I think she could've been nicer. I really think she could've been nicer. I don't know what her issue is.'

Although a subsequent New York Post article detailed some 'mean girl' behavior toward Cattrall from the other three, Parker maintained that she was 'heartbroken' by the falling out, telling pal Andy Cohen: 'I found it very upsetting because that's not the way I recall our experience.'

Parker took to Instagram earlier this month with a teaser for the new series, writing: 'I couldnt help but wonder... where are they now? X, SJ'

The short clip shared by Parker and her co-stars includes sights and sounds of the city, cut with shots of a computer screen as leading lady Carrie Bradshaw types away.

Coming soon: Michael Patrick King joins Parker, Nixon and Davis as executive producers on the 10-episode limited series, which is titled And Just Like That, kicking off production in late spring in New York City

New chapter: The half-hour series sees the familiar faces navigating life, love and friendship in their 50s, which proves to be even more complicated than it was in their 30s

Familiar faces: Parker starred in the original series as sex columnist Carrie Bradshaw, alongside Nixon, 54, as career-driven attorney Miranda Hobbes, and Davis, 55, as marriage and family-oriented gallery director Charlotte York

'And just like that...' she writes, referencing a frequent preface used by Carrie in the show's narration, before typing: 'The story continues...'

Michael Patrick King joins Parker, Nixon and Davis as executive producers on the 10-episode limited series, which is titled And Just Like That, kicking off production in late spring in New York City.

The half-hour series sees the familiar faces navigating life, love and friendship in their 50s, which proves to be even more complicated than it was in their 30s.

Parker, Nixon, Davis and Cattrall starred in the HBO series, which ran for six seasons from 1998 to 2004, before returning for two theatrical-released films in 2008 and 2010.

AnnaSophia Robb starred as Carrie and Lindsey Gort played Samantha in CW's The Carrie Diaries, which ran for two seasons from 2013 to 2014, based on Bushnell's prequel book.

Squad goals: The HBO series ran for six seasons from 1998 to 2004, before the cast returned for two theatrical-released films in 2008 and 2010
Hyderabad: The government is ready to develop special technology. It invents standard language in agriculture and technology. In this technology, both agriculture and technology can get common language. This will help both to communicate with each other. When two different systems communicate with each other, it is called 'interperable'.

Artificial intelligence is used - this is the first part from state agriculture AI agriculture (AI4AI). This project has different formats. It includes experiments, machines and process-managed data. If everyone understands these things, it will develop into an 'interperable' standard, otherwise researchers and data scientists will find it difficult to work on this project.

Spendmore time exchanging data - Hartfield, a dip-learning firm working in Agri-Tech, has exposed data scientists from India and Japan while working on a project on data-driven agriculture. Problems were mentioned. Without data interperable, the scientist downloaded it, emailed it to each other and shared the information, but before this it took a long time to change its favorite format. A scientist spent 80% of the time changing and cleaning the format, and analyzing took 20% of the time.

Tragic road accident in Telangana, 6 people died

Maharashtra is at the forefront of giving justice to public: India Justice Report

The boy died in an eye hospital in Hyderabad
The Uttar Pradesh government has started preparations for a grand celebration of the spiritual and sacred river Ganga. Right from Bijnor to Ballia, the Yogi government would soon perform 'Aartis' of 'Mother Ganga' (referred to as Goddess Ganga) in the state.

There will now be a 'Ganga Aarti' (ritual of offering prayers to the Ganges river) held at Kashi and Prayagraj, among nearly 1,100 places in Uttar Pradesh. For this, the Yogi government is going to build 1,038 new 'Aarti' platforms from Bijnor to Ballia. As many as 1,038 villages on both sides of the Ganga, led by the 'Namami Gange' department, have been selected as new 'Aarti' sites.

As per the proposed plan, the process of construction of new 'Aarti' sites in the villages situated on both sides within 5-km radius of the Ganges from Bijnor to Ballia would be started with the cooperation of the Tourism department. The new 'Aarti' sites would be operated on the basis of public participation. The 'Aarti' would be organised every day on the platforms.

According to the UP government, Ganga Ghat would be developed in these 1,038 villages from Bijnor to Ballia as religious sites. Instructions have also been given to construct charitable buildings in these villages situated within 5 kms of the Ganges.

In December, during the meeting of Jal Shakti Ministry along with other department officials, instructions were given to develop ancient and historical shrines and temples in these villages as tourist destinations.

As the ancient river Ganga enters Uttar Pradesh, starting with Bijnor, this series of 'Aarti' would continue till the last village of the state on the banks of the Ganges in Ballia.

By linking Ganga 'Aarti' with villages and towns, the Yogi government wants to make 'Ganga Swacchata Abhiyan' the biggest mass campaign. Through this campaign, the state government wants to further strengthen the attachment among the younger generation towards their culture and especially with the life sustaining Ganges.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is making relentless efforts for the cleaning of river Ganga. The government has given more pace to the 'Ganga Swachhata Abhiyan' and is going to build sewage treatment plants (STPs) in 14 new districts soon.

62 STPs under construction in different areas of the state would also be ready soon and would be connected with the cleanliness drive of Ganga as well as other rivers. According to the Namami Gange department, the capacity of 62 sewage treatment plants under construction would be 1522.16 MLD (megaliters per day).

After the new treatment plants become operational, the total number of STP-equipped districts would increase to 41 in Uttar Pradesh. At present, there are a total of 104 STPs operating in the state, with a total capacity of 3,298.84 MLD. After receiving the new STPs, the Jal Shakti Ministry would be successful in preventing to a large extent the number of drains and polluted water entering the Ganges.
Projects in Hugginstown, Stoneyford and Thomastown are to be funded under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

Of five successful projects across te county in the most recent tranche of funding three are in the Callan Thomastown municipal district.

Director of Services, Mary Mulholland, said the Callan Thomastown District had performed very well in this funding round.

She said funding will also become available to Kilkenny under the Creative Ireland fund and she will try to align applications under this with the Town and Village Renewal projects to encourage creative activities outdoors.

Ms Mulholland added that the council will soon be getting in touch with community groups to begin the process of finding new projects for future funding applications.



Chairman, Cllr Peter Cleere said Kilkenny was very lucky with the council staff and to see three projects funded is a fantastic return. He said the funding will be of huge benefit to the area.

One of the recently funded projects was a new car park in Graignamanagh, which Cllr Cleere said is getting good feedback from locals.



Thomastown

Cllr Deirdre Cullen said it was great to be able to congratulate staff on achievements rather than giving out. In particular, she said, she is delighted for Thomastown and all the young people in the area. They will be getting a wonderful facility with outdoor playing areas and barbecue area. Its going to benefit so many, Cllr Cullen said.



Stoneyford - Ennisnag

A footpath and lighting in Stoneyford, which will also be funded under this grant, has been a long time coming, Cllr Cullen said. She paid tribute to the Stoneyford Development Association for sticking with the plan for so long. Its brilliant to see they havent been forgotten about. A lot of kids in the area will be able to walk and cycle to school in a safe manner.

Cllr Matt Doran said the Ennisnag footpath had been mentioned as far back as 2003. He acknowledged the determination of local people who drove the project forward.



Hugginstown

The Hugginstown scheme started in 2002 and was never completed, Cllr Doran added, so locals will look forward to that work being carried out.

Paths, lighting and parking are included in this scheme.



Rower

Works funded under the 2019 Town and Village Renewal allocation will begin in The Rower as soon as current Covid restrictions are lifted, the meeting was told.



Inistioge

Town and Village Renewal Scheme Accelerated Measures due to Covid funded works in Inistioge, last year. Seating has been delivered but again, due to restrictions, work on awnings has been delayed.



Graignamanagh

The new car park in Graignamanagh was also funded under the Accelerated Measures, and this was completed before Christmas.



Ballyhale

A covered, outdoor seating area at Billys Tea Rooms was funded under the Accelerated Measures.

The installation of a canopy is expected in the first quarter of this year, depending on Covid restrictions.
More than 3,000 people died in the United States each day from the coronavirus this month, amounting to 93,000 human lives. Internationally, the figure stands at 386,000 dead in January, an average daily rate of 12,800 and climbing.

This mass death will likely accelerate in the coming days and weeks. On Friday, Johnson & Johnson published a study confirming what many have feared as the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage out of controlthat mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that cause the disease COVID-19 have the potential to undermine the efficacy of vaccines.

A person is taken on a stretcher into the United Memorial Medical Center in Houston, Texas after going through testing for COVID-19 [Credit: AP Photo/David J. Phillip]

Scientists have warned for months that the more the coronavirus spreads, the more it changes. And the more it changes, the greater the possibility that it evolves as less susceptible to vaccines and thus more dangerous. The new strain from South Africa confirms this warning: Johnson & Johnsons single dose vaccine was only 57 percent effective at preventing moderate and severe cases of the disease in South Africa, as compared to being 72 percent effective in the United States.

Similar data was presented on Thursday by Novavax, which reported that its vaccine is 90 percent effective in the United Kingdom and only 49 percent effective in South Africa.

The findings make all the more urgent far-reaching measures to contain the pandemic. Mass vaccination campaigns must be combined with non-pharmaceutical interventions, including the full shutdown of schools and nonessential businesses.

But throughout the world, the exact opposite is taking place. California on Tuesday began allowing in-person dining and gyms to resume operations. New York City plans to reopen restaurants by mid-February. In Brazil, restaurants, bars, gyms, beauty salons, movie theaters and concert halls have been open for months. Masks are no longer mandatory in supermarkets and shopping centers in Sydney, Australia.

The spearhead of the campaign to reopen businesses and get workers back on the job is the demand to reopen schools, championed by the new Biden administration in the US.

The reopening plans are the most advanced in Chicago, under the auspices of Democratic Mayor Lori Lightfoot. The city is trying to fully open schools on February 1, pitching the educators of the Chicago Public Schools system directly against the state apparatus, the corporate media and the unions. The struggle of teachers and staff to oppose the resumption of in-person learning has become a focal point of the fight against unsafe reopenings across the country and internationally.

The situation in Chicago is being repeated across the country. In Alabama, Montgomery Public Schools has announced that it will not be going to all-virtual learning next week, which the administration had pledged to do in the wake of the deaths of four teachers from COVID-19. Staff at Torontos Beverly Public School walked off the job on January 25, refusing to work in unsafe conditions.

In Germany, where there have been 20,000 deaths since the beginning of the year, schools are set to reopen February 1. In Britain, where deaths have topped 100,000, Boris Johnsons government plans to reopen schools by March 8.

These reopening campaigns have been facilitated by a massive media barrage. Every news outlet has seized on a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) scientists published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, which claims, There has been little evidence that schools have contributed meaningfully to increased community transmission.

Some examples of headlines include In-person school can be safe from USA Today, CDC makes the case for schools reopening from NPR, CDC finds scant spread of coronavirus in schools from the Washington Post, and CDC officials say evidence indicates schools can reopen if precautions are taken, from the New York Times.

As under the Trump administration, the claims that schools are safe to reopen are bald-faced lies. Numerous studies published both in JAMA and elsewhere show that the school closings last March and April saved tens of thousands of lives. Peer-reviewed research in Science from December showed that, across 41 countries, school and university closures were among the necessary measures to reduce the number of infections in a community, and that school closures had the highest impact in mitigating the pandemic.

This mass of data forced White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain on Tuesday to backtrack on the administrations position slightly, noting that many schools do not have the investments to keep the students safe and thus may not reopen on schedule. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki admitted on Thursday that the CDC study was based on data from an area more rural in Wisconsin, and that for areas that are more populated  there are going to need to be a lot of steps put in place in order to make the schools reopening safe.

The reality is that reopening schools during an ongoing pandemic is not safe. Even with less than 40 percent of schools doing full in-person learning, there have already been 511,000 cases reported in K-12 schools and hundreds of deaths. In some areas of the country, the daily case counts grew ten-fold after schools and universities reopened last fall.

Despite such clear and present dangers, Biden continues to champion the reopenings. He outright rejects lockdowns and claims that there is nothing we can do to halt the oncoming mass death. His pandemic plan mentions reopening 130 times, which is in line with his executive order from January 21 titled, Executive Order on Supporting the Reopening and Continuing Operation of Schools and Early Childhood Education Providers.

This is setting up the United States, and the world along with it, for another major resurgence. Dr. Michael Osterholm, a member of Bidens COVID-19 advisory board, told CNN Thursday, I worry the next 6-14 weeks could be the darkest weeks of the pandemic. He has also warned that because reopenings are continuing, whatever dips there currently are in the case numbers will be overshadowed as they have been before by more devastating surges.

This cannot be allowed to happen! There is evidence that dangers raised by the South African strain are just the beginning of a whole series of new, potentially vaccine-resistant strains of the pandemic. There are already several new variants of the virus, including those that were first detected in the United Kingdom, Brazil, Nigeria and the United States, some of which have already spread to dozens of countries. While initial research into these variants has found that the vaccines are effective against these new strains of the virus, data is so far inconclusive.

At the same time, the main characteristic of the new variants is that they are generally more infectious, thus more easily overwhelming health care systems, and possibly more deadly even when hospitals are not overrun.

That more lethal strains of the virus already exist or are on the horizon raises all the more urgently the need to implement every possible measure to contain the pandemic. Schools, businesses and nonessential production must be shut down, with full compensation for those impacted. Workers must not be forced to choose between sacrificing their livelihoods and the lives of themselves and their loved ones.

Lockdowns and vaccinations must be combined with the implementation of a mass testing program to detect the virus and serious contact tracing to track down cases.

The Chicago teachers are showing the way forward. The social force that will end the pandemic is not the Biden administration, which is totally subservient to the drive for Wall Street profits, but the working class, which is fighting to save lives. The struggle of teachers in Chicago and elsewhere must be expanded to all educators and all sections of the working class in every country as part of a broader fight for the revolutionary socialist transformation of society.
The Telegraph

The daughter of Radovan Karadzic, the former Bosnian Serb leader serving life for genocide and crimes against humanity during the 1990s Yugoslav wars, has claimed her father is living in unhealthy and uncivilised conditions in a British prison. Karadzic, 75, who was convicted in 2016, was transferred from a detention unit in Holland to a UK jail earlier this month following an agreement struck between the UN and the Home Office. But his daughter, Sonja Karadzic-Jovicevic, has complained about the conditions at her fathers new prison after speaking to him on the phone. "As for the physical condition in which he is accommodated, it is unacceptable, she told SRNA, a news agency based in the Republika Srpska, the Serb enclave of Bosnia. If we add to that the fact that he is in a building full of carcinogenic asbestos that is banned around the world, it is clear in what condition he will be in. Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic also claimed that moving her father to the UK was a deliberate act of spite against his family. "My father is in a very uncivilised situation, and as far as his family is concerned, his relocation to the south of England was deliberately made to keep him far away, outside the rules of the United Nations Resolution adopted by the Security Council, she said. It will be very difficult for us physically, financially and procedurally, because of visas, and immunisation during the pandemic, and even after that, to ever go there and visit him," she continued. She added that he had been deprived of his books and his computer, and will be completely removed from his language and his culture. A spokesman for the Justice Ministry said: "UK prisons meet health and safety standards." Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic, who has a political career in Bosnia, has fought to defend her fathers name despite his brutal role in the wars as the Yugoslavian federation separated in the 1990s. Known as the Butcher of Bosnia, Karadzic went down in infamy, in particular for ordering the Srebrenica Massacre in July 1995. Some 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were rounded up by the Bosnian Serb army in and around the town of Srebrenica and then killed in the worst single massacre in Europe since the end of the Second World War. Karadzics lawyers had objected to his clients transfer to the UK, arguing that his life would be in danger owing to Muslim inmates in British prisons. They also argued that owing to possible threats to Karadzics life he would be kept in conditions resembling solitary confinement, but the UN court dismissed the objections. Given his role in the slaughter of Muslims, the experience of another Serb convicted of war crimes may also weigh upon the Karadzic family. In 2010 Radislav Krstic, a former Bosnian-Serb general, was stabbed by three Muslim prisoners while serving a sentence in Wakefield prison, in apparent retaliation for Srebrenica.
There's a type of patient every GP dreads. They explain their symptoms: persistent pain, maybe problems going to the toilet, a lump, or bleeding from somewhere unexpected.

These are often bad signs  ones that shouldn't ever be ignored.

'How long has it been going on?' I'll ask. And all too often I'll get the answer that, without fail, makes my heart sink and ties my stomach in knots: 'Four, five, maybe six months.'

While trying not to worry them, I'll make an urgent referral to a cancer specialist.

They'll wait no more than two weeks to see one. More often than not it turns out to be nothing too sinister. I keep everything crossed.

But if things do turn out for the worst, if it is cancer and the disease has been there for a while, then fast-tracking them through the system will only go so far.

There's a type of patient every GP dreads. They explain their symptoms: persistent pain, maybe problems going to the toilet, a lump, or bleeding from somewhere unexpected, writes Dr Philippa Kaye

These patients  who will say things such as 'I didn't think it was anything serious' or 'I thought it would go away on its own'  have the bleakest chances of surviving even five years.

And the pandemic has brought even more of these cases through my clinic's doors, with 'I was scared of catching Covid in the waiting room' added to the list of reasons why they didn't come sooner.

I've spent the best part of my career recounting stories like this, in articles I've written for various newspapers, in the hope of encouraging Britons to act fast if they spot something sinister.

I've even performed a cervical smear test live on the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire show, and appear regularly on ITV's This Morning to offer viewers my frank advice on problems they're too embarrassed to see their doctor about.

My mantra is: 'Don't wait  go and see your GP!'

Yet, two years ago, there I was, staring at a scan image of a hefty tumour inside my colon, which had been steadily growing for at least a year.

Although I'd suffered none of the standard symptoms, such as bleeding when I went to the loo, I'd had a dull ache in my lower tummy that came and went for many months.

I'd given birth to all my children, now aged five, nine and 13, by caesarean section, and I'd put the discomfort down to lingering tenderness in the scar tissue.

Statistically speaking, it was highly likely this was causing my pain. But there it was, as clear as day on the image of my insides: cancer.

I've spent the best part of my career recounting stories like this, in articles I've written for various newspapers, in the hope of encouraging Britons to act fast if they spot something sinister. Pictured: Dr Philippa Kaye

And I could tell it wasn't the simple-to-treat type by the change in my surgeon's attitude. He went from jolly and chatty to quiet, calm and focused.

Doctors call this 'the emotional wall'  a psychological barrier that develops over time and helps us get the job done in the face of tragedy rather than collapsing in tears and running away.

Having said that, I have yet to meet a doctor who hasn't had to leave a hospital ward to compose themselves, or escaped to the toilets for a good cry after delivering a terminal diagnosis.

Then came another phrase we'll often say when breaking bad news: 'Is there anyone you can call to be with you?'

I called my mother, who came from her car outside into the clinic cubicle. As soon as she saw me, she knew something was wrong. I clutched her hand as the surgeon delivered the blow: I had stage two bowel cancer.

As I'd find out later, it had been there so long that it had begun to spread outside of my bowel wall.

How could I, of all people, been caught out like this?

As a GP, we're taught to weigh up the chances of what a diagnosis could be, based on a range of factors such as age, gender and family history, before sending off for invasive tests which can be harmful in themselves.

And as a 39-year-old woman with no family history of cancer, I knew the chance of my pain being cancer was one in 10,000.

But I ended up having that scan of my bowel because my gynaecologist suggested the scar tissue from my caesarean may have spread there  as it can  and that this was the reason I felt that ache. Based on all my medical knowledge, this was a sensible, realistic conclusion.

Perhaps on this occasion, if I'd allowed myself to jump to the worst-case scenario, I'd have been diagnosed earlier and been spared at least some of the agonising treatment that followed.

First, came surgery to remove the tumour, as well as at least two inches of healthy bowel tissue and the nearby lymph nodes.

It involved ten days in hospital, in late 2019, including a week in intensive care.

Surgery on a major organ is not like having a joint replaced. If one part of the plumbing is out of action, nothing else works quite as well.

I spent days with consultants circling me, staring at my heart monitor, which showed a potentially lethal chaotic rhythm. I also couldn't eat anything for four days, until I could manage a small spoonful of soup, or a little milk or yogurt.

Six weeks later, I started chemotherapy. First I tried to take it orally  a concoction of daily pills which I thought would be far easier than having the drugs infused via a needle in my arm, involving trips to and from hospital. How wrong I was.

As a GP, we're taught to weigh up the chances of what a diagnosis could be, based on a range of factors such as age, gender and family history, before sending off for invasive tests which can be harmful in themselves. Pictured: Dr Philippa Kaye

Within a couple of weeks the side effects became unbearable: painful peeling hands and feet, and stomach pain so agonising it landed me back in hospital.

After two months I switched to another type, which has fewer side effects because it's delivered straight to the veins.

This involved carrying around a little bum bag filled with drugs that slowly entered my body via an IV drip which was plumbed into a port in my chest. At this point, my children grew increasingly aware of what was going on.

There was no hiding it  they had to clamber around the tubes in my chest every time they wanted a cuddle.

It surprised me that being honest with them about cancer came easy. My four-year-old was interested only in whether I could still take her to school, while my seven-year-old needed reassurance that he couldn't catch cancer through touching.

Once I'd answered their questions, they'd soon move on to much more important matters, like whether or not we could get a takeaway for dinner, and what Peppa Pig was doing on the telly.

When my 11-year-old asked me if I was scared, I responded with the truth: yes, of course I was, but I was confident the doctors could make the cancer vanish.

Only, once again, things didn't quite go as expected.

A month after I'd finished chemotherapy, scans and then an exploratory operation in May 2020 revealed new growths in my bowel. And they were growing.

Worse still, surgeons couldn't remove them in the normal way, via the back passage, without perforating the organ.

A perforated bowel, in which the wall of the bowel breaks open, releasing the contents into the body and risking infection, can spell disaster  in a third of cases it's fatal.

The only option was another operation. This time, surgeons would open me up from the front and lift major organs and the intestines out of the way in order to reach the growths behind them.

My first thought was the sheer size of the cut involved  stretching from my chest right the way down to my public bone. And then there was the recovery, which I knew would be arduous.

I've heard colleagues say patients describe feeling 'a bit like they've been hit by a bus'.

Worse still, I knew there was a chance, depending on the scale of the cancer, that the surgeons would have to remove my bowel, forcing me to use a stoma bag for at least a few months.

WAS THIS KILLER DISEASE WRITTEN IN MY GENES? Of course I wonder why, at just 39, I had developed bowel cancer. It mainly affects people over 50, and by far the highest-risk age group is the over-80s. Of the 42,000 Britons diagnosed with bowel cancer every year, just five per cent occur in the under-50s. Half of all cases are related to lifestyle factors, such as not eating enough fibre, which helps food to move through the digestive system, and being very overweight. But in patients as young as me  who are fit and healthy  its unlikely this is the case, and genetic factors are far more likely to be at play. In fact, studies show that up to a tenth of bowel cancers are related to genetics. Studies show that people with a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, who gets the disease in middle age are much more likely to get bowel cancer early, but this wasnt true for my family. So a few months after my diagnosis, I had a genetic test to look for answers. Thankfully I didnt have the well-known BRCA gene, which, as well as increasing the risk of breast, ovarian and prostate cancer, can raise the chances of bowel cancer. But I did carry another rare genetic mutation that doubled my chances of getting the disease early. And it meant my children could be at a higher risk, too. Theyd still have to be very unlucky  if they did inherit the gene from me (theres a 50 per cent chance), theyd face a two in 10,000 chance of getting it in their younger years. But now we know, so when theyre adults they can be tested for the gene, and if theyre positive theyll be screened regularly. And they now know its even more important not to smoke and  the most vital  eat plenty of fibre-heavy vegetables. Advertisement

Oh, and of course, I'd have to go through the entire experience completely and utterly alone, in the midst of a raging pandemic.

Terrified is an understatement.

Waiting alone to be taken into theatre in September, wondering if it was the last time I'd be awake, was the worst part.

Recognising the anaesthetist's assistant from my previous operation, I asked if he'd mind if I held his hand while he sent me to sleep.

When I woke up, about six hours later, attached to multiple life-support machines, his was the first face I saw. He smiled and said: 'Would you like to hold my hand again?'

I had an overwhelming craving for human contact, but my body was achingly sensitive, and touching anything felt agonising. And still I hung on to his hand. My stomach, in particular, felt as if it was erupting with molten lava.

I don't remember much else about those first few days in intensive care, apart from being determined to keep my eyes open.

I was desperate to start moving again, insisting that the nurses go through the painstaking process of rearranging all of my ten tubes so I could sit up in a chair for ten minutes, before being so exhausted I needed to lie down again.

I begged the doctors to let my husband visit. They refused due to Covid rules  unless, they said, things started to go downhill and final goodbyes were on the cards.

But I stabilised quickly and was soon sitting up several times a day and managing to chat to the kids on the phone for a few minutes. After days of nagging, the nurses let my husband in. Albeit only for an hour, and in full PPE, but he sat and held my hand.

It was the first time in a week that someone had touched me and it hadn't hurt.

Within a week I was walking slow laps of the ward, with nurses following me, pushing my IV drips along. And when, a week later, I could spend longer than five minutes on the phone to my kids, and even had the energy to take part in their Zoom quizzes, I knew I was almost ready to come home.

The following months were filled with physiotherapy, potent painkillers, plenty of pureed food and supplements. It's only now, not quite six months later, that I feel I'm finally back to my normal self, having just regained my appetite.

I've been back at work for two months, which was always my top priority  we're in a pandemic and my patients need me.

Before my big operation, I never revealed my cancer to them. Their appointments were about them, not me. But having felt the crushing terror of isolation in the autumn, I'll do whatever I can to make them feel less alone.

A few weeks ago a young mother with ovarian cancer came in, about my age, who was in the middle of chemo.

The side effects had become unbearable and while everyone told her she was 'strong' and 'superhuman', she actually wanted to give up.

Like many people living with cancer, she was fed up with putting on a brave face.

Suddenly I was telling her about my own experience and how I'd found that sense of pressure lifted once I allowed myself to admit that yes, this was cruel, unfair and, for want of a better word, rubbish.

'You don't have to skip into the hospital, laughing,' I said. 'The fact that you go at all  even if you've dragged yourself out of the house in pyjamas  is enough.'

I saw a glimmer of hope, as she lifted her head up and smiled.

Doctors aren't always there to fix things for patients. Sometimes it's just about saying: 'I know, I get it.'
The Telegraph

The daughter of Radovan Karadzic, the former Bosnian Serb leader serving life for genocide and crimes against humanity during the 1990s Yugoslav wars, has claimed her father is living in unhealthy and uncivilised conditions in a British prison. Karadzic, 75, who was convicted in 2016, was transferred from a detention unit in Holland to a UK jail earlier this month following an agreement struck between the UN and the Home Office. But his daughter, Sonja Karadzic-Jovicevic, has complained about the conditions at her fathers new prison after speaking to him on the phone. "As for the physical condition in which he is accommodated, it is unacceptable, she told SRNA, a news agency based in the Republika Srpska, the Serb enclave of Bosnia. If we add to that the fact that he is in a building full of carcinogenic asbestos that is banned around the world, it is clear in what condition he will be in. Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic also claimed that moving her father to the UK was a deliberate act of spite against his family. "My father is in a very uncivilised situation, and as far as his family is concerned, his relocation to the south of England was deliberately made to keep him far away, outside the rules of the United Nations Resolution adopted by the Security Council, she said. It will be very difficult for us physically, financially and procedurally, because of visas, and immunisation during the pandemic, and even after that, to ever go there and visit him," she continued. She added that he had been deprived of his books and his computer, and will be completely removed from his language and his culture. A spokesman for the Justice Ministry said: "UK prisons meet health and safety standards." Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic, who has a political career in Bosnia, has fought to defend her fathers name despite his brutal role in the wars as the Yugoslavian federation separated in the 1990s. Known as the Butcher of Bosnia, Karadzic went down in infamy, in particular for ordering the Srebrenica Massacre in July 1995. Some 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were rounded up by the Bosnian Serb army in and around the town of Srebrenica and then killed in the worst single massacre in Europe since the end of the Second World War. Karadzics lawyers had objected to his clients transfer to the UK, arguing that his life would be in danger owing to Muslim inmates in British prisons. They also argued that owing to possible threats to Karadzics life he would be kept in conditions resembling solitary confinement, but the UN court dismissed the objections. Given his role in the slaughter of Muslims, the experience of another Serb convicted of war crimes may also weigh upon the Karadzic family. In 2010 Radislav Krstic, a former Bosnian-Serb general, was stabbed by three Muslim prisoners while serving a sentence in Wakefield prison, in apparent retaliation for Srebrenica.

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Britains vaccination effort has been an outstanding success so far. Praise is due to Kate Bingham, the former head of the vaccines taskforce, who took early and calculated decisions that effective vaccines could be developed and deployed faster than ever before. She advised, and Matt Hancock, the health secretary, and Boris Johnson, the prime minister, decided. They made several of the right decisions, including signing an unambiguous contract with AstraZeneca, three months before the European Union did.

The EU is now in danger of seeming to be motivated by spite and envy. Its leaders have threatened to impound stocks of the Pfizer vaccine, made in Belgium, which the United Kingdom has bought; they have demanded that AstraZeneca vaccines made in the UK should be diverted to the EU; and they threatened to tear up the EU-UK trade treaty to impose a hard border in Ireland, only to claim last night that this was due to an oversight.

Other EU leaders have accused the UK of vaccine nationalism, which is true in that the UK has not supplied its vaccinations to the citizens of other countries according to need  but no democratic countrys government would survive long if it did such a thing. Inevitably, our government is seeking to protect the vulnerable in this country first, and then to achieve herd immunity across the nation. But in the meantime AstraZeneca, with the support of the UK government, is also licensing its vaccine for local manufacture in India, and the UK will soon have a surplus of vaccines to export  at cost price  to the world.
Increasingly non-specific notices sent to parents after a COVID-19 case is identified in a classroom and the provinces halt in reporting those exposures are frustrating families who want to be in the know.

Increasingly non-specific notices sent to parents after a COVID-19 case is identified in a classroom and the provinces halt in reporting those exposures are frustrating families who want to be in the know.

Its been more than a month since Manitoba posted a school's letter to parents on its running tally of exposures online, yet there were 74 new cases among students and 11 among staff during the first two weeks of 2021.

Since the start of the school year, there have been 2,272 confirmed cases related to K-12 schools in the province.

"This is a once-in-a-century pandemic, during which parents are putting their trust in the government and sending their kids to school because it is a foundation of community," said Shraddha Pai, the lead and founder of the Canada COVID-19 School Tracker.

"The government owes parents transparency."

SUPPLIED Shraddha Pai, founder of Canada COVID-19 School Tracker, says Manitoba is the latest province to complicate data collection by restricting case information.

Pai, a K-12 parent and Toronto-based researcher who studies genomics and data science, has been mapping cases in classrooms across the country since Labour Day.

Manitoba is the latest province to complicate the collection of school case data, she said, adding "its been a battle" to obtain information from Quebec, Alberta and B.C. She considers Ontario to be the gold standard: not only does the province publish school cases, it also requires school divisions do the same.

Boards and schools are required to create a COVID-19 advisory section on their websites and "clearly" post updates on confirmed cases, including notices of any class, cohort or school closure. No personal information is released to protect individual privacy.

In Manitoba, few divisions and independent schools are voluntarily posting letters or school-by-school case tallies.

Canada COVID-19 School Tracker

In early January, the province published a school case notification tool kit with details on how to determine if an individual was infectious at school and record and share information with families using new templates.

The outlines, which replace autumn public-health notices stamped with a health region logo and signed by a medical officer, allow administrators to plug in data about exposure times and cohorts. That information can be vague.

Balmoral Hall School issued a notice Thursday to its community about a positive case but it contained few details, saying only a deep-clean occurred and no close contacts were identified at the school.

"I would really like to know which cohort it was in and which days the child was in class, like we used to (receive in letters)," said one parent, who spoke to the Free Press on the condition of anonymity to protect their daughters identity.

"The lack of information creates anxiety  it really, really does."

Download Balmoral Hall community letter

Just because a COVID-positive student isn't in the same class, doesn't mean others won't be exposed, she said.

Teachers who children who go to the same school might become ill and the virus could spread that way.

There are also siblings in different classes and grades, and students may intermingle at recess, lunch and at other times, she said, adding that without details, families gossip amongst themselves.

Balmoral Hall administration directed a reporter to the provinces tool kit Friday.

A provincial spokesperson declined to say why schools may withhold information, including dates. The spokesperson instead noted a change in how information is shared with communities, while adding the province is revising how it delivers updates on school exposures, outbreaks and closures.

"Its a slippery slope to reduce data transparency," Pai said. "Today, its going to be school cases. Tomorrow, it can be something else."

The national school-tracker scientist said parents are owed information about school cases so they can make decisions about sending kids to class and know whether they need to pressure school trustees and governments to implement safer school policies.

maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @macintoshmaggie
Nine-year-old girl Naomi Short, who is fighting stage four brain cancer, tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday.

Naomi Short has been fighting brain cancer for nearly two years, and COVID-19 now added to the obstacles she and her family face.

A page set up by her family, Naomi's Fight: Naomi Strong, said the COVID-19 diagnosis was made on Tuesday morning, as the girl went to scan monitoring the growth of her cancer. The family recognized their doctor's advice that rapid testing isn't very accurate.

"She is scared and resting today," her family said in a post. "We will go get her another test in the next couple of days."

According to Cincinnati news site Local 12, the COVID-19 diagnosis postponed an important scan to monitor Short's brain cancer. It will take about four to six weeks before she can get the scan that she needed.

In 2019, her mother, Melissa Short, said the girl had bad migraines that made her sick. Upon receiving a cancer diagnosis, the family also learned that the girl had a tumor spread down to her spine.

Naomi Short was diagnosed with Pineoblastoma, and her mother said her survival rate was about 30 percent. Yet, about two years later, the girl is still fighting her battle against cancer-and now, COVID-19.

Read also: 101-Year-Old-Man Survives Two Pandemics: COVID-19 and the Spanish Flu

Naomi Short received the necessary scans every three months. Her tumor has since been removed successfully, and doctors were doing her scans to monitor any cancer's growth or spread.

Naomi Short Calls for Prayers on Social Media

In a video to her Facebook page, Short asked for prayers. She said, "Will you guys please pray for me? I'm not really feeling that well," she said as she tested positive for the coronavirus.

Talking to NBC-affiliated WLWT, Short spoke about what it's been like to know she's fighting two hard battles."

"[When] I first found out that I was positive for COVID, I started crying because I thought I was going to die," the girl said.

On the upside, Short is feeling much better now and does not seem to have display severe symptoms of the virus, as per reports. The girl also decided to look at her situation in an optimistic way as she said, "I've had MRIs, seizures. There ain't nothing I can't do!"

Naomi Short Believes She Can Beat Cancer

From the beginning, the girl believed that she could beat her cancer battle, reported FOX 19. "I'm going to kick its butt," she said.

When asked how she stays positive despite the situation, she said: "I just think about, you know, how I've gotten through cancer? I think that if God has helped me this far through cancer, he's not going to stop."

Continuing to smile, laugh, and fight seemed to be the second nature for Short. Not much scares her either. The Butler County Sheriff's Department deputized her. Short was made a "special deputy" as the community effort to support her and her family.

Related story: Meet Gina Dal Colleto: Brazil's Oldest COVID-19 Survivor

The girl has been through nine brain surgeries and 30 rounds of radiation. Given her COVID-19 diagnosis, she was also put on some anesthesia for the lengthy scan.

The good news did arrive to the Shorts when they found that Naomi Short's cancer has not spread and the bit of cancer still present was also shrinking.

Melissa hopes that another scan of her daughter would put cancer fears behind them. But, for now, the family will have to wait.
Even as the number of cases and deaths have surged around the country, the survival rate of those who are infected has improved significantly. A recent study found that by June, the mortality rates of those hospitalized had dropped to 9 percent from 17 percent at the start of the pandemic, a trend that has been echoed in other studies. Researchers say the improvement is partly because of the steroid dexamethasone, which boosts survival rates of severely ill patients by tamping down the immune system rather than blocking the virus. Patients may also be seeking care earlier in the course of the illness. And masks and social distancing may reduce viral exposure.

When the new coronavirus emerged as a global threat in early 2020, doctors frantically tried an assortment of existing drugs. But the only way to know if they actually worked was to set up large clinical trials in which some people received placebos, and others took the drug in question.

Getting hundreds or thousands of people into such trials was a tremendous logistical challenge. In early 2020, the N.I.H. narrowed its focus to just a few promising drugs. That support included a project known as ACTIV, which enabled trials on antivirals and other treatments for Covid-19 to run at many sites at once. Researchers tested remdesivir, as well as monoclonal antibodies, gathering the data that showed they were indeed effective to some extent. Remdesivir, which stops viruses from replicating inside cells, can modestly shorten the time patients need to recover, but has no effect on mortality. Monoclonal antibodies, which stop the virus from entering cells, can be very potent, but only when given before people are sick enough to be hospitalized.

Hundreds of hospitals and universities began their own trials of existing drugs  already deemed safe and widely manufactured  that might also work against the coronavirus. But most of these trials were small and disorganized.


Norfolk health chaplain to lead online prayer Norfolk health chaplain to lead online prayer

Rev Helen Garrard, Lead Chaplain for Norfolk Community Health and Care is holding a weekly two-hour online prayer meeting following on from a 24-hour prayer vigil for all NHS acute and community services and other care providers.

Talking from her own, frontline experience, Helen said: The situation nationally has been deteriorating for many weeks with increasing cases of Covid-19 arising from a newer, highly transmissible variant. In Norfolk, all three acute hospitals, the community hospitals, care and residential homes and community nursing and care teams are under a strain which has not been experienced previously.



The combination of numbers of significantly unwell people, coupled with staff sickness and additional winter pressures are bringing the sector to crisis point.



All sectors of public service are working in new and very challenging ways, anxiety is very high and many, many people are coping with bereavement.



Within hospital and community settings chaplains continue to work hard to bring spiritual comfort, religious and pastoral care and support to all patients, families and staff in our areas.



The time feels opportune now to turn to the faith which supports and resources our practice to unite the county in earnest prayer.



The weekly prayer vigil via Zoom, from 4-6pm, will take place each Sunday starting on January 31 giving an opportunity to join with others in prayer for all those affected by the current pandemic.



Join Zoom Meeting



Meeting ID: 839 7875 2221

Passcode: 111127



The prayer vigils will take lace until April 25.



Bishop of Norwich, Graham Usher, has offered his full support to the prayer vigil initiative. He said: At this time of crisis and suffering, both for patients and healthcare workers, we hold them in our prayers. One of our volunteer hospital chaplains told me of the challenging decisions clinicians are facing every hour and the many stresses and difficulties of caring at this time."



For more details, please contact elisabeth.garrard2@nchc.nhs.uk or phone 01603 255728.



Pictured above is Rev Helen Garrard at Priscilla Bacon Lodge.

Keith Morris, 30/01/2021
RALEIGH, N.C.  A racial gap has opened up in the nations COVID-19 vaccination drive, with Black Americans in many places lagging behind whites in receiving shots.

Thats according to an Associated Press analysis. An early look at the 17 states and two cities that have released racial breakdowns finds Black people are getting inoculated at levels below their share of the general population.

In North Carolina, Black people make up 22% of the population and 26% of the health care workforce but only 11% of the vaccine recipients so far. White people, a category in which the state includes both Hispanic and non-Hispanic whites, are 68% of the population and 82% of those vaccinated.

Among the reasons given: deep mistrust of the medical establishment among Black Americans because of a history of discriminatory treatment. The gap is deeply troubling to some, given the coronavirus has taken a disproportionate toll in severe sickness and death on Black people in the U.S.

___

THE VIRUS OUTBREAK:

WHO team visits second Wuhan hospital in virus investigation. CDC orders say travelers must wear masks on public transportation. Brazil neighbors limit travel to halt spread of virus strain. Germany expects 5M vaccine doses in next 3 weeks. COVID-19 vaccine news welcomed in South Africa. Vaccine rollout faces challenges in Frances poorest region.

___

Follow all of APs pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic, https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

___

HERES WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING:

RIO DE JANEIRO  Brazils neighbors have started restricting international travel amid concern about the spread of a new coronavirus variant that experts say may be more contagious.

Guyanas government closed its border with South Americas largest country on Friday, two days after Colombia halted passenger flights to and from Brazil. Both nations cited the new variant as their reason. Argentinas government decided to cut in half the number of flights to Brazil starting Feb. 1, according to a Jan. 27 report in state news agency Telam.

Peru on Jan. 26 banned air traffic from Brazil. The governor of Perus Loreto department bordering Brazil called on the government to shut down land crossings, too.

___

ATLANTA  The CDC has issued an order requiring travelers to wear a mask on public transportation in the U.S., echoing an executive order by President Joe Biden shortly after he took office.

The CDC order takes effect Monday. It states passengers on airplanes, trains, buses, subways, ships, ferries, taxis and ride-shares must wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth while getting on such vehicles, during the ride and while getting off.

Additionally, people must wear masks on the premises of transportation hubs such as airports, train and subway stations, bus and ferry terminals, seaports and ports of entry. Masks must stay on while people await, board, travel and disembark public transportation.

Bidens executive order issued Jan. 21 already mandated masks on certain modes of public transportation such as commercial aircraft, trains and ferries. The president also mandated masks on federal property.

The CDC order prompts drivers, conductors and crew members to only transport people who are wearing masks.

___

WUHAN, China  Members of a World Health Organization team investigating the origins of the coronavirus pandemic have visited another Wuhan hospital that treated early coronavirus patients.

The facility was one of the citys first to deal with patients suffering from a then-unknown virus and is a key part of the epidemiological history of the disease. The teams first face-to-face meetings with Chinese scientists took place on Friday, before the experts visited another early site of the outbreak, the Hubei Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital.

WHO says all hypotheses are on the table as the team visits hospitals, markets and labs. Its a politically charged mission as China seeks to avoid blame for alleged early missteps.

___

BERLIN  Germany says drugmakers will deliver at least 5 million doses of coronavirus vaccines to the country in the next three weeks.

The Health Ministry says on Twitter that Germany has already received 3.5 million doses in the past five weeks and administered 2.2 million shots.

Health Minister Jens Spahn says the new figures for deliveries from Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca were good news after a difficult start. Germany has given the first shot to about 2.2% of its 83 million population. Nearly half a million people had received both shots by Saturday. Its recommended the second shot be given 21 to 28 days after the first.

Chancellor Angela Merkel has summoned the governors of Germanys 16 states, which are responsible for organizing the vaccine drive, to discuss the slow rollout on Monday.

In her weekly video address Saturday, she acknowledged families have had a particular burden in the current lockdown but indicated its still too early for Germany to reopen schools and daycare centers.

___

BOSTON  A Massachusetts congressman who has received both doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine has tested positive for the virus.

The office of U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch says the lawmaker had a negative test result before attending President Joe Bidens inauguration. The office says Lynchs positive test result came after a staff member in his Boston office tested positive earlier this week.

A statement says Lynch isnt displaying any symptoms of COVID-19. Lynch will self-quarantine and vote by proxy in Congress in the coming week.

Lynch is the second member of the states congressional delegation to test positive in as many days. On Thursday, U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan announced she had tested positive after repeatedly testing negative.

___

PHOENIX  Arizona has surpassed 13,000 deaths related to COVID-19, just a week after rising above the 12,000 mark.

The Department of Health Services on Friday reported 203 additional deaths. The state also reported 5,028 additional confirmed coronavirus cases, increasing the states totals to 748,260 cases and 13,022 deaths.

The COVID-19 related hospitalizations and the states seven-day rolling averages of new known daily cases and daily deaths have slowed recently. But hospital officials this week urged Arizonans against becoming complacent about mask wearing and social distancing.

Also, a new coronavirus variant first identified in England has been found in Arizona. The states Department of Health Services reported Friday the U.K. strain was confirmed in COVID-19 tests from three people.

___

FORT LAUNDERDALE, Fla.  The predominantly Black farming communities on the shore of Floridas Lake Okeechobee will get a coronavirus vaccine station.

That announcement Friday came after a public outcry over a decision to give the Publix supermarket chain sole local distribution rights, a move that left lower-income families isolated and facing drives of 25 miles to reach the nearest store.

State Emergency Management Director Jared Moskowitz told The Associated Press the state will set up a vaccine station in Belle Glade to serve it and its neighboring towns of Pahokee and South Bay. The station will get 5,000 doses, which is about how many people 65 and older live in the area.

___

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Most North Carolina prisoners can get five days knocked off their sentences if they receive coronavirus vaccinations.

State prison officials said Friday that the package of incentives such as extra visitations and a free 10-minute phone call is aimed at motivating inmates to obtain the two necessary doses.

Commissioner of Prisons Todd Ishee says about 21,000 of the 29,000 offenders behind bars are eligible for sentence reductions. Those who arent would receive $5 prison canteen credits for undergoing vaccination.

Vaccinations are voluntary for prisoners and staff. Officials say 850 inmates have received their first dose so far and about 2,800 prison workers have done so.

About 530 prisoners have active COVID-19 cases, and eight are hospitalized. Forty-two prisoners have suffered COVID-related deaths.

___

SEATTLE  The schools chief in Washington state is pushing for teachers to get vaccinated for the coronavirus when its their turn but also insisting they get back to classrooms immediately, shot or not.

The bottom line is a vaccine is a tremendous safety net but it is never the thing that is going to create the perfect scenario, said Chris Reykdal, the states superintendent of public instruction.

Reykdal on Friday announced a partnership with Kaiser Permanente to offer vaccinations to the states 143,000 public school employees and 12,000 private school employees.

The health care company and medical provider is pledging to open its doors to all educators and school employees in the state when they become individually eligible under the states vaccine rollout.

Currently, that includes people who are at least 65  or 50 and older in a multigenerational household.

The latest announcement is in line with Gov. Jay Inslees decision not to put teachers ahead of the general population as an entire workforce category.

___

DENVER -- Colorado Gov. Jared Polis says the state will expand COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to people ages 65 to 69 and school personnel on Feb. 8.

The announcement came Friday as the state updated its distribution plan to include these groups in Phase 1b 2. In addition to preschool through 12th grade teachers, childcare providers, bus drivers, safety workers and paraprofessionals will be eligible to receive the vaccine.

State officials say there are 408,000 people in this group, and the goal is to vaccinate 55% of them by March 5.

Adults 65 to 69 can schedule appointments through providers, and educators will get vaccines through their employers.

___

PRAGUE  The Czech Republic is banning foreigners from entering the country for non-essential reasons in an effort to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

The Foreign Ministry says the ban, which becomes effective on Saturday, applies for all countries.

The exceptions to the ban includes those who work or study in the country. Trips to the country to visit relatives and nursing homes, receive medical care and attend weddings and funerals also are allowed.

The ban is part of a series of new restrictive measures that are tightening the countrys lockdown. They have been approved with a goal to further limit peoples contacts and movement.

Earlier in January, the day-to-day increase in coronavirus cases in the country was gradually declining since hitting a record high of nearly of nearly 18,000 on Jan 6. But the numbers didnt drop enough and started to rise again this week.

The government is also worried about the potential impact of the more contagious British variant on the health system, which has been under serious pressure for months.

___

PARIS  France is closing its borders to people arriving from outside the European Union starting Sunday to try to stop the spread of new variants of the coronavirus.

French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced the measure Friday night after an emergency government health security meeting at the presidential palace, warning of a great risk from the new variants.

All those arriving from other EU countries will be required to produce a negative virus test, he says. France will close all large shopping centers starting Sunday and limit travel to and from its overseas territories.

Castex ordered stepped up police checks of those who violate Frances 12-hour-a-day curfew, hold secret parties or reopen restaurants in defiance of a closure order in place since October.

Virus infections, hospitalizations and deaths have been rising steadily but not sharply in recent weeks. Many doctors have been urging a new nationwide shutdown like those imposed in several other European countries.

Castex says the measures are an attempt to avoid the economic cost of a third lockdown. Currently, more than 60% of intensive care beds are occupied by coronavirus patients. France has reported more than 75,000 deaths, seventh highest in the world.

___

JACKSON, Miss.  Mississippi residents scrambled to book appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations after Republican Gov. Tate Reeves announced Friday that 15,000 new openings were available for the first of two doses.

Im sure they will be booked quickly! Reeves wrote on Twitter. Stay safe and God bless!

In just over two hours, all of the appointments were filled.

Laurie Bertram Roberts, who splits time between her home in Jackson and a job in Alabama, told The Associated Press she and one of her daughters went online Friday and booked vaccination appointments for themselves and six other family members.

Roberts said they managed to get appointments for five people in Jackson, where they live. But, they had to book one appointment in Vicksburg, which is about an hours drive one way, and two in Natchez, which is about a two-hour drive in one direction.

Coronavirus vaccinations in Mississippi are currently available for people 65 and older, health care workers and those who are at least 16 and have health conditions that might make them more vulnerable to the virus.

Inoculations are being done at hospitals, community health centers, private clinics and at 19 state-run drive-thru sites.

___

SACRAMENTO, Calif.  California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a law that extends eviction protections through the end of June.

Newsom signed the law on Friday, one day after it was approved by the state Legislature.

Last year, Newsom signed a law that banned evictions for unpaid rent for tenants who paid at least 25% of their rent owed after Sept. 1. The law Newsom signed Friday extends those protections through June 30.

The law will also use federal stimulus dollars to pay off 80% of some tenants unpaid rent, but only if landlords agree to forgive the remaining 20%.

People who earn more than 80% of the area median income are not eligible for the money.

___

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Borough President James Oddo pulled his appointee off a New York City education panel after it rejected a contract extension for the administration of the controversial Gifted & Talented exam earlier his week.

Peter Calandrella, who Oddo appointed in 2016, voted against the contract extension with Pearson Education during a Wednesday meeting of the Panel for Educational Policy (PEP).

The panel ultimately rejected the contract extension with the company that provides the Gifted & Talented admissions exams  for approximately $1.7 million.

Oddo said he made the decision to fire Calandrella  effective Feb. 9  not because of the substance of the vote, but because it went against what he, his staff, and Calandrella had agreed on the night before.

I understand that this is a complicated matter, and good and well-intentioned people see the various facets of this complex issue differently, he said in a statement released by Borough Hall. So basically, this is not a question of whether it was a correct or incorrect vote, but rather a question of how he handled the actual voting decision. The bottom line is that he should not have made such a decision unilaterally.

Here is the statement from BP Oddo on PEP representative termination: pic.twitter.com/1JtNs2APEk  Staten Island USA (@StatenIslUSA) January 29, 2021

The decision from the panel, made up mostly of mayoral appointees, surprised many after Mayor Bill de Blasio said the test would continue for one more year. Its unclear how the test will proceed.

A message left with a number listed for Calandrella went unreturned by the time of publication, but he wasnt without defenders.

Leonie Haimson, an advocate for smaller classroom sizes, publicly shared a letter from 12 other members of the PEP asking Oddo to reconsider his decision.

They wrote in the letter that the vote rejecting the contract for administration of exams for grades K-3 had little to do with the Gifted and Talented program itself  the group noted the majority of the panel supports the program  but instead, it had to do with the pandemic.

The contention was largely centered on the risks associated with administering such a test amidst a global pandemic, along with concerns about equity and the impact it might have on communities heavily impacted by COVID-19, like Staten Island, the group wrote.

While there was broader discussion about whether (gifted and talented) programs in (New York City) served all (New York City) families well during this meeting, it is imperative to clearly understand that the vote was not about this issue.

Letter sent by PEP members today to Borough President Oddo asking him not to remove Peter Calandrella for his principled vote against Pearson gifted test contract. Say it ain't true @HeyNowJO ! pic.twitter.com/mJWSX54Vnw  leonie haimson (@leoniehaimson) January 29, 2021

De Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza have criticized using the exam to determine admissions to the program, especially for its youngest students.

The mayor said earlier this month that the high-stakes exam would end after this year, as parents have already begun preparing for their children to take the exam this spring.

It wasnt immediately clear who would replace Calandrella on the panel, and the New York City Department of Education did not return a request for comment by the time of publication.

The PEP voting members are apprised of one appointee from each borough president, and eight from the mayor, according to the PEP bylaws. The chancellor and two student advisory members serve as non-voting members. All members serve at the pleasure of the person who appointed them, according to the bylaws.
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The United States government on Friday extended the temporary protected status (TPS) of thousands of Syrians living in the country. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Acting Secretary David Pekoske announced that the residency status of 6,700 Syrians living in the United States would be extended by 18 months. The temporary protected status of Syrians was set to expire on March 31 this year.

Read: Syria Rights Group Files Case Against Greece In ICC Demanding Probe Of Migrant Abuse

Syria was designated temporary protected status because of the ongoing armed conflict in the country, which has affected millions of lives since the beginning of the war in 2011. A country's TPS designation can be extended by 6, 12, or 18 months. Syria was designated TPS in 2012 by former DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano and was subsequently extended and renewed in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019. The DHS will take the next decision on whether to extend or terminate the TPS in July 2022.

Read: After Fresh Israeli Attack, US Military Convoy Enters Syria's Province Of Hasakah

"The Syrian civil war continues to demonstrate deliberate targeting of civilians, the use of chemical weapons and irregular warfare tactics, and use of child soldiers. The war has also caused the sustained need for humanitarian assistance, an increase in refugees and displaced people, food insecurity, limited access to water and medical care, and large-scale destruction of Syrias infrastructure. These conditions prevent Syrian nationals from safely returning," DHS said in a press release.

Read: UN Announces Talks On New Syria Constitution Resume Jan 25

Syria conflict

The war in Syria is currently being fought between forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and several rebel Sunni groups. Assad's Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) is being backed by international allies, including Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah. Meanwhile, the United States, which had deployed its Army in the region to fight the Islamic State, has on several occasions carried out airstrikes against pro-Syrian government forces. Some other countries that are said to have been involved are Turkey, Lebanon, and Israel.

Read: Huge Explosion In Oil Tanker In Central Syria, No Casualties

(Image Credit: AP)





The ongoing Xiaomi/US saga is quickly escalating. If you haven't been following it closely, basically one of the swan songs of Trump's government was to designate Xiaomi as a Communist Chinese military company. A title that would qualify it to fall under the administration's Executive Order from November that bars American securities and investment companies from putting capital in said companies.

What being on the list currently entails in more practical terms is that if the decision stands all American institutional investors in Xiaomi would be forced to withdraw holdings in the company by November. Some of the more notable US investors that would have to comply include Qualcomm Inc., BlackRock Inc., the Vanguard Group Inc. and State Street Corp.

Xiaomi Corp has now filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Defense and Treasury departments, challenging the blacklist with the U.S. district court of Columbia, while also naming Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen as defendants. Xiaomi representatives called the blacklisting "unconstitutional" and noted in the court filing that:

Xiaomi faces imminent, severe, and irreparable harm if the Designation remains in place and the restrictions take effect

Huawei Technologies Co. and most of its subsidiaries are also on the same blacklist, as well as Chinese chipmaking giant Semiconductor Manufacturing International Co. and drone maker SZ DJI Technology Co. Just to name a few.

With the new US Biden administration officially in place and actively plowing through various legislation left by their predecessors with an avalanche of Executive Orders, it is theoretically possible to see a relatively gentle resolution to this situation. However, for the time being, Xiaomi's legal actions are a clear elevation of the continued economic and political tensions between the US, China and various enterprise entities.

Source
A fire at a hospital in Bucharest where Covid-19 patients were being treated has killed at least five people.

The fire broke out on the ground floor of the Matei Bals hospital and forced the evacuation of a building that houses 100 people.

An unspecified number of people were injured before firefighters put out the blaze, Romanian emergency services said in a preliminary report.

At least four people have been killed (AP)

We found open flame at the ground floor of the building.  There was a lot of smoke, and there was a chance the fire would spread to the second floor, said Orlando Schiopu, the commander of the intervention unit at the scene.

Read Arafat, the emergency department chief, said four victims were all hospital patients. Three of them were already dead when found while rescuers tried to resuscitate the fourth victim but could not, he said.

Authorities later said the body of one more victim had been found.

Hours later, charred balconies could be seen at the hospital, where health authorities organised the start of the anti-virus vaccination in Romania.

The Balkan country of some 19 million people has reported more than 700,000 cases and 18,000 deaths.
Little did I know when I began the mammoth task of planning a hiking trip on the Tour du Mont Blanc for our family of six that it would be our last trip abroad.

The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), a bucket-list hiking route since the 1760s, goes through the French, Italian and Swiss Alps, passing snow-capped peaks, glaciers, deep river valleys and wildflower-strewn meadows. The full route measures 170km and is usually trekked in 12 days. In July 2019, we planned to tackle 90km from Chamonix, France, to Courmayeur, Italy, on the same Alpine paths used by Roman soldiers over 2,000 years before.

Ive always loved walking. The simple act of putting one foot in front of the other and freeing the mind of all superfluous thoughts. With my wife, Eimer, Ive trekked all over the world, from Patagonia to Nepal, Kilimanjaro and Machu Picchu  and we hoped to pass that love on to our children, Paddy (14), Daisy (11), Harry (12) and Finn (7).

All four are naturally fit from playing sports, but we still spent every weekend that winter doing long treks with backpacks in the nearby Comeragh and Galtee mountains before setting off for Chamonix, the TMB starting base. Lots of local companies offer guides, bag-forwarding and refuge/hut-booking services here, but you can expect to pay up to 1,000pp more for a guided tour. We were doing it unguided so packed lightly, as we had to carry our own gear for six full days.

On our first morning, we took the Bellevue gondola from Les Houches to start the hike. I was a little apprehensive but once we stepped into the crisp Alpine air, with little pockets of snow sprinkled on the trail ahead and wildflower meadows surrounded by snow-capped mountains, I knew wed made the right decision.

Read More

The path ahead was quiet, save for a few bell-clanging cows. We descended for three hours through pine forests to the tiny hamlet of Bionnassay to experience our first night in a refuge. Throughout the evening, tired hikers arrived at the hut to create a buzz of accents and excitement. Refuges are basic but, at 7pm every night, they host a family-style meal in a communal dining room where travellers share stories. Part of the routes appeal is that it takes you through three cultures and three cuisines.

That first night, our kids were not impressed. This is basically prison food, Daisy said. By the end of the week, youll love it, I smiled. Hunger is a great sauce. They were all devouring the meals by day two.

Refuges have their own rhythm. Going to bed and rising with the sun is the norm for hikers on the TBM (we were lucky to always get a six-bed dorm). My kids were horrified when I told them, No phones after nine oclock. But they got used to it, along with rising at 6am to my cheery rise and shine!.

The days began with a hearty breakfast. Then a leg-burning walk up a steep trail, only stopping to refuel on jellies and offer encouragement to a chorus of: I cant believe you do this for fun! Wed stop to eat local bread stuffed with local cheese at snowy passes. We refilled our water bottles from streams and, each day, I would point out a different mountain and proclaim it to be Mont Blanc.

Expand Close The O'Keeffe family take a rest to enjoy the scenery on the Tour du Mont Blanc hike through the Alps / Facebook

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Whatsapp The O'Keeffe family take a rest to enjoy the scenery on the Tour du Mont Blanc hike through the Alps

One morning, we set out in a deep mist. As it evaporated in the morning sun, the outline of a snow-covered pass appeared over 1km above us. After an arduous four-hour hike, we arrived exhausted at the unmanned border crossing between France and Italy. Mont Blanc turned into Monte Bianco, hikers greetings changed from Bonjour to Buongiorno and lunch from crusty baguettes to oily focaccia. As we descended, the kids rushed ahead and I got talking to an American couple who had seen no other kids on the trail, and thought ours were great. I know, but I fear they are getting cocky, I replied. Just minutes later, my words proved prophetic as we traversed a very steep section of smooth shale rock. Whilst running across a very narrow path with a sheer drop, my youngest son, Finn, slipped but was luckily grabbed by Paddy and pulled to safety before he fell off.

That was the only time on the trip I was scared.

We wore in our boots in Ireland so there were no issues with blisters or sore feet, but the days were long, and everyone had a meltdown at some point each day. We learned to leave that person alone during their moment... and of the healing powers of chocolate.

On our last morning, Eimer and I rose before dawn to watch the sunrise together. Cold night turned to crisp morning and we spotted a horned ibex on a ridge and felt the suns warmth on our faces. Eimer asked me did I think we had converted our kids to walking. It may take them 20 years to realise it, but I hope so, I joked.

We spent our last day walking along a wildflower-covered ridge with Mont Blanc in view. In Courmayeur, our final destination, the luxury of a hotel room with a soft bed and hot shower was a welcome treat. The town centre came alive that night as Italians took their passeggiata along Via Roma, and we wolfed down well-earned pizza.

When times are difficult in lockdown, I often refer to that day over the snowy pass and remind my kids that if they got through that, they can get through anything. Another lesson in a busy lockdown house? When youre having a moment, take some space and time out for yourself. It will pass. So will lockdown. Then we can look forward to finishing the second half of the Tour du Mont Blanc.

Expand Close Trekking the Alpine Tour du Mont Blanc, a bucket-list hiking route / Facebook

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Dont miss...

Fergal OKeeffe launched a podcast, Travel Tales with Fergal, in 2020 to conjure up memories of past trips and fuel dreams of future travel. Listen out for season two, coming February 2 on all platforms.

Trip notes

You can get all the information you need to plan future trips on the Tour du Mont Blanc from official website autourdumontblanc.com, including handily working out daily distances with nearby accommodation. Another good guide is found at kevreynolds.co.uk.

Chamonix is a good place to start and finish your walk, being just an hour from Geneva. We left our main bags at a hotel there to collect after the hike, just a 30-minute taxi ride back through the Mont Blanc tunnel from Courmayeur in Italy.
We want to bring a feel of assurance to the senior citizens under this programme, says Venkateshwarlu, DCP-Madhapur.  PTI file photo

HYDERABAD: The Cyberabad commissionerate has launched an initiative that aims to help senior citizens, particularly the distressed lot, and those who are living by themselves.

The pilot project of Old but Not Alone was launched in the police station limits of Raidurgam on Saturday.

Gated communities and apartments in Puppalaguda, Manikonda, Khajaguda, Lanco Hills and Gachibowli are being covered in the first phase. Based on the data collected, police will come up with solutions.

The pilot project has a dedicated police helpline, online and manual registration for senior citizens, issue of ID cards to them, a senior citizens help desk at the police station, frequent visits and regular monitoring, volunteer's committee at the police station level, liaison with social welfare department, Revenue officials and other NGOs.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, DCP Madhapur, Venketeshwarlu, said We want to bring a feeling of assurance to the senior citizens under this programme. We have been collecting data about their health, family-related issues. For any such assistance, they can call up the police, who will reach them on time.

He said, This pilot project is for those within the limits of Raidurgam police station. After the data is collected, we will take forward the next step.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-30 07:17:43|Editor: huaxia

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UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Security Council on Friday decided to extend the mandate of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus for a further period ending on July 31, 2021.

Unanimously adopting Resolution 2561, the 15-member organ added that it fully supports the secretary-general's decision to convene an informal "five plus United Nations" meeting between the leaders of the two Cypriot communities and the guarantor powers - Greece, Turkey and the United Kingdom - at the earliest opportunity.

It urged the sides and all involved participants to approach those talks in the spirit of openness, flexibility and compromise and to show the necessary political will and commitment to freely negotiate a mutually acceptable settlement under United Nations auspices.

Reaffirming all its relevant resolutions on Cyprus, the Council recalled the importance of achieving an enduring, comprehensive and just settlement based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality, as set out in previous Council texts.

Also through resolution, the Council called upon the leaders of the two Cypriot communities to provide the necessary political support and overall guidance to free the bicommunal technical committees from obstructions in their work and enable them to function effectively, as well as to improve the public atmosphere for negotiation, including by delivering more constructive and harmonized messages and by more explicitly encouraging contact and cooperation between their two communities.

Further, the Council called upon those leaders to urgently agree on the reopening of all crossing points on the island while urging effective coordination to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Council also recalled the status of Verosha as set out in relevant resolutions and, in 2020, a presidential statement that expressed deep concern about developments in the one-time coastal resort.

Security Council resolutions are currently adopted through a written procedure vote under temporary, extraordinary and provisional measures implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as set out in a letter by its president for March 2020, which was China. Enditem
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The IG Metall trade union has agreed to the destruction of 3,500 jobs at truck and bus manufacturer MAN in Germany and Austria. Further job cuts at the Volkswagen subsidiary are already planned. The company employs 36,000 worldwide.

On Tuesday, the executive boards of MAN SE and MAN Truck & Bus SE, together with representatives of the union and the works council, signed a key points paper that is intended to achieve an improvement in earnings of up to 1.7 billion, not least through job cuts.

MAN plant in Steyr (Photo: Christoph Waghubinger / CC BY-SA 4.0)

Hardest hit are the plants in Steyr, Austria, with 2,200 jobs, and Plauen, Germany, with 150 jobs. The Steyr plant is to be sold and the Plauen site closed. Workers in Plauen have been offered new jobs at the VW plant in Zwickau, 52 km away. A plant closure could be decided as early as the first half of 2021, IG Metall Zwickau leader Thomas Knabel told the press.

IG Metall stresses that it has been possible to avert the 9,500 redundancies originally announced in the groups strategy paper and reduce them to 3,500 jobs cut.

First, this is a well-known ruse of the trade unions. Corporations announce a high number of jobs to be cut so that the ultimately lower number can then be presented as a success by the unions. Second, even the figures mentioned are a smokescreen to hide the facts from the workforce.

The figure of 9,500 also included international locations and numerous temporary workers have already left in recent months because their contracts were simply not renewed. A few months ago, there were 4,000 workers at the Nuremberg plant. Currently, there are 3,600 workers, and by the end of 2022, there will only be 3,100. The 400 temporary workers who have left the company are not included in the reduction figures.

 In Salzgitter, 1,900 regular employees are to remain at the end of 2022 out of around 2,400 jobs at present, a reduction of 20 percent. A reasonable amount, as the IG Metall deputy secretary in Salzgitter-Peine Brigitte Runge puts it.

 In Munich and Dachau, according to the agreement, only 7,500 of the current 9,000 jobs will be occupied at the end of 2022. It is to remain the main production plant for trucks, with cab outfitting and assembly.

 The Nuremberg site is to develop drive technologies in the future. The workforce there is to shrink from 3,700 to 3,100 jobs.

 In Wittich, only 60 permanent employees are to remain.

These are some of the reduced numbers that IG Metall wants to claim as a victory. At the same time, however, it is preparing further cuts in upcoming negotiations, which are being kept confidential.

The contents of this key points paper are to be implemented with a future collective agreement as well as in factory-level agreements, the groups press release says. The word future collective agreement should set alarm bells ringing for all workersbecause IG Metall always takes this to mean job and wage cuts and a deterioration of working conditions. Supposedly, this is to ensure competitiveness and so save the production locations. The opposite is the case; these future collective agreements pave the way for the gradual closure of entire plants and locations.

What the now-agreed key points paperthe saving of 1.7 billionmeans in concrete terms can only be guessed at from the announcement of the agreement:

 550 million are to be saved in material and personnel costs in the group. What this means for working conditions and pay will only become clear in the forthcoming negotiations, but nothing good can be expected.

 700 million are to be saved through the supply chain, i.e., job cuts and wage reductions for those working there.

 450 million are to be earned in additional distribution services. Here, too, there is nothing concrete known.

Another hackneyed ritual is the threat of compulsory redundancies. As usual, the MAN group threatened this, and the works councils and trade unions were up in arms against it, only to finally agree to the cutbacks by other methods. This time was no exception. Saki Stimoniaris, chairman of the general works council and a member of the companys supervisory board, had initiated labour court proceedings in September last year against the redundancies announced by the executive board. A location and employment safeguard from 2016, which excluded them, was valid until the end of 2030.

Like all such agreements, they are not worth the paper they are written on. Such agreements are only valid if they are not needed by the workers because the profits are flowing. But as soon as the profits dry up and the workers need a guarantee of employment and location, this is no longer the case.

The 2016 agreement on safeguarding jobs at MAN also contains a right of termination, known as the bad weather clause. This allows for dismissals for operational reasons if sales slump by 40 percent. Before the labour court, the company cited the slump in sales during the coronavirus pandemic and the European Unions stricter CO2 regulations, which have been in force since 2019. The cutbacks were already on the horizon even before the pandemic, because the group did not achieve its targeted return on sales.

Proceedings in the labour court over the compulsory redundancies are still ongoing, with a verdict not expected until the summer. After Tuesdays agreement, however, MAN works council head Stimoniaris was already proudly rejoicing. We take responsibility for our MAN. The secret of the success of this proud company, he said, was that the group could always rely on each individual.

Stimoniaris reliability in 2019 cost the MAN Group almost half a million euros, with this functionary pocketing exactly 482,040 for his work on the supervisory board.

After the group announced last year that it would cut 9,500 jobs, the leaders of IG Metall and the VW group immediately stepped in to find a mechanism to quell the anger in the ranks of the workforce.

This was the role played by the key points paper, which involved not only the MAN works council and the executive board of MAN Truck & Bus, but also Jurgen Kerner from the IG Metall executive board (who is also deputy chairman on the MAN supervisory board), Gunnar Kilian, the VW personnel director appointed by IG Metall, and Matthias Grundler, the chairman of MANs parent company Traton. All participants agreed from the beginning that workers livelihoods had to be subordinated to the strategic corporate goal of achieving an operating return of 8 percent on sales.

Workers can only defend their jobs and wages through a united, independent movement that opposes the capitalist system, which always subordinates workers interests to shareholders greed for profit. This movement must include colleagues in all international factories. For example, MAN has factories in Krakow, Poland (opened in 2007, with 580 workers) and Starachowice (in the MAN group since 1999, with 3,000 workers), to which production is now to be partially transferred.

The Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party, SGP) advocates building action committees that are completely independent of the trade unions and take the defence of jobs into their own hands, networking nationwide and internationally. We call on all MAN workers to join the SGP and build an international, socialist party.



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Open hostility broke out among Republicans and Democrats in Congress amid growing fears of physical violence and looming domestic terrorism.

Amid threats from supporters of former president Donald Trump, the House Speaker Nancy Pelosi made an extraordinary allegation that dangers lurk among the membership itself.

The enemy is within the House of Representatives, a threat that members are concerned about, in addition to what is happening outside, Ms Pelosi, said. But even as she and others sounded the alarm, Republicans continued to deepen their ties to the former president, who has been impeached on a charge of inciting an insurrection at the US Capitol on January 6.

Hours after Ms Pelosis remarks, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy met with Mr Trump in Florida. In a statement, the pair vowed to work together to take back the House. On Thursday afternoon, Republican Matt Gaetz, a Trump acolyte, travelled to the district of Republican Liz Cheney of Wyoming, a member of the House GOP leadership, to hold a rally criticising her vote to impeach Mr Trump earlier this month.

Read More

The events reflected the extent to which the countrys legislative branch, which has for years been mired in partisan bickering, has reached new levels of animosity just as newly inaugurated President Joe Biden is seeking to win passage of a massive bill designed to help lift the country out of the pandemic.

Some Democrats are expressing fears that Republican lawmakers  who in some cases have tried bringing weapons onto the House floor  cannot be trusted. Some have bought bulletproof vests and are seeking other protections.

And Democratic leaders are putting maximum pressure on the Republican leadership to denounce freshman Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene who once endorsed violence against members of Congress. One Democrat advanced a resolution to expel her from Congress.

Ms Greene, a onetime far-right online commentator, has a history of promoting violent ideas and beliefs. This week, social media postings surfaced showing she had liked Facebook posts that advocated violence against Democrats, including one that suggested shooting Ms Pelosi in the head. Ms Greene also spread conspiracy theories that the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, that left 17 people dead was a false flag, and new videos showed her stalking and harassing David Hogg, a Parkland student turned advocate of stricter gun safety laws, who was a teenager at the time.

Ms Pelosi and other senior Democrats have called on Mr McCarthy and other senior Republican leaders to address Ms Greenes social media comments. Democrats were incensed that Ms Greene was given a spot on the House Education and Labour Committee, given her comments about the Parkland shooting.

Assigning her to the education committee, when she has mocked the killing of little children at school, what could they be thinking, or is thinking too generous a word for what they might be doing? Ms Pelosi said. Its absolutely appalling.

Read More

 Washington Post
With Union Home Minister Amit Shah cancelling his visit to Matua stronghold Thakurnagar in North 24 Paragans district on Saturday, senior BJP leaders Kailash Viayvargiya and Mukul Roy met prominent members of the community and assured them that the central minister will hold a meeting for them "very soon". Vijayvargiya, BJP national general secretary and Roy, the party's national vice-president, were closeted in an over an hour long meeting with party MP Santanu Thakur.

They told the members of the community that Shah's visit to Thakurnagar was cancelled due to sudden developments in Delhi and that he will visit the place "very soon" and address the Matuas during his next visit to the state. Shah's two-day visit to West Bengal from Saturday was cancelled at the last minute following a blast outside the Israeli embassy in the national capital.

His proposed meeting at Thakurnagar assumes importance as the Matuas with an estimated population of 30 lakh in the state can influence the poll outcome in at least 60 assembly seats in Nadia, North and South 24 Parganas districts of poll-bound West Bengal. Polls are likely to be held in April- May this year. Later, Roy told reporters "Amit Shah spoke to Santanu Thakur about holding the proposed meeting on any coming day and asked the organizers not to dismantle the stage originally erected for the meeting".

"Please don't dismantle the stage and keep yourself ready for all last minute arrangements in 24-48 hour notice. My office will keep you posted," Roy quoted Shah as having told Santanu Thakur.

Meanwhile, Matuas living in pockets near the Bangladesh border who had come to the headquarters of the sect looked distraught at the sudden change of plan and left the venue. "Shah could not come due to developments in Delhi. He is a busy person. We are ready to wait for him," a member of the community said.
COLUMBUS, OhioPrivate-sector leaders will soon be brought in to run Ohios beleaguered unemployment system, Gov. Mike DeWine said Thursday.

Its abundantly clear the state government cannot fix this the way I want it fixed. And so were going out into the private sector, said DeWine, a Greene County Republican, during a televised briefing. The governor said his administration has already got several meetings lined up with potential candidates.

DeWine spokesman Dan Tierney, in a follow-up text, stated that the governor is not looking to privatize the unemployment system. Rather, Tierney stated, DeWine and Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Director Kimberly Henderson are developing a plan to bring executive leadership support from the private sector to help improve operations.

ODJFS has struggled to handle the unprecedented deluge of claims filed since the coronavirus pandemic arose last spring. Since mid-March, more than 2.2 million Ohioans have applied for jobless benefits  more than the number of claims filed during the previous five years combined.

Especially in the initial months of the crisis, claimants faced lengthy delays in getting benefits, and there have been ongoing problems with people being able to talk to someone at the department with questions or problems regarding their claims.

Henderson told state lawmakers last year that part of the problem was that the states unemployment benefits system uses computers that date back to 2004. ODJFS ballooned its unemployment benefits phone staff from 40 to 1,250 in a matter of weeks to try to deal with the onslaught.

Another problem for ODJFS is that more than half of Ohios 1.4 million Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claims have been flagged as potentially fraudulent. Many Ohioans didnt know that scammers had filed for benefits in their name until ODJFS sent them a 1099 tax form in the past few weeks.

ODJFS has asked victims to report fraud claims via a big red button on the departments website so ODJFS can conduct investigations and, if necessary, issue corrected 1099s to the Internal Revenue Service.

Last week, nearly 50,000 Ohioans filed initial claims for benefits, marking the fourth-highest jump of any state in the nation and the most new weekly claims filed in Ohio since last May.

Ongoing traditional unemployment claims in Ohio have remained above 200,000 for three weeks -- their highest level since October, statistics show. Analysts say that shows Ohios economy is still struggling to rebound from the coronavirus pandemic.

I can make all the excuses in the world, DeWine said Thursday. I can stand here, but that doesnt do anybody any good -- [theyre] not getting a check.

Read more Ohio politics and government stories:

84 of Ohios 88 counties on red alert for coronavirus concerns, despite drops in hospitalizations and cases

New Ohio jobless claims hit 10-month high, showing states economy remains in a coronavirus slump

Ohio coronavirus deaths now exceed 11,000: Thursday update

Senators grill Ohios Rep. Marcia Fudge at her confirmation hearing to be Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

Self-described militia members trained in Ohio before storming U.S. Capitol, indictment says

An Afghan woman judge tried to fight off a Taliban assassin with her handbag but died after the killer shot her five times in the chest.

Supreme Court Judge Kadria Yasini, 53, drew her handbag to her chest to protect herself from the gunman's attack in Kabul earlier this month.

Shots ripped through her black leather handbag, police say, leaving the 53-year-old dead at the scene, with at least five bullet holes in her chest.

Fellow judge and victim, Zakia Herawi, 47, was shot in the face, neck and chest, and died on the spot.

The two-man motorbike hit squad, who are still at large, fled the blood-soaked street in central Kabul shouting 'Allahu Akbar' as they peeled off.

Gunmen shot dead the two unnamed judges, who worked for the Supreme Court, on January 17 in Kabul, where a new trend of targeted killings of high-profile figures has sown fear in the restive city

Violence has surged in Afghanistan in recent months despite ongoing peace talks between the Taliban and the government. Pictured: People carry the coffin of an Afghan women judge killed in Afghanistan earlier this month

The shooting came just hours after a high-level meeting between the Taliban negotiation team and US special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, along with the head of US forces in Afghanistan, General Scott Miller, according to tweets by a Taliban spokesman. Pictured: Mourners gather at the funeral of one of the female judges killed by gunmen in Kabul on January 17

While looking through his mother's bullet-riddled bag, Yasini's son Abdulwahab Yasini, 28, told the Times he thinks his mother was shot more than police estimates.

'The police told us that Mum had been shot five times but maybe it was much more,' said Abdulwahab Yasini, 20. 'There are three spent bullets in the bag, and everything seems to have been shot through.'

A pair of tweezers were bent by the impact of the shells and the bag, a purse, notebook, water bottle and book on law written by the 53-year old were all pierced, the Times reports.

Abdulwahab then found a Mother's Day letter he and his siblings had written to her, also lanced.

Yasini's brother, Haji Mustafa Herawi, was one of the first at the bloody scene after hearing gun shots ring out through the window of his Kabul home.

He said their father was killed at the same spot 30 years ago during a rocket attack.

'As a young man I ran into this street and collected my dead father's brain from the tarmac,' he told the Times. 'Thirty years later I ran out and found my sister dead in the car in the same place. They had shot her in the face, head, chest, everywhere. And the wounds of the past came back again.'

The murders have caused outrage across Afghanistan and come just three months before the US and Britain withdraw the last of their fighting forces from the war-torn country.

Once content with attacking Afghan forces and law enforcement officers, the Taliban are increasingly targetting members of civil society, including MPs, journalists and prominent cultural figures, among others.

In recent months, several prominent Afghans - including politicians, journalists, activists, doctors and prosecutors - have been assassinated in often brazen daytime attacks in Kabul and other cities. Pictured: A relative of one of the slain judges cries at her funeral

The targeted killings have surged despite the Taliban and Afghan government engaging in peace talks in the Qatari capital of Doha. Pictured: Relatives carry the body of one of the women killed in an ambush

On the same day the judges were killed, Taliban, Afghan and US negotiators sat down in Qatar. Among the insurgents' demands was the release of 5,000 jailed fighters, which experts fear could see them return to their former strength.

As negotiations towards a permanent ceasefire drag on, Taliban footmen to kill with impunity.

Last year's peace accord with the US government has restricted the insurgents in carrying out large-scale urban bombing campaigns, so they have switched methods.

Victims are now killed by trained motorbike assassins, or detonating magnetic mines under vehicles which engulf them in clouds of fire.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has accused the Taliban of launching an 'illegitimate war and hostility'.

As the Taliban targets the liberal elite, droves of the country's most-educated are leaving and applications for Afghan passports are at record levels, the Times reports.

'People are leaving. Those that remain are becoming too afraid to speak out,' said Shaharzad Akbar, chairwoman of Afghanistan's Independent Human Rights Commission.

Akbar fears that public debate is being silenced among people who choose to stay. For many women, he adds, seeing the two judges killed after working so hard to rise in such a male-dominated judiciary, 'raises the question in women's minds here: "Is it worth it?"'

On the day of the killings, Akbar called them a 'systematic massacre'.

'Afghanistan is losing one of its most important gains, its educated & professional cadre, in what seems to be a systematic massacre & the world seems to be just watching. This must stop,' tweeted Akbar.

Killings in Kabul have risen sharply since November, with 91 civilians and 64 law enforcement officers slaughtered in just 102 days. Almost 350 people have been wounded.

Following the attacks, President Ashraf Ghani spoke to the families of Yasini and Herawi and called for the hanging of any Taliban prisoners found to be involved in the incident.

Social media users echoed Ghani's calls for any accomplice's to be executed.

Vice President Amrullah Saleh called the 'ultra-sensitive and spectacular assassinations', events that have shaken Afghani society, adding the Taliban was trying to 'humiliate' the government and target civil society.

Saleh said the reasons behind the attack is that the Taliban see media, and women, as blockades in the way of their Islamic state.

The extremists countered authorities' comments with threats, which concerned UN, US and NATO diplomats as they fear rising public outrage could hinder already dragging peace talks. ***

America's 2,500 troops are to leave the conflict-ravaged country by 1 May and Britain's 1,000-strong battleforce will follow closely behind.

Western forces will leave whether a peace accord is finalised, or not, and many experts believe an agreement still won't be reached in the timeframe. Many believe a collapse in talks will lead to civil war.

Two men held by Afghan intelligence have been interviewed and confessed to being behind the November killing of Yusuf Rasheed, the CEO of the Free and Fair Election Forum of Afghanistan Yusuf Rasheed, and his driver.

The detainees, aged 19 and 20, are still awaiting trial after being arrested three weeks ago.

One admitted to watching Rasheed daily schedule and planning the attack, while the other confessed he had been in possession and transported one of the Berettas used.

Twenty-year-old Safi Ahmed told the Times that he'd been a member of the Taliban since he was 16 and that his superiors ordered Rasheed's killing.

'We were told by our commander that Yusuf Rasheed was a senior government official, backed by the infidels,' Ahmed said.

'We were instructed to travel to Kabul with just one mission, to kill him.'

It is firmly believed that the Taliban have been behind most of the killings, but some have been claimed by rival jihadist group, the Islamic State.

Some think that other criminal organisations, including the country's mafia, could be involved and benefitting from efforts to cull the liberal elite.

Former news anchor Yama Siawash was killed in Kabul when a mine under his vehicle exploded on 7 November as he made his way to work at Aghanistan's state-owned Central Bank.

Mr Siawash was collected 20 minutes after the vehicle left the bank's secure car park, which suggests the mine was attached on bank premises.

His family believe the investigation was muddied in order to hide the mafia's infiltration of the Afghan government.

Rasheed's brother, Abdul Baqi, 32, said his brother was someone working to help Afghan society move forward.

'My brother was killed because he worked for transparency in this society,' said Abdul Baqi.

'Yet now even the word 'democracy' is understood by our society as a target ... all of these killings are undermining faith in what democracy actually means here or what place it has in our future.'


by Mathias Hariyadi

The local and national ecclesiastical authorities closely follow the evolution of the situation, according to the principle of maximum transparency. The convent is home to retired sisters and young nuns who work in healthcare. Catholic victims of the pandemic are growing. President Widodo orders a partial lockdown in Java and Bali.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) - A Covid-19 outbreak has been reported in the Saint Anne Convent on Colombo Street in Yogyakarta, on the island of Java, a structure managed by the sisters of the order of St. Charles Borromeo.

In a single day, the swabs carried out inside the convent gave at least "25 positive results among the religious and another 29 among the employees" the superior Sister Yustiana Wiwiek Iswanti confirmed to AsiaNews.

One part of the building houses elderly or retired nuns, who, based on their age, are to be considered more at risk in case of new coronavirus infection. These are also joined by young and active sisters, who stay in the convent but work in health or social welfare facilities in the city. "There are at least 198 people in the complex - reports Sister Iswanti - considering the religious and employees, including nurses, assistants and administrative staff".

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the convent has applied strict protocols to avoid outbreaks within the community, also in consideration of the elderly population it hosts.

"Our congregation - adds the nun - is known for its apostolate in the social and healthcare sectors". Next to the main building stands the mother house of the Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo and, not far away, there is also the Panti Rapih hospital, the second Catholic hospital in Central Java inaugurated in 1929.

The news of the dozens of positive cases that emerged during a sweep check last January 27 raised understandable fears as well as determining a series of measures part of an obligatory protocol in the event of an outbreak.

Among those closely following the evolution of the situation is Msgr. Robertus Rubiyatmoko, archbishop of Semarang and the president of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference (Kwi) card. Ignatius Suharyo.

The heads of the convent immediately decided to adopt the policy of maximum transparency, combined with constant monitoring of the conditions of the nuns and employees. Most of them are observed and treated by doctors and nurses of the Panti Rapih Hospital in suitable rooms for isolation, also because mass hospitalization in the nearby hospital that welcomes non-Covid patients is not possible and would thus risk greatly amplifying the infections.

Meanwhile, the number of victims of Covid-19 is increasing throughout the Indonesian archipelago, even within the Catholic community. The latest in chronological order is Sister Florentina Sihombing, a doctor who in all probability contracted the virus on the hospital ward. Sister Elisabeth in North Sumatra told AsiaNews that "throughout the Christmas period, thousands of tourists flocked to Lake Toba, where the sister worked in the nearby Pangururan".

At the beginning of January, Fr. Fabianus Teddy Aer, of the congregation of the Holy Family in Kalimantan and a few days later tbrother Hardianus Usat passed away. The former archbishop of Medan and apostolic administrator of Sibolga Msgr Anicetus B. Sinaga also died again coronavirus. Other victims include Jesuit priest Fr. R. Maryono in Semarang and Brother Stevanus Prihana, a young Jesuit from Jakarta.

Faced with an escalation of infections and a vaccination campaign still in its infancy, President Joko Widodo has imposed a partial lockdown on Java and Bali, the two most populous regions in the country. Since the beginning of the health emergency in Indonesia, 1.02 million infections have been recorded, over 831 thousand healed and 28,855 official victims.
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A Brief History

History and Legacy of the Williamsport Community Concert Association

The Williamsport Community Concert Association (WCCA) was established in 1928 in response to a growing population and budding arts and cultural scene in northcentral Pennsylvania. Since its founding, the WCCA provided a source of pleasure, enrichment, and inspiration to area residents by providing an affordable annual series of outstanding performances by world-renowned musical artists. The WCCA inaugurated an annual concert series that served to build Williamsports reputation as a place of significance because of the premier musicians and artists who performed in the city.

For generations, the WCCA partnered with the best performance spaces in Williamsport including the Ulman House, Majestic Theatre, the Scottish Rite, and most recently, the Community Arts Center to host its annual concert series of three to five performances. Long supported by dues and membership fees, concertgoers were afforded a musically diverse series of nationally and internationally renowned orchestras, symphonies, ensembles, choirs, soloists, and bands. At the heart of the organization was a desire to enrich lives and expose northcentral Pennsylvania to the musical and cultural performers traditionally available only to those in major urban areas.

In 1976, WCCAs leadership had the foresight to establish an endowment to ensure the organizations ability to offer premier concerts at a very fair price. For close to 50 years, the endowment served to supplement membership dues and enabled the WCCA to maintain the quality and character of its performances. It is this endowment that now serves as the ongoing legacy of the WCCA that provides permanent support for community concerts in Williamsport.

Today the Williamsport Community Concert Association Endowed Program Fund at Lycoming College provides concerts and guest performances every year to music lovers throughout the region.

WCCA Board Presidents and Leaders

Eight men and women guided the Williamsport Community Concert Association over the course of its existence. Their leadership and dedication to the organization stands as a lasting tribute that continues to be reflected in the cultural life of Williamsport.

1928  Upon formation, organizers named an executive committee to conduct the groups activities. Mr. Oliver J. Decker, appointed chairman of the committee, was then the first chief officer.

1935  A story published September 8, 1935, identifies Mr. McCormick as Association president.

1937  Mrs. Eaton N. Frisbie succeeded Mr. McCormick as president.

1957  C. Stewart Coryell is elected as Mrs. Frisbies successor.

1962  C. Stewart Coryell resigned, and William H. Askey is named president.

1968  Terry Ziegler was elected president, serving a total of 44 years on the board until his death.

2002  Dale V. Bower was asked to become president and served for 10 years.

2013-2021  Cynthia Staiman Vosk became president. During her tenure, four individuals were honored as emeritus board members: Dale Bower, Jane Landon, James Rogers, and Marvin Staiman. Staiman Vosk, along with her fellow board members, stewarded the WCCAs endowment to Lycoming College, and in so doing, preserved the organizations legacy of offering premier concerts to the greater Williamsport community.
A disgraced former police chief 'is shrouded in accusations of being tied to the Gilgo Beach murders', a sensational new podcast claims.

Unraveled: Long Island Serial Killer, released on Wednesday, delves into the search for the man who murdered almost a dozen women before disposing of their bodies along the desolate beach.

Between 2010 and 2011, 11 sets of human remains were uncovered by the beach, located in Suffolk County, Long Island, an hour east of New York City.

Most of the victims were young prostitutes, and no one has yet been arrested for their deaths.

Unraveled, hosted by Billy Jensen and Alexis Linkletter, puts the spotlight on ex-Suffolk County Police Chief James Burke, who headed the department from 2011 until his resignation in 2015.

Burke was jailed for 46 months back in 2016 after pleading guilty to a civil rights violation arising out of an assault on a local man by the name of Christopher Loeb in 2012, while he was serving in the top job.

Unraveled, hosted by Billy Jensen and Alexis Linkletter, puts the spotlight on ex-Suffolk County Police Chief James Burke, who headed the department from 2011 until his resignation in 2015. The disgraced former cop is pictured in 2016

Between 2010 and 2011, 11 sets of human remains were uncovered near Gilgo Beach, located in Suffolk County on Long Island, an hour east of New York City. This map shows the locations where some of the victims were found, and the distance between the crime scenes

Loeb had stolen a navy duffel bag from the back of Burke's SUV in December of that year, before he was subsequently tracked down police. Loeb says Burke took him back to the station and assaulted him.

Loeb is interviewed in the first episode of Unraveled, where he sensationally claims that Burke may have beaten him because he found an incriminating item inside the duffel bag.

During the podcast, Loeb tells producers that the duffel bag contained a pink sex toy, handcuffs, a whistle and several pornography DVDs.

Loeb alleges that he put one of the DVDs into a player and was stunned by what he saw.

'I put it on for about two minutes, I saw a guy with a mask on torturing a girl, a prostitute. She was tied behind her back, make up was running down her back, she was scared to death,' Leob claims.

He says it was a 'snuff film' - otherwise known as a pornographic movie of an actual murder.

The producers of Unraveled admit they have no way of verifying Loeb's accusations, but state: 'Its so out there, but so much of this story is out there.'

Christopher Loeb (pictured) was beaten by Police Chief Burke back in 2012 after he stole his duffel bag. Loeb told the Unraveled podcast that the duffel bag contained a snuff film

Unraveled: Long Island Serial Killer, released on Wednesday, delves into the search for the man who murdered almost a dozen women before disposing of their bodies along the desolate beach

Prior to becoming Suffolk County Police Chief, Burke had been busted for 'having sex in his patrol car while in uniform with a prostitute who used crack cocaine', according to The New York Times.

Vice claims Burke has been described by those who know him as a 'sex-obsessed narcissist and a 'middle-aged bachelor with a vulgar disregard for social niceties'.

He became Suffolk County Police Chief shortly after the remains of the victims were discovered on Gilgo Beach.

According to Unraveled,'just weeks after entering office, Burke shut the FBI out of the investigation into the Gilgo Beach serial killer.'

More episodes of the podcast will be released next month, and will further probe the ex- cop.

Burke was released from prison in 2019 after completing his sentence for his assault on Loeb.

An aerial view of the area near Gilgo Beach where police found the remains in 2010 and 2011

However, Loeb is not the only person to theorize that Burke could be connected to the Gilgo Beach case.

In 2016, an attorney for the family of Shannan Gilbert - who is believed to have been a victim of the Gilgo Beach serial killer - said Burke should be investigated.

The attorney brought forth a Long Island escort who said she had an aggressive sexual encounter with Burke back in 2011.

The incident allegedly occurred at a home in the same area where Gilbert disappeared, not far from Gilgo Beach.

'I say it brings a direct connection between Burke and those poor dead victims lying along Ocean Parkway,' Ray stated.

At the time, Burke's attorney scoffed at the allegation.

Shannan Gilbert was working as an escort when she disappeared in the early morning hours of May 1, 2010. Investigation into her case led to the discovery of different buried on Gilgo Beach

The Gilgo Beach killings have made national headlines and were recently the subject of a Netflix film, titled Lost Girls.

The 2010 disappearance of Gilbert, a 24-year-old sex worker who vanished after leaving a client's house on foot near Gilgo Beach, triggered a hunt that exposed the larger mystery.

A police officer and his cadaver dog were looking for Gilbert's body in the thicket near the beach when they happened upon the remains of a different woman. Within days, three other bodies were found, all within a short walk of one another.

By spring 2011, that number had climbed to 10 sets of human remains - eight women, a man and a toddler.

The first four bodies found were those of women in their 20s who worked as prostitutes, according to police.

Maureen Brainard Barnes, 25, went missing on July 9, 2007. Her remains were found on December 13, 2010.

Megan Waterman, 22, who had a daughter, went missing on June 6, 2010. Her body was also found on December 13, 2010.

The remains of Melissa Barthelemy, 24, who had been living in the Bronx at the time, and Amber Lynn Costello, 27, were also found on December 13, 2010.

Barthelemy's body was the first to be found. She went missing on July 12, 2009. Costello disappeared on September 2, 2010.

In March 2011,police discovered the skull of a 20-year-old prostitute identified as Jessica Taylor.

Five more remains were discovered at Gilgo Beach over the next two weeks.

'Gilgo Four': These photos show the first four victims who were found a decade ago near Gilgo Beach, Long Island, as part of an investigation into a serial killer

Meanwhile, Shannan Gilbert's body was later found in the marsh in the community of Oak Beach in December 2011, about three miles east of where the other 10 sets were discovered.

Police have long maintained that Gilbert's death was accidental and excluded her from the 10 other bodies found during the case.

They said at the time that she drowned in a drug-induced haze after wandering into the wetland, but her relatives have long disputed that determination.

An independent autopsy results commissioned by Gilbert's mother indicated she too may have been strangled like the other victims.

Shannan Gilbert (seen above), a 24-year-old sex worker, went missing in 2010. Her disappearance ended up uncovering the other killings
Attila Nemecz

Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator

Beaufort County Community College

5337 U.S. Highway 264 East

Washington, N.C. 27889

Ph : 252-940-6387

: 252-940-6387 Cell : 252-940-8672

: 252-940-8672 attila.nemecz@beaufortccc.edu

The Beaufort County Community College Foundation is proud to announce the following scholarship recipients for the Spring 2021 semester.received the State Employees Credit Union Scholarship. The New Bern resident plans to transfer to East Carolina University and work as a practicing psychologist.Scholarships are awarded to students who best exemplify the membership philosophy of credit unions, "People Helping People," and have demonstrated leadership, excellence of character, integrity, and community involvement. Preference will be given to students whose parents or guardians and family members are public sector employees who live and work in North Carolina. Students must have a GPA of 2.5 of higher and be enrolled in an associate degree, diploma or certificate program., 18, received the Bill Pruitt/St. Thomas Episcopal Church Scholarship. The Bath resident is part of the Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses (RIBN) program through East Carolina University. He is the son of Katherine Renee Boyd and Linwood Keith Boyd of Bath. Boyd attended Northside High School, plans to pursue a master's degree and to work as a nurse practitioner.The Bill Pruitt/St. Thomas Episcopal Church Scholarship supports a student who is a graduate of Northside High School and ineligible for a Pell Grant. The student must be in good standing with a minimum GPA 2.75. Preference is given to students entering two-year job ready programs that require an Associate Degree in Applied Science or appropriate certificate., 17, received the David Clark Scholarship. The Bath resident is working toward an Associate in Arts. Cullipher attended Bear Grass Charter School and plans to transfer to East Carolina University for a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. He plans to work as a mechanical engineer.The David Clark Endowment was established in 2011 by Trader Construction Company-New Bern, NC and Potash Corp-Aurora, NC in memory of David Clark. David was a Trader Construction Company superintendent with more than 30 years of industrial construction experience. He was an exemplary employee and excellent role model for his fellow co-workers. He was also a man of faith, community involvement, and a native of Beaufort County, NC. This endowment is available to BCCC students in any of the industrial technology programs-automotive systems, electrical engineering, electronics engineering, mechanical engineering, or welding., 19, received the James Franklin & Hannah Bagwell Scholarship. The Bath resident is working toward an Associate in Science. Dill attended Bunker Hill High School and plans to transfer to East Carolina University before attending medical school. She currently works as a seasonal sales associate at Belk.Established in 1997, this endowment funds annual scholarships in memory of William Riley and Rosa Watson Roberson and William "Bill" Roberson Bagwell. The recipients of these awards must be high school or GED graduates enrolled in a degree, diploma, or certificate program, must demonstrate financial need, and must show academic promise.received the Thomas Minges/Pepsi Cola Scholarship. The business administration student plans attended Washington Montessori Public Charter School.Two Thomas Minges/Pepsi Cola Scholarships are provided annually to qualified students who are enrolled full time and a resident of a qualifying county. Recipients may also be high school students entering college in the fall semester. Students must exhibit academic achievement with a GPA average of 3.0 or better and special awards, job experiences and community activities are considered for final award., 20, received the Cypress Landing and the Foundation General Scholarships. The Washington resident is working toward an Associate in Science. Rodman attended J.H. Rose High School. He plans to become a school counselor as well as a licensed funeral director. He currently works at Food Lion as a stocker and a customer lead.The homeowners in Cypress Landing subdivision joined forces in 2017 to create this first-of-its-kind endowment at BCCC. Mrs. Helen Sommerkamp and Mr. Chris Harris lead the effort to organize the campaign. This scholarship is awarded to a BCCC student residing in Beaufort County and who demonstrates need., 20, received the J. Bonner Paul Scholarship. The Greenville resident is part of the nursing program. Romero Ruiz attended D.H. Conley High School. He is the son of Ricardo Romero and Lorena Ruiz of Greenville. He currently works as a nurse aide at River Trace Nursing and Rehabilitation, and he plans to work as a traveling nurse and a nursing professor.J. Bonner Paul's wife Lillian, and Bobby Hodges, vice president of Paul Funeral Home, created this endowment on November 23, 2008 to memorialize his successful career and numerous civic contributions to Beaufort County. Mr. Paul joined his family's mortuary business in 1937 and shaped it into a company synonymous with compassion and service. He was active in numerous civic, church, and professional organizations throughout his life. The scholarship provided by this endowment is awarded annually to a business or nursing student attending BCCC., 18, received the Louise R. Lester Foundation Scholarship. The Plymouth resident is working toward an Associate in Science. Waters attended Roch Academy and plans to transfer to East Carolina University. He is the son of Christie and Ronnie Waters.Founded in 2001, the Louse R. Lester Foundation builds on the charitable works of Mrs. Louise Robertson Lester. Mrs. Lester was a native of Martinsville, Va. She was an accomplished artist, producing beautiful paintings and poetry. The foundation seeks to effect positive change in the communities and lives of the people who are served through its philanthropic support. They seek to build effective relationships with grantees through a willingness to understand the challenges they face. Scholarships are available for students facing financial challenges to continue their college education.
The ongoing pandemic has emphasised the importance of insurance as a form of financial protection for oneself and family, reiterating the unpredictability of life-altering events

The first-ever paperless fiscal Budget will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 1 February 2021. The expected announcements bear the heavyweight of peoples expectations stemming from the economic downturn caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While India has fared relatively well through the pandemic considering its population and healthcare infrastructure prevalent prior to the pandemic, the biggest challenge lies in nursing the economy which was anyway showing signs of slowdown even prior to the pandemic.

In 2020, the government announced multiple stimulus packages to aid ailing businesses and the workforce. However, the ongoing pandemic has emphasised the importance of insurance (health and life) as a form of financial protection for oneself and family, reiterating the unpredictability of life-altering events. While there has been an increased awareness of insurance offerings among consumers, especially term and health insurance, significant headway has to be made in terms of public awareness and public acceptance of insurance continues to be a push product in India. Considering the importance of insurance to the infrastructure sector and overall economy, the sector is hopeful that the finance minister will take the following measures in the upcoming Budget to help increase insurance penetration:

Increase in FDI limits

The finance minister in her maiden Budget speech in 2019 had highlighted the governments intent to enhance the Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) limit in insurance companies. However, thereafter, there has been no further announcement on this matter. The liberalisation of FDI in insurance companies should be given a top priority and should be implemented in this years Budget. Given the current uncertainty and economic slowdown, the government should increase the FDI limit in the insurance sector to 74 percent without insisting on the requirement of it being Indian controlled as this will help the sector in bringing better technical know-how, innovation and improving insurance penetration, thereby augmenting the efforts of the government to revive the economy.

Separate tax deduction for payment of life insurance premium

In Union Budget 2020, the finance minister announced a new optional tax regime for individual taxpayers wherein lower tax rates were introduced, and the taxpayers are required to forgo the claim of deduction under section 80C of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (the Act). Currently, under section 80C of the Act, among other deductions such as payments made towards employees provident fund etc, the taxpayer can claim a deduction of life insurance premium within the overall limit Rs 1,50,000.

It is a well-recognised fact that many individual taxpayers in India buy life insurance products to claim deduction under the Act. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the need for sufficient health as well as life insurance cover given life uncertainty. Hence, a separate deduction of the health insurance premium paid under section 80D of the Act should be allowed to taxpayers even under the new optional tax regime. Moreover, considering the higher cost of health insurance premiums, the government should revisit the limits currently available for claiming deduction of health insurance premium under section 80D of the Act and revise the same according to market conditions.

Reduction in tax on profits, gains

As per section 115B of the Act, the profits and gains from life insurance business are chargeable to tax at the rate of 12.5 percent. The tax rate of 12.5 percent was introduced in 1976 when the corporate tax rates ranged from 45 percent to 65 percent. In 2019, the government of India reduced the headline corporate tax rate to 22 percent (excluding surcharge and cess) for domestic companies and 15 percent (excluding surcharge and cess) for new manufacturing companies, subject to certain conditions. It is time that the government revisits corporate tax rates for life insurance companies and reduces the same since it could have a positive impact on cash flows and profitability of life insurance companies.

Extended carry forward for business losses

It is a well-recognised fact that life insurance companies have a longer gestation period vis-a-vis many other firms and still many of them continue to make losses even after 10 years of existence. Moreover, COVID-19 pandemic has further aggravated the financial position of life insurance companies. Given this, it is the right time for the government to allow an extended period of 12 years for the carryforward of losses incurred by life insurance companies.

Reforms for non-life insurance business

Last year, non-life insurance companies welcomed the amendment regarding allowability of deduction for unpaid statutory liabilities under section 43B of the Act in the year of payment. However, non-life insurance companies were also expecting a similar amendment regarding allowability of expenses in the year of compliance with withholding tax provisions, excluding reversal of provision in the year of credit to profit and loss account which was earlier disallowed. Non-life insurance companies have hopes that Budget 2021 would provide for such an amendment and bring clarity in their taxation mechanism.

The Indian branch of foreign reinsurers was hopeful that a

Special code of taxation, that is fair and unambiguous would be introduced for them,

Process of obtaining blanket NIL withholding tax certificate would be rationalised on similar lines as currently applicable to Indian branches of foreign banks in the Budget 2020.

While the issue related to the process of obtaining the blanket Nil withholding tax certificate has been resolved in September 2020, ambiguity still remains in the manner in which such reinsurance branches would be taxed in India. Reinsurance branches are hoping that Budget 2021 would introduce for them a special code of taxation that is fair and unambiguous.

The finance Minister recently promised to present a never before like Union Budget. Given this, we hope that Budget 2021 would bring much-needed bold reforms to boost the Indian economy.

The writer is Partner and Head of Financial Services Tax, KPMG in India. Bharat Jain, CA, also contributed to the article.
Couple Take Nephew Into Their Home After Parents Alleged Abuse Lands Him in Hospital

A Virginia couple have welcomed their baby nephew into their home after he faced alleged physical abuse at the hands of his birth parents to the point that the 7-month-old was hospitalized for his injuries.

Michelle Harris Templeton, 31, and her husband, Nathan, 32, decided to choose a new name for their nephew, calling him Carter and giving him a brand-new start to life.

[T]his is just what Im meant to do, Michelle, herself a mom of two, told People.

Baby Carter is the son of Michelles estranged brother. His story is an echo of the past for Michelle. One of four siblings, she was also legally adopted by her aunt at just 3 days old, as her birth mother couldnt cope with raising all of her siblings. Now, years later, she credits her aunt for giving her the absolute best life.

Michelle and Nathan, who run a wedding photography and videography company together, were informed that Carter had been airlifted to UPMC Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh in October 2020, as he temporarily stopped breathing.

The baby was resuscitated but was diagnosed with multiple leg fractures just days later and placed in casts. His parents maintained that Carter had fallen off the couch.

However, Michelle remained skeptical. I thought, Thats weird because I have two girls and theyve fallen off things, but never fractured a bone, she explained. It just escalated from there.

Carter had sustained a brain injury, inducing seizures. A retinal hemorrhage in his right eye had impaired his vision. Monitoring the baby in the ICU with a ventilator and an EEG machine, doctors speculated that his extensive injuries were concurrent with either a car accident or abuse.

Carter had never been in a car accident.

Upon seeing photos of a handprint on Carters face, Michelle gathered paperwork and hot-footed it to Pittsburgh. I lost it, she said of her arrival at the ICU and witnessing the babys little body attached to all the wires and machines. I just knew, Ive got to do whatever to get this taken care of because I couldnt see him going with anybody else.

Carters birth parents, Andre Sheffey, 33, and his partner, Savannah Grove, 34, were taken to Clearfield County Prison in Pennsylvania on $100,000 bail. Both were charged in connection to Carters injuries, WJAC reported.

Desperate to keep her nephew out of the foster care system, Michelle made three court appearances to lobby for custody. Recalling them as the most stressful three weeks of my life, and extremely draining, Michelle credits her judge for the final verdict.

Carter went home with Michelle and Nathan.

Carter, whose casts were removed, quickly became part of the Templeton family. Welcoming the baby into the fold with a photoshoot, Michelle shared the pictures on Facebook ahead of Christmas 2020.

Carter had not yet regained his sight, was taking daily seizure medication, and had a gastrostomy tube in his stomach. But he could breathe on his own, eat via his mouth, and had a naturally happy temperament.

The family remains optimistic that Carter may regain his sight.

In light of Michelle and Nathan putting their business on hold to care for Carter, The M Harris Team launched a GoFundMe page in their name to help ease the financial burden. To date, the fund has raised almost half of its $15,000 goal.

Whatever struggles we may face, were going to get through them, Michelle told People.

Its been incredible, she added. My girls wanted me to have another child and I was like, Absolutely not, so theyre super excited to have a little brother.

With me being adopted, I feel like you make your family. It doesnt matter what blood is running through, she reflected.

In welcoming their perfect-fit baby into their home and hearts, Michelle and Nathan hope to provide the best life for Carter, the way Michelles aunt once did for her. They have vowed to love the baby boy unconditionally and eternally.

This story was last updated in January 2021.

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As many as 84 people have been arrested and 38 FIRs registered so far in connection with the violence that broke out during the farmers' tractor rally on Republic Day , the Delhi police said on Saturday.

On Friday, the Delhi Police had issued an appeal in leading newspapers asking people to share any evidence or information about the violence.

"All members of the public, including media persons, who are witnesses to the incidents or have any information about the incident or have captured any activity on their mobile phones or camera, are hereby requested to come forward and give their statements/footage/picture in their possession at room number 215, second floor, Old Delhi Police Headquarters, ITO during office hours, on any working day or contact on 8750871237 or 011-23490094 or send e-mail on kisanandolanriots.26jain2021@gmmail.com," the appeal stated.

Notices have also been issued to 20 farmer leaders over the violence during the farmers' tractor rally.

While the Delhi Police is holding farmer leaders responsible for violating the agreed rules of the tractor parade, the farmers have said there was a conspiracy to sabotage and malign their peaceful protest.

The tractor parade on Tuesday that was to highlight the demands of the farmer unions to repeal the three new farm laws turned violent as some protesters deviated from pre-approved routes, leading to clashes with the security personnel.

Many of the protesters, driving tractors, reached the Red Fort while some of them hoisted religious flags on its domes and the flagstaff at the ramparts.

The Crime Branch of Delhi Police is investigating the matter and several teams have been formed to identify the culprits.

The force has termed the vandalisation at the fort as an "anti-national act".

Internet suspension

The Union Home Ministry on Saturday temporarily suspended internet services in Singhu, Ghazipur, Tikri borders and their adjoining areas from 11 pm of 29 January to 11 pm of 31 January to 'maintain public safety and averting public emergency' amid the ongoing farmers' protest.

"... it is necessary and expedient to order the temporary suspension of internet services in the areas of Singhu, Ghazipur and Tikri, and their adjoining areas in the NCT of Delhi from 11 pm on January 29 to 11 pm on January 31," the Home Ministry order read.

The Haryana government, that had suspended internet in 17 districts on Friday, extended the order for 16 districts on Saturday.

Internet services except for voice calls are suspended in Ambala, Yamuna Nagar, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Kaithal, Panipat, Hisar, Jind, Rohtak, Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, Fatehabad, Rewari, Sonipat, Palwal and Jhajjar until 5 pm on Sunday.





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The Treasury: Riled up about reporting

This week, the Treasury Departments Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, known as FinCEN, extended by 60 days the comment period for proposed reporting rules on digital wallet transactions that it says would prevent money laundering. First announced on Dec. 23, with a 15-day comment period, the move incited outrage in the crypto community. The regulator has twice relented, noting the robust engagement that came after what opponents called midnight rulemaking by Steven Mnuchin, the secretary of the Treasury at the time.

It showed the crypto industry could force a pivot by a powerful agency. They argue that the proposed disclosure and record-keeping requirements are arbitrary and unjustified, as Jack Dorsey of Twitter and Square wrote in a comment letter:

The incongruity between the treatment of cash and cryptocurrency under FinCENs proposal will inhibit adoption of cryptocurrency and invade the privacy of individuals. Yet, the rule fails to explain the difference in risk.

The procedural win doesnt guarantee that the new secretary of the Treasury, Janet Yellen, will shift gears on the matter. At her confirmation hearing, she suggested that many cryptocurrency transactions were associated with illicit activity, which Ms. Smith of the Blockchain Association called a very disappointing reaction. In written testimony released later, Ms. Yellen offered a more nuanced take, saying regulators should look closely at how to encourage their use for legitimate activities while curtailing their use for malign and illegal activities.

The C.F.T.C.: Act fast

Chris Brummer, a professor at Georgetown Law and a fintech guru, is in the running to become the next commissioner of the C.F.T.C. Picked for the same gig in 2016, his nomination was withdrawn by the Trump administration. Since then, Mr. Brummer has testified before Congress on blockchain policy, edited an online journal and book on crypto assets, and written a textbook, Fintech Law in a Nutshell. Hes an expert, in other words.

Whoever takes over, knowledge cant fill the major regulatory gaps, Mr. Massad, of Harvard, said. In his view, however crypto savvy the next financial regulators are, they cant solve the problems that are raised by new technologies without a comprehensive law designed for digital assets. Otherwise, too much crypto activity will be left unregulated for too long.

A case in point, perhaps, is the civil enforcement action filed in the fall by the C.F.T.C., accusing BitMEX, a cryptocurrency exchange, of operating an unregistered trading platform selling crypto derivatives. It is accused of facilitating transactions that earned more than $1 billion in fees since 2014 without the most basic compliance procedures. BitMEX owes a reply next month. In a companion criminal case, the Department of Justice contends that BitMEX execs deliberately flouted anti-money laundering rules.
Midland resident Matthew Wygant, 32, found not only recovery from substance use in Midland County, but a sense of belonging.

Midland is much better for me than any other place in the world, for sure  at that time and this time, Wygant said. Theres a lot of support. Up until I moved to Midland, I didnt experience any type of sense of, really, belonging or a recovery community. It was a first for me here.

After struggling with substance use disorder for more than a decade  living as a shell of a person, he said  the Oscoda native chose a different path. He had been in and out of jail and on probation in multiple court systems for years.

However, hes now grateful to celebrate more than two-and-a-half years clean from drugs and on Friday, Jan. 29, he was successfully discharged from the MiHope (Midland County Honest Opportunity Probation with Enforcement) program at the Midland County Courthouse. He was joined by Judge Stephen Carras, MiHope Coordinator Brionna Varner, his probation officer, his girlfriend, and his closest friends who comprise his recovery community.

I live a life I could only dream about before  thats not because my life is made up of dreams or anything but by far, (Im) the healthiest Ive ever been, all the way around, Wygant said.

He said his graduation from the program is a significant milestone in his recovery, like he could finally view his past in the rearview mirror.

The biggest tool in his recovery was a change in perspective and awareness  something he never had while he was using drugs. Once he stopped viewing himself as the victim; the court system and his probation officers as the enemy, Wygant was able to focus on completing the program for solely for himself.

But, he couldnt have done it alone. He had to remove some of his friends and family from his life and build a new community of people that supported his recovery.

He is very involved in the recovery community; incredibly kind, Varner, MiHope coordinator, said about Wygant. He is someone who you could rely on if you were struggling. I think he is an inspiration to other probationers.

And from the kind words spoken by his friends at the courthouse on Friday, Wygant has been just as much of an inspiration to others.

Hes such a key piece of what the recovery community is turning into in Midland, said Greg Yancer. He said he never found recovery ... never felt a part of something until he reached Midland, right, but he doesnt realize that hes that built it; hes helping build it. Hes the reason we have what we have.

Wygant is the 20th graduate of MiHope, which is a jail diversion program that includes inpatient and outpatient treatment, counseling, group meetings, random drug testing and other parameters that help guide participants to a life of recovery. After two years violation-free, participants are eligible for a successful discharge, but the program is a maximum of five years.

In 2018, Wygant was sentenced to the program for having heroin, larceny, and driving while his license was suspended/revoked. He was sent to the Tri County Community Adjudication Program (TRI-CAP) in Saginaw for inpatient treatment, however, after one day, he left. After a week missing, he turned himself in to his probation officer and he was sent to Special Alternative Incarceration (SAI) boot camp.

After boot camp, Wygant lived at Midlands Open Door shelter before finding a job, getting his own place, paying all his fines and getting his drivers license back. He works in construction and has been employed at Skills for Tomorrow since 2019. He's also taking intro trade classes that the Greater Michigan Construction Academy offers free to MiHope participants.

Now, Wygant looks forward to building his own home on a piece of property he recently purchased in Midland.
Highlanes Gallery is closed to the public under Level 5 restrictions but fully active, and online also across social media including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Don't just have a cuppa and a biscuit at 11am during lockdown, but enjoy a bit of culture and local history too.

This week sees local history and heritage guru Brendan Matthews continue his Highlanes 'Elevenses' Talk.

This Thursday at 11am don't miss this online talk.

A captured moment in time - Thomas Markey`s View of Drogheda during the height of the War of Independence in Ireland 1920/21 is the focus.

Community Historian Brendan Matthews considers two works in the Collection, Gabrielle Ricciardelli's View of Drogheda and Thomas Markey's Drogheda, 1921 and introduces the practice and influence of Ricciardelli's painting on Markey, and the contemporary events of the day that brought Markey to paint Drogheda 1921.

Thomas Markey was born in Drogheda in 1885. He resided in Coolagh Street, on the Beamore Road and was employed as a carpenter by the Drogheda Corporation.

A self-taught artist, a number of his works form part of the Drogheda Municipal Art Collection. The talk is free, with places limited to 25, so don't delay, and book yours on www.highlanes.ie and check out the weekly talks' series exploring aspects of the Collection.
US Treasury Secretary Pledges Cooperation With UK on Pandemic

In her first overseas phone call, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and her UK counterpart discussed co-operating to end the CCP virus pandemic, support a robust economic recovery, and tackle international tax issues.

On her first day on the job after being sworn into office on Jan. 26 as the first female head of the U.S. Treasury, Yellen spoke with UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak, according to a U.S. Treasury statement.

Sunak congratulated Yellen on her appointment and reiterated his commitment to uphold the longstanding ties between the United States and United Kingdom, according to a statement from the UK government.

Yellen stressed the importance of Washingtons transatlantic partnerships and their shared priorities to end the pandemic and support a strong global recovery, and in fighting inequality.

Both Yellen and Sunak agreed that our number one priority continues to be supporting businesses, individuals and families through this crisis, according to the UK statement.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned that Englands third national lockdown will last until at least March 8 as ministers try to bring under control a more contagious CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus strain. Cases of that variant have recently been confirmed in the United States.

The official COVID-19 death toll is currently around 100,000 in the UK, the highest in Europe and one of the highest per capita in the world. A surge in cases came as Johnson started a mass vaccination program to vaccinate 15 million people by mid-February and pledging almost 300 billion ($411 billion) to help the economy.

The relationship between the UK and the new U.S. administration is still evolving in other areas.

U.S. President Joe Biden has not yet formally announced a specific plan to visit the UK on a state visit. However, he will be in the country in the summer when it hosts the G7 summit.

Yellen and Sunak agreed to commit to addressing the tax challenges of efficiently and equitably taxing the income of multinational firms and seek to reach a global solution on tax challenges created by digitalisation of the economy.

In a call with the German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz on the same day, Yellen pledged active U.S. participation in Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) discussions on international taxation to reach a timely agreement.

On Jan. 14, the U.S. Trade Representatives office under the Trump administration added Austria, Spain, and the UK to a list of countries that discriminate against U.S. digital companies such as Facebook and are inconsistent with international tax principles.

The Trump administration published results of a Section 301 investigation into countries digital taxes, but at the time took no immediate action.

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said in a statement, The best outcome would be for countries to come together to find a solution.

The Biden administration has not indicated whether it will act on the reports but is seeking to engage with allies on a range of economic and trade issues.

Yellen also made a call this week with French Minister of Finance Bruno Le Maire.

Reuters contributed to this report.
New Delhi:

As the two countries exchanged a list of prisoners lodged in each others jails, India on Saturday again asked Pakistan to grant full and early consular access to its national Kulbhushan Jadhav, sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court.



According to the list Pakistan shared with India, at least 546 Indian nationals, including nearly 500 fishermen, are languishing in jails in the country.



India again requested Pakistan to grant full and early consular access to the Indian nationals lodged in the custody of Pakistan, including Hamid Nehal Ansari and Kulbhushan Jadhav, the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement in Delhi.



Jadhav was in April sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and sabotage activities. India had moved the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against the death penalty. The ICJ on May 18 had restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav.

ALSO READ: Jadhav files mercy plea, India slams Pakistan over 'confessional video'



Ansari, a Mumbai resident, was caught for illegally entering Pakistan from Afghanistan in 2012 reportedly to meet a girl he had befriended online and then went missing. He was later arrested and tried by a Pakistani military court, which pronounced him guilty of espionage.



In its list, the Pakistan foreign office said the Indian prisoners included 52 civilians and 494 fishermen. The lists of prisoners were exchanged as per provisions of the bilateral agreement on consular access which was signed on May 21, 2008. As per the pact, lists of prisoners have to be exchanged twice each year, on January 1 and July 1.



India once again requests Pakistan for the early release and repatriation of Indian prisoners, missing Indian defence personnel and fishermen along with their boats whose nationality has been confirmed by India, the MEA said.



It said India remains committed to address on priority all humanitarian matters with Pakistan, including those pertaining to prisoners and fishermen.



In this context, we await from Pakistan confirmation of nationality of those in Indias custody who are otherwise eligible for release and repatriation, it said.



The Pakistan foreign office said 219 Indian fishermen were released on January 6 and added that Pakistan would release another 77 fishermen and one civilian on July 10.

ALSO READ: Kulbhushan Jadhav files mercy petition; seeks forgiveness for espionage, terror activities, claims Pak army media wing

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
As part of a reshuffle within the church as a result of a retirement Fr Billy Swan will be moving from Enniscorthy to begin ministering in Wexford town next month.

He will take up his new appointment on February 13, and will be replaced by Fr Jim Doyle, who is currently in Mulrankin.

Fr Billy reflected on his time in Enniscorthy and said that while he is looking forward to the challenges and new opportunities in Wexford, he will miss being in Enniscorthy.

'This came about because Fr John O'Reilly, in Piercestown, is retiring and Fr Aodhan [Marken] is replacing him, and I am replacing him,' said Fr Billy.

'Fr Jim Doyle will be moving to here,' he added.

Fr Billy arrived in Enniscorthy in August, 2012, and prior to that he spent 10 years in Rome, and four-and-a-half years in New Ross.

With regard to Enniscorthy Fr Billy said: 'I have really enjoyed my eight-and-a-half years here very much.'

He said he formed many friendships in Enniscorthy and was privileged to have played a role in people's lives through some of the most significant events that happened them.

'I was also lucky enough to be here in Enniscorthy at some of the most historic events to take place here including the centenary of 1916 in 2016, that was great,' said Fr Billy.

He also said it was a privilege to be of assistance to people during the current pandemic as well and said it's another historic time in the town's history, albeit it a very challenging one.

'There have been a lot of funerals, baptisms and weddings which were all momentous occasions in people's lives and it was a privilege to be part of that,' he said.

Fr Billy said there will be more collaboration between parishes going forward in areas where parishes are split.

He likened it to the way GAA parishes are combined such as Bannow-Ballymitty and his own native Glynn-Barntown.

'I am from the parish of Glynn so that parish would be aligned as Glynn-Barntown and Glynn parish stretches from near Taghmon to the County Hospital,' he said.

'There will be a need for a lot more co-operation and collaboration going forward but they will each still have their own separate identity,' he added.

Fr Billy said the move to Wexford will pose challenges but he said he is looking forward to the move.

'It's a town of great culture with the opera, art exhibitions and a vibrant drama scene,' he said.

'It's a very active town and I am looking forward to building up good relations there,' he added.

Fr Billy agreed that the church faces challenges in the current climate and said one of the jobs will be to 'gather people again' in light of the pandemic.

'I think encouraging people to reconnect themselves to their faith will be a big challenge and to create a church of conviction rather than convention,' he said.

'We have to think deeper about faith and what it means, and about hope,' he added.

Fr Billy feels the current pandemic might enable everyone to reflect more about life in general and reconnect with their spiritual well-being.

'We are all in the same boat in that regard,' he said.

Fr Billy said there is a strong sense of community in Wexford and that people have strong Gospel values.

'I would hope we can get people's engagement with their faith and what the church has to offer,' he said.

However, while Wexford is a place he is looking forward to moving to, he admitted to feeling 'gutted' to be leaving Enniscorthy.

'I am gutted to be leaving the people here because you get very close to them,' he said.

He said witnessing families growing up and knowing people as they grow from school-going age into adulthood is a privilege that he very much appreciates being part of.

'I was there for their first Holy Communion and now those people are thinking about college and people who were doing their Leaving Certificate when I arrived are now young adults in their mid-20s with careers,' he said

'To know people all that time is very special,' he added.

'There is something greater than ourselves at work.'

Fr Billy went on to say: 'I feel blessed, and sad to leave, but I am looking forward to the new challenge.'

A 10 percent increase in pepper imports from Sri Lanka in December has left the domestic pepper industry worried, especially at a time when there is a shortage of containers and vessels.

In December 2020 alone, 822 tonnes of pepper were imported against 80 tonnes in December 2019. The imports came at eight percent customs duty from Sri Lanka under the SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Area) and duty-free under ISFTA (Indo-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement) with licence from the DGFT (Directorate-General of Foreign Trade, said Kishor Shamji, Indian Pepper and Spice Traders, Growers, Planters Consortium (IPSTGPC) Coordinator.

All imports were made under the DGFT stipulation that the minimum import price (MIP) should be Rs 500 a kg. India levies zero duty on the import of pepper from Sri Lanka, with a cap of 2,500 tonnes. Anything above that is charged eight percent duty as per SAFTA.

Pepper imports below Rs 500 are allowed under advance authorisation scheme for 100 percent export-oriented units and those functioning in special economic zones to meet the needs of the oleoresin industry.

Pepper is also allowed to be imported at 51 percent customs duty under an agreement with the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) from January 1, 2019 against the earlier duty of 70 percent.

It is surprising that pepper imports continue to be higher during a year in which the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected trade. The imports have come despite problems at ports and container shortage, said Bose Mandanna, former Coffee Board vice-chairman and a coffee estate owner.

Coffee growers like him cultivate pepper as an intercrop on their estates.

According to IPSTGPC, the use of imported pepper in the domestic market increased 30 percent last year compared with 2019. Pepper imports under SAFTA and ISFTA increased to 4,019 tonnes from 3,114 tonnes, though all were shipped into the country at the Rs 500 a kg MIP.

Overall, pepper imports increased 2.5 percent last year to 22,071 tonnes from 21,518 tonnes the previous year, Shamji said.

We have raised the issue with various government authorities and have tightened the imports. Still, importers seem to be finding loopholes to bring pepper, said K Vishwanath, Consortium of Pepper Growers Organisations (CPGO) Coordinator.

Various growers representatives such as the United Planters Association of Southern India, CAMPCO (Central Arecanut & Cocoa Marketing and Processing Co-operative Limited) and Karnataka Planters Association are part of the consortium.

A major objection raised by the IPSTGPC and CPGO is that how could pepper be imported at a MIP of Rs 500 a kg when importers sell them at Rs 300 in the domestic market.

The landed cost of imported pepper after paying eight percent duty is Rs 540 a kg but the imported commodity is sold in the domestic market at Rs 300 a kg. This raises a serious question. Are invoices being manipulated to show a higher price? said Pradeep Poovaiah, CPGO technical officer.

Shamji said in his statement that the excess money quoted in the invoices was being ploughed back through hawala or money laundering channels. He alleged that the imports were in violation of the Foreign Exchange Management Act.

Working the price at Rs 500 a kg, the imports total Rs 208 crore. But Sri Lanka has contracted to sell pepper to other destinations at $3,500 a tonne. If we take that into account for the exports to India, then it works out to only Rs 104 crore. This is a clear indication of the invoices being manipulated to show higher price, Shamji said.

The other problem with these imports is that Vietnam pepper is being brought into the country under the garb of Sri Lankan pepper.

Pepper consignments from Vietnam come into India with fake Sri Lanka certificates of origin. These come without any change in the HSN (harmonized system of nomenclature) code that classifies goods from Vietnam, said CGPOs Vishwanath.

A change in HSN is required to show that value-addition has been done to a product. Pepper imports from Sri Lanka will qualify for concessions under SAFTA and ISFTA only if they have the certificate of origin.

Poovaiah said the problem of fake certificates arose since Lankan authorities issued them without proper scrutiny.

Vietnam pepper enters India at a lower duty that affects domestic growers. Imports into Mumbai, Tuticorin or Chennai ports have continued despite Sri Lanka stopping imports from Hanoi.

Importers came up with another strategy of producing fake bills of lading as if the consignment left Sri Lanka ports when actually they would have come from Vietnam, said Poovaiah.

Vishwanath said one way of tackling the imports would be to strictly ensure that the consignments brought into the country adhered to the six percent piperine content.

Pepper is imported duty-free by the oleoresin industry which says the lower oil content of the Indian varieties made them unsuitable for it. It contends that Indian pepper is harvested only after the berries mature.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka and Vietnam harvest immature berries that reportedly have the required oil content.

Shamji, however, said Indian pepper had a higher oil content of more than six percent and was suitable for the oleoresin industry. The oil content of Vietnamese pepper is below five percent.

Shamji and Vishwanath wondered how imported pepper met specifications such as oil and piperine in lab examinations.

The samples are drawn by a third (private) party and sent to the Spices Board and we suspect there could be some manipulation because of that. We have raised the issue with the Centre, said Vishwanath.

However, importers, particularly the oleoresin industry, find these objections a hindrance to the ease of doing business and have been taking up their case through chambers of commerce and industry.

Poovaiah said that one way to check these suspicious imports would be to increase the manpower of the customs department. The process to crackdown on these imports is slow as the customs does not have the required manpower, he said.

Similarly, the Enforcement Directorate that can look at any violation of FEMA is handicapped by staff shortage. A better coordination of customs, ED and Department of Revenue Intelligence can help tackle the problem, Poovaiah said.

Grower Mandanna said that Indian pepper was superior to Vietnamese or other peppers as its pungency was good. Our pepper is grown naturally with lower or no use of chemicals, he said.

Our pepper cultivation is done on a sustainable basis. In Vietnam, it is grown as a field crop. Sustainable farming in our country should be encouraged but these cheap and fraudulent imports could endanger it, Vishwanath added.

Higher imports, as in December, would hurt the growers much at a time when the new crop was due for harvest, Shamji said.

(Subramani Ra Mancombu is a journalist based in Chennai who writes on commodities and agriculture)

: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
The Oregon Health Authority on Saturday reported 707 new confirmed or presumptive coronavirus cases and 19 more deaths.

It was the final update for the weekend. The Oregon Health Authority said maintenance on its database would prevent the agency from releasing case counts and deaths on Sunday.

The new figures come as another in-custody death was reported at Umatillas Two Rivers Correctional Institution and inmates across the state described horrid conditions amid the COVID-19 spike in Oregon prisons.

The inmate was between 70 and 80 years old and was Oregons 42nd adult in custody to die after testing positive for COVID-19.

Of the 20 such inmate deaths reported this month, 16 have occurred at Two Rivers, which is home to one of the worst outbreaks in the state. There have been at least 720 cases of COVID-19 at the prison, according to the most recent figures available.

At least 3,346 Oregon prison inmates have tested positive for the coronavirus since the start of the pandemic, according to the figures.

Last week, seven inmates at Oregon correctional facilities who first filed a class action lawsuit in federal court last April seeking protection against the spread of COVID-19 filed motions demanding the federal government intervene and immediately compel the state to vaccinate all prisoners against the coronavirus.

Where the new cases are by county: Benton (7), Clackamas (64), Columbia (14), Coos (15), Crook (7), Curry (1), Deschutes (26), Douglas (8), Hood River (6), Jackson (42), Jefferson (8), Josephine (30), Klamath (22), Lake (1), Lane (62), Lincoln (5), Linn (18), Malheur (9), Marion (63), Morrow (7), Multnomah (122), Polk (25), Tillamook (1), Umatilla (36), Union (5), Wasco (9), Washington (82) and Yamhill (12).

Who died: Newly reported deaths grew among the following age groups: 60-69 (3); 70-79 (3); 80 and older (13).

The prevalence of infections: The state reported 844 new positive tests out of 18,312 tests performed, equaling a 4.6% positivity rate.

Whos in the hospital: The state reported 280 Oregonians with confirmed coronavirus infections in the hospital Saturday, eight fewer than Friday. Of those, 67 coronavirus patients were in intensive care units, one fewer than Friday.

Vaccines: Oregon reported 407,869 doses of vaccine have been administered, or about 61% of the doses received. Oregon reported 25,500 newly administered doses, which includes 19,867 on Friday and the remainder from previous days.

Since it began: Oregon has reported 142,416 confirmed or presumed infections and 1,957 deaths, among the lowest per capita numbers in the nation. To date, the state has reported 3,181,071 lab reports from tests.

-- Jaimie Ding

jding@oregonian.com; 503-221-4395; @j_dingdingding

The World Health Organization has criticised the EU's risible handling of the Covid vaccine debacle, warning that placing export controls on the jabs risked prolonging the pandemic.

Europe's vaccine drive has been thrown off course by a shortage of supplies that has left member states reeling and leaders in Brussels thrashing out at big pharma.

The European Commission launched a scheme on Friday to monitor and, in some cases, bar exports of vaccines produced in EU plants, amid a row with British-Swedish drugs giant AstraZeneca.

However, WHO vice-head Mariangela Simao said it was a 'very worrying trend' that could jeopardise the global supply chain for vaccines.

Dr Simao, assistant director for access to medicines and health product, said: 'It is not helpful to have any country at this stage putting export bans or export barriers that will not allow for the free movement of the necessary ingredients that will make vaccines, diagnostics and other medicines available to all the world.'

And on Friday, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned against 'vaccine nationalism', saying there was a 'real danger that the very tools that could help to end the pandemic - vaccines - may exacerbate' global inequality.

It comes as the EU backtracked on Friday over a threat to restrict exports of coronavirus shots to Northern Ireland in its growing row with Britain.

WHO vice-head Mariangela Simao (left) said that the European Commission's scheme to monitor and, in some cases, bar exports of vaccines produced in EU plants was a 'very worrying' trend. And WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (right) warned on Friday against 'vaccine nationalism', saying there was a 'real danger that the very tools that could help to end the pandemic - vaccines - may exacerbate' global inequality

The UK has streaked ahead of Europe in terms of the number of vaccines administered, and has now jabbed more than 8.3 (pie chart shows January 26)

Brussels has backed down from plans to impose export controls on vaccines that threatened the shipment of 3.5million Pfizer doses to Britain.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the assurance to Boris Johnson after announcing an extraordinary embargo on jabs leaving the bloc amid dwindling supplies on the Continent.

The row blew up spectacularly when Eurocrats overrode part of the Brexit deal to create a hard border on the island of Ireland to stop doses getting into the UK through Northern Ireland, which is still in the Customs Union.

The European Commission's export monitoring scheme has risked stoking conflict with the UK just weeks after London and Brussels sealed a trade deal.

Brussels has backed down from plans to impose export controls on vaccines that threatened the shipment of 3.5m Pfizer doses to Britain. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (right) made the assurance to Boris Johnson after announcing an extraordinary embargo on jabs leaving the bloc amid dwindling supplies on the Continent

'We paid these companies to increase production and now we expect them to deliver,' EU Commission vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis said.

'[Today's] measure has been adopted with the utmost urgency. The aim is to provide us immediately with full transparency.... And if needed, it also will provide us with a tool to ensure vaccine deliveries.'

EU officials said the emergency measure is initially for six weeks but is intended to then continue until at least the end of March.

The EU's plan applies only to those coronavirus vaccines that are covered by advance purchase agreements between drug companies and the European Commission.

Vaccines expert shoots down Macron's claim that AstraZeneca jab is ineffective in over-65s A top scientist with Oxford's vaccine team has accused Emmanuel Macron of demand management' after casting doubt on the AstraZeneca jab's efficacy. Professor Sir John Bell slapped down the French President's baseless claims that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is 'quasi-ineffective' for the over-65s. He said: 'I suspect this is a bit of demand management from Mr Macron... if he didn't have any vaccine the best thing you could do is reduce demand.' Macron stoked tensions by questioning the efficacy of the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab in older patients, despite it being approved by the EU regulator. Sir John today told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I'm not sure where he got that from.' He acknowledged its original study only had small numbers of elderly people, with many shielding themselves from the pandemic, but added: 'The numbers still pointed toward a very highly effective vaccine but the numbers were small, in fairness, we always accepted that.' He said other studies proved 'elderly people responded just as well in other age groups' and that 'there's really persuasive evidence that this is a protective vaccine in those populations'. Advertisement

Those firms in the EU will have to apply for an authorisation to export doses meant for countries outside the bloc, and show their export records for the previous three months.

A response would normally be given within 48 hours, though that could be extended if necessary.

Most non-EU countries in and around Europe, such as Switzerland, those in the Balkans or micro-states like Monaco, are exempted from the measure.

But Britain, which last year left the EU amid much acrimony, is not.

Brussels has been in a furious dispute with AstraZeneca this week, accusing it of breaching its contract by delaying deliveries to EU governments while maintaining those under a deal it signed earlier with the UK.

But Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides insisted: 'We are not protecting ourselves against any specific country. And we're not in competition or in a race against any country.'

The prior three-month reporting period would presumably reveal whether or not AstraZeneca did indeed - as has been alleged - send vaccines to Britain from its vaccine plants in Europe, which it says have since been hit by production glitches.

Belgian authorities on Thursday searched one AstraZeneca plant in southern Belgium at the European Commission's request. Data seized is being analysed.

The EU-Britain tussle has highlighted the impact of shortages on ambitious mass vaccination programmes, even on wealthy nations, and fears are growing that the developed world is hogging doses, leaving poorer nations behind.

Meanwhile, WHO chief Mr Ghebreyesus warned on Friday against 'vaccine nationalism', saying there was a 'real danger that the very tools that could help to end the pandemic - vaccines - may exacerbate' global inequality.

Parts of Africa and Asia have only just started securing and rolling out vaccinations.

The global scramble for shots comes as more troubling data emerges on new variants of the coronavirus, which is known to have infected more than 101million people worldwide.

Variants first detected in Britain, Brazil and South Africa are believed to be more contagious.

Scientists are concerned that the South African variant may elude some vaccines, a potential stumbling block in the global effort to defeat Covid-19 through mass inoculation.

New data on Thursday and Friday showed average effectiveness of 89 and 66 percent for shots from Novavax and Johnson & Johnson.

But while Novavax's jab was highly effective against the British variant, both were less effective against the South African strain.

Pfizer and Moderna have said their vaccines are effective against the variants.

WHO experts continued their closely watched scientific mission Saturday in Wuhan, China, where the coronavirus first emerged in late 2019, hoping to uncover more clues about the origins of the pandemic.
Gehlot said that after the removal of various restrictions, including the nationwide lockdown, economic activities have started now, but it will take a long time for the situation to return to normal

Jaipur: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding calculation of GST compensation on the basis of the gross revenue deficit of the state and extending the period of the compensation.

He has also requested to raise the additional borrowing limit of the states for the next financial year in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Ahead of Union Budget, Gehlot urged Modi to give attention towards the economic situation of the state, adding that the pandemic has had a profound negative impact on the economy.

The chief minister said that after the removal of various restrictions, including the nationwide lockdown, economic activities have started now, but it will take a long time for the situation to return to normal.

Gehlot said payment for GST compensation is payable by the Centre to the states till June 2022.

But in the current economic circumstances, Gehlot said this period should be extended by five years. He has also reiterated the earlier demand to assess and pay GST compensation amount on the basis of gross revenue deficit for the current financial year.

Gehlot has stated in the letter that under the circumstances arising out of the virus, the state government has opted to borrow an additional two per cent of the gross state domestic product (GSDP) for the current financial year.

He urged Modi to continue this provision of two percent additional borrowing for financial year 2021-22 to ensure availability of financial resources for liabilities of the state government.

Gehlot said the goals of GDP could not be achieved due to the weak pace of development due to the pandemic.

Also, the revenue collection in the state will also not reach the expected level. So, it is necessary to take the above positive steps to improve the economy in the upcoming general budget, he added.
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The police chief of a small city in the Texas panhandle was arrested Thursday after allegedly showing a fake marriage annulment to a woman with whom he was having an affair.

Jason Collier, 41, was arrested by the Texas Rangers and booked into the Hutchinson County Jail, according to Sgt. Cindy Barkley of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Collier was charged with tampering with a governmental record with the intent to defraud, a state jail felony. His bail was set at $10,000.

He resigned as chief of police in Stinnett, 60 miles northeast of Amarillo, on Thursday. Stinnett City Manager Durk Downs said in a statement that the city accepted his resignation and had no comment on Collier's "personal matters."

The investigation into Collier's actions began on Tuesday, when an Amarillo woman named Cecily Steinmetz wrote on Facebook that Collier had been having extramarital affairs with her and another woman.

Chief Jason Collier is living a double/triple life. I was his girlfriend until yesterday. He lied to me and presented me... Posted by Cecily Steinmetz on Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Steinmetz returned from a New Mexico vacation with Collier on Sunday and learned Monday that he was already married. She alleged that Collier, a father of four and an ordained minister, had asked both of his girlfriends to marry him.

"He has lied to us, our children, and asked us both to marry him," Steinmetz wrote. "He is a poor representative of your town."

She attached a photo of a marriage annulment Collier had sent her. The document was fraudulent, officials said.

The Hutchinson County District Attorneys Office asked the Texas Rangers to open a criminal investigation into Collier. He was placed on administrative leave Wednesday before resigning the following day.

Collier, a Texas Medal of Valor recipient with 21 years of law enforcement experience, was hired as Stinnett police chief in February 2020.

Following comments by former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, Lincoln Project founder Steve Schmidt says the group will take legal action against both him and his client, Donald Trump.

In an appearance on former Trump adviser Steve Bannons podcast on Friday, Mr Giuliani accused the anti-Trump former Republican of being playing a role in the organisation of the storming of the US Capitol by pro-Trump rioters.

Mr Schmidt told MSNBC host Ali Velshi that he was thrilled at the prospect of suing Mr Giuliani, Mr Trump, and Mr Bannon for defamation.

Speaking on Saturday morning, Mr Schmidt said: Well, what's amazing about it, Ali is that at the end of it when you cut it off when Bannon goes to, 'you're killing me, you're killing me,' because Steve Bannon knows he's going to get sued by us also, and he is, and so is Donald Trump who is Rudy Giuliani's client, and Rudy Giuliani is acting on his behest.

He added: But look, it is very difficult to sue somebody for defamation or libel in the United States, but our lawyers are telling us that Rudy is well across the line so we're thrilled about this.

As a Republican Mr Schmidt was a key figure in campaigns for George W Bush, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and John McCain, to whom he was senior strategist in the 2008 presidential election.

Mr Schmidt left the Republican Party in 2018, disgusted by Donald Trumps presidency.

He joined with other conservatives to found The Lincoln Project, the anti-Trump political action committee determined to prevent the re-election of Mr Trump.

Mr Giuliani has made many wild claims regarding the presidential election, Joe Bidens family, and the storming of the Capitol.

The attack on Congress by supporters of Mr Trump on 6 January led to the deaths of five people on the day and two subsequent deaths by suicide.

A week later the former president was impeached by the House of Representatives for incitement of insurrection for his actions on the day.

His trial in the Senate begins on 9 February.

The Independent has attempted to reach Rudy Giuliani, Steve Bannon, and Donald Trump for comment.
Photo: Hawthorn Park Retirement Residence Margaret Cameron, 106, after receiving her COVID-19 vaccine this week

All long-term care home residents and staff in British Columbia have been offered a COVID-19 vaccine.

The milestone was announced by provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry Friday during her COVID-19 update.

It is very exciting to share that all long-term care residents and the people who care for them have been offered vaccines in all health authorities around the province and we have very high uptake, Dr. Henry said, adding that the vast majority of those offered took the vaccine. She said she'd be providing individual care home vaccine data early next month.

Despite the good news, B.C. continues to have challenges getting more shipments of the vaccine, with no doses of the Pfizer vaccine arriving this week, a reduced shipment over the following two weeks, and now a 20 per cent reduced supply of the Moderna vaccine next week too due to production issues.

It's about 6,000 [Moderna] doses that we were expecting to receive next week, Dr. Henry said. We have assurances from the federal government who have been talking directly with both Pfizer and Moderna that these shortfalls will be made up before [the end of March].

She said public health officials will be focusing their reduced vaccine supply on outbreaks and hot spots around the province, including the outbreaks at Kamloops' Royal Inland Hospital, Vancouver's St. Paul's Hospital and New Westminster's Royal Columbian Hospital, along with outbreaks in several Lower Mainland shelters and three provincial correctional facilities.

Yes, we are slightly more delayed ... it is going to be a challenging few weeks, she said. What can I say, it's frustrating because we started to see the benefit of this. I am just tremendously relieved and grateful that we have been able to get into every single long-term care home and assisted living facility in this province, every single one, and have offered protection to our most vulnerable citizens. That part is our most important piece.

Last Friday, Dr. Henry had said all long-term residents and staff would be vaccinated "within the next few days," and on Monday, she said it would be completed by Wednesday.

Despite the slowdown in vaccine supply, Dr. Henry says she's confident B.C. will remain on track to begin immunizing the general population in April.
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The morning of January 28 saw BAC A BANK open its branch in Bac Ninh at 10 Nguyen Dang Dao street in Tien An ward of Bac Ninh city. The new branch also marks the banks 146th transaction point in 32 cities and provinces nationwide.

The BAC A BANK branch in Bac Ninh province is expected to fuel the socioeconomic development there

The inauguration ceremony of the new branch of BAC A BANK was attended by a large number of clients and leaders from ministries, central agencies, and the province. Nguyen Viet Hanh, deputy general director of BAC A BANK, said that the branch will endeavour to make contributions to Bac Ninh and the Northern Key Economic Zone, taking the BAC A BANK brand name closer to locals.

Bac Ninh is now offering numerous incentives to businesses and investors, with a favourable investment climate attracting a rising number of domestic and foreign investors.

The province is also home to many industrial zones and clusters, facilitating its strong development. This will also enable BAC A BANK to expand its business network with assorted credit services offered to clients in the province.

Ngo Tan Phuong, Deputy Chairman of Bac Ninh Peoples Committee congratulated the bank on the opening, saying it would contribute to the local socioeconomic development, especially in the context of the existing health crisis.

Nguyen Thi Phuong, vice director of the new branch promised that, The branch will implement synchronous solutions to boost credit growth to serve the socioeconomic development of individuals, enterprises, and the province.

The population is almost entirely white  an important factor given that black and Hispanic Americans have suffered disproportionately high COVID death rates. Studies have also consistently found Vermont to be the healthiest state in America, with low rates of obesity and smoking and high levels of health insurance. But other rural and mostly white states like South Dakota have become coronavirus hot spots while Vermont has remained the national gold standard - an indication that factors other than demographics are at play. Even his Democratic opponents have praised Vermont Governor Phil Scott for his COVID-19 response. Credit:AP South Dakotas Republican Governor Kristi Noem has imposed almost no restrictions on her state, declaring that preventing the spread of the virus was a matter of personal responsibility. As well as refusing to implement a mask mandate, Noem used federal coronavirus relief funds to run a domestic tourism campaign during the pandemic. South Dakota now has among the worst death rates in the country.

In the rural state of Vermont neighbours still know each other personally, which has helped during the pandemic. Credit:AP By contrast, Vermont Governor Phil Scott, also a Republican, has put in strict policies to limit the spread of the virus. Rather than personal liberty, he has appealed to Vermonters sense of social solidarity to win support for the restrictions. Even his Democratic Party opponents have praised Scott - a fiscally conservative, socially liberal Republican who voted for Joe Biden in the November election - for listening to scientific advice. We have a governor who prioritises health and safety even though he is from the business sector and the economy is near and dear to his heart, Levine says. Levine says at the beginning of the pandemic Vermont placed a big emphasis on protecting elderly nursing home residents through strict visiting rules and testing procedures. Scott also moved quickly to close down most businesses and took a cautious approach to re-opening different sectors of the economy. When Vermonts coronavirus cases began to rise in November, Scott announced that social gatherings must be limited to members of a single household. He also closed bars and suspended recreational sports.

Loading Anyone arriving to Vermont from interstate is required to quarantine for 14 days (or seven days if they receive a negative COVID test) - a significant rule given Vermonts economy is heavily dependent on tourism. Jan Carney, the associate dean for public health at the University of Vermont, adds: There has been consistent public health messaging...The governors office has twice-a-week press conferences and they go on until all questions are asked and answered. When announcing a mask mandate in June, Scott urged Vermonters to listen to scientists rather than what they had read on Facebook. But he also asked people to be empathetic to those with different views. Attacking, shaming, and judging isnt going to help, but understanding, educating, meeting people where they are, and maybe using a little kindness and understanding might, he said.

Levine - who takes a prominent role at most of the Governors press conferences - says: Im not saying this immodestly but the governor and myself are very trusted as messengers. That certainly wasnt true for everyone with the previous [Trump] administration in Washington and we would often get compared and contrasted to that. He stresses that, while Vermonts rules have been among the strictest in the country, compliance has been high. Other states have introduced tough measures only to see them flouted en masse. As well as a healthy population, surveys have consistently shown that Vermonters have among the highest levels of social capital in the country. For example, they are more likely to know and trust their neighbours than people elsewhere. This is not something that started with the pandemic , Carney, of the University of Vermont, says. Its how people work here.

Emilie Stigliani, editor of The Burlington Free Press, the states biggest newspaper, says: There is a very small town feel in Vermont, and a real sense of responsibility to your neighbours to do your part to stop the spread. There is a community-minded mentality and Vermonters feel a sense of pride about that. While there are political differences, the heated culture wars over mask wearing and lockdowns have not been nearly as prevalent in Vermont as elsewhere. The bottom line is that were less of a polarised state - thank goodness, Levine says - a claim supported by the fact that Vermonters have repeatedly sent Sanders, a self-declared democratic socialist, to the US Senate while also electing a Republican governor. The states success at mitigating the virus has continued to the early stage of the vaccination effort: Vermont has one of the highest COVID-19 vaccination rates in the country.

An unknown number of girls, kidnapped seven years ago from a government school in Chibok, Nigeria, are believed to have escaped after the military launched an offensive in the Sambisa Forest in Borno state, a Boko Haram base where the girls and many other kidnap victims are believed to be held.

One of the girls, Halima Ali Maiyanga, spoke to her father Friday from military custody, confirming the escape.

Former chairman of the Chibok community Hosea Adama, speaking to VOA via a messaging app, says the town is celebrating the news: "People are happy, yes it is true. Even if it's one (girl), the whole village will jubilate over it."

The Nigerian military has yet to respond to questions or issue a statement on the matter.

However, Adama says the military is profiling the rescued victims to ascertain how many of them are Chibok girls, who would now be in their late teens and early 20s.

"Up tlll now, we don't know who is involved and how many. Even the soldiers, people contacted them, they don't have the right information. They are still profiling," he said.

In 2014, Boko Haram militants raided a government secondary school in Chibok town and kidnapped 276 girls.

Dozens of the girls escaped soon after and about 100 of them were freed through negotiations between 2016 and 2017.

Hosea says five of his nieces are among the Chibok girls who are yet to be found, and he's hoping they're among the new batch of returnees.


Photo-Illustration: Megan Paetzhold. Photo: Getty Images

Right away, my first driving instructor in Reno made a few things very clear:

1. I suck at driving. (Which makes sense, considering I had signed up for driving lessons.)

2. He is a full-blooded Italian.

3. His ex-wife is a cheating whore.

I asked him only one question during our 90-minute lesson: What brought you to Reno? But for John that was no less complex than What were the causes of the First World War? While I should have been watching the road, I was instead fixated on his mask, which struggled to cover Johns monumental nose while his mouth below recounted a saga of lies and heartache. (Names throughout this story have been changed.) By the end of our time together, I knew all about his ex-wifes affair with a Mexican, the secret abortion she got  which her exbest friend Connie told John all about  and how three of his four children dont talk to him anymore. (A mystery in its own right.) I also knew I wasnt going to book another lesson with him, an easy decision after he told me that hed considered murdering his ex-wife, only choosing not to because he didnt want to go to jail and leave his children fatherless.

John wasnt my first crazy driving instructor. Growing up in a carless Manhattan household, I didnt get my license when I was a teen like most people did. After I graduated from college at age 20, however, I decided I ought to learn in order to become a real adult. It didnt go so well! My instructor, a pot-bellied Russian man named Alexei, exclusively wore sweatpants with suspenders and yelled at me whenever I made a tiny little mistake. I have a memory of him making me get on the FDR when I was nowhere near ready to, my sweaty palms grabbing the wheel like my life depended on it, while Alexei screamed, Faster! Faster! As it turns out, having someone constantly yell at you is not helpful when youre learning something new, so when my exam came around, I didnt pass. I took that as a sign from the universe that getting behind the wheel wasnt for me  plus I hated driving because I associated it with getting scolded and feeling like I was going to die. I proceeded to spend the next six and a half years car free and carefree.

Then the pandemic hit, and moving out of New York, a city where having a car is more of a burden than an asset, became a financial necessity. As it turns out, there are many affordable places to live in the U.S., and in almost all of them, you need a car to get around. I landed on Reno and had an extremely nice friend drive me, my boyfriend, and all our stuff across the country. Learning how to drive went from something I should probably do to something I needed to do as soon as possible.

After my lesson with John, I was worried. Would it be possible for me to find a driving instructor who was kind, patient, and, most of all, not openly homicidal? My next lesson was with Alex, a jockish millennial who was an associate of Johns. He also had an ex-wife, but if he did contemplate murdering her, he kept it to himself. He also made sure to tell me that I was really, really bad, which was a self-fulfilling prophecy because of how much it shook my confidence.

Alex wasnt a maniac, but he made me feel like I was incapable of learning how to drive, and he didnt even do me the courtesy of giving me another colorful story about a crazy driving teacher. Was I destined to be stuck in cars with various men who were seemingly paid to provide driving guidance and to lower my self-esteem? The biggest idiots in the world know how to drive, I thought, and somehow, I cant do it. After taking a two-week breather, I called up another driving school in Reno, which I initially avoided because of some unfortunate Google reviews. This place had something special, a secret weapon that no other driving school I had gone to possessed: an instructor who was also a WOMAN!

My first lesson with Janet was lovely. She had long hair that was light brown and speckled with gray, a gentle voice, and a distinctly maternal aura. Our conversations were easy. She told me about almost drowning in the Truckee River as a child and getting saved by a kindly fisherman. I told her all my driving-teacher horror stories. She responded in an appropriately horrified way and immediately understood that I needed encouragement. Being encouraging was in her nature: Chugging along in an old Toyota Camry, she would tell me when I made a mistake and what I needed to work on but did so tenderly. Your right turns are too wide, so lets work on those, she commented. When I finally nailed those turns, she was quick to tell me that I did a great job. Good, good, good, she would almost purr as I came to a perfect stop at an intersection. Good girl, she said as I managed to navigate the freeway without having an anxiety attack. Janet convinced me that I was absolutely going to become a good driver, and that one day, driving would even be fun for me. (She also gave me more gossip on John, who apparently used to work for her driving school, then betrayed it to start his own business.)

Each lesson with Janet was two hours, and inevitably we ended up having meandering conversations about our lives and the world. These lessons coincided with the election, and Janet, I soon discovered, was a Trump supporter. As it turns out, when you leave a major metropolitan area in a solid blue state for the purple pastures of the West, you are bound to have to interact with people whose political views you might find abhorrent. (In 2016, Hillary won Washoe County, surrounding Reno, by only 2,621 votes.)

When we werent talking about politics, our interactions could be kind of strangely nice or entertainingly weird. Like in one of our last lessons, right after Christmas, I mentioned I was Jewish. She told me that even though Jewish people are the chosen ones, she believes that one day we will find Christ. I thought that perspective was too funny to be offensive. Janet could be so sweet. She gave me some of her 100-year-old sourdough starter, which is a really precious gift if you know anything about sourdough, and even more precious during a time when youre forced to be inside your house all the damn time.

From October to December, Janet was the only person whom I regularly spoke to in the flesh aside from my boyfriend. In a sense, it was the closest thing Ive had to a friendship in Reno, on account of the pandemic  and Im not sure how I feel about that. When we did end up talking about politics, I felt sad. This person who, in many ways, is so lovely, who didnt even become a Republican until late in her life, had been totally sucked into the cult of Trump. She got her information from right-wing cable news and the Epoch Times. Her sister didnt talk to her anymore, she told me, because of politics.

Im not someone who believes that you should immediately cease contact with a person just because they voted for Donald Trump. If Trump is a con artist, shouldnt we treat his supporters like the victims of a scam? I dont think total hostility toward people like Janet is a sustainable way to exist in a country where 74 million people voted for that horrible man. Theres a huge right-wing propaganda apparatus in place to ensure that people dont have access to true information, and further cutting them off from other viewpoints isnt going to make them suddenly realize that theyre being lied to by Fox News or whatnot.

Still, Id be lying if I said I liked talking politics with Janet. I hated it. I did not care for feeling stressed out about how our country is ever going to recover from Trumpism while I was learning how to safely operate a death machine. She mostly spoke about politics in vague terms, but I would push back when she would say something blatantly untrue, like BLM was founded by white Marxist women or the election was rigged because of voting machines from Venezuela.

We should always support our president, she said, repeating a refrain of the average Trump voter. No, I told her. We shouldnt have total loyalty to any politician. They are working for us, and we should treat them as such.

In one lesson, I was driving in a quiet residential neighborhood, when we saw a coyote walking on the sidewalk. You know, she told me, its legal to shoot coyotes in Nevada and invited me to go out shooting coyotes with her and husband. I wont be taking her up on that offer, not really on account of politics, but because I wouldnt feel good about shooting an animal, especially one that looks exactly like a dog. She also invited me to stay at her home in Lake Tahoe, which I knew I could never accept. I dont believe in shunning Trump supporters, but Im also not especially interested in having a legitimate friendship with someone who is itching to relay right-wing conspiracy theories. Trump has occupied so much of my mental energy for the past four years, and I cant wait to go a day without thinking of him.

Something Janet would often repeat, something she told me right before I took my test, was, Im really worried about the direction this country is going in. And I could say, totally honestly, but for the opposite reasons, Me too.

On December 30, I finally got my drivers license. It was a joyous occasion  along with getting totally sober, learning how to drive was the hardest thing Ive done in my adult life. I was happy that Janet was with me at the DMV, that we could squeal with delight together. I knew you could do it, she told me. I didnt, I said. But I did it. I got my fucking drivers license!

I havent seen Janet since, but a month later, one of her prophecies has come true. No, I havent found Jesus, and no, Trump has not magically cheated his way into a second term. But I have come to love driving, and I couldnt have done it without Janet.
Installation view of Mina Cheon's exhibition, "Dreaming Unification: Protest Peace," at Ethan Cohen Gallery in New York / Courtesy of the artist and Ethan Cohen Gallery



By Kwon Mee-yoo





Artist Mina Cheon

Korean American artist Mina Cheon unveils her latest pieces created by her North Korean art persona, Kim Il-soon, at an exhibition "Dreaming Unification: Protest Peace" at Ethan Cohen Gallery in New York through Feb. 27.



While the two Koreas remain physically divided, citizens of many other countries in the world, including the United States, are experiencing increasing political and social divisions. This increasing polarization has been a source of inspiration for Cheon, who hopes to explore the concepts of unification and peace through her projects.



"With the world being so divided, culturally, economically, religiously, ideologically, politically and in my case, my native country having been divided for 70 years, although the Korean people have been together for 5,000 years, a Korean with global concerns should also be practicing art in manners that reflect these divided worlds and countries. As such, so should the artist in practice. I practice and make art as both South Korean Mina Cheon and North Korean Kim Il-soon, my art persona," Cheon said during an interview with The Korea Times.



Cheon is known for her "Polipop" works, inspired by Pop art and Social Realism, focusing on awareness about North Korea and global peace projects.



"Pop art is eye-catching and more accessible, it is useful as an art language to handle serious political themes and as a social commentary," she said.



The artist experienced life in the East and the West growing up as her father worked as a cultural attache for the Korean Embassy in different countries. Living abroad allowed her to notice major differences in the views of Koreans and those in other nations surrounding the topic of the Korean War and its aftermath.



"The remarkable difference between the Korean perspective and the world's perspective calls for a cultural comparative. There was a huge gap between the Korean reality and the media's spin on the country. There was a feeling that the world was clueless to the multi-generational trauma of the effects of colonization, war, and separation," the artist said.



A trip to Mount Geumgang in North Korea as a tourist back in 2004 dramatically shaped Cheon's work.



"I remember distinctly traveling through the DMZ into North Korea in a bus with large glass windows but no curtains, so that the North Koreans could see us clearly from outside. The feeling of being monitored was intense, all our lenses and recording equipment were checked, we all had to wear badges declaring our occupation, mine being 'housewife,'" Cheon recalled.



While her experience in North Korea was shaped by strict surveillance and the rigid tourist program, Cheon also found, through interacting with North Koreans, that they were just as Korean as those you see every day in South Korea, which led her to create her North Korean art persona.



"After visiting North Korea in 2004, I started making work about the idea of 'Miss Kim,' as a dedication to all the North Korean women whom I wanted to pay attention to, to the surname Kim, my mother's last name, the many Korean Kims in both Koreas, and the world, as well as the Kim family dynasty of North Korea," Cheon explained.



She started to explore the identity of a North Korean artist who dreams. Only in her dreams, can she dream of liberation and beyond the rigidity of the government.



"Kim Il-soon is a social realist painter, naval commander, farmer, and mother of two, married to the state as well as a human being. She is also a cosmopolitan North Korean who knows how to paint abstraction in her dreams. Through her unconscious state, she is the mother ("eomma") of unification. She exists as an alternative form for all the political dealings and mishaps that are confounded by the father 'dear leaders' of the world, the massive culture of hatred and war of words and missiles that are threatening peace on earth."



She even sent USB sticks containing videos of Kim Il-soon's contemporary art lessons into North Korea as part of the project.





Installation view of Mina Cheon's exhibition, "Dreaming Unification: Protest Peace," at the Ethan Cohen Gallery in New York, featuring a Korean Unification flag painting series / Courtesy of the artist and Ethan Cohen Gallery



The main body of work in this exhibition is the, "Dreaming Unification: Protest Peace aka Flag Figuration," painting series, which is inspired by the Korean Unification Flag. This flag shows the Korean Peninsula in blue against a white background and is used when the two Koreas participate as one team in sporting events.



"In painting, (Kim Il-soon) started out with social realism, then moved into more pop art and abstract expressionism. It keeps evolving because she is dreaming of all the different ways in which she could break way from the propaganda style allowed in North Korea," Cheon said.



The paintings were created with a custom-made New International Klein Blue, or Yves Klein Blue, color and with the help of other tools and materials, such as stencils, spray paints and "sumi" ink.



"Eventually in the series you see now, she is dreaming so deeply and yearning for unification and global peace. It can't be quiet any more. It has to be bold, using street art-style graffiti and tagging. She's at the very brink," Cheon explained.



"It also has 'sumi' ink mixed with spray paint. In North Korea, 'Chosunhwa' is the most revered style, mixing an Oriental painting style with propaganda. Combining the very historic 'sumi' ink medium and very cosmopolitan Western tagging, spray paints, stencils, and mixing them together, confronts the differences between the East and the West. That's where she's at in this dream world now, hoping to overcome the world that's divided."



The artist said the work was well-received in the U.S., as the country is politically divided right now.



Cheon said conflict over there echoes conflict over here, and this fact is why peace is so important.



"What happens over there matters to what happens here, and vice versa. We can no longer look at it from a single perspective, but have to look at the multilateral effects. The tremendous pressure, danger and threat we had with the last [Trump] administration made it so real when I talked about Korea and the divided Koreas. Americans really felt division for the first time," she said, adding how busy she was last year being asked to talk about unification and reconciliation.



Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the exhibit can only be viewed by visitors with a reservation. The show has been extended for a month from its original Jan. 30 closing day.



"Everything is very slow as people have been coming in by appointment only and can only stay for about 30 minutes. (The gallery has) been having social media rollouts, showing one piece at a time with explanations, and sharing the exhibition in part, not just everything at once," Cheon said. "We are taking it slow, so extending it for one more month makes sense. We want more people to have an opportunity to see it."





"Eat Chocopie Together" project by Mina Cheon / Courtesy of the artist
Day care shortage creates barriers for working parents

With a labor shortage plaguing the state, working parents are ready to fill these positions. The lack of childcare options creates barriers.
A European dispute over supply of covid-19 vaccines is threatening to unleash a wider political and economic conflict that could stymie global collaboration needed to end the pandemic.

After accusing U.K. vaccine maker AstraZeneca of favoring deliveries to its home country, the European Union announced a drastic plan to control exports of covid shots. The retaliatory move may encourage more governments to use economic might -- or other means -- to protect their interests.

The European Commission's restrictions "open Pandora's box," said Simon Evenett, a professor of international trade at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland. If others respond in similar fashion, "it really would be every man for himself."

The squabble is opening a new rift in the global effort to slow a pathogen that's killed 2.2 million people and inflamed Brexit tensions between the U.K. and the EU. The bloc is already under pressure to speed up an immunization campaign that's trailing those in Britain and the U.S.

In a sign of how fraught tensions have become, the bloc also announced Friday that it was seeking to limit exports to Northern Ireland, before retreating from the plan hours later. Introducing restrictions between the Republic of Ireland, which is part of the EU, and Northern Ireland would contravene one of the key principles of the Brexit deal, which sought to avoid border controls after decades of violence.

The EU move prompted a rare show of unity from traditional political enemies in Northern Ireland, who uniformly decried the initial decision. Even with the Northern Ireland issue resolved, the bloc's actions remain hugely controversial and have been criticized by the World Health Organization, businesses and governments.

The likelihood of such vaccine disputes multiplying looms large after dozens of countries imposed export restrictions on masks, personal protective equipment and medical supplies earlier in the pandemic. Governments and companies have tussled in the past over access to drugs like new, life-saving HIV medications that were too costly for some hard-hit countries to purchase, said Thomas Bollyky, director of the global health program at the Council on Foreign Relations.

"This is not just a fanciful parade of horribles," he said. "You could see this escalating."

If governments do take aggressive steps, others could hold back shipments of key ingredients required to make vaccines, or invoke rights to try to produce shots themselves, though that would be very difficult to achieve without support from the manufacturers, according to Evenett.

The situation could set off "chain reactions that go to unexpected places," said Richard Hatchett, chief executive officer of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, the organization that's worked to accelerate development of Covid vaccines. "It's really important for countries not to overreact."

In a show of unity, most European countries started vaccinations around the same time in late December. U.S. re-engagement with the World Health Organization under President Joe Biden also spurred hopes of global cooperation. But maintaining that isn't easy in an environment of increasing infections and vaccine supply constraints.

As political pressure rises, "that feeling of solidarity fades," said Klaus Stohr, a former WHO official who helped mobilize governments and drugmakers to prepare for pandemics.

The stakes of getting economies back on track have also grown. Access to vaccines has become a matter of national security, said J. Stephen Morrison, director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies' Global Health Policy Center. That accounts for the U.S. Department of Defense's important role in developing and distributing shots.

"Vaccines are an indispensable element of getting out from under this scourge that's destroying economies," he said. "If you can't get to herd immunity fast, that inevitably provokes a security crisis."

Biden has said he'd use the Defense Production Act, a Cold War-era law, to boost the manufacturing of vaccines and the supplies required to administer them, such as vials and needles. Parts of the act could help increase supply, though other pieces could have a ripple effect for global supply chains, Hatchett said.

If the U.S. were to combine that expanded production with export restrictions, other governments would be tempted to follow, Evenett said.

AstraZeneca now has found itself in the middle of a public row over contract terms, accusations of blame and threats to impose limits on vaccine exports. The EU's drug regulator cleared the company's covid shot Friday, paving the way for a conditional marketing authorization, and potentially easing supply concerns. Still, frustrations are running especially high across Europe as more contagious versions of the virus emerge, and every step of Covid vaccine production and distribution is under scrutiny.

For months, the EU has faced concerns that it might lag the U.S. and Britain, raising its vulnerability as the virus advanced. Britain in early December became the first Western country to clear a shot, while the U.S. plowed as much as $18 billion into Operation Warp Speed, adding to the pressure on the bloc.

The EU may secure enough supplies to vaccinate three-quarters of its population by late October, hitting that level more than two months after the U.S. and three months behind the U.K., according to the latest analysis by London-based research firm Airfinity Ltd. The estimates are based on the supplies governments have secured per capita, production capacity in each region and the expected efficacy of the shots.

While there are few restrictions on using export bans in trade law, nations could try to tamp down on vaccine-related retaliation via the G-7 or the G-20, as has been suggested by the Ottawa Group, Bollyky said. Those nations in November called for restraint in using any export restrictions as part of wider measures in response to the pandemic, and discouraged WTO members from putting tariffs on essential medical products.

Companies could also help defuse the tension by providing more details about their production plans, Evenett said. Bowing to pressure, AstraZeneca published its contract for the delivery of doses to the region. Still, any effort at resolution would need support from governments that are under extreme pressure to provide vaccines to their populations.

"Guidelines would be a way of preparing -- they won't help you in an ongoing dispute," said Harvey Fineberg, former president of the U.S. National Academy of Medicine. Attempts to set rules for sharing vaccines "would only be interpreted in light of who it would advantage now."


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Chief Medical Officer Viktor Liashko announced the launch of the campaign around February 15.

The National Commission for technology-related and environmental safety and emergencies has approved a schedule for vaccination against the coronavirus in Ukraine in 2021.

This was announced by the press service of the Cabinet of Ministers.

Read alsoEU bans exports of COVID-19 vaccines without authorization, Ukraine not subject to curbs as neighbor

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that the document proposes five stages. The vaccination campaign involves both mobile teams and stationary points.

Chief Medical Officer Viktor Liashko announced the launch of the campaign around February 15.

The first group to get vaccinated will be healthcare workers who contact COVID-19 patients in hospitals and the Joint Forces Operation zone in Donbas (367,000 people). They will be vaccinated February through April. The second group will be retirees who are 80 and older (1.9 million people), as well as general practitioners and other workers of the primary healthcare system (363,000 people). They will be vaccinated in April through June. The third group are seniors who are 70+ (2.9 million, June and July), security workers (640,000, July and August), people aged 65+ (2.3 million, August and September), education workers (1.4 million, September and October).The last group will be citizens who are 60+ (2.8 million, October and November) and other categories (1.7 million, November and December).

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 at the third, last stage.

Reporting by UNIAN

In the past, there have been various instances where security researchers revealed that a string of texts received over SMS could crash your phone or worse, send it into a boot-loop. These kinds of exploits have been reported at least once every year for both iOS and Android smartphones but turns out, iOS 14 has a way to thwarting these kinds of exploits for good, thanks to a system called BlastDoor.

Discovered by a Google Project Zero researched named Samuel Gro, BlastDoor works by parsing all the data contained in an iMessage in a secure sandbox, isolated from the rest of the operating system. By doing so, the contents of the iMessage, if nefarious, wont have an impact on the OS. All apps installed on an iOS device exist in their own sandboxes, which governed by very tight policies. The BlastDoor sandbox for iMessage has been designed to thwart most exploits which either use brute force or exploit the shared cache on iOS. Gro says he found the existence of BlastDoor when investigating a hacking campaign against Al Jazeera journalists. There were instances where the hacks did not work and the common thread appeared to be the fact that they were running iOS 14 on their iPhones.

While BlastDoor sandbox definitely makes iMessage more secure, it does not do much for the traditional SMS. Last year in April 2020, a text-based exploit was discovered which could be initiated via a normal SMS. A string of characters written in Sindhi when received as an SMS would freeze iOS completely, rendering the persons iPhone/iPad completely useless till the OS would crash, and the device could be rebooted. This was due to a bug in iOS, one which Apple has since fixed, but it highlights how the short messaging service format is still a likely vector for delivering exploits.

Messaging apps have been a popular point of intrusion into smartphones for several years now. Weve seen text message string crash phones, brick them permanently, lock them temporarily, and in one case, even serve as a means of gaining full access to the device. The now infamous Pegasus used a vulnerability in WhatsApp, allowing the hacker full access to a target smartphone, all done remotely. The BlastDoor sandbox for iMessage introduced in iOS14 should prevent some, if not all intrusion and malicious events.
The World Health Organisation has urged the UK and other wealthy nations to pause their mass vaccination drives once vulnerable groups are protected from coronavirus in order to ensure a fair global rollout.

Ensuring that vaccines are equitably distributed across the world is clearly morally the right thing to do and failure to do so will put us on the brink of a moral catastrophe, said WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris.

The UN agency will appeal to Britons and remind them you can wait, Dr Harris said, arguing that the UK should shift its focus from Boris Johnsons national target of giving every UK adult a first dose by autumn to a wider goal of ensuring that 2 billion doses have been fairly distributed globally by the end of 2021.

Her comments come as the EU  beleaguered by delays amid ongoing rows with AstraZeneca and Pfizer  is accused of engaging in vaccine nationalism after it introduced export controls to protect its supply, which the WHO warned could set a very worrying trend.

Such a self-defeating approach would prolong suffering and lead to a protracted recovery, the WHO has warned, potentially allowing more new variants to emerge as the virus spreads and costing high-income nations trillions of dollars  all the while risking the permanent erasure of decades of global development.

The UK is arguably a leader in current efforts for an equitable global vaccination drive, having helped raise more than 730m for the Covax Advance Market Commitment (AMC), including 548m in UK aid to help distribute 1.3 billion doses of coronavirus vaccines to 92 developing countries this year.

But despite this, many poorer nations are yet to start any immunisations.

The UK currently has one of the highest levels of vaccine coverage, along with Israel and the UAE, and has pre-ordered some 367 million doses of seven different vaccines for its population of 60 million.

Asked to clarify whether, once the UK has vaccinated its top nine priority groups, it should help efforts elsewhere instead of giving jabs to less vulnerable members of the population, Ms Harris told BBC Breakfast: Were asking all countries in those circumstances to do that: hang on, wait for those other groups.

Well also appeal to all the people of the UK  you can wait.

Were asking countries, once youve got those (high risk and health care worker) groups, please ensure that the supply youve got access to is provided for others, she added.

While that is morally clearly the right thing to do, its also economically the right thing to do.

There have been a number of very interesting analyses showing that just vaccinating your own country and then sitting there and saying were fine will not work economically.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures 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 via Getty Images 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 via Getty Images 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 via 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 via 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 via Getty Images 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 via Getty Images 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 via 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 via Getty Images 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 via Getty Images 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 via Getty Images 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 World news in pictures 5 April 2021 The Statue of Christ appears behind clouds from the Sao Jorge Castle in Lisbon as the Portuguese government eased coronavirus restrictions AFP via Getty Images World news in pictures 4 April 2021 Christian worshippers light candles during an Easter service in Yerevan, the Armenian capital AFP/Getty World news in pictures 3 April 2021 Anti-coup protesters hold improvised weapons during a protest in Yangon, Myanmar. Myanmars military Junta continued a brutal crackdown on a nationwide civil disobedience movement in which thousands of people have turned out in continued defiance of live ammunition Getty World news in pictures 2 April 2021 A rescue works at the site after a train derailed in a tunnel north of Hualien, Taiwan Reuters World news in pictures 1 April 2021 Man flashes three-finger salute next to burning tires during a protest against the military c REUTERS World news in pictures 31 March 2021 Mannequins wrapped in barrier tape stand in front of Berlins landmark Brandenburg Gate as part of German artist Dennis Josef Mesegs Corona Memorial called It is Like it is AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 March 2021 A ship heads down the Suez Canal, in Ismalia, Egypt EPA World news in pictures 29 March 2021 Flocks of flamingos are pictured in a pond in Navi Mumbai AFP via Getty Images World news in pictures 28 March 2021 Anti-coup protesters use slingshots and pelt stones towards approaching security forces on March 28, 2021 in Yangon, Myanmar. Myanmar's military Junta continued a brutal crackdown on a nationwide civil disobedience movement in which thousands of people have turned out in continued defiance of live ammunition. Getty World news in pictures 27 March 2021 The mother of Aung Zay Min, 20, who was shot and killed in the night by security forces, mourns over his body at his funeral in Dala township in Yangon, Myanmar Getty World news in pictures 26 March 2021 Farmers play cricket on a deserted highway road during a 12-hour strike, as part of protests against farm laws, at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border in Ghaziabad, India Reuters World news in pictures 25 March 2021 China Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2021 collection show in Beijing Reuters World news in pictures 24 March 2021 A man rows a boat against the setting sun at the Dal Lake after a downpour in Srinagar AFP/Getty World news in pictures 23 March 2021 Hindu devotees dance as colored powder is thrown at them at Ladali, or Radha temple, at the legendary hometown of Radha, consort of Hindu God Krishna, during Lathmar holi, in Barsana, India AP World news in pictures 22 March 2021 Campaign for Uyghurs Executive Director Rushan Abbas holds a photo of her sister, Gulshan Abbas who is currently imprisoned in a camp during a rally in New York AFP/Getty World news in pictures 21 March 2021 Damage at a hospital after a government bombing in the rebel-held town of Atareb in northwestern Syria Reuters World news in pictures 20 March 2021 A helicopter flies close to a volcanic eruption which has begun in Fagradalsfjall, Iceland Getty Images World news in pictures 19 March 2021 U.S. President Joe Biden stumbles on steps departs on travel to Atlanta, Georgia at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland REUTERS World news in pictures 18 March 2021 A sculpture by artist Jacques Tilly with the slogan '11 years of relentless investigation of the abuse cases!' is seen in front of the Cologne Cathedral in Cologne, western Germany, on March 18, 2021, as a long-awaited report was published on sexual violence allegedly committed by clergy and laymen in Germany's top diocese. - The independent study on the Cologne diocese commissioned by the Roman Catholic Church found 202 alleged perpetrators of sexual assault and 314 victims between 1975 and 2018 AFP/Getty

That phrase no man is an island applies economically as well. We in the world, were so connected and unless we get all societies working effectively once again, every society will be financially effected.

WHO directors have previously said vaccine nationalism could cost high-income countries 4.5 trillion US dollars. This is almost half of an estimated $9.2 trillion hit to the global economy, according to a new report.

And Sir Jeremy Farrar, a Sage member, has warned that vaccinating a lot of people in a few countries, leaving the virus unchecked in large parts of the world, will lead to more variants emerging.

He also said countries with existing vaccine supply deals could donate a percentage of doses to the WHOs Covax global vaccine-sharing fund without taking away from the national effort to protect the most vulnerable in society and healthcare workers.

Echoing this, Dr Harris said the UN wants to see health workers and the most vulnerable in every country vaccinated in the first 100 days of this year.

Additional reporting by PA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the central government's proposal to farmers of suspending the three new farm laws for a period of 18 months is still up for discussion.

"I want to reiterate what Narendra Singh Tomar told farmers. He said we have not reached to consensus but we are giving you (farmers) the offer and you may go and deliberate. He told farmers that he was just a phone call away," said PM Modi at an all-party meeting, reported news agency ANI.

"Government's proposal still stands. Please convey this to your supporters. The resolution should be found through dialogue. We all have to think about the nation," he added.

The PM said that the government has been continuously trying to resolve issues of protesting farmers through talks.

PM Modi is chairing the all-party meet to put forth the governments legislative agenda for the Budget session of parliament.

In the meeting, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, TMC's Sudip Bandyopadhyay, Shiv Sena MP Vinayak Raut, and SAD's Balwinder Singh Bhunder also spoke at length on farmers agitation. JDU MP RCP Singh came out in support of the new reforms.

The meeting comes on the day the Samyukta Kisan Morcha is observing "Sadbhavana Diwas" on Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary and holding a day-long fast.

"A fast will be observed from 9 am to 5 pm at Borders and protest sites across India, on the martyrdom day of Mahatma Gandhi Ji and the day will be marked as 'Sadbhavana Diwas'," according to a statement issued by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha.

Thousands of farmers have been protesting at Delhi's borders since 26 November last year, demanding a rollback of the 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.













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Vandals have painted a covid mask onto a mysterious and historic 325ft chalk hill figure, prompting a police investigation into the "criminal damage".

The contemporary addition to the protected archaeological site, on the slopes of Windover Hill near Wilmington, East Sussex, was discovered on Tuesday, Sussex, Police said.

The monument's origins are mysterious and have puzzled experts for decades. It is Europe's largest portrayal of the human form and is at least 311 years old, dating back to around 1710.

The 235ft figure, carved into a chalk slope in East Sussex, is now sporting the familiar garment worn to slow the spread on the coronavirus. The mask appeared on Tuesday night and police are investigating.

Long Man of Mystery Some experts have said the mystery monuments is linked to figures in the stars such as Orion, picture above The figure was once thought to have dated back thousands of years, perhaps to the neolithic period, when humans had just started farming, or even earlier to the Iron Age. Other ancient monuments, such as "long barrows," are situated nearby and one expert said that the mysterious Long Man might correspond to constellations and figures in the stars such as Orion. However, investigations in 2003 revealed it was from the so-called "early modern" period in the 16th or 17th centuries. It is made from lime motor and painted breeze blocks. It was owned by the Duke of Devonshire for many years. But in 1925, the site was given to the Sussex Archaeological Trust (now the Sussex Archaeological Society) for its protection and preservation. During the Second World War, it was painted green to hide it from German bombers and spy planes, who could have used it as a landmark or even destroyed it. The figure is known locally as the "Green Man" and has been vandalised twice before. A giant phallus was painted on in 2010 and the words "FRACK OFF!" were added above the Long Man by anti-fracking protesters in 2015. Advertisement

Shockingly, the addition of Personal Protective Equipment is not the first time the local landmark has been altered, with environmentalists writing on it five years ago and a phallus appearing in 2010.

Sergeant Tom Carter from Sussex Police said: "Whilst this damage may have been perpetrated for humour or some other reason, the actions that have been taken are unacceptable.

"The Long Man of Wilmington is protected by law as a Scheduled Ancient Monument for its historical significance..."

He added that the "figure is well known and enjoyed by the local community and this criminal damage is an affront to those who work to maintain this heritage asset for the enjoyment of all."

Owner of the Long Man, the Sussex Archaeological Society, wrote on social media that, whilst they were disappointed, there was no long-term damage and they had managed to "remove much of the paint."

They said in a statement : "This week we had some sad news. We found out that our property, the Long Man of Wilmington was subjected to vandalism.

"There was thankfully no long-term damage to the monument, but this was a heritage crime and we are working with the police to find those responsible.

Simon Dowe, the group's chief executive officer, said "Were incredibly saddened that someone has deliberately damaged The Long Man of Wilmington.

"Its important we protect and treasure monuments like these, so they survive for future generations to enjoy.

Mark Harrison, of Historic England, said they had also been contributing to efforts to fix the Long Man and catch the perpetrators.

He said: "Historic England is working closely with Sussex Police Rural Crime Team to identify the offenders who have caused damage to this protected archaeological site.

The current owners, Sussex Archaeological Society, said they are "saddened" but revealed the paint has now been clear up. Historic England are assisting with the investigation.

Here the monument is pictured before the vandalism, in April 1997. It is at least 300 years old but was once thought to date back thousands of years. It has puzzled experts for decades.

"We will also be liaising with the owners in order to provide advice and guidance to restore the Long Man of Wilmington."

Local dog walker Jeremy Christey, who spotted the shocking vandalism, joked on social media: "The Long Man of Wilmington, Sussex has inherited a rather slender mask. Good man.

"To be safe, he probably needs to pull it down a touch [to be honest]."
Yellowstone National Park stretches more than 3,400 square miles through Wyoming and Montana, but a small portion of the park dips into Idaho that is known as the 'Zone of Death.'

Within this 50-square-mile area of Idaho is a loophole in the US Constitution that would allow someone to theoretically get away with any crime, including murder.

The technicality stems from the Sixth Amendment that states an individual charged of a crime has the right to a jury summoned from the state and district where the crime was committed.

However, the 'Zone of Death' falls in a district that has a population of zero and any criminal act conducted in the region would technically have to be dismissed by a court of law.

Researchers across the US have petition Congress to end the loophole by adding the lawless land to the District of Wyoming, but have been dismissed because officials say the judicial system would 'prevail' regardless of the loophole.

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Yellowstone National Park stretches more than 3,400 square miles through Wyoming and Montana, but a small portion of the park dips into Idaho that is known as the 'Zone of Death.' Within this 50-square-mile area of Idaho is a loophole in the US Constitution that would allow someone to theoretically get away with any crime, including murder

Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872 when only 37 of the 50 states were in existence Wyoming, Montana and Idaho were not yet established.

Montana was the first to become a state in 1889, the borders only cover nine percent of Yellowstone, Idaho came in July 1890 taking just the 50-square-mile sliver and then Wyoming was established a week after, which has 96 percent of the park within its borders.

Shortly after, Congress announced the US District Court of Wyoming that placed the entity of Yellowstone under the District of Wyoming  the only district to be found in multiple states.

With the Sixth Amendment in mind, a crime committed in the District of Wyoming must summon a juror from that district.

The technicality stems from the Sixth Amendment that states an individual charged of with a crime has the right to a jury summoned from the state and district where the crime was committed. However, the 'Zone of Death' falls in a district that has a population of zero and any criminal act conducted in the region would technically have to be dismissed by a court of law

And the same goes for Idaho and Montana.

For example, if a murder occurs within the borders of the 'Zone of Death' and the killer admits to the crime and surrenders they can invoke the Sixth Amendment.

This means a jury will be composed of people from the state where the murder happened, which is Idaho, and from the federal district where it was committed.

However, the District of Wyoming extends over all of Yellowstone, even the parts in Montana or Idaho.

This means the killer has the right to a jury made up of people living in both Idaho and the District of Wyoming, which would be those is living in the part of Idaho in Yellowstone.

A criminal has the right to a jury made up of people living in both Idaho and the District of Wyoming, which would be those is living in the part of Idaho in Yellowstone - but there is no one living in this region

The solution sounds simple, but according to Michigan State law professor Brian Kalt, it is not an easy one.

'The jury would have to be drawn from the Idaho portion of Yellowstone National Park, which, according to the 2000 Census, has a population of precisely zero,' reads Kalt's published research paper 'The Perfect Crime.'

In the essay, Kalt shares his attempts and failures of lobbying Congress to change the law, with a solution to add the 50-square-mile piece of land to Wyoming.

Kalt contacted senator Mike Simpson of Idaho, but the senator believed the judicial system would 'prevail' in such situation and there would be no plans for redistricting, according to Colorado State University.

So, the Yellowstone Death Zone has continued to exist and there are no signs of it changing.

'There is no reason to reward Congress's playing fast and loose with the Sixth Amendment,' Kalt writes.

'The best solution to the Yellowstone loophole is to close it, not to pretend it is not there.'
The latest educational feature available to students at Cleveland State Community College is now underway. The brand new Short-Term option is now available this semester both online and on-campus. The first Short-Term wraps up March 6. However, a new one begins March 15.Short-Term courses last seven weeks, instead of the standard 15-week semester Cleveland State offers throughout the year. Course offerings available in the new abbreviated semester include: Computer Applications, Early World History, English Composition II: Literature, First Year Seminar, Fundamentals of Communication, Introduction to Art, Introduction to Ethics, Introduction to Music, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, Lifespan Development Psychology, Modern American Literature, Modern World History, Principles of Macroeconomics and Principles of Microeconomics.The deadline to apply for the next Short-Term beginning in mid-March is March 10.To learn more about Cleveland States Short-Term Courses, visit MyCS.CC/ShorterClasses. For those planning to enroll in the upcoming summer or fall semesters at Cleveland State, the deadline to apply for summer semester is May 19 and Aug. 11 for fall semester. Apply now at MyCS.cc/ApplyNow.In addition to this new tool available for students to use, the colleges growth has been substantial in 2021. From offering more online and hybrid courses than ever before to the brand new Health and Science Center on Cleveland States main campus in Cleveland, as well as the Athens Center at the McMinn Higher Education Center, the new year is already seeing plenty of growth at the Tennessee Board of Regents Institution.For additional college information, call 423-472-7141 or visit the colleges main website at ClevelandStateCC.edu.

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
E-commerce brand Myntra has decided to replace its existing logo with a new one following a complaint that claimed it was offensive towards women. The complaint was lodged with the Mumbai Cyber police alleging that the current signage of the online shopping portal is "offensive and insulting to women."

Naaz Patel, who is associated with Avesta Foundation NGO, filed the complaint in December 2020 with the state cyber police. The Mumbai-based activist demanded removal of the Myntra logo and threatened appropriate action against the company in case they failed in implementing the suggested changes. Before lodging the complaint formally, Patel voiced her opinions online. She brought up the matter on multiple forums and platforms on social media.

Rashmi Karandikar, DCP, Cyber Crime Department of Mumbai police, told Jagran English that the logo was found to be offensive in nature. An email was sent to the e-commerce firm, following the complaint. After controversy surrounding the issue and backlash received by people, the Flipkart-backed e-commerce giant agreed to change the companys logo.

The officials of the company came down for a meeting. They notified that the management of the company has decided to revise the logo in a month's time. Myntra will be changing the official logo across all places. They are already in plans to revise the logo on their website and app. They will additionally follow the same through their promotional and packaging material as well. Printing orders for packaging material with the new logo have reportedly been issued by the company already. Myntra is yet to unveil the revised logo of the online shopping app.

A logo acts as a medium of communication between the company and its target customers and is an important factor in branding. In the past, there have been a few incidents where brands faced backlash for their logos and promotional mediums. For the unversed, Myntra is one of the largest online retailers for apparel and accessories in India. The Flipkart-owned company recently grabbed headlines for its End of Reason Sale. The popular E-commerce site sold 1.1 crore products in only 5 days time. The annual winter sale proved to be a massive hit for Myntra as it logged 51% increase in the website traffic during 2020, as compared to the sale that took place in 2019.
The Russian helicopter pilot who endured lethal radiation levels to contain the Chernobyl disaster has died after contracting coronavirus.

General Nikolai Antoshkin, who was 78, died in his home country last Sunday.

He commanded an operation to seal off the number 4 reactor at the Chernobyl power station just outside the town Pripyat in Ukraine, which was then part of the Soviet Union, after it exploded in 1986 following a huge power surge.

The exposed reactor core blanketed the western Soviet Union and Europe with radiation, with ecologists calling it the biggest man-made environmental disaster in history.

General Antoshkin commanded a fleet of 100 helicopters to smother the exposed core of the reactor with sand, boron and other materials, stemming the enormous flow of radiation leaking out.

The operation took around two weeks, with General Antoshkin and the other pilots exposed to beams of radiation and smoke emanating from the reactor.

The Russian helicopter pilot who endured lethal radiation levels to contain the Chernobyl disaster has died after contracting coronavirus. General Nikolai Antoshkin, who was 78, died in his home country last Sunday

Following the reactor explosion, more than 100,000 people were evacuated and a 20-mile exclusion zone was established that still exists today.

Two reactor employees were killed in the explosion and 134 were hospitalized with acute radiation poisoning.

Of them, 28 died and another 14 succumbed to suspected radiation-induced cancer in the years that followed.

The disaster continues to have an impact today. Researchers previously found unsafe concentration of strontium 90 and caesium 137 in almost half of the wheat, barley, oats and other grains they tested in Ivankiv, about 50 miles outside Kiev.

He commanded an operation to seal off the number 4 reactor after it exploded in April 1986 following a huge power surge, exposing the core and blanketing the western Soviet Union and Europe with radiation

General Antoshkin died after what was described by the speaker of the Russian parliament as a 'difficult illness', the New York Times reported.

The military veteran had been been a deputy in the parliament for ruling party United Russia since 2014.

Sergei Neverov, the head of United Russia's faction in the Russian parliament, said General Antoshkin had been hospitalised with coronavirus.

In 1986, he led a team which were known as the liquidators. They were a mixture of military personnel and civilians sent to the Chernobyl disaster site.

The aim of the operation was to contain as much radiation as possible and prevent it from spreading throughout the rest of the Soviet Union, Europe and the world.

General Antoshkin had been serving in an air force unit in Kyiv when he became the commanding pilot of the operation.

Air crews were sent to try to deal with the exposed reactor after fire crews who had been sent on the ground became ill with acute radiation sickness.

General Antoshkin commanded a fleet of 100 helicopters to smother the exposed core of the reactor with sand, boron and other materials, stemming the enormous flow of radiation leaking out

General Anotshkin dropped around 5,000 tonnes of material over the course of around two weeks to extinguish the raging fire and contain the radiation.

When he first flew over the exposed reactor, the general is said to have felt a tickle in his throat and had the overwhelming the urge to vomit.

Although one of the helicopters crashed after hitting a crane, the airdrops successfully put the fire out.

The helicopters were so radioactive afterwards that they were abandoned, with some later buried.

Overall, 28 liquidators died from radiation poisoning in the days and weeks after the operation.

However, General Antoshkin went on to have a three-decade career in the Russian air force before serving in parliament.
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The South African 'super' COVID-19 variant has now spread to Maryland with the state recording its first case in a woman in Baltimore and the third case confirmed overall on US soil, the same day the nation surpassed 26 million cases of the virus.

Governor Larry Hogan announced Saturday that state health officials had confirmed a case of the new B.1.351 variant in an adult female living in the Baltimore metro region who had no recent travel history overseas, sparking concerns that the strain is already spreading in the community.

The case comes just two days after two South Carolina residents became the first Americans found to have contracted the South African strain, despite also having no recent travel history and no known connection to each other.

There is no evidence to suggest the new strain is more deadly but it is around 50 percent more infectious and Dr. Fauci has warned the vaccine may be less effective against it.

It's become a race to ramp up the vaccination program and get shots in the arms of Americans as the US topped 26 million cases Saturday and the death toll reached 438,239.

In the last 24 hours, more than 166,000 new cases were recorded and more than 3,600 people died as the race is on to roll out the vaccine while new strains spread nationwide.

Hard-hit California, where Governor Gavin Newsom lifted the lockdown this week, marked a grim record Saturday morning as it topped 40,000 deaths since the pandemic began.

The South African 'super' COVID-19 variant has now spread to Maryland with the state recording its first case in a woman in Baltimore and the third case confirmed overall on US soil

Governor Hogan said Saturday officials are 'closely monitoring' the emergence of the new strain in the Free State and urged residents to practice 'extra caution' to help limit the spread.

Contract tracing efforts are underway to try to identify anyone who was in contact with the individual so they are can be tested and quarantine.

'State health officials are closely monitoring the B.1.351 variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the state,' Logan said in a statement.

'We strongly encourage Marylanders to practice extra caution to limit the additional risk of transmission associated with this variant.

'Please continue to practice standard public health and safety measures, including mask wearing, regular hand washing, and physical distancing.'

Governor Larry Hogan announced Saturday that state health officials had confirmed a case of the new B.1.351 variant in an adult female living in the Baltimore metro region who had no recent travel history overseas, sparking concerns that the strain is already spreading in the community

Other details about the case such as the woman's age and her condition are not known.

The South African strain is the second new variant found in Maryland after the state confirmed its first case of the UK strain B.1.1.7 back on January 12.

Since then, seven cases of that strain have been confirmed in the state.

The South African strain was first confirmed to have landed in the US Thursday when South Carolina officials confirmed the two cases - one in the state's easternmost 'Pee Dee' region and the other in the 'Lowcountry' region to the south.

The two are both adults, but the state health department has released no further details about their identities.

What is known is that all three confirmed cases in the US are in people with no recent international travel history, meaning it is likely already silently spreading among communities and that cases likely stretch far beyond the few cases confirmed.

It's the second new variant reported in the US this week, after Minnesota confirmed the first known American case of the P1 variant from Brazil.

There are now three strains of the mutated 'super COVID' circulating the US - the South African, the UK and the Brazil strains.

Overall, 437 cases of the variants have now been confirmed in the US.

There is no evidence the South African is more deadly or causes more serious illness but it is thought to be more contagious.

Meanwhile the Brazilian strain is feared to be causing re-infection among people who contracted the original strain.

Dr. Fauci this week also said the UK variant appears to be more deadly but that he is most concerned about the South African variant because it is thought to make vaccines less effective.

Moderna and Pfizer said preliminary lab tests suggest their vaccines are 'protective' against the South African variant, but admitted it does diminish the effectiveness.

With the new strains in mind, Fauci warned Thursday that the health crisis 'could get worse'.

On Friday, another 3,604 Americans died from the virus, taking the US death toll to 436,799, according to the tally by Johns Hopkins University.

This was down from the 4,000 deaths recorded Thursday and the nation's deadliest day when 4,466 died on January 12.

New cases also fell Friday to 166,113 from 168,620 the day before.

Total infections have now topped 25.9 million since the pandemic first started ravaging the nation last year.

Los Angeles residents are flocking to restaurants for the first time in two months as outdoor dining has reopened

Patients at Providence St. Mary Medical Center in California as the state passes the grim milestone of 40,000 deaths

California passed the grim milestone of 40,000 deaths, as 664 died Friday.

This takes the state's death toll to 40,238 after it struggled to contain a winter outbreak and the healthcare systems were on the brink of collapse.

It took six months for California to record its first 10,000 deaths, then four months to double to 20,000. In just five weeks, the state reached 30,000 and it took just 20 days to get to 40,000.

To date, one in 1,000 Californians have died from the virus.

Almost 20,000 new cases were also recorded Friday with 19,626 infections. This is markedly down from the 14-day rolling average of more than 40,000 daily cases at the end of December.

Despite cases, deaths and hospitalizations still being high, Governor Gavin Newsom announced Monday he was lifting the regional stay-at-home order saying California is experiencing a 'flattening of the curve.'

'Everything that should be up is up, everything that should be down is down - case rates, positivity rates, hospitalizations, ICUs,' he said.

This led to the reopening of outdoor dining in hard-hit areas such as Los Angeles where 1.1 million have been infected and 16,332 have died since the pandemic began.

Health experts and the new Biden administration say getting Americans vaccinated is critical to getting the nation back up and running.

To date, 28.9 million doses have been administered, with 7.2 percent of the population receiving the first dose and 1.5 percent also the second, according to Bloomberg data.

But the rollout has been slow on both a federal and state level.

Biden on Monday upped his COVID-19 vaccination goal to 1.5 million doses every day - equivalent to 150 million in his first 100 days in office.

This marked an increase from his promise of 100 million shots in 100 days laid out in the days before he was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States.

Biden faced criticism for this goal as it emerged the US had already exceeded the pace of 1 million doses per day.

Over the last week, an average of 1.3 million doses have been administered each day.

A woman receives the vaccine in a Sarasota shopping center. To date, 28.9 million doses have been administered, with 7.2 percent of the population receiving the first dose and 1.5 percent also the second, according to Bloomberg data

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency is calling on the Pentagon to help administer the vaccine across the country.

In the meantime, the CDC is mandating masks are worn on all public transport nationwide.

The CDC announced an order late Friday that people must wear a face mask on any form of public transport, including buses, trains, taxis, airplanes, boats, subways or ride-share vehicles while traveling into, within and out of the US.

It states that people are required to wear them while waiting, boarding, traveling and disembarking and that scarves and bandanas do not count as masks.

Criminal penalties may be issued against anyone who does not comply the order states.

The order will go into effect from midnight Monday.
Experts from the World Health Organization visited a Wuhan hospital Friday as the fieldwork began in a closely watched coronavirus origins probe that will take in a food market presumed to be "ground zero" of the pandemic.

Nevertheless, the WHO's emergencies director Michael Ryan sought to downplay expectations of finding the origin of the pandemic straight away.

Success "is not measured necessarily in absolutely finding a source on the first mission," he told a news conference in Geneva.

"This is a complicated business, but what we need to do is gather all of the data, all of the information, summarise all of these discussions, and come to an assessment as to how much more we know about the origins of the disease and what further studies may be needed to elucidate that."

The WHO investigation has been hobbled by delays, and there are fears over access and the strength of evidence a year after the virus emerged in the central Chinese city.

The team met Chinese officials Friday and then left their Wuhan hotel in a fleet of cars, trailed by a media pack reflecting the intense global scrutiny on a visit whose aim is to establish how the virus was transferred from animals to humans.

The Hubei Provincial Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine -- where some of the earliest Covid-19 patients were admitted -- is among the field visits.

The WHO said the team will later head to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Huanan market, and the Wuhan CDC laboratory, three sites now indelibly linked with the pandemic.

Details of the trip are being relayed via Twitter rather than Chinese authorities. Team member Peter Daszak described the first site visit as "extremely important".

"We are in the hospital that treated some of the first known cases of COVID-19, meeting with the actual clinicians & staff who did this work, having open discussion about the details of their work," tweeted Daszak, president of EcoHealth Alliance, a global NGO focused on infectious disease prevention.

The Huanan market -- which remains boarded up -- is believed to have been the first major cluster of infections, while former US president Donald Trump had pushed an unsubstantiated theory that the virus escaped from a testing facility at the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

The mission's exact itinerary remains unclear.

But WHO's Ryan said: "There is a very long list of site visits planned and face-to-face meetings continue. The visits will include the Wuhan institute of virology and other labs, the Wuhan market, early responders, hospitals in which the first clusters of cases occurred. It is a very busy, busy schedule."

The highly politicised mission had been beset by delays, with China refusing access until mid-January.

China on Thursday warned the United States against "political interference" during a trip, after the White House demanded a "robust and clear" investigation.

The WHO insists the probe will be tethered tightly to the science behind how the virus jumped to humans.

Beijing is desperate to take the air out of the blame game and instead train attention on its handling of and recovery from the outbreak.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman on Friday flagged the visit as "a part of global research" into the pandemic.

"It is not an investigation," Zhao Lijian told reporters.

In a tweet Thursday, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he had had a "frank discussion" with China's Health Minister Ma Xiaowei.

"I asked that the international scientists get the support, access & data needed, and the chance to engage fully with their Chinese counterparts," he said.

China's National Health Commission says 4,636 people have died in the country as a result of the virus. The nation's GDP grew 2.3 percent in 2020, the only major economy to do so.

In comparison, more than 400,000 Americans have died so far as the sickness rips through its population and economy, while Britain recorded its 100,000th fatality this week.
Unite leader Len McCluskey was forced to admit yesterday the cost of his union's controversial luxury hotel and conference centre has trebled to nearly 100 million.

The statement by Britain's most powerful union leader came after he was challenged over the issue at a crisis meeting of the union's executive in London.

Mr McCluskey said the cost of the union's hotel and conference centre in Birmingham had risen to 98 million.

Len McCluskey, the General Secretary of Unite, admitted the cost of his union's controversial luxury hotel and conference centre has trebled to nearly 100 million

Union insiders say the initial estimate was 35 million - although according to one report it was as low as 7 million.

Mr McCluskey, the General Secretary of Unite, yesterday blamed the increase on the union's decision to pay top wage rates to the workers who built it.

The showdown with the Unite executive came amid a growing row over the hotel and conference centre contract with the Flanagan Group of Liverpool, headed by businessmen Paul Flanagan.

Merseyside Police is investigating the firm amid an inquiry into the sale of council land  and Mr Flanagan himself was arrested in September.

Another contract for the hotel project went to a company owned by David Anderson, the son of Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson.

Both men were also arrested by Merseyside Police last year. There is no suggestion that the Unite contract is linked to the police inquiry.

There is also no suggestion of any wrongdoing in the decision to award the contract to The Flanagan Group  or that Mr McCluskey had anything to do with the tendering process.

Defiant Mr McCluskey told yesterday's meeting said the union should be congratulated for the money spent on the scheme.

It was determined not to use the 'shabby practices' and low pay common in the building industry.

He also claimed construction costs had soared in Birmingham.

Mr McCluskey said tendering for contracts to build the hotel conference centre had been handled properly.

He added: 'We take the management of our members money seriously.'

Criticism of the project was part of a 'smear campaign' against the union, he said.

But Mr McCluskey's explanation for the huge increase in the cost of the project was rejected by one of his Unite critics.

They said: 'McCluskey has admitted the union's worst kept secret: the cost of the hotel and conference centre is out of control.

'To blame high labour costs is nonsense: that should have been factored into the deal with Flanagans from the outset.'

The furore over the deal was first revealed by the Daily Mail in December.
The Russian personnel of the joint Russian-Turkish center arrived on duty, Colonel Mikhail Zavalkin, representative of the Russian side of the joint Russian-Turkish center told the Vestnik Kavkaza correspondent in an exclusive interview.

"The main task of the center will be to monitor compliance with the ceasefire regime and all hostilities on the line of contact. The center is provided with all necessary weapons, military equipment and materiel. Monitoring of compliance with the ceasefire regime will be carried out and controlled by the the shift on duty with the help of the Forpost and Orlan-10 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the representative of the Russian personnel informed.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  The Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities is asking state lawmakers for more support for child care, housing, water infrastructure and aid to local governments this legislative session.

Smaller municipalities are continuing to navigate the economic fallout of the pandemic. Executive Director Bradley Peterson told reporters Friday that preserving the states local government aid program is the absolute single most important thing that the state can do" to support rural communities this year.

The organization is also urging the Legislature to invest in child care services and more housing in their cities  both of which they say are in short supply.
International

China warns Taiwan independence means war

London, Jan 30 (Agencies) | Publish Date: 1/30/2021 11:09:22 AM IST

China has warned Taiwan that any attempt to seek independence means war.

The warning comes days after China stepped up its military activities and flew warplanes near the island, BBC reported.

It also comes after new US President Joe Biden reaffirmed his commitment to Taiwan, and set out his stance in Asia.

The US has called Chinas latest warning unfortunate, adding that tensions did not need to lead to anything like confrontation.

China sees democratic Taiwan as a breakaway province, but Taiwan sees itself as a sovereign state, with its own constitution, military, and elected leaders.

Analysts say Beijing is becoming increasingly concerned that Taiwans government is moving the island towards a formal declaration of independence and it wants to warn President Tsai Ing-wen against taking steps in that direction.

President Tsai, however, has repeatedly said that Taiwan is already a independent state, making any formal declaration unnecessary.

On Thursday, Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian defended the recent military activities near Taiwan, saying they were necessary actions to address the current security situation in the Taiwan Strait and to safeguard national sovereignty and security.

They are a solemn response to external interference and provocations by Taiwan independence forces, he added.

We warn those Taiwan independence elements - those who play with fire will burn themselves, and Taiwan independence means war.

The US responded later on Thursday.

We find that comment unfortunate, Pentagon press secretary John Kirby told reporters, in the first statement by the new administration on China-Taiwan relations.

Mr Kirby added that the Pentagon sees no reason why tensions over Taiwan need to lead to anything like confrontation.

The new US administration is expected to maintain pressure on China over a wide range of issues including human rights, trade disputes, Hong Kong and Taiwan, amid the deteriorating relationship between the two powers.

Taiwans Mainland Affairs Council, meanwhile, said China should not underestimate the islands determination to defend its sovereignty and uphold freedom and democracy.

Chinas official spokespeople try not to talk about war. They almost always emphasise that theirs is a peace-loving country.

China is not a nation with a history of expeditionary military confrontation far beyond what it regards as its borders.

However, under Xi Jinpings leadership, China has repeatedly said that it would use military force to prevent any move towards formal independence by Taiwan, which it regards as a renegade province.

Threatening a war isnt as nuanced as talk of military intervention. Its blunt, more frightening. It is different too. Military intervention could come in a multitude of ways; not necessarily an out-and-out war between two competing sides and their allies.

But Taiwans status is a red line for Beijing, a part of what it regards as its unimpeachable territorial integrity. An internal affair, alongside Hong Kong.

The language deployed by the government spokespeople may not always be this provocative but when it comes to Taiwan its fair to assume this is what China is, ultimately, willing to resort to.

China in Focus (Jan. 29): China Cracks Down on Online Savings Services

Beijing is cracking down on online deposit services offered by non-bank platforms. The move will impact $300 billion in savings.

A mother and son are left homeless and forced to sleep outside in the winter as more homes in one Beijing district are forcibly destroyed.

Bidens pick for top Asia official reportedly worked for a certain non-profit group. Its thought to be linked to a foreign influence campaign run by the Chinese Communist Party.

A Chinese internet search giant has been approved by Californian authorities to test driverless vehicles on public roads. Meanwhile, the search engine is banned in India due to security concerns.

More Indian troops are headed to the disputed border with China. While the U.S. commits to its defense partnership with India.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more first-hand news from China.

For more news and videos, please visit our website and Twitter.
SACRAMENTO  State officials have offered few explanations about their decision this week to turn over coronavirus vaccine distribution to the health insurance giant Blue Shield of California, including who selected the company, whether there were competitors and why the state could no longer do the job itself.

Since announcing Wednesday that California would sign a deal with the Oakland-based nonprofit health plan provider to manage its statewide vaccine delivery network, Gov. Gavin Newsoms administration has declined to share additional information about the agreement, which is still being finalized.

Among the details that officials have yet to reveal: how much the state will pay Blue Shield.

The abrupt announcement and opaque process has raised questions about how officials settled on Blue Shield, a major political player at the state Capitol and in California elections.

During a session of the state Senate on Thursday, Sen. Jim Nielsen, R-Gerber (Tehama County), demanded to know more about the rushed deal, including whether the state had issued a request for a proposal from other firms and what the terms of the contract were, even as he expressed support for hiring a third-party administrator. In an interview, he said the lack of transparency raised suspicions that the state was trying to hide something from lawmakers and the public.

This ones about life and death, Nielsen told The Chronicle. We cannot make light of it, and the agencys saying, trust us.

In the coming weeks, Blue Shield will be tasked with allocating vaccine doses to local health departments, pharmacies, hospitals, community health centers and other providers to improve the efficiency of the states vaccination program, which has had among the slowest rollouts in the country, and ensure that low-income neighborhoods and communities of color have equitable access to the vaccine.

Kaiser Permanente, the Oakland-based nonprofit health insurance and hospital chain, will also contribute to the effort, though the state has not specified how.

Californians would continue to go to pharmacies, medical offices and mass vaccination sites to get their shots, and providers would continue ordering doses through the state system. But officials say the new approach could direct more doses to large entities that are better positioned to handle a high volume of shots as the vaccine supply increases.

Blue Shield of California and Kaiser Permanente are both great California nonprofits who have the experience, willingness and ability to help the state as we face the largest public health emergency in a generation, Yolanda Richardson, the state government operations secretary who was recently tapped to oversee its vaccine distribution strategy, said in a statement Friday. Building upon the great work done by the public health and health care systems, we look forward to working with them to help vaccinate Californians equitably and efficiently.

Californias move to hand over management of vaccine distribution to an outside entity may be unique in the country.

Representatives for the public health departments of six other large states  Texas, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Michigan  said Friday that they have not contracted with third-party administrators and are continuing to allocate and distribute vaccine doses through their state governments.

Larry Levitt, executive vice president for health policy at the Kaiser Family Foundation, which is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente, also said he was not aware of any states striking deals similar to Californias arrangement with Blue Shield.

But there is no other state that is as big and complicated and diverse as California, he added. The fact that vaccine distribution has to pass through so many layers in California has made the process more complicated and less efficient.

Levitt said Californias vaccine rollout has been a mess on every level  from getting doses to where they are most needed to communicating with the public about who is eligible for vaccinations to creating systems for people to make appointments. It will be helpful if a third-party administrator can streamline the system into something more rational, Levitt said, though he expressed concern about whether it would ensure vaccine doses reach vulnerable communities that have been left behind in the early stages.

It certainly is unusual to think about an insurance company doing this function, he said. But Blue Shield has a statewide reach and relationships with the vast majority of health care providers in the state, so it makes some sense from that perspective.

Blue Shield, which serves about 4.4 million Californians, is also a significant presence in state politics. The company reported spending $2.4 million on campaign contributions and at least $1.5 million lobbying the Legislature, governors office and other state agencies during 2019-20.

The insurers ties to Newsom go back to his days as mayor of San Francisco, when Blue Shield sponsored his Project Homeless Connect outreach effort, the Sacramento Bee reported last year in a story about the governors coronavirus testing task force. The group filled more than a fifth of its positions with Blue Shield employees.

In the past decade, the company has donated about $87,000 to Newsoms political campaigns, $269,000 to his ballot measure committee and nearly $1 million to an independent committee supporting his 2018 gubernatorial bid, according to campaign finance records.

Since Newsoms election, Blue Shield has also given to several causes at his request, including $20 million in September to support Project Homekey, a program to buy and convert hotels into housing for homeless people. The company also gave $300,000 in January 2020 to support the governors commission on the future of work and $150,000 in 2019 for his inauguration and an associated benefit concert.

Kaiser Permanente, which counts about 9.2 million Californians among its members, has not reported any campaign donations to individual candidates, but spent more than $2.6 million lobbying over the past two years. It also contributed $9.75 million to the states coronavirus response in December at Newsoms request and $450,000 to his inauguration and benefit concert.

Alexei Koseff is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: alexei.koseff@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @akoseff


In a new report, Greenpeace examined the top one hundred investment funds in Luxembourg and their impact on the environment.

The report surrounds the premise that the Grand Duchy presents the image of a sustainable finance centre, when in reality, there is a long way to go in terms of sustainability.

Luxembourg is Europe's largest, and the world's second-largest, fund location, thus contributing to the funding of the global climate crisis, say Greenpeace. As a result, the organisation commissioned an independent analysis into the country's top one hundred investment funds and their activity in 2019.

Certain criteria were taken into consideration for the report, including funds invested into fossil fuel companies known for contributing to pollution, as well as other carbon-intensive industries.

The 100 largest funds in Luxembourg were said to emit on average 10% more greenhouse gases than the MSCI World Index, which was used as a benchmark for the analysis. On average, the report found that the investment funds contributed an average increase of 4 degrees Celsius to global temperatures predicted for the next 40 years - significantly more than the climate targets presented by the Paris Agreement.

Greenpeace concluded that there was a long way to go before Luxembourg's financial centre could claim sustainability, and appealed for more government regulation within the sector.

The full report can be found here and here.
People involved in higher education are asking: Will universities require students to get the coronavirus vaccine before they come back to school?

Many universities already request health information from new students. Most, especially those from the U.S., already receive vaccines as children.

Schools like the University of Wisconsin, for example, do not require students to be vaccinated for many diseases, but strongly recommends them. Vaccines are recommended for diseases like hepatitis and measles. A form asks students to check with their doctors and make arrangements to get any missing immunizations before you come to campus.

As the coronavirus vaccine becomes more available, students may someday be required to prove that they have received the coronavirus vaccine before coming to school. But public health experts say it is unlikely universities will be able to require it this fall.

The University of Michigan is another large university, with over 40,000 students. VOA asked whether the school will require a coronavirus vaccine in the near future. A University of Michigan spokesman answered by email: At this time, the university does not anticipate requiring a COVID vaccine for faculty, staff or students, he wrote.

Rupali Limaye is scientist at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. She is an expert in vaccines and public health. She studies how people make decisions about vaccines.

Limaye said it is likely universities will enter the 2021-2022 school year still using other methods to control the spread of the virus, even if some students and professors have received the vaccine.

These methods include wearing a face covering, virus testing, social distancing and keeping groups of students together in small groups.

Limaye said the most likely situation this fall is that some students will be vaccinated, but most social distancing rules will remain in place.

Universities, however, will probably urge students to take classes in person. Limaye said the coronavirus health crisis has made universities think hard about the best ways to teach students. While many schools have deployed distance learning in 2020 and 2021, the majority of them believe the best way to teach is in person.

Most adults, she said, can effectively work from home. But for college students, an important part of the educational experience is the social interaction and cooperation that come on campus. So, many universities want to find a way to reopen.



Will campus life return to normal?

Some people are hopeful that college campuses will be back to normal in September 2021 because vaccines are becoming more available. Limaye said that is closer to a dream than reality.

That is because not enough people on college campuses will receive the vaccine by the start of the coming school year. Some older teachers and professors will have been vaccinated. But college-age students have not yet been prioritized by most public health organizations.

For this reason, herd immunity may not be reachable seven months from now. The term herd immunity describes a situation when enough people in a population are resistant to a disease that it cannot spread.

Limaye said states with smaller populations, like Kentucky, are doing a better job of providing vaccines. Colleges and universities in those states might be able to welcome students back to campus with fewer rules in place.

In larger states, like California, it has been harder to provide people with vaccines. As a result, on-campus social distancing rules may remain in place for a longer time.

In addition, universities may not be able to require a coronavirus vaccine. That is because the vaccines are only being given to the public under emergency-use rules.

Limaye said that her school, Johns Hopkins, recently required employees who are part of the medical campus who meet with patients to receive a flu shot each year.

Could we go down that route, she asked, about possibly requiring the vaccine. It is a tricky subject.

She said it is more likely that schools will try to increase in-person attendance by requiring face coverings for a long time to come.

Hallie Busta is a reporter for Higher Ed Dive, a website that covers higher education. She said colleges understand student vaccination will be important to getting back to normal.

The leaders of colleges are also aware the vaccine is not going to be widely available to students for some time. Ive seen estimates of that being like, late spring or early summer. So I think theyre hopeful, but also realistic about some of the limitations on how soon college students can get vaccinatedand then, in turn, how thats going to impact their plans for the spring term and even into the fall.

The American College Health Association works on student health policy. Busta said the organization has asked the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to consider recommending that colleges vaccinate students before they leave for the summer.

The organization notes that doing so would prevent college students, who may not have symptoms of the virus, from infecting people at home. Busta said the U.S. government is only making recommendations on how vaccines should be provided to the public. It is each states responsibility to take action. So, some states could decide to place top importance on their university communities, which include students.

Thats something weve been asking as well, Busta said. Is there a reason to prioritize a certain group?

Students and university staff members may choose to receive a vaccine as soon as it is available. But, before student life can return to normal, people who live near college campuses need to get the vaccine, too.

Even if students are enthusiastic about getting the vaccine, and are able to get it, it also matters for colleges whether people in the communities that surround their campuses are also getting vaccinated and are able to, and that could be a factor as well that schools need to consider.



The future for international students

International students are part of nearly every university community in the U.S. Will those students be required to be vaccinated before they return to campus?

Both Busta and Limaye say it is an important question that has not yet been fully answered. Limaye said she values her international students at the Johns Hopkins University.

We pride ourselves on a diverse student body, she said. Her concern is whether international students who are in one or two-year graduate programs will get the experience they would like.

She said she is looking forward to finding out more on rules for international students coming back.

This will continue to be a bit of an evolving situation, she said.

Busta said international students were already starting to consider universities in other countries before the coronavirus health crisis. Schools in places like Australia, Canada and Britain are offering competition. In addition, some policies have made it harder for students from other countries to study in the U.S.

The virus is definitely impacting students ability to enter the countrybut there are other factors at play as well, she said.

Im Dan Friedell.

Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor.

What do you think of this story? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.

Quiz - Will Universities Require Coronavirus Vaccination for Students? Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

recommend- v. to say that (someone or something) is good and deserves to be chosen

anticipate- v. to think of (something that will or might happen in the future)

faculty n. the group of teachers at a school or college

staff n. employees of an organization

prioritize- v. to organize (things) so that the most important thing is done or dealt with first

route n. a way of reaching a goal

impact v. to have an influence on an outcome or decision

symptom- n. a change in the body or mind which indicates that a disease is present

enthusiastic- adj. feeling or showing strong excitement about something : filled with or marked by enthusiasm

diverse- adj. made up of people or things that are different from each other

evolve- v. to change or develop slowly often into a better, more complex, or more advanced state

factor n. something that helps to produce or influence a result
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When we step on the car brake upon seeing a red traffic light ahead, a sequence of events unfolds in the brain at lightning speed.

The image of the traffic light is transferred from our eyes to the visual cortex, which, in turn, communicates to the premotor cortex -- a section of the brain involved in preparing and executing limb movements. A signal is then sent to our foot to step on the brake. However, brain region that helps the body go from "seeing" to "stepping" is still a mystery, frustrating neuroscientists and psychologists.

To unpack this "black box," a team of neuroscientists at the University of California, Riverside, has experimented on mice to identify the brain region that functions beyond sensory encoding and motor encoding, potentially opening up new directions to studying the cellular and circuit mechanisms of sensory-motor transformations. The researchers report a cortical region traditionally defined as whisker motor cortex in mice is most directly related to the transformation process.

In the lab, the researchers trained mice to sense a slight deflection on one side of their whiskers, and report if they sensed it by licking a water port.

"We recorded the neuronal activity of some brain regions that might convey this sensory-motor transformation by using the 'language of neurons' -- the electrical signals -- generated as the mouse performs the task of stimulus detection," said Zhaoran Zhang, a graduate student in the Neuroscience Graduate Program and a co-first author of the research paper published in eNeuro, an open-access journal of the Society of Neuroscience.

Behzad Zareian, a graduate student in the Department of Psychology and a co-first author of the research paper, explained the team used simple but intuitive mathematical tools to transform the neurons' electrical activities to numbers that describe how much the neurons sense the sensory input, how much they reflect the upcoming movement outputs, and how well they predict whether the sensory information can be successfully transformed to a correct behavior.

"We located a brain region traditionally defined as the whisker motor cortex, which was previously believed to influence how a mouse moves its whiskers," Zareian said, "We found this cortical region is capable of transforming the sensory input from whisker deflection to a more general movement action -- licking in this case -- rather than just moving whiskers."

Corresponding author Edward Zagha, an assistant professor of psychology and the team's principle investigator, explained that one difficulty in finding brain regions operating the sensory-motor transformation is that although scientists can measure the sensory- and motor-related brain activities easily in the lab, the inner process that conducts the sensory-motor transformation in the brain is elusive and hard to quantify.

Our brain represents sensory and motor information in more than one place and often in a redundant manner for multiple purposes such as fine-tuning future movements, enhancing perception or memory storage. Thus, scientists are now able to distinguish the location of transformation and the regions that merely reflect the sensory or motor information for other purposes. This can vastly improve the use of targeted therapy for patients with sensory- and motor-related brain deficits." Edward Zagha, Study Corresponding Author and Assistant Professor of Psychology, University of California - Riverside

Next, the team plans to focus its research on whisker motor cortex to show what happens within this region to enable the transformation process.

"Interestingly, each cortical region consists of multiple layers and multiple subtype of neurons such as excitatory and inhibitory neurons that are subject to research," Zagha said. "Thus, this expands our knowledge of the neurobiological circuits performing sensory-motor transformations and identifies sites of potential therapeutic intervention to modulate these brain functions."
Chinese President Xi Jinping attends and delivers a special address at the World Economic Forum Virtual Event of the Davos Agenda via video link in Beijing, Jan. 25. (Photo by Li Xueren/Xinhua)

In a fluid and complex international situation, countries around the world can only ensure a good start for global development by accurately understanding the overwhelming trend of the times and finding solutions to the major tasks facing the world.

In his special address delivered on Jan. 25 at the World Economic Forum Virtual Event of the Davos Agenda, Chinese President Xi Jinping showed keen insights into the general trend of the times and expounded on how countries across the globe need to properly address the four major tasks facing people of the contemporary era.

Since it offered approaches to getting out of the current difficulties through joint efforts of various countries and pointed the way forward for creating a brighter future, the speech has been widely echoed by the international community.

In terms of the four major tasks, Xi noted that countries need to step up macroeconomic policy coordination and jointly promote strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth of the world economy; abandon ideological prejudice and jointly follow a path of peaceful coexistence, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation; close the divide between developed and developing countries and jointly bring about growth and prosperity for all; and come together against global challenges and jointly create a better future for humanity.

What Xi suggested is also believed to be a proper way to reinvigorate economy, improve peoples livelihood, enhance solidarity and cooperation, promote peaceful development, address global development deficit, facilitate sustainable development, guarantee lasting security, boost development, and foster prosperity for various countries.

Humanity is going through the worst recession since the end of World War II. For the first time in history, the economies of all regions have been hit hard at the same time, with global industrial and supply chains clogged and trade and investment down in the doldrums.

In the face of challenges rarely seen in human history, countries around the world need to show their political resolve to tide over the difficult period together.

They need to ramp up efforts to strengthen policy coordination and roll out a series of economic policies that are based on the current situation, benefit long-term development, and can address both the symptoms and root causes of problems.

Countries also need to firm up their resolve to shift the driving forces and growth models of the global economy and improve its structure, so as to set the course for long-term, sound and steady development of the world economy.

Since the sudden attack of the COVID-19, some people have been busy digging a pit of ideological prejudice. United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has admitted that people fear a possible great fracture in the world.

As a matter of fact, difference in itself is no cause for alarm. What does ring the alarm is arrogance, prejudice and hatred; it is the attempt to impose hierarchy on human civilization or to force ones own history, culture and social system upon others.

China advocates equality, mutual learning, dialogue and mutual accommodation between civilizations, and upholds the common values of humanity, i.e. peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom.

These principles and values China has promoted can help build consensus and forge a global synergy in tackling global challenges, pursue peaceful coexistence among various countries based on mutual respect and on expanding common ground while shelving differences, facilitate exchanges and mutual learning among countries, and inject impetus into the progress of human civilization.

Today, inequality continues to grow, the North-South gap remains to be bridged, and sustainable development faces severe challenges. As countries grapple with the pandemic, their economic recoveries are following divergent trajectories, and the North-South gap risks further widening and even perpetuation.

According to an UN report, the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed 131 million people around the globe into poverty.

Paying more attention to developing countries is not only a moral obligation and a must for safeguarding the common interests of various countries, but an inherent requirement of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

It should be recognized that with the growth of developing countries, global prosperity and stability will be put on a more solid footing, and developed countries will stand to benefit from such growth.

While keeping its eyes on the long run, honoring its commitment, and providing necessary support for developing countries, the international community should also safeguard the legitimate development interests of developing countries, promote the realization of equal rights, equal opportunities and equal rules, so that all countries can benefit from the opportunities and fruits of development.

The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has once again proven that countries in the world are closely connected and share a common stake. Mankind cannot declare a true victory over the virus if there is still one country struggling against it.

Humanity is also confronted with many other global problems, such as environmental deterioration and climate change, none of which can be solved by any one country alone. There must be global action, global response and global cooperation.

The frequently heard calls for global cooperation during the recent World Economic Forum Virtual Event of the Davos Agenda were a vivid reflection of the broad consensus in the international community.

There is only one Earth and one shared future for humanity. Only by standing united and working together can people address the major tasks they are faced with, and the only way out for all countries in the world is to safeguard and practice multilateralism and advance the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.


India celebrates 151st birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on October 2. Every year the day is observed with prayer services and tributes across the nation. Commonly known as Bapu, Gandhi employed nonviolent resistance to lead the successful campaign for Indias independence from British rule, and in turn inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. While we celebrate his birthday this year, here are a few inspiring quotes from the Father of the Nation. (Wikipedia)

Unknown miscreants have vandalised, broken and ripped from the base a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in a park in the US state of California, shocking and outraging Indian-Americans across the country, who have demanded that the officials investigate it as an incident of hate crime.

The 6-ft tall, 650-pound (294 kg) bronze statue of Gandhi, in the Central Park of the City of Davis in Northern California, appeared to have been sawed off at the ankles and half its face was severed and missing, local Davis Enterprise daily reported.

The vandalised statue of Mahatma Gandhi was found by a park employee in the early hours of morning of January 27, the police said.

The statue is being removed and will be stored in a safe place until it can be evaluated, said Davis City councilman Lucas Frerichs.

Investigators are still unsure of when exactly the statue was torn down or what the motive may have been, The Sacramento Bee reported.

Seeing as its a cultural icon to a portion of the people in Davis, we are taking it very seriously, Deputy Chief Paul Doroshov of the Davis Police Department was quoted as saying by the daily.

The statue of Gandhi, which was donated by the Indian government to the city of Davis, was installed by the city council four years ago amidst protests from anti-Gandhi and anti-India organisations.

Organisation for Minorities in India (OFMI), which spearheaded these protests and opposed the installation of the statue. The City of Davis had however voted to go ahead with the installation. Since then OFMI had launched a campaign to remove the Gandhi statue.

Indian-Americans have expressed deep anguish and shock at the incident.

An atmosphere of hatred was being created by many anti-India and hinduphobic radical organisations like OFMI and other Khalistani separatists for many years now, said Guarang Desai of Friends of India Society International (FISI).

They have not only run hate campaigns against Indian icons but have been at the forefront of attempts to push hinduphobia and erase India from California school textbooks, Desai said.

In 2016, the OFMI was part of a campaign to remove the mentions of ''India'' from the sixth and seventh grade California school textbooks and replace them with South Asia. After massive protests from parents and students, the California Department of Education had dropped the controversial changes.

Appalled at the desecration, the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has demanded that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigate the incident as a hate crime.

We condemn this cowardly desecration and call upon the Department of Homeland Security and FBI to investigate this hate crime, as it was likely done with the intention of intimidating the Indian American community, said HAF California Advocacy Director Easan Katir, a former member of the Davis Business and Finance Commission.

We urge local police to apprehend the perpetrators and call upon the city council to resurrect the statue as a statement that such destructive acts are not in harmony with our community standards, Katir said.

Make no mistake HAF said in a tweet this is not about legacy of Gandhi as a person, but about intimating India and Indian Americans..

The Vandalism Was Praised On Twitter By A Pro-Khalistan Group In California, Who Shared Photos Of The Destroyed Statue, And Others Who Stated Today Is A Good Day.

This is not the first time a statue of Gandhi has been desecrated. In December 2020, Khalistani-supporters had desecrated a Mahatma Gandhi statue in Washington, DC in front of the Indian Embassy.
One of Egypt's most important theatre directors passed away in the evening hours of Friday, the Artistic House of Theatre announced.

Born on 13 July 1941, Mohamed Fahmy El-Khouly (known as Fahmy El-Khouly) became interested in theatre at an early age, participating in numerous school performances and impressing viewers with his talent.

He decided to pursue theatre studies at the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts, where he graduated with honors in 1971.

El-Khouly started his professional career in the early 1960s, performing in the theater television troupe.

In 1987, he received a scholarship to continue his education in the US to study American theatre.



Long before his travel to US, El-Khouly had already established himself in Egypts theatre scene.

Throughout his life, he directed over 100 plays for state and private theatres as well as for university and television theatre.



He taught at the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts and the theatre department at Alexandria University.

He also gave theatre workshops and lectures in numerous cultural institutions and festivals held in Egypt and the Arab world.



Between 1987 and 1997, El-Khouly served as director of Cairos Modern Theatre (Al-Hadith theatre).

He then directed the Tomorrow Theatre (Al Ghad theatre) from 1997 until his retirement in 2001.



El-Khouly was also strongly involved in the Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theater, serving on the festivals board of directors for more than one edition.

With his first directing experiences reaching to 1963, El-Khouly worked on a variety of Egyptian stages.Among his well known plays are The Love Minister (1980); Salome based on a play by Mohamed Salmawy (1988), for which the director earned the state recognition; What Will We Say? (1991) starring Jala Fahmi, Sherine, Wafaa Amer; The Beautiful and the Andalusian (2003) written by Mahmoud El-Toukhy and starring Amr Mahmoud Yassin and Lucy; Bab El Fotouh (2015) featuring Youssef Shabaan Muhammad Riyad Samar Gaber.

One of his remarkable works done for the National Theatre was Jerusalem Will Not Fall (2002).



El-Khouly worked with many renowned Egyptian actors such as Abdullah Gaith, Samiha Ayoub, Nour El-Demerdash, Nour El-Sherif, Youssef Shaaban, and Mamdouh Wafi.



El-Khouly occasionally acted in some plays and television series. His acting roles on television include All the Birds Flew East (2002) directed by Hany Ismail; The Agent 1001 (2005) directed by Shereen Adel; and Father Nour by Karam El Naggar and starring Hussein Fahmy.



El-Khouly received many national and international honors and recognitions including the State Encouragement Award (1990); the Medal of Sciences and Arts of the First Class (1995); the Egypt State Award for Excellence in Arts (2010); the Order of Merit from the Kingdom of Jordan (2002); the state award from the Algeria (1985); a certificate of appreciation from the Iraqi Republic during the Art Festival in Baghdad (1988).

He was also honored in festivals and other theatrical events in several Arab countries such as Kuwait, Syria, Iraq, Algeria, Qatar and Yemen.



In early 2020 El-Khouly participated in the 16th Sharjah Arabic Theatre Forum, UAE, where he held a discussion titled Arab Theatre and Acclaim: Communication and Intersection. In it, El-Khouly spoke about his theatrical experience, and looked into the pioneers of the Egyptian theatre and their influence on the new generations of artists.



El-Khouly was recently honored during the 27th Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre, which took place in September 2020.



He was mourned by all theatrical community.

The head of the Cultural Production Sector at the culture ministry, Khaled Galal, praised the late artist for having a distinctive style in the world of directing, in addition to his ingenuity in acting.



His works represent milestones in the history of theater, and his art and creativity will remain immortal in our hearts, Galal said in a press release.

Ismail Mokhtar, the head of the Artistic House of Theatre, described El-Khouly as one of the most important directors of the Egyptian theatre.

Meanwhile, Minister of Culture Ines Abdel Dayem expressed her condolences to El-Khouly's family, adding that the renowned director "succeeded in implanting many great values in Egyptian theatre and its viewers."



Below is an interview with Fahmy El-Khouly conducted by Basem Sadek for Radio Al Ahram in 2019





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:



The big musical of the year, of course, is Hamilton (Lyric from March 17), Lin-Manuel Mirandas insanely popular and Pulitzer Prize-winning show about Alexander Hamilton, the virtually forgotten US founding father who, apparently, could bust out a mean hip-hop track as well. If you havent been caught up in the Hamilton hype, you can check out the Broadway version of the show, which is now streaming on Disney+. Fun fact: the Australian shows resident director is Amy Cambpell, who also directs A Chorus Line and choreographed Once.

And if you want to forget 2020 happened, lets stick with 2019 and rollerskate back to Darlinghurst Theatres remounting of Once , the musical based on the Oscar-winning 2007 film about an Irish busker, the Guy, and his unrequited love for the Girl. Directed by the man who can do no wrong, Richard Carroll, this was an outstanding production that will have you falling slowly all over again (from June 8). Sticking with Darlinghurst, their production of A Chorus Line is high-kicking its way back onto the stage (from August 27) after it was an early victim of the pandemic, closing just after previews began in March last year.

I think we can all agree we need a little joy this year, so lets kick off with Fangirls (Seymour Centre, until February 20), Yve Blakes audacious musical about one teenage girls obsession with her favourite boy band member, Harry. First staged at Belvoir in October 2019, it had the audience laughing, crying, screaming and dancing and its no lie to say Ive thought about it at least once a week since then. This reissue features some breakout stars from the original, such as Chika Igowe and James Majoos, while Karis Oka steps into the Blakes formidable shoes playing Edna, our teen heroine.

A couple of quickies: get outdoors with Green Park (Griffin, February 5 to March 6), which takes the audience to the actual Green Park in Darlinghurst, where they will don headphones and listen to Elias Jamieson Browns story about a Grindr hook-up thats not what it seems. Kate Mulvany, meanwhile, has turned her hand to another Ruth Park classic, adapting Playing Beatie Bow for Sydney Theatre Company (Wharf 1 Theatre, February 22 to May 1). Set during the pandemic (instead of the 1980s of the book), the time-travelling play stars Catherine Van-Davies as Abigail and Sofia Nolan as the titular heroine. And dont forget Miss Peony (Belvoir, July 3-August 1), writer Michelle Laws follow up to her very funny 2019 play Single Asian Female that sees a grandmother and granddaughter at odds over a Chinese beauty pageant. LOUISE RUGENDYKE

FANS PICKS

I was lucky enough to see Come From Away (Capitol Theatre, from June 3) in both Melbourne and London and it is one of the most moving experiences Ive had in a theatre. Its based on a true story about what happened after the September 11, 2001, terror attacks in New York, when planes were diverted to Newfoundland and the small town of Gander had to suddenly take in thousands of people. Its a beautiful message about how people come together in times of crisis, but its also very interesting in the way it is structured. There is no interval and only two applause breaks, so at the end there is this pent-up energy of a very appreciative audience who just want to let it all out. Youve really got to go for the final moment, that last note, and just jump out of your seat. Its a beautiful, communal experience and a great reminder of mans capacity for generosity and kindness.

Zoe Gertz stars as American Airlines pilot Beverley Bass in the musical Come From Away. Credit:Simon Schluter

I saw the original Broadway production of Fun Home (Roslyn Packer Theatre, April 27 to May 29) in 2015 and the best selling point I can give you, is if you look up the song Ring of Keys, as performed at the Tony Awards by Sydney Lucas. Its this phenomenal performance by a young actor where her character, Alison, gets the first inkling she might be gay. Thats how I got interested in the show and that one song was enough to make me want to see it. Fun Home has got a bit of everything - some really fun, laugh-out-loud moments and theres darkness to it, too. Its a real roller-coaster of the best sort and I cant wait to see Lucy Maunder play Alison in this Sydney Theatre Company production. Maunder was brilliant in Pippin, so emotionally effective, and this show is loaded with emotion, so Im really keen to see what she does there.
Last week, Sasikala completed four years imprisonment in a jail in Bengaluru in a case of disproportionate assets

Bengaluru: Expelled AIADMK leader VK Sasikala, undergoing treatment for COVID-19 in a hospital, would be discharged on Sunday, a bulletin said.

"Sasikala Natarajan completed 10 days of treatment today. She has been asymptomatic and maintaining saturation without oxygen for the past three days. As per protocol, she can be discharged from the hospital," Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute said in the bulletin.

"The team of doctors attending to her has taken the decision that she is fit for discharge and she will be discharged tomorrow, but has been advised home quarantine," it said.

Sasikala was released on Wednesday after she completed four years of imprisonment in a jail here in a case of disproportionate assets.

Being treated for COVID-19 , the 66-year-old close aide of former Tamil Nadu chief minister late J Jayalalithaa had remained in the hospital.

Sasikala's return to Tamil Nadu is of political significance as it comes at a time when the southern state is going for Assembly polls in April-May.

Her supporters expect their 'Chinnamma' as Sasikala is called by her supporters to gain control of the AIADMK, from which she was expelled as an interim general secretary.

The ruling AIADMK, led by Chief Minister K Palaniswami and his deputy O Panneerselvam, had time and again asserted that there was no scope for Sasikala being inducted again in the party.

After Jayalalithaa's death in December 2016, Sasikala was set to become the chief minister in early 2017 with the party naming her interim general secretary and following her election as AIADMK legislature party leader.

However, with the Supreme Court restoring the trial court's judgement convicting her in the assets case, she facilitated the election of Palaniswami as the AIADMK legislature party leader and made him the chief minister.

Before going to prison in Bengaluru, she had visited the mausoleum of Jayalalithaa in Chennai and made a dramatic vow, though she did not openly declare what it was all about.

Along with her sister-in-law J Ilavarasi and late Jayalalithaa's disowned foster son V N Sudhakaran, she was convicted in the Rs 66-crore disproportionate assets case which bars her from contesting elections for six years from the date of her release.

The 27 September, 2014 order of the Special Court awarding imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10 crore each was upheld by the Supreme Court on 14 February, 2017.

Bengaluru, Jan 31 : Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa's close aide V.K. Sasikala Natarajan is likely to be discharged on Sunday from a hospital here, where she is undergoing treatment for Covid-19, an official bulletin said.

According to the bulletin, Sasikala completed 10 days of treatment on Saturday. "She has been asymptomatic and maintaining saturation without oxygen since three days. As per protocol, she can be discharged from the hospital," the Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute said in its bulletin.

"The team of doctors attending to her has taken the decision that she is fit for discharge and will be released on Sunday morning with the advice of home quarantine," it stated.

Sasikala was set free on Wednesday by the state prison authorities after she completed four years imprisonment at a jail here in a disproportionate assets case. The case pertains to the amassment of disproportionate assets to the tune of Rs 66.65 crore during Jayalalithaa's tenure as the Chief Minister from 1991-1996.

Sasikala was rushed to the government-run Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital on January 20 from the prison hospital, after falling ill there and had been transferred to the Victoria Hospital the following day, where she tested positive for Covid-19.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
A woman arrested during Denver law enforcements investigation into an intentionally set fire in Green Valley Ranch last year appeared in federal court Friday afternoon to face firearm and drug charges.

Denver Gazette news partner 9News reported that while the arrest of 23-year-old Tanya Bui stemmed from the polices investigation of the arson, the current charges are not related to the fire. Bui faces charges of possession of less than 50 kilograms of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm connected to a drug trafficking crime, both felonies.

The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms filed the criminal complaint against Bui.

Bui appeared Friday in order for Magistrate Judge Scott Varholak to advise her of her rights. The marijuana possession charge carries a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine and two years of supervised release. The firearm charge carries at least five years, up to a life sentence, up to a $250,000 fine and up to five years of supervised release.

Varholak set Buis next hearing for Feb. 3, during which he will decide whether to grant her release on bail. If she is not indicted by then, she will also have a preliminary hearing. Varholak ordered her detained until then.

According to 9News, court records identify one suspect in the fire investigation as a relative of Bui, and a cell phone used by the suspect registered in her name and paid for by her. Investigations into the homicides also revealed Bui was involved in drug trafficking and illegal gun sales, court documents say, and Buis relative was also selling drugs on her behalf.

The fire in Green Valley Ranch killed Djibril Diol and Adja Diol, both immigrants from Senegal, and their two-year-old daughter Khadija. Djibrils sister Hassan Diol and her infant daughter, Hawa Baye, also died in the blaze. Earlier this week, Denver Police announced the arrest of three teenage boys in connection with the deadly fire, who remain unidentified because they are underage.
WASHINGTON - It was 1921, and America was emerging from a dark time - a pandemic and a war.

Enter Laddie Boy, a handsome Airedale terrier who was part of President Warren G. Harding's "Return to Normalcy" campaign messaging. A century ago, a romp with Laddie Boy showed an ailing America that the country was recovering from a flu that had killed 675,000 men, women and children and World War I, a brutal conflict that had left 116,000 dead and countless others maimed.

When Laddie Boy arrived at the White House after Harding's inauguration, the president carried that canine riot of brown, wiry curls right into a Cabinet meeting. Laddie Boy became a regular, sitting in a hand-carved chair made especially for him. Totally normal.

And that's how it feels with the installment of First Doggos Major and Champ at the Biden White House over the weekend, our nation's return to some kind of normal.

No word yet on whether German shepherds Major and Champ will be up for Cabinet assignments. But Major did give the White House a "first," breaking the dog barrier by becoming the first shelter rescue dog to shed all over the rugs at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

Though that shouldn't diminish the presence of Yuki in President Lyndon B. Johnson's White House after Johnson's daughter, Luci, found the vagabond mutt at a gas station in Texas.

Yuki, after all, gave the nation one of its most endearing portraits of Johnson.

During the Vietnam War's bloody Tet offensive in 1968, Johnson let off some steam by throwing his head back in the Oval Office and howling with Yuki. Though for many animal advocates, that didn't negate the damage done by the great "ear-lift" scandal four years earlier, when Johnson lifted one of his beagles - the one name "Him," not the one named "Her" - by the ears in front of reporters.

Even when presidents are weirdos, dogs help make them seem a little more normal.

When staff members were trying to get then-candidate Herbert Hoover to smile for a portrait to use on his 1928 campaign literature, they couldn't capture Hoover looking even remotely warm or amicable. Then his Belgian Malinois, King Tut, romped onto the scene and greeted Hoover. The photographer was quick enough to capture that tiny spark of humanity on Hoover's face, and bingo, King Tut was famous, Hoover looked normal, election won.

When he made it to the White House, King Tut didn't just lounge around or attend Cabinet meetings, though. He joined the White House police patrol. During the Great Depression, at least someone found work in Hoover's America.

There's only one pet memorialized in sculpture on Washington's Mall: President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Scottish terrier, Fala. He was Roosevelt's constant companion, even in bronze.

The little dog caused a scandal in 1944, when Roosevelt was running for his fourth term and a false rumor surfaced that Fala had been left behind on a trip to the Aleutian Islands and Roosevelt deployed a costly, taxpayer funded search party.

It never happened, but Roosevelt's Fala speech became an instant classic: "You can criticize me, my wife and my family, but you can't criticize my little dog. He's Scotch and all these allegations about spending all this money have just made his little soul furious."

Even then-Sen. Richard M. Nixon got a popularity boost for standing by his dog, Checkers, when he defended himself against allegations that he had a slush fund. He went line by line, listing all his gifts and family expenditures (his Alexandria apartment cost $80 a month) in the speech, including that black-and-white cocker spaniel a fan had sent to his daughters, who fell in love with the dog.

"And I just want to say this right now, that regardless of what they say about it, we're gonna keep it," he said. That dedication secured his spot on President Dwight D. Eisenhower's ticket and gave him the vice presidency.

Remember, we said dogs. Presidents brought a menagerie of other pets into the White House, too. But not all of their animal kingdom choices helped their images.

President William Howard Taft had a cow, Andrew Johnson claimed the white mice in his bedroom as pets, and Martin Van Buren was gifted two big cats from the sultan of Oman - reported as lions in an 1840 letter from the nervous envoy holding them in a room in the U.S. consulate, but later identified as tigers by the Van Buren National Historic Site. Congress took action and told Van Buren he couldn't keep them.

See what we're saying? Dogs = normal. Tigers = reality TV. No dogs, no dice.

Still unsure? Let's take it all the way back to George Washington. The father of our nation had fox hounds named Sweetlips, Scentwell and Vulcan; coonhounds named Drunkard, Taster, Tipsy and Tipler; a Greyhound named Cornwallis, and many others. Washington owned 36 dogs total. That's a whole lot of normal.

Even weirder were the presidents with no pets, a lineup that includes Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, Chester A. Arthur and, of course, Donald Trump. Case closed.

Welcome back, dogs. We're so glad you've returned.

The Telegraph

The daughter of Radovan Karadzic, the former Bosnian Serb leader serving life for genocide and crimes against humanity during the 1990s Yugoslav wars, has claimed her father is living in unhealthy and uncivilised conditions in a British prison. Karadzic, 75, who was convicted in 2016, was transferred from a detention unit in Holland to a UK jail earlier this month following an agreement struck between the UN and the Home Office. But his daughter, Sonja Karadzic-Jovicevic, has complained about the conditions at her fathers new prison after speaking to him on the phone. "As for the physical condition in which he is accommodated, it is unacceptable, she told SRNA, a news agency based in the Republika Srpska, the Serb enclave of Bosnia. If we add to that the fact that he is in a building full of carcinogenic asbestos that is banned around the world, it is clear in what condition he will be in. Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic also claimed that moving her father to the UK was a deliberate act of spite against his family. "My father is in a very uncivilised situation, and as far as his family is concerned, his relocation to the south of England was deliberately made to keep him far away, outside the rules of the United Nations Resolution adopted by the Security Council, she said. It will be very difficult for us physically, financially and procedurally, because of visas, and immunisation during the pandemic, and even after that, to ever go there and visit him," she continued. She added that he had been deprived of his books and his computer, and will be completely removed from his language and his culture. A spokesman for the Justice Ministry said: "UK prisons meet health and safety standards." Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic, who has a political career in Bosnia, has fought to defend her fathers name despite his brutal role in the wars as the Yugoslavian federation separated in the 1990s. Known as the Butcher of Bosnia, Karadzic went down in infamy, in particular for ordering the Srebrenica Massacre in July 1995. Some 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were rounded up by the Bosnian Serb army in and around the town of Srebrenica and then killed in the worst single massacre in Europe since the end of the Second World War. Karadzics lawyers had objected to his clients transfer to the UK, arguing that his life would be in danger owing to Muslim inmates in British prisons. They also argued that owing to possible threats to Karadzics life he would be kept in conditions resembling solitary confinement, but the UN court dismissed the objections. Given his role in the slaughter of Muslims, the experience of another Serb convicted of war crimes may also weigh upon the Karadzic family. In 2010 Radislav Krstic, a former Bosnian-Serb general, was stabbed by three Muslim prisoners while serving a sentence in Wakefield prison, in apparent retaliation for Srebrenica.

The Biden administration is having a hard look at the extent to which the Taliban are complying with the conditions of the peace agreement and supports the negotiations between the stakeholders to find a durable political settlement to the long-standing conflict in Afghanistan, a top US official has said.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said on Friday the Biden administration supports the previous Trump administration's decision of setting up negotiations between the stakeholders in

The Trump administration signed the peace deal with Taliban in February last year in Doha. The accord drew up plans for withdrawal of US troops from in exchange for security guarantees from the insurgent group. As part of the deal, the US committed to withdraw its 12,000 troops within 14 months. There are currently only 2,500 American troops left in the country.

The Taliban committed to prevent other groups, including al Qaeda, from using Afghan soil to recruit, train or fund raise toward activities that threaten the US or its allies.

"In that context, we will make decisions about our force posture and our diplomatic strategy going forward, Sullivan said.

"What the previous administration did in terms of setting up and supporting negotiations between the stakeholders in toward a just, durable political settlement to that conflict, that basic frame is something that we very much support, he said at an event organised by the US Institute of Peace, a Congress-funded think-tank.

"We want to support negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban and others to get to that just and sustainable outcome in addition to looking at the US-Taliban agreement and what it means for our forces going forward, Sullivan said.

Although the Taliban stopped attacks on forces as part of the historic deal, it continued to fight the Afghan government. As a condition of starting talks with the Afghan government, the Taliban demanded that thousands of their members be released in a prisoner swap.

Direct talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban began in Doha in September last year, but a breakthrough is yet to be reached.

Levels of violence in Afghanistan remain high with journalists, activists, politicians and women judges among those killed in targeted assassinations.

(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.)
Aero India 2021: B-1B makes its debut, here is a complete fact-sheet of the heavy bomber from US

US B-1B Long-Range Heavy Bomber to perform at Aero India

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 30: A United States B-1B Lancer heavy bomber will perform during a a fly-by-fly during the Aero India show at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru.

"I am pleased to head this year's U.S. delegation to Aero India to show our continued commitment to strengthening U.S.-India defense cooperation, in line with India's status as a Major Defense Partner," Heflin said.

"U.S. participation in Aero India 2021 reflects our increasingly close bilateral defense ties and our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region."

United States and India: Major Defense Partners at Aero India 2021

U.S. participation in Aero India 2021 provides both U.S. industry and the U.S. military services the opportunity to strengthen military-to-military relations and defense cooperation with India. Our two militaries work together to uphold a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific. Public and private participation by the United States in Aero India 2021 demonstrates the importance the United States places on its strategic partnership with India.

The U.S. Government delegation will include:

Don Heflin, U.S. Charge d'Affaires, a.i.;

Ms. Kelli L. Seybolt Air Force Deputy Undersecretary, International Affairs;

Lieutenant General David A. Krumm 11th Air Force Commander;

Major General Mark E. Weatherington 8th Air Force Commander;

Brigadier General Brian Bruckbauer Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate Director;

Judith Ravin, U.S. Consul General in Chennai;

Aileen Nandi, Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs, U.S. Commercial Service; and

Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher, Defense Attache U.S. Embassy New Delhi.

Leading U.S. defense companies are also participating in Aero India 2021, including Aerospace Quality Research & Development LLC, Airborn Inc., Boeing, IEH Corporation, GE Aviation, General Atomics, Hi-Tech Import Export Corporation, L3Harris, Laversab India, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Trakka Systems.

Among the highlights of the show, a B-1B Lancer heavy bomber, of the 28th Bomb Wing based out of Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, will perform a "fly-by." The B-1B Lancer, a supersonic heavy bomber, is a truly remarkable aircraft, capable of carrying out missions worldwide from its bases in the United States, as well as from forward deployed locations. It carries the largest conventional payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the U.S. Air Force and is considered the backbone of America's long-range bomber force.

In the spirit of bilateral support for India's first hybrid defense exhibition, the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific based out of Hawaii will perform with Indian percussion (ghatam) artist Giridhar Udupa. The collaboration will be broadcast at a later date on U.S. Embassy and Consulate Facebook and Instagram pages.

Aero India 2021: Here is how to register and watch the show for free

Moradabad-Agra highway accident | Gandhi statue vandalised in US | Oneindia News

The U.S. Government delegation will follow all directed Government of India and U.S. Department of Defense protocols and requirements to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These protocols include testing 72 hours prior to departure and having a negative test result before traveling, traveling on military aircraft in order to further limit possible exposure to the virus, and adherence to guidelines put in place by the trade show organisers.
New Delhi:

India on Saturday at midnight launched its biggest ever tax reform- the Goods and Service Tax. President Pranab Mukherjee along with Prime Minister Narendra rolled out the GST in a special function held at the historic Parliament Central Hall.

President Mukherjee, just before formally launching India's centralised tax model, addressed a special fuction in the Parliament organised to launch GST.

During the address, the President said that the introduction of GST is a momentous event for the nation. It was also a moment of some satisfaction for him because, as the Finance Minister, he had introduced the Constitution Amendment Bill on 22nd March 2011.

As it happened: President Mukherjee, PM Modi launch Goods and Service Tax in India

Here are the top quotes from President Mukherjee's address:

# This historic moment is the culmination of 14-year long journey which began in December 2002.

# It is remarkable that 18 meetings held so far, all decisions have been taken by consensus in the council.

# GST will make India's exports more competitive and provide level-playing field to domestic industry to compete with imports.

# GST will act as a major boost to economic efficiency, tax compliance and domestic and foreign investment.

# The Council has pleasantly surprised everyone of us by completing its task on time.

# When change of this magnitude is undertaken however positive it may, there bound to be some teething troubles & difficulties in initial stage.

# GST, no doubt is a disruptive change . It is similar to introduction of the VAT, when there was initial resistance.

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More than the rise of China, it is cyber-capitalism that is the driving force of the current changes in the global political economy. Emboldened by new age technologies, the capital is now breaking itself free from labour. Its efforts are being supported by the right-wing conservatives who are undermining the educated middle class and polarising the society to help reduce the population pool that will be entitled to universal basic income in the ensuing age of mass joblessness.

The two myths prevalent among the analysts of international politics are China deindustrialised the United States (US), and the US is reindustrialising because of China. This article argues that both the Western deindustrialisation and reindustrialisation are driven by capitals desire to disentangle from labour.
Patients who have been hit by deadly asbestos lung cancer are living longer, healthier lives thanks to a breakthrough immune-boosting therapy.

Results from a trial show the drug nivolumab can help keep the aggressive disease mesothelioma at bay for months or even years.

For patients with the disease, any extra time can be priceless as only seven per cent of sufferers live longer than five years.

Professor Gareth Griffiths, the director of clinical trials at the University of Southampton, said: 'Mesothelioma is incredibly hard to treat.

'Most patients get chemotherapy, but for the majority this will eventually become ineffective. When the cancer returns there's nothing you can do to stop it.

Results from a trial show the drug nivolumab can help keep the aggressive disease mesothelioma at bay for months or even years. Pictured: Stock image

'For the first time we have shown there's an effective next step after chemo.'

More than 2,600 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year in the UK. Most cases are diagnosed in those aged 60 to 80.

Men are affected more commonly than women because mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos, a kind of insulation that was once widely used in flooring and roofing but is now banned.

If intact, asbestos insulation causes no harm, but if it's broken up, tiny fibres are released into the air. These can easily get into the lungs where they become stuck and cause damage over time.

The scarring caused by asbestos fibres in the lining of the lungs is the prime location for cancerous mesothelioma cells to form.

Asbestos was withdrawn from use in the UK in 1999, but cases of mesothelioma have increased by 61 per cent since the early 1990s.

Prof Griffiths says this is because the cancer can take 30 to 40 years to develop, meaning men who worked with asbestos in the 1980s or early 1990s are now most at risk. Britain has the world's worst rate of mesothelioma because asbestos was so widely used.

More than 2,600 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year in the UK. Most cases are diagnosed in those aged 60 to 80. Pictured: Stock image of asbestos

Once chemotherapy stops working, Prof Griffiths says patients are often given just months to live. But experts claim nivolumab could offer them hope.

The drug has been used to treat a variety of cancers since it was approved in 2015. These include melanoma, non-small-cell lung cancer and lymphoma.

It works by harnessing the body's immune system, in contrast to chemotherapy which directly attacks the cancer cells.

One of the reasons mesothelioma is so difficult to treat is because the body's immune system doesn't normally recognise the cancer. Nivolumab helps immune cells called T-cells attack the mesothelioma.

While it cannot completely eradicate the disease, it can stop it spreading, giving patients extra months  and in some cases extra years  to live.

The patients on the trial were given either nivolumab or a placebo every fortnight via an intravenous drip for 12 months.

Comparing the two groups, those receiving nivolumab survived on average for nine months, compared with six months for those on the placebo.

What's more, patients on nivolumab were less likely to see their cancer worsen over a three-month period.

According to Prof Griffiths, around 40 per cent of patients who were started on nivolumab in 2017 are still alive.

Carpenter David Smith, 61, was diagnosed with mesothelioma four years ago and was told he had between 12 and 18 months left to live.

'It came out of the blue and was a real shock,' said David, who went on to have chemotherapy.

'That got me through the rest of that year, but things started to worsen again. That's when I was told the prognosis had changed and I had between three and six months. It was a big shock.'

As a last resort, David, who lives in Aldingbourne, near Chichester in West Sussex, was placed on the nivolumab trial in 2018.

While David doesn't know whether he was given the placebo or nivolumab, it is almost certain that he was given the real thing because scans showed his tumour had shrunk after just 12 weeks.

He finished the trial in December 2019 and says his condition stabilised for a while, adding: 'I had a whole year where things had improved.'

Sadly, David's tumour has begun growing again and he will need more chemotherapy, but he says the trial was a 'lifeline'.

Prof Griffiths and his colleague Professor Dean Fennell, director of the Leicester Mesothelioma Research Programme, presented their findings to the World Conference on Lung Cancer yesterday, and their hope is that the NHS will consider adopting nivolumab as part of its nationwide mesothelioma treatment.

Prof Griffiths said: 'We've created very good evidence that this is a good standard of care.

'The hope is it could benefit thousands of patients.'
Its impossible to imagine getting through the coronavirus pandemic without arts and culture.

Movies, music, literature, visual art, spoken word and dance have gotten us through some tough times. Theyve kept us company, helped us cope, lessened the isolation.

Yet for as much as arts and cultural groups, and individual artists themselves, have contributed to the citys identity and vibrancy, the relationship hasnt been reciprocal.

Before the coronavirus struck, the city was an arts, culture and historic landmark destination. Cultural tourism was part of the citys ethos.

It was evident in every invitation the city of San Antonio made to entice a company here, in every convention lured here and every tourism dollar sought.

Texas Public Radios Vital Conversations explored these issues this week. It was part of a series about the citys resiliency conducted in collaboration with the John L. Santikos Charitable Foundation and the San Antonio Area Foundation.

TPRs The Source featured Cassandra Parker-Nowicki, director of the Carver Community Cultural Center, and Ben Tremillo, executive director of San Anto Cultural Arts, an organization at the heart of the citys muralist movement. I sat in as well.

The conversation revealed concern for San Antonio artists and arts and cultural groups that may not survive the pandemic, or emerge from it worse off. The future of arts and cultural groups that serve people of color may be more dire.

Such conversations have been happening throughout the arts world.

In San Antonio, arts leaders have found ways to innovate and connect for moral support.

It has led to CAUSA, Culture and Arts United for San Antonio, which in Spanish translates to cause.

It has one: to come out of the coronavirus pandemic as intact as possible and reopen.

Jon Hinojosa, artistic executive director of SAY Si, says CAUSAs members have talked about funding sources and rebuilding their audiences.

For SAY Si, 2020 was already going to be a crazy year, Hinojosa said because of its move from Southtown to the citys West Side, where it can better reach the vulnerable student population it serves.

SAY Si has had to re-imagine and re-think its work. His mantra has been, Blow (expletive) up.

CAUSA helped. Weve talked about the struggles and how we can support each other, giving each other moral support, he said.

The informal group has become more formal and turned into something stronger.

The arts community is going to need it as demands for funding from government and foundations intensifies.

Had nonprofits not applied for the federal Paycheck Protection Program, Hinojosa said, many of our (arts) organizations wouldnt be around. But that money wont continue to be there. Now its about creating a sustainable support system.

CAUSA members have discussed the city of San Antonios use of the hotel occupancy tax to fund the arts, and how the pandemic erased that funding. They were grateful for the citys decision to use $1.6 million from its general fund for the arts.

Its a one-time allocation.

District 1 Councilman Roberto Trevino has suggested building arts funding into bond projects, and City Manager Erik Walsh has stated hes not adverse to other funding options.

The pandemic and the nations reckoning over race will be central to those ongoing discussions. While efforts at equity have been made, its hard to overcome decades of funding inequity.

CAUSA has drawn leaders from across the arts spectrum, from larger, better-funded institutions to diverse, grassroots groups serving predominantly low-income communities of color.

The most positive thing to come out of the pandemic has been that. Weve always fought for scraps. Weve always been in competition with one another. There was a lack of trust for the longest time, because of the shortage of funding, Hinojosa said.

But given the citys, the states and the nations history regarding race, theres reason to worry.

Normal didnt include everyone, and a new normal might not either.

Im worried the issues of a vulnerable community in an inequitable, segregated city will be forgotten, he said.

Hes hoping, as are other arts leaders, that policy makers and elected officials take more steps to make up for a century of inequity.

That theyll do whats right and blow (expletive) up.

eayala@express-news.net
The double cover of the debut issue of Rolling Stone China. [Photo courtesy of PMC]

After a previous failure to enter the Chinese market, the leading American rock magazine Rolling Stone has relaunched in China.

The magazine's parent company Penske Media Corporation (PMC) announced a new partnership with YT Media, a Chinese media and an art company, to launch Rolling Stone China. Under a multiyear license, Rolling Stone China will feature original and syndicated content tailored to China's booming consumer market. It will also provide a new lifestyle brand for China's "Y-generation" and 600 million online music consumers, according to the company's press release.

Rolling Stone China's launch issue, which launched on Tuesday, features cover stars Zhang Chu, the veteran rocker, and Roy Wang, a Chinese heartthrob pop idol, as well as Paul McCartney and Taylor Swift in their "Musicians on Musicians" interview. This debut issue will be followed by a series of corresponding core products and experiences through platforms of the website, WeChat, Weibo, Bilibili, events, and quarterly print issues.

"The opportunity to share our content and experiences with our biggest fans in China is truly exciting," said Gus Wenner, president and chief operating officer of Rolling Stone. "This new partnership is a great way for us to show all that Rolling Stone has to offer on an international scale as we continue to grow."

"Today, with the support of Penske Media Corporation and the trust of Rolling Stone, I am honored to lead our young team to develop the business of Rolling Stone China," said Xu Ning, founder of YT Media in a statement. "We hope that through music, art, and love for this brand, Rolling Stone China will become the lighthouse of modern culture."

This is not the first time Rolling Stone has tried to enter the Chinese market. In 2006, Rolling Stone made its debut in China featuring the godfather of Chinese rock 'n' roll Cui Jian on the cover. The debut issue sold 125,000 copies. However, it failed in the Chinese market and violated various China publishing regulations. It withdrew from China one year later.

In 2017, PMC acquired Wenner Media that owns Rolling Stone. Its new partner in China, YT Media, is a global IP operation platform and cultural media company backed by Sun Wah Group and the UCCA Group. Rolling Stone China will establish headquarters in two Chinese cities --Beijing and Chengdu. This is also the first time an international media brand has established its headquarters in Chengdu, Sichuan province, which was recognized by its executives as an ambitious city with the potential to become a new center of music and fashion.

Other PMC titles with Chinese editions include WWD China, Variety China and Robb Report China.
Military supporters wave Myanmar national flags during a protest to demand an inquiry to investigate the Union Election Commission amid fears about a possible military coup over electoral fraud concerns, in Yangon, Jan. 29, 2021.

Alarmed after a string of veiled threats of a coup by Myanmars military over unproven claims of voting fraud in the nascent democracy, more than a dozen Western diplomatic missions called on the army and other parties to reject attempts to alter the outcome of the 2020 elections.

Intervention by the military is troubling to many in Myanmar, which endured brutal, corrupt military rule and international pariah status from 1962 to 2011, when it began a transition to democratic rule.

The rare group diplomatic statement came as tensions mount before the Feb. 1 opening of Myanmars parliament, which was elected in the Nov. 8 election that the army is calling fraudulent. Military vehicles and troops were seen around the capital this week.

We urge the military, and all other parties in the country to adhere to democratic norms, and we oppose any attempt to alter the outcome of the elections or impede Myanmar's democratic transition, said the statement from the embassies of Australia, 12 European countries, the EU diplomatic mission to Myanmar, New Zealand, and the United States.

A day earlier, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed great concern over the militarys words and urged all parties to desist from any form of incitement, adhere to democratic norms, and respect the election outcome.

RFA could not reach diplomats at the Chinese Embassy in Yangon for comment on the issue. As Myanmars largest investor and trade partner, China has significant influence in the country.

Earlier this week, military commander-in-chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing broached the topic of a possible coup and the abolishment of the constitution amid rising political tensions over the electoral dispute.

The 2008 constitution allows the military chief assume and exercise state sovereignty with the permission of the president during states of emergency that could cause the disintegration of the union. It does not condone military coups, however.

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy (NLD) won the Nov. 8 elections by a landslide, and the 75-year-old leader is set to launch her second five-year term in late March.

The army and its political proxy, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), have contended for weeks that there was widespread voter fraud and have increased pressure on the Union Election Commission (UEC) to investigate. Neither the military nor the USDP have submitted any evidence of actual voter fraud.

In response to talk about a coup, the UEC issued a statement on Thursday insisting that elections were devoid of fraud as alleged by the military, despite some voter list errors which it said it would investigate.

Trapped in their own words

Meanwhile, local media reports in Naypyidaw said two high-ranking military officers met with NLD government officials over the dispute but that the meeting was unsuccessful, and the ruling party rejected the militarys demand to delay the Feb. 1 opening of the new parliament.

NLD spokesman Monywa Aung Shin said he could not confirm the news about the meeting. RFA was also unable to confirm the reports.

We have seen the EU and U.S. show support for the election result and object to the attempts to derail it, so I think we will be able to find solution to this crisis, he said.

Myanmar military spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun could not be reached for comment

Mya Aye, a former pro-democracy student activist and political prisoner who is now a leading member of the Federal Democratic Force party, said the military has dug itself into a hole with talk of a coup as a worst-case scenario in resolving the impasse.

Officials from military have stated the worst-case scenario, and they are trapped in their own words, he said. The ruling government has no easy way out of this problem. Both of them are caught between a rock and a hard place.

Other politicians had mixed views about whether the military would follow through on its threat of a coup.

The ongoing situation in Myanmar is not dire enough to justify a military coup, said Aung Moe Zaw, chairman of the Democratic Party for a New Society. I also think the chance that the military will actually stage a coup is low.

Its not good for the country because the crisis has gotten worse, although it could have been settled between the military and government much earlier, he said.

Ye Naing Aung, secretary of the Peoples Party, said attempts at a coup would reverse the progress Myanmar has made with its democratic transition since 2011.

We absolutely object to a military coup or any attempts that will set back the democratic transition, he said. The ongoing crisis is centered on the 2008 constitution. All the concerned parties need to work together for the sake of country and the citizens to find a solution.

The military dictatorship following a 1962 coup by General Ne Win abolished the 1947 constitution, while another military regime abolished the 1974 constitution after a coup detat in 1988.

Security forces block a road in Myanmar's capital Naypyidaw amid a protest near the Supreme Court where judges conducted a preliminary hearing on a petition filed by the opposition party on alleged election fraud, Jan. 29, 2021. Credit: RFA

Protest in Naypyidaw

Also on Friday, Myanmar Supreme Court began a preliminary hearing of an election-related petition filed in early January by the opposition USDP and the Democratic Party of National Politics (DNP) accusing the government and national election authorities of electoral fraud.

UEC chairman Hla Thein and 14 other committee members are named in the Application of Writ. The judges who presided over the hearing said they would decide whether to accept the case in two weeks, said USDP spokesman Nandar Hla Myint.

An attorney for the USDP gave opening arguments via videoconference on why the party applied for a writ for the nations highest court to begin a case, Nandar Hla Myint said.

If they dont reject it, then they will continue the hearing with cross-examinations and arguments from attorneys on both sides, he said.

Mandalay attorney Zaw Weik also filed a similar document with the Supreme Court to question Myanmars president, state counselor, and military chief for the same reasons. It was unclear whether the court held a preliminary hearing on Friday to consider the petition.

While the hearing was in progress, hundreds of USDP supporters marched through the streets near the Supreme Court in a show of protest against the election results amid heightened security near the court and on streets around Myanmars capital Naypyidaw.

Supporters rode on 60 vehicles from the USDPs office in Ottarathiri township to the court building.

Heavy security blocked entry to a guest house in the capital where lawmakers from the NLD and various ethnic political parties are staying as they wait for new parliamentary sessions to begin.

As far as I know, they assigned more policemen to our residence for both security and health reasons, said NLD lawmaker Aung Kyi Nyunt.

Reported by Nay Myo Htun, Aung Theinkha, Thiha Tun, and Thet Su Aung for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Ye Kaung Myint Maung. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
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Open google.com today , you shall see this image.

Today's google Doodle is Jim Wong-Chu's day!!!

A Google Doodle is a special, temporary alteration of the logo on Google's homepages intended to commemorate holidays, events, achievements, and notable historical figures.

Whenever seeing a Doodle, click on the image, google search engine will present the results behind the Doodle.

Jim Wong-Chu (; January 28, 1949  July 11, 2017) was a Chinese Canadian poet, author, editor, and historian.[1] He was a community organizer known for his work in establishing organizations that contributed to multicultural arts and culture in Canada. He also co-edited several anthologies featuring Asian Canadian writers.

Wong-Chu was among the first authors of Chinese descent, along with Sky Lee and Paul Yee, who challenged the Canadian literary establishment and questioned why there were few Canadian writers of Chinese descent, despite their long presence in Canada. Without much guidance, these writers began to experiment with different forms of fiction and decided to form informal writing networks to encourage other Chinese Canadians to hone their craft and to eventually send manuscripts to publishers. Wong-Chu's book Chinatown Ghosts (Arsenal Pulp Press, 1986; now out of print) was one of the first poetry books by a Chinese Canadian writer.

Chinatown Ghosts captures the essence of the human spirit in a particular time and place. Jim Wong-Chus extraordinary legacy is retained in his words and images, a testament to his lifes work in guiding a generation of Asian-Canadians silenced by racism to voice their humanity.

here is one : dark humor !!!

Equal Opportunity by Jim Wong-Chu

in early Canada

when railways were highways

each stop brought new opportunities

there was a rule

the Chinese could only ride

the last two cars

of trains

that is

until a train derailed

killing all those

in front

(the chinese erected an altar and thanked buddha)

a new rule was made

the Chinese must ride

the front two cars

of the trains

that is

until another accident

claimed everyone

in the back

(the Chinese erected an altar and thanked buddha)

after much debate

common sense prevailed

the chinese are allowed

to sit anywhere

on any train

Have a look by clicking the following link, peek into the lives of pioneer Chinese Canadian, not very long, I found it very insightful. Should be a fine reading.

,#529 Poems and portraits of Chinatown


Entrepreneurs are crying foul calling the government's proposal to ban cryptocurrencies in India arbitrary. Instead, the industry is asking for proper regulation by government authorities which can boost a common man's trust in the digital currency.

The government is expected to introduce a bill to ban the trading in cryptocurrencies in India and also put in place the framework for an official digital currency to be issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

While there will be some exceptions, the move is still expected to end ambiguity on cryptocurrency which is neither banned nor legalised in India.

"This is quite an emerging space. People really like it, not just in India but across the globe. The phenomena which is backing cryptocurrency, which is blockchain technology, is in itself the future of finance. If you just eliminate this product of blockchain technology then you are putting a dead-end to an innovation. Tomorrow no one would innovate in India. They'll have to think what if the government comes and bans it right away," said Shivam Thakral, chief executive officer and co-founder of BuyUcoin. According to him, the government should instead set up a regulatory framework so that people have the comfort of trading with these companies.

A Lok Sabha bulletin has stated that the Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021 is likely to be introduced in the Budget Session of Parliament.

The bill, if passed, will prohibit the use of cryptocurrency as legal tender and currency. Additionally, cryptocurrency will be kept out of the payments system.

"I am hoping that the government says, instead of taking an approach of banning it, let me regulate it. The fact that the government is going to debate banning is worrying. Some parts of cryptocurrency are not understood, so you regulate that. For instance, if a company wants to avoid an IPO and go for an ICO, regulate that. The wording of the Lok Sabha proposal seems different from the 2019 proposed bill. Now they say that private cryptocurrency could be banned but there could be exceptions," said Ajeet Khurana, former CEO of Zebpay.

Earlier Clause 26(A) and B of the proposal said if you possess cryptocurrency the government will mandate a way to dispose of it off. But currently, it is unclear whether there will be a one-time opportunity to sell it, or you will have to surrender it. This bill also has enabling provision for a central banker. They may want to ban private cryptocurrency with exceptions created.

Following the Lok Sabha note, the industry is in a state of shock, given that there hasn't been any recent consultation. The last discussion on the issue happened 2-3 years ago.

"Whatever we are discussing is about the bill which was written in 2018 and it has been three years or so. A lot of information which would have gotten outdated because this is a very fast-moving industry by itself. Eventually, it would be very unfair to just apply the 2018 suggestions as a part of the bill. The right way would be to have a committee to come up with new suggestions depending upon how it has come up in the rest of the world," said Sathvik Vishwanath, CEO and co-founder of Unocoin.

As of now, the Centre is expected to name the RBI as the regulator and Enforcement Directorate as the investigating authority for offences under the cryptocurrency bill.

Citing that the government lacked technical knowledge on the issue, Nischal Shetty, co-founder of WazirX, said the current proposal looked way better than the 2019 ban.

In the crypto world there is nothing called a private cryptocurrency. This shows the lack of technical knowledge at the government level. To use a term that doesn't exist in the industry, he said.

In 2019 Shetty had an online debate with former finance secretary Subhash Chandra Garg. "And Garg said their worry is about payments. They don't want bitcoin to replace the Indian rupee. And that's fine. They want to eliminate the threat to INR," he pointed out.

Nobody in India is fighting for bitcoin as a payment mechanism, but can be used for remittances. I don't see why the government would want to back the US dollar as opposed to a decentralised currency like bitcoin. But I see this as a very positive step. Now we have a conversation going on. We can talk about what's right and wrong in the bill so the government gets feedback. Three months back, we had no idea what the government was thinking and did not know how to approach them, Shetty added.
Eighty-five per cent of Egypts water is consumed by agriculture, so rationalisation of water used in irrigation is a must, Dalia Sakr, an energy and environment consultant, told the Weekly on the sidelines of the regional dialogue on the benefits, risks and policy options of Solar Powered Irrigation Systems (SPIS) in the Arab region.

The discussion, held recently in Cairo, promoted the use of renewable energy such as solar power to irrigate agricultural land.

Climate change will cause desertification and water scarcity which means that food security will be threatened, Sakr said.

Tunisia has been using SPIS since 2015. Sub-Director of Agricultural Water Operations in Tunisia Kamal Al-Moaddab said the standard of living and lifestyle of peasants will improve after using SPIS which will lessen the burdens of pumping with electricity and diesel.

Khaled Bedoui, energy expert from from Tunisia, told participants that grants are being given to farmers to encourage them to use SPIS.

Attended by more than 40 experts, the dialogue was organised by GIZ, the German development organisation, Nexus Regional Dialogue for the Middle East and North Africa Region, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the Arab Organisation for Agricultural Development (AOAD) and the League of Arab States (LAS). The Nexus Regional Dialogue Programme works on translating conceptual considerations into specific policy-making processes.

According to Nesrin Lahham of the Nexus Dialogue Programme and coordinator of the MENA region, SPIS represents one of the fastest growing applications throughout the Arab region. This is mainly due to the radical phase-out of power and diesel subsidies, the decreasing costs of PV systems across the region and governmental subsidies of SPIS in some countries, Lahham said.

Regarding the Sudanese experience, SPIS represents an excellent alternative to diesel in small plantations, Hashim Al-Tayeb, director of the irrigation sector at the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Sudan, told Al-Ahram Weekly. It could also be used in modern irrigation as sprinkler irrigation. Using solar energy in plantation investments could guarantee Arab food security by expanding vertically and horizontally in plantation, as well as managing water resources ideally, Al-Tayeb said.

Al-Tayeb explained to the Weekly that Sudan started to spread the culture of using solar energy in irrigation in 1982. Using solar energy guarantees the continuity of irrigation whereas there could be many problems regarding using diesel. There are also many areas that are far from electricity resources and can make good use of solar energy in pumping ground water and increasing cultivated areas and land productivity accordingly, he said.

In 2019 there was no diesel in Yemen, Ibrahim Al-Qadasi, water and irrigation engineer at FAO, said in his presentation about the Yemeni experience using SPIS. According to Al-Qadasi, Yemen is a country that needs SPIS the most because of the shortage of diesel as well as water. Al-Qadasi said diesel pumps cost a small fortune. He said the government supports farmers by providing financial facilities for the use of solar powered pumps, but that despite these efforts, lots more is needed, including increased awareness among Yemeni farmers to use solar pumpers, obliging farmers to use modern irrigation systems, and distributing solar pumpers across the Yemeni republic, Al-Qadasi said.

The water scarcity that Egypt is facing now is a national security issue, energy consultant Sakr told the Weekly. Responsibilities should be determined between ministries. Information should be made available, there should be an increase in supporting the usage of latest technologies in irrigation, raising farmers awareness in technical matters, finding creative solutions for issues and understanding the importance of legislation of laws to activate the usage of technology and benefit from it.

On a similar note, Kamel Amer, Chairman of the Arab Organisation for Agriculture Development, worries that the fact that solar energy is free may encourage some farmers to use it without control and draw excessively on underground water.

Short link:


SEARCH ON QUOR TO BE WARNED AGAINST TRACKERS AND KNOW THE VALUE OF THE CONTENT YOU CONSUME

This is something of an innovation. This is a completely new and distinct search engine that we have come across. Quor is not like any other search engines / search tools that you find online. It is a powerful, ultra modern and innovative yet traditional ranking system that is built completely from scratch.

Different versions and services of this search engine are going to be available by the middle of this year. There will be no paid advertisements or any influential tools that are going to impact the way websites are displayed on the search engine results pages. Quor is being touted as one of the most prominent and largest search engines after Google, Bing and Duckduckgo. But what makes it so unique is the fact that everything on this search engine is absolutely safe and secure. This search engine tool is one of the safest places to be.

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Quor is a new type of search engine that also presents a more useful and fair monetization system to its users. The fact that it uses deep learning algorithms automatically sets it apart from its contemporaries. The value of the search results is determined by analyzing and comparing their content fingerprints. Based on the current market demands and the value that the content of the website provides to its users, its results are going to be determined. The same order will be displayed in front of the user looking for a particular product / service. This is what supports true value and encourages a marketplace where customer satisfaction and customer delight are more important than popularity metrics.

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With Quor, its creators have moved ahead and away from traditional indexing technologies. Advanced quantitative analysis and deep learning lend this search engine a unique approach to showcase websites and web content. By adding a temporal dynamic market value / value tag to its websites, a unique valuation index is created that takes into account market interest, geography, domain, source and several other external factors when displaying results in front of the users. The final outcome is a plethora of results ranging from news, articles and blogs, reports and infographics, videos and audios and several other file formats that match the search query of the user completely.

Tech Trivia: A real-time test shows that the same website when opened on 2 different search engines, namely Quor and Google, records a vast difference in the number of cookies being placed on the users device. Google has around 26 cookies initially whereas Quor has zero cookies in place. The website scrolls the same. The interface is absolutely identical. After signing into the particular website with an authorized account, Google showed 32 cookies in action whereas Quor still showed zero cookies placed. This is what Quor does.

Understanding The Tor Network Trick

Even when you are conducting a normal search on Quor, the server through which you are able to reach the destination website is going to secure you from spyware, malware, cookies and several other tracking algorithms. This secures your internet usage and prevents any of your information from getting transferred to the search engine. The principal applicable here is that of a Tor Network. This means that the destination website does not know who the user is. You do not connect directly to the destination website server. Instead you connect to a few servers in between and those servers connect to the destination website. The Tor Network works like this: the user connects to the enter node which connects to one or two servers in the middle and those servers connect to the exit node which connects to the final destination website.

Adding On To The Unique Features Of The Search Engine

How Quor Protects You From Malicious Online Elements & Offers Much More Value!

This search engine has been able to crawl more than 1.1 billion pages already

It secures the fourth position among the leading search engines around the world

By the mid of 2021 the crawled pages number will have crossed the 20 billion mark

The search results are going to be completely organic and free of any interruptions and / or advertisements

It is the most unadulterated and the purest form of search engine experience thanks to neuroscience and deep learning that is embedded in the technology on which Quor is built

100% privacy of the user can be ensured with Quor with limited to no usage of any cookies

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While the interruptions and intrusions on this search engine are completely limited, the concept of online advertisements has still not been totally abandoned. As compared to other search engines that will store at least 20 to 30 cookies on your device to recognize your search patterns and preferences, Quor is going to place only one or two cookies at a time to do the same.

This still gives it the ability to compile information regarding the kinds of pages you visit on the search engine. The same information may be used for several purposes including putting advertisements in front of you that are more relevant to you (just at the right time). The best part is that this is the only search engine that allows you to opt out of seeing such advertisements and return safely to a pure and unadulterated surfing experience.

Real-Time Warning System, The Patent That Will Revolutionize Internet Searches

This is going to be a massive step forward and towards a very highly secure internet surfing experience. The real-time warning system devised by Quor is a way to protect you from any malicious activities and harmful websites online. You can say goodbye to tracking beacons and fraudulent online marketplaces and those advertisements that are so difficult to navigate through. Any malware and / or phishing activities will be completely disabled with the help of this unique real time warning system created by Quor.

Quor, the next big thing on the internet is here!
New Delhi:

With Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi on board A mid-air collision between an IndiGo plane and a BSF aircraft was averted over Banihal in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday.

The two planes came perilously close to each other when an alert went off inside both cockpits, following which the aircraft automatically steered to a safer distance, sources said.

There were 180 passengers on board the Delhi-Srinagar IndiGo aircraft and 12, including the home secretary, on the BSF plane.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has initiated a probe into the incident.

As per sources, Mehrishi, who was onboard the BSFs Embraer aircraft, was not informed about the incident by the pilotan IAF officer.

The airspace where the incident happened falls under the defence administration.

Indigo flight 6E-653 (Delhi-Srinagar) was maintaining a height of 26,000 feet, reciprocal aircraft was climbing out of 25,000 feet, when our pilot alerted the Air Traffic Control. But before the ATC could respond, TCAS-RA (automatic warning) alerted our aircraft to take action to avoid any untoward situation, said a statement from the airline.

Also read: IndiGo flight with 174 passengers on board evacuated in Patna after smoke seen in cabin

Also read: IndiGo expresses unsolicited interest in buying stake in Air India



For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Comprehensive immigration reform has its best chance of passing in more than a decade under a recently unveiled plan from the Biden administration.

Immigration reform is always an uphill battle, and this legislative fight wont be any different. Nevertheless, I am optimistic about this starting point for congressional action because the Biden administration outlined a plan for Congress on day one. And permanent legislative solutions  particularly bipartisan ones  are better than making immigration policy by executive action.

But will the bill even have a chance, particularly in an evenly divided Senate? Yes - but only if Democrats and Republicans are willing to work together while drafting the bill. And it must be amended to win enough Republican votes to pass the Senate.

In its current form, the proposal recenters our immigration conversation around values and human dignity. This dovetails with the George W. Bush Institutes extensive recommendations to modernize our immigration system to one that is pro-growth and humane.

We know America benefits from immigration. We believe we can be both a secure nation and a welcoming one. And we know true border security is not possible without a robust legal immigration system that provides migration opportunities at all skill and education levels.

Most of the ideas in the Biden proposal attempt to provide realistic solutions to Americas broken and outdated immigration system while remembering that immigration is, above all, about people. Others more specifically attempt to remedy pressing immigration problems and make immigration law work better for America.

To be sure, we have already seen executive action from the Biden administration on immigration. That wont solve the problems with our immigration system over the long term. But engaging Congress so early sends a powerful message about how this administration intends to pursue immigration policy. Working with Congress to pass legislation, as difficult as it will be to achieve, will create better policies.

At the Bush Institute, we support a system that spurs economic growth through additional employment-based immigration and an efficient temporary worker visa program. Congress should pass a permanent legislative solution for Dreamers immediately, ensuring these individuals have the full rights, responsibilities and opportunities of their fellow Americans.

Express Briefing: Get the morning headlines in your inbox

We believe in an all-of-the-above solution for managing our border. True security cannot be achieved with only deterrence. We must pursue a regional strategy focused on both trade and immigration, working with our neighbors to reduce corruption, increase economic opportunity and protect vulnerable populations so that people dont need to flee their homes to experience the security Americans take for granted.

An earned pathway to citizenship for the undocumented is the rational middle solution between mass deportation and amnesty. America should be a beacon of hope and opportunity for refugees and asylum-seekers. Where the United States leads, the rest of the world follows.

The Biden administration has proposed many policies consistent with those advocated by the Bush Institute. Undoubtedly, when the bill text is released, we will have differences of opinion on the finer points.

Temporary worker visas, something vital to pro-growth immigration reform, are notably missing from the Biden proposals; we hope they will be added to the legislation. But, overall, we are pleased the Biden administration has engaged Congress and find much to support in the tone and approach.

We know that many Republicans think the border security and interior enforcement proposals arent strong enough. Additional funding for walls or fencing along the border isnt in the Biden administration framework; instead, attention is focused on technology to improve screening at ports of entry, where most drugs and other contraband is seized at the border.

Republicans can, of course, choose to shape this bill to their liking. They will have the opportunity to offer changes during the bill markup and through floor amendments. We hope to see this over the coming weeks, and we urge their Democratic colleagues to be receptive. A truly bipartisan effort will involve many trade-offs and a lot of negotiation.

But this is the hard work we elected our members of Congress to do. Immigration reform is difficult; its not impossible. But both parties must be willing to work together to achieve it.

The Bush Institute believes this bipartisan cooperation is imperative for successful immigration reform, and Republicans and Democrats in Congress should work together to make our broken immigration system work better for America.

Laura Collins is initiative director at the George W. Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative.
A new transport interchange for Bray is currently at the design stage with Wicklow County Council.

A spokesman for Wicklow County Council said that they hope to get to site for the scheme in quarter three of this year.

The scheme to regenerate the existing forecourt at Bray Dart Station will incorporate sections of Quinsboro Road, Adelaide Road and Florence Road. The project will also incorporate some works to the footpaths, installation of parking, set down, and cycle areas.

The scheme includes a disabled parking bay close to the station, and all of the forecourt and surrounding areas will be made mobility friendly, with smooth transitions.

There will be an area for buses and an area for taxis, as well as a lane for set-down and pick-up.

Plans for the transport interchange were passed by members of Bray Municipal District in March 2019.

The scheme will include real-time information boards outside the station.
The Telegraph

The daughter of Radovan Karadzic, the former Bosnian Serb leader serving life for genocide and crimes against humanity during the 1990s Yugoslav wars, has claimed her father is living in unhealthy and uncivilised conditions in a British prison. Karadzic, 75, who was convicted in 2016, was transferred from a detention unit in Holland to a UK jail earlier this month following an agreement struck between the UN and the Home Office. But his daughter, Sonja Karadzic-Jovicevic, has complained about the conditions at her fathers new prison after speaking to him on the phone. "As for the physical condition in which he is accommodated, it is unacceptable, she told SRNA, a news agency based in the Republika Srpska, the Serb enclave of Bosnia. If we add to that the fact that he is in a building full of carcinogenic asbestos that is banned around the world, it is clear in what condition he will be in. Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic also claimed that moving her father to the UK was a deliberate act of spite against his family. "My father is in a very uncivilised situation, and as far as his family is concerned, his relocation to the south of England was deliberately made to keep him far away, outside the rules of the United Nations Resolution adopted by the Security Council, she said. It will be very difficult for us physically, financially and procedurally, because of visas, and immunisation during the pandemic, and even after that, to ever go there and visit him," she continued. She added that he had been deprived of his books and his computer, and will be completely removed from his language and his culture. A spokesman for the Justice Ministry said: "UK prisons meet health and safety standards." Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic, who has a political career in Bosnia, has fought to defend her fathers name despite his brutal role in the wars as the Yugoslavian federation separated in the 1990s. Known as the Butcher of Bosnia, Karadzic went down in infamy, in particular for ordering the Srebrenica Massacre in July 1995. Some 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were rounded up by the Bosnian Serb army in and around the town of Srebrenica and then killed in the worst single massacre in Europe since the end of the Second World War. Karadzics lawyers had objected to his clients transfer to the UK, arguing that his life would be in danger owing to Muslim inmates in British prisons. They also argued that owing to possible threats to Karadzics life he would be kept in conditions resembling solitary confinement, but the UN court dismissed the objections. Given his role in the slaughter of Muslims, the experience of another Serb convicted of war crimes may also weigh upon the Karadzic family. In 2010 Radislav Krstic, a former Bosnian-Serb general, was stabbed by three Muslim prisoners while serving a sentence in Wakefield prison, in apparent retaliation for Srebrenica.



City Auditor Mary Hull Caballero has proposed turning out the lights of the Independent Police Review office, the intake center for complaints against Portland police, by July 2022 and absorbing its director and staff into a new division under her authority that would investigate citywide programs and policies.

The auditor said shes trying to retain the director and 11 investigators from the review office while uncertainty reigns over the citys timeline to establish a new voter-approved independent citizen board to take over the investigation of complaints against police.

Its unclear when the future board, passed by voters overwhelmingly in November, will start and what it will look like. Commissioner Jo Ann Hardestys office is working on a resolution setting out how the city will select people to serve on a commission that will determine the structure and workings of a new independent police oversight board. Police union contract and state laws must be changed to enable its operation.

Without a place to land, Hull Caballero said she feared that investigators in the existing Independent Police Review will start to leave their jobs in the next few months, leaving a glut of police misconduct complaints unaddressed and risking the citys attempt to comply with a federal settlement agreement on excessive police use-of-force.

The auditor has asked for $650,000 in next years budget to bring over two analysts from the Independent Police Review office to help start a new city investigative division under her authority and another $1.89 million to cover ongoing operations of the current Independent Police Review office through June 30, 2021.

Hull Caballero envisions coming back to the council again in the next budget cycle to continue operating the Independent Police Review office until July 1, 2022.

If the voter-approved oversight board isnt in place by then, Hull Caballero suggested that some other unspecified designated interim agency could fill the responsibility of investigating complaints against police in the interim.

It signals to staff in IPR that they are going to have a destination on the other side of the transition, Hull Caballero said Friday.

The new Evaluation and Investigative Services Division would do administrative investigations into city policies or programs to determine if theyre effective and achieving the outcomes desired. It wouldnt do police investigations. The inquiries may also cover regional matters, where city services intersect with other government agencies, such as the county, Hull Caballero said.

If the concept is approved, the auditors office will spend the next year and half working to develop the scope and responsibility of the new investigative division with input from the City Council and public, the auditor said.

The Independent Police Review office has received a record number of complaints against police over crowd control tactics during months of social justice protests in the city after the May 25 killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police.

The complaints have prompted 112 investigations, resulting in the review offices investigators carrying twice their normal caseloads, Hull Caballero said. The office has been unable to meet the U.S. Justice Departments 180-day timeline for completing the investigations.

Hull Caballero said Ross Caldwell, current Independent Police Review director, is eager to stay on, as well as much of his staff, if her concept and idea wins approval.

The public will be well served by retaining this accountability expertise and putting it to good use across a variety of issues, she said.

The auditor said she has the support of the mayor and that she has briefed city commissioners on her proposal. Shes also sent the Justice Department a letter summarizing her proposal.

It will go before the City Council in this years budget process.

We are learning about the idea, said Jim Middaugh, spokesman for Mayor Ted Wheeler. We share her goal of retaining the strong team she has in IPR and ensuring a smooth transition to the new structure.

-- Maxine Bernstein

Email mbernstein@oregonian.com; 503-221-8212

Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian
Jacksonville Rotarians package bags of rice, dry vegetables and protein powder Friday at Calvary Baptist Church at 859 N. Main St. Jacksonville Noon Rotary Club contributed $1,200 to package 4,320 meals for the organization Feeding Children Worldwide, which will distribute the meals internationally.
JON MOXLEY ATTACKS AND MORE: NJPW STRONG REPORT

We are in Los Angeles, California and your announcers are Shigeki Kiyono and Hiroshi Tanahashi (in Japanese) or Kevin Kelly and Alex Koslov (in English).

Match Number One: DKC versus Clark Connors

They lock up and DKC with a clean break. They lock up and Conners with a waist lock but DKC with a standing switch. Connors with a front face lock and DKC with an arm bar. Connors with a waist lock take down and DKC escapes. They lock up and Connors with a side ehad lock and take down. DKC goes for a head scissors but Connors blocks it. DKC gets a near fall with a rollup. They lock up and DKC with a side head lock.

DKC with shoulders tackles but Connors stays on his feet. Connors with a shoulder tackle and European uppercuts. Connors with a chop in the corner but DKC with chops and knees followed by a biel for a near fall. DKC with a side head lock into an arm bar. Connors goes for a Boston Crab but DKC gets to the ropes. They lock up and Connors with a side head lock and knee followed by a chops. DKC with a chop and Connors with chops and he gets a near fall.

Connors sends DKC into the turnbuckles and connects with shoulders followed by a snap mare and chop to the back of the head for a near fall. DKC with kicks to the leg followed by an arm drag into an arm bar. Connors gets a near fall with a rollup but DKC returns to the arm bar. Connors with a near fall. Connors with a knee and European uppercut but DKC with a drop kick for a naer fall. DKC with forearms and he goes for a slam but Connors blocks it. Connors with a suplex and he gets a near fall. DKC with a back fist and punch followed by a jumping side kick. DKC with a snap mare and chop followed by a fist drop for a near fall. DKC goes for a cross arm breaker but Connors blocks it. DKC with kicks to the arm. Connors with a spear and a Boston Crab and DKC taps out.

Winner: Clark Connors

After the match, Connors says that boy comes to the dojo and damn near breaks my arm. I am excited for the next class.

Match Number Two: Chris Dickinson versus Rocky Romero

They lock up and Dickinson with a waist lock and side head lock take down. Romero with a head scissors and Dickinson escapes. Romero with a waist lock and abdominal stretch and rollup for a near fall. Dickinson goets for an STF but Romero gets to the ropes. They have a Greco Roman Knuckle Lock and Romero with the advantage and Dickinson with a reversal and take down into an arm bar.

Dickinson with a La Magistral for a near fall. Dickinson with a side head lock and Romero with kicks to escape. Dickinson with a kick to the leg and Romero goes down with a limp. Romero kicks Dickinson in the leg and Dickinson kicks back. Romero with a kick and slap. Dickinson with a dragon screw leg whip. Dickinson with a kick to the chest and he applies a single leg crab. Romero gets to the ropes to force a break.

Dickinson with kicks to the leg and hamstring. Dickinson with a wringer to the leg for a near fall. Romero with an elbow and forearms. Dickinson with a kick and he blocks a drop kick and applies a figure four leg lock. Romero tries to power out of the hold and Dickinson releases the hold. Dickinson with a kick to the leg. Romero with forearms and a kick to Dickinson. Romero with forearms and he works on the arm. Romero with kicks to the arm followed by a wrist lock and a knee drop to the shoulder.

Romero puts Dickinson in the ropes and hits a missile drop kick to the shoulder for a near fall. Romero with an arm bar but Dickinson goes for a Boston crab but Romero escapes. Dickinson with a knee bar and Romero gets to the ropes. Romero rolls to the apron and Romero drops the arm on the top rope. Romero with an Asai DDT for a near fall. Romero with a kick to the shoulder and he goes for a cross arm breaker and locks it in. Dickinson gets a near fall. Romero with a kick to the arm. Dickinson with a Death Valley Driver for a near fall. Dickinson with a single leg crab into an STF and Romero taps out.

Winner: Chris Dickinson

After the match, Dickinson says he is not going to stand here and cut a promo and talk about how awesome he is. I am going to tell you how awesome this is. The fact that I stepped into a New Japan ring against one of the most decorated foreigners and I made him tap out. Do you know what that means to me as a human being? This man representing Team Filthy. That is another W for the Dirty Daddy and for Team Filthy. I am not here to kiss ass and be another stepping stone. I want it all from the Young Lions to the top of the company. This is the highest level in the wrestling business. This is where I belong. If you want to stop me, you will have to stand across the ring from me and stop me. I will make it a living hell for you to accomplish that.

We go to the cleaning and disinfection break.

We have a video package for the next tour and it will be Road to New Beginning USA 2021.

Match Number Three: Hikuleo, KENTA, and El Phantasmo versus Fred Rosser, Lio Rush, and TJP

Rosser, TJP, and Rush attack Bullet Club while they do their pre-match Too Sweet. They all brawl until we start off with Rosser and Hikuleo. Rosser sends Hikuleo face first into the apron. Hikuleo sends Rosser into the stage and then he chokes Rosser on the floor. Hikuleo sends Rosser into the stage and they finally return to the ring. Rosser with a double sledge to the back.

Rosser with head butts and Hikuleo with a forearm. Hikuleo with an Irish whip but he misses an elbow. Hikuleo with an elbow and he tries to get Rosser on his shoulders but Rosser gets to his feet and Rush tags in.

Rush tells Hikuelo to look at him and Phantasmo wants to tag in. Phantasmo tags in KENTA before doing anything and KENTA wants Rush to back up. KENTA with a forearm and Rush fires back. They go back and forth Rush avoids KENTA and rush with strikes and a forearm. KENTA gets Rush on his shoulders but Rush gets to his feet and he tags in TJP.

TJP and Rush with a double back elbow and TJP with a Mutoh Lock. Phantasmo grabs TJP while KENTA gets to the ropes. Phantasmo with a kick to TJP and KENTA with a DDT. Hikuleo goes after Rush and Rosser while KENTA punches TJP in the corner. KENTA and Phantasmo choke TJP. KENTA with forearms to TJP and Hikuleo tag in. Hikuleo chokes TJP in the ropes and the referee warns him. Phantasmo chokes TJP while the referee is not looking. Hikuleo with a slam and leg drop for a near fall.

Phantasmo tags in and he goes to the turnbuckles for a back rake. KENTA tags in and he gives TJP a back rake and Phantasmo with a back rake. KENTA with a punch and Phantasmo tags in. KENTA misses a forearm in the corner and TJP with a tornado DDT to Phantasmo. Rush and Hikuleo tag in and Rush goes for a cross body but Hikuleo catches him and slams Rush. Hikuleo knocks Rosser off the apron. Hikuleo sends Rush into the turnbuckles. Hikuelo sends Rush to the floor and Phantasmo wants to help Rush but the refree stops him. Rush gets back into the ring and Hikuleo kicks and chokes Rush before getting a near fall. Hikuleo with a front face lock and he turns it into a guillotine. Rush gets back to his feet and Hikuleo goes for a delayed vertical suplex but Rush gets to his feet. Hikuleo sends Rush to the floor and Rush punches Phantasmo. Rosser tags in and he kicks and punches Hikuleo.

Rosser with a chop and flying clothesline followed by a seated splash for a near fall. Rosser with a kick and TJP tags in and goes for a cross body but Hikuleo catches him. Rosser with a clothesline and TJP gets a near fall. KETNA and Rosser fight on the floor and TJP with a missile drop kick to Hikuleo and Phantasmo. TJP with a pendulum drop kick and Rush with a suicide dive. Rush leaps over Phantasmo and goes for the slingshot cutter but Phantasmo blocks it. Phantasmo with a rollup for a near fall. Rush with a rollup for the three count.

Winners: Fred Rosser, Lio Rush, and TJP

After the match, KENTA attacks TJP and punches him in the ring while Hikuleo and Phantasmo work over Rush and Rosser.

The lights go out and when they come back on, IWGP United States Champion Jon Moxley is in the ring. Moxley hits Phantasmo with the belt and then he does the same to Hikuleo.

Moxley drops the title belt in the center of the ring and he goes face to face with KENTA. They exchange punches and then KENTA goes for Go 2 Sleep but Moxley lands on his feet and hits a double underhook DDT.

Moxley gets the mic and he tells KENTA he thought he was going to get off easy and there would always be an ocean and political lines between us. I dont see red lights and yellow lights. I see green lights. From this moment on, my foot is up your ass. Your dream of becoming United States Champion just became a nightmare.

We go to credits.

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Solidarity among farmers at the Ghazipur border protest site here showed no signs of waning on Saturday with their leaders reaffirming their resolve to carry on the long-drawn movement against the new farm laws.

Days after BKU leader Rakesh Tikait's emotional appeal had galvanised farmers from Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand to flock to the Delhi-UP border site, several farmers said, "the fight shall go on against all odds."



Tikait on Saturday addressed a huge crowd at the protest site, which has become a new focal point of the agitation after his teary-eyed speech when the number of farmers at Ghazipur border seemed to have thinned after the January 26 violent clashes.

He reaffirmed the resolve of the farmers in this agitation, saying they have fought this battle for over two months now, and "they won't relent or retreat".

A man from Amritsar offered water to Tikait on the dais, saying "The tears shed by Tikait ji were not just tears, they were tears of a farmer, from which solidarity has grown."



In various camps at Ghazipur border, farmers PTI spoke to still tremble at the mention of the infamous Red Fort incident of unfurling a religious flag from the ramparts of the monument and the violent clashes that preceded.

"Those people who did it, they are not our people. That faction had an ulterior motive, and what happened on January 26, seemed to be part of a plan by our detractors to defame and weaken our movement which has been going strong," said 75-year-old D P Singh, member of the Central Kisan Committee of All India Kisan Sabha.

"Yes, we were emotionally hurt by the incident and all the aspersions cast on us after it, but that incident has not affected our movement, it has only grown stronger, with more solidarity coming from people," he said.

At Ghazipur , a multitude of green-and-white caps, symbolic of the unions fronting the battle, flags of unions and tricolours, planted on tractors, dot the highway.

On various tractors and camps, photos of legendary leaders such as Chaudhary Charan Singh and Mahendra Singh Tikait, and slogans like 'I Love Kheti' and like 'Garv se Kaho Kisan ke Putra ho', seek to pump up energy among the farmers, whose enthusiasm had ebbed away a bit in the wake of Republic Day incident and fears of a crackdown by security forces on the night of January 28.

However, the emotional outburst of Rakesh Tikait again galvanised people and many from parts of western Uttar Pradesh continued to stream in on Saturday too.

Pankaj Pradhan, 52, head of Charaura village in Bulandshahr, who arrived in the afternoon along with seven other people to Ghazipur border protest site, became emotional, recalling the night of January 28.

"We were all awake, watching Tikait ji crying, some were glued to TV sets, others on mobile phones, and we all felt restless. I was moved to tests too, and women too got emotional. But, his tears touched a chord with everyone, and made them connect stronger to the movement," he said.

Farmers also came from Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and other parts of Uttar Pradesh, many of whom addressed the crowd at the protest site.

All of them alleged that "attempts were made to malign this movement" and "defame it", but the agitation has "come out stronger".

Anil Chaudhary, who came from Bulandshahr too, rued what happened at Red Fort and in the streets of Delhi on January 26, and said, "it did hurt our morale".

"But, we feel stronger now, and Tikaitji's tears brought me here. Every person in my village is touched by his emotional appeal. And, our solidarity will only grow from here, even though they may stack up odds against us," 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.)
Cenobamate Receives Positive CHMP Opinion for Adjunctive Treatment of Focal-Onset (Partial-Onset) Seizures

Details Category: Small Molecules Published on Saturday, 30 January 2021 11:07 Hits: 1709

The CHMP positive opinion is based on data from a global clinical trial program conducted by SK life science, a subsidiary of SK Biopharmaceuticals

Cenobamate will now be referred to the European Commission for final approval, an important step towards launching as a new treatment option for the European epilepsy community

PANGYO, GYEONGGI PROVINCE, Korea I January 29, 2021 I SK Biopharmaceuticals announced that the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommended the approval of cenobamate for the adjunctive treatment of focal-onset (partial-onset) seizures with or without secondary generalization in adult patients with epilepsy who have not been adequately controlled despite a history of treatment with at least two anti-seizure medications (ASMs). The European Commission (EC), which is authorized to approve medicines in the European Union, is expected to issue its decision within approximately 67 days of receipt of the CHMP opinion.

SK Biopharmaceuticals and Arvelle Therapeutics entered into a licensing agreement in 2019 for Arvelle to commercialize SK Biopharmaceuticals' cenobamate in Europe. Cenobamate has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of partial-onset (focal-onset) seizures in adults, and it is commercially available in the U.S. under the brand name XCOPRI (cenobamate tablets) CV.

Angelini Pharma, which recently announced a definitive merger agreement under which Angelini Pharma will acquire Arvelle Therapeutics, plans to launch cenobamate in the European Union and other countries in the European Economic Area (Switzerland and the United Kingdom), after obtaining final approval from the EC. Cenobamate will be branded as ONTOZRY for the European markets.

"The positive CHMP opinion brings us all toward achieving a major milestone that will enable patients in Europe to access cenobamate, which has been 20 years in the making," said Dr. Jeong Woo Cho, CEO of SK Biopharmaceuticals and SK life science. "Once approved, SK Biopharmaceuticals will ensure, with its European partners, a launch of this medicine to the epilepsy community."

"Positive CHMP opinion of cenobamate represents an important milestone for Angelini Pharma and for patients. Cenobamate showed significant efficacy, with more patients achieving a 50 percent or greater reduction in seizure frequency and rates of zero seizures of up to 21 percent compared to placebo," said Pierluigi Antonelli, CEO of Angelini Pharma. "The acquisition of the company will propel us to address the needs of patients with different central nervous system (CNS) disorders through an innovative portfolio."

There are an estimated six million people in Europe with epilepsy1 and approximately 40 percent of adult patients with focal-onset seizures continue to experience seizures after treatment with two ASMs.2

The CHMP positive opinion was based on results from a global clinical trial program conducted by SK life science, the U.S. subsidiary of SK Biopharmaceuticals. The clinical trial program includes two global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies and a large, global, multi-center, open-label safety study. These three studies enrolled more than 1,900 adults with uncontrolled focal-onset seizures.

About Epilepsy

Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder. There are approximately 3.4 million people living with epilepsy in the United States, with 150,000 new cases each year in the country.3 There are an estimated six million people in Europe with epilepsy.2 Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. The seizures in epilepsy may be related to a brain injury or a family tendency, but often the cause is completely unknown. Having seizures and epilepsy can affect one's safety, relationships, work, driving, and much more. 4 People with epilepsy are at risk for accidents and other health complications, including falling, drowning, depression and sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP).4,5 Despite the availability of many antiepileptic therapies, almost 40 percent of people with epilepsy are not able to achieve seizure freedom, meaning they have epilepsy that remains uncontrolled.3

About SK Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. and SK Life Science, Inc.

SK Biopharmaceuticals and its U.S. subsidiary SK life science are global pharmaceutical companies focused on the research, development and commercialization of treatments for disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). The companies have a pipeline of eight compounds in development for the treatment of CNS disorders, including epilepsy. Additionally, SK Biopharmaceuticals is focused on early research in oncology. For more information, visit SK Biopharmaceuticals' website at www.skbp.com/eng and SK life science's website at www.SKLifeScienceInc.com.

Both SK Biopharmaceuticals and SK life science are part of SK Group, one of the largest conglomerates in Korea. SK Holdings, the parent company of SK Biopharmaceuticals, continues to enhance its portfolio value by executing long-term investments with a number of competitive subsidiaries in various business areas, including pharmaceuticals and life science, energy and chemicals, information and telecommunication, and semiconductors. In addition, SK Holdings is focused on reinforcing its growth foundations through profitable and practical management based on financial stability, while raising its enterprise value by investing in new future growth businesses. For more information, please visit http://hc.sk.co.kr/en/.

About Arvelle Therapeutics International GmbH

Arvelle Therapeutics is an emerging biopharmaceutical company focused on bringing innovative solutions to patients suffering from CNS disorders. Arvelle is responsible for the development and commercialization of cenobamate, an investigational anti-seizure medicine, in the European market. Arvelle is headquartered in Switzerland and received start-up financing of $207.8 million, one of the largest initial financing commitments for a European-focused biopharmaceutical company, with investments from a global syndicate including NovaQuest Capital Management, BRV Capital Management, LSP, H.I.G. BioHealth Partners, Andera Partners, F-Prime Capital and KB Investments. More information is available at https://arvelletx.com.

About Angelini Pharma

Angelini Pharma is an international pharmaceutical company, part of the Italian privately-owned Angelini Group. Angelini Pharma is committed to helping patients in the therapeutic areas of Mental Health (including Pain), Rare Diseases and Consumer Healthcare. Over the past 50 years, in the field of mental health, Angelini Pharma has gained international recognition for its substantial efforts to improve the management of patients with mental health disorders thanks to important, internally developed, molecules (such as trazodone) and its commitment to fighting mental health stigma. Angelini Pharma operates directly in 15 countries employing almost 3,000 people and commercializes its products in more than 70 countries through strategic alliances with leading international pharmaceutical groups.

About Cenobamate

Cenobamate was discovered and developed by SK Biopharmaceuticals and SK life science. While the precise mechanism by which cenobamate exerts its therapeutic effect is unknown, it is believed to reduce repetitive neuronal firing by inhibiting voltage-gated sodium currents. It is also a positive allosteric modulator of the -aminobutyric acid (GABA A ) ion channel.

Cenobamate is approved in the United States as an anti-seizure medication (ASM) for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in adults, and is available under the brand name XCOPRI (cenobamate tablets) CV. In early 2019, SK Biopharmaceuticals entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Arvelle Therapeutics GmbH to develop and commercialize cenobamate in Europe. In October 2020, SK Biopharmaceuticals sealed an exclusive licensing agreement with Ono Pharmaceutical to develop and commercialize cenobamate in Japan.

Cenobamate has recently gained recognition by healthcare regulatory bodies in the United Kingdom and Germany given its potential use in treatment resistant focal-onset seizures in epilepsy. The UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has designated cenobamate as a Promising Innovative Medicine (PIM). A PIM designation is an early indication that a medicinal product is a promising candidate for the Early Access to Medicines Scheme.

In addition, as of August 2020, the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) has included cenobamate for the treatment of drug-resistant focal-onset seizures in adults in its list of confirmed drugs for compassionate use (CPU) programmes for one year within the country.

INDICATION:

XCOPRI is a prescription medicine used to treat partial-onset seizures in adults 18 years of age and older. It is not known if XCOPRI is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.

Please see additional patient information in the Medication Guide. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your condition or your treatment.

Please see full Prescribing Information.

References

Epilepsy Alliance Europe. Background information. https://www.epilepsyallianceeurope.org/about/background/ Last accessed 03.12.2020. Chen Z, Brodie MJ, Liew D, Kwan P. Treatment Outcomes in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Epilepsy Treated with Established and New Antiepileptic Drugs: A 30-Year Longitudinal Cohort Study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29279892. Published online December 26, 2017. Epilepsy Foundation. What Is Epilepsy? https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/about-epilepsy-basics/what-epilepsy. Accessed November 12, 2020. Epilepsy Foundation. Staying Safe. https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/seizure-first-aid-and-safety/staying-safe. Accessed November 12, 2020. Epilepsy Foundation. Challenges with Epilepsy. https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy. Accessed November 12, 2020.

SOURCE: SK Biopharmaceuticals
The Health Ministry confirmed 27 new community transmissions of Covid-19 on Saturday night as the latest outbreak spreads to more localities, raising the infection tally to 207.

One of the new cases is a 28-year-old man coming back to Ho Chi Minh City from Hai Duong Province, Vietnam's current biggest Covid-19 hotspot. He had been to a wedding in Hai Duong together with a cousin, who was later confirmed as a Covid-19 patient linked to the cluster in the northern province's Chi Linh Town.

Two other cases are a couple in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai, related to the outbreak in Chi Linh.

A 40-year-old man in Hanoi's Nam Tu Liem District and a 34-year-old man in Dong Anh District were confirmed infected with the coronavirus. Both are linked to the cluster in Hai Duong Province, around two hours to the east of the capital.

Quang Ninh Province also recorded another four Covid-19 patients, all connected to Chi Linh hotspot.

The 18 remaining cases are from the Covid-19 epicenter Hai Duong.

The health ministry also reported an imported Covid-19 patient on Saturday night, being a 47-year-old American expert landing at HCMC's Tan Son Nhat Airport on Thursday. He was quarantined on arrival.

The new Covid-19 wave began on Thursday after a gap of 55 days, and has spread to at least seven localities, including Hanoi and HCMC with 207 people confirmed infected as of Saturday night.

The latest outbreak comes just a couple of weeks before Tet, Vietnam's biggest and most important festival, an occasion for family reunions that will see millions travel home.

The sources of transmissions of the outbreak have not been identified, with the first patients confirmed being a man working at Van Don International Airport in Quang Ninh and a woman working at Vietnam Poyun Electronics Co. Ltd in Chi Linh Town of Hai Duong.

As the speed of transmission has been proved to be the fastest ever since the epidemic broke out in Vietnam, health experts are analyzing the virus strains on the first two patients based on the theory that it could be the U.K. variant, which is 70 percent more transmissible compared to previous strains.

Amid rising fears of the Covid-19 pandemic, Thai Binh Province in northern Vietnam, which neighbors Hanoi, allowed 350,000 students to stay at home from Monday to ensure safety. Earlier, thousands of students in Hai Duong, Quang Ninh and Bac Ninh have been allowed to stay away from classes until further notice.

The health ministry Saturday said it has approved Covid-19 vaccine from AstraZeneca PLC for domestic inoculation. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc also instructed the ministry to buy Covid-19 vaccines in the first quarter amid the resurgence of the pandemic.

Minister Nguyen Thanh Long said the vaccine has been approved under emergent circumstances to help fight Covid-19. AstraZeneca has pledged to provide Vietnam with around 30 million doses this year, with the first coming in the first quarter.

Vietnam has registered 1,767 cases and 35 deaths so far.

The pandemic has infected more than 102.5 million people worldwide, killing more than 2.2 million.
"Congratulations to Dr. Lew, who has been tirelessly dedicated to serving on the frontlines of patient care throughout the pandemic," said Lori J. Morgan, MD, MBA, president and chief executive officer, Huntington Hospital. "As he steps into the role of chief of medical staff, he brings his deep knowledge of patient-centered care and insight to help lead our network of physicians through the coming year as we continue to battle COVID-19. We are grateful for his leadership."

Dr. Lew has been a member of the Huntington Medical Staff since 1996. For the past two years, he has served as member of the board of directors as president elect. Dr. Lew is also co-director of Exer Urgent Care in Pasadena and La Canada. He is currently on the board of the USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association. He has been named a Top Doc by the Los Angeles Business Journal in 2021 and the 2021 Southern California Super Doctors list.

"As the medical director of the emergency department, I have the opportunity to interact with physicians from all specialties to help care for our patients," said Lew. "Now, in this new role, this broad perspective allows further engagement, recognition and unity among our physicians with one mission in mind - to continue providing excellent, compassionate care to our community through this pandemic and beyond."

Dr. Lew received his Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from USC and his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from Western University of Health Sciences/COMP. He completed his emergency medicine residency at LAC  USC Medical Center.

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Fans of TVs Great Pottery Throw Down are expected to flock to ceramic museums and attractions once restrictions are lifted

Fans of TVs Great Pottery Throw Down are expected to flock to ceramic museums and attractions once restrictions are lifted.

The Channel 4 show  in which contestants compete to create pots  has been an unexpected TV success story during lockdown.

From Portmeirion to Poole, Britain is home to some of the worlds top pottery and ceramic names. Most have factory tours and discount shops, and many are preparing new hands-on activities and demonstrations for a hoped-for influx of new TV converts.

Staffordshire in particular has some of the worlds top pottery names, with 25 leading pottery brand factory shops, plus dozens of dedicated museums and visitor centres.

Emma Bridgewater, based in a Victorian factory in Stoke, offers free tours and demonstrations, plus a cafe and shop. But after Emma appeared as a judge on the Throw Down, there are plans to offer a hands-on decorating studio (emmabridgewater.co.uk/pages/factory).

The nearby Gladstone Pottery Museum is also preparing for a busy re-opening, after it hosted the filming for the show. Museum chiefs plan to allow visitors to make their own bone china ornaments, decorate pottery or try throwing pots on a wheel, like competitors on the television show.

Also in Stoke, the World Of Wedgwood celebrates one of the most famous names in ceramics. The factory has been making luxury pottery since 1759 and the grand re-opening, hopefully in the spring, will reveal a glossy new tour.

Ceramic converts can find the worlds finest collection of masterpieces at Londons Victoria and Albert Museum

Visitors will see highly skilled Wedgwood craftspeople demonstrating classic techniques like firing and gilding, and then visit the new Creative Studios to have a go themselves.

And its not just the Potteries. Ceramic converts can find the worlds finest collection of masterpieces at Londons Victoria and Albert Museum.

Less well known is York Art Gallerys Centre of Ceramic Art, which has Britains biggest collection of studio pots. Curator Dr Helen Walsh is planning events to capitalise on the surge of interest, including a show by Grayson Perry in May and online activities for new potters. She says Throw Down has been brilliant for sparking an interest in coming to see collections like ours. (centreofceramicart.org.uk)
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February 2, 2021 by Jill Dvorkin

Category: Strategies and Programs , Open Public Meetings Act , Public Records Act , COVID-19



Editor's note: For more recent information, see our blog post COVID-19 and Local Governments: Where Things Stand as of March 22, 2021.

This updated blog sets out our latest understanding of where things stand for local governments based on a recent conversation with Governor Jay Inslees office clarifying some questions related to daily government operations and conducting open public meetings during the COVID-19 emergency.

As of January 11, Washington State is operating under the new COVID-19 reopening plan called the Healthy Washington  Roadmap to Recovery, made effective through the governors Proclamation 20-25.12. And on January 19, the governor extended 26 proclamations, including the OPMA/PRA Proclamation 20-28.15, through the duration of the COVID-19 emergency or until rescinded. This followed action by the legislature on January 15, which passed SCR 8402, extending statutory waivers and suspensions contained within those 26 proclamations.

For now, agencies in Phase 1 jurisdictions still may not hold an in-person component to their public meetings. Phase 2 jurisdictions may have an in-person public meeting component, limited to 25% capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer, and consistent with the revised Miscellaneous Venues guidance. Local government operations are to be guided by locally-developed operational plans, described further below.

OPMA/PRA Proclamation 20-28.15

The latest OPMA/PRA Proclamation 20-28.15 states, in relevant part:

Proclamations 20-28, et seq., are amended to (1) recognize the extension of statutory waivers and suspensions therein by the Washington State Legislature until termination of the state of emergency pursuant to RCW 43.06.210, or until rescinded, and (2) similarly extend the prohibitions therein until termination of the state of emergency pursuant to RCW 43.06.210, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.

So, what does this mean for public meetings? Because this is a simple extension of the previous proclamation (version 14), we must look to Proclamation 20-28.14 to determine the rules applicable to meetings subject to the OPMA. Proclamation 20-28.14 requires that all public meetings must be held remotely but provides an option for an in-person meeting component consistent with the business meetings requirements contained in the Miscellaneous Venues guidance, which is incorporated into Proclamation 20-25, et seq. The relevant language states:

As an exception to the above prohibition, public agencies holding public meetings may, at their option and in addition to hosting the remote meeting elements described above, include an in-person component to a public meeting if all of the following requirements are met:

1. The open public meeting complies with the guidelines for business meetings, found in the Miscellaneous Venues guidance here, as incorporated into the Proclamation 20-25 et seq., Stay Safe  Stay Healthy - Rollback of County-By-County Phased Reopening Responding to a COVID-19 Outbreak Surge;

2. Any person wishing to attend in person a public meeting with an in-person component must be able to do so at a physical location meeting the requirements herein, either in a primary meeting location or an overflow physical location that provides the ability for all persons attending the meeting to hear each other at the same time; and

3. If at any time during a public meeting the in-person component cannot comply with each of the requirements herein, the public meeting (to include the telephonic/remote access portions) must be recessed until compliance is restored or if compliance cannot be restored then adjourned, continued, or otherwise terminated; and

4. The public agency holding an in-person public meeting shall accommodate, to the extent practicable, those wishing to participate in and/or attend the public meeting (to include the press) by allowing persons to attend the meeting by listening and speaking through operable telecommunications devices (examples include using an attendees cell phone with service to connect to a conference calling service, or allowing persons to call in using an attendees cell phone with service);

The Miscellaneous Venues guidance was updated February 1 to reflect the new phasing approach. Business meetings are prohibited in Phase 1 regions but allowed in Phase 2, consistent with the requirements set forth in the guidance  meetings allowed up to 25% capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer (excluding staff), with several safety measures that must be met.

The Roadmap to Recovery and Proclamation 20-25.12

While the previous Stay Safe - Stay Healthy plan (the last version can be found at Proclamation 20-25.11) followed a four-phase reopening approach based on metrics measured at the county level, the new plan divides the state into eight regions and currently contains only two recovery phases.

The eight regions in the Roadmap to Recovery are based largely on Emergency Medical Services (EMS) regions used for evaluating healthcare services. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) will evaluate each region based on a set of four metrics. The metrics look at trends in COVID-19 disease rate, hospital admission rate, intensive care unit (ICU) occupancy, and COVID-19 test positivity rate.

The first Roadmap to Recovery Report was issued by the DOH on Friday, January 8, with every region starting in Phase 1. On January 21, the state launched a new Roadmap to Recovery Dashboard that will be used for the DOH evaluation and reporting. Based on an update to the Roadmap to Recovery announced by the governor on January 28, a region must meet three of four metrics to move from Phase 1 to Phase 2 (previously a region must have met all four metrics) and continue to meet three of four metrics to remain in Phase 2. Two regions (Puget Sound and West) moved to Phase 2 on Monday, February 1. The updated Roadmap to Recovery also changes the timing of the DOH evaluation and potential changing of phases from weekly to every two weeks.

This chart in the Roadmap lists broad categories of activities allowed in Phases 1 and 2, although more specific guidance is available for many activities on the governors COVID-19 Reopening Guidance for Business and Workers page.

How Does the Roadmap to Recovery Affect Local Governments?

The latest Roadmap to Recovery and updated COVID-19 Reopening Guidance for Business and Workers provide guidance and benchmarks for certain local government activities; however, how a local government chooses to conduct their daily operations, within CDC and other recommended safety parameters, remain largely within their discretion. The governor recognizes local control and the need for local governments to develop their own appropriate operational plans.

On June 19, Governor Inslee issued this memo to local governments that encourages them to use the Safe Start Reopening Guide for State Agencies in developing their own safe start plans. The governor continues to recommend that local governments use this guide in developing their plans (Version 5, linked above, is the most recent).

The state guidance covers:

Prioritizing and opening services (with an emphasis on teleworking);

Safely preparing facilities;

Screening; and

Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety equipment.

For state agencies, the guidelines for activities described in the Roadmap to Recovery and updated COVID-19 Reopening Guidance for Business and Workers are intended to act as minimum standards for operations. On p. 6, the guidance states:

The phases in the governors Healthy Washington - Roadmap to Recovery plan act as a minimum standard for how businesses, counties, and regions can reopen.

For example, continued telework is strongly encouraged and offices should remain closed for those government agency activities that would fit within the Professional Services category. For those services that cannot be provided remotely, the plan sets a limit of 25% capacity. Similarly, the governors office recommends applying these benchmarks for local government operations.

In the previous phased re-opening plans, customer-facing government services were not allowed to resume until Phase 3. Our understanding from talking with the governors office is that this prohibition was part of the former phasing plan and is no longer applicable. Again, local governments will need to make their own plans, prioritizing and resuming services as safely as possible, using current statewide capacity and safety guidance, as applicable.

Other Proclamation Updates Relevant to Local Governments

On January 19 the governor extended dozens of proclamations until the termination of the emergency, or until rescinded. Some proclamations affecting local governments include 20-64.5 and 20-23.14.

Proclamation 20-64.5 extends existing public records provisions for contact tracing for the duration of the emergency or until rescinded, whichever comes first.

Proclamation 20-23.14 extends certain utility waivers and prohibitions for the duration of the emergency or until rescinded, whichever comes first. The utility shutoff/late fee prohibitions are in effect until the termination of the COVID-19 emergency or April 30, 2021, whichever comes first.

The governors website contains a full list of all updated proclamations.

Conclusion

The actions of the legislature and governor extending the emergency proclamations until the termination of the emergency will provide more certainty going forward, without having to wonder whether any given proclamation will be extended or renewed after the rolling expiration dates. Local governments should be using the Roadmap for Recovery and related activity-specific guidance in developing their own operational plans. Meetings subject to the OPMA continue to be guided by the specific limitations set forth in Proclamation 20-28.15.

As always, we recommend consulting with your agencys legal counsel with questions and keeping a close eye on MRSCs website for the latest guidance regarding local government operations during the COVID-19 emergency.

MRSC is a private nonprofit organization serving local governments in Washington State. Eligible government agencies in Washington State may use our free, one-on-one Ask MRSC service to get answers to legal, policy, or financial questions.
In school, I remember getting chocolate as a prize for winning a competition or for scoring full marks. Thanks to effective marketing, big brands such as Cadbury, Nestle and Amul were able to replace our traditional Indian sweets with their products.

In fact, chocolate is the most popular confectionery item in India; more than 61 percent of Indians are frequent consumers and at least 55 percent of these are women, says a study by market intelligence agency Mintel.

The chocolate market is expected to grow in double digits in the coming few years, driven by entrepreneurs who are focusing on the Indian bean and experimenting with flavours. The pandemic, somehow, did not deter this segment. New brands and products continued to tempt Indian consumers.

One of the most recent is Colocal, a new brand of craft chocolate made with cacao from Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Craft chocolate or bean-to-bar chocolate is expensive because it is manufactured in small lots, the beans are high grade, and processing machines are also costly. So, the brand decided to not only make chocolates but also give their consumers an experience of making chocolate.

Sheetal Saxena, co-founder of Colocal, says, We wanted people to visit and experience the whole chocolate-making process in a beautiful ambience along with some great food and service. Thats why we opened a chocolate factory with a cafe and dining out place in Delhi.

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

Sheetal Saxena of Colocal

Organic, dark chocolate, vegan, sugar-free, homemade and craft chocolate are the operative words in this new-age chocolate world. Sheetal tells us, As a brand, we want to achieve 100 percent dark chocolates that are palatable, without any added flavours or sugar. We are close to our target and are already making 85 percent dark chocolates. Retailing from Hyderabad, Kolkata and Delhi, Colocal is available in caramel, nuts and sea salt flavours.

Snacks like chocolates have now become meal replacements rather than just indulgence. Another recent launch, Kocoatrait, not only makes healthy vegan chocolates but is also selling the idea of being responsible towards the planet.

The Chennai-based brand claims to be the worlds first zero-waste eco-friendly bean-to-bar chocolate. With sustainability as its core vision, the brand uses upcycled cocoa husk wrappers. Made with organic cocoa from Kerala, the chocolate contains non-refined khandsari sugar.

Introducing new and unique flavours is also key to stimulate consumer interest, and most of the chocolate giants in India havent been able to do much in this area. Kocoatrait offers 12 variants including flavours like rose and lavender.

The recipes are developed by Poonam Chordia, who is Indias first female chocolate taster. The brand also focuses on health with reduced sugar and high cocoa content. Being a vegan brand, they do not offer any white or milk chocolates. Kocoatrait retails online, but they do have experience centres in most metros.

The chocolate business has seen tremendous growth, driven by Indias newfound love for dark chocolate. Then there are popular beliefs such as one that women crave more for chocolate during periods, and that chocolate can help with hormonal disturbances and mood swings.

Keeping all this in mind, Pune-based chocolate brand Deesha Chocolates launched its Deesha Sakhi period chocolates to help women feel good and relieve painful cramps. These chemical-free chocolates have vitamins, minerals, hormone-balancing Ayurvedic herbs, proteins, sea salt and nutrients like omega-3. Available in a pack of five for five days in distinctive flavours, the brand promises to make our periods experience better.

I like my chocolate to be traditional, just about sweet, milky and filled with nuts. Mr. Moustaches Cakes is one such place where you can order homemade stylised chocolates in different flavours. The brand started its business in 2019 and grew in Covid times as demand for safe and home-cooked food grew.

Chocolate Moustache Chocolate

Khushboo Chaudhary, the 24-year-old co-founder of Mr. Moustaches Cakes, says, I think the homemade chocolate trend is catching up. Our chocolates are not overly sweet, and we customise them if the client demands sugar-free chocolate. We do chocolates with different fillings, like coconut, sprinkles, caramel, and various nuts. There is no food colouring.

The father-daughter duo behind this brand are also famous for their tea cakes. Khushboos father does all the baking while Khushboo is responsible for running the business side of Mr. Moustaches Cakes.

Khushboo says, We started with putting up a stall at an exhibition organised by Ramola Bachchan. We were also the gifting partners, so our products went to all the influencers. We sold out. My father and I havent looked back since.
Many observers thought the city of Manaus had already achieved herd immunity. Not so. Photo: Edmar Barros/AP/Shutterstock

What is happening in Manaus? In the U.S., mercifully, the pandemic appears to be gradually subsiding, for now  even as Joe Biden warned, in his inauguration speech, that the darkest and deadliest months may still be ahead, the number of newly infected Americans had already fallen dramatically from its late-December peak. And while vaccine administration here has only inched faster since a wave of outrage earlier this month, anxiety has turned to the question of viral evolution  the possibility that, in the form of new strains from the U.K. and South Africa, Brazil and California, the disease might be outracing our efforts to contain it, including those vaccines. The U.K. and South Africa strains have generated both the most coverage and the most research, but the most concerning may be the Brazilian one, also called P.1. In the Amazonian city of Manaus, where antibodies had been previously estimated in 76 percent of the population, there has been a horrifying and deadly dramatic second wave, right in the middle of Brazilian summer in a place believed to have developed a quite robust community immune protection and perhaps true herd immunity. A new Comment published Wednesday in the Lancet surveys what we know about the Manaus variant, and offers four possible explanations for what has happened there. None of them are good. Three are quite terrifying.

The first possible explanation is the most optimistic one: Perhaps that 76 percent finding was wrong, and many fewer people in the city had been exposed to the disease than that much-talked-about study suggested. Even before the second wave, there were some indications that the estimate  which was based on mathematical modeling on top of a basic sample set  might have been high: 76 percent would have been above a crudely estimated herd-immunity threshold of 67 percent. But herd-immunity estimates are rarely precise; even when you have the numbers precisely right, there is always a risk of overshoot, and nearby Iquitos, in Peru, registered a similar attack rate of 70 percent. As the Lancet authors point out, the true observed seroprevalence in the earlier survey, which was adjusted upward to reflect the dynamics of antibody waning, was 52 percent, and even taking that lower-bound estimate, they argue, should have produced significant-enough community protection to prevent an outbreak like the citys second wave.

The second possible explanation offered by the authors of the Lancet analysis is that the immunity measured by that earlier survey may already have waned  meaning that at least some significant group of those people estimated to have immunity in October had become vulnerable to infection again. Previous studies have found, to much relief, protection against COVID-19 lasting at least as long as six months after exposure  but because the second wave in Manaus was seven to eight months after the first, it suggests at least the possibility that the shelf life of naturally acquired antibodies could be only six months, with protection dropping fairly rapidly thereafter. Among other things, this would suggest that at least some of those infected in early waves not just in Wuhan, Lombardy, New York, and London may be vulnerable to infection already.

A third possible explanation is that the new variant, like those discovered recently in the U.K., South Africa, and California, is more transmissible than the strains that have dominated the pandemic thus far. (Indeed, this one could have gained an even larger transmission advantage, since the Brazilian variant took over the pandemic in Manaus much faster than the U.K. strain did the British pandemic.) This would mean both that the level of acquired immunity in the population would have to be higher to offer herd immunity protection  perhaps north of 80 percent  and that the disease might be working much more quickly through that relatively small slice of the population. Because of the dynamics of exponential growth, when transmission accelerates like this it also creates many more deaths  indeed many more deaths than by even quite dramatic increases in the lethality of a disease.

The scariest of the possible explanations is even worse  that the new strain isnt just more transmissible, but that it has achieved a more total immune escape, meaning that it could evade antibodies produced by exposure in the first wave and infect again, even those people whod mounted a robust immune response and wouldve seemed, outwardly, safe. The antibodies hadnt waned, they had just been made ineffective, in at least a significant number of cases. This is scarier than the possibility of waning transmission, because at least under that theory, antibodies offer protection for a period of time; and it is scarier than enhanced virulence, because it doesnt just mean that those without antibodies are at heightened risk. Instead, it would mean that existing antibodies could offer little protection, or perhaps no protection at all, with the disease progressing through the community a second time just as quickly and devastatingly as it did the first. In other words, in theory at least, it could mean reducing what appeared to be a well-protected community into a virgin population  and would represent a threat of that kind to any community, anywhere in the world, should the Brazilian variant arrive, as it now has (at least in the form of a single imported case) in Minnesota.

These hypotheses are not mutually exclusive, the authors point out  the new surge could be multiply determined. But whatever is driving it, the picture is scary. A hospital that was overwhelmed in ten days in the spring became overwhelmed, this time, in just 24 hours, the Washington Post reports. Hospital patients arrived at the hospital sicker than in the first wave, their lungs chewed up with disease. Local doctors insist the disease is not just more transmissible now but also more severe  and the data show that the epidemic is bigger this time than the first wave.

Over the past few weeks, as anxiety about the new variants has mounted, those hoping to strike a tone of reassurance have pointed to preliminary evidence suggesting that, while existing vaccines may produce a somewhat less robust immune response against the new variants, they did produce what appears to be a sufficient response to them  as one immunologist memorably put it, the vaccines produce super-awesome responses to the classic COVID-19 variant and merely awesome responses to the new strains. These dynamics are not binary, in other words, with vaccines falling into either an effective or an ineffective bucket. But while vaccines are still useful with somewhat diminished immune response, across populations the effect can be quite profound  if efficacy falls to, say, 75 percent when herd immunity requires that 80 percent of the population demonstrate protection, then you simply cant achieve population-scale protection through vaccination alone. There is no research yet into the efficacy of any of the vaccines against the especially concerning Brazilian variant, but, already in Israel, the worlds most effectively vaccinated country, officials are worrying over stubbornly persistent infection rates  suggesting that while their vaccines do offer at least some protection against the British variant particularly, it may not be enough to quickly control the pandemic, even with their gold-standard vaccine deployment rates. In the just-released clinical data for Johnson & Johnsons much-anticipated single-dose vaccine, which included eye-opening protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death, efficacy against transmission was 72 percent in the United States, primarily against the classic strain, but dropped to just 57 percent in South Africa, where the new local variant was dominant.

Pull back and the picture grows more concerning  and indeed reveals our focus on vaccine efficacy as a bit of global North narcissism. A forecast published this week by the Economist Intelligence Unit suggested that most of the worlds poor countries are unlikely to reach mass immunization through vaccination before 2024 at the earliest, and may never get there. If the Manaus experience is explained by waning antibodies, that could mean that nations in the developing world would pass through six or eight full pandemic cycles before vaccines arrive at scale. If it is explained by immune escape, the path forward would not necessarily be quite so brutal  it would mean that this variant evolved to evade previous antibody protection, and would tragically reset the clock on all naturally acquired immunity wherever it traveled, but in the absence of new strains adapted to evade antibodies to this one, populations would have to start from scratch, but could build up natural immunity over time. Of course there will almost certainly be more variants coming over those next three years as well.

The Ukrainian delegation to participate in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) announced the death of a Ukrainian soldier wounded in the area of Popasna (Luhansk region) on January 26.

"Today, on January 30, 2021, soldier from the Armed Forces of Ukraine Roman Dziubenko, who was wounded by a sniper of Russian-occupation forces on January 26, 2021 in the Popasna area, died in a medical facility," the delegation said on its Telegram channel.

The Ukrainian delegation condolences to the family and friends of the soldier.
The United Nations is actively interested in setting up a European centre of excellence office in Enniscorthy from which it will roll-out initiatives and campaigns focusing on energy efficient housing.

Chief Executive Officer of Wexford County Council, Tom Enright, confirmed to this newspaper that a number of meetings have taken place with senior figures within the UN with the most recent meeting taking place over Christmas.

'We had a meeting over the Christmas holidays and we hope to advance that with them over the next couple of months,' said Mr Enright.

Describing the discussions as 'hugely significant' Mr Enright said the WWETB will also be involved.

Representatives of the UN have already visited Enniscorthy on a number of occasions and have been extremely impressed by the work of local people like property developer Michael Bennett and Tomas O'Leary, from MosArt, for their work in the area of promoting Nzeb housing.

'We hope to make significant progress before the end of the year,' said Mr Enright, with regard to advancing the plan for the UN office to open in Enniscorthy.

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'The UN has been very impressed with the work taking place in Enniscorthy in the area of zero energy housing,' he said.

'They were the first houses of their type to be developed in Ireland and they've set a very high standard,' he added.

While the UN would initially operate out of an office on the Old Dublin Road it's envisaged that the primary base for its European office to promote zero energy housing would be in the soon-to-be-built offices in the Enniscorthy Technology Park.

The Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, said having the UN open an office in Enniscorthy would be a massive game-changer for the town, county and south east region.

Cllr Murphy, who is also involved with the WWETB, said the discussions are at an advanced stage.

She highlighted that senior figures within the organisation have visited the town and have been very impressed by what they've seen here.

Cllr Murphy said that people such as Scott Foster, the director of the sustainable energy division of UNECE (the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe), has visited the town along with Bob Cavey and representatives of Pennsylvania State University.

It's envisaged that the office in Enniscorthy would effectively be a UN centre of excellence.

The American based, Green Building Agency (GBA), is also expected to work closely with the UN and during a visit to Enniscorthy in 2019 its Executive Director, Jenna Cramer, confirmed to this newspaper that serious consideration is being given to Enniscorthy being the location for the company's first European office.

She said it would be envisioned that GBA would work closely with the UN centre of excellence - for which a memorandum of understanding was signed in County Hall by Mr Foster.

Meanwhile, Cllr Murphy said having a UN office in Enniscorthy would completely change things in terms of the potential for developing the town and county.

She paid tribute to Michael Bennett and Tomas O'Leary and said it's their work that attracted the UN to look at Enniscorthy.

'We are all wanting to cut down the cost of heating a home,' said Cllr Murphy.

'We need to be able to build more sustainable homes and having the UN flag flying at an Nzeb centre would be hugely significant and beneficial,' she added.

Cllr Murphy said it's about discussing and developing new ways of building.'

She highlighted the work that Mr Bennett has done in the area of energy efficient housing and said the cost benefits of people living in such houses are massive and it's the way forward for housing.

'That's why the UN is so interested in what's happening here,' she said.

Cllr Murphy, who has regularly visited the Enniscorthy Technology Park site to view first-hand the work going on there, said the overall plan is to have the UN flag flying outside one of the office block buildings once they are completed.

She said the knock-on effect of having a UN presence in the town would be immeasurable in terms of what it would mean for the town and county.

'I would like to see it happen sooner rather than later and I would like to see it happen soon after restrictions are lifted,' she said.

It's envisaged the UN centre in Enniscorthy would help other centres set up around the world.

'It's envisaged that the office here would show other areas how it's done,' said Cllr Murphy, referring to the development of Nzeb housing.

She said Michael Bennett, Wexford County Council and the WWETB have been working on the issue for some time and lot of discussions have taken place.

She said the UN roll-out of best practice in Nzeb would be worldwide and what's being done in Enniscorthy is being looked on as a flagship example of that.

'Scott Foster has already addressed the council on it and it could be realised very soon,' said Cllr Murphy.

'That's one of the reasons why I have been visiting the Technology Park so regularly,' she added.

Cllr Murphy said having a UN office in Enniscorthy would put the town, county and south east region on a global platform.

Acknowledging the huge input of Michael Bennett and Tomas O'Leary, Cllr Murphy said they had visited Geneva and New York, at their own expense, to help progress the discussions.

'This office would be the first of its kind in Europe,' said Cllr Murphy.
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Brussels has backed down from plans to impose export controls on vaccines that threatened the shipment of 3.5million Pfizer doses to Britain.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the assurance to Boris Johnson after announcing an extraordinary embargo on jabs leaving the bloc amid dwindling supplies on the Continent.

The row blew up spectacularly when Eurocrats overrode part of the Brexit deal to create a hard border on the island of Ireland to stop doses getting into the UK through Northern Ireland, which is still in the Customs Union.

The move blindsided the governments of London, Dublin and Belfast whose collective outrage forced a humbling climbdown and clarification from the EU it did not intent to trigger the incendiary Article 16.

And the EU has now rowed back yet further and scrapped its export ban for the UK entirely following a phone call between Ms von der Leyen and the Prime Minister.

Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove said this afternoon the EU 'recognises they made a mistake' and 'stepped back' following the conversation between the two leaders.

He said: 'We're confident, we have assurances, that the supply that we have procured, the supply that we have paid for, is going to be delivered.'

Downing Street said it did not intend to dwell on the night of high drama but politicians in Britain are furious with the EU's behaviour.

Former Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith said the attempt to halt the free flow of goods on vaccine exports on the island of Ireland with scant awareness of the sensitivities was an 'almost Trumpian act'.

The Tory MP added: 'The EU cocked up big time last night, but we all need to work in the interest of preserving Northern Ireland. It is not just a backdoor for goods going to Britain, it is a very sensitive place and we have a duty between the EU and UK to ensure there is no hard border.'

Stormont's first minister Arlene Foster called the move an 'incredible act of hostility' and this morning said the rift emanated from the 'EU's vaccine embarrassment and mismanagement'.

While Britain has already inoculated 11 per cent of its population, the rollout on the Continent has been blighted by supply issues and the EU has demanded UK doses are instead diverted to the bloc.

French President Emmanuel Macron poured petrol on the rift yesterday when he baselessly claimed there was no evidence the Oxford-AstraZeneca shot worked in over-65s, despite it gaining approval from the EU regulator.

Michel Barnier, who was the EU's chief Brexit negotiator in the trade deal struck only 29 days ago, today tried to cool tensions and appealed for 'cooperation'.

As leaders were left reeling from the EU's incendiary move:

The UK recorded 1,200 more Covid deaths, 23,275 cases and vaccine doses administred rose to 8.4million;

Vaccines expert Sir John Bell said Macron was 'managing demand' by claiming AstraZeneca jab is 'almost ineffective' on over-65s;

Early data showed the UK's vaccination drive is already easing UK's Covid pandemic and is reducing cases as well as protecting recipients from symptoms;

It was revealed Boris Johnson wants lockdown exercise rules relaxed but shops, gyms and hairdressers could stay shut until April and pubs might not open until May;

The European Press put the boot into EU leaders over their 'deporable' Covid vaccine bungling and attempt to introduce checks at Northern Ireland border;

Health Secretary Matt Hancock revealed five in six people in the UK aged over 80 have now received a first dose of a coronavirus vaccine since the rollout began;

Boris Johnson sent an open letter to all Britain's parents and promised a multi-million pound catch-up programme once schools finally reopen

Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove said this afternoon the EU 'recognises they made a mistake' and 'stepped back' following the conversation between the two leaders

Politicians in London, Dublin and Belfast rounded on Brussels (right, Ursula von der Leyen) for unilaterally overriding part of the Brexit deal to effectively create a hard border on the island of Ireland. Boris Johnson (left)said he had 'grave concerns'

The move has been slammed by Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster (pictured), who tonight accused the EU of an 'incredible act of hostility'

The UK has streaked ahead of Europe in terms of the number of vaccines administered, and has now jabbed more than 8.3 (pie chart shows January 26)

What is Article 16 and why has the EU invoked it? Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol allows either the EU or the UK to override part of the Brexit trade agreement in relation to border controls in Northern Ireland. The protocol itself was designed to avoid a re-emergence of a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. But in the deal, both parties agreed to a get-out clause, which could be used if the protocol was thought to be causing 'serious economic, societal or environmental difficulties'. However the EU has now invoked the clause, to put measures on vaccines coming from the EU to Northern Ireland. The move is being introduced amid a huge row between the UK and EU over vaccines supplies, with Brussels accusing the UK of 'hijacking doses'. The row started after Oxford vaccine maker AstraZeneca announced it would not be able to supply as many vaccines as it had first hoped to the EU by Spring. The EU has since unveiled plans for an export ban which could stop 3.5million Pfizer vaccines - made in Belgium - from being exported to the UK. The aim of this move will be to prevent the possibility of the UK bringing vaccines into Northern Ireland 'through the backdoor', by using the controls-free border to bring in vaccines from the EU. Advertisement

Ms von der Leyen last night tweeted: 'Constructive talks with Prime Minister Boris Johnson tonight.

'We agreed on the principle that there should not be restrictions on the export of vaccines by companies where they are fulfilling contractual responsibilities.'

It came about an hour after a statement from the Commission outlining the detail of the export controls of vaccines.

It said: 'To tackle the current lack of transparency of vaccine exports outside the EU, the Commission is putting in place a measure requiring that such exports are subject to an authorisation by Member States.

'In the process of finalisation of this measure, the Commission will ensure that the Ireland / Northern Ireland Protocol is unaffected. The Commission is not triggering the safeguard clause.

'Should transits of vaccines and active substances toward third countries be abused to circumvent the effects of the authorisation system, the EU will consider using all the instruments at its disposal.

'In the process of finalising the document, the commission will also be fine-tuning the decision-making process under the implementing regulation.'

Michael Gove has said it was made clear by the EU that vaccine supplies would not be interrupted.

The Cabinet Office minister told reporters: 'We're confident that we can proceed with our vaccine programmes exactly as planned.

'Last night the Prime Minister talked to President von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, and made clear that we need to have the contracts that have been entered into honoured properly.

'And it was made clear that that supply would not be interrupted so we can proceed with our plans and make sure that our so far highly-successful vaccination programme can continue.'

Following the conversation between the PM and Ms von der Leyen, an ally of Mr Johnson told the FT: 'The call was fine, hopefully that's the end of it.'

But the move by Brussels to initially say it was triggering Article 16 - seen as the nuclear option - left figures in Britain and Ireland reeling.

Mr Smith, who as Northern Ireland Secretary brokered a power-sharing arrangement in Stormont, said the EU's move offered no understanding of the delicate political landscape of the island of Ireland.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today: 'Years have been spent trying to ensure goods will flow freely and there will be no hard border and last night the EU pulled the emergency cord without following any of the process that are in the protocol if one side wants to suspend it.

'And they did that, in my view, without anywhere near the understanding of the Good Friday Agreement, of the sensitivity of the situation in Northern Ireland, and it was an almost Trumpian act.'

Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said the EU's U-turn was 'welcome' but added 'lessons should be learned'.

In a statement on Twitter, he said: 'Welcome news, but lessons should be learned; the Protocol is not something to be tampered with lightly, it's an essential, hard won compromise, protecting peace & trade for many.'

Brussels had triggered the controversial Article 16 just 29 days after the UK and EU struck the post-Brexit trade deal when Britain left the transition period.

The EU's chief negotiator in that agreement, Mr Barnier, today called for 'co-operation' between Brussels and the UK over the supply of vaccines across Europe.

Mr Barnier told The Times: 'We are facing an extraordinarily serious crisis, which is creating a lot of suffering, which is causing a lot of deaths in the UK, in France, in Germany, everywhere.

'And I believe we must face this crisis with responsibility, certainly not with the spirit of oneupmanship or unhealthy competition. I recommend preserving the spirit of co-operation between us.'

It comes after the EU's vaccine war entered a dangerous new phase last night as the bloc introduced rules that will allow it to block life-saving jabs getting to Britain and European politicians accused the UK of 'hijacking' doses.

The new controls, which will come into effect on Saturday and last until March, allow the EU to keep track of all vaccines produced on the continent and block exports to third countries.

Before Ms von der Leyen's clarification, it was feared this would thwart the deliver of another 3.5million Pfizer BioNTech jabs from Belgium to the UK in the coming weeks.

Health minister Stella Kyriakides insisted that the 'transparency mechanism' is not intended to target any country, even as Croatia's PM branded the UK 'hijackers' while the EU's justice commissioner said Britain had started a 'war'.

Brussels has been under growing pressure from member states over its stunted vaccine programme, which has seen inoculations fall far behind the UK

Vaccines expert shoots down Macron's claim that AstraZeneca jab is ineffective in over-65s A top scientist with Oxford's vaccine team has accused Emmanuel Macron of demand management' after casting doubt on the AstraZeneca jab's efficacy. Professor Sir John Bell today slapped down the French President's baseless claims that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is 'quasi-ineffective' for the over-65s. He said: 'I suspect this is a bit of demand management from Mr Macron... if he didn't have any vaccine the best thing you could do is reduce demand.' Macron stoked tensions yesterday by questioning the efficacy of the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab in older patients, despite it being approved by the EU regulator. Sir John today told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I'm not sure where he got that from.' He acknowledged its original study only had small numbers of elderly people, with many shielding themselves from the pandemic, but added: 'The numbers still pointed toward a very highly effective vaccine but the numbers were small, in fairness, we always accepted that.' He said other studies proved 'elderly people responded just as well in other age groups' and that 'there's really persuasive evidence that this is a protective vaccine in those populations'. Advertisement

Last night, Lord Ricketts, a former UK ambassador to France, accused Brussels of 'escalating recklessly in an attempt to get more doses [of the vaccine] from the UK'. He added: 'The EU is all at sea on this.'

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby tweeted: 'The European Union was originally inspired by Christian social teaching  at the heart of which is solidarity.

'Seeking to control the export of vaccines undercuts the EU's basic ethics. They need to work together with others.'

The World Health Organisation also said the export ban was a 'very worrying trend'.

Brussels has been under growing pressure from member states over its stunted vaccine programme, which has seen inoculations fall far behind the UK.

Ms von der Leyen faced personal scrutiny over her handling of the situation.

She was savaged on the overnight European press, with the London correspondent for Germany's Die Welt paper saying she had committed an 'unforgettable Brexit own goal'.

France's Le Monde editorial called the move 'deplorable', adding that von der Leyen had 'fortunately' given up on the inflammatory border decision.

Macron also appeared to pull support for the EU's hard-line vaccine policy, saying jab exports should be 'controlled, not blocked or banned.'

Speaking at the Elysee, the French president said: 'Vaccine exports should be controlled, not blocked or banned, which would make no sense because we are also dependent on non-European production.

'It should be controlled because there is questionable behaviour and we will be receiving fewer deliveries that do not honour the contractual engagements agreed.'

The EU was thrown into a tailspin this week after AstraZeneca warned production problems in Belgium meant supplies would be cut by two thirds in the first quarter of this year.

The Commission has piled pressure on the firm to divert supplies from its UK factories. In an extraordinary move, Ms von der Leyen yesterday published the contract with British-based AstraZeneca, but lawyers said it would not help the Commission's case.

In addition, clause 6.2 of the contract states that 'competing agreements' signed by AstraZeneca might affect the supply of vaccines to the EU.

'They knew there would be competing agreements,' Mr Barrett said. 'Everyone in the world knew there would be competing agreements. They knew that might mean doses were delayed.

'I believe the EU is publicly asserting that it now has a right to jump the queue and take doses that belong to other people. That is expressly wrong,' he added.

'This merely is a demonstration that the EU's mishandling of vaccine procurement and the roll-out has become a huge political problem for them,' Tory MP Andrew Bridgen said.

'Their knee jerk response [is] to become protectionists. They are getting hammered, quite rightly, so they are trying to deflect. It is a veiled threat.'

Fellow Tory David Jones added: 'It is a form of blackmail that they are engaging in. They have got a dispute with AstraZeneca over the provision of vaccine.

'How is that in any sense remedied by imposing a ban on Pfizer products being exported to the UK? They are behaving like playground bullies by trying to stop the UK from benefiting from the Pfizer vaccine. This crazy.'

European newspapers lashed out EU leaders on Saturday after the bloc tried to impose Covid vaccine controls on the Northern Ireland border. A leading correspondent for Germany's Die Welt paper savaged European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen, saying she had committed an 'unforgettable Brexit own goal'

France's Le Monde editorial called the move 'deplorable', adding that Von Der Leyen had 'fortunately' given up on the inflammatory border decision

In an attempt to force the issue, the EU today published a version of the contract it signed with AstraZeneca - though a lawyer who spoke to MailOnline said it actually shows their position to be 'legally unsustainable'

This is the key paragraph that the EU hopes will bolster its claim to the UK vaccines - though AstraZeneca insists the UK and European supply chains are separate and that delays in one will not affect the other

Meanwhile the EU finally gave approval to the British-designed AstraZeneca jab, a month after the UK, dismissing concerns from Germans that there was not enough data to show it is effective in the over-65s.

The European Union is currently embroiled in a very public war of words with AstraZeneca over its jab, after the company announced initial shipments to the bloc would be cut by at least 60 per cent while supplies to the UK would be unaffected.

In an extraordinary move, the EU is trying to force the drug-maker to ship jabs made in the UK to the continent to make up for the shortfall, despite the company insisting the two supply chains are separate.

Brussels published a version of the contract it signed with AstraZeneca to try and force the vaccine-maker to send doses made in the UK to Europe - but appeared to have shot itself in the foot.

And in another embarrassing stumbling block for the EU, it emerged that they have not purchased any new Novavax shots - which passed phase III trials yesterday - while the UK bought 60million doses five months ago.

The UK, where the vaccines will be made, put pen to paper on a deal for 60million doses back in August last year, while the EU only completed 'exploratory' talks in December and is yet to sign up for the jabs.

Britain's medical regulators still need to give final approval for the vaccine to be used, but it is expected to enter circulation in late summer. The EU meanwhile, will likely be left playing catch-up with the UK once again.

How the EU bungled its vaccine drive: Bloc was paralysed by 'endless back-and-forth' between 27 members - as poor countries haggled over price, Eurocrats hammered out liability protection... and rich nations were talked OUT of going it alone

By Jack Elsom for MailOnline

Europe's vaccine drive has been thrown off course by a shortage of supplies that has left member states reeling and leaders in Brussels thrashing out at big pharma.

Constant comparisons between Britain's well-oiled rollout and the bloc's own sluggish delivery has stoked frustrations on the Continent, which reached a crescendo last night when the Commission announced export controls on vaccines going to the UK.

Brussels has pointed the finger at AstraZeneca and claims it it not meeting its contractual obligations to provide enough doses and is demanding shots be diverted from the UK to top up the EU's shortages.

But insiders have traced the source of the EU's woes back months to protracted negotiations to initially procure vaccines, cracks emerging between the member states, and a flat-footedness to approve the jabs.

Gripped by the pandemic, Brussels from the start resolved to centralise its purchasing power, believing that it would be both cheaper and more efficient to buy equipment such as masks and ventilators - and later vaccines - as a 27-strong bloc, rather than member states going it alone.

This approach quickly proved arduous, as a decision needed signing off by each national capital before it could be ordered, resulting in what Politico describe as 'an endless back and forth'.

Frustrated with this drawn-out process, some of the bigger EU countries splintered off to unilaterally seek deals with vaccine manufacturers.

A Commission official revealed to the website that France and Spain opened up a back channel with Moderna, while a French Government insider said that Paris and Berlin agreed a pact to hoover up doses.

France and Germany invited the other big players, Italy and the Netherlands, to join their alliance, and on June 13 this 'Inclusive Vaccine Alliance' went public with a deal struck with Oxford/AstraZeneca for up to 400million doses.

The quartet were reportedly bullish to start procuring vaccines and had grown tired of the protracted talks to get other member states to rubber-stamp the Commission's blueprint.

One EU diplomat told Politico: 'The four countries just realised at one point, there's no time to wait until everyone is on board.'

However, after Ursula von der Leyen offered four of the seats on the EU's seven-strong vaccine negotiation team, the Inclusive Vaccine Alliance pulled back and allowed the Commission to take over the procurement effort.

Once again leveraging the full clout of the EU's 27 members, the Commission struck deals for jabs with Sanofi and Johnson and Johnson in September and October respectively.

But the cracks between member states quickly re-emerged. Germany was reportedly optimistic about the slate of mRNA vaccines - ones that create a spike protein to trigger an immune response - and wanted to buy more doses.

In September, when Berlin wanted to give a further 375million to BioNTech and 252million to CureVac, less affluent nations such as Bulgaria and Poland recoiled.

The reluctance of poorer nations to bet millions on vaccines was said come down in part to the fact they did not have any manufacturing bases that would reap the rewards of investment.

Whereas the economies of Germany, Italy, France and the Netherlands would benefit if manufacturers in their countries received Commission funds.

The divergence and haggling inside the bloc before it could thrash out a unanimous position led Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel to claim in an interview that dealing with all 27 member states was slowing things down.

Negotiations with pharmaceutical companies also encountered sticking points surrounding liability protections.

While American law protects manufacturers from being sued if something goes wrong, there are no such safeguards in the EU, and firms wanted assurances.

The need for cover was especially poignant across the Continent because of the alarming prevalence of vaccine scepticism - a poll found only 59 per cent of French citizens would take an approved vaccine.

Brussels reportedly played hardball and refused to grant the companies the protections they sought, causing more wrangling over the finer points of the contracts.

After months of fraught negotiations between member states and vaccine producers, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Oxford-AstraZeneca all reported high efficacy rates following large-scale trials in quick succession.

The UK's regulator, the MHRA, was first out of the blocks to approve the Pfizer vaccine and on December 8, Margaret Keenan from Coventry became the world's first person to receive an approved vaccine.

Two weeks later, the European Medicines Agency gave the Pfizer jab the green light. But it was pipped to submit its application by the United States, which was prioritised for jab shipments.

Buoyed by early approval of the Pfizer and Oxford vaccines, Britain has now inoculated 11 per cent of its population, while the EU has managed just 2 per cent as it grapples with curbed supplies from Pfizer and AstraZeneca.

France has been hit by by bureaucratic and logistical delays and had hoped to jab four-million people by the end of February, but has now revised that down to two-and-a-half-million.

In a further blow, French health chiefs earlier this week announced that the opening of half a million new appointment slots to administer Covid vaccines would be pushed back three days. A decrease in the deliveries of Pfizer-BioNtech vaccines was blamed.

Spain has also been hit with delays in its vaccine roll-out. The delays have been so bad, officials have been forced to stop the roll-out in some areas, so that they have enough to give a second dose to those who have already received their first. Madrid and Catalunya are two areas where this is the case.

Like France, they have jabbed more than one-million citizens so far. The roll-out has recently been hit by the Pfizer delay, with regional governments receiving only 196,000 doses instead of the 350,000 they had been expecting.

Germany has been particularly slow with its vaccination programme. Some political commentators believe this could be the drive behind the EU vaccine war - to deflect attention from Germany's poor performance.

Angela Merkel's government has come under fire from German media, including tabloid Bild, who labelled them 'vaccine snails' earlier this week.

Its first dose vaccine programme was suspend until yesterday, due to a delay in jab deliveries. But it hopes to receive 11million doses by the end of March.

Initially one of the leading EU countries in terms of vaccine roll-out speed, Italy managed to vaccinate more than 1.5million people by mid-January.

But its roll-out has been hit by delivery delays and dropped off following the announcement of Pfizer's Europe-wide delay.

The EU's vaccine poster-child, Denmark raced ahead of the rest of the bloc with its vaccine roll-out. The vaccine programme began on December 27. Since then, nearly 2 per cent of the population has been vaccinated - far more than any other EU country.

But, because it is tied into the EU's vaccine procurement programme, it too will suffer from the delays to the Pfizer and AstraZeneca deliveries.

The bungled rollout across the Continent this week led a German health minister to claim it to be the 'worst crisis since the Second World War'.
FAIRFIELD  New Jersey police arrested a Fairfield man they say was responsible for a rash of burglaries throughout the tri-state area, including Greenwich, New Canaan and New Milford.

Patrick Ryan, 30, was arrested Sunday morning after an investigation spanning six months and involving numerous authorities in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. He faces nearly 150 charges in New Jersey alone in connection with the incidents, according to a news release.

Numerous residents throughout the tri-state area are victims from Mr. Ryans theft, burglary, and criminal mischief, Sussex County Detectives Association said in the statement.

Police found more than 100 stolen items in his Fairfield residence and the vehicle he was using, including a shotgun, crossbow, nine handguns, purses, credit cards, personal identification for the victims, cash and a large amount of gift cards, accoding to the release.

Ryan was in possession of several victims personal property and burglary tools when he was arrested, police said.

Fairfield helped execute the search warrant for Ryans residence on Sunday after he was arrested in New Jersey, Fairfield Lt. Antonio Granata said.

Out-of-state investigators discovered probable cause in their investigation that suspected Ryan harbored stolen items in his home in Fairfield, Connecticut, Granata said.

He said the department seized more than 100 items believed to have been stolen in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

There were several firearms that were seized during the search warrant, Granata said. All other items of evidentiary value are still being itemized, and detectives from around the region have the tedious task of linking those stolen items to each victim within their respective jurisdiction in the tri-state area for charges and prosecution purposes.

Police said the incidents happened from August through January.

Ryan would commit these crimes in the early morning hours between midnight and 7 a.m., the release said. Ryan is currently on probation in Connecticut for similar crimes.

Five New Jersey agencies, including New Jersey State Police, have already issued nearly 150 charges connected to the incidents.

Ryan is charged with 74 counts of burglary to a motor vehicle, 13 counts of criminal mischief, 51 counts of movable property, seven counts of theft of a credit card, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and one count of burglary while in possession of a firearm,

Several more charges are pending for Ryan in numerous jurisdictions throughout the tri-state area, according to the release.

Granata said the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are also investigating Ryans girlfriend, a Fairfield resident, as a possible co-conspirator.

kkoerting@newstimes.com
GAINESVILLE, Ga.  The morning after a nitrogen leak in a chicken plant killed six people in the self-proclaimed poultry capital of the world, nearly everyone in its big Latino community choked down their grief and fear and did what they had come to Gainesville to do.

They woke up before sunrise on Friday and went to work.

On Catalina Drive, a tidy street of vinyl-sided houses near the scene of Thursdays accident, workers pulled out of driveways in dusty pickup trucks, or zipped off to the plants in little sedans with antiviral masks around their chins.

Up on the Atlanta highway, other workers were shuttled to the chicken plants by the armada of local taxis  with names like Taxi Quetzal, Taxi Solanos, Fiesta Cab  that has become a crucial workaround for the many undocumented immigrants who do not want to risk being pulled over and possibly deported.

Nina Baca, 18, answered her door just after dawn, the habitual stench from the plants spoiling the crisp and cloud-free January morning. Ms. Baca had worked the overnight shift on Thursday a short distance from the accident site. It was all business as usual, she said, except for the beginning.
A man has been charged after a suspicious package was sent to a coronavirus vaccine production site.

All staff had to be evacuated from the Wockhardt site in Wrexham, North Wales, on Wednesday as the package was investigated.

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.

Northern Irelands First Minister has pressed Boris Johnson to replace the NI Protocol after the EU sparked a dispute over vaccine controls.

The EU caused outrage on Friday evening when it invoked Article 16 of the post-Brexit mechanism, to stop the unimpeded flow of vaccines from the European bloc into the region.

Brussels subsequently reversed the move following condemnation from London, Dublin and Belfast.

Arlene Foster said it was an absolutely incredible act of hostility towards those of us in Northern Ireland.

Its absolutely disgraceful, and I have to say the Prime Minister now needs to act very quickly to deal with the real trade flows that are being disrupted between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, she told BBC Radio 4s Today programme on Saturday morning.

The DUP leader reiterated calls for Mr Johnson to enact Article 16 of the protocol over delays being face by hauliers.

Weve been asking the PM to deal with the flow problems and indeed, since January 1, weve been trying to manage along with the Government the many, many difficulties that have arisen between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and there are actions he could take immediately, she said.

Iave spoken with the Prime Minister @BorisJohnson and @michaelgove this evening. The Government must now take robust action including using Article 16 to advance Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom. pic.twitter.com/ugemDdll9z  Arlene Foster #WeWillMeetAgain (@ArleneFosterUK) January 29, 2021

There is great unrest and great tension within the community here in Northern Ireland so this protocol that was meant to bring about peace and harmony in Northern Ireland is doing quite the reverse.

The protocol is unworkable, lets be very clear about that, and we need to see it replaced because otherwise there is going to be real difficulties here in Northern Ireland.

Pressed on whether that would be in breach of an international treaty, she said: Well it didnt seem to bother the European Union yesterday when they breached the treaty in terms of their embarrassment around their vaccine procurement.

However, deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill has called for cool heads.

The Sinn Fein vice president described the EUs actions as clearly unwise, ill-judged and totally unnecessary, but said the protocol  while imperfect  must stay.

Northern Irelands health minister Robin Swann said he had spoken with UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock to seek reassurance on vaccine supplies.

Its essential confidence and trust is rebuilt after yesterdays actions by the EU, he tweeted.

Just finished a very useful meeting with @MattHancock.



It's essential confidence and trust is rebuilt after yesterdayas actions by the EU.



We need certainty that essential vaccine supplies will always be able to travel freely to NI, both now and in the future.  Robin Swann MLA #StopCovidNI (@RobinSwannMoH) January 30, 2021

We need certainty that essential vaccine supplies will always be able to travel freely to NI, both now and in the future.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: The Health Secretary and minister of health for Northern Ireland had a constructive discussion on the supply of Covid-19 vaccines.

Ulster Unionist Party leader Steve Aiken backed Mrs Fosters call for the UK Government to intervene, describing the events of Friday night as a tipping point.

The EU cynically and deliberately used Northern Ireland in an attempt to cover up their vaccine omnishambles with a political one, he said.

It would be a weak UK Government that would continue to sit on the sidelines as an observer and let its people be treated in such a manner.

A former politician in Irish premier Micheal Martins Fianna Fail party said the Taoiseach was furious at the EUs abandoned move to override part of the Brexit deal on Northern Ireland.

Expand Close Micheal Martin (Brian Lawless/PA) PA / Facebook

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The action doesnt make any sense at all and it has clearly embarrassed the Irish Government which was blindsided, former European minister Dick Roche said.

I understand that Micheal Martin was very annoyed at it, that he made very strong representations to the commission.

In a statement late on Friday, the European Commission said it was not triggering the safeguard clause to ensure the protocol was unaffected after widespread condemnation of its move as part of its export controls on coronavirus vaccines.

The protocol has already proved unpopular with unionists in Northern Ireland who complain of a border down the Irish Sea.

On Friday, there were calls for Government intervention amid claims that Brexit red tape could hinder the movement of military equipment within the UK.

Constructive talks with Prime Minister @BorisJohnson tonight.



We agreed on the principle that there should not be restrictions on the export of vaccines by companies where they are fulfilling contractual responsibilities.  Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 29, 2021

New Irish Sea shipping arrangements mean the armed forces need to give 15 days notice, complete customs declarations and even inform Nato in order to take materials from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, according to the Ulster Unionist Party.

UUP MLA Doug Beattie, a decorated Army veteran, said the restrictions were a consequence of the protocol, which governs the movement of goods across the Irish Sea since the Brexit transition period ended.

Mrs Foster said a restriction on the movement of military equipment was among hundreds of problems created by the protocol.

Under the terms of the protocol, Northern Ireland remains in the single market for goods and continues to apply EU customs rules at its ports and airports.
If you want to find out just how much a country or a community values its arts, just follow the money.

In South Carolina, that money flows along a two-way street. The arts sector, after all, generates significant economic impact in the state, by way of revenue, jobs and cultural tourism. On the opposing lane is incoming funds, with some notable recent grants and disbursements throughout the state from national sources.

Whats more, the numbers add up to another compelling statement whose point has been underscored by the events of the past year. Those with deep pockets  from federal relief and arts funding programs to well-endowed foundations and mega corporations  are determining that investment in arts and culture is a viable means by which this country can forge a better, brighter and more unified tomorrow.

Let me be clear. This does not mean that the arts are out of the woods. The industry has been and continues to be hard hit by the continuing pandemic, and remains for the most part shuttered.

However, for those who view such vulnerability as an indication of inherent weakness, I suggest you reconsider such logic in leaving the arts behind.

Consider instead that the arts is a means by which to address some of our countrys most formidable, enfeebling divides. Thats why funders are upping allotments and prioritizing programs as a means to share stories, amplify voices and foster exchange.

The state of arts funding

In December, the SC CARES act awarded a second allotment of federal relief funds to South Carolina service areas. Of the 686 organizations, 39 percent of those recipients had checked off arts and culture as one of their priority areas, the largest priority funded (with the caveat these applicants can check off more than one area).

I think the pandemic has highlighted just how much  this industry matters to our community and the people who are employed by this industry, said G.P. McLeer, executive director of South Carolina Arts Alliance.

While the allotment is welcome, the need is still great. There is great need for the entire charitable sector and specifically the arts, which have been shut down since March and are currently pretty much the only industry at large that continues to have its business operations adjusted by executive order. We're the only one really left.

Underscoring both the tangible and intangible value of our arts is key to continued support. In the windup to this last allotment, the alliances advocacy underscored the economic impact of South Carolina's creative sector, which engenders an impact of $9.7 billion in direct economic activity and supports more than 115,000 jobs.

It's very difficult for our industry who was the first to close, and it's still the last to reopen, McLeer said. They need to be open, but they need to be open safely. And until that's possible, you know they're going to need to rely on outside support.

Changing ways

Another arts lifeline is the shift in the way many funders are providing support. In the past, many organizations have found government and foundation application processes unwieldy, if not unwelcoming.

It's hard to get your foot in the door, said Kenton Youngblood, director of development at the College of Charleston who runs the institution's major gifts program. She explained that in former days, organizations had to be invited to apply.

"It's the same thing as getting hired. We want someone with experience, but you don't have any because no one will hire you because they want someone with experience, right?"

Whats more, organizations without the infrastructure have been further daunted by the metrics they are required to supply after the project. Many foundations now offer multiyear commitments, giving organizations the time to both experiment and to account for their efforts.

As director of Lowcountry programs at the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, Kerri Forrest said the South Carolina organizations with which she works have reported encouraging indications of giving over the past year. Donnelley is also making it a priority to engage with a different range of grantees, acknowledging the entry barriers some organizations have historically and offering more leeway for trial and error. They are thus seeing more groups whose governance may look differently on paper, among them Latinx organizations.

We get a chance to learn them, they get a chance to learn us, and we get a chance to help really provide resources that will help them, said Forrest.

The message

Foundations are stepping up, too, with some pushing a record-breaking amount toward organizations that foster exchange and amplify voices not often heard.

But its far more than cutting a check.

The arts have always had a role in lifting up voices of those who have been marginalized, McLeer said, pointing to the WPA program in which artwork was used as a tool to draw attention to things like workplace conditions.

One such initiative is The Black Seed Project, a multimillion-dollar initiative launched by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Seeded by a collective of funders, it gathers national networks and coalitions and also includes a national marketing campaign to tell the story of Black theater in America. The strategic plan is conceptualized and led by the Black theater field with the goal of systemic change in the arts and culture world.

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Among the funding review panel members is Wendell Pierce, an actor known for his role in HBO series The Wire and Treme.

The Black Seed Project isnt just an aspirational endeavor, he said in a statement. It is tangible and forthright. It is the manifestation of expanding the Black theater of America to the level of cultural impact it has been deserving of for decades.  That voice cannot continue to be silenced.

One South Carolina theater company, Charlestons Art Forms & Theatre Concepts, was awarded a $10,000 grant from the project, which it can use in anyway it chooses.

The opportunity to apply to The Black Seed could not have come at a more critical time, said Art Gillard, founder and artistic director of Art Forms & Theatre Concepts.

I think that our application to The Black Seed was something of a manifesto, challenging Art Forms and Theatre Concepts to think bigger and reinvent itself, inspired by the energy and passion we see reflected in the BLM movement and by our community as a whole.

This fall, the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation launched Broadening Narratives, a $750.000 initiative focused in Chicago and the South Carolina Lowcountry. It was conceived two years ago to ensure collections are more inclusive, and represent perspectives including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, working class and smaller communities.

Its strategy was developed in a new way as well.

Working with two consulting groups in five collecting organization partners in both regions, they held a series of focus groups with grantees, with other collecting institutions and conversations internally with staff. Among the participants are the Lowcountry Digital Library and Southeastern Museums Conference.

What we heard from the grantees and the other collecting institutions that were advised was that we  we weren't really talking about the story behind the stuff, said Forrest. What's the story that the object tells  and is the story  being told by the people who the story is for?

Forrest added, I guess timing is everything because it's really aligned well with the moment that we find ourselves in. Forrest said the foundation has received more inquiries than it has ever received in one cycle in her six years with the organization, including a record number of requests related to Native American communities.

Another initiative, via the Coastal Community Foundation is the Facebook Grant for Sustaining Black Communities. It will award funds over two years to nonprofit organizations and programs in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties "supporting innovation, creativity, and resiliency in Black communities," specifically for nonprofits providing goods or services that directly and specifically support Black people and communities. The submission deadline is Wednesday, February 10.

Telling the story

That being said, organizations would do well to weigh a project before checking the social justice box on a grant application.

While Forrest said she is excited to get requests like those concerning Native American communities, it opens many questions about the nature of the project  among them, how the institution plans to tell the story and engage with the Native American communities to do so, as well as whether the Native American community has any ownership in how the story is told.

Forrest said she hopes to not only hear from the established collecting institutions, but from smaller organizations.

We really want to open our focus to these smaller collecting institutions because they're the ones that are really closely tied to their communities, she said, citing places like the Sol Legare Seashore Farmers Lodge No. 767.

The social movement over the summer with the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor highlighted the need for this reckoning that collecting institutions have been going through about really being of the community, said Forrest. These are institutions that should be telling these stories.

To that end, Forrest points out that a number of groups are using the down time to take the opportunity to also step back and look at what they will look like when they return. Among them are Charleston Stage, Pure Theatre and Hilton Heads Lean Ensemble, who are focusing on diversity and inclusion.

In a statement, Indira Etwaroo, national advisory committee chair of the Black Seed, pointed to instances like invaders carrying the Confederate battle flag into the chambers of Congress on Jan. 6 as grounds for sharing more stories via Black theater.

As the gatekeepers of the African American story and the complete American story, Black theaters are standing together to ensure that we are a mighty force for change in this country. We are greater  as a sector  than the sum of our parts.

At Art Forms & Theatre Concepts, Gillard notes, Im just knocked out to be among this list of grantees, he said, citing the power of seeing the hundred or so names of companies and artists that hes long admired and, in some cases, worked with over decades, now benefiting from an unprecedented multi-million-dollar investment.

It makes you realize that all of the blood, sweat and tears are not going unrecognized, and that we have been contributing to something greater," he said. "People are putting their money where their mouths are.

For those interested in learning more about statewide funding opportunities and tools, McLeer recommends starting with the South Carolina Arts Commission at southcarolinaarts.com. The South Carolina Arts Alliance is hosting an advocacy webinar from Feb. 15-19. Find out more at scartsalliance.net.



'The new messiah': Rakesh Tikait is cynosure of many eyes, not just farmers

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Jan 30: His tears exercised an emotive pull even he may not have envisaged, helping turn the tide for a movement that seemed to have lost both sheen and momentum after the violence on Republic Day. It was but a moment in time and Rakesh Tikait was the man in it.

He was once a Delhi Police constable, tried his hand at electoral politics and been a farmer leader for years. But Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Tikait has broken out of the confines of western Uttar Pradesh to find a space in the national spotlight as arguably the most powerful farm leader of the day.

The two-month farmer movement against the Centre's three farm laws was till now dominated by protesters from the fields of Punjab and Haryana who set up camp at the Singhu and Tikri border points into the city. Now, the focus has shifted to Ghazipur on the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border where farmers are gathering in thousands to boost the fight that seemed to have been weakening only two days ago.

A day after the Republic Day violence in Delhi, when a section of farmers taking part in the tractor parade broke through barriers, clashed with police and stormed the Red Fort for a few hours, the farmer game it seemed to be over. Morale plummeted and many farmers returned home.

On Wednesday night, the atmosphere was tense at Ghazipur. The Ghaziabad administration issued an "ultimatum" to the protesters occupying a stretch of the Delhi-Meerut expressway to vacate as the January 26 clashes painted a not-so-peaceful picture of the peasant community.

Farmers protests: Internet suspended at Delhi borders

And then came the Tikait moment. As security presence at the site escalated and fears grew that the protesters would be forcibly evicted, an emotional Tikait broke down while talking to reporters.

"The protest won't be called off. Farmers are being met with injustice," he said and even threatened to end his life for the cause.

It soon emerged that the 51-year-old who was leading BKU supporters at the Ghazipur border since November 28, was no ordinary man at all. His call for continuing the protest against the government struck a deep emotional chord. Videos of his emotional outburst were circulated across multiple platforms.

It led to his brother Naresh Tikait calling a 'mahapanchayat' at their home town in Muzaffarnagar on Friday where tens of thousands of farmers gathered to back the movement.

The crowd at Ghazipur border that had reduced to 500 on Thursday night grew manifold over the next 12 hours, running into well over 5,000 in next 24 hours. The farmer movement was not just revived but further energised.

Tikait, who has been part of a delegation talking with the Centre over the ongoing protest, is also one of the accused in the January 26 violence in Delhi that saw one farmer dying when his tractor overturned and hundreds of people, including police personnel, being injured.

He has denied the allegations of conspiracy and demanded a judicial probe into the violence, blaming infiltrators in the tractors' parade of the unrest. To be named as an accused by the Delhi Police is perhaps strange for Tikait, who served as a head constable in the force but quit in 1992-93 when he had to deal with a farmers' agitation led by his father, the legendary Mahendra Singh Tikait.

Born on June 4, 1969 in Sisauli village of Muzaffarnagar district in western Uttar Pradesh, Rakesh Tikait joined BKU after quitting the Delhi Police and gained prominence as a farm leader after the death of his father to cancer in May 2011.

Mahendra Tikait, who was hailed as "messiah" of farmers, had inherited the 'Chaudhary' title of the regional Baliyan khap (a social and administrative system in parts of north India) at the age of eight from his father. Going by the tradition of the khap, the title passed on to his elder son and Rakesh Tikait's elder brother Naresh.

But Rakesh Tikait, a BA graduate from the Meerut University, was designated national spokesperson of the BKU. He has two younger brothers -- Surendra, who works as a manager in a sugar mill, and Narendra, engaged in agriculture.

The father of three - two daughters and a son -- has been at loggerheads with various governments on a range of farmers' issues, including loan waivers, minimum support price (MSP), power tariff and land acquisition in states such as UP, Haryana Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh.

He also tried his hand at elections but lost both times.

In 2007, he contested the UP Assembly polls from Khatauli constituency in Muzaffarnagar as an independent candidate. In 2014, he fought the Lok Sabha election from Amroha district on a Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) ticket.

It's an affluent family.

Ahead of the 2014 polls, Tikait had declared assets worth Rs 4.25 crore, including Rs 10 lakh cash, and liabilities of Rs 10.95 lakh with land worth over Rs 3 crore forming the biggest chunk of his assets.

He also declared three criminal cases against him in the election affidavit. These cases were lodged in Meerut and Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh, and Anuppur in Madhya Pradesh.

The vocal farmer leader had to spend nights behind the bars for defying public servant's orders during several of the protests that he has led in the past decade.

Having dug in his heels along with his supporters at the Ghazipur border amid a deadlock with the Centre over the new farm laws, Tikait on Saturday was once again teary eyed.

But this time overwhelmed by emotion as villagers, including children, reached the protest site carrying water, homemade food and buttermilk, after he announced he would drink water only when farmers will bring it since the local administration had barred water tankers at the protest site.

Rakesh Tikait is now the cynosure of many eyes - and it's not just farmers.

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Story first published: Saturday, January 30, 2021, 20:06 [IST]
The Covid-19 outbreak in Quang Ninh Province has forced many families to postpone weddings at the last minute.

On the afternoon of January 28, the families of Duc Giang, 27, and his bride Hong Hanh, 25, were busy calling hundreds of guests to tell them the wedding, scheduled at 5 p.m. that day, had been delayed.

That morning authorities had identified a 31-year-old man working at Van Don International Airport in Quang Ninh and living in Hong Ha Ward in Ha Long Town as the latest Covid-19 patient, and decreed that activities involving large crowds should be avoided and unnecessary meetings should be postponed.

According to Giang, his family had been busy preparing for the wedding and so had no idea about the Covid-19 situation, but the restaurant owner called them to say the wedding has to be canceled.

Giang had prepared for the wedding at his house, but he had to put it on hold. Photo courtesy of Duc Giang.

Wasting no time and worrying there would be more cases, Giang picked up his bride and take her home right after the engagement. In Vietnamese tradition, normally the groom picks up his bride after their wedding.

Giang said: "We rushed to call our relatives and friends to apologize because our wedding was to be at 5 p.m. We were lucky because people understood the situation and wished us happiness.

"It is better than seeing Covid-19 spread at my wedding, that would be tragic."

Also on January 28, another couple too had to cancel their wedding even as the groom's family was traveling from northern Hai Phong City to meet the bride's family in Quang Ninh.

The groom's mother said: "After months without the pandemic, the two families carefully chose the date for the wedding, but when we traveled to Yen Huong District (in Quang Ninh) to pick up the bride, people at the tollbooth said if we entered the district, we would not be allowed to leave."

After some quick thinking, the bride and her family were asked to come to the tollbooth where they held the engagement ceremony.

The two families hold a quick ceremony at the tollbooth on January 28, 2021. Photo courtesy of the families.

But they could not take the bride back home with them.

Since community transmission reemerged on January 28 after a gap of 55 days, Hai Duong has recorded 157 cases and Quang Ninh, 18.

By Saturday morning, Vietnam has registered 1,739 cases, including 181 from the current outbreak which emerged from Thursday.

With the transmission being rapid this time, health experts are analyzing the virus strains from the first two patients based on the theory that it could be the U.K. variant, which is 70 percent more transmissible compared to other strains.
Threats to African journalists are nothing new, but the African Union is launching a website to track and monitor threats against them, in a bid to improve protections for media workers and support the right to freedom of the expression.

Six African journalists were killed in 2020, according to the International Federation of Journalists. Countless more were threatened, arrested, harassed, and censored, according to several media freedom and human rights groups.

That, the African Union is now saying, has to stop. And to do that, theyre making use of journalists most powerful tool: facts.

A new AU website, www.safetyofjournalistsinafrica.africa, launched Friday, and will now track threats to African journalists.

We stand on the shoulders of these giants, these heroes of the of the media in Africa in whose name we today launched this platform that is designed to help end the harassment, detention, and even murder of journalists, just for doing their work," siad Jovial Rantao, chairman of the African Editors Forum, invoking the memories of fallen colleagues. "In some of our beloved continent, freedom of the media, freedom of expression, access to information, is a matter of life or death.

Rantao and his colleagues readily admit that journalists are often the irritating characters who lurk in the halls of power to shout tough questions at important people.

They are also figures like Zimbabwean investigative journalist Hopewell Chinono, who was recently granted bail after three weeks in prison. He was charged with communicating falsehoods, after he tweeted that police had beaten an infant to death while enforcing COVID-19 lockdown regulations.

As South African President Cyril Ramaphosa argues, you dont have to like journalists or their work to support this initiative.

It requires that we rigorously defend the right of journalists to do their work, to write, to publish, and to also broadcast what they like, even if we disagree with some or all of it," Ramaphosa said. "Africa is on the march to entrench a culture of human rights, of democracy, gender equality, inclusion, peace, prosperity, security for all our citizens, and unfettered media freedom and independence. The digital platform for the safety of journalists in Africa is an important tool in promoting the safety of journalists and other media workers across Africa.

But, media freedom advocates were quick to point out, that doesnt mean journalists are without responsibilities. At the virtual launch of the website, media freedom advocates spoke of Felicien Kabuga, founder of Rwandas infamous Radio Television Libre des Mille Collines. Thats the broadcaster whose reporters actively encouraged Rwandans to participate in the 1994 genocide that killed more than 800,000 people.

Kabugas use of the platform to spew hatred and incite violence has led him to prison, in the Hague.

The head of the AU African Governance Architecture Secretariat, Salah Hammad, says the AU draws a direct line between honest journalism and robust, peaceful societies.

So when we are talking about the rights of people, the rights of human and people's rights in Africa, we cannot really exclude media freedom as well as a right to expression and right to freedom of expression as well as a right to information," he said. "And the African Union, in its constitutive act, clearly indicated that the African Union, in totality, is very supportive of course of the promotion and protection of these rights.

The platform will help keep a focus on continuing violations, like the January 19 shooting death of an Ethiopian broadcaster in the conflict-wracked Tigray region. The independent Ethiopian Human Rights Council says that the journalist, Dawit Kebede Araya, and a friend were killed execution-style by security forces.


Covid-19: Vaccines Must Be Ready to Adapt to Variants, Fauci Says The E.U. moved to limit AstraZeneca from sending doses outside the bloc, amid a dispute with the company over delivery delays. Johnson & Johnson said that its one-dose vaccine was effective, but less so in South Africa, where a new variant is circulating.

Fauci describes the resilience of a variant found in South Africa as a wake-up call. Video transcript Back bars 0:00 / 1:28 - 0:00 transcript Fauci Warns New Virus Mutations Are a Wake-Up Call On Friday, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci warned that new virus variants, despite the global vaccine distribution, should offer a wake-up call to the continuing dangers of the pandemic. Were all aware of the variance that we knew dominated  the U.K. B.1.1.7 , the B.1.351 in South Africa and other variants, such as the P.1. in Brazil. When these variants were first recognized, it became clear that we had to look at, in vitro, in the test tube, whether the antibodies that were induced by the vaccines that we had available would actually neutralize these new mutants. Antigenic variation, i.e. mutations that lead to different lineage do have clinical consequences because as you can see, even though the long-range effect in the sense of severe disease is still handled reasonably well by the vaccines, this is a wake-up call to all of us that we will be dealing as the virus uses its devices to evade pressure, particularly immunological pressure, that we will continue to see the evolution of mutants. So that means that we as a government, the companies, all of us that are in this together, will have to be nimble to be able to just adjust readily to make versions of the vaccine that actually are specifically directed towards whatever mutation is actually prevalent at any given time. On Friday, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci warned that new virus variants, despite the global vaccine distribution, should offer a wake-up call to the continuing dangers of the pandemic. Credit Credit... Doug Mills/The New York Times Dr. Anthony S. Fauci warned Friday that new clinical trial results from Johnson & Johnson, showing that its vaccine is less effective against a highly infectious variant of the coronavirus circulating in South Africa, were a wake-up call. He said the virus will continue to mutate, and vaccine manufacturers will have to be nimble to be able to adjust readily to reformulating the vaccines if needed. Dr. Faucis warning, at the White House briefing on the virus, comes amid increasing concern about new and more infectious variants of the virus that are emerging overseas and turning up in the United States. This week, officials in South Carolina reported identifying two cases of the variant circulating in South Africa, and officials in Minnesota announced they had found a case of the variant that was first detected in Brazil. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who was also at the briefing, said another variant, first identified in Britain, has now been confirmed in 379 cases in 29 states. She said officials remained concerned about the variants and were rapidly ramping up surveillance and sequencing activities to closely monitor them. Unlike Britain, the United States has been conducting little of the genomic sequencing necessary to track the spread of the variants. Dr. Walensky also issued a plea to Americans to continue wearing masks and practice social distancing, and to avoid travel. Earlier this month, the C.D.C. warned that the variant circulating in Britain could become the dominant source of infection in the United States and would likely lead to a surge in cases and deaths that could overwhelm hospitals. And given the speed at which the variant swept through that country, it is conceivable that by April it could make up a large fraction of infections in the United States. By the time someone has symptoms, gets a test, has a positive result and we get the sequence, our opportunity for doing real case control and contact tracing is largely gone, she said. We should be treating every case as if its a variant during this pandemic right now. Fridays briefing, the second in what the Biden White House has promised will be thrice-weekly updates on the pandemic, came just hours after Johnson & Johnson reported that while its vaccine was 72 percent effective in the United States, the efficacy rate was just 57 percent in South Africa, where a variant has been spreading. Public health officials including Dr. Fauci and Dr. Walensky say the emergence of these variants is heightening the urgency of vaccinations. Dr. Fauci also said Friday that children under 16, who are not currently eligible for the vaccine, will likely start getting vaccinated by late spring or early summer if small-scale clinical trials show that it is safe and effective to do so. He noted that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is 85 percent effective against severe disease, and called the results very encouraging, even though the vaccine is not as effective as those by Pfizer and Moderna, which have emergency approval from the Food and Drug Administration. Johnson & Johnson will now seek its own emergency approval. This really tells us that we have now a value-added additional vaccine candidate, he said. But Dr. Walensky offered a far more sobering observation. While the daily number of new virus cases has been declining, the figures were still much higher than a period last summer, and deaths currently remain worrisome. According to data compiled by The New York Times, new virus cases have averaged about 160,000 a day in recent days, compared to about 40,000 new cases a day around early September. As of Thursday, the seven-day average of new deaths was more than 3,200 a day, still near peak levels. The daily death toll has topped 4,000 deaths six times in the United States, including twice this week. At Wednesdays briefing by the Biden virus team, Jeffrey D. Zients, Mr. Bidens coronavirus response coordinator, said the United States is lagging far behind other countries in sequencing the genomes of the new variants  a delay he called totally unacceptable. Dr. Walensky said she is working to change that. We have scaled up surveillance dramatically just in the last ten days, in fact, but our plans are more than what weve done so far, Dr. Walensky said, adding that the C.D.C. is now asking every state to track for worrisome variants and sequence at least 750 samples from patients per week. In addition, she said, the agency has seven collaborations with universities to scale up surveillance to cover thousands of samples per week.

Johnson & Johnsons vaccine offers strong protection but fuels concern about variants. Participating in a Johnson & Johnson vaccine trial at the Desmond Tutu H.I.V. Foundation Youth Center near Cape Town last month. Credit... Joao Silva/The New York Times Johnson & Johnson said on Friday that its one-dose coronavirus vaccine provided strong protection against Covid-19, offering the United States a third powerful tool in a race against a worldwide rise in virus mutations. But the results came with a significant cautionary note: The vaccines efficacy rate dropped from 72 percent in the United States to 57 percent in South Africa, where a highly contagious variant is driving most cases. Studies suggest that this variant also blunts the effectiveness of Covid vaccines made by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Novavax. The variant has spread to at least 31 countries, including two cases documented in the United States this week. Johnson & Johnson said it planned to apply for emergency authorization of its vaccine from the Food and Drug Administration as soon as next week, putting it on track to receive clearance later in February. This is the pandemic vaccine that can make a difference with a single dose, said Dr. Paul Stoffels, the companys chief scientific officer. The companys announcement comes as the Biden administration is pushing to immunize Americans faster even as vaccine supplies tighten. White House officials have been counting on Johnson & Johnsons vaccine to ease the shortfall. But the company may have as few as seven million doses ready when the vaccine is authorized, according to federal health officials familiar with its production, and no more than 32 million doses by early April. The variant from South Africa, known as B.1.351, could make the vaccine push tougher. Given the speed at which the variant swept through that country, it is conceivable that it could make up a large fraction of infections in the United States by April and therefore undermine the effectiveness of available vaccines. The two vaccines approved by the U.S. government have been found to be less effective against the B.1.351 variant in clinical trials, a development that has unsettled federal officials and vaccine experts. Many researchers say it is imperative to vaccinate people as quickly as possible. Lowering the rate of infection could thwart the more contagious variants while they are still rare. If ever there was reason to vaccinate as many people as expeditiously as we possibly can with the vaccine that we have right now, now is the time, said Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the governments top infectious disease expert. Because the less people that get infected, the less chance youre going to give this particular mutant a chance to become dominant. Carl Zimmer, Noah Weiland and

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Coachella music festival is canceled again. The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival was last held in 2019. Credit... Emma McIntyre/Getty Images The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, which draws more than a hundred thousand fans daily from around the world to Southern California, is off for a third time. A county health order canceled the event, as well as the country music festival, Stagecoach, on Friday, citing the recent virus surge that has plagued California for months, despite some recent progress. Both were to begin in April. In the order, Dr. Cameron Kaiser, a public health officer for Riverside County, said both events are gatherings of an international scope that were too risky amid the surge and appearance of more contagious variants. If Covid-19 were detected at these festivals, the scope and number of attendees and the nature of the venue would make it infeasible, if not impossible, to track those who may be placed at risk, the order said. The Coachella festival, founded in 1999 and held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, draws up to 125,000 people a day and has come to be a bellwether for the multibillion-dollar touring business. The festivals were some of the first major events canceled back in April 2020 in the early days of the pandemic. They were rescheduled for October, and in the fall were again postponed for April 2021. New dates have not been announced. On Friday night, Stagecoachs homepage had its refund policy from 2020 posted on the landing page, but had not yet issued a statement. Coachellas website did not mention the cancellation of the festival but highlighted its new clothing line released late last year. While Coachella is one of the countrys biggest and most celebrated music events, Stagecoach is a smaller country music festival presented by the same promoter, Goldenvoice. Last years Coachella was initially set to be headlined by the rapper Travis Scott, the singer Frank Ocean and a reunited Rage Against the Machine, along with dozens of other acts from across genres. Stagecoach was scheduled to feature Carrie Underwood, Eric Church, ZZ Top and more. The concert industry has been essentially frozen since mid-March, when AEG and Live Nation, the corporations that dominate the live-music sphere, suspended all touring in North America in response to the coronavirus pandemic, leaving artists  as well as their crews and all other affiliated workers  unsure of when such large-scale events will return. Other major music festivals, including Lollapalooza in Chicago, Levitation in Austin and Summerfest in Milwaukee, have also been called off for the year.

The E.U. approves AstraZenecas vaccine and moves to restrict it from sending doses outside the bloc. Video transcript Back bars 0:00 / 0:42 - 0:00 transcript E.U. Plans to Halt Vaccine Exports Until Supply Contracts Are Met The European Union announced a plan that would effectively stop AstraZeneca from shipping Covid-19 vaccine doses manufactured in the bloc to other countries until its E.U. supply contracts are met. The commission has adopted a strictly targeted measure that will allow us to gather accurate information about the production of vaccines and where manufacturers intend to ship them. The measure is time-limited and specifically applies to those Covid-19 vaccines that were agreed by advance purchase agreements. The measure is intended to run until the end of March. The aim is to provide us immediately with full transparency, transparency that until now has been lacking, and what Europeans expect. And if needed, it also will provide us with a tool to ensure vaccine deliveries. The European Union announced a plan that would effectively stop AstraZeneca from shipping Covid-19 vaccine doses manufactured in the bloc to other countries until its E.U. supply contracts are met. Credit Credit... Dinuka Liyanawatte/Reuters BRUSSELS  The European Union on Friday announced plans to effectively halt any attempt by AstraZeneca to move vaccine doses manufactured in the bloc to other countries unless it first meets its supply obligations to the blocs 27 member states. The move, the latest escalation in a dispute between the bloc and the pharmaceutical company over reduced supplies, came as the European Unions drug regulator authorized AstraZenecas coronavirus vaccine for use across its member states. AstraZeneca said this month that it would significantly cut its promised delivery supply of the jab to the European Union as of mid-February. That pitted the bloc against Britain, a former member, which has been receiving a steady flow of vaccine doses from AstraZeneca since approving it well ahead of the E.U., in early December. AstraZeneca, headquartered in Britain, developed its vaccine in cooperation with the University of Oxford, and is producing it at multiple plants, in Britain and on the continent. The European Union accused the pharmaceutical company of using its promised doses to serve Britain, despite having paid the company about $400 million in October to help it scale up its capabilities and produce doses ahead of authorization. The policy, which will go into effect on Saturday, presented as a transparency tool, will ask all pharmaceutical companies manufacturing coronavirus vaccines in factories within the bloc  currently Pfizer and AstraZeneca  to submit paperwork alerting the European authorities of any intention to move their products to non-E.U. countries. It will be in place until the end of March and will not apply to exports to poorer countries. The Commission said it reserved the right to block such exports if it determined that the pharmaceutical companies were not meeting their contractual obligations with the E.U. first. The British government said it was urgently seeking clarifications from the E.U. The measure could theoretically also affect Pfizer clients, but the Commission has said it is happy with how that company has handled a supply disruption in its Belgian factory that is setting back deliveries. The company has spread the pain among its clients, which include the E.U., Britain and Canada. The Commission said that AstraZenecas decision to maintain delivery volumes to Britain while slashing its deliveries to the E.U., after a problem arose in a Belgium-based plant, was in bad faith and breach of the companys contractual obligations. The companys chief executive responded that he regretted the situation, but that his company had not committed to a specific schedule, but rather to a vow to make its best effort. The Commission dismissed the claim, and published a heavily redacted version of the contract with AstraZeneca. The contract affords the company many standard protections in case it fails to deliver, but includes some clauses that could be seen as favoring the E.U. interpretation that AstraZeneca is obligated to turn to other factories, including in Britain, to fulfill its delivery promises. The dispute with AstraZeneca is occurring against a backdrop of severe shortages of doses at vaccination centers across Europe. French and German regions have reported that they are nearly running out, and the Madrid region of Spain has suspended its rollout for at least two weeks until fresh deliveries arrive. The E.U. regulator stopped short of imposing an age cap on the use of the vaccine, despite concerns about a paucity of data on the vaccines efficacy in people age 65 and older.

The W.H.O. drops opposition to vaccinations for pregnant women. A pregnant woman being vaccinated in Tel Aviv. Credit... Jack Guez/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images The World Health Organization on Friday changed its advice for pregnant women considering a Covid-19 vaccine, abandoning language opposing immunization for most expectant mothers unless they were at high risk. The new wording followed an outcry to the W.H.O.s guidance for pregnant women. It still recommends not to use the vaccines for pregnant women unless the women are at high risk because of potential exposures or underlying health conditions. Several experts had expressed disappointment on Thursday with the W.H.O.s position. The experts noted that it was inconsistent with guidance on the same issue from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and would confuse pregnant women looking for clear advice. An earlier version of this article stated that the W.H.O. had changed its guidance. Organization officials have since pointed out that the guidance has not been altered in the recommendations for these individual vaccines. But a new section in a document detailing features of the vaccines now does not explicitly recommend against using them. It now reflects their safety profile: Based on what we know about this kind of vaccine, we dont have any specific reason to believe there will be specific risks that would outweigh the benefits of vaccination for pregnant women. The new advice is now closely aligned with the C.D.C.s position. The vaccines made by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, while they have not been tested in pregnant women, have not shown any harmful effects in animal studies. And the technology used in the vaccines is generally known to be safe, experts said. Experts praised the shift, welcoming agreement between the worlds leading public health organizations on this important issue. Dr. Denise Jamieson, an obstetrician at Emory University and a member of the Covid expert group with the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, said she was pleased to see the new advice. The association was among the many womens health organizations that had urged Pfizer and Moderna to speed up vaccine tests in pregnant women. The more permissive W.H.O. language provides an important opportunity for pregnant women to get vaccinated and protect themselves from the severe risks of Covid-19, Dr. Jamieson said. This impressively rapid revision by W.H.O. is good news for pregnant women and their babies. Pregnant women have traditionally been excluded from clinical trials, leaving a dearth of scientific data on the safety of drugs and vaccines in women and their unborn children. Vaccines are generally considered to be safe, and pregnant women have been urged to be immunized for influenza and other diseases since the 1960s, even in the absence of rigorous clinical trials to test them. Pfizer will test its vaccine in pregnant women over the next few months, according to a spokeswoman for the company. And Moderna plans to establish a registry to observe side effects in women who were immunized with its vaccine.

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Chicago teachers move closer to striking over a plan to reopen schools. Teachers working outside a Chicago elementary school this month, in solidarity with other teachers who had been ordered to work inside. Credit... Anthony Vazquez/Chicago Sun-Times, via Associated Press Teachers in Chicago moved closer on Friday to striking over the citys plan for reopening the nations third-largest school district. Mayor Lori Lightfoot said that the city had not yet reached a reopening deal with the Chicago Teachers Union and that it planned to welcome tens of thousands of students back to in-person classes on Monday. The union has directed its members to work remotely until a deal is reached. It has vowed to strike if the district locks teachers out of its electronic systems or otherwise retaliates against them for staying home. The battle over reopening Chicagos schools has complex racial undercurrents. The mayor, who is Black, has argued that schools should open to prevent racial achievement gaps from widening. But the union says reopening now would be unsafe, and it claims that the majority of the districts mostly Black and Hispanic families agree. Only a third of Chicago families have decided to send their children back to school in person. Prekindergarten and some special education students returned to in-person instruction on Jan. 11 and continued until last week, when the union directed their teachers to stay home. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade are expected to return on Monday. Ms. Lightfoot said on Friday that the district expected teachers to be there for both groups of students. But given the current state of negotiations, she said, we owe it to our students and families to prepare for the possibility that the teachers could stay home. Each side blames the other for the impasse. Ms. Lightfoot said on Friday that the unions leadership had refused to put areas of agreement in writing and purposefully disrupted some in-person instruction. We had three weeks of success, which is precisely why the C.T.U. leadership blew it up and created chaos, she said. But the union said it had been close to reaching a deal on reopening when Ms. Lightfoot stepped in at the 11th hour and blew it to pieces.

The Australian Open will allow up to 30,000 spectators a day. Australian Open players at Melbourne Park on Wednesday. Credit... Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images When the Australian Open begins next month, the grandstands may offer the closest thing to sports normalcy that the world has seen in nearly a year. Up to 30,000 spectators a day will be allowed to attend the tennis tournament in Melbourne when it begins on Feb. 8, the sports minister of the state of Victoria said on Saturday. Melbourne is Victorias capital. While a crowd of 30,000 is a rarity in international sports these days, overall attendance figures at the Australian Open will ultimately be down by about half from a normal year. Some 820,000 spectators attended the two-week tournament in 2020. This year, organizers have created an intricate system in which spectators will only be allowed to travel within one of three zones at Melbourne Park, a move aimed at limiting social contact. Craig Tiley, the chief executive of Tennis Australia, has been negotiating for months with health officials about letting spectators into the event. He said Friday that the tournament would begin at 50 percent capacity. That could grow to 75 percent in the final week, he added, when action is limited to stadium courts. The announcement by Victorias sports minister, Martin Pakula, came as hundreds of players who had traveled from overseas for the tournament entered their final days of quarantine. Most of them were allowed out of their hotel rooms for five hours a day for training and practice. But 72 players who were forced to endure a hard 14-day lockdown were only able to begin practicing this weekend. That lockdown was imposed after testing revealed 10 acute positive cases among more than 1,000 people who traveled to Australia for the event, including one player. Tiley said that ticket sales had begun to pick up in recent days, after coming to a standstill following the handful of positive tests and a backlash in the community against players who complained about having to stay in quarantine even though they continued to test negative.

Columbia students go on tuition strike, saying online classes arent worth full price. Columbia University has mostly offered online instruction during the pandemic, and allowed only a sliver of students to live on campus or attend in-person classes. Credit... Mark Lennihan/Associated Press Over 1,100 undergraduate and graduate students at Columbia University have pledged to withhold their tuition for the spring semester to demand a discount for what they see as a lost spring term. While some universities have brought students back to campus, Columbia has mostly offered online instruction for students and allowed only a sliver of them to live on campus or attend in-person classes. In response, students are asking the university to reduce their total costs  including tuition, fees, and room and board  by at least 10 percent, following suit of several schools including Georgetown University, Princeton University and Williams College. Columbia College, the universitys undergraduate school, can cost more than $80,000 a year for students not receiving financial aid. Strike organizers said that both graduate and undergraduate students were participating; the university has more than 31,000 students. Its a reasonable demand, said Matthew Gamero, 19, a sophomore who is one of the strike organizers. This is about the university providing an education of its worth, and to have it online is certainly not what were paying for. This is a moment when an active reappraisal of the status quo is understandable, and we expect nothing less from our students, the university said in a statement. Their voices are heard by Columbias leadership, and their views on strengthening the University are welcomed. A tuition discount is only one of a series of demands made by strikers. They have also called on the university to reduce funding for campus policing, improve working conditions for graduate students and provide aid for the surrounding West Harlem community. The tuition strike was officially kicked off after the spring term bill was due last Friday. For undergraduates, the university could impose a $150 late fee and prevent them from registering for summer or fall classes. The university could also penalize seniors by withholding their diplomas until their balance is paid.

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new york roundup Indoor dining will reopen on Valentines Day in N.Y.C., at 25 percent capacity, Cuomo says. Video transcript Back bars 0:00 / 1:09 - 0:00 transcript N.Y.C. Indoor Dining to Reopen on Valentines Day On Friday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced that indoor dining in New York City could resume at up to 25 percent capacity starting on Valentines Day. New York City restaurants, on our current trajectory, we can reopen indoor dining at 25 percent on Valentines Day. The restaurants want a period of time so they can notify workers. They can get up to speed for indoor dining, order supplies, etc. So were saying indoor dining. 25 percent on Valentines Day. Going forward, we are very excited about the possibility of reopening venues with testing. Restaurants are opened on Valentines Day. You could make a reservation now or plan dinner on Valentines Day, you propose on Valentines Day. And then you can have the wedding ceremony March 15, up to 150 people. People will actually come to your wedding because you can tell them with the testing, it will be safe. Everybody there will be tested, and everybody will be safe. On Friday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced that indoor dining in New York City could resume at up to 25 percent capacity starting on Valentines Day. Credit Credit... Clay Williams for The New York Times Indoor dining will resume with limited capacity in New York City restaurants next month, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced on Friday, more than a month after he had banned it to combat a second wave of the coronavirus. Starting on Feb. 14, the citys restaurants can seat customers indoors at 25 percent maximum capacity, he said. The announcement was a source of hope for the restaurant industry, an important driver of the citys economic engine, which has been decimated by ever-changing virus-induced restrictions that have forced many restaurants and bars to go out of business and caused thousands of workers to lose their jobs. After shutting down restaurants in March, Mr. Cuomo allowed the citys indoor dining to restart in late September. He prohibited it again in mid-December as holiday travel threatened to increase transmission of the virus and overwhelm hospitals. Restaurants and bars that have stayed afloat have relied on takeout and delivery, as well as outdoor dining, an increasingly untenable option as the frigid winter advances. It did not take long for New Yorkers to try to secure what will likely be a coveted reservation inside for Feb. 14, Valentines Day. Cote, an upscale Korean barbecue steak house in the Flatiron district, will be able to double the number of people it can sit to about 100, up from the estimated 50 it can serve in its outside cabanas, according to the owner, Simon Kim. Its been very challenging, said Mr. Kim, adding that the restaurant already had a 100-reservation waiting list for Valentines Day. Now that we are opening indoors, its going to mean we no longer have to hemorrhage tens of thousands dollars each week. Starting March 15, wedding receptions with up to 150 attendees will be allowed in the state, the governor said, as long as the venues are at no more than 50 percent capacity. The gatherings would have to be approved in advance by a local health department, and all attendees will have to be tested. We want to use testing as the key to reopening events, Mr. Cuomo said. The governors decisions come at an precarious phase in the states battle against the virus, which has killed more than 42,500 people in New York State, a one-time center of the pandemic. Yankee Stadium will open its doors as a mass vaccination site, Mr. Cuomo said, pointing to high positivity rates in the Bronx. He did not specify a time frame. In other New York City news: In his last State of the City address, Mayor Bill de Blasio committed to accelerating the citys vaccination efforts and set a goal of inoculating five million New Yorkers by June. On Friday, Mr. de Blasio said that, given an adequate supply of the vaccine, the city could vaccinate half a million people per week, and that he planned to reopen vaccination sites that had closed as more vaccine became available.

Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, the leader of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York, was in quarantine on Friday after he interacted last week with a person who later tested positive for the coronavirus, according to a spokesman. Mr. Dolan hasnt tested positive for the virus, but will be tested again in a few days, according to a statement. Luis Ferre-Sadurni, Jesse McKinley, Jacey Fortin and

Now is just not the time to be flying, Canadas prime minister said. Video transcript Back bars 0:00 / 1:20 - 0:00 transcript Canadian Airlines Suspend Flights to the Caribbean and Mexico Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada announced on Friday that major airlines have agreed to suspend flights to sunny vacation spots as new coronavirus quarantine measures are put into place. The government and Canadas main airlines have agreed to suspend service to some destinations right away. Air Canada, WestJet, Sunwing and Air Transat are canceling air service to all Caribbean destinations and Mexico starting this Sunday up until April 30. Starting next week, all international passenger flights must land only at the following four airports: Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal. In addition to the pre-boarding test we already require, as soon as possible in the coming weeks, we will be introducing mandatory P.C.R. testing at the airport for people returning to Canada. Travelers will then have to wait for up to three days at an approved hotel for their test results, at their own expense, which is expected to be more than $2,000. We will also, in the coming weeks, be requiring non-essential travelers to show a negative test before entry at the land border with the U.S. And were working to stand up additional testing requirements for land travel. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada announced on Friday that major airlines have agreed to suspend flights to sunny vacation spots as new coronavirus quarantine measures are put into place. Credit Credit... Blair Gable/Reuters Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada announced Friday that flights between the country and several sunny vacation spots will be suspended, as new testing and quarantining measures are put in place for most air travelers entering Canada. After previously requiring that air travelers coming to Canada for nonessential purposes show evidence of a negative coronavirus test result from within 72 hours before being allowed on planes, Mr. Trudeau said that they will now also be tested when they land upon their return to Canada. Travelers will have to wait for the results of that second test for three days in a government hotel at their own expense under the new measures. Now is just not the time to be flying, Mr. Trudeau said at an outdoor news conference. By putting in place these tough measures now, we can look forward to a better time when we can all plan those vacations. During most of the pandemic, international flights leaving and entering Canada have been limited to four airports. The flights that are canceled under the new order mainly service resort areas in Mexico and the Caribbean. Airlines are making arrangements to return Canadians who are already in those areas, Mr. Trudeau said. In December, Canada temporarily stopped air travel to and from the United Kingdom following the appearance there of a new variant of the coronavirus. Mr. Trudeau estimated that the mandatory three-day stay would cost travelers about 2,000 Canadian dollars, or about $1,570. Travelers with a negative test result will then need to quarantine for 11 more days at their homes. Those with positive test results will be sent to government facilities. Travelers entering Canada on nonessential trips at land border crossings will also soon be tested, Mr. Trudeau said. They have long been required to quarantine for two weeks. The premiers of Ontario and Quebec, the countrys two most populous provinces, have been pressuring Mr. Trudeau to introduce testing upon arrival at airports and introduce further flight restrictions. Several Canadian politicians and officials have also come under severe criticism and, in some cases, resigned their positions for traveling outside of the country for vacation. Mr. Trudeau acknowledged that the percentage of Covid-19 cases in Canada linked to foreign travel is extremely low. But he said that the new restrictions should limit the risk posed by new variants of the virus. These variations represent a very real challenge, Mr. Trudeau said.

The Philippines tells kids to stay home and glue their attention to TV. Boys prepared to skate in Manila on Friday. The government has restricted anyone under the age of 15 from leaving home. Credit... Aaron Favila/Associated Press The government of the Philippines has extended a contentious policy that bars children under 15 from leaving their homes. President Rodrigo Dutertes administration this week overruled advice from a government task force on infectious diseases that had questioned the policy. They can glue their attention to TV the whole day, Mr. Duterte told reporters, referring to children under lockdown. He added that the measure was a precaution to protect children from the coronavirus variant that was first detected in Britain and has been circulating in northern towns in the Philippines. Parents of children who violate the lockdown can face prison time if convicted. The government said on Friday that the policy would remain in place until at least the end of February. It also placed metropolitan Manila, the capital, and several other parts of the country under a general community quarantine. That means schools are closed and only businesses that are deemed essential  including malls  can remain open. The new restrictions were announced on the same day that the governments top official in charge of contact tracing, Benjamin Magalong, resigned under public pressure. He had been photographed without a mask at a party in the northern mountain resort town of Baguio. The Philippines has reported more than half a million infections, the second highest caseload in Southeast Asia after Indonesia, and more than 10,000 deaths, according to a New York Times database. Mr. Dutertes concerns about the virus variant are understandable, said Richard Dy, a spokesman for the Child Rights Network, an advocacy group in the Philippines. But children can be relatively safe from Covid-19 in public places if health and safety protocols are observed, he added. Banning children from public places and confining them in their homes 24/7 can be detrimental to their physical and mental health, Mr. Dy said. Ida May Talic, who cares for her 7-year-old sister and 6-year-old niece in a Manila suburb, said that fighting boredom in the household was a daily challenge. She said the children were busy with online classes but complained about missing their friends. It also does not help that the internet connection can be intermittent at times, Ms. Talic said. Sometimes, they have to compete with the adults who are working from home who hog the signal.

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Its numbing: Nine retired nuns in Michigan died of Covid-19. Nine nuns in southern Michigan have died in a month during a coronavirus outbreak at their nursing home. Credit... Mike Dickie/The Daily Telegram, via Associated Press The religious sisters who lived in retired seclusion at the Dominican Life Center in Michigan followed strict rules to avoid an outbreak of coronavirus infection: They were kept in isolation, visitors were prohibited and masks were required for everyone on campus. But after being kept at bay for months, it found its way in. On Friday, the Adrian Dominican Sisters said nine sisters died in January from Covid-19 complications at the campus in Adrian, about 75 miles southwest of Detroit. Its numbing, said Sister Patricia Siemen, leader of the religious order. We had six women die in 48 hours. The deaths of the sisters in Michigan have added to what is becoming a familiar trend in the spread of the virus, as it devastates religious congregate communities by infecting retired, aging populations of sisters and nuns who had quietly devoted their lives to others. Now some of these sisters have been thrust into the public eye, as details about their names, ages and lifetimes of work are being highlighted as part of the national discourse about Americans lost to the coronavirus. It is a moment of reckoning with the place that they have in our culture now, said Kathleen Holscher, a professor who holds the endowed chair of Roman Catholic studies at the University of New Mexico. Fifty or 60 years ago, they were the face of American Catholicism, in schools and in hospitals. Several of the women who died at the Adrian Dominican Sisters campus had been nurses or teachers. Others had dedicated decades of their lives to religious service. Americans are being reminded they are older, and still there, Dr. Holscher said. But now they are living in these community situations and caring for one another. Christine Hauser and

France and Germany, alarmed by variants, will restrict incoming travelers. Along the Seine in Paris on Tuesday. Credit... Andrea Mantovani for The New York Times France and Germany announced on Friday new restrictions to curb the spread of infectious coronavirus variants, with the two neighboring countries closing boarders and limiting incoming travel. Jean Castex, the French prime minister, said that all travel between France and nations outside of the European Union would be banned starting on Sunday, with exceptions made only for urgent matters. All travelers from E.U. countries, except for cross-border workers, must present a negative coronavirus test to enter the country, Mr. Castex added. In Germany travel will be restricted from a handful of countries, including Britain and Ireland, going beyond the measures recommended by the European Union. Under the new travel ban  which also applies to passengers coming from Portugal, Brazil, South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland)  German residents will be able to return home, but non-German residents from the areas in question will be refused entry, even with a negative coronavirus test. Its about stopping the entry of a highly infectious virus, Horst Seehofer, Germanys interior minister, said on Thursday, a day before the federal cabinet approved the restrictions. The new rules also forbid transportation companies  airlines, train and bus carriers, and ferry services  from bringing nearly all nonresidents into Germany. Exceptions will be made for health workers or those who must travel for urgent humanitarian reasons. After more than six weeks of a strict lockdown  during which restaurants, bars, nonessential shops and most schools have been shuttered  Germany is starting to show slight improvement in its daily case numbers. On Thursday, health authorities reported 14,022 infections in a 24-hour period, nearly 4,000 less than the amount registered one week earlier. The new restrictions for France and Germany will start this weekend. The variants that emerged in Britain and South Africa have both been detected in France, and the countrys vaccination campaign has slowed amid disruptions in the E.U. supply chain. The number of new cases has continued to rise in France over the past few weeks, with nearly 23,000 new cases reported on Friday, though they have not skyrocketed like they have for some of Frances neighbors. Speaking after a special cabinet meeting in Paris, Mr. Castex acknowledged France faced a strong risk of acceleration of the epidemic because of the more contagious British and South African variants of the virus, and said debates over a new nationwide lockdown were legitimate. But we all know the very heavy toll it has on the French, on all counts, he said of a lockdown. This evening, we consider that in view of the numbers over the past few days, we can still give ourselves a chance to avoid one. Aurelien Breeden and

U.S. roundup University of Michigan students are advised to stay home after 14 cases of a coronavirus variant were reported. A woman walks past a sorority house on the University of Michigan campus, where more than a dozen cases of a coronavirus variant were found. Credit... Shannon Stapleton/Reuters Fourteen students at the University of Michigan have contracted a highly contagious variant of the coronavirus, leading health authorities to issue a stay-at-home recommendation for students living on and off campus. Students were advised to not leave their residences until Feb. 7, except to attend classes, seek medical treatment or run essential errands. The outbreak of the variant, first detected in Britain and known as B.1.1.7, appears to have started with a student who traveled to the United Kingdom over the winter break, according to Susan Ringler-Cerniglia, a spokeswoman for the Washtenaw County Department of Health. The first case on the universitys campus was identified on Jan. 16 after the student tested positive and notified officials that he or she had traveled to an area where the variant was prevalent. That prompted additional sequencing that identified the student was infected with the variant, Ms. Ringler-Cerniglia said. Since then an additional 13 students who are positive with the same variant have been identified. One of them had visited a local indoor mall and a grocery store before testing positive, leading authorities to issue a public notice to people who had visited those locations, asking them to seek testing. Rick Fitzgerald, a spokesman for the university, said that all the infected students were in isolation with mild symptoms. The stay-at-home recommendation announced by the Washtenaw County Health Department this week applies to the Ann Arbor campus but not to the broader community. Michigan athletics also imposed a two-week pause in competitions and practice, citing the emergence of the variant as the reason. Five of the cases involved individuals connected to the athletic program. The variant is regarded as 50 percent more transmissible than the standard form of the virus but it isnt more dangerous, and the vaccines that are currently on the market appear to be effective against it. Since Michigans winter session began Jan. 19, the university has identified a total of 175 coronavirus cases, including the 14 cases of the variant. In other news from around the United States: In South Carolina, health officials announced they detected two cases of the coronavirus variant that emerged in South Africa. It is the first-known report of the variant in the United States. The two cases are both adults with no known travel history, according to officials.

Two Democratic members of Congress from Massachusetts have tested positive for the coronavirus in recent days. Representative Stephen F. Lynchs office announced he had the virus on Friday and said he was asymptomatic. He has received both doses of the Pfizer vaccine. On Thursday, Representative Lori Trahan announced she had tested positive and was also asymptomatic. Both representatives said they would cast votes next week through the Houses proxy voting system.

In Seattle , two hospitals scrambled to get out coronavirus vaccines after the freezer the vaccines were stored in stopped working, according to The Associated Press. It was unclear what caused the freezer failure, however more than 1,300 doses were used after calls were made out on social media for vaccine recipients.

National Guard troops are giving over 51,000 shots per day across 38 states. In a call with reporters Friday, Major Gen. Jerry L. Fenwick, director of the National Guard Bureau, said that there are at least 22,900 members of the National Guard in over 260 sites supporting vaccination efforts as the country pushes to inoculate more people.

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Most states have opened vaccines to older Americans, according to a Times survey. A nurse administers a coronavirus vaccine at a community center in Rohnert Park, Calif., on Wednesday. Credit... Jim Wilson/The New York Times About seven weeks since the United States began rolling out vaccines against the virus, at least 47 states are offering shots to older people, a New York Times survey shows. Thats a significant shift from a few weeks ago when most places were focused on inoculating residents of long-term care facilities and frontline health care workers, and the rollout remains a dizzying, shifting patchwork as states set their own eligibility rules and residents try to keep track. Many of the expansions follow a federal appeal to prioritize all people 65 and older. More than half of states have since expanded eligibility for those seniors but have had varying degrees of success in delivering the promised shots into arms. As of Friday, states have given out 57 percent of the shots delivered to them so far, and 6.9 percent of the nations population now has at least one shot, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This does not mean that right away you will be able to get the vaccine as quickly as you have in the past gotten your flu shot, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, a Democrat, who allowed residents 65 and older statewide to schedule appointments starting this week. He said that 3.2 million of the states 12.6 million residents fall into the group newly eligible for shots, adding, so there will be far greater demand than supply at least in the near term. Some states, such as Alabama, Ohio, and Vermont, are allowing seniors 75 and older to receive a first dose. South Dakota is restricting the pool to 80 and older. In Iowa, only health care workers and long-term care residents can get vaccinated, and the health department has said it will not begin vaccinating older people until February. Meanwhile, 16 states have begun vaccinating adults with high-risk medical conditions as they continue their ongoing efforts with other groups. New Jersey expanded access to such a category, including smokers and those with heart conditions and diabetes. And in Texas, cancer patients and pregnant women can get a shot.

OSHA takes its first steps under Biden to tighten Covid-19 safety practices at work. A protest outside the Denver office of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration last year after hundreds of workers at a Colorado meatpacking plant developed Covid-19, six fatally. Credit... David Zalubowski/Associated Press The federal occupational safety agency on Friday posted new guidance for employers on reducing the spread of Covid-19 in the workplace, just over one week after President Biden signed an executive order directing it to do so. The move by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, part of the Labor Department, includes only recommendations, not requirements. But the agency said it was exploring a rule mandating certain protective measures. The agency declined to issue such a rule, known as an emergency temporary standard, during the Trump administration. But Mr. Biden indicated support for a standard during the campaign. The new guidance makes fewer distinctions than the Trump administrations version based on the exposure risk of different workers. Everyone should be protected, not some more protected than others, Ann Rosenthal, a senior adviser to the agency, said on a video call with reporters. The document issued on Friday also uses less equivocal language than the agency did under President Donald J. Trump. For example, it says the most effective prevention programs ensure that absence policies are nonpunitive. During the Trump administration, the agency advised employers to ensure that sick leave policies are flexible and consistent with public health guidance. Meatpacking and meat processing have been a particular source of concern, accounting for an outsized portion of Covid-19 infections nationally. In late December, a state judge in California issued a temporary restraining order in a lawsuit involving workers at a local poultry plant, requiring a variety of safety protocols such as providing masks and requiring workers to wear them, as well as face shields, where social distancing isnt possible. The court announced Friday that it would issue a preliminary injunction to the same effect, giving workers an ongoing ability to force compliance if the company backs off the protocols. It cited evidence submitted by the plaintiffs that regulatory agencies are overwhelmed by the issues raised by the Covid-19 pandemic and are unable to inspect with the same regularity as was the practice prior to the pandemic.

Beaten down by the virus, South Carolina learns it now has one of the new variants, too. The riverwalk in Greenville, S.C., on Tuesday. Credit... Travis Dove for The New York Times Even before Thursday, South Carolina stood out. In a nation where new coronavirus cases were finally beginning to edge downward after a grueling two months, South Carolina remained stuck. Although its average number of new cases was decreasing, the state was recording the second-highest number per capita in the country, behind Arizona. Then came news of the variant. On Thursday, health officials in South Carolina said they had detected two cases of a more contagious coronavirus variant that first emerged in South Africa. It was the first report of that variant being detected in the United States, and raised questions about how many more variant infections may have gone undetected. Thats frightening, Dr. Krutika Kuppalli, an infectious diseases physician at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, told The Associated Press. Its probably more widespread. The variant, known as B.1.351, was originally identified in South Africa and has since been found in about 30 countries. It is not just more contagious, there is also evidence that vaccines are less effective against it. The variant may pose a particular challenge for the United States, which conducts little of the genomic sequencing necessary to track the spread of new forms of the virus. And several variants have caused concern. Among them are the B.1.1.7 variant first found in Britain and since seen in more than 46 countries and 24 U.S. states, and the P.1 variant, first found in Brazil, which officials in the United States reported having detected this week in Minnesota. On Thursday, South Carolinas Health Department said it had identified one case of the variant from South Africa the day before  when it was also notified of a second case by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The department said the cases involved no known travel to South Africa and no connection between the two patients, both of whom are adults. One was in the states Lowcountry region, in the south, and the other was in the Pee Dee region in the northeast. That suggested that the variant is circulating in the community, and prompted a warning to the public to take precautions. The arrival of the SARS-CoV-2 variant in our state is an important reminder to all South Carolinians that the fight against this deadly virus is far from over, Dr. Brannon Traxler, the health departments interim public health director, said in a statement. While more Covid-19 vaccines are on the way, supplies are still limited. Every one of us must recommit to the fight by recognizing that we are all on the front lines now. At an online briefing, Dr. Traxler said the same precautions were being taken for the new variant as for other virus cases. Both of the people who contracted the variant were tested in early January and have recovered, she said. We do not have concern at this time based on their contact tracing about there being the potential for any mass, widespread transmission, Dr. Traxler said. As of Thursday, there had been at least 431,169 cases and 6,903 deaths in South Carolina since the pandemic began. Gov. Henry McMaster wrote on Twitter that the announcement was important information for South Carolinians to have, but it isnt a reason for panic. He encouraged residents to wear masks and socially distance. Remy Tumin and

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global roundup The W.H.O. experts tracing the viruss origins start their fieldwork in China, and other news from around the world. Video transcript Back bars 0:00 / 1:09 - 0:00 transcript W.H.O. Delivers Update on China Visit On Friday, the World Health Organization reviewed the details of its investigation into the origin of the coronavirus in China, and what it hopes to learn from the visit. There is a very long list of site visits planned and face-to-face meetings continue. The  the visits will include the Wuhan Institute of Virology, other labs, the Wuhan markets, early responders, hospitals in which the first clusters of cases occurred. We continue to be hopeful that all of the data and all of the meetings that they need will be had. And and just to reconfirm that all hypotheses are on the table, and were looking forward, hopefully, to a successful conclusion of the mission. Success in the case of animal human interface investigations is not measured necessarily in absolutely finding a source on the first mission. This is a complicated business, what we need to do is gather all of the data, all of the information, summarize all of these discussions and come to an assessment as to how much more we know about the origins of the disease, and what further studies may be needed for the release of. On Friday, the World Health Organization reviewed the details of its investigation into the origin of the coronavirus in China, and what it hopes to learn from the visit. Credit Credit... Hector Retamal/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images After months of delays, a team of World Health Organization scientists tracing the pandemics origin began its field work on Friday in Wuhan, the Chinese city where the coronavirus was first detected. The W.H.O. said its team of 15 experts planned to visit hospitals, laboratories and a live animal market over the next several weeks in Wuhan, a city of 11 million, where the virus was detected in late 2019. As members start their field visits on Friday, they should receive the support, access and the data they need, the W.H.O. said on Twitter. All hypotheses are on the table as the team follows the science in their work to understand the origins of the #COVID19 virus. The Chinese government had repeatedly sought to delay the inquiry, apparently out of concern that the experts would draw attention to the governments early missteps in handling the outbreak. But it relented under mounting global pressure. The W.H.O. experts were first asked to undergo 14 days of quarantine in Wuhan, which ended on Thursday. They plan to speak with some of the first patients to show symptoms of Covid-19, as well as with medical workers and Chinese scientists, according to the W.H.O. Their fieldwork will include a visit the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, where some of the first cases were detected. They will also visit the Wuhan Institute of Virology and a laboratory operated by Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The question of the pandemics origin has caused friction between China and the United States, with officials in each country at times blaming the other for unleashing the virus on the world. Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said on Wednesday that the United States hoped for a robust and clear international investigation. Chinese officials, in response, defended the countrys handling of the inquiry. We hope the U.S. side will work with China, take on a responsible attitude and respect facts, science and the diligent work of W.H.O. experts, Zhao Lijian, a spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry, said at a news conference in Beijing on Thursday. Chinese officials said on Friday that several passengers traveling to China from the United States had falsified coronavirus test results so they could gain entry to the country. The Chinese consulate in San Francisco said the passengers had changed their test results from positive to negative and that other travelers had lied about test results. The consulate did not provide details about the passengers or the punishments they might face. China maintains strict border control rules, including a requirement that travelers present results from antibody and nucleic acid tests before they fly. The consulate said the passengers had violated public health laws. The way they put others at risk is odious, the statement said.

Vietnam recorded nine more coronavirus cases on Friday, including one in the capital, Hanoi, as a new outbreak spread beyond the two northern provinces where infections had first been detected a day earlier. Officials put the number of cases from the latest outbreak at 93 as of Friday afternoon but said that it could reach 30,000, nearly 20 times the number of cases that Vietnam detected during the entire first year of the pandemic. Vietnam has been among the most successful countries in containing the virus, with strict border controls, mask-wearing, contact tracing and isolation of infected people. The latest outbreak comes as officials from the governing Communist Party meet to select the countrys new leaders, an event held once every five years.

Hungary s medicine authority has approved the coronavirus vaccine developed by the Chinese company Sinopharm. This means that in addition to Pfizer, Moderna, Sputnik and AstraZeneca, we can also count on Sinopharm, said Dr. Cecilia Muller, the countrys chief medical officer. We trust that these vaccines will be readily available in large quantities and the immunization process will be completed in larger numbers in less time. The countrys foreign minister later announced that it had purchased five million doses of the vaccine. Regarding the options, Prime Minister Viktor Orban expressed enthusiasm for the Chinese vaccine on Friday. I will wait for the Chinese vaccine, he said. I trust that one the most.

Spains first case of the South African variant of Covid-19 was detected in the port city of Vigo, in the northwestern region of Galicia. Health authorities in Galicia said a 30-year-old man who works in the shipping industry returned from a recent work trip to South Africa and tested positive for the variant earlier this month. He had light symptoms and was not hospitalized, they said. Javier C. Hernandez, Richard C. Paddock, Benjamin Novak and

Cardinal Dolan, the leader of New Yorks Catholic Church, is in quarantine. Cardinal Timothy Dolan blessed the crowds from the steps of St. Patricks Cathedral in Manhattan after Easter Mass in 2016. Credit... Kathy Willens/Associated Press Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, the leader of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York, was in quarantine on Friday after he interacted last week with a person who later tested positive for the coronavirus, according to a spokesman. In a statement, the archdiocese said the cardinal has not tested positive, feels fine, and has no symptoms. Joseph Zwilling, a spokesman for the archdiocese, said the cardinal is tested regularly, had tested negative since the interaction, and would be tested again in a few days. He did not specify what kind of tests were used nor the timing of when he cardinal was tested after the interaction. Tests taken too soon after exposure may return false negative results, because the virus has not yet had time to build up to detectable levels. People are thought to carry the largest quantity of virus around the time their symptoms appear, if they experience symptoms at all. The cardinals quarantine had not previously been announced by the archdiocese. Mr. Zwilling said the cardinal had been in quarantine since Wednesday but that no announcement had been made because the infected individual had not received the results of their coronavirus test until Thursday. He did not have any public events, and all of his meetings were via Zoom, etc., Mr. Zwilling said in an email, referring to the cardinal. We are announcing today because the exposure was confirmed, and the first public events  Mass tomorrow evening and Sunday morning  were coming up, and he will obviously not be present for those events. The cardinal will continue to follow health and safety protocols as instructed by medical professionals, as will others on his staff who also had close contact with this individual, the statement said. Cardinal Dolan is one of the most influential figures in American Catholicism, and the Archdiocese of New York is the second-most populous in the United States, with more than 2.8 adherents living in a territory that stretches from Staten Island into the Hudson Valley. He had celebrated Mass last Sunday at Saint Patricks Cathedral and interacted with other priests and parish personnel, all wearing masks, at that time, according to online video of the service.

Brazil's neighbours are starting to restrict international travel amid concern about the spread of a new variant that experts say may be more contagious and driving a second wave of infections.

Guyana's government closed its border with South America's largest country on Friday, two days after Colombia halted passenger flights to and from Brazil; both nations cited the new variant as their reason.

Argentina's government decided to cut in half the number of flights to starting Feb. 1, according to a Jan. 27 report in state news agency Telam. And Peru on Jan. 26 banned air traffic from Brazil; the governor of Peru's Loreto department bordering called on the government to shut down land crossings, too.

The clampdown comes as Manaus, the Amazon rainforest's largest city and the site of the variant's outbreak, suffers a brutal second wave of infections. Overrun hospitals watched this month as their oxygen stocks were depleted, causing dozens of patients to die of asphyxiation.

The government has scrambled to replenish supplies with an ad hoc plan, but the situation remains touch-and-go and family members of patients are still seeking cannisters of oxygen on their own, albeit fewer than earlier this month.

There has been speculation Manaus may be merely the first city devastated by this new strain. Other cities in Brazil's Amazon region have been crushed since, including Porto Velho, capital of neighbouring Rondonia state.

Like Manaus, Porto Velho has begun airlifting patients to hospitals out of state. Brazil's former health minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta told newspaper O Globo on Thursday that the new strain could cause a mega-epidemic across within 60 days.

Alarm is growing, but the science has yet to catch up. Viruses are constantly mutating, and new versions called variants often emerge, almost all of which are no more perilous than their prior iterations.

The Brazilian variant was first identified in four travelers who had been in Brazil and were tested at an airport outside Tokyo, Japan.

It has also been found in a patient who lives in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, the Minnesota Department of Health said in a statement this week. It contains a set of mutations that may affect its ability to be recognized by antibodies, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Health officials are also worried about variants that were first reported in the United Kingdom and South Africa.

Felipe Naveca, a researcher at the state-owned Fiocruz Amazonia institute in Manaus, said in an interview with The Associated Press this week that the new strain accounted for two-thirds of 90 samples taken between December and mid-January. Of those taken in January alone, the new strain comprised 91%. Naveca said it appears that the variant is more transmissible, based on the frequency with which it has been found, and indications from the U.K. and South African variants that had similar mutations.

Most samples his laboratory analyzed came from Manaus, but the new strain was also found in cities deeper within the Amazon, including Sao Gabriel Cachoeira on the Colombian border.

Sylvain Aldighieri, deputy director of The Pan American Health Organization's health emergencies department, said it remains too early to determine whether the variant is accelerating the virus' spread and that more genetic sequencing is needed. Still, he called on governments to remain vigilant.

Speaking in an interview with the AP on Friday, Guyana's Health Minister Frank Anthony said local private laboratories have already said they are equipped to test for any new strains. The initial 30-day suspension comes with stepped-up border patrols by soldiers and police.

We have no evidence yet that the new strain of the COVID-19 virus is here, but we are just being cautious, he said.

Anthony acknowledged that the 1,606-kilometer (1,000-mile) border is practically impossible to patrol. Thousands of Guyanese and Brazilians use the official Takatu River Bridge to cross into Guyana daily, while others simply hop across several other small rivers separating the two South American nations to trade, visit with relatives or to work. Many from each country live in one country and work in the other so crossings are normal for many.

Officials in Bolivia and Venezuela, which share two of Brazil's three longest borders, haven't announced any recent changes to restrictions. Jose Gregorio Daz Mirabal, general coordinator of the Indigenous Organizations of the Amazon Basin, this week warned that an effective barrier hasn't been implemented.

There is no guarantee it won't reach (Brazil's) border with Venezuela, with Colombia, Suriname, Guyana, Daz Mirabal, who is of the Wakuenai Kurripako ethnicity, said in a Zoom call with reporters.
Shiv Sena slams Anna Hazare for scrapping fast over farmers' protest

India

oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P

Mumbai, Jan 30: Mahatrashtra's ruling Shiv Sena on Saturday said that social activist Anna Hazare, who cancelled his hunger strike in support of protesting farmers, after a meeting with senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, must clarify his position on this issue.

In party mouthpiece, Saamna, the Shiv Sena said, "... it looked like Anna is taking a stand over it (the farmers' protest against the agriculture laws). But he pulled it back so we don't really know what is his stand."

Ahead of Tamil Nadu elections, CM Palaniswami to inaugurate temple dedicated to J Jayalalithaa, MGR today

Slamming the centre for "trying to destroy the farmers' movement" and treating farmers "as if they are some international criminals", the editorial reminded Anna Hazare that the protesters would have gained courage had he followed through with his initial declaration of support.

"What does Anna really think of the farm laws? Does Anna support those who are battling on the Delhi borders? Who is he siding with? At least let Maharashtra know this," it added.

CoWIN can handle 10 million COVID-19 vaccinations daily: Report

"Old farmers are protesting on the borders. Anna should have stood by them. Sitting in Ralegan Siddhi (around 120 km from Pune) and playing with BJP leaders is pointless," the Sena said.

Moradabad-Agra highway accident | Gandhi statue vandalised in US | Oneindia News

On Friday, Anna Hazare withdrew from the "last hunger strike of my life" after a meeting with Devendra Fadnavis. He said he was doing so because "the centre decided to work on these issues".

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, January 30, 2021, 12:10 [IST]
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-30 11:09:24|Editor: huaxia

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WELLINGTON, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand reported one new case of COVID-19 in managed isolation facility, said the Ministry of Health in a statement on Saturday.

There was no new case of COVID-19 in the New Zealand community, said the ministry.

The total number of active cases of COVID-19 in New Zealand was 71 and the total number of confirmed cases in the country reached 1,947.

The total number of tests processed by New Zealand laboratories to date was 1,526,608, the ministry said.

Testing demand has increased in Auckland and Northland after three people were tested COVID-19 positive more than one week after mandatory 14-day managed isolation and released to the wider community.

The New Zealand general public were urged by the government to use keep contact tracing.

"It's more important than ever that people keep a record of where they've been and do not go out if unwell. We continue to strongly encourage people to continue to scan using the NZ COVID Tracer app and turn on Bluetooth tracing in the app," said the ministry.

New Zealand is currently at COVID-19 Alert Level One with no restriction on public gathering. Enditem
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.

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The Managing Director of the Accra Digital Centre, Kofi Ofosu Nkansah has rebuked the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for claiming President Akufo-Addo contributed to the surge in COVID-19 cases.



Communicators of the NDC have attributed the recent spike in cases to campaigns and other political activities of President Akufo-Addo and the NPP.



However, the NPP communicator insists the current upsurge in cases is not because of political campaigns but due to activities during the festive season.



"Moreover, Akufo-Addo was not the only person who engaged in political activities..." Ofosu Nkansah indicated while speaking on Peace FM's The Platform programme.



Listen to him in the video below





Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Cross River State Government said it has demolished a brothel in Calabar for harbouring underage girls.

The government also said it has pulled down a building belonging to a suspected kidnapper in the state.

The demolitions were carried out by the state security outfit, Operation Akpakwu, which is made up of the Nigerian Navy, Air Force, Police, Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Governor Ben Ayades special advisers on security.

The Cross River Government, in recent times, resorted to demolishing suspected to be owned or used as hideouts by criminals.

This is part of the activities of Operation Akpakwu, a special force set up by Gov. Ayade to fight crime, especially kidnapping.

This demolition is ongoing. The governor has warned that anyone involved in any form of criminality, or any landlord harbouring any criminal should desist from it, Henry Okokon, a security adviser to Governor Ayade, said on Thursday, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The bungalow that was demolished belonged to an individual who has been caught in the act of kidnapping, while the brothel was demolished for housing underage persons for prostitution and other illegal activities.

This is a warning signal to everybody. Whosoever is involved in crime of any form should desist from it, Mr Okokon said.

He urged businessmen in the state to go about their lawful businesses, giving the assurance that the state government would do its best to protect them against criminals.

The security outfit, a few days ago, demolished a hotel, Save Side Hotel, at 8th Miles, Calabar.

Mr Okokon said, Most recorded kidnap cases in Calabar were planned and coordinated from the hotel.

But the owner denied the hotel was used for kidnapping.

Its a lie. You know the government needs to cook their story the way they want it, Saviour Omin, the owner of the Save Side Hotel, told PREMIUM TIMES.

Mr Omin said he is a youth leader in the community where the hotel was. He said the community would not have elected him a youth leader if he were not of good character.

Besides, Mr Omin said, a hotel is a public place where the owner does not have the ability to know or control who comes in.

He said apart from the government pulling down his hotel, he was detained for five days at the police headquarters and was regularly beaten up.

Mr Omin ruled out going to court to seek redress.

I dont have anything to do, but my knees are on the ground, I am praying to God Almighty. Who am I to fight the government? I dont have money, I dont have a father, and I dont have a mother.

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(NAN)
I want to ensure people this in no way cancels or erases history, San Francisco Board of Education President Gabriela Lopez said, commenting specifically about Feinstein and the wider group as well. But it does shift from upholding them and honoring them, and these opportunities are a great way to have that conversation about our past and have an opportunity to uplift new voices.
Iran's Foreign Ministry has rejected any new negotiations or changes to the participants in Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers.



Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh was quoted by Iranian state media on January 30 as saying the nuclear deal "is nonnegotiable and parties to it are clear and unchangeable."

The comment comes a day after after French President Emmanuel Macron said any new talks should include Saudi Arabia.



Macron told a media briefing that a very short time remained to prevent Iran from having a nuclear weapon and said any new talks on the nuclear deal with Iran would be very "strict," according to a report on Al Arabiya television on January 29.



Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have said that Gulf Arab states should be involved. They also say the talks should also address Iran's ballistic missile program and its support for proxies around the Middle East.



Iran began breaching the deal's limits on uranium enrichment activity after Washington withdrew from the pact in 2018 and reimposed sanctions as part of a "maximum pressure" campaign aimed at forcing Tehran to negotiate a new agreement.



Iran, which says its nuclear program is strictly for civilian purposes, has vowed to produce 120 kilograms of 20-percent enriched uranium per year, or 12 kilograms per month on average.



U.S. President Joe Biden's new administration named veteran diplomat Rob Malley on January 29 as the U.S. special envoy for Iran. Malley was a top national-security aide to former President Barack Obama and a key member of the team that negotiated the nuclear deal.



Malley brings "a track record of success negotiating constraints on Iran's nuclear program," State Department spokesman Ned Price said.

Based on reporting by Reuters
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(CNN)  An infamous 1969 fly-on-the-wall documentary about the British royal family, supposedly banned by Queen Elizabeth II for decades for giving the public an overly intimate view of the royals, has been mysteriously leaked onto YouTube.

The film provided an unprecedented look inside the royal households and was watched by millions when it first aired on the BBC. But it was subsequently stashed in the corporation's archives, reportedly at the request of Buckingham Palace, and hasn't been aired since the 1970s.

It isn't known how the program, titled "Royal Family," was unearthed or who posted it to YouTube. The video was swiftly removed from the video-sharing platform after a copyright request was made.

In the film, the monarch reportedly compares the US ambassador to a gorilla. "There was a gorilla. I had the most terrible trouble ... he had short body, long arms," the PA Media news agency quoted her as saying.

Other, more mundane scenes, showing the royals eating together and the Queen rummaging in her purse to buy six-year-old Prince Edward candy in a shop, were considered groundbreaking for showing the famously opaque family in a new light.

"This disgusting gooey mess is going to be in the car, isn't it?" the Queen declares, according to PA.

The 110-minute film was watched by 30 million people in 1969, and remains one of the UK's most-viewed television broadcasts. The BBC estimates more than 350 million watched it worldwide.

Its production was more recently depicted in Netflix series "The Crown," which portrayed the royals' displeasure at having TV cameras inside their premises.

A BBC spokesperson declined to comment to CNN on the video's sudden re-appearance, but the corporation did not dispute reports that it had submitted the copyright claim that led to its removal from YouTube.

"When a copyright claim is filed we remove the content immediately, as is the case with this upload," YouTube told CNN.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment.

The film was made after the royals granted the BBC unique access to film their everyday lives. The family was increasingly seen as being out of touch with regular society in the 1960s, and the program was considered an attempt to regain relevance.

Princess Anne, the Queen's daughter, later spoke of her unhappiness with the program. "I never liked the idea of the royal family film. I always thought it was a rotten idea," she said, according to PA.

"The attention that had been brought on one ever since one was a child, you just didn't want anymore. The last thing you needed was greater access," Anne added.

This story was first published on CNN.com British royal family documentary, 'banned' for decades, is leaked onto YouTube
Kourtney Kardashian put her sensational assets on display while posing up a storm on her Instagram this Friday.

The 41-year-old reality TV bombshell shared an Instagram album that showed her dripping wet as she rose up out of the pool.

She opted for a cherry-red Sommer Swim bikini that allowed her to show off her sizzling cleavage as well as her enviably flat midriff and knockout legs.

'A little fun in the sun': Kourtney Kardashian put her sensational assets on display while posing up a storm on her Instagram this Friday

One day earlier Kourtney and her half-sister Kendall Jenner posed for an Instagram picture in their swimsuits whilst sat at the edge of the pool.

The Poosh founder and the 25-year-old supermodel had their backs to the camera allowing their string bikinis to emphasize their backsides.

In another snapshot the dynamic duo could also be seen sitting in the hot tub while tucking into plates of sliced fruit.

Later, college graduate Kourtney wore a bikini on the beach with her phone in hand as she said, 'Can you hear me now?'

Kourtney's latest Instagram comes amid a swirl of rumors that she is dating Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker who is 45 years old.

Looking fab: The 41-year-old reality TV bombshell shared an Instagram album that showed her dripping wet as she rose up out of the pool

When you got it: She opted for a cherry-red bikini that allowed her to show off her sizzling cleavage as well as her enviably flat midriff and knockout legs

'They've been dating for about a month or two. They've been friends for a long time but it's turned romantic. Travis has liked her for a while,' a People source said.

Over the weekend they are said to have traveled out to the luxurious Palm Springs country house owned by Kourtney's mother Kris Jenner.

Kourtney has three children with her ex partner Scott Disick whom she had an on-off romance with from 2006 until 2015.

Thirsty: Kourtney shared another photo and poked fun at her 'thirsty content'

Rearview: One day earlier Kourtney and her half-sister Kendall Jenner posed for an Instagram picture in their swimsuits whilst sat at the edge of the pool

So healthy: In another snapshot the dynamic duo could also be seen sitting in the hot tub while tucking into plates of sliced fruit

Since then Kourtney's dating history has included Younes Bendjima, an Algerian model who is 14 years younger than she is.

She was briefly linked to model Luka Sabbat, 23, who is friends with Kendall - but he told The Cut in February 2019, 'We're definitely not dating.'

Meanwhile Scott is dating Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin's daughter Amelia, a 19-year-old model who has been open about her past experiences with anorexia.

Phony: Later, college graduate Kourtney wore a bikini on the beach with her phone in hand as she said, 'Can you hear me now?'

There he is: Kourtney's latest Instagram comes amid a swirl of rumors that she is dating Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker who is 45 years old

Before that he had a two-year relationship with Lionel Richie's daughter Sofia, who would take joint trips with Scott, Kourtney and the children.

Scott began dating Sofia when she was 19, and prior to her he was linked to Bella Thorne when she too was 19.

In a new trailer for the final season of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Kendall said that Kourtney and Scott are 'definitely made for each other.'

The show is ending this year after its upcoming 20th season and then the Kardashian-Jenner women will move onto an undisclosed new project at Hulu.
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A federal judge has signed off on an agreement between the U.S. Attorneys office and the United Auto Workers union that settles a long-running corruption investigation and dictates reforms.

A consent decree was signed Friday, Jan. 29 by U.S. District Judge David Lawson in the Eastern District of Michigan.

The decree settles a federal lawsuit filed in December under the Anti-Fraud Injunction Act that alleged a pattern of corruption over more than 10 years by certain UAW officials -- including $1.5 million in kickbacks for steering contracts to certain vendors, concealing personal expenses as business expenses that were then paid by union accounts, routing funds to to former union officers in exchange for support in election campaigns and other fraud.

Under the settlement terms, the UAW has agreed to: the appointment of an independent monitor to keep tabs on the unions financial affairs, a member referendum to ratify new methods of electing IEB members, and payments by the former union officials to satisfy their unpaid tax liabilities.

Related: Ex-UAW official turned informant gets year in prison for role in multi-million-dollar fraud scheme

The IEB is elected international leadership team for the UAW.

Nearly 15 former officials and spouses have been charged or convicted as part of the UAW scandal since 2017, including former UAW President Gary Jones.

Earlier this week, an ex-UAW manager was sentenced to a year in prison.

Federal prosecutors alleged that Edward Nick Robinson, 73, helped at least 15 other executives and UAW employees skim millions from union coffers over a nine-year period to lavish themselves with cash and other luxuries.

In the decree approved Friday, the judge wrote the settlement represents a fair, adequate, and reasonable agreement to resolve substantial claims for civil liability premised on the same fraudulent conduct for which various individuals already have been criminally convicted.

The terms of the settlement include significant financial sanctions for the harm caused and provisions that should deter the repetition of similar conduct, he wrote.

More from MLive

Winter Weather Advisory for southern Michigan including Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing

COVID-19 numbers alone shouldnt trigger Michigan reopenings, Whitmer says. Critics want a plan.




A team of experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) has finally begun a research trip to China aimed at discovering the origins of the new coronavirus.

What lies ahead for the experts and what can the world expect to learn from their findings?

Why is the team in China?

The scientists are seeking information on the earliest known cases of the coronavirus, which was first identified in the Chinese city of Wuhan. They hope their investigation into the origins will help prevent similar pandemics in the future.

Researchers around the world want samples taken from Wuhans Huanan Seafood Market, which had an early outbreak of the virus. They are also seeking to examine Wuhan hospital records.

The team could also go to the laboratory at the Wuhan Institute of Virology that was built after the 2003 SARS outbreak. The institute keeps a large number of records on genetic sequences of bat coronaviruses.

Officials in the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested -- without offering evidence -- that the virus could have escaped from the institute. Most experts say it is unlikely the new coronavirus came from the lab in Wuhan or was engineered by humans.

What do researchers hope to learn?

While Wuhan is where the first coronavirus cases appeared, experts say it is highly possible that the virus came to the city from somewhere else. The team will investigate this, as well.

Genetic sequencing shows that the coronavirus started in bats and likely jumped to another animal before infecting humans. A virus that is the closest known relative of the new coronavirus has been found in bats inside a mine about 1,600 kilometers southwest of Wuhan.

Many of the first coronavirus cases had links to the Huanan Seafood Market. At first, scientists suspected the virus came from wild animals sold at the market. This theory led China to limit the wildlife trade. But the discovery of earlier cases put that theory into question.

Chinas Center for Disease Control and Prevention said samples taken from the market suggest it was likely a place where the virus spread -- but not where it started. The WHO team is expected to try to gain access to those samples.

What difficulties will the team face?

Health experts say the big question is what China will permit the researchers to see and do. The ruling Communist Party is concerned that the research could draw attention to how it dealt with the virus and possibly open it up to international criticism. It also fears that if the team finds that the government was negligent in dealing with the crisis, it would have to pay financial damages.

So far, China has blocked independent reports about the pandemic at home and published little information on its research into the origins of the virus. An investigation by The Associated Press found that the government has strongly controlled all COVID-19-related research and bans researchers from speaking to the media.

China has suggested the virus could have originated in another country. A government spokesperson has said the search for the beginnings of the coronavirus will require work outside Chinas borders. This includes bat habitats in Southeast Asian countries. An expert on the WHO team has suggested the same, so this is a possibility the researchers are likely to explore.

When can we expect answers?

The search for the origins of the new coronavirus is likely to take years. It took more than 10 years to find the origins of SARS. And scientists have still not identified the origins of Ebola, which first appeared in the 1970s.

Im Bryan Lynn.

The Associated Press and Reuters reported on this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the reports for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson 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

origin  n. the cause of something or where something begins or comes from

sample  n. a small amount of something that gives you information about the thing it was taken from

genetic sequence  n. the arrangement of nucleotides belonging to a particular gene

relative  n. considered in relation to something else

access  n. the ability to use or take part in something

negligent  adj. failing to take care of something or someone

habitat  n. the natural environment of an animal or plant
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According to Director of HCM City Health Department Nguyen Tan Binh, the city has had a COVID-19 case, a man coming from the northern province of Hai Duong.

This morning, the HCM City Steering Committee for the Prevention and Control of Covid-19 held a meeting to publish information related to the Covid-19 epidemic in the city.

Mr. Nguyen Tan Binh, Director of the Department of Health, said that there was a case of Covid-19 infection - a man from Nam Sach district, Hai Duong province, a current hotspot of the pandemic.

After arriving in HCM City on a flight on January 28, the 28-year-old man stayed at a local hotel until he got the news on his cousin being infected with the virus later the same day. He met his cousin at a wedding in Hai Duong previously.

Director of HCM City Health Department Nguyen Tan Binh

The man promptly reported his case to the local health agency and was put under quarantine at the District 11 hospital.

On January 29, he received a positive COVID-19 test result and was moved to the Cu Chi treatment hospital while developing symptoms of coughing and headache.

Vietnam reported 34 new COVID-19 community cases over the past 12 hours to 6 am on January 30, according to the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control. The committee said 32 of the cases are linked to the hotspot in Hai Duongs Chi Linh city.

Ho Van - Lien Anh

Vietnam licences Astra Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine Vietnam has ordered 30 million doses of vaccine from the UK, with first doses are expected to arrive in the country in the first quarter this year to serve widespread vaccination.
New Delhi, Jan 30 : India is all set to transform its sea ports into "smart ports" and in due course upgrade these to "intelligent ports". In this pursuit, Industry 4.0 technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning would be put to use, and smart traffic management tools would not only "simplify and smoothen the operations of major ports" but add to efficiency. All this is envisioned in the Maritime India Vision-2030.

Meanwhile, during the three-day brainstorming or "Chintan Baithak", Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, expressed "optimism, dedication and motivation to put India on the world map as the maritime leader".

There is a worldwide drive to digitalize ports and the global market for the "smart port" segment is projected to be $5.3 billion by 2024 from an estimated $1.7 billion in 2019, at a CAGR of 25 per cent. Industry experts have cautioned that "smart ports are the only ports that will survive".

The International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), a leading organization in the shipping industry, too has observed that some port administrations have already introduced Industry 4.0 technologies and transforming their ports into "smart ports"; while many others "have barely grasped the essentials of digitalization and continue to struggle with a larger reliance on personal interaction and paper-based transactions as the norms for shipboard, ship-port interface and port-hinterland based exchanges".

Some seaports in Asia, Europe and the US are already using Industry 4.0 technologies in their daily operations. In Asia, China is perhaps the leading nation to have integrated Industry 4.0 technologies. In 2017, Port of Qingdao in China was chosen to be developed into a 'smart port'. Ericsson and China Unicom, a mobile service provider, were tasked to develop 5G network for a fully-automated harbour. This initiative was expected to reduce labour costs by up to 70 per cent.

One of the major highlights of the upgrade was that an automated ship-to-shore (STS) crane operated from the control centre successfully lifted a container by using 5G connection. This 5G smart port solution is being replicated in many other Chinese ports.

China is also building smart ships. In 2020, China announced steel cutting for its first autonomous containership named Zhi Fei to be constructed at Qingdao shipyard. This 5,000 tons vessel can carry up to 300 TEUs and is being fitted with intelligent navigation systems. It would have electric propulsion which would reduce noise and its advanced systems will lessen NOx, SOx and CO2 gasses.

The Indian Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has given priority to data related initiative in the port sector both at the organisational and operations levels to enhance 'Ease of Doing Business'. Some of the initiatives include: Direct Port Delivery (DPD); Direct Port Entry (DPE); RFID, and installation of scanners/container scanners which have reduced congestions at the entry gates of the ports. The upgraded Port Community System (PCS 1x version) has been set up in all ports and "enables seamless data flow between the various stakeholders through common interface" which would result in "complete paperless regime, E-DO (Electronic Delivery Order) through PCS made mandatory along with e-invoicing and e-payment".

The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) ranks 32nd among the top 50 ports in the world. The port has been improving efficiency through innovations and reforms. It is using digital technologies for automated management of cargo movements, and vessel-port-vehicle traffic management through data-based analytics. It also uses GPS and image-recognition technologies.

Similarly, there is a push towards the "AI-led restructuring of the ports-logistics sector" and a good example is the Nhava-Shewa and Bhiwandi, e-commerce led logistics which has transformed warehouse and trucking operations in the sector adding to efficiency.

Among the private port operators, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) merits mention. Its 10 terminals handle 100 million tonnes of cargo annually and the container processing involves AI-based Container Number Recognition System which removes human intervention. This has reduced the need for 45 office workers employed across 15 gates for manual verification and tracking.

The above developments are good examples for many other Indian ports who will have to necessarily adapt to the ongoing transformation in port ecosystem that is rapidly absorbing Industry 4.0 technologies to enable them to remain competitive at national and international levels.

As far as 'smart ship' construction is concerned, Cochin Shipyard Limited has taken lead in India to build autonomous vessels and is therefore primed to build 'smart tugs and ferries'. This should trigger interest among Indian technology and product developers to explore Industry 4.0 technologies for national Inland Water Transport network.

The human resource, that is workers, labour, truckers and supply chain managers will also have to be part of the port-digital ecosystem. Sector-specific talent development is imperative for a number of white and blue-collar jobs. Similarly, vocational institutions are critical for promoting, training and skilling workers with Industry 4.0 tool kits to support Smart port and Smart ship operations.

(Dr. Vijay Sakhuja is former Director of National Maritime Foundation, New Delhi. This content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)
DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran's foreign ministry on Saturday rejected any new negotiations or changes to the participants in Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers, after French President Emmanuel Macron said any new talks should include Saudi Arabia.

"The nuclear accord is a multilateral international agreement ratified by U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231, which is non-negotiable and parties to it are clear and unchangeable," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh was quoted by state media as saying.

Iran began breaching the deal's limits on uranium enrichment activity after Washington withdrew from the pact in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump and reimposed economic sanctions on Tehran.

President Joe Biden's new administration has said it will rejoin the deal but only after Tehran resumes full compliance with its terms.

Saudi Arabia and its ally the United Arab Emirates have said that Gulf Arab states should be involved this time in any talks, which they say should also address Iran's ballistic missile programme and its support for proxies around the Middle East.

In his comments on Friday, cited by Al Arabiya television, Macron stressed the need to avoid what he called the mistake of excluding other countries in the region when the 2015 deal was negotiated.

Saudi Arabia, which is locked in several proxy wars in the region with Tehran including in Yemen, supported Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran.

Macron said any new talks on the nuclear deal with Iran would be very "strict" and that a very short time remained to prevent Tehran from having a nuclear weapon.

Khatibzadeh said Macron should "show self-restraint".

"If French officials are worried about their huge arms sales to Persian Gulf Arab states, they better reconsider their policies," Khatibzadeh said. "French arms, along with other Western weapons, not only cause the massacre of thousands of Yemenis, but are also the main cause of regional instability."

(Reporting by Dubai newsroom; Editing by Frances Kerry)
Members of the World Health Organization team depart from the Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital after a field visit in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. The World Health Organization team investigating the origins of the coronavirus pandemic visited another Wuhan hospital that had treated early COVID-19 patients on their second full day of work on Saturday. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Members of a World Health Organization team investigating the origins of the coronavirus pandemic visited another Wuhan hospital that had treated early COVID-19 patients on their second full day of work Saturday.

Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital was one of the first in the Chinese city to deal with patients in early 2020 suffering from a then-unknown virus and is a key part of the epidemiological history of the disease.

"Just back from visit at Jinyintan hospital, that specialised in infectious diseases and was designated for treatment of the first cases in Wuhan," Dutch virologist Marion Koopmans said in a post on Twitter. "Stories quite similar to what I have heard from our ICU doctors."

Zoologist Peter Daszak of the U.S. group EcoHealth Alliance, who is a member of the team, said in a tweet that the visit was an "important opportunity to talk directly" with medics who were fighting the virus at the critical time.

The team's first face-to-face meetings with Chinese scientists took place on Friday, before the experts who specialize in animal health, virology, food safety and epidemiology visited another early site of the outbreak, the Hubei Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital.

The Geneva-based WHO said late Thursday on Twitter that its team plans to visit hospitals, markets like the Huanan Seafood Market that was linked to many of the first cases, the Wuhan Institute of Virology, and laboratories at facilities including the Wuhan Center for Disease Control.

Security personnel move a barrier to clear the way for the World Health Organization team as they depart from the Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital after a field visit in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. The World Health Organization team investigating the origins of the coronavirus pandemic visited another Wuhan hospital that had treated early COVID-19 patients on their second full day of work on Saturday. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Members of the World Health Organization team prepare to leave for a second day of field visit in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Members of the World Health Organization team including Ken Maeda, center, Peter Daszak, third from left and Vladmir Dedkov, fourth from left, leave after attending an exhibition about the fight against the coronavirus in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. The World Health Organization team investigating the origins of the coronavirus pandemic visited another Wuhan hospital that had treated early COVID-19 patients on their second full day of work on Saturday. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Security personnel jump across a barrier at an entrance to the Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital where a team from the World Health Organization visited in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Security personnel guard an entrance to the Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital where a team from the World Health Organization visited in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Members of the World Health Organization team including Ken Maeda, center, prepare to leave for a second day of field visit in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Municipal workers leave after disinfecting an entrance of the Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital as the World Health Organization team makes a visit in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. The World Health Organization team investigating the origins of the coronavirus pandemic visited another Wuhan hospital that had treated early COVID-19 patients on their second full day of work on Saturday. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Chinese men wearing masks stand near stone lions across from the Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital where a team from the World Health Organization visited in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

A man and child eat breakfast at a shop across from the Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital where a team from the World Health Organization visited in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

A woman wearing a mask walks past statues with masks placed on them in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province on Friday, Jan. 29, 2021. A World Health Organization team is visiting the central city of Wuhan where the coronavirus was first detected. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Members of the World Health Organization team including Ken Maeda, right, Peter Daszak, third from right and Vladmir Dedkov, second from left leave after attending an exhibition about the fight against the coronavirus in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. The World Health Organization team investigating the origins of the coronavirus pandemic visited another Wuhan hospital that had treated early COVID-19 patients on their second full day of work on Saturday. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

A security officer wearing a mask and a cap with the Chinese national flag guards the entrance after the World Health Organization team arrive at an exhibition about the fight against the coronavirus in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. The World Health Organization team investigating the origins of the coronavirus pandemic visited another Wuhan hospital that had treated early COVID-19 patients on their second full day of work on Saturday. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Security personnel clear the way for the convoy of the World Health Organization team as they depart from the Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital after a field visit in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. The World Health Organization team investigating the origins of the coronavirus pandemic visited another Wuhan hospital that had treated early COVID-19 patients on their second full day of work on Saturday. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

A security officer wearing a mask and a cap with the Chinese national flag guards the entrance after the World Health Organization team arrive at an exhibition about the fight against the coronavirus in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. The World Health Organization team investigating the origins of the coronavirus pandemic visited another Wuhan hospital that had treated early COVID-19 patients on their second full day of work on Saturday. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Members of the World Health Organization team including Ken Maeda right, Peter Daszak, third from left and Vladmir Dedkov, fourth from left, leave after attending an exhibition about the fight against the coronavirus in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. The World Health Organization team investigating the origins of the coronavirus pandemic visited another Wuhan hospital that had treated early COVID-19 patients on their second full day of work on Saturday. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

A journalist wearing a panda themed hat shoots with a camera outside an exhibition about the fight against the coronavirus when a World Health Organization team is visiting in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. The World Health Organization team investigating the origins of the coronavirus pandemic visited another Wuhan hospital that had treated early COVID-19 patients on their second full day of work on Saturday. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Security personnel fan out as the World Health Organization team gets ready to leave after attending an exhibition about the fight against the coronavirus in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. The World Health Organization team investigating the origins of the coronavirus pandemic visited another Wuhan hospital that had treated early COVID-19 patients on their second full day of work on Saturday. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Security personnel guard an entrance to the Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital where a team from the World Health Organization visited in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Security personnel guard an entrance to the Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital where a team from the World Health Organization visited in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

A man wearing mask stands near barricade after the World Health Organization team arrived at an exhibition about the fight against the coronavirus in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. The World Health Organization team investigating the origins of the coronavirus pandemic visited another Wuhan hospital that had treated early COVID-19 patients on their second full day of work on Saturday. The words on the wall reads "People First, Life First". (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

"All hypotheses are on the table as the team follows the science in their work to understand the origins of the COVID19 virus," WHO tweeted. It said the team had already requested "detailed underlying data" and planned to speak with early responders and some of the first patients.

The mission has become politically charged, as China seeks to avoid blame for alleged missteps in its early response to the outbreak.

A single visit by scientists is unlikely to confirm the virus's origins. Pinning down an outbreak's animal reservoir is typically an exhaustive endeavor that takes years of research including taking animal samples, genetic analysis and epidemiological studies.

One possibility is that a wildlife poacher might have passed the virus to traders who carried it to Wuhan. The Chinese government has promoted theories, with little evidence, that the outbreak might have started with imports of frozen seafood tainted with the virus, a notion roundly rejected by international scientists and agencies.

A possible focus for investigators is the Wuhan Institute of Virology. One of China's top virus research labs, it built an archive of genetic information about bat coronaviruses after the 2003 outbreak of SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome.

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.
The Government has been urged to prioritise spending on greener and more digitally focused infrastructure projects as part of the National Development Plan (NDP), which will signpost Irelands progress for the next 20 years.

Engineers Ireland said the NDP could act as Irelands green new deal, driven by increased spending on offshore wind development, retrofitting of buildings, and an overhaul of transport and water treatment facilities.

(Natural News) The formation of a totalitarian state is just about complete in America as the most powerful public and private sector actors unify behind the idea that actions to stamp out dissent can be justified, according to several experts on modern totalitarian ideologies.

(Article by Petr Svab republished from TheEpochTimes.com)

While many have warned about the rise of fascism or socialism in the land of the free, the ideas have largely been vague or fragmented, focusing on individual events or actors. Recent events, however, indicate that seemingly unconnected pieces of the oppression puzzle are fitting together to form a comprehensive system, according to Michael Rectenwald, a retired liberal arts professor at New York University.

But many Americans, it appears, have been caught off guard or arent even aware of the newly forming regime, as the idea of elected officials, government bureaucrats, large corporations, the establishment academia, think tanks and nonprofits, the legacy media, and even seemingly grassroot movements all working in concert toward some evil purpose seems preposterous. Is a large portion of the country in on a conspiracy?

The reality now emerges that no massive conspiracy was in fact neededmerely an ideological alignment and some informal coordination, Rectenwald argues.

Despite the lack of formal overarching organization, the American socialist regime is indeed totalitarian, as the root of its ideology requires politically motivated coercion, he told The Epoch Times. The power of the regime is not yet absolute but its becoming increasingly effective as it erodes the values, checks, and balances against tyranny established by traditional beliefs and enshrined in the American founding.

The effects can be seen throughout society. Americans, regardless of their income, demographics, or social stature are being fired from jobs, getting stripped of access to basic services such as banking and social media, or having their businesses crippled for voicing political opinions and belonging to a designated political underclass. Access to sources of information unsanctioned by the regime is becoming increasingly difficult. Some figures of power and influence are sketching the next step, labelling large segments of society as extremists and potential terrorists who need to be deprogrammed.

While the onset of the regime appears tied to events of recent yearsthe presidency of Donald Trump, the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic, the Capitol intrusion of Jan. 6its roots go back decades.

Is It Really Totalitarian?

Totalitarian regimes are commonly understood as constituting a government headed by a dictator that regiments the economy, censors the media, and quells dissent by force. That is not the case in America but its also a misunderstanding of how such regimes function, literature on totalitarianism indicates.

To claim power, the regimes dont initially need to control every aspect of society through government.

Adolf Hitler, leader of the National Socialist Workers Party in Nazi Germany, used various means to control the economy, including gaining compliance of industry leaders voluntarily, through intimidation, or through replacing the executives with party loyalists.

Similarly, the regime rearing its head in America relies on corporate executives to implement its agenda voluntarily but also through intimidation by online brigades of activists and journalists who take initiative to launch negative PR campaigns and boycotts to progress their preferred societal structure.

Also, Hitler initially didnt control the spread of information via government censorship but rather through his brigades of street thugs, the brown shirts, who would intimidate and physically prevent his opponents from speaking publicly.

The tactic parallels the often successful efforts to cancel and shut down public speakers by activists and violent actors, such as Antifa.

Dissenting media in America havent been silenced by the government directly as of yet. But they are stymied in other ways.

In the digital age, media largely rely on reaching and growing their audience through social media and web search engines, which are dominated by Facebook and Google. Both companies have in place mechanisms to crack down on dissenting media.

Google gives preference in its search results to sources it deems authoritative. Search results indicate the company tends to consider media ideologically close to it to be more authoritative. Such media can then produce hit pieces on their competitors, giving Google justification to slash the authoritativeness of the dissenters.

Facebook employs third-party fact checkers who have the discretion to label content as false and thus reduce the audience on its platform. Virtually all the fact checkers focused on American content are ideologically aligned with Facebook.

Attempts to set up alternative social media have run into yet more fundamental obstacles, as demonstrated by Parler, whose mobile app was terminated by Google and Apple, while the company was kicked off Amazons servers.

To the degree that a totalitarian regime requires a police state, theres no law in America targeting dissenters explicitly. But there are troubling signs of selective, politically motivated enforcement. Signs go back to the IRSs targeting of Tea Party groups or the difference in treatment received by former Trump adviser Lt. Gen Michael Flynn and former FBI deputy Director Andrew McCabeboth allegedly lying to investigators but only one getting prosecuted. The situation may get still worse as the restrictions tied to the CCP virus see broad swaths of ordinary human behavior being considered illegal, opening the door to nearly universal political targeting.

I think the means by which a police state is being set up is the demonization of Trump supporters and the likely use of medical passports to institute the effective equivalent of social credit scores, Rectenwald said.

While loyalty to the government and to a specific political party plays a major role, its the allegiance to the ideological root of totalitarianism that gives it its foot soldiers, literature on the subject indicates.

Totalitarian Ideology

The element that holds totalitarianism together as a composite of intellectual elements is the ambition of fundamentally reimagining societythe intention to create a New Man,' explained author Richard Shorten in Modernism and Totalitarianism: Rethinking the Intellectual Sources of Nazism and Stalinism, 1945 to the Present.

Various ideologies have framed the ambition differently, based on what they posited as the key to the transformation.

Karl Marx, co-author of the Communist Manifesto, viewed the control of the economy as primary, describing socialism as socialized man, the associated producers, rationally regulating their interchange with Nature, bringing it under their common control, instead of being ruled by it as by the blind forces of Nature, in his Das Kapital.

Adolf Hitler, leader of the National Socialist Workers Party in Nazi Germany, viewed race as primary. People would become socializedthat is transformed and perfectedby removing Jews and other supposedly lesser races from society, he claimed.

The most dominant among the current ideologies stem from the so-called critical theories, where the perfected society is defined by equity, meaning elimination of differences in outcomes for people in demographic categories deemed historically marginalized. The goal is to be achieved by eliminating the ever-present white supremacy, however the ideologues currently define it.

While such ideologies commonly prescribe collectivism, calling for national or even international unification behind their agenda, they are elitist and dictatorial in practice as they find mankind never woke enough to follow their agenda voluntarily.

In Marxs prophecies, the revolution was supposed to occur spontaneously. Yet it never did, leading Vladimir Lenin, the first head of the Soviet Union, to conclude that the revolution will need leadership after all.

The idea is that you have some enlightened party  who understand the problem of the proletariat better than the proletariat does and is going to shepherd them through the revolution that they need to have for the greater good, explained James Lindsay, author of Cynical Theories: How Activist Scholarship Made Everything about Race, Gender, and Identityand Why This Harms Everybody.

Elements of this intellectual foundation can be found in ideologies of many current political forces, from neo-nazis and anarcho-communists, through to progressives and to some extent even neoliberals and neoconservatives, Lindsay acknowledged.

This is why you see so many people today saying that the only possible answers are a full return to classical liberalism or a complete rejection of liberalism entirely as fatally disposed to create progressivism, neoliberalism, etc., he said.

Thats not to say these ideologies are openly advocating totalitarianism but rather that they inevitably lead to it.

The roadmap could be summarized as follows:

Theres something fundamentally and intolerably wrong with current reality Theres a plan to fix it requiring a whole society buy-in People opposing the plan need to be educated about the plan so they accept it People who resist the persuasion need to be reeducated, even against their will People who wont accept the plan no matter what need to be removed from society.

I think thats the general thrust, Lindsay said. We can make the world the way we want it to be if we all just get on the same page and same project. Its a disaster, frankly.

Points four and five now appear to be in progress.

Former Facebook executive Alex Stamos recently labeled the widespread questioning of the 2020 election results as violent extremism, which social media companies should eradicate the same way they countered online recruitment content from the ISIS terrorist group.

The core issue, he said, is that we have given a lot of leeway, both in traditional media and on social media, to people to have a very broad range of political views and this has led to the emergence of more and more radical alternative media like OAN and Newsmax.

Stamos then mused about how to reform Americans whove tuned in to the dissenters.

How do you bring those people back into the mainstream of fact-based reporting and try to get us all back into the same consensus reality? he asked in a CNN interview.

And can you? Is that possible? CNN host Brian Stelter added.

The logic goes as follows: Trump claimed the election was stolen through fraud and other illegalities. That has not been proven in court and is thus false. People who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 and managed to break inside and disrupt the electoral vote counting did so because they believed the election was stolen. Therefore, anybody who questions the legitimacy of the election results is an extremist and potentially a terrorist.

With tens of thousands of troops assembled to guard the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) recently told CNN that all guard members who voted for Trump belong to a suspect group that might want to do something, alluding to past leaders of other countries who were killed by their own people.

Former FBI Director James Comey recently said the Republican party needs to be burned down or changed.

They want a one party state, commented conservative filmmaker Dinesh DSouza in a recent podcast. That is not to say they dont want an opposition. They want a token opposition. They want Republicans where they get to say what kind of Republican is ok.

Just as Marx blamed the ills of the world on capitalists and Hitler on Jews, the current regime tends to blame various permutations of white supremacy.

Expel the Republican members of Congress who incited the white supremacist attempted coup, said Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) in a recent tweet, garnering some 300,000 likes.

She was referring to the Republican lawmakers who raised objections on Jan. 6 to election results in Arizona and Pennsylvania. Their objections were voted down.

Can U.S. Spy Agencies Stop White Terror? Daily Beasts Jeff Stein asked in a recent headline, concluding that a call for secret police to sniff out extremist Americans may well get renewed attention.

Under the regime, allegations of election fraudde facto questioning the legitimacy of the leaderhave become incitement of terrorism. YouTube (owned by Google), Facebook, and Twitter have either banned content that claims the election was rigged or are furnishing it with warning labels. Twitter chief executive Jack Dorsey was recently recorded as saying that banning the presidents account was just the beginning.

The approach closely mirrors that of the Chinese communist regime, which commonly targets dissidents for subverting the state or spreading rumors.

Whats the Alternative?

If calls for radically reorganizing the world are inherently totalitarian, how is the world to avoid them? The question appears to be its own answer. If totalitarianism inherently requires allegiance to its ideology, it cant exist in a society with a lack of such allegiance.

The United States was founded on the idea that individual rights are God-given and unalienable. The idea, rooted in traditional beliefs that human morality is of divine origin, stands a bulwark against any attempt to assail peoples rights even for their own good.

If youre not a believer in actual God, you can posit a Gods ideal on the matter  We have to posit some arbiter whos above and beyond our own prejudices and biases in order to ensure these kinds of rights.  Because otherwise you have this infinitely malleable situation in which people with power and coercive potential can eliminate and rationalize the elimination of rights willy-nilly, Rectenwald said.

Read more at: TheEpochTimes.com and Tyranny.news
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Beautiful World, Where Are You, the third novel from Sally Rooney, the author of the internationally bestselling Normal People and Conversations with Friends, will be published by Faber on 7 September 2021.

Rooney has close connections to Sligo, as her father hails from Sligo town.

Beautiful World, Where Are You tells the story of Alice and Eileen, two best friends nearing their thirties in different places and on very different trajectories.

As the summer approaches, they exchange emails about art, friendship, the world around them and the complicated love affairs unfolding in their own lives.

They say they want to see each other again soon. But what will happen when they do?

Alex Bowler, Publisher, acquired UK & Commonwealth and audio rights in a two-book deal from Tracy Bohan at the Wylie Agency.

Alex Bowler said: 'Sally's new novel is a book of friendship and sex, art and faith, power and love. It absorbs you once again in the inner lives of characters with brilliant minds and aching hearts, while marking the next creative leap from a singular writer. The book scintillates with intelligence, empathy and, yes, beauty.'

Faber will publish in hardback (16.99), export trade paperback (13.99), ebook and audio.

Sally Rooney is the author of the novels Conversations with Friends and Normal People. She was the winner of the Sunday Times/Peters Fraser + Dunlop Young Writer of the Year Award in 2017.

In 2018, Conversations with Friends was shortlisted for both the Dylan Thomas Prize and the Rathbones Folio Prize and Normal People was the Waterstones Book of the Year, won the Costa Novel Award , won the An Post Irish Novel of the Year and was longlisted for the Booker Prize.

Rooney won the Encore Award for Normal People in 2019.

She was the editor of the Stinging Fly in 2018 and a Cullman Center Fellow at the New York Public Library from 2019-20.

She was nominated for an Emmy for her work on the television adaptation of Normal People, which was broadcast on the BBC in 2020.
The SARS-CoV-2 variant that first emerged in the United Kingdom has reached South Carolina, officials announced Saturday.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control learned late Friday that a Lowcountry resident who traveled internationally has tested positive for the B.1.1.7 variant.

Experts haven't proven that the variant causes more severe illness than standard COVID-19 and agree that existing vaccines will protect people from the variant, according to DHEC. But both the B.1.1.7 variant and the B.1.351 variant that was found in two Palmetto State patients this week spread more quickly and easily than the novel coronavirus.

The arrival of the second SARS-CoV-2 variant in our state is yet another important reminder to all South Carolinians that the fight against this deadly virus is far from over, said DHEC Interim Public Health Director Dr. Brannon Traxler.

The B.1.1.7 variant has been identified in several countries and 30 states, with 434 total cases having been reported in the U.S. as of Friday evening.

Earlier this week, DHEC announced that two cases of the B.1.351 variant first discovered in South Africa had been reported in South Carolina.

State public health authorities are coordinating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor the spread of new strains, DHEC said. The department sequences genetic material of two dozen samples each week to search for variants, The Post and Courier recently reported, so the majority of the state's COVID-19 swabs don't undergo the additional scrutiny.

The two patients who tested positive for the B.1.351 variant lived in different regions, haven't traveled and don't have a known connection to each other, DHEC said. That leads experts to believe the mutated virus is already spreading in South Carolina.

Traxler said DHEC is increasing the samples it runs through variant testing to see how prevalent the strains' spread has become, and private labs also test for new variants of the virus.

Statewide numbers

New cases reported: 2,966.

Total cases in S.C.: 394,153 confirmed, 45,632 probable.

New deaths reported: 65 confirmed, seven probable.

Sign up for our new health newsletter The best of health, hospital and science coverage in South Carolina, delivered to your inbox weekly. Email

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Total deaths in S.C.: 6,336 confirmed, 678 probable.

Percent of ICU beds filled: 80 percent.

Percent of positive tests, 7-day average: 25.6 percent.

How does S.C. rank in vaccines administered per 100,000 people? 37th as of Saturday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Hardest-hit areas

The three counties with the highest level of cases for their populations are Pickens and Greenville in the Upstate and Dillon County in the Pee Dee, according to DHEC.

What about the tri-county?

Charleston County announced 173 new cases on Saturday, while Berkeley counted 93 and Dorchester saw 68.

Hospitalizations

Of the 1,927 COVID-19 patients hospitalized as of Saturday, 415 were in the ICU and 261 were using ventilators.

What do the 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.
An environmental scientist and former director of Bird Watch Ireland has spoken about the jewel on Macrooms doorstep, the unique habitat of the Gearagh which is akin to a Grand Central Station for many species of birds.

John Lynch, an avid Macroom-based bird watcher or birder and naturalist, has set up a Facebook page to chronicle the comings and goings from the reserve on the outskirts of the mid Cork town.

I set up The Gearagh Natural History page, to raise awareness, showing what they can encounter and also to promote the wellness value of connecting with nature during these difficult times, he said.

Ive a wide interest in natural history and you would be astonished as to what you can observe at The Gearagh, with every day providing fresh nature encounters.

All you need is a cheap pair of binoculars and the Collins Bird Guide app which is available online for 18.

John also counts the wetland as part of the Irish Wetland Bird Survey (I-WeBs) organised by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Birdwatch Ireland.

Expand Close The Greylag coming into land at the Gearagh / Facebook

Twitter

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Whatsapp The Greylag coming into land at the Gearagh

Over the last 20 years we have seen a significant decrease in waterfowl and waders using the site. In some cases such as Wigeon, a duck that visits from Iceland, we have seen a 90% drop at the site whereas Tufted Duck and Goldeneye have all but disappeared.

Invasive species such as Roach, climate change and disturbance from walkers especially in the middle of the Gearagh resulting in birds being disturbed, failing to feed, and eventually leaving the area, have all had an adverse impact.

The Gearagh really comes into its own during migration periods of Spring and Autumn when it becomes akin to a grand meeting place for migrating birds from as far as North America, Asia and Africa.

Everyday is different - the Gearagh really is a crossroads for migrating birds.

One of the great natural encounters to be witnessed at the site and from roadways in the Toons valley are the flocks of wintering Greylag Geese, Mute and Whooper Swans which never fail to draw in some rarer geese such as Barnacle and Pink-footed a winter experience worth encountering and hopefully instilling further explorations into the world of nature and the Gearagh.
New Democrat MP Niki Ashton, who was punished by her party after travelling overseas at Christmas, says she felt she had to disobey pandemic restrictions.

New Democrat MP Niki Ashton, who was punished by her party after travelling overseas at Christmas, says she felt she had to disobey pandemic restrictions.

She has returned home to northern Manitoba, but wouldnt reveal how long she had been in Greece visiting her sick grandmother.

"When I made the decision to visit my giagia, it was one of the toughest decisions I have ever had to make," Ashton told the Free Press, adding that she followed all COVID-19 protocols.

The federal NDP demoted Ashton from her official critic roles because she had not informed party brass about the Christmas trip. Since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in March, health officials have urged Canadians not to leave the country.

Ashton had informed the party about her visit to Greece last summer when her maternal grandmother required surgery. At the time, COVID-19 case counts had dipped across Canada.

Ashton had also told party brass about traveling from Thompson to Winnipeg in the summer to help look after her paternal grandmother, who later died. That travel would have been qualified as essential under Manitobas northern travel ban.

On New Years Day, the MP disclosed her travel amid a furor over Canadian politicians travelling to beach destinations.

She said many constituents reached out to her about her decision to travel, including people who pointed out theyve been forbidden to attend funerals or visit dying relatives within Manitoba.

"Some supported my decision; some didnt. I respect that," Ashton said.

She explained her grandmother in Greece has no relatives who live in the country, where elder care is predominantly done by family members.

She noted her paternal grandmother, Nedra Ashton, died alone at St. Boniface Hospital in July.

"What we have been through has been tough, but I know that for others, it has been worse," Ashton wrote in an email.

Ashton said she followed all the rules in Greece and Canada, including quarantining, adhering to curfews, wearing a mask and taking four COVID-19 tests.

"I took all the necessary precautions, but I regret that the timing wasnt different."

 Dylan Robertson

Long before the #MeToo movement gave voice to women fed up with a culture of sexual predation and harassment, titles focused on the real issues facing women were finding publishers and readers. That movements uncompromising demand for social justice is echoed in a wave of new titles focused on womens and girls empowerment, feminism, and the connection between those issues and the distinct problems faced by women of color.

PW contacted a wide range of adult and childrens publishers to ask how their publishing programs serve the needs and demands of women and girls and celebrate their achievements. We spoke with the following publishers, editors, and marketing professionals: Liza Baker, v-p, publisher, Cartwheel Books and Orchard Books; Jennifer Baumgardner, publisher, Dottir; Shannon Fabricant, senior editor, Running Press; Beverly Horowitz, senior v-p, publisher, Delacorte; Jennifer Kasius, editorial director, Running Press; Jisu Kim, senior marketing and sales manager, Feminist Press; Jessie Kindig, editor, Verso; Krestyna Lypen, editor, Algonquin Young Readers; Amanda Maciel, executive editor, Scholastic; Margaret ONeill Marbury, v-p, editorial, Harlequin; Liese Mayer, adult fiction editorial director, Bloomsbury; Nancy Miller, associate publisher and editorial director, Bloomsbury; Sarah Parvis, head of book development, Rebel Girls; Jessica Schmidt, v-p, associate publisher, Running Press; Dan Simon, publisher, Seven Stories; Reka Simonsen, editorial director, Atheneum BFYR; Ruth Weiner, associate publisher, Triangle Square BFYR, and publicity and marketing director, Seven Stories.

Check out our listings of womens empowerment titles

Have recent public events surrounding the #MeToo movement impacted the kinds of books you acquire?

Lypen: Since the founding of Algonquin Young Readers, weve published both fiction and nonfiction on womens empowerment; its a subject were passionate about. When the #MeToo movement began to take hold in the public consciousness, we had recently published Here We Are: Feminism for the Real World, a YA anthology about feminism. It was a good feeling to have a book thats in many ways an introduction to feminism to offer to curious readers. Weve continued to publish books meant to empower our teenage readers.

Simonsen: We have always sought out and published books with strong female voices, so our acquisitions havent changed in light of recent events. Where we have seen changeand in a really positive wayis in the increased interest and attention paid to these books.

Mayer: Like so many others, I find it hugely validating that at last womens voices in literature seem to be getting the prominence that they have always deserved. It doesnt change the books that I publish, but it can help elevate them culturallyand thats a great thing.

Miller: Bloomsbury has always had a strong frontlist and backlist in these areaseverything from Eve Enslers The Apology to DaMaris B. Hills book on Black girlhood coming in 2022. Recent events havent affected the kinds of books we acquire, but its incredibly gratifying to see these books getting the recognition they deserve at this moment.

Baumgardner: My priority at Dottir is to create childrens, middle grade, and YA books where talking about assault is part of the storywe discuss sex, rape, and other difficult topics far too late, typicallyand to trust the readers ability to handle tough information. Im interested in books where the violation isnt so clear, perhaps to both the victim and the perpetrator, and in books that create space for boys to talk about their experiences and confusion around sex and masculinity. Now That Were Men and The Hill figure into this category.

Kim: When discussions around sexual assault and rape culture increasingly happen in the mainstream, its our mission to continue to push forward and enrich these conversations. In July, were publishing the English edition of Black Box by Shiori Ito, the internationally recognized sexual assault memoir that revolutionized a feminist movement around rape, stigma, and silence in Japan. It not only makes accessible to English-language readers this important document about one womans experience seeking justice in the Japanese legal system, it also helps to broaden their understanding of #MeToo conversations toward a global context.

Marbury: Weve always looked for books with strong female characters, but yes, we have wanted to acquire more books that support womens freedoms or highlight female pioneers. A great example is Women in White Coats by Olivia Campbell, a nonfiction account of Americas first female doctors. On the fiction side, we love The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner, about an 18th-century female apothecary who helps women by poisoning men who abuse and deceive them, and the modern-day historian who is escaping problems of her own when she unlocks these unsolved apothecary murders from the past. We also love Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers with its themes of self-love, Sapphic love, family love, and Black excellence.

Parvis: All of the Rebel Girls book ideas are generated in-house, and our titles are for kids ages five to 10. So #MeToo has not really affected our approach to publishing; we have been dedicated to empowering women and girls since our very first book.

Maciel: My feminist views have always influenced the kinds of books I want to publish, so Im grateful that #MeToo has helped everyone in childrens publishing feel an even greater urgency to support stories like Muted, our upcoming YA novel about the music industry by Tami Charles. The enthusiastic support for this title, and the young woman of color at the center of it, is so excitingand so promising for a future in which we will see more titles like it.

Baker: As the publisher of our ages zero to eight illustrated list, Im proud to say Scholastic has always been committed to representing and celebrating empowering women in our board books and picture books. We have also made a number of recent acquisitions that are particularly relevant to supporting womens issues and womens rights, elevating the voices of women writers, and celebrating the many contributions, often unrecognized, that women have made throughout history.

Simon: Weve always had a strong feminist list, thanks partly to our friend, advisor and author Barbara Seaman, the pioneering womens rights champion who mentored so many young feminist authors. Through Barbara, we met and worked with Gloria Steinem, Laura Eldridge, Leora Tanenbaum. Editor and Open Media founder Greg Ruggiero brought in Are Prisons Obsolete? and Abolition Democracy, Angela Daviss two books that pioneered the prison abolition movement. And on and on. Today, we see the politics of feminism and transgender politics as very much aligned, and are proud publishers of younger radical novelists like Chavisa Woods and Alex DiFrancesco, as well as important older voices like Beverly Gologorsky, whose Can You See the Wind?, an autobiographical novel of her radical transformation in the 1960s, is a book Ive been waiting for for a long time. Our social justice foundation is powering us today, especially on the fiction side.

Kindig: Verso is a progressive political publishing house, so weve made books tackling gender oppression, misogyny, and sexism a part of our publishing program for many years. I myself am a committed feminist, always interested in publishing feminist thinkers and writers. What #MeToo highlighted for me most clearly is that we have an extremely impoverished and inadequate language to talk about sexuality, desire, power and violence.

Fabricant: Recent events have underscored how important it is to provide opportunities for women to speak about their own experiences, and to be the narrators of their own stories. Its one of the things that drew Running Press to acquire Bravely, as this book centers itself on the words, thoughts, and opinions of women, both highly celebrated and less well-known.

Kasius: The #MeToo movement showed how cathartic it can be for women to speak their truth. Its a time when we all realized how much shame is intertwined with our sexuality, which resulted in our collective silence. Thats why I thought Women on Top of the World was such a unique bookwomen are finally talking honestly about sex and seeing it as a vehicle of empowerment.

What subcategories related to women and empowerment are popular right now?

Lypen: Were not especially interested in chasing trends but love it when the trends line up with the books were passionate about. We aim to publish books of enduring value, and its amazing to see so many other incredible books on womens empowerment in the marketplace.

Simonsen: Nonfiction with a feminist slant seems to be striking a chord with readers at all age ranges, from picture books through young adult. While fiction can be a great way to explore the many situations and emotions that girls experience when dealing with harassment or disenfranchisement, I think nonfiction feels more proactive right nowmore like taking action that is long overdue.

Horowitz: The use of power that girls already have and how they accept and learn to use it makes a difference for the characters as well as for readers. This is not a trend that will go away. This is about power, intelligence, and action.

Kim: We have been a mission-oriented feminist organization since our founding in 1970. No matter the genre or trend, were looking for books by insurgent writers that complicate and deepen the landscape of feminist thought and literature; those books are both timely and timeless.

Marbury: Womens history and politics, self-care, WWII novels about strong women, as well as any relatable yet escapist fiction featuring heroines, mostly inspired by real-life women, who showed unimaginable strength and courage during a time when womens freedoms were even fewer.

Parvis: Empowering titles for children, especially young girls, is a key subcategory in the market of books on women. And I think books for and by women of color are also getting a lot of long-overdue support these days.

Maciel: The interest in feminist stories for young readers seems to cover every subgenre. Im particularly excited to see doors opening for intersectional voices, particularly in fiction. The incredible success of Kelly Yangs Front Desk series has shown that middle grade readers want to read about girls who are immigrants and activists and just like themmaking their way through middle school. Characters like this are inspiring models of empowerment because they are, at the end of the day, ordinary kids.

Baker: Its been so gratifying to see the groundswell of support for books on women, and their role in our history within our younger category of publishing. From Little Leaders by Vashti Harrison, to She Persisted, and in board books such as Baby Feminist, weve seen tremendous growth and interest in this category of girl power publishing. We are proud to be part of that movement spanning from fiction to nonfiction, from board to picture book.

Hooker: Were seeing more books about reproductive rights and justice coming out, which is exciting. In 2019 we published Robin Martys Handbook for a Post-Roe America, a road map for how to organize and access safe abortions if Roe is overturned. But a lot has changed since then, so in early 2020 we and Robin decided a second edition of the book was needed, which goes much deeper into self-managed care and care outside of traditional clinic settings.

Kindig: I think less about women and empowerment as a market than as an ongoing, necessary conversation that I never want to see publishing tire of. But we are seeing an incredible hunger from our readers for books on Black feminism and women of color feminism; for feminist theory that connects feminism to other social movements for prison abolition, anti-racism, against capitalism, for climate justice; and for accessible histories of feminist activism. I will also say that our annual Halloween reading lists on gothic feminism are a big hit on social media!

Fabricant: Across the board theres a desire to incorporate womens history into a wide variety of books in the category. Authors and readers are looking to celebrate those who have been overlooked or undervalued historically, and to draw inspiration from them as they pursue their own endeavors.

What trends are you seeing related to the topics of girls and empowerment?

Simonsen: Were seeing more stories about girls who stand up and speak out about harassment and injustice of all kinds.

Miller: Ariella Elovics graphic memoir Cheeky has been resonating with young women, celebrating the imperfections of the authors female body in all its glory and providing an exuberant antidote to body shame. Several years ago we published Caroline Pauls The Gutsy Girl, a book of stories, activities, and tips to inspire girls to pursue a life of adventure and excitement. It was one of the first books to break the taboo against young girls being physically adventurous, spent many weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, and continues to be a strong backlist title for us.

Horowitz: We publish many books for tween and teen girls that encourage and inspire. I feel the word empowerment is used in such broad terms that it can be hard to know what it means. I think that what girls and teens really want is to know the extent of their own power and how best to use itmore a way of life than a trend. This can be seen in many of the genres we publish for this age group. In YA fantasy, contemporary novels, even in historical fiction, many of our most appealing and bestselling works are about young females seeking to save their people, their country, their family. Girls make the decisions; they do not simply accept what men tell them to do.

Baumgardner: Im seeing far more books where young women or girls fight back against sexual predators. We published Send Pics last April, which featured a squad of girls fighting back against a douchebag athlete who routinely roofied girls and took naked photosand worsewithout their consent. Taking revenge against revenge porn appealed to me, but I was also drawn to how wrong the revenge plot goes. There is real jeopardy when teenagers take matters into their own hands, but perhaps its that or accepting a status quo that sacrifices girlsor anyone who is remotely vulnerable.

Kim: We publish the occasional book directed at younger readers. Younger readersand, of course, their parentsare smart, savvy, and more excited to be politically engaged than some might believe. A recent childrens title that has been met with excitement is How Mamas Love Their Babies, the first picture book to depict a sex worker parent, which illustrates how no parents job equals better or worse parenting. This August, we are publishing the bilingual picture book Alejandria Fights Back!/La Lucha de Alejandria!, which is about housing justice and gentrification.

Parvis: Explicitly feminist and woke board books are doing well. Nonfiction and especially biographies have taken center stage in the world of literature for girls. Todays kids are more engaged than ever. They are activists and explorers with a keen awareness of current events. They are endlessly curious and interested in the powerful women they hear about on the news, in school, and on social media. One of the main ways they and their parents are seeking out more information is by reading about the barrier-breaking women who came before themand about the women who are making change today.

Maciel: I hesitate to call it a trend, but I feel like Ive seen more novels like Front Desk, in which the characters find actionable ways to fight back against oppression. In Lisa Schroeders Dont Judge Me, a group of girlsand some boysorganize to protest rules at their middle school that unfairly target the girls. The characters in realistic fiction are showing realistic ways to spot injusticeand do something about it.

Baker: As a publisher, but also as a parent and a feminist, Ive always been drawn to stories about strong women who provide role models for our younger readers. Readers cant know what they dont see, and books offer an accessible way for readers to see themselves and imagine what they can become; that is equally important for boys, who also need to see those female role models. There are many examples from our list that highlight outstanding women and girls. From our recent picture book Building Zaha, celebrating the pioneering British Iraqi architect, to our oversize board book Dream Big, a bright bold homage to female trailblazers, we want to offer readers at every stage and age the chance to meet powerful women who have changed the world.

Weiner: Its great to see that there has been a rise in books with strong girl/woman characters for a while nowfurther encouraged by #MeToo, the Womens March, and the wise counsel of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and other women leaders including, now, Kamala Harris. As a parent and as a publisher, I think the last four years have been more important than ever for young people to hear voices of women who are smart, caring, powerful, and empathetic, and who are fighting for justice and getting it done.

What have you heard from your agents, distributors, and retailer partners about the market for these titles?

Baumgardner: My impression is that booksellers and librarians are eager for more radical and realistic books about the real oppression and violence that young people, particularly women and girls, face. They know that if a book is genuine, even if raw or shocking or upsetting, YA readers will be drawn to itbecause they are experiencing a lot of upsetting and confusing things already, and often get the message to deny, deflect, or compartmentalize. Books can magnetize and affirm experiences and help them tell the truth about what has happened to them.

Kim: As more readers are shopping online, strong backlist titles with a long shelf life have been key. Since the beginning, the Feminist Press has looked to writers both past and present to explore personal and political experiences that can better inform our current feminist conversations.

Marbury: Theres always been an appetite for this type of story, and it seems to be particularly strong during the pandemic, as people also have more time to reflect on how they want to live their lives.

Parvis: The popularity of the genre is not slowing down. Readers have become hyperaware of the lack of representation in the books they read, parents seek out titles that aim to fill a gap, and girls are declaring their love for books that showcase strong, smart, compassionate, resourceful girls and women.

Baker: At Scholastic we have the unique opportunity to publish and distribute our books into the trade market, but also into the Scholastic Book Clubs and Book Fairs, and all three channels have embraced our girl power books with open arms, shown true support and enthusiasm, and made these books priorities on their list. And agents are sending us more great submissions. We know parents, teachers, and librarians are beginning conversations earlier than ever about race, gender, bias, and equity. Waiting is not an option!

Simon: We would like to think we stand against that kind of market-driven decision making. Were in the world and see what everyone else sees, and as publishers were trying to be in the moment. But we also have a long tradition of publishing works by and for women. We did it when it wasnt a selling point. And today were doing it in exactly the same way and according to exactly the same foundational principles.

Weiner: Weve gotten a lot of enthusiasm from our distribution partner PRH for current titles. When we published the first edition of Handbook for a Post-Roe America, we were surprised at how fast the initial print run flew out the door. I think they and we were all responding as citizens as much as we were as publishers. The continuing legal battles emboldened us to schedule the new and revised edition for this March.

Schmidt: We see an ever-increasing demand from accounts to provide content on female empowerment with a particular focus on BIPOC.

Kindig: Theyre some of our bestselling titles. One of our recent books, Burn It Down!, a collection of feminist manifestos from the 19th century to the present, has been one of our consistent bestsellers online and in the trade, and was widely reviewed in legacy media. Id also heard that our Verso Book of Feminism was all over the bookstore tables as a holiday gift item.

Will the election of Kamala Harris as vice president influence this publishing category going forward?

Simonsen: Long before Kamala Harris was even nominated for vice president, we were working with Nikki Grimes on a picture book to share her inspiring story with young readers. I hope that her election will only strengthen what were already seeing: that there are so many readers hungry for books that empower girls and women, especially women of color.

Kim: This past presidential election certainly marks a historical moment, but at the Feminist Press, weve always looked forward. We publish books that incite conversation, and hope to help create a world in which our movement is obsolete. But our movement wont be obsolete until there is equity and justice for all people, and currently that means publishing that holds our societyand our movementto a higher standard of thought, respect, and care.

Marbury: As the first woman, Black, and Indian vice president, Kamala Harris has shattered multiple glass ceilings. She is already an incredible role model to countless women and girls around the world, and how she chooses to use her platform will absolutely help influence the publishing landscape going forward.

Maciel: For yearsforever, it seemsweve been telling girls they can be and do anything. But to live in an America where that isnt just an idea, where girl power isnt just a phrase on a T-shirt, where women actually hold real power... Honestly, I cant wait to see it. And Im even more excited to read books written by the kids growing up right now.

Baker: As the publishers of Future President, featuring a little girl who could be a young Kamala on the cover, its inspiring to see life imitating art. I see our publishing footprint and our commitment to the category of women empowerment growing even stronger in the years to come, and Im excited to be part of that.

Kindig: I hope that enthusiasm around Vice President Harris and the election will help encourage feminist movements, anti-racist movements, and progressive movements to push for substantive change. Publishing-wise, I expect the next four years will be an extremely fertile time for progressive social movements to grow, build, start to enact policies to protect our climate, and to get at the roots of structural racism and misogyny. So I expect well see a reading audience hungry for the history, theory, and debates that can help people build a world of equality and equal respect.

Fabricant: I think the election of Vice President Harris will only accelerate the desire for books that highlight the extraordinary contributions of women, particularly women or color and those in male-dominated arenas like politics and the law.

Parvis: Vice President Harriss accomplishments and success will only continue to expand publishers appetite for stories about womenand stories about nonwhite women. At Rebel Girls, we were so thrilled that Kamala shattered this particular glass ceiling that we decided to release Rebel Girls Lead: 25 Tales of Powerful Women to come out right around the inauguration. So you could say Kamalas election has already influenced our publishing choices this year.

Check out our listings of womens empowerment titles
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)

Police are asking for the public's help to find a 23-year-old man who went missing in San Francisco nearly two months ago.

Aidan Hodge was last seen on Dec. 8 at Huntington Park near the corner of California and Taylor streets in the city's Nob Hill neighborhood, police said.

Investigators believe Hodge may frequent surrounding areas and may be in need of medical assistance. He is described as being 6 feet and 2 inches tall, weighing 165 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.

Police have provided an image of Hodge in hope someone can recognize him.

Anyone who sees Hodge is asked to call 911 immediately.

Anyone with information about his possible whereabouts may call the police department's tip line at (415) 575-4444 or text TIP411 and begin the message with "SFPD." Callers have the option to remain anonymous.

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.
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. A few storms may be severe. High 73F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms early, then cloudy skies after midnight. A few storms may be severe. Low around 50F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
A rapid shift away from fossil fuels would risk 'extraordinary' UK job losses, the boss of the world's biggest asset manager has warned.

Larry Fink, chief executive of Blackrock, has been pushing the companies he invests in to outline how they will strive for a greener economy.

But he said investors like Blackrock could not simply pull their money out of firms that were still working towards the goal of net zero carbon emissions.

A sign of the times: Blackrock manages around 6.6trillion on behalf of pension funds and savers

He told the BBC: 'If we all ran away from the hydrocarbons and everything, and if you ran away with most of those companies in the FTSE [100], the job loss in the United Kingdom would be extraordinary. Is that the outcome that they want?'

The FTSE 100 index of Britain's leading companies is particularly heavily weighted towards the energy and mining sector, containing giants such as Shell, BP and Glencore.

Blackrock manages around 6.6trillion on behalf of pension funds and savers. Much of their money is invested through Blackrock's range of passive funds  those which are not actively managed by a stock-picker, but which track an index such as the FTSE100.

Fink said: 'We're not going to sell assets in index funds. But we have the power of the vote on behalf of our investors. 'We can help companies move forward and that's what we try and do.'

In his annual letter to company bosses earlier this week, Fink wrote: 'I believe that the pandemic has presented such an existential crisis  such a stark reminder of our fragility  that it has driven us to confront the global threat of climate change more forcefully and to consider how, like the pandemic, it will alter our lives.'

However, many environmental campaigners claim that the financial sector is not doing enough to help combat climate change, and state investors should be more selective about where they put their money.

A 33-year-old man has been remanded in custody with an order for psychiatric treatment after he appeared in court accused of attempted murder of his former employer at a pub in Dublin.

Paul Smith, the manager of The Elphin Pub on the Baldoyle Road in Sutton, was rushed to Beaumont Hospital with serious injuries. It followed a knife attack at his premises at about 1pm on Wednesday.

Neil ODowd, from Tuscany Park, Baldoyle, Dublin 13, was arrested and detained under section four of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. The scene was preserved for a technical examination.

Mr ODowd was charged Friday evening at Clontarf Garda station and held overnight pending his appearance before Judge John Campbell at Dublin District today

He is accused of attempted murder of Mr Smith at the Elphin Pub, assault causing him harm and production of a knife during a dispute inside and outside the premises.

Dressed in a grey sweater and tracksuit bottoms and wearing a face mask, the accused sat silently at the side of the court.

Garda Conor Guckian told Judge Campbell that the accused made no reply when charged.

The garda sought a remand in custody. He said there will be an objection to bail based on the seriousness of the case.

A bail application has yet to take place.

Defence solicitor Danica Kinane said there was consent to her client being remanded in custody to appear via video-link at Cloverhill District Court on Thursday.

Legal aid was granted after the court heard the accused was in receipt of the Covid-19 social welfare payment.

Judge Campbell also acceded to the defence solicitors application to direct appropriate psychiatric medical attention in custody.

Family members of Mr ODowd, who has not yet indicated how he will plead, were present for the hearing.

He nodded to relatives who waved to him as he was led from the courtroom.


Posted Friday, January 29, 2021 3:39 am

Relief for renters, schools, public health agencies and small businesses is rushing through the state Legislature, with the hope relief can reach people by the end of February.

Two COVID-19 relief plans are competing for approval, one by Republicans and one by Democrats, and this time the Republican plan is the one proposing the most spending.

The Democrat plan, called the Washington Step One proposal, allocates $2.2 billion in federal funds for rental assistance, public health, education, small businesses and education, among several other areas receiving smaller amounts.

For the Legislature to move within two or three weeks on a $2.2 billion investment is itself historic, said state Sen. Marko Liias, D-Lynnwood. We're working as fast as we can to  make sure that the public has a chance to weigh in that it isn't just folks behind closed doors like we've seen Mitch McConnell and others do in D.C.

The Democrat plan includes $668 million for school districts to address learning loss; $618 million allocated for the Department of Health to use for vaccine distribution, contact tracing, and testing, with an emphasis on vaccinating individuals needed for school reopening; $325 million for rental assistance; $240 million for small business grants; $65 million for immigrants who were left out of previous stimulus packages; and $50 million for childcare.

The Republican counterpart is the REAL Recovery for Washington Act. The act is similar to the Democrat plan but proposes a much larger number, around $4 billion, for COVID-19 relief.

The Republican plan uses $2.1 billion of the states rainy day fund, leaving approximately $240 million left in the fund. Comparatively the Democrats package uses just under $200 million of the fund.

The need is high and the need is now in the communities that we represent, said state Rep. Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn, the primary sponsor of the Republican plan. It is hard to imagine a day that could be rainier than the day we have right now, so if now is not the time to use the rainy day fund, when is?

The Republican plan includes $1.3 billion for school districts to address learning loss and reopening safely, $834 million for small business grants and tax relief, $600 million for rental assistance, $506 million for testing and vaccines and $200 million for a recovery rebate that would include direct aid to citizens.

Democrats acknowledge more relief will be necessary in the months ahead.

This package (the Democrat plan) does not provide the relief that we're going to need in the long term. This is just the next step. We need Congress to act, Liias said. I think we're all excited that President Biden has put forward a $1.9 trillion package. The people in this country and the people of our state are going to need a lot more relief than what we have seen so far.

Other bills related to COVID-19 include unemployment insurance relief, exempting paycheck protection funds from the business and occupation tax, and a waiver on the fees for liquor licenses.

While Democrats do not oppose the ideas behind Stokesbarys bill, heavy use of the rainy day fund leaves the state economically vulnerable in the future, members of the party say.

We're trying to keep our nuts and berries safe for the difficult months, said state Rep. Timm Ormsby, D-Spokane and chair of the Appropriations Committee.

Republican leadership, on the other hand, encourages the more aggressive relief in the form of the REAL Act.

I think we've got big problems and it makes sense to attack a small number of issues with a large amount of spending, said Rep. J.T Wilcox, R-Yelm, the ranking Republican of the House of Representatives.

The primary sponsors of both relief bills, Stokesbary and Ormsby, were both encouraged by the bipartisan work on the issue that has taken place over the previous weeks.

I think there's a lot of similarities, and I'm heartened by those similarities, Stokesbary said. I think that both bills would agree on the principle that the recent federal money should get out the door as quickly as possible. Whatever gets sent to the governor's desk we should do extremely quickly.

Ormsby also said he was happy with the bipartisan work of the Legislature around COVID-19 relief.

We have all identified this as a huge, huge priority for the Legislature, because it's a huge priority for our constituents, Ormsby said.

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Dateline Has Myanmars Military Overstepped Its Constitutional Role by Undermining the Integrity of the Election?

--

Ye Ni: Welcome to Dateline Irrawaddy! Myanmars military (or Tatmadaw) has alleged fraud in the November election, and the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has filed a complaint with the Supreme Court of the Union about the election results. Meanwhile, the incoming Parliament will be in session soon. We will be discussing what could happen if Tatmadaw and the USDP boycott the Parliament. U Sai Ye Kyaw Swar Myint, executive director of Peoples Alliance for Credible Elections (PACE), and legal advisor U Tin Than Oo join me for the discussion. Im The Irrawaddy Burmese editor Ye Ni.

Almost all election observers concluded that the Nov. 8 election was free and fair, though there were initial criticisms about flawed electoral process including voter list errors. The Tatmadaw has issued more than 20 statements that there could have been irregularities due to flawed voter lists. In addition, the USDP and the Democratic Party of National Politics have filed a complaint with the Supreme Court of the Union about alleged irregularities. Ko Sai Ye Kyaw Swar Myint, you election observers have concluded that the election was free and fair. Do the accusations of the Tatmadaw make you believe you need to review your conclusion? How valid are its accusations?

Sai Ye Kyaw Swar Myint: In fact, this has to be handled by the Union Election Commission (UEC). We wouldnt need to be discussing this issue if the UEC had disclosed information and explained things publicly from the very beginning.

Here, first, I would like to make myself clear that I am not trying to defend the UEC or the party that won or the election results. I am just speaking on behalf of sustainable democracy because elections are an important part of the political process.

First of all, in the run-up to the election, Myanmars electoral laws have some weaknesses, and do not meet democratic norms. Since 2010, we have pointed out that electoral laws do not meet democratic norms because they are designed based on the 2008 Constitution. And they have not been changed. We always point out that there will be weaknesses if the elections are held under the existing electoral laws.

Election day is also important. We did not find systematic fraud that could change the overall results of the vote. There might have been weaknesses in individual polling stations. But in all the 315 constituencies, we didnt see systematic rigging that could make a particular party or particular candidates win or lose. Though there are certain shortcomings against democratic norms, we can say the results were credible. So, we accept the election results and must proceed.

In the 2010 election, there were cases in which a political party was leading the count, then early votes arrived during the night, and another party emerged the winner the following day. There were no such irregularities in November 2020. The issue under discussion was the weaknesses in the electoral framework. But I dont want anyone to link those weaknesses with the voting results. I want them to accept the voting results. The winning party must also recognize the weaknesses in the electoral framework and think about how to fix them for the next election. They must think about how to form the election commission, how to compile accurate voter lists, and how to create a level playing field during campaign period. They should think about those two issues separately. If they link those two, we wont be able to move forward.

YN: The Tatmadaw has called on the government, the UEC or outgoing parliamentarians to prove the November election was free and fair, saying it is difficult for it accept the results unless it is proven. The UEC responded that it would hear the complaints. The Supreme Court of the Union is also preparing to hear the USDPs application for Writ of Mandamus. The newly elected parliament will convene next month. If the Tatmadaw and the USDP boycott the incoming parliament, wont there be difficulties forming a government. What is your view, Ko Tin Than Oo?

Tin Than Oo: The Tatmadaws statements serve as proof of its interference in the countrys politics. Under existing laws, the Tatmadaw has nothing to do with those things.

The military-drafted 2008 Constitution does not say the Tatmadaw has the authority to check voter lists. But in its statements, the Tatmadaw said it scrutinized voter lists. The Tatmadaw itself is going against the law and the Constitution. When we speak of the Tatmadaw, we mean Tatmadaw leadership. Their acts blacken the image of the Tatmadaw, and go against the duties of the Tatmadaw.

On Jan. 29, the Supreme Court of the Union will conduct an initial hearing on whether to accept the election complaint [filed against the President and UEC chair]. About the writs, Article 378 (a) of the Constitution says the Supreme Court of Union can issue writs only when there are issues about fundamental rights and duties of citizens. It doesnt say writs can be applied for other issues. So, the court does not have jurisdiction. We will wait and see how the court, which has no jurisdiction to accept the application, will decide.

Thirdly, when Parliament convenes, every lawmaker must attend. The Parliament is only responsible for informing lawmakers-elect when the parliament will convene. If lawmakers fail to attend the parliament, it is their own fault. There is no legal provision that says it can affect the formation of the government.

There are two parts regarding their complaints. First, they alleged that the ruling party abused the authority of its government to influence election results in November election. Secondly, they complained about alleged malpractices of the UEC. They are taking the wrong approach. There are laws in place that detail how the President and Union ministers can be impeached and in which courts they are to be impeached.

We, from the legal perspective, must ask why they are creating problems without applying the appropriate laws and why the government is not doing anything in response. No individuals and organizations should be allowed to rig the votes. There might have been some errors. If the Tatmadaw and other parties want to complain about those errors, they should do so in line with relevant laws.

YN: The Tatmadaw said that they are responsible under the 2008 Constitution to ensure a free and fair election. They said the Tatmadaw, which takes the political leadership role, have the authority to make sure the election is democratic, free and fair under the 2008 Constitution. Anyway, this problem is undermining civil-military relations and leading to a political crisis. As Ko Sai Ye Kyaw Swar Myint suggested these problems could have been avoided if the UEC had explicitly addressed the issue. The UEC is only preparing to hear the complaints according to electoral laws. I remember that there were disputes between the UEC and the election monitoring groups before the November election. To make matters worse, it burned the election-related documents and ballot papers of the 2015 election, which drew criticism.

There is a saying that an organization always reflects the character of its leaders. Lets take a look at UEC chairman U Hla Thein. Ko Sai Ye Kyaw Swar Myint, you have often seen him. What kind of person do you think he is? Is he a stubborn bureaucrat or someone who always does things by the book?

SYKSM: As Ive said, these problems could have been alleviated if the UEC had been transparent. But the Tatmdaw cant interfere simply because of the UECs lack of transparency. We cant accept such interference in a democratic transition. But at the same time we dont deny that the UEC has some responsibility. There is a need to see these two things separately.

Speaking of the UEC, it is over-focused on laws and procedures, and it barely goes beyond procedures in its operations. It is too legalist. It only acts in accordance with law.

The electoral process is not just a legal process. It is directly linked with political process. If people have more trust in the electoral process, they will have more trust in elected lawmakers. And there will be greater legitimacy for the elected government. The commission fails to take this connection into account. There are things that need to be done from political perspective outside the legal framework. The UECs approach to the election was based only on laws and procedures. But as Ive said there are weaknesses in the electoral laws. I dont blame the UEC for approaching things in line with laws. But there is a need to change the laws to meet democratic norms. If laws meet democratic norms, approaching the election in line with those laws is not a problem. Now however, the laws themselves do not meet democratic norms. And because the UEC only acted in line with those flawed laws, the election cant serve its intended purpose of being a mechanism to solve political problems. Instead, the electoral process itself leads to political problems.

YN: Ko Tin Than Oo, you said the Tatmadaw interfered against the Constitution, but the Tatmadaw said it has the right to do so, as it has the political leadership role according to the Constitution. What is your assessment of this from a legal perspective? Do the Tatmadaws actions go against the Constitution or not?

TTO: The 2008 Constitution was designed while the country was under military rule. Under Article 291 of the Constitution, military personnel are also the civil servants. Under the law, any organization that operates on the state funds is a civil servants organization. Civil servant organizations must be dutiful and loyal to the state.

If a civil servants organization can point out the shortcomings of government institutions using the excuse of playing national political leadership role, then students unions, trade unions and activists should also be allowed to express their views.

But if activists are arrested for expressing their views, we have to say that the same laws should be applied on the military. How many political parties have complained about election results? And are they sure they didnt commit any fraud before and during the election? There are weaknesses in election laws. But it is unacceptable for any political party and any organization to create political problems by exploiting those weaknesses.

The Tatmadaw says it is a civil service under the Constitution that it drafted itself. Every civil servant must abide by code of conduct for civil servants. The military must also abide by the defense services act in addition to the code of conduct for civil servants and Constitution. They have designed the procedures in the Constitution. It is legally wrong for them to approach this by means of political instigation instead of by means of Constitution.

I am talking on behalf of no one, but for the sake of democratic transition. The military say they have the responsibility to safeguard the Constitution. If they are to safeguard the Constitution, they must abide by the Constitution. But they fail to follow the Constitution. While there are problems during the democratic transition of the country, the fact that Tatmadaw, as a government institution and armed forces, is taking such a stance undermines its integrity, and its action amounts to political interference. The government must take action against it. But the government just watches and does nothing, and Tatmadaw is therefore taking a mile. The Tatmadaw is meant to protect the country, the people and sovereignty. But it is an organization that has to follow the instructions of the government. It is against the law to interfere.

YN: Thank you for your contributions!

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The Pentagon is 'pausing' a plan to have Guantanamo Bay detainees vaccinated against COVID-19 next week.

Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby confirmed Saturday afternoon that the process was on hold following widespread outrage that terrorists were being given priority treatment for the in-demand vaccines.

'No Guantanamo detainees have been vaccinated. We're pausing the plan to move forward, as we review force protection protocols. We remain committed to our obligations to keep our troops safe,' Kirby wrote on Twitter.

The US detention camp, which is located on the coast of Cuba, houses 40 detainees, including 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and other Al Qaeda terrorists.

Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby confirmed Saturday that the process to vaccinate Guanatanamo Bay detainees was being 'paused'

The initial decision to offer the in-demand shots to the terrorists sparked widespread outrage. Some accused the Biden administration of prioritizing criminals over ordinary US citizens

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed is the mastermind behind the 9/11 terror plot that killed 2,976 Americans

Al Qaeda first: Encep Nurjaman, aka Hambali, Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep, and Mohammed Farik Bin Amin, members of Southeast Asia-based extremist group known as Jemaah Islamiyah that has links to Al-Qaeda, have been in US custody since 2003

Plans to have the terrorists vaccinated were confirmed by the Pentagon on Thursday.

Joe Biden appointee Terry Adirim allegedly signed an order Wednesday allowing vaccines to be dispatched to the island and for the detainees to receive them as early as next Monday.

Adirim is the principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for health affairs and was sworn in on Inauguration Day.

The vaccination effort was reportedly intended to help resume legal proceedings for prisoners that have been delayed due to the pandemic.

However, the news sparked fury from politicians and 9/11 first responders.

The vaccine rollout comes amid a shortage of doses that have hampered inoculation efforts across the US, where only 26million Americans have been vaccinated.

Tom Von Essen, who was New York City's Fire Commissioner during 9/11, said: 'You can't make this up. The ridiculousness of what we get from our government. They will run the vaccine down to those lowlifes at Guantanamo Bay before every resident of the United States of America gets it is the theater of the absurd.'

'It's f**ing nuts,' Von Essen told the New York Post.

John Feal, a demolition supervisor at the Ground Zero pile, told the Post: 'The fact that the 9/11 community can't get the vaccine and the terrorists can show how backward our government is.

'It's the most ludicrous thing I've ever heard. It's an insult to the people who ran into the towers and were killed and those who worked on the pile for months and are ill.'

The US detention camp, which is located on the coast of Cuba, houses 40 detainees, including 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and other Al Qaeda terrorists

Tom Von Essen, who was city Fire Commissioner during 9/11, said: 'You can't make this up'. He is pictured at City Hall in New York City on October 24, 2001 (left), and at a press conference in New York in March 2020 (right)

Rep. Elise Stefanik,the Republican representative for New York's 21st congressional district, said: 'It is inexcusable and un-American that President Biden is choosing to prioritize convicted terrorists in Gitmo over vulnerable American seniors or veterans.'

Retired New York firefighter Lt. Michael O'Connell - who was involved with search and rescue on 9/11 - told the Post: 'It's absolutely disgusting.

'These terrorists committed harm but the patriots are the one who have to wait to get vaccinated.'

The Guantanamo shots woud have been administered on a 'voluntary basis' as per Pentagon policy, which requires the recipient's consent on treatment that has not been fully approved by the FDA.

Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are currently authorized for emergency use only.

The US naval base in Guantanamo began inoculating its 6,000 residents earlier this month, however, detainees were not believed to have been included in the rollout.

It is unclear how many coronavirus cases have been detected at the facility, if any.

Comedian Jon Stewart (center) hugs 911 first responders John Feal (left) and Michael O'Connell (right) after the U.S. Senate voted to renew permanent authorization of September 11th Victim Compensation Fund in 2019. O'Connell who was involved with search and rescue on 9/11, on Friday said that the decision to vaccinate the terrorists is 'absolutely disgusting'

Mohammed is said to be the architect behind the terror plot that killed 2,976 in New York City, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania on September 11.

Mohammed is due to be tried in connection to 9/11 with four others at a military court in Guantanamo.

They are charged with war crimes including terrorism and the murder of nearly 3,000 people.

They will be the first to go on trial, nearly 20 years after the attacks on New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. If found guilty they face the death penalty.

It is believed that officials want to vaccinate the detainees to avoid delaying the legal proceedings further amid the pandemic.

A guard escorts a shackled detainee into a trailer, at Guantanamo Bay U.S. Naval Base, Cuba, in this April 5, 2006 file photo

The order was reportedly signed Wednesday by Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Terry Adirim, a Biden appointee who was sworn in last week

Another three detainees with links to Al Qaeda were also expected to be prioritized due to their upcoming arraignments.

Encep Nurjaman, aka Hambali, Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep, and Mohammed Farik Bin Amin, all members of Southeast Asia-based extremist group known as Jemaah Islamiyah, have been in US custody since 2003.

The group is blamed for a string of bombings in Indonesia, including the 2002 bombings in Bali that killed 202 people. The three are also alleged to have links to Al Qaeda.

Denton, TX (76205)

Today

Partly to mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 78F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 63F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.

Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts as Jill Biden holds the Bible during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. Photo: Andrew Harnik/Pool via REUTERS

Eamonn Thornton and James Hanlon, with Joe Biden, when the 47th Vice President of The United States in Lily Finnegans during Mr Bidens return visit to the Cooley Peninsula

Whitestown resident Eamonn Thornton says that the words which his distant cousin Joe Biden said to him during his 2016 visit came back to him as he watched last Wednesday's Presidential inauguration.

'He had just come from Cill Mhuire cemetery and I said to him that it must have been very emotional for him. He told me that he had been thinking about how his ancestors had left 170 years previously and what they had gone through. He said that he was who he was because of them.'

Eamonn met Joe Biden again when he returned for a private visit to the Cooley peninsula in 2017 and spent a long time chatting with him and showing him family photos.

He also spoke to him by phone last autumn before the election when he reminded the Democratic candidate of his promise that if he was elected he would return to Ireland when he was two years in office.

He said that Mr Biden had told him 'If it is at all possible I'll be doing that, I guarantee you that.'

'It was absolutely fabulous watching the inauguration,' says Eamonn. 'The people of the area are all very proud of him. His great great grandfather emigrated as J F Kennedy's ancestors left Wexford and to think that both their descendants became Presidents of the United States of America.'

While the on-going COVID-19 pandemic has cast doubts over a State visit in the short-term, he believes that President Biden will honour his word.

'We have to be realistic and patient. We have to hope that the situation will improve so that he will be able to come here as promised. It would be a great boost for the area, which could really do with it now.'

Citing the benefits which links to US Presidents Obama and Kennedy brought to Moneygall and Wexford, Eamonn believes that President Biden's clear pride in a his Irish ancestry will provide a tourist dividend for both Louth and Mayo, something which will be badly needed post-pandemic.

Democrat Rep. Stephen Lynch has tested positive to COVID-19 after receiving both shots of the Pfizer vaccine.

The 65-year-old Congressman - who represents Massachusetts' 8th Congressional district - tested positive for the virus on Friday afternoon, his spokeswoman told CNN.

Lynch attended President Joe Biden's inauguration last Wednesday, but returned a negative test before that event.

Lynch received his second dose of the Pfzier COVID-19 vaccine prior to the inauguration, but the spokesperson did not disclose the exact date he had the shot.

Pfizer's vaccine does not necessarily prevent COVID-19 infection, but is said to be 95 percent effective in stopping the serious symptoms that are caused by the coronavirus.

Lynch is asymptomatic and was only tested for the illness after a staffer at his Boston offices became ill with the virus.

The Congressman is now isolating at home and plans to continue working remotely.

Democrat Rep. Stephen Lynch has tested positive to COVID-19 after receiving both shots of the Pfizer vaccine

Lynch is pictured with Dr. Anthony Fauci during a hearing concerning government preparedness to the coronavirus in March of last year

Earlier this month, four Democratic politicians tested positive for COVID-19 after they bunkered down with maskless Republicans in a safe room during the siege of the Capitol Building on January 6.

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, 75, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, 55, Rep. Brad Schneider, 59, and Rep. Adriano Espaillat, 66, all confirmed they had contracted the coronavirus and blamed Republicans for refusing to wear masks while enclosed in the room.

Lynch was not in the room at the time.

Democrats have now proposed a $1,000 a day fine on lawmakers who refuse to wear masks while in the Capitol complex.

Many members of Congress have now been received COVID-19 vaccines, although some lawmakers, including Tulsi Gabbard and Ilhan Omar have refused to have the injections ahead of other more vulnerable Americans.

Lynch is seen talking to constitutents last Friday - a week before he tested positive to COVID-19

According to current data, only 6.9 percent of Americans have received their first of two Pfizer or Moderna COVID vaccines.

Just 1.4 percent of citizens have received both doses and are now fully vaccinated.

The US has reported more than 25.9million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the country and over 435,000 total deaths.

One Friday alone, 165,339 new cases 3,503 new deaths were added to the tally.

More than 101,000 Americans remain in hospital being treated for the virus.

A nurse is seen preparing a Pfizer vaccine in Boston on Friday. Just 1.4 percent of US citizens have received both doses of a COVID vaccine

South African 'super' COVID variant infects Baltimore resident - the third in the U.S. - as the country surpasses 26 million cases

The South African 'super' COVID-19 variant has now spread to Maryland with the state recording its first case in a woman in Baltimore and the third case confirmed overall on US soil, the same day the nation surpassed 26 million cases of the virus.

Governor Larry Hogan announced Saturday that state health officials had confirmed a case of the new B.1.351 variant in an adult female living in the Baltimore metro region who had no recent travel history overseas, sparking concerns that the strain is already spreading in the community.

The case comes just two days after two South Carolina residents became the first Americans found to have contracted the South African strain, despite also having no recent travel history and no known connection to each other.

There is no evidence to suggest the new strain is more deadly but it is around 50 percent more infectious and Dr. Fauci has warned the vaccine may be less effective against it.

It's become a race to ramp up the vaccination program and get shots in the arms of Americans as the US topped 26 million cases Saturday and the death toll reached 438,239.

In the last 24 hours, more than 166,000 new cases were recorded and more than 3,600 people died as the race is on to roll out the vaccine while new strains spread nationwide.

Hard-hit California, where Governor Gavin Newsom lifted the lockdown this week, marked a grim record Saturday morning as it topped 40,000 deaths since the pandemic began.

The South African 'super' COVID-19 variant has now spread to Maryland with the state recording its first case in a woman in Baltimore and the third case confirmed overall on US soil

Governor Hogan said Saturday officials are 'closely monitoring' the emergence of the new strain in the Free State and urged residents to practice 'extra caution' to help limit the spread.

Contract tracing efforts are underway to try to identify anyone who was in contact with the individual so they are can be tested and quarantine.

'State health officials are closely monitoring the B.1.351 variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the state,' Logan said in a statement.

'We strongly encourage Marylanders to practice extra caution to limit the additional risk of transmission associated with this variant.

'Please continue to practice standard public health and safety measures, including mask wearing, regular hand washing, and physical distancing.'

Governor Larry Hogan announced Saturday that state health officials had confirmed a case of the new B.1.351 variant in an adult female living in the Baltimore metro region who had no recent travel history overseas, sparking concerns that the strain is already spreading in the community

Other details about the case such as the woman's age and her condition are not known.

The South African strain is the second new variant found in Maryland after the state confirmed its first case of the UK strain B.1.1.7 back on January 12.

Since then, seven cases of that strain have been confirmed in the state.

The South African strain was first confirmed to have landed in the US Thursday when South Carolina officials confirmed the two cases - one in the state's easternmost 'Pee Dee' region and the other in the 'Lowcountry' region to the south.

The two are both adults, but the state health department has released no further details about their identities.

What is known is that all three confirmed cases in the US are in people with no recent international travel history, meaning it is likely already silently spreading among communities and that cases likely stretch far beyond the few cases confirmed.

It's the second new variant reported in the US this week, after Minnesota confirmed the first known American case of the P1 variant from Brazil.

There are now three strains of the mutated 'super COVID' circulating the US - the South African, the UK and the Brazil strains.

Overall, 437 cases of the variants have now been confirmed in the US.

Patients at Providence St. Mary Medical Center in California as the state passes the grim milestone of 40,000 death

There is no evidence the South African is more deadly or causes more serious illness but it is thought to be more contagious.

Meanwhile the Brazilian strain is feared to be causing re-infection among people who contracted the original strain.

Dr. Fauci this week also said the UK variant appears to be more deadly but that he is most concerned about the South African variant because it is thought to make vaccines less effective.

Moderna and Pfizer said preliminary lab tests suggest their vaccines are 'protective' against the South African variant, but admitted it does diminish the effectiveness.

With the new strains in mind, Fauci warned Thursday that the health crisis 'could get worse'.
[January 29, 2021] FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL INVESTIGATION INITIATED by Former Louisiana Attorney General: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Investigates the Officers and Directors of First American Financial Corp. - FAF

Former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., Esq., a partner at the law firm of Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF"), announces that KSF has commenced an investigation into First American Financial Corp. ("FAF") (NYSE: FAF). On May 24, 2019, KrebsOnSecurity.com reported a massive data exposure by FAF involving approximately 885 million customer files. Then, on October 22, 2020, FAF disclosed that, in relation to the 2019 data security breach, "[i]n September 2020, the Company received a Wells Notice informing the Company that the [Securities and Exchange Commission] enforcement staff has made a preliminary determination to recommend a filing of an enforcement action by the SEC (News - Alert) against the Company." The Company has been sued in a securities class action lawsuit for failing to disclose material information, violating federal securities laws, which remains ongoing. KSF's investigation is focusing on whether FAF's officers and/or directors breached their fiduciary duties to FAF's shareholders or otherwise violated state orfederal laws.



If you have information that would assist KSF in its investigation, or have been a long-term holder of FAF shares and would like to discuss your legal rights, you may, without obligation or cost to you, call toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or email KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-faf/ to learn more. 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/20210129005664/en/

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A barrister is taking legal action against a police force after he was arrested, handcuffed and locked in the back of a police car when he refused to breach Covid safety rules to take part in a voluntary interview.

Joe Rich, 54, agreed to speak to officers about a boundary dispute with a neighbour which has since been resolved in his favour.

The former Conservative parliamentary candidate attended a police station with a solicitor and a medical practitioner for health reasons and was met by two officers.

Joe Rich, pictured with wife Louise, was arrested for refusing to break Covid rules when he went to a police station to give a voluntary interview

When a sign reading 'Keep to max of two' was pointed out at the interview room, a stand-off ensued and Mr Rich claims he was threatened with arrest and being taken to another station with a room 'the same size or smaller'.

After continuing to question his treatment, he was arrested and detained in the 'freezing' car for about 15 minutes.

He was released and his arrest was reversed only when his solicitor Mary Tmaira protested to a senior officer.

Mr Rich said yesterday: 'It is totally unacceptable that police officers  of all people  were expecting a group to go into a room that was too small and had warning signs about protecting people from Covid-19.

'I was told I was going to be arrested and was put in a severe restraint. It was completely unlawful that cuffs were used. The behaviour of the officers was absolutely shocking.'

Miss Tmaira has now lodged a formal complaint on his behalf for wrongful arrest, assault and unlawful imprisonment. She said: 'I've been a solicitor for 18 years and I have never, ever witnessed such a thing in all my career.' She said the interview room was about 8ft square, with no windows for air circulation.

Mr Rich agreed to speak to officers at his closest police station, at Stansted Airport, Essex, following the disagreement with his neighbour, who later complained to police about feeling threatened  an allegation Mr Rich denies.

Essex Police initially offered to interview him at home because he has been shielding during the pandemic due to health problems, including a series of chest and throat infections. But when another officer took charge of the complaint, Mr Rich was asked to attend the station at 8.30pm on Monday.

The father of three, a former councillor who stood for the Stoke-on-Trent South Parliamentary seat in 2015, had never been arrested before. He had previously worked with Essex officers in his capacity as a defence lawyer.

An Essex Police spokesman confirmed the force had received an official complaint about Mr Rich's treatment.

She added: 'The capacity of a room can be increased if all parties are wearing appropriate PPE and social distancing can be maintained.

'The interviewee made clear his discomfort at the size of the room and as such, to allay his concerns, we offered several other options, including an alternative location.'

Mr Rich is now due to be interviewed by police at the home in Stansted Mountfitchet he shares with his wife Louise, an accountant, on February 1.

This is about equity and fairness to ensure that every road user pays for their use of the road, he told The Sunday Age. Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas says the planned tax on electric vehicles is modest. Credit:Penny Stephens The Treasurer, who is confident of securing support for the tax, said the government was working with car manufacturers to determine how to send a message to the community that the government supports EVs. He emphasised a government pledge to spend $45 million on charging stations and said EVs would begin to dominate the market some time after they lowered in cost over the next decade. Polling conducted by consultancy Redbridge, commissioned by industry association the Electric Vehicle Council, shows more than 70 per cent of Labor and Greens voters in the seats of Richmond and Albert Park would be more likely to support the Andrews government if it helped make EVs cheaper through incentives and subsidies. The phone survey of about 2100 people showed about 40 per cent of voters in the two seats believed the tax was motivated by a desire to raise revenue rather than balancing the burden of funding road maintenance between all drivers. More than 20 per cent said the government was acting to enshrine profits for petrol companies.

However, a survey of 4500 people conducted by the Australian Automobile Association, which represents motoring groups like the RACV, found 80 per cent believed EV drivers should be contributing to the cost of road maintenance. Sam Hibbins, the Greens member for Prahran, said his party had already started campaigning against the tax and aimed to win inner-city seats including Richmond, which Labor holds by a slim margin. Transport is the largest source of growing emissions in Victoria and taxing EVs is completely out of step with what we need to be doing, he said. Mathew McCrum bought one of the first batch of Teslas in Australia. Credit:Simon Schluter Mathew McCrum, a funds manager from Richmond who bought one of the first batch of Teslas in Australia, said he would ordinarily be more likely to vote for Labor but is set to vote for the Greens over the proposed tax.

This is like taxing non-smokers  Its so short-sighted, he said. Mr Hibbins said the tax was designed to boost the value of VicRoads licencing and registration arm, which the Andrews government has signalled it may partly privatise. By potentially using the division as the body to collect the tax revenue, the government could attract a higher price when it sells the asset, he argued. Infrastructure Partnerships Australia, the industry group representing major infrastructure firms, has pushed for the tax in recent years and argues it will not stymie uptake of EVs. Electric Vehicle Council chief executive Behyad Jafari said voters would contrast the state tax with the Biden administrations decision to swap the governments 645,000-strong vehicle fleet to EVs and the UKs ban on the sale of petrol engine vehicles by 2030. Victorian voters dont want a tax on electric vehicles, they want their politicians to be driving policies that will allow them to be able to go to a dealership and pick up the keys to an electric vehicle, he said.

Victoria offers stamp duty exemptions for some EVs and a $100 discount on registration and the ACT and Queensland have similar policies. The NSW government has signalled it may pursue an EV tax and the Board of Treasurers, a forum of all state and territory treasurers, has been considering models to tax EV users. There are no federal incentives or subsidies to make EVs cheaper and the lowest-priced EV on the market is the Hyundai Ioniq Electric Elite at $48,970, meaning the comparatively high cost of the vehicles is hindering mass uptake. Industry sources, who were not authorised to speak publicly, said major automakers including Tesla were not opposed to the levy on EV drivers if the reform was part of a broader set of changes that included greater incentives to purchase the vehicles. Nissan Australia managing director Stephen Lester said EV take-up would not increase if taxes are added to the cost of ownership and called for the Victorian government to consult with the industry. More than half of the vehicles in Norway, which heavily subsidises EVs, are electric and the average EV penetration rate in Europe is 10 per cent. More than 6 per cent of vehicles in China are electric compared with about 8 per cent in California, where people receive about $20,000 in combined federal and state subsidies. Japan, Canada and the US all offer incentives worth more than $5000. Research by Dr Jake Whitehead of the University of Queensland, a specialist in road user taxes who works with the International Electric Vehicle Policy Council at the University of California, shows the Victorian tax could inhibit the state from reaching its climate targets.


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A Belfast man who beat cancer just three weeks ago has passed away from coronavirus, leaving his family distraught.

Eugene Courtney (63) had completed treatment for prostate cancer diagnosed last April, receiving the good news on January 4 that it had been successful.

But the family's joy turned to devastation just days later when he tested positive for Covid-19, and he tragically passed away on Monday.

Daughter Nicola said: "My last message from my dad was a text saying: 'Love you lots, princess. I'm on a machine for three hours, I'll ring you later'. But he never got the chance."

Mr Courtney moved from Belfast to Morecambe 22 years ago, where he worked as a taxi driver, but remained close to his family back home.

Paying tribute to her "amazing" father, Sophie Courtney, another of his six children, said the past weeks had been a nightmare.

She said: "Three weeks ago I was crying tears of happiness that my dad beat cancer, and three weeks later me and my family are crying because we lost him to Covid.

"The last 19 days have been the worst for us. To not be able to be with him when he was all alone in hospital, to have to listen to his voice through an oxygen mask as he struggled to breathe, to have to say goodbye and have our last conversation over a FaceTime call, has been horrendous.

Expand Close Eugene Courtney with daughter Sophie / Facebook

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Whatsapp Eugene Courtney with daughter Sophie

"Dad's Covid journey is just one out of millions across the world, but for each statistic there is a story of broken hearts and traumatised family and friends.

"My dad truly was one of a kind. He spent half of his life in Northern Ireland and half of it in England, and in both places he really impacted people's lives.

"He really loved people, he loved listening to their stories and their journeys in life, and loved making others happy.

"He had this ability to make you feel like the most important person in the world when he spoke to you. If you had a problem, no matter how big or small, he wanted to listen. If you were sad, he was sad with you. If you were happy, he was the happiest for you. He just had this infectious energy which made everybody gravitate towards him."

Mr Courtney's funeral will take place in Morecambe on February 11, although his relatives in Belfast likely cannot attend.

Nicola said this is exacerbating their loss and grief.

She said: "My daddy left Belfast 22 years ago but he never missed an opportunity to come back. And, according to his wishes, half of his ashes will be brought back to Belfast.

"But right now we don't know if we will be able to even attend his funeral. My two brothers and my dad's own brothers are just devastated. This whole thing has been unimaginable, made worse by us not being able to be close to him. But we cannot thank the hospital staff enough for the way they kept in contact with us.

"The day daddy told us he was cancer-free was such a good day and we had planned to have a big family celebration 'as soon as this coronavirus s*** ends', as he put it himself, but just days later he tested positive.

"My daddy wasn't afraid to die, but Covid took him so fast and was so cruel.

"He understood he was going to be put into an induced coma and put on a ventilator, and I know he tried to fight Covid, but he just couldn't do it."
The US Capitol police officer who died after being injured in the January 6 attack by pro-Trump rioters will lie in honor at the building's Rotunda, lawmakers said Friday, a mark of respect rarely bestowed.

Brian Sicknick was reportedly struck in the head with a fire extinguisher while struggling with the rioters who swarmed through the halls of Congress.

The 42-year-old member of the force that protects the ground of the Congress returned to his division office where he collapsed and was taken to the hospital, according to the Capitol Police.

He died the next day, they said, bringing the death toll from the violent attack to five.

"The U.S. Congress is united in grief, gratitude and solemn appreciation for the service and sacrifice of Officer Brian Sicknick," said Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in a statement Friday.

Sicknick's actions "during the violent insurrection against our Capitol helped save lives, defend the temple of our democracy and ensure that the Congress was not diverted from our duty to the Constitution."

On behalf of the House of Representatives and the Senate, it is our great privilege to pay tribute to Officer Sicknick with this lying-in-honor ceremony," the statement continued.

Only four other people have laid in honor in the Rotunda previously, according to the House archives website: The Reverend Billy Graham, civil rights icon Rosa Parks, and two other Capitol police officers, Jacob Chestnut and John Gibson, killed during a shooting rampage at the building in 1998.

Pelosi had earlier ordered flags over the Capitol lowered in Sicknick's honor. Four days after the attack, hundreds of off-duty police lined Constitution Avenue in Washington and saluted as a hearse rolled slowly by carrying his body.

bur-st/jfx

on Saturday said the government should step up and spend as the economy recovered after one of the worst contractions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Economic Survey, tabled in Parliament on Friday, recommended countercyclical fiscal policy, he said, adding: "Survey is clear that fiscal support should continue till we reach pre-Covid-19 levels."

The CEA also said that spends during recessionary times have a much higher multiplier effect on the economy. He was speaking with industry leaders in a televised Townhall organised by CNBC-TV18.

The survey, tabled ahead of the Union Budget, expects the Indian economy to grow by 11 per cent in FY22, after a 7.7 per cent contraction in the current financial year. The Survey maintains that the economy is witnessing a V-Shaped recovery, according to high-frequency indicators from power, rail freight and other critical sectors.



R Mukundan, CEO Tata Chemicals speaking with the CEA said that there is a need of government action in 'mission mode' aimed at improving health and education sectors.

Speaking on his call for increasing spending on the healthcare sector, the CEA said it was paramount that the healthcare spending be increased from 1 per cent to 2.5 per cent in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

ALSO READ: CEA Subramanian bats for Pant-Pujara approach to economic revival

Speaking on privatisation, Subramanian said disinvestment would happen this year and selling Air India would be a seminal moment that would clearly signal the government's intent.



Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, MD Biocon said that diplomacy around vaccine manufacturing, led by the private sector, had put India on a strong footing.



Niranjan Hiranandani of Hiranandani Group suggested that there is a need for much more aggressive stance with regard to spending on infrastructure. Meanwhile, Rashesh Shah, CEO of Edelweiss Group maintained that a bad bank should be financed by private sector, not via government funds.

The Survey had noted that for emerging economies like India, an increase in public expenditure in areas that boost private sector's propensities to save and invest, may enable private investment rather than crowding it out.

In an economy with unemployed resources, an increase in government spending would raise the aggregate demand in the economy, which might induce the private sector to increase their investment in new machinery to cater to the increased demand, and hence put the unused resources to productive uses, according to the document prepared by Subramanian.

"If the public expenditure is directed to sectors where the fiscal multipliers are large  for instance for building infrastructure  such spending might significantly crowd in private investment as well," it said.
Xiaomi isnt wasting time disputing the US decision to put it on a list of Chinese military-backed companies and ban American investments. Reuters reports the Chinese phone giant has filed a legal complaint against the US Defense and Treasury Departments, calling the investment ban unlawful and unconstitutional. It also said the claims of links to the Chinese military were false, and that a lack of American investments would lead to immediate and irreparable harm.

The company said 75 percent of its voting rights belonged to co-founders Lin Bin and Lei Jun, and that there were no military-linked people or organizations with ownership. It also noted that a substantial number of shareholders were Americans, and that three of its most prominent shareholders were US investment groups.

On top of this, Xiaomi said the very implication of ties with the Chinese military would significantly impair its business deals.

Its not certain how well Xiaomi will fare in averting the de facto blacklisting, which takes effect March 15th. However, the companys product mix might work in its favor. Unlike Huawei, Xiaomi doesnt have a telecom infrastructure business that can raise spying concerns, warranted or not. It can argue that the military wouldnt need to associate with a company focused on mainstream smartphones and smart home devices. Whether or not officials see things that way is another story  the US hasnt given reprieves to Huawei and other Chinese companies despite a new White House and numerous challenges.
[January 29, 2021] SHAREHOLDER ALERT: CLAIMSFILER REMINDS PEN, QS, SWI INVESTORS of Lead Plaintiff Deadline in Class Action Lawsuits

NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors of pending deadlines in the following securities class action lawsuits: SolarWinds Corporation (SWI)

Class Period: 2/24/2020 - 12/15/2020

Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: March 5, 2021

SECURITIES FRAUD

To learn more, visit https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/view-solarwinds-corporation-securities-litigation QuantumScape Corporation (QS)

Class Period: 11/27/2020 - 12/31/2020

Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: March 8, 2021

SECURITIES FRAUD

To learn more, visit https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/view-quantumscape-corporation-securities-litigation



Penumbra, Inc. (PEN)

Class Period: 8/3/2020 - 12/15/2020

Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: March 16, 2021

SECURITIES FRAUD

To learn more, visit https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/view-penumbra-inc-securities-litigation If you purchased shares of the above companies and would like to discuss your legal rights and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact us toll-free (844) 367-9658 or visit the case links above.

If you wish to serve as a Lead Plaintiff in the class action, you must petition the Court on or before the Lead Plaintiff Motion deadline. About ClaimsFiler ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations. To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com



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Southern Pines, NC (28387)

Today

Cloudy early, then thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 82F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Occasional rain tapering to a few showers late. Low 53F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.
Want more cold-weather fashion, shopper-approved buys and the hottest trends? Sign up for Yahoo Lifestyle Canadas newsletter!

The Twice Toothpaste Classic Duo includes one tube of the brand's Invigorating Wintergreen & Peppermint flavour and one tube of Calming Lavender Vanilla Mint

Yahoo Lifestyle Canada is committed to finding you the best products at the best prices. We may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

If reading the words whitening toothpaste next to Lenny Kravitzs name in the headline of this article left you mildly confused, understandable. A rockstar with an oral care line? Ever heard of it?

Twice is more than just that - Kravitz, along with his co-founders Julian and Cody Levine, are helping create better habits and better health by providing dental care to communities in need.

The trio began their mission while volunteering in Eleuthera, Bahamas  Kravitzs hometown  where Twices team of dental experts performed cleanings, root canals, extractions and whitenings to whoever needed them.

ALSO SEE: This $12 tube of toothpaste is the most expensive I've ever used, but its also my new favourite - here's why

From there, they set out to formulate a better-for-you toothpaste packed with active ingredients, vitamins, and aloe vera to enhance oral wellness. And fortunately, the results of Twice Toothpaste spoke for themselves.

Today, Twice has earned praise from The New York Times, Forbes  and the brands Amazon stock sold out in 24 hours on Prime Day.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

Needless to say, Kravitz and his partners new venture has been successful. Advised by celebrity dental expert Dr. Jonathan B. Levine, whos father to Julian and Cody, the Twice team has been able to create a truly clean and functional toothpaste.

Twice products are sulfate-free, vegan, pH neutral, and packed with vitamins A, C, E to strengthen gums, all while containing the right amount of fluoride to eliminate plaque.

Click here to sign up for Yahoo Canada's lifestyle newsletter.

Why exclude sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) from Twice formulas? Well, SLS, also known as a cost-effective, synthetic detergent found in most major oral care brands, has been found to be increase hypersensitivity and wear down enamel.

Story continues

ALSO SEE: This new electric toothbrush already has more than 1,100 reviews  here's why

Each tube of Twice protects against sensitivity, prevents cavities and remineralizes enamel with a balanced pH of 7.0 - just how your mouth likes it, according to Dr. Levine.

The Twice Toothpaste Classic Duo includes one tube of the brand's Invigorating Wintergreen & Peppermint flavour and one tube of Calming Lavender Vanilla Mint.

SHOP IT: Twice, $6 per tube / $12 per duo

After seeing the Classic Duos solid 4.9 star rating and its 1160 reviews, I was immediately intrigued by the response to the brands first products.

The Invigorating Wintergreen & Peppermint is my favourite to brush with in the morning, as it leaves me feeling extra fresh before my morning coffee. When switching between lemon water and those first few sips of java, Ive experienced no sensitivity to temperature change.

The Calming Vanilla Lavender Mint is great before bed  its flavour is nice and refreshing, but also something you wouldnt expect in a toothpaste. Its been a welcomed addition to my nighttime routine.

Plus, Ive noticed that my teeth appear slightly brighter than before I started brushing with Twice, a mere week and a half ago.

Twice has also released a new flavour, Cooling Spearmint Eucalyptus, which sounds like another great alternative to a regular morning toothpaste.

The new Twice Toothpaste Cooling Spearmint Eucalyptus (2-Pack)

SHOP IT: Twice, $6 per tube / $12 per duo

According to the California Dental Association, gum disease has been linked to worse COVID-19 symptoms, but brushing twice a day can help prevent gum disease, improve oral health, and strengthen holistic health too.

Since its more important than ever to take care of your mouth this winter, why not consider a product thats determined to make a healthy smile accessible to everyone?

At a lower cost than majority of the all-natural toothpastes on the market, Twices prices are justifiable  especially since you receive two tubes of toothpaste with every order.

Seriously, Id think Twice about your oral care.

Is this expensive tube of toothpaste worth it? Find out more about the design worlds favourite whitening product, here.

Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram and sign up for our newsletter.
As the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened, families and inexperienced hikers have fled large metropolitan areas they would usually spend their free time in and have literally ran for the hills. As state park visitation skyrocketed at some Texas parks over 2020, rescues of hikers also increased.

At Big Bend State Park, the largest park in the state, staff reported 23 rescues last year, more than double the 11 recorded in 2019 before the pandemic, as reported by Texas Monthly Magazine. Their story opens with the rescue of a 45-year-old San Antonio man, whose rescue called for four hours from 13 crew members and lots of equipment.
Massachusetts Men Facing Charges in Double Rollover

STAMFORD, Vt.  Two Massachusetts men escaped serious injury after flipping their Chevy pickups on Main Road on Friday night.

State Troopers Colin Shepley and Ben Irwin say Joseph Therrien, 26, of the town of Florida and Joseph Benoni, 24, of Cheshire were driving north on Route 8/100 above the 50 mph speed limit and in close proximity to each other when the accident occurred.

The rollovers happened at about 11 p.m. near Lincoln Road on the Stamford flats. The conditions were clear and dry and the temperature about a degree below zero.

Therrien, driving a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado, left the eastern side of the roadway and became airborne while the second vehicle, a 2002 Silverado operated by Benoni, lost control and left the roadway a short distance north, according to police reports.

Both vehicles flipped at least one time and were totaled as a result of the crash.

Therrien was not wearing a seat belt but incurred no injuries. Benoni was wearing a selt belt and had some scrapes and cuts.

State Police were assisted on scene by the Stamford Fire Department, Northern Berkshire EMS and Dean's Quality Auto Towing of North Adams, Mass.

The investigation is ongoing and criminal charges are pending for both operators.

The researchers advised that to turn around the situation, partners should support each other's goals, accommodate routines, respect the others' timings, take a step back to catch their breath during the day, and learn to work together

Many of us have experienced the joys of working from home with a partner or spouse during the COVID-19 pandemic, with their meetings and urgent calls encroaching on our days  and vice versa. This can, in fact, pose a real threat to household harmony. In fact, according to researchers in the US who have studied the issue, when one partner disrupts the other's day or prevents them from accomplishing their goals, then negative emotional responses can ensue.

While certain couples managed to avoid working side by side under lockdown, others had no choice but to find ways of sharing the space to work from home... with everything that entails. And finding a harmonious balance during this period of forced cohabitation wasn't necessarily easy  especially when children weren't in school. From sharing tasks and managing work productivity to having daily routines disrupted, there were many potential sources of conflict during these periods of social distancing, sometimes leading partners to ask themselves: "what makes him/her think his/her job is more important than mine?"

A team of researchers at West Virginia University  who were no strangers to the problem during the lockdown  studied the subject from the perspective of relational turbulence theory, which argues that transitions or periods of instability can create ripples within a relationship.

They studied 165 married individuals between the ages of 18 and 74, focusing on how their partners interfered with their daily routines in April 2020. The authors notably sought to measure levels of agreement between partners and their feelings when their routines were disrupted.

Published in the journal, Communication Research Reports, their findings suggest that spouses who had their daily routine disrupted by their partners felt negative emotions toward them, and perceived the marriage to be turbulent. Sadness and anger were the main negative emotions participants reported as feeling towards their partners. All of this evidently made the relationship more chaotic than usual.

"When you are impeding your significant other from accomplishing their goals or are disrupting their daily routines, there will be emotional responses. Based on our findings, more interference from your spouse leads to sadness and anger, and that's independent from one another. This can lead to perceptions of a turbulent relationship," explains the study's lead author, Kevin Knoster.

The researcher goes on to explain that the situation can be turned around to create positive emotional responses. To do this, partners should support each other's goals, accommodate routines, respect the others' timings, take a step back to catch their breath during the day, and learn to work together. Advice to heed at a time when many countries worldwide are back under a lockdown or heading that way.
Lashkar OGW arrested in Pulwama

Srinagar, Jan 30 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir police arrested an Over Ground Worker (OGW) associated with Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) in south Kashmir district of Pulwama, a police spokesman said on Saturday evening.

He said Awantipora Police, along with 50 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and 110 Batallion CRPF, arrested one OGW of LeT outfit. He has been identified as Junaid Altaf, resident of Konibal Pampore.

As per police records, he was involved in providing shelter, logistic and other support to the active militants in Pampore and Khrew areas of Awantipora. He has also been found in touch with commanders in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) through various social media platforms.
The Bono East Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Fred Adomako Boateng, has emphasised that the wearing of face masks is the ultimate and most effective weapon to control the spread of COVID-19 in the country.



Remember that the United States of America and other developed countries have managed to develop vaccines for COVID-19, but people are still dying from the disease despite the vaccine, he stated, and called for the declaration of "Operation 28 Days" during which everybody would resolve to wear the face mask.



Dr Boateng told the Daily Graphic that if the country secured or imported vaccines, citizens must ensure that they observed COVID-19 safety and hygiene protocols to help eliminate or halt the spread of the disease.



Regional update



He explained that 14 people had so far died from the disease in the region, emphasising that those deaths were recorded last year.



Dr Boateng said currently the region had 15 active cases, explaining that four of them were currently receiving treatment at various treatment centres in the region, while the remaining 11 were being managed at home.



The region has not recorded any death this year, though we have recorded new cases," Dr Boateng explained.



He added that the region had so far recorded a total of 806 positive cases out of which 15 were recorded in January this year.



Dr Boateng mentioned Kintampo North, Nkoranza South, Nkoranza North and Techiman South Municipality as areas where the disease was prevalent.



Educational institutions



He said there were no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the various educational intuitions in the region and said that the health directorate and the Ghana Education Service (GES) had on regular basis been monitoring the various schools to ensure that pupils and students observed the various COVID-19 protocols.



Dr Boateng said the region had resourced all district hospitals to treat COVID-19 patients and gave assurance that provisions had also been made for the referral of patients from one health facility to another when the need arose.



No other option



He, however, expressed concern about the disregard of the COVID-19 protocols by majority of Ghanaians and stated that the country had no other option than to intensify education on the wearing of face masks in addition to the observation of the other protocols.



We have to do more on the wearing of face masks in the country because that is the best way that we can safeguard and prevent the spread of the disease, Dr Boateng stated.



He said the use of hand sanitiser and washing of hands with soap under running water was equally effective and appealed to Ghanaians that it was their responsibility to do their part by observing the protocols to control the spread of the disease.



Testing centre



Dr Boateng added that the region had its own testing centre at the Kintampo Health Research Centre (KHRC), explaining that the provision of the centre had made it easier and faster to obtain results while cost on transportation for testing had reduced, since the region was no more relying on the testing facilities in Kumasi.



He said it now took a maximum of two days to obtain results, adding that officials of the External Quality Assurance had verified and validated the testing system at the KHRC.









Source: Graphiconline.com









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Hungary authorized the use of China's Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine, Hungarian Chief Medical Officer Cecilia Muller said on Friday.

"Today the National Institute of Pharmacy and Nutrition gave its approval for the Sinopharm vaccine," Muller told a briefing.

Besides the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines acquired through the European Union, Hungary has also approved Russia's Sputnik V and the British AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines.

As the world is struggling to contain the pandemic, vaccination is underway in some countries with the already-authorized coronavirus vaccines.

Meanwhile, 236 candidate vaccines are still being developed worldwide -- 63 of them in clinical trials -- in countries including Germany, China, Russia, Britain and the United States, according to information released by the World Health Organization on Tuesday.
A Laois Offaly pharmacy wants you to be one of many to step up to a big challenge to support hospice care for children.

McGreal's Pharmacy in Portarlington is looking for you to take part in the 280,000 Steps Challenge.

Staff, customers and anyone who would like a challenge will be taking 280,000 steps over the month of February to raise money for LauraLynn  Irelands Childrens Hospice. The event kicks off on Monday, February 1.

McGreal's has created a facebook group for encouragement and support for all those taking part.

"Share your progress here with photos out walking or screenshots of your steps, daily or weekly," says the appeal.

The Facebook group is

https://www.facebook.com/groups/mcgreals280000stepsforfebruary

The charity has endorsed the fundraiser.

"Thank you to everyone who has donated already. We are looking forward to beginning our 280,000 steps challenge this Monday 1st February and we would love if you could do it with us! The encouragement and support of this group will help you stay motivated," says Laura Lynn.

This is the fundraising page if anyone would like to make a donation or share it over the month is https://www.facebook.com/donate/253298042928170
HARRISBURG  Two statewide associations representing corrections officers and state police troopers are asking the Pennsylvania Department of Health to change its decision that moved smokers to the top of the line to receive COVID-19 vaccinations.

On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association renewed its call for the Wolf administration to prioritize the COVID-19 vaccination of corrections officers in state prisons over smokers.

The administration recently moved smokers to 1A, its top category for vaccination, while corrections officers remain at 1B.

At the same time, 565 staff and 1,437 inmates now have the virus, according to PSCOA President John Eckenrode.

He said a COVID-19 outbreak at SCI/Forest infected 739 inmates and 23 staff members, and that smaller outbreaks are happening at SCI/Mahanoy and SCI/Retreat.

This is simple math that everyone can understand, Eckenrode said. So, Ill say it again: Our system has become overrun.

He said that for weeks the association has called on the state Department of Corrections to stop prison transfers but has been ignored.

Last week, Eckenrode said the association contacted the Department of Health to prioritize vaccinations for our officers.

If nothing changes, at this rate, our staff wont have enough people to do their jobs in some prisons, he said, calling the COVID-19 pandemic a health and public safety crisis.

Its time to stop ignoring it and apply common sense, Eckenrode said. Its time to prioritize vaccinating staff so they can do their jobs  and also not worry about bringing the virus home to their loved ones.

David Kennedy, president of the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association, issued a statement earlier in the month expressing concerns similar to Eckenrode about the states decision to vaccinate smokers over first responders.

I understand this decision comes at the recommendation of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), but our commonwealth should reject this and place a higher priority on vaccinating first responders, who encounter COVID positive people every day, Kennedy said.

He said that state troopers and first responders willingly risk their lives, but if too many are stricken with the virus, public safety resources will be stretched to the brink.

The Commonwealth should immediately reject this tone deaf recommendation and vaccinate first responders so they can focus on doing their jobs, Kennedy said. Pennsylvanias new acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam must create a vaccination plan based on common sense.

In an email, Maggi Barton, deputy press secretary with the state Department of Health Office of Communications, explained why the state decided on the move to 1A for smokers.

She said the federal government recommended that states take these steps to save lives of the most vulnerable.

We agree with this recommendation and have implemented this change, she said.

Barton went on to say that police and all of the people in phase 1B play a vital role in the community and the department does want to diminish that in any way.

However, she said the vaccine plans are designed to ensure that vaccinations happen in an ethical, equitable and efficient way.

Pennsylvania has clearly stated its goals in the rollout of COVID-19 vaccination, Barton wrote. Our goals are to prioritize persons, while the vaccine supply remains limited, who receive the vaccine to maximize benefits and minimize harms caused by the virus, promote justice, mitigate health inequities, and promote transparency.

The CDC, Food and Drug Administration and numerous studies have demonstrated that smoking disproportionately impacts those with low socioeconomic status.

Barton said that according the CDC, people of low socioeconomic status are just as likely to make quit attempts but are less likely to quit smoking cigarettes than those who are not.

Additionally, tobacco companies often target their advertising campaigns toward low-income neighborhoods and communities.

Barton said that Pennsylvania remains committed to addressing health disparities in its response to this deadly pandemic.

Public health experts agree smoking is associated with increased severity of disease and death in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

To mitigate these increased risks, Pennsylvania has chosen to follow the CDCs recommendations and include smoking among the list of medical conditions putting individuals at greater risk, Barton said.

The Department of Health also encourages Pennsylvanians who smoke to talk with their health care provider for support with the addiction and develop a plan to quit.

Getting vaccines to all Pennsylvanians is primary in our mission, but we must take care of the most vulnerable now to prevent future hospitalizations and save lives. Barton said.
Mumbai: A 37-year-old scientific officer at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) allegedly hanged himself to death at his residence in suburban Trombay following an argument with wife over feeding their children, a police official said on Saturday.

The incident took place on Thursday and the deceased has been identified as Anuj Tripathi, he said.

Suicide

"On Thursday morning, Tripathi had a heated argument with his wife at their residence in Anushaktinagar over the issue of feeding their children. He later went to the bedroom and hanged himself from the ceiling fan using a towel," senior inspector Siddheshwar Gove of Trombay police station said.

His wife and some neighbors later rushed him to a hospital, where he was declared brought dead, he said.

A case of accidental death has been registered at Trombay police station in this connection and investigation is on, Gove added.
In his words: "I am just a professional writer, which means I don't do blogs and try and get money for whatever I write."

Some brave mullahs have turned their Islamic halls into vaccination centres and encouraged the community to get jabbed

While it may be difficult for common sense to comprehend why people en masse would refuse a vaccine that would save their lives in a dangerous pandemic, these religious arguments have to be dispensed with on religious terms. (Representational image.Graeme Robertson / various sources / AFP)

And the people said speak to us of Djinns

And the Prophet answered:

They haunt the nethers of all nations

Accomodating every shape and size;

They were originally French creations

But are mostly branded by Levis.

What? the people said. Levis?

Whats that to do with spirits of the earth?

Spirits? -- Oh sorry! I thought you meant jeans.

It must be your Gujarati accents.

From Khali Gibberish, translated by Bachchoo

The aptly named UK Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) advises BoJos hapless government on the Covid-19 plague. SAGE and its advice are not to blame for the devastating statistic of over 100,000 Covid-19 deaths in the UK -- the highest per capita of any nation in the world.

Who or what is then responsible? Some point the finger at BoJos government being behind the curve of surging infections at every stage. His Tory Party is deeply divided, with some in favour of enforced regulation of human-to-human contact. Others, free marketeers and running dogs of capitalism, as Marx would have said, were against any lockdown and were in favour of keeping the economy open regardless of the number of deaths that caused.

Of course, they didnt put it quite that way. They expressed all manner of scepticism about the effectiveness of a lockdown, of keeping people from mingling in crowds and public places. They quoted statistics to prove that a lockdown didnt work. What any fool could see was that the lockdown didnt work because the population ignored it, not because the regulations were unnecessary. Their argument is tantamount to asserting that laws against murder should be abolished because they dont work as murderers abound.

One of the disturbing findings of SAGE is the fact that Asian, African and Afro-Caribbean communities have significant proportions of dedicated anti-vaccers. Among them there must be some lunatics who believe that Bill Gates has infiltrated the vaccine, instilling it with a chip that gets the vaccinated to boycott Apple products and only buy PC computers.

And then there are those who have religious reasons for their refusal.

While it may be difficult for common sense to comprehend why people en masse would refuse a vaccine that would save their lives in a dangerous pandemic, these religious arguments have to be dispensed with on religious terms.

Now, gentle reader, I have never pretended to be a theologian of any sort -- mainly for the reason that no one would take me seriously -- but I know that several evangelical churches with large followings among the British Afro-Caribbean people think that the Bible tells them not to get vaccinated. Apart from the injunction in the Book of Genesis from the Lord to Noah to not ingest anything that lives, apart from the vegetable world -- But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat; there is Leviticus who reports on what God said to Noah: Therefore I said unto the children of Israel, no soul of you shall eat blood It goes on saying similar things and through the ages Judaism has interpreted it, not as an injunction to vegetarianism, but to the laws of kosher, and then through the respect for the laws dictated to Moses in Islam, to halal.

The vaccine, however, doesnt contain anything like animal blood. We are DNAwallas and the anti-Covid vaccine consists of RNAwallas, which geneticists classify as a lower form of evolved existence. The biblical taboo on blood doesnt apply as the mRNA stuff in the vaccine cant be classified as such. QED, merey pyaarey doston!

And the Hindu and Muslim refusers of the vaccine? What do they believe? Doesnt their refusal bring back the myth of the 1857 Uprising caused, historians have said, by Hindu and Muslim mercenary troops of the East India Company revolting against bullets greased with cow and pig fat? What Ive never understood is why these troops objected to the bullets in the morning and then used them to kill their British officers in the afternoon.

Then some years ago the UK mint issued five-pound notes made of a sort of durable plastic rather than paper and the word spread amongst the Asian communities that the plastic contained cows fat. The five-pound notes were not meant to be eaten, but some Hindus refused to even handle them, and the British mint generously said there would be no natural animal fat in further issue.

Now the country is assured by SAGE that there is no animal fat in the vaccine. Even so, with my theologically aspirant hat on, I wonder whether the Covid-19 virus and its variants can be classified as part of the God-constructed animal kingdom. If some in the Indian-origin population of Britain, such as Jains, object to the intake of creatures into their bodies, they should consider that millions, even trillions of bacteria, classified by scientists as higher forms of being than Covid, are already in all human guts.

Some brave mullahs have turned their Islamic halls into vaccination centres and encouraged the community to get jabbed. Another initiative by Asian actors and comedians, sadly known as celebrities, have made a video appealing to all bhaion aur behenon to put fears of the prick behind them.

SAGE hasnt, alas, begun recruiting knowledgeable or aspirant theologians to assist the cause yet -- but Im keeping my phone close and checking my emails regularly.
The message is out to the next rogue federal bureaucrats who contemplate committing crimes in the name of wiretapping (or otherwise abusing the rights of) opponents of the Deep State: don't worry! You won't be doing any jail time and may even get sympathy from the judge  in the unlikely event you ever get caught. Unleash the fearsome spying apparatus taxpayers provide against political opponents of Democrats.

That's the clear signal sent by FISA Court judge James Boasberg (an Obama appointee to the federal bench and a John Roberts appointee to the FISA Court, and reportedly a member of Skull & Bones while an undergraduate at Yale) with his sentence of Kevin Clinesmith, the former FBI lawyer who lied to the court in order to obtain a FISA warrant on Carter Page. Josh Gerstein reports in Politico:

The only person charged in the Justice Department's investigation into the origins of the probe of former President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign and its ties to Russia was spared prison time for altering an email used to support a surveillance application. Former FBI attorney Kevin Clinesmith, 38, received the sentence of 12 months probation and 400 hours community service from U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg Friday during a video hearing. Clinesmith admitted that in June 2017 he sent an altered email to an FBI agent that indicated a target of court-ordered FBI surveillance, former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page, was "not a source" for the Central Intelligence Agency. The statement, passed along as the FBI was applying for a third extension of surveillance of Page, made Page's actions seem more suspicious by downplaying his past cooperation with the CIA.

Lying to a court is a very serious crime, normally resulting in prison time. Courts cannot function if people are able to lie to them and get away with it. For a lawyer  an "officer of the court"  to lie is doubly serious. Yet Clinesmith will do not a day of prison time, and will instead do 400 hours of "community service" (my guess is that it will be indoors, and something he'd volunteer for anyway, perhaps dishing out food to the homeless).

Clinesmith claimed that his misrepresentation was an accident, even though he altered the record 180 degrees, and knew that Page was in fact a source who had worked for the FBI.

Judge Boasberg actually had the gall to ooze sympathy for Clinesmith. Charlie Savage in The New York Times:

[T]he judge, James E. Boasberg of the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia, said the destruction of Mr. Clinesmith's career  and being vilified in a "media hurricane"  had already provided significant punishment and sent a deterrent message. "Anybody who has watched what Mr. Clinesmith has suffered is not someone who will readily act in that fashion," Judge Boasberg said. "Weighing all of these factors together  both in terms of the damages he caused and what he has suffered and the positives in his own life  I believe a probationary sentence is appropriate here and will therefore impose it."

What "media hurricane"? James Freeman writes in the Wall Street Journal:

Is Judge Boasberg joking when he suggests the convict has suffered from some kind of media circus? Readers wondering how often Clinesmith has been trailed by a pack of press photographers will note that the rare stories about him are generally illustrated with a years-old official photograph. In the months after his offenses were detailed by the Justice inspector general, there was an almost complete blackout of the story in major media outlets. The Journal's Byron Tau offers additional reporting on the judge's decision to be lenient: "Mr. Clinesmith has lost his job in government service  what has given his life much of its meaning," said Judge Boasberg. The judge responsible for punishing an attorney who helped the FBI abuse its powers to target a political campaign and then a presidency with a collusion hoax that poisoned our politics for years is concerned about the criminal's personal search for meaning? Instead of community service, perhaps Judge Boasberg should have just ordered Clinesmith to live, laugh and love.

Judge James Boasberg (offical photo)

Ace, characteristically, is more trenchant (language warning):

This is the Deep State saying, "F--- you, we own this s---, you are our slaves, and there's not a f------ thing you can do about it." Could they make it any clearer that Clinesmith was, in fact, doing exactly the job they asked of him and following his superiors' orders to the T?

Paul Sperry, writing in Real Clear Investigations, makes it clear that Clinesmith was not acting alone:

Several officials within his tightly compartmentalized chain-of-command  including former deputy FBI director Andrew McCabe, his counselor Lisa Page and counterintelligence chief Peter Strzok  learned of Page's role with the CIA before they first sought to wiretap him during the 2016 presidential campaign. The CIA had confirmed his role two months earlier in an August 2016 memo it sent to the FBI. And Page's status as a CIA contact had been documented in the FBI's own electronic files going back to 2009. Yet they all withheld this critical information attesting to Page's loyalty from the spy court. (snip) Former FBI officials say it's unlikely Clinesmith would have operated on his own without higher-ups knowing about his June 2017 misrepresentations about Page's prior work for the CIA. They note that the criminal suppression of that exculpatory information occurred during a supercharged atmosphere at FBI headquarters. Just weeks earlier, President Trump had fired FBI Director James Comey, and Comey's deputy was secretly discussing desperate measures to strike back at the president, including covertly recording him in the Oval Office and removing him from power under the 25th Amendment. Keeping one of Trump's advisers under surveillance became a bureau priority.

The nation's premier law enforcement agency was spying on a president for political reasons and committing crimes in order to keep doing so.

Unless Clinesmith has already spilled his guts and implicated higher-ups like Comey, Strzok, and McCabe, this sentence is an absolute outrage, and the sympathy from the bench for a criminal who corrupted the basis of our political system is an invitation to more...and worse abuse.

John Durham: This is your last chance to save the political system from acceptance of partisan corruption of the law enforcement and judicial system. If higher-ups escape as Clinesmith did, then we are an openly corrupt polity.
Today

Cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. High 64F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Low 38F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow

Sunshine and some clouds. High 71F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
New Delhi: Bollywood actor Darshan Kumaar has been part of several big Hindi films like NH10, Mary Kom, Sarbjit and Baaghi 2, among others. While last year was slow in terms of work for the entire industry, including the actor, he is excited about 2021, for the right reasons. Darshan has bagged a suspense thriller, backed by T-Series.

Talking about it, the actor says, The new year has begun on a good note for me. T-Series and Bhushan Kumar sir are working on an amazing suspense thriller and Im super excited to be part of it. I started shooting for the project today.

Apart from Darshan, the film features several talented actors, including R Madhavan, Aparshakti Khurana and more.

Its always great when you get to work on a good script. But what makes the experience even more enriching is when you have great co-stars, too. Madhavan is one of the best actors in our industry, who always delivers out-of-the-box performances. Im really excited to share the same frame with such a passionate actor. Im also looking forward to working with Aparshakti Khurana, who is a wonderful actor. I shot a scene with debutante Khushali Kumar. She is a wonderful actor and is really passionate about her work, said Darshan.
A day after an IED went off near the Isreal embassy in Delhi, Israel's Ambassador to India Dr Ron Malka stated that the explosion has been considered as a 'terror attack' targetted at the embassy on APJ Abdul Kalam Marg. Dr Malka asserted that the investigation is underway and all the pieces are being brought together to identify those behind the attack. He also hinted that the attack might be to hinder Israel-India relations as it was carried out on a day when both the countries marked the 29th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Speaking to Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami, the Israeli envoy said, "The investigation is unfolding. We are collecting every piece of information and evidence and eyewitnesses. Putting all the pieces together and trying to create the full picture and we are advancing in that. Our strong assumption is that it is indeed a terror attack against the embassy. Now we are trying to understand who is standing behind this attack. Hopefully, we'll find out and bring it to justice."

READ | 'India-Israel Ties Targeted, Both Sides Investigating': Envoy Dr Ron Malka On Delhi Blast

Speaking of Israel-India relations, Dr Malka assured that no attack can deter the rapidly growing relations between the two countries. He also said that Indian officials including External Affair Minister S Jaishankar had called on the embassy in New Delhi to ensure the safety of the diplomats and their families.

"To plan this attack exactly on the day we celebrate the thriving and rapidly growing relations between India and Israel that has been going for 29 years. So fruitful and rewarding and of course we have to analyse and take into consideration that it is not a coincidence. We can assure everyone that any attack will not deter or scare us," Dr Malka said.

READ | Delhi Blast: Jaishankar Dials Israel FM Gabi Ashkenazi, Assures Protection Of Diplomats

IED blast near Israel Embassy

An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) went off around 5:05 PM on Friday causing a minor blast near the Israeli embassy in New Delhi. While no injuries were reported, windows of few cars in the vicinity were shattered due to the impact. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sought a report on the incident whereas NSA Ajit Doval also took stock of the situation on Friday evening.

An alert has been issued at all airports, important installations and government buildings in view of blast reported in Delhi, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has said. The exact location of the blast was outside Jindal House, few metres away from Israel Embassy. 3 cars have been damaged and the forensic teams have suspected use of black powder. An envelope addressed to the Israeli Embassy and containing a note was found at the site of the blast, sources had said on Friday. They said the envelope was addressed to embassy officials but did not divulge any further details including the content of the note.

READ | Delhi IED Blast: Police Detains Cab Driver Spotted In CCTV Footage; Investigation Underway

READ | Delhi IED Blast: City Police Seeks Information Of Foreigners Entering National Capital
Former UK permanent secretary for exiting the European Union Philip Rycroft said Saturday that the EU move to potentially invoke the Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol was ''highly disproportionate and unnecessary.''

On Friday evening, the EU introduced tighter rules on exports of COVID-19 vaccines that could hit shipments to nations like the UK, deepening a dispute with London over scarce supplies of potentially life-saving shots.

But amid an outcry in Northern Ireland and the UK, the European Commission made clear the new measure will not trigger controls on vaccine shipments produced in the 27-nation bloc to the small territory that is part of the United Kingdom bordering EU member Ireland. Under the post-Brexit deal, EU products should still be able to travel unhindered from the bloc to Northern Ireland. The UK and Northern Ireland governments immediately lashed out at the move, saying the bloc invoked an emergency clause in its divorce deal with Britain to introducing controls on exports to Northern Ireland.

Goods are supposed to flow freely between the EU and Northern Ireland under special arrangements for the UK region designed to protect the peace process on the island of Ireland. But the EU later said it was not invoking Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol allowing either side to override parts of their deal.

Rycroft told British broadcaster Sky News the EU did not appropriately check the relevant documents for taking such a decision and, more importantly, did not consult with the Irish government.

While Rycroft said he was glad the European Commission backed down, he added that there are great concerns that such incidents could reappear in the future on issues like goods export.

Irish Minister for European Affairs Thomas Byrne thanked the EU Commission for listening on Friday evening to concerns raised by himself, Johnson, and Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Ukraine was among the first countries to apply for the vaccines in the first wave of their distribution.

Ukrainian Deputy Health Minister, Chief Medical Officer Viktor Liashko has said Ukraine will receive 117,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine within the COVAX (the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility) in February.

Read alsoCOVID-19: Almost 4,700 new active cases reported as of Jan 30"As early as in February, Ukraine will receive 117,000 doses of the U.S.-made Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, which will be immediately distributed to hospitals for vaccination of health workers who provide care to COVID-19 patients," he wrote on Facebook on January 30.

"In parallel, during the first half of the year, starting in February, we'll be able to receive 2.2 million to 3.7 million doses of AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine for the next stages of the campaign. And this is only within the COVAX Facility," he added said.

Liashko noted that Ukraine was among the first countries to apply for the vaccines in the first wave of their distribution.

"The result obtained inspires and gives confidence that our efforts were not in vain, that in the context of the global crisis, mankind is able to mobilize and show real solidarity, without political games and populism. This step gives hope for the health of everyone worldwide," he said.

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 at the third, last stage.

Reporting by UNIAN
The adventure begins before you even arrive at LPA airport. If you're lucky and sit on the right side of the aircraft, you get to see the cluster of volcanic islands that make up the Canaries, stretch out before you. The typically cloudless skies make for a memorable landing.

Flying start

At first, Lanzarote comes into view, with its Timanfaya National Park and the 'mountains of fire' clear to see. Then Fuerteventura passes below the wing. If you look carefully you might make out the vast dunes of Corralejo.

Then as the plane banks to one side to begin its final approach to LPA international airport, the island of Gran Canaria fills the aircraft window. An almost circular island, it rises to nearly 2,000 metres, at the peaks of Morro de la Agujereada, and Pico de las Nieves.

The beauty of coming from the Spanish mainland is that arrival formalities are limited, even in the age of Covid-19. Within a few minutes I was through arrivals and at the Cicar car rental desk.

I wasted no time in getting to see the island. The airport is on the east coast, south of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. It's easy to join the new six-lane motorway that runs north to the capital, or south taking you to the popular resorts of Playa del Ingles or Meloneras in about 20 minutes.

Aguimes old town boasts narrow stone-cobbled streets lined with traditional Canarian whitewashed homes. / A. Forbes

Spanish colonial

Alternatively, you can take a detour and meander through winding country roads to discover historic rural villages like Aguimes. Within half an hour of arrival, I was mooching around the restored old town, a collection of narrow stone-cobbled streets lined with traditional Canarian whitewashed homes with distinctive wooden balconies, and dark volcanic stone detailing around pastel-painted windows and doors.

Towering above the modest buildings is the neoclassical Church of San Sebastian, its twin towers and dome reminiscent of the Americas. A few voices from a cafe terrace are carried on the warm breeze, bougainvillea and bird of paradise flower in the square. It's an idyllic scene that's at odds with the outdated package holiday image the island has been working hard to discard.

It's a joy when travel delivers truly unexpected experiences and Gran Canaria promises to do just that. I have to admit that before my recent visit, I had a few misconceptions of this, the third largest of the Canary Islands, the volcanic archipelago that lies off the north west coast of Africa. Yet my visit delivered plenty of surprises.

Sand dunes and beaches

The holiday resorts are predominantly focused in the south, with of course Playa del Ingles the most well-known. This area, to the east of the imposing Maspalomas Dunes, wasn't what I was expecting. It is very well maintained and has a friendly, inclusive atmosphere, popular with gay and straight holidaymakers of all ages. The resort is updating many facilities and some of the iconic vintage hotels have had hip make-overs. The beach is vast, predominantly nudist and LGBT+ friendly - it has a relaxed vibe.

There are plenty of well-marked hiking routes. / A. Forbes

Then of course there are those Maspalomas sand dunes. It really is like being in a scene from Lawrence of Arabia. Understandably the dunes are a favourite for film, TV and advertising shoots. During my visit last November, they were filming a fashion show with models deftly negotiating the crests of the drifting dunes (walking on ingeniously positioned temporary pathways that had been hidden in the golden sand that's streaked with dark volcanic dust).

To the south west Gran Canaria shows the modern face of the island's hospitality scene with upscale resorts and hotels in the well-planned district of Meloneras. If you're looking for a world-class five-star resort in the sun, then this is the place.

That said, the reason I was here was to understand why so many consider Gran Canaria a miniature continent. It just takes a day exploring the interior of the island, heading for the north and the capital to discover why.

Island road trip

From the desert landscapes of the south, and the rugged volcanic cliffs of the west that hide pristine beaches and coves, one can drive through dramatic scenery of canyons and mountains. This impressive landscape is of cacti, succulents, and small palm forests in narrow valleys.

see more The insider guide to Gran Canaria

The spectacular Fataga gorge is unmissable - a natural wonder with such a scale and impact that it's evocative of the canyons of the southwestern US. Continuing on, the mountain roads will take you into subtropical pine forests. Despite the logging of past centuries, and recent forest fires, the heart of the island is very green. The local authorities have invested in well-signposted hiking trails that take you through natural parks and to fascinating villages and towns.

Las Palmas

The Casa de Colon in Las Palmas. / A. Forbes

Reaching the north of the island is to reach yet another climatic zone and countryside of lush ferns and delicate flowers, shaded by rare laurel forests, pines and chestnut trees. The air is often damp and humid, the weather changing rapidly in the winter months from bright sunshine to light rain. It was like being in northern Europe.

The outskirts of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria came into view as I meandered down to the north-east coast. Colourful, ramshackle houses cling to the steep hillsides, almost like a shanty town, before reaching the city, with its vast port and legendary surfing beaches.

Hidden behind the office blocks and hotels is an old town filled with architectural jewels, from ornate modernism and art deco mansion buildings to the historic cathedral and the restored streets of old town.

Gran Canaria undoubtedly delivers the sun, sea and sand for the perfect family holiday, but there's so much more to this miniature continent.
US Secretary of State Tony Blinken has spoken over phone with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and discussed the accountability of convicted terrorists responsible for the murder of Daniel Pearl, according to the State Department.

Pearl, the 38-year-old South Asia bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal, was abducted and beheaded while he was in investigating a story in 2002 on the links between the country's powerful spy agency ISI and al-Qaeda.

State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said on Friday that Blinken reinforced America's concern over Supreme Court's ruling acquitting Pearl's killers.

Blinken and Qureshi discussed how to ensure accountability for convicted terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh and others responsible for the kidnapping and murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl, Price said in a readout of the call.

In addition, the Secretary and the Foreign Minister discussed the importance of continued US- cooperation on the Afghan peace process, support for regional stability, and the potential to expand our trade and commercial ties, Price said.

A day earlier, Blinken expressed concern over Pakistan Supreme Court's decision acquitting those involved in the sensational kidnapping and murder of Daniel Pearl in 2002 and said that the judgement is an affront to terrorism victims everywhere.

In a strongly worded statement, Blinken urged Pakistan to explore all legal options to ensure that the killers of Pearl are brought to justice.

The United States is deeply concerned by the Pakistani Supreme Court's decision to acquit those involved in Daniel Pearl's kidnapping and murder and any proposed action to release them, he said.

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed appeals against the acquittal of British-born al-Qaeda terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh in the kidnapping and murder case of Pearl and ordered his release, a judgement denounced by the American journalist's family as 'a complete travesty of justice.'



Sheikh and his three aides - Fahad Naseem, Sheikh Adil and Salman Saqib - were convicted and sentenced in the abduction and murder case of Pearl in Karachi in 2002.

Blinken said: Ahmad Omar Saeed Sheikh was indicted in the United States in 2002 for hostage-taking and conspiracy to commit hostage-taking, resulting in the murder of Pearl, the South Asia Bureau Chief for the Wall Street Journal, as well as the 1994 kidnapping of another United States citizen in India.

The court's decision is an affront to terrorism victims everywhere, including in Pakistan, he said.

We expect the Pakistani government to expeditiously review its legal options to ensure justice is served. We take note of the Attorney General's statement that he intends to seek review and recall of the decision. We are also prepared to prosecute Sheikh in the United States for his horrific crimes against an American citizen, Blinken said.

The United States is committed to securing justice for Pearl's family and holding terrorists accountable, he said.

Pearl's murder took place three years after Sheikh, along with Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar, was released by India in 1999 and given safe passage to Afghanistan in exchange for the nearly 150 passengers of hijacked Indian Airlines Flight 814.

He was serving a prison term in India for kidnappings of Western tourists in the country.

A three-judge bench of Pakistan Supreme Court led by Justice Mushir Alam on Thursday dismissed the Sindh government's appeal against the Sindh High Court's (SHC) decision to overturn the conviction of Sheikh in the Pearl murder case. The beheading of the American journalist in 2002 had grabbed headlines.

The court ordered that three others, who had been sentenced to life in prison for their part in Pearl's kidnapping and death, also be freed.

(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 Telegraph

The daughter of Radovan Karadzic, the former Bosnian Serb leader serving life for genocide and crimes against humanity during the 1990s Yugoslav wars, has claimed her father is living in unhealthy and uncivilised conditions in a British prison. Karadzic, 75, who was convicted in 2016, was transferred from a detention unit in Holland to a UK jail earlier this month following an agreement struck between the UN and the Home Office. But his daughter, Sonja Karadzic-Jovicevic, has complained about the conditions at her fathers new prison after speaking to him on the phone. "As for the physical condition in which he is accommodated, it is unacceptable, she told SRNA, a news agency based in the Republika Srpska, the Serb enclave of Bosnia. If we add to that the fact that he is in a building full of carcinogenic asbestos that is banned around the world, it is clear in what condition he will be in. Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic also claimed that moving her father to the UK was a deliberate act of spite against his family. "My father is in a very uncivilised situation, and as far as his family is concerned, his relocation to the south of England was deliberately made to keep him far away, outside the rules of the United Nations Resolution adopted by the Security Council, she said. It will be very difficult for us physically, financially and procedurally, because of visas, and immunisation during the pandemic, and even after that, to ever go there and visit him," she continued. She added that he had been deprived of his books and his computer, and will be completely removed from his language and his culture. A spokesman for the Justice Ministry said: "UK prisons meet health and safety standards." Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic, who has a political career in Bosnia, has fought to defend her fathers name despite his brutal role in the wars as the Yugoslavian federation separated in the 1990s. Known as the Butcher of Bosnia, Karadzic went down in infamy, in particular for ordering the Srebrenica Massacre in July 1995. Some 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were rounded up by the Bosnian Serb army in and around the town of Srebrenica and then killed in the worst single massacre in Europe since the end of the Second World War. Karadzics lawyers had objected to his clients transfer to the UK, arguing that his life would be in danger owing to Muslim inmates in British prisons. They also argued that owing to possible threats to Karadzics life he would be kept in conditions resembling solitary confinement, but the UN court dismissed the objections. Given his role in the slaughter of Muslims, the experience of another Serb convicted of war crimes may also weigh upon the Karadzic family. In 2010 Radislav Krstic, a former Bosnian-Serb general, was stabbed by three Muslim prisoners while serving a sentence in Wakefield prison, in apparent retaliation for Srebrenica.

Michael Sherwin, who prosecuted major federal cases in South Florida, is Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. He now is leading the all-important investigation into the armed insurrection at the Capitol on Jan. 6. President Biden should let him finish the job. Sherwin is the right person to complete the investigation into those alarming events

Sherwin is a career prosecutor, not a political figure. He is of the highest moral character and integrity. Couple these traits with his extraordinary background in counterterrorism and national security, and his deep commitment to the rule of law, and he is the ideal person to bring to justice those who threatened our democracy.

Sherwin has had a spectacular career. He was a U.S. naval intelligence officer with separate tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He served more than 12 years in the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Florida, while intermittently acting as a special detail for the Department of State in Bagram, Afghanistan  a position to which he was appointed by then-Attorney General Eric Holder in the Obama administration.

I worked with Sherwin when he was an assistant U.S. attorney in Miami. I am witness to his knowledge, work ethic and integrity. Sherwin is highly respected by prosecutors, defense lawyers, and judges for his talent and fairness in dealing with adversaries and with the courts. Sherwins career demonstrates that all his prosecutorial decisions have been made solely on facts and law without consideration of politics. He will follow the evidence wherever it leads, whether it incriminates extremists on the right or the left.

In Miami, Sherwin prosecuted countless complex cases and convicted major international drug traffickers, including top-tier members of the Medellin cartel. He also became chief of the districts Health Care Fraud Section, where he supervised the largest healthcare strike force in the country. Under his leadership, the section in Miami led the U.S. Department of Justice in the number of healthcare-fraud indictments, trials and asset forfeitures. He was also the lead prosecutor in the first federal prosecution involving fraud against the government in the affordable-housing industry.

Story continues

As a special attorney in Afghanistan, Sherwin assisted the Afghanistan Attorney Generals Office in terrorism cases and appeals before the specially convened Afghan judicial tribunal. Sherwin participated in the prosecution of top-tier Taliban and al Qaida leaders, suicide bombers, and terrorism financiers.

Sherwin was recruited to DOJ in Washington, D.C., not as a political appointee, but because of his expertise in counterintelligence. He had never met or spoken to former Attorney General William Barr until after he was working in Washington. Because of Sherwins expertise, Barr sent him to Pensacola to handle the investigation of the Naval Air Station shooting, involving an aviation student from Saudi Arabia who killed three U.S. sailors and injured several others in an act of terrorism. The investigation expanded to many other districts that did their own reviews under Sherwins supervision. He analyzed the shooters social media, ran down every lead, worked with the Saudi government and ultimately caused 21 additional Saudi cadets to be disenrolled and returned to Saudi Arabia.

The events at the Capitol were acts of domestic terrorism. Our democracy is, and remains, under siege. Images of thugs invading our Capitol with gallows and nooses, Camp Auschwitz T-shirts and Confederate flags, plus their attacks on Capitol police, shocked and disgusted all good Americans. What America and the world expect is a robust response from our criminal-justice system. Sherwin can, and will, provide that.

Judge Merrick Garland, poised to become the next U.S. attorney general, supervised the investigation of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing as a federal prosecutor. Like the assault on the Capitol, it was a catastrophic act of domestic terrorism. It is fair to assume that he will appreciate Sherwins expertise in counterterrorism.

With Sherwin, politics will play no role. Sherwin will be guided by one principle in dealing with these criminals  charge those responsible with all offenses supported by the facts and the law, including sedition and capital murder, regardless of the offenders ideology. This would include members of Congress if justified by the evidence.

These horrific events happened on Sherwins watch, and he has more than risen to the challenge. He spoke directly to the bad actors at the Capitol: You will be charged, and you will be found.

I know Sherwin. I know his reputation. I know he will proceed with determination and complete independence.. As former Attorney General Elliot Richardson said, reflecting on President Nixons Saturday Night Massacre in 1973, Ours will continue to be a government of laws and not men. Sherwin will follow the laws unwaveringly. The American people will be well-served if he remains in office and sees this critical investigation to its conclusion by bringing all those culpable to justice.

Jon A. Sale is co-chair of the White Collar and Government Investigations Practice Group in the Miami office of Nelson Mullins Broad and Cassel. He is also a former assistant Watergate prosecutor and assistant U.S. attorney in Florida and New York.
Twerking vigorously; sliding down and twisting her slender body around a pole on her seven-inch platform heels for as long as four, five, ...

Twerking vigorously; sliding down and twisting her slender body around a pole on her seven-inch platform heels for as long as four, five, or six hours a night was a routine that raked in the hard cash with which she catered to the bills weighing down on her family. Theres also the lap dance that readily morphed tight-fisted men into overnight strip club philanthropists doling out notes.

For Deborah, a Lagos-based stripper also known as Debbchina, the night of January 10, 2021, had started out as another shot at hustling until operatives of the state police raided a strip club where she was to work the night for violating COVID-19 protocol. This followed the temporary ban on bars that sought to curtail a second wave of the virus. In no time, clients and club workers scurried to their hiding places while the quick ones made for the exit.

A bevy of racily dressed strippers including Deborah left the room where they were pleasuring their clients to get an idea of what had gone wrong in the outer section of the nightclub. It was when they were walked into a police van in what turned out to be a mass arrest  while still dressed in their costumes  that the mood of the night switched. As they violated state directives, Deborah would later claim that they were billed over N3 million.

We were made to pay over N3m, charged to court

Half-naked, we the strippers came out thinking it was a small issue. But we were ordered to enter the van. They threatened to teach us a lesson. We were taken to Maroko Police Station in Victoria Island, brought out at 8 am, and put in a Task Force vehicle after they took pictures and videos. They made fun of us. We were 19 to 21 strippers with coordinators, shisha men, customers, and waitresses making 45, the stripper narrated.

At around 12 pm, they took us to Oshodi, saying they were going to charge us to court. We thought we were only going to pay a fine and go home after then. We were told to plead guilty to make the procedure easy. They gave us two options; said its either we spend a week in detention or we pay N20,000 for bail and N5,000 for something that had to do with environmental costs. They said we had to test for COVID-19, even when the judge didnt say so.

I had already done it thrice before then and never had to pay for it myself. After everything, at which time we were expecting to be bailed, we were remanded to custody. It was the next day (12th) we were asked to pay N50,400 each for the COVID-19 test. They themselves had us exposed to the virus by forcing 32 sweaty girls into a stuffy cell that had a urinary bucket in it. We had to break the bucket and threw it out. We spent three to four days in detention.

We paid bail but we were still forced to test for COVID-19. We started looking for ways to put resources together.

Stripper alleges compromised COVID-19 test

Deborah went ahead to recount how she and her detained colleagues were made to undergo what she alleged was a compromised COVID-19 test, which was said to have marked eight of her stripper colleagues positive, at the cost of N50,400 each. She also claimed that when the police officers arrived at the isolation centre, Yaba, they begged the medical practitioners at the facility to enter the detainees names into the Lagos states COVID-19 database.

They brought a form and we filled it. When they were to send the results, they emailed it and asked us to go look it up. This was while we were still in detention. When we were arrested, we were not allowed to take our cell phones. Some of us didnt even remember our email passwords. Among some of us that thought to quickly get some clothes to put on, one of the policemen tore their outfit, asking who gave her the clothes. I was surprised, Deborah said.

Did he want her to stay naked? All we paid amounted to over N3 million. I suspect they ended up forging positive results for eight of us. None of us had shown symptoms. As of the time I was released, only two had tested positive. Eight were later taken to the isolation centre in Yaba in a Danfo Bus. There was no physical distancing. It was only when they paraded for the media that they made a show of obeying the same safety measures they arrested us for.

At the isolation centre, I was told the doctors had initially rejected the patients, saying they were tired of treating malaria and asthmatic people. It was the policemen that were begging the doctors to enter their names in the Lagos state COVID-19 list. That was how the remaining detainees were freed. It was annoying. We were maltreated! The mother of one of us came to visit them they pushed her away. When she came a second time, they beat her up.

The girl, out of anger, used her stripper shoe to hit one of the policemen on the head. Four of them beat her up too. Each of us ended paying N75,400 out of our noses. We were told the result would be set in 24 hours. So we had to sleep in the cell waiting for it. The last to exit the cell was the lady who fought the police. She was released the next Saturday. At a point, I became convinced that these people were diagnosing malaria as COVID-19. Its not fair.

Mum was down with partial stroke  stripper gives reason for defying the lockdown

When queried on why she defied the restriction on nightclubs and bars to work on that day, Deborah gave lurid details of her family and how she and her immediate younger sister had to work to pay the hospital bills of her mother, who she said is undergoing treatment for partial stroke resulting from high blood pressure. She said her mother had assumed she had abandoned her when she had to remain in detention for days after the arrest.

I had decided to become a stripper because life had beat me black and blue. Im the first daughter of a family with seven girls. We have no one to help out, just myself and my immediate younger sister helping my mum and the rest of my siblings. Stripping is the only thing that gives me money. I dont steal; I dont know how to beg. I dont know how to sell sex every day. The best I could do is dance. Its not like I find it fun, she told TheCable Lifestyle.

Its not even easy to wear those shoes for five to seven hours every day. It was early this January that my mum fell ill. My sister had called me saying she didnt know what was wrong. She couldnt stand and one part of her body wasnt okay. We had her driven to the hospital. After three days, the doctor diagnosed her and found that her blood pressure was high and was leading to stroke. She spent five days and that hospital and was transferred to another.

I had to work at the club that night because I needed the money. My mum was hospitalised; the only thing I do is dance. I needed money to sort out my mothers hospital bills. When I came out of the cell, I found that my mum had sent me a text on Monday. She had thought I deliberately refused to answer my phone because she was still in the hospital. In her message she had assumed I abandoned her, saying well all the better of with her dead. I wept.

The stigma of stripping & plans for further education

When the shisha guys gave half-naked girls some clothes to cover up, a policeman took it off. I was half-naked with my buttocks showing. It was my boyfriend that had to smuggle clothes to me. He had to pay the policemen before they let it through. When they were to bring us out, the only thing they did was to put the half-naked girls behind. Our costumes were dirty. Some of us had to have someone buy us second-hand clothing from outside, she added.

They brought us out and asked us to sit on the floor. Journalists were there with the cameras. The policemen were there too, videoing and snapping without letting us wear good clothes as though theyd never seen strippers before. I found that they couldnt use those footages because most of us were hurling expletive words and giving them the middle finger. Some of the observers were even saying insulting words to us, asking why we chose to be strippers.

I used to be a vixen for music videos. Since our club was shut down, I had to reconsider it again alongside private stripping and house parties to make ends meet. Before the COVID-19 situation, business was good but now its tough. Most of us even had plans of setting up our businesses. I finished my OND at the Lagos State Polytechnic but I didnt go for HND. I was schooling and they were not teaching what I needed to know. I had to stop; make money.

When I graduated, I was offered a job with N50,000 salary but I couldnt do it as a day stripping earned more. I look to enroll in another school. I did Science Laboratory Tech but now I want to go for Business Administration.

Watch the video below:












The Golden Girls is a classic sitcom that ran from 1985 until 1992. Starring Betty White, Rue McClanahan, Bea Arthur, and Estelle Getty, The Golden Girls is widely credited with reinventing the way that many people look at senior citizens and older women in particular.

While Whites guileless Rose might have been the most high-profile actress to work in the series, McClanahans saucy, sassy Blanche Devereaux was undoubtedly the fan-favorite, cracking up viewers on a weekly basis with her wit and Southern charm.

How did Rue McClanahan become famous?

Rue McClanahan as Blanche Devereaux on The Golden Girls. | Herb Ball/NBCU Photo Bank

RELATED: The Golden Girls: Does St. Olaf Really Exist?

McClanahan was born in Oklahoma in 1934. The daughter of a beautician and a building contractor, McClanahan attended the University of Tulsa, where she ultimately earned a Bachelors degree in German and Theatre.

McClanahans early acting work was in stage productions, acting in off-Broadway productions throughout the late fifties and into the 60s.

McClanahans first big television role was in 1970, when she played Caroline Johnson in the series Another World. Although her role on the show lasted for just a little more than a year, McClanahans work in the show earned her acclaim, and she went on to land another high-profile role in the soap opera Where The Heart Is in the years that followed.

By the mid-70s, McClanahan was a familiar face to many viewers. She worked with her future The Golden Girls co-star, Bea Arthur, in the hit sitcom Maude. She also landed a prime role in the series Mamas Family. Still, it wasnt until 1985 that McClanahan really achieved television immortality.

Rue McClanahan played Blanche on The Golden Girls

#RueMcClanahan (19342010) was an Emmy winner and a familiar face for 50 years.



See her on ALL IN THE FAMILY  9p ET on @gettv



What's your favorite role? pic.twitter.com/3xb90PXhnG  getTV (@gettv) December 29, 2020

RELATED: The Golden Girls: This Star Had Insane Stage Fright During Taping

In 1985, McClanahan was cast as Blanche Devereaux in the brand-new series The Golden Girls. As Blanche, McClanahan acted as a man-crazy Southern belle, who loved fashion, fun, and a good glass of wine. She shared her home with her two best friends, Dorothy and Rose, as well as Dorothys mother, Sophia.

Fans loved McClanahans portrayal of Blanche, and especially the over-the-top humor that she brought to the role. The actress was honored several times over the years by critics, and in 1987, she even received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.

McClanahan acted in The Golden Girls until the series went off the air in 1992, and she went on to reprise the role of Blanche in the short-lived spinoff series, The Golden Palace.

What special clause did Rue McClanahan have in her contract?

"It was a golden stretch of time, those 7 years.  #RueMcClanahan on THE GOLDEN GIRLS



The TV icon would have been 85 today. #BornOnThisDay



What else do you remember her from? pic.twitter.com/um83obTegE  getTV (@gettv) February 21, 2019

RELATED: A Forgotten Golden Girls Spin-off Was Canceled After Just One Season

While the character of Blanche Devereaux was best known for her affinity for eligible men, her other great love was good fashion. Out of all the women in The Golden Girls, it was Blanche who was most often seen in stunning gowns and stylish tops, perfectly reminiscent of a classic Southern belle.

McClanahan herself was known to appreciate good quality clothing. In fact, according to Good Housekeeping, McClanahan even had a clause written into her contract for The Golden Girls, stipulating that she would be allowed to keep all of Blanches custom-made clothing that she wore on the show.

After The Golden Girls ended in 1992, McClanahan continued acting in a variety of film and television projects. She also regularly spoke out on behalf of various charitable causes, including her big passion, animal rights.

McClanahan died in 2010, at the age of 76. Still, her work lives on, especially the character of Blanche Devereaux, the brilliantly funny Southern woman with a flair for drama  and fashion.
A passionate conversation about the Miami startup scene began on Twitter last month after a Bay Area venture capitalist tweeted, "what if we move silicon valley to miami" and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez responded, "How can I help?"

Miami boosters have long pushed the Magic City as the next tech startup hub. Now, a year into the Covid-19 era, their pitch has gained greater appeal, given the widespread embrace of remote work and newfound appreciation for outdoor living spaces. Of course, the friendly tax climate--Florida has no personal income taxes--and the mild winter weather have long drawn newcomers, as have its enviable position as a gateway to Latin America and its glittering nightlife. Now, a number of high-profile arrivals are driving new excitement about Miami's startup ecosystem. Here's what has startup leaders talking:

New Moves

Among the notable recent moves to Miami are Blackstone Group and Goldman Sachs, which both have opened offices there, as well as investor Keith Rabois, general partner at Founders Fund, who held executive roles at PayPal, LinkedIn, and Square, and Jonathan Oringer, founder and executive chairman of Shutterstock. "Let's be real: Proximity breeds familiarity," says Leigh-Ann Buchanan, president of aire ventures, a nonprofit consulting firm making tech ecosystems more inclusive. Trust, access, and relationships with high-growth startups can follow from there, she says.

A year ago, the biggest challenge for Miami startups was persuading engineers and developers to move there. Not anymore: Local startups are embracing remote workers more than ever--and remote employees are loving them back. Fort Lauderdale-based Boatsetter, a boat-rental marketplace, recently doubled its staff when it gave up its office, freeing up funds, which also went into developing its technology after a pandemic-related spike in interest, according to Jaclyn Baumgarten, CEO and co-founder.

The pandemic era also has seen job candidates more open than ever to moving to Miami, says Andrew Parker, CEO of Papa, a Miami startup that pairs older adults and families with helpers. Papa recently signed a lease for a nontraditional office, designed for collaboration and not commuting to every day, in the up-and-coming Brickell neighborhood, with a "mini New York'' feel where people can walk to work. Because of the pandemic, "it's much smaller than it would have otherwise been," Parker says. Maxeme Tuchman, CEO and co-founder of Caribu, a video platform for playdates, says she always hired remotely but sees the city as more attractive than ever. "A lot of people saw what it was like to be locked down in a cold place," says Tuchman, who lived in San Francisco. When winter arrived in the rest of the country, the calls started coming, says Buchanan. "I got pings from my friends in Chicago, in the Bay Area, asking where a good place to rent is," she says.

South Florida has been hailed from time to time in the past as a growing tech economy, says Adam Garfield, CEO and co-founder of SpeedETab, a provider of delivery and marketing services for restaurants, but the place didn't have a firm base yet to support it. "Does it have legs behind it now? I think it absolutely does," he says. The Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach area ranked No. 16 in the U.S. for venture capital deal volume and value, with 135 deals and $1 billion invested last year through early December, according to PitchBook, a financial data and software company based in Seattle. Bruno Lulinski, director of investment at Miami Angels, says he sees "exponential growth" for the Miami startup ecosystem in 2021, especially for local ventures. And coming soon in Miami's downtown: the Flagler district, a revitalized neighborhood to attract startups, art, and culture, from billionaire Moishe Mana of tech-hub developer Mana Tech.

Local leaders, however, also look to temper any hype. "It's really important we're cautious about blurring the line between venture capitalists moving to South Florida and actual dollars investing in local startups," says Maria Dominguez, site director of CIC Miami, a co-working, laboratory, entrepreneurial space. Success, she says, depends on newcomers' commitment to Miami and its diverse population. Companies that make Miami home will benefit from its diverse consumer and talent markets. More than half of the city's residents were born outside of the U.S., according to a 2018 count. "Miami looks like what most cities will look like in the next five to 10 years," Buchanan says. "If you're building a company for the future, the future of America is in Miami."

Prominent stakeholders in the community are taking steps to shape the texture of the future tech scene. In January, they released a manifesto on promoting inclusion in the tech startup ecosystem. At a recent town hall meeting, Michelle Abbs, managing director at Mana Tech, rejected the "new Bay Area" premise. "We are not replicating anything else," she said. "We are building something completely new and aspirational."
Amaravati/Hyderabad, Jan 30 : The governors and chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana respectively, paid rich tributes to Mahatama Gandhi on his 73rd death anniversary on Saturday.

"Mahatama Gandhi, the father of the nation, showed a new way of campaigning with his weapons of prayer, request and protest to the world and emerged as an exemplary person," said Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao.

He said Gandhiji's nonviolence and satyagraha rejuvenated India's freedom movement and even sacrificed his life for the country.

Rao said Gandhiji's life proclaims that truth is the ultimate winner.

Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, Municipal Administration Minister K. Taraka Rama Rao, Himachal Pradesh Governor Bandaru Dattatreya and others paid floral to Gandhiji at Bapu Ghat in the city.

Commemorating Gandhiji's 73rd death anniversary, AP Governor Biswa Bhushan Harichandan said India is now a free country and has become a big power both militarily and economically because of the sacrifices made by great freedom fighters.

Harichandan reminded that people across the country fought the British rule on the call given by Gandhiji and when he asked the British to quit India.

"They could not believe that such a mighty British power could be driven out of the country by the peaceful and non-violent movement led by Mahatma Gandhi," observed the Governor.

According to Harichandan, Gandhiji had the confidence that a day will come when the British will leave India, making the country a free nation.

He said leaders from many countries emulated Gandhi and followed his principles of ahimsa (non-violence) and satyagraha in their freedom movements.

Harichandan offered floral tributes to Gandhiji's potrait at a programme organised at the Raj Bhavan's Durbar Hall.

He and his office staff observed two minutes silence as a mark of respect to Gandhiji.

Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy offered floral tributes to Gandhiji at his residence, accompanied by Endowments Minister Vellampalli Srinivas, adviser Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy and others.
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In the times of COVID-19 read what this BOSS is offering for employees to relieve their stress

Coronavirus cases: Delhi records around 900 new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours

Will Karnataka lockdown be extended till June 30? CM Yediyurappa to take call

CoWIN can handle 10 million COVID-19 vaccinations daily: Report

India

oi-Briti Roy Barman

New Delhi, Jan 30: The digital platform, CoWIN that can monitor India's COVID-19 vaccination drive, will be able to handle 10 million vaccinations, covering 300 million people daily, R S Sharma, who chairs a government group overseeing CoWIN, told Reuters on Friday.

CoWIN would be integrated into Aarogya Setu, Sharma said, adding, "Big numbers won't be a problem for us." CoWIN would use online and offline systems to register beneficiaries, Sharma said.

India, which has the world's second-highest number of coronavirus cases, is relying on CoWIN to link beneficiaries with vaccines in what the government touts as the biggest inoculation campaign anywhere.

India, meanwhile, took only 13 days to complete the vaccination of three million (30 lakh) people, fastest in the world, the health ministry has said.

This rate of vaccination puts India ahead of the United States which took 18 days to reach the three million mark.

Israel took 33 days and the United Kingdom took 36 days to cover three million vaccination, health ministry data revealed.

Moradabad-Agra highway accident | Gandhi statue vandalised in US | Oneindia News

From an average of 2 lakh people getting vaccinated on a day while the vaccination drive started on January 16, the per day number has jumped to five lakh, as the number of sites and sessions has also gone up.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, January 30, 2021, 11:59 [IST]
Mr. Putins usually atomized critics have come together around the figure of Mr. Navalny, 44, not for his political views but because he is perceived as a symbol of the main source of the anger that many Russians feel toward the Kremlin: injustice.

Ms. Nikiforova, the monarchist, who is 37 and works as a screenwriter in Moscow, initially went along with the narrative of a Russia rising from its knees under Mr. Putin that is piped out constantly by state TV. She remembered the broken street lamps of the post-Soviet 1990s, the used needles discarded by drug addicts cracking underfoot on Moscows sidewalks. She saw the possibility of wealth and hopes of a revival under Mr. Putin, who took power in 1999.

Years later, after she became a parent, she saw the failings of Russias schools, courts and hospitals. But she still believed that Mr. Putins government could improve. And she refused to accept that the state he ruled had something to do with the atrocities attributed to it in the West  like the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over Ukraine in 2014 or the poisoning of Mr. Navalny in Siberia last summer.

Things changed after she saw the investigations that Mr. Navalny published in December about his own botched poisoning, in which the opposition leader worked with journalists using phone and flight records to show that a team of chemical weapons specialists from the domestic intelligence agency had followed him for years. Then came Mr. Navalnys dramatic return to Russia from Germany, his immediate arrest, and his report on Mr. Putins purported palace, which has been viewed 100 million times on YouTube.
Kentucky Speed Test Gets Big Response

By West Kentucky Star Staff

FRANKFORT - More than 30,000 Kentucky households logged on to Kentucky's broadband speed test in the first week of the statewide project.Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman said 31,400 participants "have just about outpaced other states that began their speed tests six months ago.The counties that have the highest participation rates so far are Scott, Harlan, Caldwell, Woodford and Lyon  thank you for making this a priority. We need everyone, no matter where you are from, to participate, Coleman said.The crowd-sourcing project will gather data from Kentuckians needed to expand internet home access for distance learning, telework and telehealth.In addition to finding out their own upload and download speeds, Kentuckians who participate in the speed test will help detect slow spots around the state and where Wi-Fi access and affordability are lacking.The speed test can be done from any device connected to the Wi-Fi signal in your home.Individuals can take the free, anonymous speed test now through Feb. 18 by clicking the link below.On the Net:
The absence of the official enlargement perspective doesnt meant that Georgia should be discouraged lodging a membership application. But in order to succeed, Georgia should be more creative in its foreign policy, write Teona Lavrelashvili and Steven Van Hecke. As EurActiv writes, Georgias foreign policy debut of 2021 kicked off in Brussels. On 22-23 January the countrys President, Salome Zourabichvili, met with the Presidents of the European Council, the European Commission and the European Parliament, as well as the NATO Secretary General. In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, she did not forgot to announce the key message: Georgia prepares itself to officially apply for EU membership by 2024.

This declaration has left many of the EU realists with confusion and bewilderment because of the EUs current enlargement fatigue. And if the EU would nonetheless welcome new members, the priority is the Western Balkans. Yet, the EU optimists would be less sceptic and ask why not to give this small Caucasus country a chance. After all, its population is vehemently pro-European (with 82% in favour of EU integration), the country has scored pretty well in its reform agenda (even better than some countries of the Western Balkans) and the EU could finally show its geopolitical might in its near neighborhood by engaging more seriously with Georgia.

Of course, these arguments are not sufficient and one should look at both the political and technical aspects of its membership. Georgias current framework of relations with the EU is the Eastern Partnership (EaP) that is less ambitious compared to the countries of the Western Balkans. The latter are granted with EU membership perspective, while the countries of the EaP have never been given such a perspective, despite their repeated requests. This mismatch of expectations is one of the main weaknesses of the EaP policy. Its main deficiency lies in its paradoxical composition of the countries with varying degrees of ambition. Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine have expressed their readiness to sail far with the EU by signing the Association Agreements, while Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus are adamant to a greater cooperation.

Probably this obsoleteness of the EaP motivated Georgia to awaken EU decision-makers about the expectation gap. In fact, out of three Associated Countries, Georgia seems in the best place to make such a bold step. Ukraine remains entrenched in the struggle between reformers who are willing to overhaul the entire system and the supporters (and beneficiaries) of the old system, while Moldovas newly elected pro-Western President lacks a majority in the parliament to act decisively. Certainly, Georgia is far from being politically perfect. The results of the recent parliamentary elections triggered a political crisis as a big part of the opposition refuses to enter the parliament. Not to mention other challenges, particularly the economic hardships and a high level of poverty.

From the EUs perspective Georgias EU membership application without first being granted a membership perspective might seem unrealistic. Although Georgia in theory satisfies the formal eligibility criteria enshrined in article 49 of the TEU, over time the EU has developed procedures upstream of the application process. This entails that the European Council first decides whether or not to offer a country the membership perspective. If the decision is successful by an unanimity vote, only then the country becomes a formal candidate.

Does it mean that the absence of this perspective and the lack of Georgias preparedness should discourage the country of making a membership application? Not necessarily, but in order to succeed, Georgia should display more creativity in its foreign policy agenda, along with intensifying its efforts to strengthen economic reforms and the rule of law.

Georgias key messages have always been oriented to mobilize the West around its challenges, mainly on its territorial integrity issue. It has always called for more EU in Georgia, but has been less active in contributing to the Wests political agenda with innovative ideas.

Even the Trio strategy, that aims at intensifying cooperation of three EU Associated Countries, was created top-down, by a few Members of the European Parliament. Georgia continues looking at the EU from the keyhole, without realizing that it should imagine itself as a part of the EUs political architecture and engage politically, here and now. Furthermore, Georgias foreign policy mechanism should be enriched. For example, the membership in the Europarties could be used in a more strategic way. These Europarties, which possess a significant power to lobby a countrys EU prospects in the European Council, are an unique political resource that are not used sufficiently. In other words, it should be the Europarties that have to pick up on this declaration and start making the EU leadership familiar with Georgias EU membership prospects.

But is the EU ready for accepting Georgias application? This is not the right question. The EU will never be fully ready per se. The progress from both sides requires action as well as a vision and Georgias application serves these purposes. Yes, the countries of the Western Balkans are queuing but it is an open secret that some of them, particularly Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, will take a lot more time to advance on their EU integration path.

The membership perspective is not necessarily helping much, while for Georgia the membership perspective is a question of national security and for the EU a question of geopolitics. The EUs readiness to accept its application will be a positive spillover and a push factor for Ukraine and Moldova to advance their reform agendas and remain on the Wests orbit.

Teona Lavrelashvili is project Manager of the European Party Monitor, KU Leuven. Previously she worked as a policy officer at European Commission, DG NEAR. Steven van Hecke is Associate Professor at KU Leuven, Project Coordinator of the European Party Monitor.
(Newser)  In the don't blink-or-you'll-miss-it town of Woodstock, Ohio, population 300, dozens of residents still fly "Trump 2020" flags. But it's a now-shuttered bar that brought the FBI to town this month. Bedsheets and drapes cover the windows of the Jolly Roger Bar and Grill, except for a sliver where an "OPEN" sign flickers in red, white, and blue. It is here, federal authorities say, that Army veteran Jessica Watkins tended bar and recruited members for a local militia group her social media posts said she founded in 2019. She affiliated it with the Oath Keepers, an extremist, militaristic group believed to have thousands of members nationally, authorities say. In a criminal complaint filed Jan. 19 and a federal indictment Wednesday, Watkins and a member of her militia, ex-Marine Donovan Ray Crowl, are charged, along with a Virginia man, with helping to plan and coordinate the Jan. 6 attack on the US Capitol. Both are jailed in Dayton now, the AP reports. "We have a good group," federal authorities say Watkins transmitted that day. "We have about 30-40 of us. We are sticking together and sticking to the plan."

story continues below

A couple of blocks from the Jolly Roger, congregants at the Free Will Baptist Church are trying to wrap their heads around it, said Keith Pack, a church deacon. "Just shocked that it would be in the small town of Woodstock," he said Pack. Freddy Cruz, a Southern Poverty Law Center research analyst, agreed "it's shocking" that people from a place such as Woodstock would be tied to a bold insurrection. But it shouldn't be, he said. "I think the general media and the federal institutions have dropped the ball in taking these groups seriously," Cruz said. He said many anti-government groups have been active for years, carrying out military-like training for a second Civil War in apocalyptic fantasies fueled by conspiracy narratives. In November, Watkins sent a text to several people, encouraging them to participate in "a week-long basic Basic Training class," in early January, according to court records. "I need you fighting fit by innaugeration, the 38-year-old told one interested member. Five days before the Capitol riot, Watkins ended a social media post with: "Guess I am going to pack for DC. See you there."

(Read more Capitol attack stories.)
PYONGYANG: Nearly four years after the assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un`s estranged half-brother, Kim Jong Nam, a new documentary seeks to shed light on the brazen airport murder and the involvement of the two young women accused of carrying it out.

Kim Jong Nam`s killing https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-malaysia-kim-murder/murder... at Malaysia`s Kuala Lumpur International Airport in February 2017 was caught on grainy CCTV footage broadcast worldwide, yet many details still remain a mystery. (https://reut.rs/2KWDB8f)

U.S. director Ryan White spent 2-1/2 years investigating the case for 'Assassins' which will be released in cinemas and digitally on demand on Friday.

The film focuses on the two women - Indonesian Siti Aisyah and Vietnamese Doan Thi Huong - who were charged with poisoning Kim by smearing his face with the banned chemical weapon VX and had at one point faced a mandatory death penalty in Malaysia. Defense lawyers maintained they were pawns in an assassination orchestrated by North Korean agents. The women said they thought they were part of a reality prank show and did not know they were poisoning Kim.

Siti was freed in March 2019 after a Malaysian court dropped charges against her. Prosecutors dropped a murder charge against Huong, who pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of causing harm using dangerous means, and she went free the following May.

South Korean and U.S. officials have said the North Korean regime had ordered the assassination of Kim, who had criticized his family's dynastic rule. Pyongyang has denied the allegation.

For "Assassins," White`s extensive research included travel to Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. But he said hearing from the women themselves was the most crucial factor in finding the reality behind the headlines.

Doan and Aisyah were shown the documentary earlier this week, and while the film got their blessing, Doan expressed regret over some scenes, White said.

"Her first reaction ... was, 'I wish I hadn't smiled so much,'" he said, referring to scenes showing the return to Vietnam of Doan, who White said became a target for vitriol on social media and has "retreated into her shell a lot more."

"They're both lovely and thankfully survived this experience, but I think their lives will never be the same, unfortunately," he said.

Live TV

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said on Friday the Biden administration is having a hard look at the extent to which the Taliban are complying with the conditions of the peace agreement and supports the talks between the stakeholders to find a durable political settlement to the long-standing conflict in Afghanistan.

The Trump administration signed the peace deal with Taliban in February last year in Doha. The accord drew up plans for withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan in exchange for security guarantees from the insurgent group. As part of the deal, the US committed to withdraw its 12,000 troops within 14 months. There are currently only 2,500 American troops left in the country.

The Taliban committed to prevent other groups, including al Qaeda, from using Afghan soil to recruit, train or fundraise toward activities that threaten the US or its allies. ''In that context, we will make decisions about our force posture and our diplomatic strategy going forward," Sullivan said.

''What the previous administration did in terms of setting up and supporting negotiations between the stakeholders in Afghanistan toward a just, durable political settlement to that conflict, that basic frame is something that we very much support," he said at an event organised by the US Institute of Peace, a Congress-funded think-tank.

''We want to support negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban and others to get to that just and sustainable outcome in addition to looking at the US-Taliban agreement and what it means for our forces going forward," Sullivan said.

Direct talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban began in Doha in September last year, but a breakthrough is yet to be reached. Levels of violence in Afghanistan remain high with journalists, activists, politicians and women judges among those killed in targeted assassinations.

EU authorises AstraZeneca corona vaccine

Israel Embassy official to India: Delhi blast could be 'terror attack'

Marine heatwaves may become more intense, frequent, say scientists
The electronic producer SOPHIE died in Athens after an accident on Saturday, an immense loss to the world of music and the trans community. SOPHIE, who was 34, created a wide-rangingbut still too smallbody of work that includes high-profile collaborations with artists like Madonna, Charli XCX, Vince Staples, and many others. But SOPHIE also leaves a solo legacy rivaling any other producer of 21st century musicboth for its influence and its sheer creative bravado.

Originally from Glasgow, SOPHIE first emerged as an anonymous character in the milieu of hyper-real U.K. electronic pop most closely associated with the PC Music label: music calibrated to such candy-sweetness as to reveal the hollowness of said pop. But SOPHIE quickly became one of electronic musics most essential voices with singles like 2013s BIPP, a fully formed vision of what futurist pop could be. With a cutesy, chirping vocal backed by a skeleton of warped pops and industrial bass, BIPP is textbook SOPHIE: pop music as non-Newtonian fluid, a tactile but slippery surface, able to mold itself around a listeners perceptions. When I listen to BIPP, I hear a fun, happy song concealing something terribly sad, but I couldnt for the life of me tell you why.

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SOPHIEs early singles were collected in the 2015 compilation PRODUCT, along with some new tracks that broadened the artists template like VYZEE, a twisted bubblegum ode to going a bit too far on a night out. But its final track, JUST LIKE WE NEVER SAID GOODBYE, a tranced-out torch song combining the overwhelming falsity of electronic pop with human longing, would signal SOPHIEs next move. Its pop music at the height of all its contradictions: completely artificial and utterly real.

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For SOPHIE, that metaphor applied not only to music, however, but to the concept of identity as a whole. SOPHIE re-emerged in 2018 with the masterpiece OIL OF EVERY PEARLs UN-INSIDES, an album that explored SOPHIEs fascination with surface and a newly public identity as a trans person. (SOPHIE preferred not to use gendered or nonbinary pronouns.) In Faceshopping, SOPHIE argues that ones true identity is whatever they create for themselves, be it through Photoshop, plastic surgery, or any other mode. For SOPHIE, the surface isnt artificial; if you master it, its the realest part of you. As the song says: My shop is the face I front, Im real when I shop my face.

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OIL OF EVERY PEARLs UN-INSIDES is an incredibly diverse record, with Ponyboy, an all-time great S&M-themed banger; Immaterial, a gleaming celebration of self-conception; Pretending, a droning industrial piece; and Whole New World/Pretend World, a paranoid alarm call. But the most shocking moment on the record is the first one, its lead single: Its Okay to Cry. Besides being the artists first-ever singing credit, the video was also SOPHIEs official coming out party. Its a twinkling power ballad with a soft vocal, and little of the heaviness associated with SOPHIEs past work. It was puzzling at the time. Here was the most avant-garde artist on the planet coming out with the uncoolest thing possible, a simply beautiful, sincere song about forgiveness and self-kindness. The taste-obsessed electronic music scene was genuinely scandalized. But now, on the day of SOPHIEs death, it seems like the only song for the moment. SOPHIE had limitless potential, and so much more to show the world as both an artist and an advocate. SOPHIEs death is an incredible loss. Its OK to cry.

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A person breathes in approx. 20 kilos of air every day. In Denmark, we spend almost 90 per cent of our time indoors, and therefore the chemical indoor climate in our buildings has a major impact on our health.

The problem is that we know very little about the chemistry and chemical processes that affect our indoor climate.

We have a blind spot for the chemical impacts of our indoor climate. We've been focussing on measuring emissions in outdoor air for many years, but we still know very little about the air quality indoors. It's time to take a closer look at the chemistry in our indoor environment and identify the sources and processes that form harmful substances." Kasper Vita Kristensen, Assistant Professor, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University

Kasper Vita Kristensen has just received a DKK 6 million grant from the Villum Foundation's Young Investigator Programme for his research.

The indoor climate is a Black Box

We already have access to various individual studies of how gasses are emitted from building materials, for example. On the other hand, we do not know anything about how these chemicals behave in the home, where there are many other chemicals and varying conditions such as humidity, temperature and light.

"We have limited knowledge about emissions from a few materials, but we simply don't know anything about what happens when they are mixed up in the air. Our chemical indoor climate is a Black Box, and it's time to open it up," says Kasper Vita Kristensen.

His research will identify the chemicals in our buildings and examine what happens when air humidity and temperature conditions change.

"Our indoor climate is very dynamic. We take a bath, turn up the heating, cook, clean, air out, vacuum and so on. It makes no sense whatsoever to take a single air sample, bring it into the laboratory and look at it there. We need to know how the chemicals behave together and under different conditions over time," says Kasper Vita Kristensen.

We know that carcinogenic substances such as formaldehyde may be problematic for the indoor climate, but even small quantities of other chemicals, for example from new building materials, mattresses, blankets or furniture, may have a negative influence on the chemical air quality.

"We don't know, because we haven't yet studied what happens chemically when the substances are mixed together, or how they affect humans. We don't know enough about how we humans and our activities influence the chemical indoor climate," says Kasper Vita Kristensen. Read the article (in Danish): Research project to eliminate perpetual chemicals

Special focus on clean air for children

Kasper Vita Andersen's research focuses in particular on schools and daycare institutions, where several studies indicate a worrying correlation between polluted indoor air, and well-being and learning among children.

"We know that the content of chemicals in the air affects health, productivity and learning. That's why it makes very good sense for me to focus my research on environments where the youngest and most vulnerable people in society spend a lot of time," he says.

He adds: "It's a matter close to my heart. We need to kick-start a development in the building sector, where focus on architecture, energy consumption, sustainability and indoor climate - including chemicals - go hand in hand."

In the new project, he will be working with the City of Aarhus to study how technological, construction and behavioral climate strategies in schools, daycare centers and nurseries can provide a healthier indoor climate.

The research will give us insight into where the chemistry of our air comes from, what is harmful, and how we can reduce the negative impacts on children's indoor climate.

The goal is also to develop new purification technologies.

"We want to create a healthier indoor climate for our children, but we need to know about the chemical cocktail in the air, we need to know what to measure, and what to remove or perhaps avoid completely," says Kasper Vita Kristensen.

He stresses that it will require a high degree of engineering, chemical and health expertise.

"Interdisciplinarity is key if we are to establish basic knowledge within this area. We need to know where the chemicals come from, how they individually and together affect the human body, and how we can use technology to purify the air," says Kasper Vita Kristensen.

In his project, he will be collaborating with researchers from the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, the Department of Public Health and Department of Chemistry at Aarhus University, as well as some of the world's leading indoor climate researchers from the University of Austin, Texas and the University of California, Berkeley.
RIGGINS - Human Remains that were found in the area of the Seven Devils and Bernard Creek area in April of 2020 have been positively identified as Riggins resident Todd William Hofflander by the FBI using DNA analysis. Mr. Hofflander was last seen September 26, 2010 in the area of McGaffee Cow Camp while backpacking in the area with a friend. A search of the area by multiple agencies was unsuccessful in locating Mr. Hofflander.

On April 27, 2020, a hunter in the Bernard Creek area found what appeared to be human remains, along with some backpacking supplies and a camera. The hunter took the camera and turned it over to the Idaho County Sheriffs Office, where pictures of Todd Hofflander where subsequently located on the device.

A team from the Idaho County Sheriff's Office was taken by boat to the area and collected the remains and the hunting gear. Detectives showed the hunting gear to Mr. Hofflanders wife and she positively identified the items as belonging to her husband.

Idaho County Coroner Cody Funke took possession of the remains and transported them to the Ada County Coroners Office in Boise for further review. Investigators with Ada County used contacts to get the remains to the FBI in Washington D.C. and the FBI confirmed all remains found were from the same person. At that time, they took DNA and ran it against a known sample of Mr. Hofflanders DNA.

On January 21, 2021, Ada County Investigators called Coroner Funke and stated they had positively identified the remains as Todd Hofflander. The Idaho County Coroner and the Idaho County Sheriffs office would like to thank the Ada County Coroners Office and the FBI for making the DNA match. Our deepest condolences once again go out to the Hofflander family.
MLive Meteorologist Mark Torregrossa has been tracking the incoming snowstorm, which is slated to blow into Michigan later tonight and into Sunday. For our latest interactive snow forecast map and what-to-expect posts about specific regions, check the MLive weather page or jump into our Michigan Weather Facebook group.

As storms approach The Mitten, we also like to check in with other forecasters around our state and see what they are predicting for their areas. Heres a handful of those localized forecasts:

WOOD TV 8, Grand Rapids

From Bill Steffens blog: Southern Lower Michigan will be on the north side of a band of snow this weekend. Right now it looks like the heaviest snow will be across N. Illinois and Indiana, but several inches of snow could fall from Grand Rapids to the south. The farther south you are, the better the chance for some significant snow from Saturday PM into Sunday.

FOX 17, Grand Rapids

While this weekends snow wont be anything record breaking, some spots will approach 6 of snow by late Sunday. The best way to go about how much snow you will see is the closer you are to the Michigan-Indiana border, the more snow you will get.

FOX 17 meteorologists see accumulating snow returning after dark Saturday night, with several inches expected in West Michigans southern counties. Posted by FOX 17 on Saturday, January 30, 2021

WWMT, Kalamazoo

Tonight: Windy with snow spreading in between sunset and midnight. Total accumulations through Sunday of 2-6; higher amounts near/south of I-94, and lower amounts near/north of I-96. Lows in the middle 20s. E winds 20-30 mph.

WJRT, Flint

A storm system passing to our south will be just close enough to us to bring a round of some light snow beginning late tonight and into Sunday. Areas south and west in Mid-Michigan stand the best chance for any snow with areas to the north staying dry. Around an inch of accumulation will be possible for most through tomorrow with totals closer to two inches in Shiawassee County. A few lingering snow showers are possible on Monday as well with some very light accumulation.

WNEM, TV 5, Saginaw

It's a cold start to the weekend! Increasing clouds into the afternoon but staying dry. Highs only reaching the... Posted by WNEMTV5news on Saturday, January 30, 2021

WILX, News 10, Lansing

Welcome to the weekend! More snow is heading this way and we have Winter Weather Advisories in effect from 7 P.M. this... Posted by WILX News 10 on Saturday, January 30, 2021

FOX 2, Detroit

Winter Weather Advisory will go into effect tonight through Sunday evening. After a freezing cold start this morning, we are expecting more clouds through today with highs only in the upper 20s. Snow starts to move in overnight and through the day on Sunday. Area wide, we are expecting between a trace to 4 inches of snow.

UPNORTHLIVE, Traverse City

A storm system will be nearby late Saturday into Sunday morning, but the expectation is for any snow/high-impact weather to miss N. Michigan to the south. The bulk of this system will impact places downstate into the Ohio River Valley. If anything, a few light snow showers are possible south of M-72 early Sunday. Temperatures will be back into the upper 20s to lower 30s to wrap up the weekend.

9&10 News, Cadillac

Snow showers will move into northern Michigan overnight. This storm will be similar to what you saw the last weekend. U.P. will see little snow if any out of this storm. L.P. will feature most of the snow showers.

WJMN, Marquette

Temperatures will be not as cold this weekend with some snow. #906wx https://www.upmatters.com/weather/ for the weather livestream and interactive radar. Posted by WJMN Local 3 on Saturday, January 30, 2021

Today, mostly cloudy with a chance of snow. Temperatures this afternoon will be in the 20s to around 30. East to southeast wind 10 to 15 MPH with a few higher gusts.

Tonight, mostly cloudy with a chance of snow. Low temperatures will be in the teens and 20s (coldest temperatures inland). East to southeast wind 10 to 15 MPH with a few higher gusts.
Think of the coronavirus vaccine as a test run or dress rehearsal for your immune system in preparation for the day it might encounter the protein found in the highly contagious and deadly COVID-19, says Midland County Medical Director Dr. Catherine Bodnar.

The typically milder symptoms of the first dose of the vaccine means your immunity system has been triggered. The more flu-like symptoms after the needed second dose is because your immunity system is primed and acts more vigorously to fend off the protein found in theSARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.

"Vaccinations are like education for our immune systems," Bodnar said. "Getting the vaccine helps our system produce a response-like a practice run or rehearsal."

Health officials hope the Pfizer and Moderna vaccinations  and those expected to come after  will prove to be highly effective against stopping the spread of the highly contagious virus and, hopefully, ending the pandemic.

The first vaccine was developed in 1798, to combat smallpox, Bodnar said, adding the last case of smallpox was in 1978.

"Smallpox was officially declared eradicated from the planet in 1979," she said. "Once common diseases, polio, measles, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), rubella (German measles), mumps, tetanus, rotavirus and chickenpox can be prevented by vaccination. Now we have the first vaccines for COVID-19, an important tool to help end the pandemic and get the economy and our lives back to normal."

The stats behind the vaccines

The Moderna vaccination has an efficacy rate of 94.5% while the Pfizer has a rate of 95%, based on clinical trials, Bodnar said, adding the measles vaccine has an efficacy rate of 97%.

Bodnar says current coronavirus vaccine is believed to be highly effective against the new strain first identified in the United Kingdom, but it is thought not to be as highly effective against the strain first identified in South Africa.

The Centers for Disease Control health officials hope that 5.6 million people, age 16 and older and eligible for the vaccine, are vaccinated by the end of 2021. The state has set a goal of having 70% percent of those eligible for the vaccine by the fall. Bodnar hopes for 80%.

"I would like for 80% to get vaccinated to get that heard immunity or some people call that community immunity," she said. "People not accepting vaccine is kind of my worst nightmare right now."

Bodnar said the vaccine could be beneficial to people who contract coronavirus.

"Even if you get COVID-19, the vaccine may protect you from becoming seriously ill. It also protects people around you, especially those at high risk from severe complications of COVID-19. The best way to quell the pandemic is to get vaccinated and continue to follow public health measures," including wearing masks, social distancing, handwashing and limiting interactions with people outside your household.

So far, Midland County seniors have indicated a "very high" acceptance rate of the vaccine as do school personnel, who have been getting their vaccinations. She said one school district had a 70% expected acceptance rate and another had an 82% acceptance rate.

"And this is just the first pass with them," she said. "What tends to happen is people see other people getting vaccinated, some people want to wait and will jump in a little bit later. I think getting numbers like 70%, 82% is really great."

How the vaccine work

Coronavirus vaccines do not contain live coronavirus, and people cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine.

Instead the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines contain messenger RNA (mRNA,) which contains genetic instructions for making a piece of a harmless spike protein. The mRNA is delivered in a fragile, oily sphere (which is why the vaccine needs to be frozen) that meets up with cells in the body. The mRNA instructs the cells to make the spike protein, which is carried on cells. The immune system will recognize the protein as something that shouldn't be there and makes antibodies to destroy it.

"The next time our system encounters that spike protein, which might be attached to the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19, our immune system is ready to go and ready to respond because it has had its practice run or rehearsal."

Another promising vaccine on the horizon is the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which uses double-stranded DNA for instructions to build the mRNA, Bodnar said.

"That has to get into the nucleus of the cell and make the mRNA. DNA is not as fragile as RNA . It can be refrigerated not frozen."

Asymptomatic virus 'a big problem'

Especially troublesome with COVID-19 is how easily it can be transmitted without the carrier showing any symptoms unlike the SARS-associated coronavirus that made headlines earlier this century.

"SARS is a coronavirus that gave us severe respiratory distress syndrome back in early 2000s, which kind of magically disappeared. We saw some illness from it but not (like COVID-19). The thing about that SARS, it wasn't thought to be transmissible until people had symptoms so it was relatively easy to curtail something like that versus SARS-CoV-2 where there's a lot of asymptomatic transmission. They're like night and day really. Asymptomatic is huge  it's a big problem."

That virus was much easier to curtail because, just as with influenza, people with symptoms of a contagious virus tend to wear masks and isolate themselves when they are sick. Without symptoms, people tend to go about their business and can spread the virus everywhere they go without knowing it.

Common misconceptions

 Myth: COVID 19 vaccine not safe because it was rapidly developed.

Bodnar said some of the technology already was in place because of the SARS virus in the early 2000s. Researchers were aware of coronaviruses and their issues and were able to adapt their work to focus on the virus that causes COVID-19.

Government funding of research also helped speed the process, she said, allowing phases to be worked on simultaneously without skipping any steps.

"Once you get to go to Phase 3 trial you're starting to manufacture the vaccine. That's why as soon as Phase 3 was done, the vaccine was ready to go because it was being manufactured," Bodnar said, adding that would not have been the case if funding had to be found with each step.

"I have no reservation about how these vaccinations were developed and the speed makes sense to me because we have this global pandemic that is just devastating to our planet and all this energy and resources were directed to getting this done."

 Myth: Masks are no longer needed after a vaccine.

Bodnar said early on in the pandemic it wasn't advised to wear masks because medical officials didn't think COVID-19 was asymptomatic.

"Masks traditional have been used to prevent transmission so having people without symptoms wearing masks were not thought to be something we needed until realization came about that this can be spread by people who don't have symptoms," Bodnar said. "When that happened the realization that anybody can be a source because they don't have to have symptoms, that's when the whole flip flop came with the masks, the CDC recommendations. Really this asymptomatic transmission is huge. It's a big problem."

Bodnar said it is crucial for people continue to wear masks, social distance and follow all public health recommendations even after they are vaccinated.

 Myth: I don't need a vaccine, I've already had coronavirus.

There is not enough information to say for how long after an infection someone is protected from getting COVID-19 again, which is called natural immunity.

"Early evidence suggests (natural immunity) may not last for long but we really don't understand that so it's recommended even if you have COVID-19 to get the vaccine," Bodnar said. "You can delay getting the vaccination until about 90 days after diagnosis but if we're going after priority groups right now, we are not delaying vaccines to people who had the disease."
21 runners killed during mountain race in northwestern province of Gansu; Indian variant of Covid-19 found in Guangzhou; Beijing willing to arrange for vaccines to be sent to Taiwan

May 28, 2021 08:15 PM
The makers of The White Tiger and A Suitable Boy cant be held guilty for the white gaze, far from it. What these pieces of content lack, however, is not enough of the Indian gaze.

When Parasite was nominated for last years Academy Awards, there was a mad rush to watch Bong Joon-hos social satire that broke down class disparity, with small moments of joy, with humorous twists and a Machiavellian family who shouldnt have been likeable but somehow manages to be. I watched the Korean film with subtitles but that took little away from the film. A year before that, Alfonso Cuaron mesmerised us with Roma and along the way, smashed two myths with his masterpiece. First, that colour isnt necessary for beauty to shine through. And second, that art has no language. I watched that one with subtitles too. If theres one thing that unites great cinema, its that its makers dont feel the need to pander to a wider audience - the audience will consume it as is.

When Netflix announced an adaptation was in the works of Aravind Adigas Man Booker prize-winning novel, The White Tiger, I had hoped for an evocative desi film that transcended language and cultural barriers. It was a story that had all the right ingredients for a great social drama. So, imagine the mixed feelings when one heard that the film would be directed by an American son of Iranian immigrants. Dont get me wrong. Ramin Bahrani has made some amazing cinema - from his earlier films like Man Push Cart and Chop Chop to his last film, Fahrenheit 451, Bahrani has shown that hes not just versatile as a director but someone whos sensitive to the culture of his subjects. There was no doubt that hed make a great film, but there was always that nagging feeling that this would end up being one more great Indian story for the world to consume while people back home found it just a tad inauthentic.

Since its release about a week ago, the film has received mostly good reviews from all quarters of the world, except the country where the story is based in. And this isnt a case of people crying foul over how India is represented, or how the makers of the film are Hinduphobic as is wont for most to assume. This is a case of watching a mostly decent film with a brilliant central performance, but it largely just doesnt ring true.

It has nothing to do with the films opening sequence featuring Indias rich driving drunk in a speeding vehicle through Lutyens Delhi, a statue of Mahatma Gandhi, Indias poor living on the pavements, and a cow in the middle of the road - all within the first two minutes. Might as well get the stereotypes out of the way as early as possible. Even the fact that the film is primarily in English is understandable if not ideal; after all, we do take pride in being an English-speaking nation. So, having an English-speaking driver from a village in Bihar isnt so jarring. But its when conversations in Hindi are juxtaposed with a smattering of English where it becomes obvious that someone who isnt from India had made the film.

Sample this. Balram, a young villager offers his services as a driver to a rich landlord. After speaking a couple of sentences in Hindi he switches to English, which again isnt the problem; its possible he wants to show off his knowledge of the language. But when he tells the landlord that a sacrifice was offered in the village so that you should have more sons to keep rule in the village, you know its a phrase thats been translated from Hindi. Nobody talks like that in real life. The film has more than a few of these phrases which just sound out of place. For example: who in the world would call bhindi 'garma-garam okra' in all seriousness? The narration itself has a good reason to be in English (its an e-mail hes writing to the Chinese Premier) but phrases like A good servant must know his master, from lips to anus just sound idiotic in every sense of the word.

Then there's the issue of context. Its one thing for Balram to be spouting English with his masters, but when hes having a conversation with another driver, a conversation laden with some of the filthiest Hindi cuss-words, he suddenly switches to English and says, My master does not do these things. Hes a good man. One cant help asking what his motivations for the switch are in this case, unless he was looking at branding himself a know-it-all amongst his peers. The lack of reaction from the other man to the language switch would have you believe its how all these conversations take place.

This isnt the first time, though, that the retelling of an Indian story has been let down by language.

BBCs adaptation of Vikram Seths A Suitable Boy was a mini-series that follows the story of characters living in 1950s India. The show, which dropped in mid-2020 wasnt guilty of badly formed Hinglish colloquialisms like some of the other India-based content weve been seeing in the past few years. This one, however, took the chastity of spoken English to new levels. Its hard to believe thats how Indians spoke in the 1950s, like everyone was part of an enunciation test. Over-enunciation is a tool that has worked for period shows, particularly those from the UK, but everyone around the world wasnt talking like they were living at Downton Abbey. You would expect a director like Mira Nair would have a thing or two to contribute but one never really knows what happened behind those scenes.

This is where a lot of India-based stories being made abroad or as collaborations, seem to get it wrong. Eventually, its always the writers and director that make the difference between good content and great content. One just has to look inwards at shows like Made in Heaven to know that conversations in our stories can seamlessly shift between Hindi and English without sounding odd. Why then, should one feel the need to hire writers who dont originate from this culture? And having an award-winning international director on-board might guarantee great cinema and global eyeballs, but might a local consulting director on set be a worthwhile addition? These are questions that our producers and platforms should ask themselves if they truly want to capture global audiences, while not alienating a captive one. The difference, after all, is the gaze.

The makers of The White Tiger and A Suitable Boy cant be held guilty for the white gaze, far from it. What these pieces of content lack, however, is not enough of the Indian gaze.

After avoiding the issue for months in the hope that it would resolve itself, Republicans are now facing calls from Democrats to expel Ms. Greene from Congress, pressure from a prominent group of Jewish Republicans to discipline her, and private consternation from within their own ranks.

Their reticence to take action is yet another example of how Republican leaders have allowed those forces to fester and strengthen. Some leaders have privately said they are eager to move past the fringe movements and the charged messaging used by President Donald J. Trump that fueled the assault on the Capitol on Jan. 6.

Representative Kevin McCarthy, Republican of California and the minority leader, has yet to say anything personally about Ms. Greenes comments or conduct, even after a week in which a slew of problematic social media posts and videos have surfaced from the years before she was elected. In them, Ms. Greene circulated and endorsed a seemingly endless array of hate speech and conspiracy theories explicitly rooted in Islamophobia, anti-Semitism and the belief that government actors were secretly behind a sweeping range of violence.

The liberal watchdog group Media Matters for America reported last summer on the video in which Ms. Greene questioned a basic fact about the deadliest terrorist attack in history, falsely called Mr. Obama, who is Christian, a Muslim, and hinted that the Clinton family had Mr. Kennedy killed. Since then, much more has emerged about her conspiracy claims.

Ms. Greene suggested in a 2018 Facebook post, unearthed this week by Media Matters, that a devastating wildfire that ravaged California was started by a laser beamed from space and controlled by a prominent Jewish banking family with connections to powerful Democrats. She endorsed executing Democratic lawmakers, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi. She served as a prolific writer for a now-defunct conspiracy blog called American Truth Seekers, writing posts with headlines including MUST READ  Democratic Party Involved With Child Sex, Satanism, and The Occult. And she argued that the 2018 midterm elections  in which the first two Muslim women were elected to the House  were part of an Islamic invasion of our government.
With the coronavirus continuing to spread in Japan, junior high schools are rushing to tweak their entrance examinations to ensure test-takers safety.

According to major preparatory schools and other sources, most junior high schools in Tokyo and neighboring Kanagawa Prefecture, where entrance exams will take place in February, have decided to require test-takers to wear face masks and have their body temperatures checked. Some schools will shorten exam times so that test-takers do not have to eat lunch between tests. This will also allow them to come to the school at different times on the day of the entrance exams.

To avoid overcrowding, many schools will not allow accompanying parents to wait inside the school while their children are taking the exams. People from preparatory schools will not be allowed to gather, either. They usually offer encouragement to students at the entrances of the junior high schools where the exams take place.

Jissen Gakuen Junior High School in Tokyos Nakano Ward will reduce the number of seats in classrooms in order to ensure there is a proper distance between test-takers. Each desk will be equipped with a three-sided plastic shield to avoid transmissions of the virus. In addition, these classrooms will be disinfected and sealed off until the day of the tests.

Were giving highest priority to safety and security, a school official said.

[January 30, 2021] Co2Bitcoin (Co2B) - Innovators Announce the Launch of New Crypto Coin to Combat Global Warming

New York City,, Jan. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- - The new currency which will be available to the public from January 28th, 2021 is focused on helping countries finance local projects to combat global warming's negative effects on our environment and inhabitants. The availability of the currency to the public will go a long way in increasing the efforts of combating climate change. Co2Bitcoins have already been used to acquire and protect over 100 million trees in the Brazilian Rainforest, saving them from fires by clearing and maintaining the underbrush and using controlled burns to ensure that they are preserved. Co2Bit which developed the currency has already signed partnerships with the Governments of Madagascar, Gambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Niger, Sudan, Guinea Bissau, Congo Brazzaville, Mali, Comores, Gambia, Guinee, Gabon, Ivory Coast, the Edo Province of Nigeria, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and individually the provinces of Kwango, Maniema, Bas Uele, Kwilu, and Equateur and Lebanon, Center for Energy Conservation. It also reports that more than 30 countries are expected to be signed before the end of February 2021 in line with its goal of partnering with more than one hundred countries by the end of 2021. The cryptocurrency has also been backed up by international figures with International Statesman and Ten-Time World Chess Champion, Anatoly Karpov terming it as climate solution; "Co2Bitcoin is a real, practical step to try and solve the problem of Global Warming which disturbs the whole world." The liquidity of the currency will be supported organically by the growing investor demand for cryptocurrencies, Decentralized Finance (DeFi), and the rising appetite for Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) impact investing. The Co2Bitcoin currency, like any other, depends on its utility, and of course supply and demand, to determine its exchange rate.



Co2Bit is also the first cryptocurrency that has the formal support of many nations. With the government being the main token holders, it will be more secure. Its objective of protecting the planet through the financing of projects aimed at reducing the impacts of global warming in the near term and long term offers a very promising message for public and institutional funds where the Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) vision is becoming important. While the price of carbon credit certificates has been steadily increasing over the past 4 years, the market remains a specialist market making it inaccessible to private investors. With the many polluting actors that are obliged (legally, or more often by market forces) to offset their carbon footprint, Co2Bitcoin could become a new financial instrument used by companies as a voluntary carbon credit. It can be mentioned in the environmental annual reports of companies to raise their ESG rating. This will ultimately result in this currency being used more and more, increasing its liquidity and utility. For speculators, this natural demand could have a positive impact on the appreciation of the price of Co2Bitcoin.

Co2Bit cryptocurrency when injected into climate mitigation project financing, would facilitate technological innovations in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power stations, new technologies for making steel and plastics, advancing agricultural yields, and other projects impacting deforestation and reforestation globally. Given that private and institutional players in cryptocurrencies are multiplying across the entire asset class, Co2Bit currency will also benefit from strong overlapping trends. On the Ethereum blockchain and in its Smart Contract, one (1) Co2Bitcoin has a value of 1/13th an ETH. Based on a January 25, 2021 price of USD 1404 per ETH, this would result in a price of USD 108 per Co2Bitcoin. For additional information go to, Co2Bit.com. Co2B coins will be available on January 28th, 2021 on the highly respected, Award-Winning Coinsbit Exchange (https://coinsbit.io/) for both individual and institutional investors. This Exchange is centralized and recently launched its Decentralized Exchange (DEX). It is renowned for its reliability and convenience for traders of all experience levels. Coinsbit Exchange offers superior security protocols for the safety of each transaction. It includes the world's first online store for buying goods with cryptocurrency. Register for free at at https://coinsbit.io/ For the original news story, please visit https://www.prdistribution.com/news/co2bitcoin-co2b-combatting-global-warming-available-january-28-2021-on-the-www-coinsbit-io-exchange-2.html

Name: Ron Henley, IGM Email: support@co2bit.com Phone: +1 (917) 612-7416 (GMT -5) Web Contact Form: www.Co2bit.com/contact

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A Rochester man previously arrested for his alleged role in the riots at the U.S. Capitol earlier this month has now been identified by prosecutors as a member of the Proud Boys and charged with conspiracy.

Dominic Pezzola, 43, of Rochester, was charged with conspiracy Friday, along with another New York man, William Pepe, who is also a member of the Proud Boys, according to federal prosecutors. Pezzola also faces at least nine additional new charges.

He has been accused by prosecutors of stealing a riot shield from one of the members of the Capitol police and was identified as one of the first people to enter the Capitol building.

The Proud Boys are self-identified western chauvinists and an extremist group according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. They held rallies supporting President Donald Trump in the Pacific Northwest earlier this year.

When Pezzola was arrested, FBI agents found a thumb drive with hundreds of documents that had bomb-making and do-it-yourself gun making instructions, according to documents filed in federal court Friday.

The Rochester native had previously been identified by Vice News as a member of the group and had been spotted in their attire at a rally held in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 12.

According to Vice News reporting, Pezzola is a former Marine who went to The Aquinas Institute of Rochester, a private high school.

Videos and pictures time stamped at 2:39 p.m. appear to show Pezzola breaking a window at the U.S. Capitol with the plastic riot shield, FBI agent Melissa Ammons wrote in a criminal complaint. Another video, taken by Pezzola, shows him in the Capitol smoking a cigar, Ammons wrote.

Victory smoke in the Capitol, boys, Pezzola said during the video, according to the complaint. This is f------ awesome. I knew we could take this m----------- over [if we] just tried hard enough.

A witness told agents Pezzola later bragged about breaking the windows and entering the building, the complaint said. The same witness also told agents people in the group Pezzola was with after the storming of the Capitol said that anyone they got their hands on they would have killed, including Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Mike Pence, according to the complaint.

The group said they had access to guns and planned to return on Jan. 20, the day of President-elect Joe Bidens Inauguration, the complaint said.

On Jan. 9, FBI agents were able to find Pezzolas publicly available Telegram account. Telegram is an encrypted messaging an calling app, according to the complaint.

His account username was @KINGbehavior with a display name of Spazzo 2nd and his bio read Marine vet / boxer / patriot / Proud Boy 2nd, the complaint said.

Pictures appear to show Pezzola near Doug Jensen, Jake Angeli and Albert Ciarpelli, all of whom have been arrested and charged for their roles in the riot. Ciarpelli lives in Syracuse and was released after being arraigned in federal court.

Among the new charges Pezzola faces are:

conspiracy

civil disorder

unlawfully entering restricted buildings or grounds

disorderly and disruptive conduct in restricted buildings or grounds

obstruction of an official proceeding

aiding and abetting civil disorder

robbery of personal property of the United States

assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers

destruction of government property

engaging in physical violence in a restricted buildings or grounds

Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Chris Libonati via the Signal app for encrypted messaging at 585-290-0718, by phone at the same number, by email or on Twitter.
Drew Barrymore was just seven years old when she was thrust into the public eye, playing the adorable Gertie in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.

And since then, the 45-year-old has experienced all the high's and lows that Showbusiness and Hollywood has to offer.

Appearing on the podcast JMO Confidential this week, the American actress explained that she has gained perspective on 'ways to be,' after learning 'a bunch of nasty lessons' while growing up in the industry.

'I had to learn a bunch of nasty lessons': Drew Barrymore reflected on growing up in Hollywood this week as she appeared on a podcast

'I will say growing up in this business gave me definitely some good perspective on some ways to be and maybe just ways that seemed like some serious pitfalls, and then I had to learn a bunch of nasty lessons,' she said.

'No one has a perfect road and a journey. It's all a bit of a hot mess and it's what you learn out of it and your sense of humour about it... I'm still learning every day.'

Drew, who now has her own talk show, appeared to be touching on her troubled past.

'I will say growing up in this business gave me definitely some good perspective on some ways to be and maybe just ways that seemed like some serious pitfalls, and then I had to learn a bunch of nasty lessons,' she said. Pictured in 1982

Her underage stardom left her surrounded by drugs and alcohol - leading her to be placed in rehab at the age of just 13.

She also spent 18-months in an institution for the mentally ill, and returned to rehab at 14 following a suicide attempt.

Drew went on to be emancipated from her parents at 14 and moved out into her own place.

Drew went on to say that 'one of the biggest lesson' she's ever learned is the 'value' of having a 'private conversation with someone.'

Important: Now hosting her own celebrity talk show, Drew, the star admits that the 'biggest lesson' she has learnt over her career is the 'value' of having a 'conversation with someone'

Her candid confession comes after it was announced that her talk show Drew will officially hit Australian screens this year.

As reported by TV Blackbox on Tuesday, the American program has been acquired by streaming service Foxtel and will air on Arena in February.

The series will kick off with the Charlie's Angels reunion episode, featuring Drew's former co-stars Cameron Diaz and Lucy Liu on the couch.

Drew Down Under! Drew Barrymore's eponymous new talk show Drew will officially hit Australian screens this year

The Drew Barrymore Show features a number of feel-good segments including 'Designed by Drew' and 'Drew's News.'

'Drew Barrymore is loved by Australian women  her honest, authentic, and down-to-earth approach to her life has endeared her to all of us,' Foxtel's Lifestyle boss Wendy Moore said in a statement.

'The Drew Barrymore Show reflects what women want for ourselves today and we are so excited that we can bring the show to Australia for our Foxtel viewers.'

The Drew Barrymore Show will premiere on Arena on February 1, and will air on weeknights at 7.30pm.
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The Telegraph

The daughter of Radovan Karadzic, the former Bosnian Serb leader serving life for genocide and crimes against humanity during the 1990s Yugoslav wars, has claimed her father is living in unhealthy and uncivilised conditions in a British prison. Karadzic, 75, who was convicted in 2016, was transferred from a detention unit in Holland to a UK jail earlier this month following an agreement struck between the UN and the Home Office. But his daughter, Sonja Karadzic-Jovicevic, has complained about the conditions at her fathers new prison after speaking to him on the phone. "As for the physical condition in which he is accommodated, it is unacceptable, she told SRNA, a news agency based in the Republika Srpska, the Serb enclave of Bosnia. If we add to that the fact that he is in a building full of carcinogenic asbestos that is banned around the world, it is clear in what condition he will be in. Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic also claimed that moving her father to the UK was a deliberate act of spite against his family. "My father is in a very uncivilised situation, and as far as his family is concerned, his relocation to the south of England was deliberately made to keep him far away, outside the rules of the United Nations Resolution adopted by the Security Council, she said. It will be very difficult for us physically, financially and procedurally, because of visas, and immunisation during the pandemic, and even after that, to ever go there and visit him," she continued. She added that he had been deprived of his books and his computer, and will be completely removed from his language and his culture. A spokesman for the Justice Ministry said: "UK prisons meet health and safety standards." Ms Karadzic-Jovicevic, who has a political career in Bosnia, has fought to defend her fathers name despite his brutal role in the wars as the Yugoslavian federation separated in the 1990s. Known as the Butcher of Bosnia, Karadzic went down in infamy, in particular for ordering the Srebrenica Massacre in July 1995. Some 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were rounded up by the Bosnian Serb army in and around the town of Srebrenica and then killed in the worst single massacre in Europe since the end of the Second World War. Karadzics lawyers had objected to his clients transfer to the UK, arguing that his life would be in danger owing to Muslim inmates in British prisons. They also argued that owing to possible threats to Karadzics life he would be kept in conditions resembling solitary confinement, but the UN court dismissed the objections. Given his role in the slaughter of Muslims, the experience of another Serb convicted of war crimes may also weigh upon the Karadzic family. In 2010 Radislav Krstic, a former Bosnian-Serb general, was stabbed by three Muslim prisoners while serving a sentence in Wakefield prison, in apparent retaliation for Srebrenica.


TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam bin Abdulla Khalaf has announced that 27 municipal services have become electronic.

He indicated that the move is in line with the Ministrys keenness to provide better services to the citizens, residents and investors, through streamlining procedures for municipal services and reducing in-person visits of clients to customer service centres as much as possible.

Khalaf asserted that Digital Transformation is a strategic project that is consistent with the Economic Vision for Bahrain 2030, the Government Action Plan 2019-2022 and the policies of the Information and e-Government Authority (iGA).

The minister pointed out that the transformation of the municipal services into e-services has been carried out in coordination and cooperation with iGA, praising IGA's support to the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry.
The first B-52s over the Persian Gulf are overhead as Trump's on containing Iranian aggression is tantamount. A demonstration of military power shows how far the U.S. can go to reach its adversaries, even with ordinary bombers.

Long-range bombers like the B-52 Stratofortress are an old warhorse that sees new use as a conventional weapon system for a new age.

First sortie in the Biden era

Last Wednesday, the Pentagon gave the signal to commit a patrol mission from Louisiana to the Middle East. Their presence in that region's skies show the U.S. commitment to its allies there, said the military, one of the several long-range missions done since last year reported NTD.

Sources say the U.S. Air Force B-52H is one of the cold war era bombers that disembarked from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana last Tuesday. From there, the incredible plane and crew accomplished a non-stop flight to reach the Persian Gulf.

It is one of the means that the United States does with the bomber flying over the Gulf as a patrol to check on any unusual adversarial activity. Another is a show of force that reminds Iran to be mindful of its actions in the region. Tehran knows that causing a problem with U.S. allies or the U.S. might not be ingenious.

In a statement from the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), they say that the long-range and short term defensive mission is to show the capabilities of U.S. airpower that can be deployed to counter aggression via the first B-52s Over the Persian Gulf in the Biden era.

Also read: U.S. Air Force Bombers Setting Up Another Intel Trap with Five NATO Spy Planes

Prior missions for the long-range bombers

Beginning November in 2020, the U.S. Air Force has done six mission long-range patrol missions from the U.S. to the middle east. All the previous five were done in the Trump era, but the sixth is under the new administration's auspices.

In December last year, one pair of these tandem bomber missions flew from the Louisiana airbase and to the middle east, a great distance for any plane.

The Air Force authorized a similar mission in the same month last year; two planes, as usual, except the sortied flew from Minot Air Force Base (North Dakota). The Minot AFB bomber chartered away on the western sector of the Gulf this time.

The Stratofortress

One of the most capable and strategic bombers that fly at higher subsonic speeds and reach a ceiling of 50,000 feet altitudes maximum. Made to accomplish a wide range of missions for the U.S., Flying a distance of 8,800 miles without refueling as to how far it can fly.

According to Gen. Frank McKenzie, the commander of Central Command, the bomber is used by the United States to project military power. The objective is to dissuade any potential adversary from committing hostilities to American interests or its allies.

He added that adversaries should be cautious not to belittle how our forces can defend or act in response to any attack. The B-52s over Persian Gulf is a continuation of the Trump era, but the new administration is yet to reveal how decisive it can be about Iran's nukes in the equation.

Related article: US Warning to Iran: Sends B-52 Carpet Bombers to See If Nukes Were Built

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
For the last many months, FANMAG stocks were ruling the US markets as these businesses continued to soar, capitalising on the new opportunities created by the coronavirus pandemic. Indian investors were trading millions of dollars a month to tap the hefty returns offered by these companies to balance their portfolios as well as maximise their earnings.

What saw a drastic shift to non-FANMAG stocks was Tesla's India entry, spiking Indian investors' interest in electric vehicle manufacturers.

Its obvious that social media platforms are turning into digital versions of traditional trading floors. Amateurs and newbies are scouting chat rooms, Telegram, Twitter, Instagram and Slack looking for tips to make quick money.

Though none of these influencers are professionals, they post free content, which most people find value in and execute without thinking twice. After all, isnt it best to learn from people who have been there, done that.

Fast forward to the third week of January 2021, the struggling video-game retailer GameStop saw its stock surge by 1,000 percent following social media chatter on a stock trading discussion group.

GameStops tryst with NYSE started with Ryan Cohen, who is the founder of a popular pet-products site and decided to take on a few hedge-fund managers who had shorted the GME stock.

Wall Street hedge funds like Melvin Capital and Citron Capital had been shorting the gaming retailer, bringing its valuation down from $30 in 2016 to $4 in 2020.

For most of the big players at the Wall Street, this was an opportunity to bet against the stock. However, fund managers continued to short GameStop with the intention of crashing its price again.

The wider and popular Reddit group wallstreetbets decided to support GameStop and a few other stocks. In their defence, they were fighting a corrupt system run by cash loaded "professional" investors.

The relentless demand by the small retailer traders, saw GameStop's valuation rise from $2 million to over $24 million in a couple of days.

Elon Musks tweet, Gamestonk!!, and raging conversations over Facebook, Reddit, and Twitter sent GameStops shares on a giddy high unsupported by traditional valuation metrics or business reasons.

In the last week of January, GameStop saw many trades as well and has been among the top 5 traded stocks on Stockal. To quantify things, in the last five days 15 percent of all Stockal trades were in GME!
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SANTA FE  Indian education advocates say state officials are finally starting to speak their language.

Thats not an Indigenous language  many of which are spoken by New Mexicos 23 tribes  but rather a common vocabulary for sweeping education reform outlined by tribal governments in a document called the tribal remedy framework, last updated in 2019, which calls for more dollars and autonomy in how they are spent.

Earlier this month, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams administration mentioned the tribal remedy framework in a line item of its budget request to the state legislature for lawmakers to consider in coming months.

Details will be hashed out in negotiations during the coming legislative session. The most contentious questions are how much do we spend on Indigenous education programs, who will control the funding, and what specific needs will be targeted?

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

The pandemic has laid bare the inequitable infrastructure that initially left half of the Native American youth in some school districts without internet access.

The crisis came as Native American youth were already lagging behind their peers. Younger students trail in reading and math  around 20% third-grade proficiency compared to 30% proficiency of all third-graders in 2019. Only 69% of Indigenous high school students graduate within 4 years. Thats improved over the past ten years, but is still below the state average, which is among the lowest in the country.

State courts have found that education funding for at-risk students, including Native Americans, is constitutionally deficient. Lujan Grisham tried to have the suit tossed last year, but was denied. Last November, another ruling found that funding of such capital projects as school construction creates unconstitutional disparities.

A federal court ruled that state education funding formulas unfairly disadvantaged school districts with large areas of tribal or federal land.

In January, Lujan Grishams budget recommendation included $15 million in Native American-focused funding that could be used for teacher training, recruitment and curriculum development each year for the next two years.

But the proposed budget of $15 million is a far cry from the tribal remedy framework document created collaboratively by the states 23 tribes.

That plan recommends 20 new programs and over $100 million in specific spending on, for example, internet infrastructure. It recommends such things as recruiting Native American school administrators. It lays out policy changes on student discipline and communication with state agencies that wouldnt cost anything, but would change governance and tribal-state relations on education.

It is really important that the tribal remedy framework title or the notion of a tribal remedy framework is not one where the administration hijacks the title and hopes that we dont call them out when the tribal remedy framework for them means something else than (what) it means for us, says Rep. Derrick Lente, of Sandia Pueblo.

His district west of Santa Fe covers seven of the states 23 tribal nations, including five chapters of the Navajo Nation.

Lente has put forward three bills modeled on the tribal remedy framework. Two call for a combined $58 million in yearly funding for K-12 and college programs, as well as curriculum development and maintenance.

A third bill echoing the framework calls for a one-time investment of $95 million for a tribal library and school internet infrastructure.

Despite the gap between his proposed $153 million and the $15 million called for by Lujan Grisham, Lente says hes seen some compromise following discussions with the administration, which initially had suggested $5 million.

I am hopeful that we are moving in the right direction with the increased budget, Lente said.

A fourth bill would appropriate $11 million in recurring funding for scholars at UNM to develop and maintain curricula for Indigenous languages.
We can see how much the brokers and billionaires who support Joe Biden care about the little guy by the way they treat people at Reddit who trade through Robinhood.

They claim they want to block the small, unsophisticated traders from investing in something they don't understand, such as GameStop, AMC, BlackBerry, and others they have deemed unworthy.

But we know this is a bald-faced lie because they have never tried to block unsophisticated investors from other companies, such as solar or greenie transport companies, which, if their fundamentals are examined, often show little or no profit, as well as startups which also show little or no profit, or even sales.

It appears the real reason that Robinhood blocked trades in certain stocks is because billionaire hedge funds like Citadel lent $2.75 billion to bail out the billionaire hedge fund Melvin Capital, which was getting clobbered after trying to destroy other people's stocks. According to the New York Post:

It should be noted that the newly nominated Treasury secretary, Janet Yellen, got paid $800,000 for three speeches at Citadel. My guess is that her speeches were as interesting as those by Hillary and Chelsea Clinton when people thought Hillary would become president. Yellen, though, spotted the housing bubble in 2008.

Melvin sold GameStop short. They leveraged up in hopes they could take their stock to zero, essentially bankrupting them, closing their stores, and destroying their jobs. Then other billionaires could pick up the pieces for peanuts. Billionaires selling online (as Bezos does) would get wealthier because a brick-and-mortar competitor was destroyed.

Hedge funds produce nothing, but they get very rich leveraging up, so why didn't we see the outrage by the brokers and the SEC as hedge funds were selling short instead of when other investors went long? The answer is that the billionaires are treated as if they are special.

In 2008, brokers and hedge funds contributed greatly to the economic crash. The unsophisticated public was sold pieces of garbage mortgage pools by companies such as Goldman Sachs, whose minions generally support Democrats. The hedge funds and other speculators sent the price of gasoline above $4 and the price of crude to around $130 per barrel. That price hammered the poor, the middle class, and small businesses and greatly reduced their capacity to spend on other things, sending the economy toward collapse.

A supposed expert at Goldman said oil would go to $200 even though there were no fundamentals supporting that view.

Then-president George Bush, a man who understood oil, opened up drilling, and by the time President Obama took office, the price of crude was below $40 and gas was below $2 per gallon. That is what led the economy out of recession by 130 days after Obama/Biden took office  not a stimulus plan or the fake shovel-ready green jobs we were promised. Yet the media, Obama, Biden, and other Democrats continue to lie that Obama's policies brought the economy out of the deep recession.

The fact is, the Obama/Biden policies gave us the slowest economic recovery in seventy years.

Meanwhile, George Soros is a dangerous hedge fund trader. He uses his billions to fund leftist organizations like MoveOn.org to destroy America. He invests heavily in elections of Democrat prosecutors who are soft on crime in cities throughout the U.S. He tried to break the British pound and in France was convicted for insider trading.

Soros is a power broker for Democrats and is as dangerous as a Chinese spy bedding a Democrat congressman on the House Intelligence Committee.

I have never seen anyone as dangerous in the White House as Joe Biden in his first nine days as he signs executive order after executive order, some 40 now at last count.

He has stacked his Cabinet with radical leftists pushing the green agenda to destroy America.

He sends out John Kerry, with multiple mansions, a yacht, and a private jet, to tell the public that it is good for them that he is destroying their jobs. After all, he drove a Tesla from Massachusetts to D.C.

On Fox News, I heard left-wing Juan Williams say he doesn't really care about Kerry's or anyone else's lifestyle, even as they are dictating how all of us should live our lives. He described that as small ball and said Kerry is looking at the big picture and is forward-looking. Juan, in my opinion, is clearly a man who has no analytical skills and who has been programmed into a leftist cult to just repeat talking points. .

And no matter how often all these supposedly smart Cabinet members, as well as Biden himself, his vice president, Kamala Harris; House speaker Nancy Pelosi; Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer; Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; and others repeat that we have to get rid of oil and coal to control temperatures and the climate, not one sock puppet at the Washington Post or any other journalist, including at Fox, asks for scientific evidence to support their theory and destructive policies. There is no scientific evidence, so they never ask. They just go along.

President Trump had policies to move people of all races up and to lower the poverty level to an all time low and the media and other Democrats fought him and tried to destroy him as they continue to do.

Biden has policies which will increase poverty and lower the standard of living for all races and the press cheers him on. Biden and the media seem like an existential threat to our survival as a great country, our freedom, our democracy, and our prosperity. It is pure ignorance to move towards socialism when it fails whenever it is tried.

China, Russia, and Iran are cheering as we intentionally weaken ourselves. They may pretend but they will never give up oil. We will not be able to defend ourselves if these destructive policies exist for any length of time.

Image: Pixabay, Pixabay License.
'People in large numbers from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand are reaching the protest sites,' says Rakesh Tikait

Bharatiya Kisan Union spokesperson Rakesh Tikait addresses a protest over Centres farmlaws at Ghazipur border in New Delhi on Saturday.  PTI

NEW DELHI: Farmers protesting at the three sites at Delhis borders held a day-long fast, between 9 am and 5 pm, as they observed Sadbhavna Divas to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Meanwhile, hundreds of farmers stayed put at the Ghazipur border on Saturday morning, as more supporters poured in at the protest site on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway in Ghaziabad following which Delhi Police shut down NH-24 highway and all roads leading to Ghazipur border. Union home ministry temporarily suspended internet services in Singhu, Ghazipur, Tikri borders and their adjoining areas from 11 pm of 29 January to 11 pm of 31 January to maintain public safety and averting public emergency amid the ongoing farmers protest.

Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the crime branch of Delhi Police has issued a second notice to nine farmer leaders, including Rakesh Tikait.

The Delhi police carried out raids in Punjabs Jalandhar on Friday to arrest Jugraj Singh and Navpreet Singh who hoisted the Nishan Sahib flag at Red Fort on January 26. Meanwhile, 38 cases have been registered till now in farmer's rally matter and 84 persons have been arrested, according to the police.

Security personnel, including from anti-riot police and paramilitary forces, were deployed in massive strength. Multiple layers of barricades, including concrete blocks, were being put at the protest sites.

The farmer leaders on Saturday morning, wearing garlands, observed Sadbhavana Diwas (Harmony Day) and observed fast on Saturday after the immense outrage over violence by protesters during their Republic Day tractor rally. The farmer leaders sat on the dais during the fast, as crowds of supporters swelled, especially in Ghazipur where the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) is leading the protest.

The farmers have fought this battle for over two months now and they wont relent or retreat, said Rakesh Tikait, the BKU spokesperson.

Till now, the agitation was seen as mainly being led by Punjab-based farmer unions.

A multitude of green-and-white caps, symbolic of the unions spearheading the battle, union flags and the tricolour, planted on tractors dotted the highway. On various tractors and camps, photos of legendary farmer leaders such as Chaudhary Charan Singh and Mahendra Singh Tikait were put up.

Several Opposition parties, including the Congress, TMC AAP, RLD and the Left, have openly supported the stir. Abhimanyu Kohar, a senior member of Samkyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), said that the ongoing agitation would gain strength, as farmers in large numbers will join them in the coming days.

Farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal, president of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Rajewal), said in Chandigarh that he expected a record gathering by February 2 at the border points of Delhi.

People in large numbers from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand are reaching the protest sites. Possibly by February 2, there will again be a record gathering of people at the protest sites," he said, adding that the agitation would remain peaceful.

Mr Rajewal also criticised the Haryana government for suspending Internet services. He accused the Centre of instilling a sense of fear among people by showing pictures of the "unfortunate incidents", apparently referring to the January 26 violence in the national capital.

Mr Rajewal appealed to those joining the agitation at Delhi's borders to keep the protest peaceful. "It is our responsibility to keep the agitation peaceful," he stressed.

To a question on joining the investigation following notices issued by the Delhi Police to farmer leaders in connection with the Republic Day violence, Mr Rajewal said, "We will send them a reply."

The Delhi Police has issued notices to around 20 farmer leaders, including Mr Rajewal, over the violence during the farmers' tractor parade, asking why legal action should not be taken against them.

A team of forensic experts on Saturday visited the Red Fort, where the protesters had indulged in vandalism, hoisted a religious flag and attacked the police personnel, to collect evidence.

The Delhi Police examining dump data of mobile calls, registration numbers of tractors in probe into January 26 violence said that it had received 1,700 video clips, CCTV footage from public related to tractor rally violence.

The police had on Friday used tear gas and baton charge to break up a clash between farmers and a large group of men who claimed to be local residents at the Singhu border.

The Delhi Traffic Police said that the movement on the National Highway 24 (Delhi-Meerut Expressway) has been stopped.

Thousands of farmers have been protesting at Delhi's borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, demanding a rollback of the 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.

The protesting farmers have expressed apprehension that these laws would pave the way for the dismantling of the minimum support price (MSP) system, leaving them at the "mercy" of big corporations.

However, the government has maintained that the new laws will bring better opportunities to farmers and introduce new technologies in agriculture.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police filed an FIR of criminal conspiracy, under IPC Sections153, 504, 505 (1)(b) against Shashi Tharoor, journalists-Rajdeep Sardesai, Mrinal Pande, Paresh Nath, Editor in chief of Caravan, Anant Nath, Managing Editor of Caravan & Vinod K. Jose, Executive Editor of Caravan.

Due to misleading and false information by the Caravan that a farmer protestor has died due to police firing, a case has been registered in IP Estate Police station. FIR includes certain others also who also tried to mislead the public, cops said.

As per post-mortem report the cause of his death is shock and haemorrhage due to a head injury received after his tractor overturned.
One of Amanda Safis classmates got her period right before a physics exam. She excused herself to the bathroom, realized she had no menstrual products on hand and returned to class. She was unable to focus on her test as blood seeped through her pants.

Another student got her period during soccer practice. No one on the team had any spare pads or tampons, and the bathrooms did not stock them. She wrapped toilet paper around her underwear and went back to the field.

For years, Safi, a recent graduate of Aragon High School in San Mateo, collected stories like these from her peers before deciding to take action to address the scarcity of menstrual products in her school.

Every time I would hear one of these stories, my heart would ache because it usually resulted in a menstruator being forced to use unsanitary means, missing excessive class time or practice, or leaving school entirely, Safi said. Our male counterparts who dont menstruate are getting a head start on that test or that lesson in class, while we have to go deal with our biology.

Its an issue exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, and one thats falling hardest on poorer students: Schools and community resource centers where lower-income students could get period products for free or at a reduced cost have been closed for months.

Safi, now a freshman at UC Santa Cruz, created the Period Equity Project, an initiative seeking to provide pads and tampons to students who cant afford them during the pandemic. Next month, San Mateo County officials will vote on a proposal to award Safis project $20,000 to buy menstrual products for those in need.

The program is intended to target low-income students in two schools: San Mateo High School and Jefferson High School in Daly City, but the products will be made available to anyone who needs them while schools are closed.

But Safi doesnt want to stop at providing assistance during the pandemic. The project also seeks to install free menstrual-product dispensers in girls and gender-neutral bathrooms in both schools when they resume in-person instruction, which is currently slated for fall. Both schools are offering remote learning, but provide free lunches on weekday afternoons. Safi hopes to soon add essential menstrual products to the schools offerings.

Period products are just as important as toilet paper, but our government and our schools still do not see our biology as worth the investment, Safi said. We see toilet paper in bathrooms provided for free, but we dont see period products in bathrooms, even though menstruation is necessary.

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors will meet Feb. 9 to discuss allocating $20,000 to start the initiative at San Mateo High School. Rep. Jackie Speier, D-San Mateo, will provide an initial donation of $5,000 from her campaign funds to start the pilot program at Jefferson High School.

The schools were identified as having high numbers of low-income and underserved student populations and were chosen as the proving grounds for the two-year pilot, which is slated to begin in mid-February and intended to increase girls school attendance and reduce the stigma of menstruation.

That funding is enough to provide 1,500 tampons, pads and other products for the spring semester and an additional 1,000 for the fall term. The funding would also purchase dispensers, disposal units and other necessary supplies. The program is expected to cost around $14,000 for both schools for two years.

I can guarantee that if men had periods, we would not be charging them for menstrual products, Speier said. Its truly outrageous, and I would like to see the whole system changed.

The pilot is modeled after a 2016 New York City public schools program that put free menstrual products in bathrooms and saw a 2.4% increase in attendance among girls six months after launching. Speier said data will be gathered from the San Mateo pilot to determine if attendance rates among girls increase, which could serve as the basis for extending the initiative to a countywide or state level.

We hope that we make it something thats similar to restocking toilet paper and soap in dispensers, said Don Scatena, the director of student services at the San Mateo Union High School District. We dont want to make it a special add-on. We want to make it a part of the culture and climate of our schools.

A spokeswoman from the Jefferson Union High School District was unavailable to comment on the initiative.

In a survey of her classmates, Safi found that many of her peers missed class or school activities because period products were not easily accessible. Safis informal survey of her classmates matches a 2017 nationwide study conducted by Always, a major manufacturer of feminine hygiene products, which found that 1 in 5 girls has missed school because they lacked access to menstrual products.

Since 2018, California law has required public middle schools and high schools with at least a 40% low-income population to stock free feminine hygiene products in at least half of its bathrooms. Jefferson High School, one of the two schools in the pilot program, meets that requirement and stocks some of its bathrooms with menstrual-product dispensers. With the new funding, the school would be able to stock all girls bathrooms and gender-neutral bathrooms with period products, according to Safis proposal.

In all of San Mateo County, 32.7% of the student-age population is low-income, according to state data, meaning most schools fall below the state threshold for stocking period products.

Michela Bedard, the executive director of national nonprofit group Period, said the closure of public places, such as schools, libraries and community centers, during the pandemic was a double whammy for people who had been suffering from period poverty  inadequate access to menstrual products and education.

When we think of essential goods, we think of food, we think of shelter. We might even think of some hygiene supplies, but very rarely do we think of menstrual items, Bedard said.

Period saw requests for menstrual products go up tenfold immediately after states began issuing pandemic shutdown orders. In 2020, Period gave away millions of products  a thirtyfold increase from the previous year. That number was staggering even to us, and we are already familiar with how deep period poverty is in this country, Bedard said.

Across the country, more than a dozen state legislatures introduced bills last year that would require public schools to stock free menstrual products in bathrooms. Last year, Scottish officials passed legislation mandating that free period products be made available to anyone who needs them.

Safi began organizing in San Mateo, building support at her school before taking a proposal to her principal. Safi had received approval from her principal to pursue the pilot shortly before the pandemic forced all schools into remote instruction in March, putting the project on hold.

Safi signed up for some of Periods training sessions where she learned how to organize demonstrations and write to government officials. The organization then sent her 11,000 period products that Safi donated to shelters in her community.

That summer, she reached out to several officials in San Mateo County with her proposal, which caught the attention of Speier and San Mateo County Supervisor Carole Groom.

When Amanda came to our office, we were very intrigued about her story and what young ladies go through in high school. We are happy to support this cause, Groom said in an email statement.

We are at a tipping point in period poverty in this country, and we have young people who are braver and not afraid of stigma or taboo to talk about these topics, Bedard said. The more youth activists take it up, the more elected officials and superintendents can take this seriously, and the faster were going to get this done.

Vanessa Arredondo is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: vanessa.arredondo@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @v_anana


The beginning of the end of the COVID downturn?

The latest International Monetary Fund (IMF) "World Economic Outlook" report this week signals that the transition to the post-COVID economy may come sooner, and with more firepower, than the previous estimate just three months ago.

The IMF now projects the global economy contracted by 3.5% in 2020, an improvement from its earlier estimate of minus 4.4% in October. Growth is expected to be 5.5% in 2021, up from earlier projections of 5.1%.

The improved forecast is in good part based on an expected surge in economic activity later this year as more people are vaccinated.

Another reason is the continued, strong US economic turnaround, which began in the second half of 2020. The United States had an estimated contraction of 3.4% in 2020 (an improvement from the projected minus 4.3% in October), and, with the passage of the December 2020 stimulus, an estimated 5.1% growth rate is expected for 2021, a whopping 2 percentage point increase over the 3.1% projection in October. The Wall Street Journal suggested Friday that the US economy is "poised to surge" and "should stage a mini-boom" later this year.

And then there is China, a global outlier in terms of COVID-19 economic impact, where the economy was estimated to have grown by 2.3% in 2020 and is projected to grow 8.1% in 2021. IMF officials explain Chinas performance as the result of "public infrastructure spending support  reinforced by aggressive actions by the People's Bank of China to provide liquidity support and ensure that credit provision remains strong," as well as increases in private sector investment and consumption.

The trend lines also indicate that the gap between advanced and emerging economies will be greater post-COVID, and will reverse hard-earned progress toward global poverty reduction, with an additional 90 million people expected to fall into extreme poverty.

Post-COVID Middle East looks to the Gulf 

The IMF estimates that the COVID-19 pandemic will cause economic growth in the Middle East and Central Asia through 2022 to be 5.2% lower than it would have been otherwise. While this is worse than the global average of 3.7% in lost growth, the record may be more mixed than the numbers reveal.

"Emerging Asia" (except China), Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa did worse than the Middle East and Central Asia; Europe and advanced economies relatively did much better. The pandemic had the least effect on the economic forecasts for the United States (minus 1.3 percentage point difference) and China (minus 1.5 percentage points).

The Middle East and Central Asia region, like much of the world, showed some overall resilience in the final quarter of 2020, narrowing its projected contraction from 4.1% in October to 3.2%, right in line with the global economy, with an expected growth rate of 3% in 2021 (which is below the global projection of 5.5%).

The good news is that while the report points out that "oil exporters and tourism-based economies within the group face particularly difficult prospects considering the expected slow normalization of cross-border travel and the subdued outlook for oil prices," an IMF official observed that "the effect on oil exporters is not as negative as we might have projected last time around, because in these economies like Saudi Arabia, for instance, we've seen non-oil activity return back much more strongly." But the official also warned of the dire situation of "fragile states" such as Lebanon.

In addition to Lebanon, there are also economic transitions in Iraq, Sudan and Oman, difficult conditions in the West Bank and Gaza, and wars in Syria, Yemen and Libya  the pandemic has taken an exceptionally hard toll on these economies.

With regard to the Gulf, Karen Young writes, "2020 seems to have made a very powerful case for mending fences" and ending the embargo of Qatar. Normalization between Israel and Bahrain, the UAE, Morocco and Sudan couldnt have come at a better time; Danny Zaken has the latest on the surge in Israel-UAE investments.

Economic recovery will still ultimately depend on how the oil producers adjust to a changing US global energy market. GCC "revenue streams have been devastated by an oversupplied market, a global pandemic has stripped demand for oil, and there is a growing consensus that alternative energy is both a better investment and a political lightning rod," writes Young. "The only recourse is tighter fiscal policy, implementing new taxes and fees, borrowing, and attracting new investment."

Saudi Arabia has managed the pandemic better than expected. Its projected contraction in 2020 narrowed from 5.4% in October to 3.9%, with a projected growth rate of 2.6% in 2021. Sabena Siddiqui writes that the futuristic city of NEOM, a priority project for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and "a focal part of the kingdoms Vision 2030 economic program ... could become the showstopper of the Saudi economic makeover if it can compete as a business hub with Dubai."

The pandemic came at a terrible time for Oman, the only Arab Gulf state whose economy is projected to have negative growth again in 2021  its third straight year of retreat. Sebastian Castelier explains how Sultan Haitham bin Tariq is managing a difficult economic transition with calls for political reform.

 and Egypts success story so far

Egypts management of the pandemic has been success story. While the rest of the region has been slammed by the pandemic, Egypts economy is the only country in the Middle East and North Africa that is actually growing. The IMF says gross domestic product is expected to grow 2.8% in the Egyptian fiscal year that ends in June despite the massive hit to the country's tourism sector and remittance incomes.

The report credits the government of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for undertaking "proactive measures" to address health and social needs to mitigate the impact of the virus. Egypt has also stayed the course on the IMF "stand-by arrangement."

Egypts progress is both remarkable and fragile, and the IMF notes the risks and uncertainty given the uncertain external environment and the effects of the virus. The IMF also says Egypt needs to stay on track to undertake structural reforms, including support for the private sector and more transparency of state-owned enterprises.

Egypts pre-pandemic economic turnaround under Sisi sometimes goes unnoticed, but it shouldnt. Cairo has mostly adhered to the IMF program, and it hasnt always been easy. Growth is up and unemployment is down, and the government has rolled back onerous energy subsidies which raised fuel prices on Egyptians already facing hardships. The tough-love economic measures have come at a time as political activists have faced a crackdown on dissent, as Shahira Amin reports.

Egypts lessons are especially telling as Lebanon, Iraq and Sudan approach discussions about IMF assistance and reform. These programs often come with a heavy dose of austerity and subsidy reduction, which while necessary in the long run, in the short term increase the economic toll on populations already reeling from weak economies and the pandemic.
Using the developing eye of the fruit fly as a test platform, researchers found that RPS-12 protein overproduction appears to trigger triple-negative breast cancer and possibly some other malignancies. The protein indirectly switches on an important inracellular signaling pathway active while the embryo develops and shut down in healthy cells of adults. Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), the University of Geneva, and the Institute of Protein Research (Russia) scientists addressed the problem in Scientific Reports.

Researchers have taken another step towards targeted treatment of tumors. The idea of such a therapy is to identify the necessary target proteins playing instructive functions in tumor initiation or progression in order to suppress tumor development while causing minimal harm to healthy cells.

Using fruit flies and a cDNA library of patient-derived triple-negative breast cancer, scientists launched a massive screening for potential novel human oncogenes, i.e. genes that after a mutation activate elements of cancerous transformation. To find the potential targets, scientists inserted genes found in the human tumor into the Drosophila genome, drove their misexpression in the eye of the insect, and observed the potential defects in the development of this sensitive organ.

After they transplanted the human protein RPS-12, the Drosophila eye shrank and obtained a mirror-like appearance.

This phenomenon reminds the classic glazed phenotype that Thomas Morgan, the father of Drosophila genetics, discovered back in the 1920s. Only in the 90s of the 20th century, it was understood that the mutation affects the Wingless gene. This Drosophila gene corresponds to the WNT genes that trigger the signaling pathway of the same name in humans. The activity of the WNT signaling pathway is vital for the development of the human body at the embryonic stage, though switched off at later stages. Mutations or epigenetic changes can reboot the signaling pathway in adults. After that, the initially healthy cells start a massive proliferation. This is one of the reasons for the development of triple-negative breast cancer and some other forms of cancer, such as in the colon, liver, ovaries, etc." Vladimir Katanaev, Project Ideologist, Head of the Laboratory of Pharmacology of Natural Compounds, FEFU School of Biomedicine

Scientists revealed that the phenotype of the glazed eye arises because the expression of human RPS12 in the eye of Drosophila overactivates the WNT / Wingless-signaling pathway. The overabundance of RPS12 protein stimulates the production of active forms of Wingless capable of diffusing over long distances in the tissue and reaching distant cells. Reciprocally, the reduced amount of RPS12 decreases the production of such Wingless forms.

"The proteins of the Wingless-WNT family are very "sticky". Their natural distribution in the body tissues is limited, and the number of active forms migrating over long distances is under strict regulation. WNT is an example of morphogens, i.e. substances that are produced in specific places during embryogenesis and spread through the tissue generating a concentration gradient. If we consider a human hand as an example, the palm, elbow, and shoulder are formed due to the reaction of cells to different concentrations of the WNT morphogen", says Vladimir Katanaev.

Special mechanisms are responsible for the production of WNT-forms capable of spreading through tissue over long distances. One of the mechanisms the team studied earlier is based on the protein reggie-1/fotillin-2.

"It turned out that RPS12 plays a similar role. Thus, we have unveiled a new mechanism for controlling the production of active forms of WNT, and suggest that the RPS12 protein may become a new potential target for anticancer therapy. Further research will show how this protein is really suitable for therapeutic targeting", concluded Vladimir Katanaev.

About 70-80 percent of the genes responsible for human disease have orthologous genes in Drosophila. Evolutionary, these are practically the same genes, but with some individual sequences in humans and fruit flies.

The Drosophila eye development is complex and multistage. At various phases of its development, various signaling pathways and cellular mechanisms one knows in humans become active. Based on this, scientists assumed that any human oncogene, if "transplanted" into the eye of a Drosophila, would lead to a disruption in the development of this organ. A fly with an affected eye lives up to maturity, meaning that it is easy to observe the eye developmental disorders, simply by studying the insect through a microscope.

Scientists started the HumanaFly project more than 10 years ago at the Institute of Protein Research (Pushchino, Russia) in order to find new human oncogenes via the fruit fly eye screening platform. The final experiments of the first phase were carried out in 2020. An extensive genetic library has been formed for the subsequent search for components and mechanisms implicated in the development of cancer.
A father-of-five who was caught with over 700,000 worth of drugs has been jailed for seven years.

Darren King (34) of Cole Park rd, Ballyfermot, Dublin, pleaded guilty to having cannabis and cocaine for sale or supply on Ballyfermot rd., Cole Park rd. and at his home on April 23, 2019.

Sentencing him on Friday, Judge Pauline Codd noted King had been involved in dealing and distributing drugs and that the Probation Service had placed him at a moderate risk of reoffending.

Another aggravating factor was the high value of the drugs involved, the judge said.

Detective Garda Val Russell told the court that King's partner's home in Cherry Orchard in Dublin was under surveillance and gardai observed Cole driving from there to his own home and later meeting two men with a bag containing over 100,000 worth of cannabis.

Follow up searches of a jeep parked at King's home revealed cannabis with an estimated street value of nearly 600,000 and cocaine, valued at 15,000. During a follow up search of King's home 6,900 Sterling and 800 in cash was also found along with a small quantity of cannabis.

King was interviewed three times and ultimately admitted to possessing the drugs for the purpose of sale or supply.

Det Gda Russell said a small amount of cannabis was found on King's person during interview and he told gardai that he was due to meet a fella with a sample to let him see what it is like.

He refused to answer some questions put to him by gardai because he said he was concerned for his own safety but he accepted that he owned the money. He has a previous conviction for robbery.

The court heard King told gardai that he started to use cocaine after he received a serious injury to his back. He got into debt and got involved to pay off his debt.

He further accepted that King was out on sick leave at the time of his arrest and now has arrears on his mortgage.

Seamus Clarke SC, defending, said King was a father of five children with another baby due soon.

Additional Evidence

Det Gda Russell previously told Eoghan Cole BL, prosecuting, that King's partner's home in Cherry Orchard in Dublin was under surveillance when gardai saw him leave the house in a Nissan Qashqai and drive to his own home on Cole Park Road.

He was later spotted taking a large bag from a black jeep parked at his home and placing that in the Qashqai. King then drove to Ballyfermot Road where he parked up.

Within minutes a taxi pulled up opposite the Qashqai, two passengers got out and took the bag from the vehicle. Det Gda Russell said the men returned to the taxi and pulled off.

King also left but gardai intercepted and stopped both vehicles moments later. One of the taxi passengers fled but the second man was arrested.

King was also arrested. The bag held five kilogrammes of cannabis valued at 102,000. A follow-up search of the jeep parked at King's home revealed a further 29kg of cannabis valued at 590,000 and a further 209 grammes of cocaine, valued at 15,000.
The path is a narrow path for those who make products in small batches trying to enter a retail market, Jason said. In some ways the pandemic brought us closer to the community. We dont want to walk down the street and see these big-box retailers that we dont have a connection to; we dont want a shopping experience that doesnt meet our values when we are trying to nourish ourselves in this time.


Each year, the city of New Orleans in the State of Louisiana holds a celebration known as Mardi Gras. This year, traditional activities have been canceled because of the coronavirus health crisis. But, many houses around the city are now preparing for the special week.

The Mardi Gras celebration often involves a parade with people dressing in colorful clothes and special vehicles covered in decorations called floats. What is known as Carnival season begins in early January and ends in February.

Mardi Gras is one of several Carnival celebrations in traditionally Roman Catholic parts of the world. The celebrations are held the day before Catholics begin the religious observance of Lent.

The house float movement

Even before the city announced its plans, some groups decided they would not be parading for the 2021 Mardi Gras. Safer choices include handing out gifts from a streetcar and organizing outdoor art and virtual parades.

The house float movement started in November after a government official said the parade would be canceled. The term house float describes homes decorated as if they were Mardi Gras floats.

Megan Joy Boudreaux lives in New Orleans. She started the Krewe of House Floats group. She wrote on Twitter: Were doing this. Turn your house into a float and throw all the beads from your attic at your neighbors walking by.

Her Tweet was meant as a joke. But, the more she thought about it, the more she realized she liked the idea. When she created the Krewe of House Floats, she thought only a few friends and family would join. But there are now 39 smaller groups to help plan for different areas in the city.

I didnt think I was starting a Mardi Gras krewe. Here I am, Boudreaux said. Ive got myself a second full-time job.

January 6 was the official first day of Carnival season and the group already has more than 9,000 members. Three thousand of the members are from other states or countries. There is even an online map of people who are decorating their houses. Charlotte Charlie Jallans-Daly is one of two mapmakers for the project. She said people as far away as England and Australia are showing their houses online.

This year, the Mardi Gras celebration will be on February 16. Houses are to be decorated at least two weeks before. The hope is that people will spread out widely and see the homes during different times.

The Facebook group includes people teaching each other skills and discussions about advertisements and neighborhood themes. Artists are also giving lessons over the internet.

Some neighborhoods want to show an idea behind their decorations. Katie Bankens wanted the theme for her neighborhood to be based on Shark Week, a week of television programs about sharks.

Artists decorate homes and businesses

Boudreaux, of the Krewe of House Floats, suggested people help employ and buy from out-of-work Carnival artists and suppliers. They were affected by the parade cancellation. Many more artists have gotten involved.

Dominic Dom Graves is an artist who has organized more than 20 five-person classes in professional paper-mache methods. Each person pays $100 to learn how to create art for the celebration out of paper, water and flour.

Devin DeWulf is an artist from New Orleans. He started two aid groups to help the community during the health crisis. He runs another social group: the Krewe of Red Beans.

Caroline Thomas is an expert float designer and is working with DeWulf. They created the Hire a Mardi Gras Artist program. They are collecting money for groups of artists to help decorate 11 houses and seven businesses.

One of the houses to be decorated is rented by Sisters Mary Ann Specha and Julie Walsh. They are Catholic religious workers who operate a shelter for homeless women with children. They received permission for the project from their organization in Dubuque, Iowa.

DeWulf said decorations made by the artists could be sold to raise more money.

Weve put about 40 people to work, which is nice, DeWulf said.

Im Armen Kassabian.

Janet McConnaughey from The Associated Press reported this story. Armen Kassabian adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor.

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

decorations n. (pl.) artwork added to something to make it more interesting or attractive

beads n. (pl.) small completely round pieces of glass, metal or other material that are often strung together and worn or used to decorate objects

app  n. a computer program that performs a special function

attic  n. a room or space that is just below the roof of a building and that is often used to store things

themes  n. the main subject that is being discussed or described

rent v. to pay the owner of a property for its use



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More students applied to the University of California this year than at any time in its history, despite uncertainty during a pandemic that has led to nearly a year of remote instruction, and steep declines in college enrollment across the country.

One reason for rising interest in UC may be because this year a judge has barred the university from considering SAT or ACT exams in student admissions for the first time.

The university received 203,700 freshman applications for fall 2021, an increase of 18.4% from last year, UC is reporting.

The number of Black applicants grew by nearly 22%, an increase of 1,505 requests for admission. Applications from Latino students rose by more than 12%, or an additional 5,250 requests. Overall, freshman applications from underrepresented minority students remained at about 45% of the total.

Our record number of applications is a testament to the resilience of students and their families, as well as their undeterred focus on higher education, said UC President Michael Drake.

John Perez, chairman of the Board of Regents, said he was heartened and inspired that so many students want to enroll at UC, noting that the diverse backgrounds, many strengths and impressive talents will enrich the university.

Across the country, college enrollment declined by 2.5% in fall 2020 compared to the prior year  nearly twice the drop seen in fall 2019  according to a report from the National College Clearinghouse, which tracks such data. Colleges lost more than half a million students last fall.

At UC, university leaders credited the rising number of applications to their strong outreach efforts within California.

This years application cycle was also the first in which the standardized admissions tests SAT and ACT will play no role in enrollment decisions.

UC spokeswoman Claire Doan declined to connect that to the unprecedented interest in attending UC, saying, It is difficult to attribute it to any particular data point.

The regents voted in May to make the exams voluntary for applicants, in response to Dec. 2019 lawsuit by low-income, minority and disabled students who argued that the tests discriminated against applicants who couldnt afford test prep classes, and that they posed other obstacles that often prevented qualified students from being accepted to UC. Many colleges around the country have gone test-optional for these reasons.

This fall, a judge barred the tests for any admissions decisions at UC.

The university will continue to evaluate students based on grade-point average and required high school coursework. In some cases, UC also considers talent or other special circumstances, such as overcoming adversity.

Individual campuses also weigh in on admissions decisions. And the university has long guaranteed admission to California applicants who rank in the top 9% of high school students statewide or at their school.

Meanwhile, UC says it may continue to rely on SAT or ACT scores in three ways if students choose to submit them: to determine your eligibility for the California statewide admissions guarantee, as an alternative method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility, or for course placement after you enroll.

The application information UC released Thursday painted a detailed picture of who is applying to each campus as a freshman or transfer student, and where they are coming from.

Here are highlights:

 Out-of-state and international students represented 37% of all freshman applications (75,572), higher than the prior years 34% (58,760)

 Among California applicants (freshman and transfer students), 46% would be the first in their family to graduate from college, and 44% were from a family with an annual income of less than $58,004.

 More freshmen applied to UCLA than to any other campus (139,463), with UC Berkeley coming in third (112,820) after UC San Diego.

 All nine undergraduate campuses saw increases in freshman applications, from 4.4% at the newest campus, UC Merced, to 28.2% at the oldest, UC Berkeley.

 Among California freshman applications, 573 came from American Indians, less than 1%. Those applicants generally applied to more than one campus, with UCLA receiving the most from this group, 352.

 UCLA received more applications from Californians trying to transfer in than any other campus: 23,591. UC Berkeley received 18,194 transfer application from in-state residents, trailing Irvine with 22,781, and San Diego with 19,406.

A strong number of applications doesnt always translate into high enrollment, however.

Of the 172,308 people who applied for a freshman slot at UC for last fall, more than 54,000 were disappointed when the envelope arrived last spring.

UC invited 118,242 of them to enroll  but just 46,709 did so, or 40%.

Nanette Asimov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: nasimov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @NanetteAsimov


Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to West Bengal may have been postponed, but his masterstroke sitting in New Delhi has once again taken Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by surprise. On Saturday, five leaders from the state joined the BJP in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah including three rebel Trinamool Congress MLAs. The five leaders who came in from Kolkata on a special flight, will reportedly share the stage at Smriti Irani's rally in Howrah on Sunday. Home Minister Amit Shah was to visit West Bengal on January 30 and 31. Five leaders, including Rajib Banerjee, who resigned as minister from the Trinamool government, were scheduled to join the BJP during the visit. However, in view of the blast in the Capital and the farmers' agitation, the trip had to be postponed. Nevertheless, it had no impact on the plans of the disgruntled Trinamool leaders. National general secretary and state-in-charge Kailash Vijayvargiya and National Vice President Mukul Roy accompanied the Trinamool leaders from Kolkata to Delhi in special flight that arrived in the Capital at 4 pm. Thereafter, all the leaders arrived at the residence of Home Minister Amit Shah and joined the BJP. The prominent leaders who joined the party on Saturday include former Forest Minister of West Bengal Rajib Banerjee, MLAs Prabir Ghoshal and Vaishali Dalmiya, Howrah Mayor Rathin Chakraborty and former MLA Partha Sarathi Chatterjee.




On Saturday, January 30, the Vietnamese authorities approved the use of the AstraZeneca/Oxford University vaccine against COVID-19. As per a statement by the government authorities, AstraZeneca will deliver 30 million doses of the vaccine to Vietnam in the year 2021. Also, the first batch is expected to be delivered in the first quarter of the year.

Current situation in Vietnam

Earlier this week, Vietnam reported 82 new coronavirus cases. This was hours after confirming the first two infections in a period of two months. As per the health ministry, 72 of the cases came from an electronic company in Hai Duong province. A 34-year-old employee tested positive after her colleague was found to carry the virus from Osaka, Japan.

As a result of this, the company was closed and the provincial authority locked down surrounding communities. Also, as per the ministry, over 3,000 people in the area will be tested. In the neighbouring Quang Ninh province, 10 people tested positive. According to a tally by the Johns Hopkins University, Vietnam has a total of 1,739 cases with 35 deaths.

Read: Vietnam Reports 82 New Coronavirus Cases In Two Clusters

Delay in vaccine deliveries

In another significant development, recently, AstraZeneca pulled out of talks with the European Union, where the company was being grilled over its vaccine delivery delays. As per the reports by AP, an EU official, who wishes to remain anonymous said that AstraZeneca has pulled out of the meeting. The official said that the bloc would insist AstraZeneca return to the talks once the firm's vaccine gets approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which might happen before the end of this month.

Read: AstraZeneca To Produce 90 Million Doses Of COVID-19 Vaccine In Japan, Says Official

Also, Italy has threatened to take legal action against AstraZeneca if it fails to deliver promised doses on time, saying delays would impact the country's vaccination strategy and the lives of vulnerable people. Europe is way behind in vaccinating its population when compared to nations such as Israel, which has already inoculated more than 40 per cent of its people. On papers, Europe has secured over 2 billion doses of vaccines from multiple manufacturers, way more than what is needed for its 450 million people.

Read: India-Vietnam Hold 13th Defence Security Dialogue To Review Progress In Cooperation

Also Read: COVID-19: Russia Resumes International Air Travel With Four Countries Including India

(Image Credits: AP/PTI)
Seldom has a victory been so successfully erased from the history books as the Irish victory over the Normans at the Battle of Ath an Chip in August 1270, according to Noel MacLochlainn, author of the 750th Anniversary of the Battle of Connacht.

Exactly one hundred years after conquering, and settling most of Ireland, Normans gathered to crush the defiant gaels of Connacht.

A massive army of knights and foot-soldiers, led by no less than the Justiciar of Ireland, marched through County Roscommon, over the River Shannon, into south County Leitrim.

Following days of drama and skirmishes, the Gaelic champion Aedh O'Conchobar launched a surprise attack, wiping out the entire Norman army at Ath an Chip.

Here, for the first time, the iconic Battle of Connacht at Ath an Chip, and the heroic leadership of both Aedh O'Conchobar and Turlough O'Briain can be revealed.

Noel MacLochlainn is chairperson of the commemoration committee and author of the book: Battle of Connacht 1270: Aedh O'Conchobar's victory at Ath an Chip (Conmaicne, south Leitrim).

Noel is keen to publicise his documentary work and to highlight what the county looked like 750 years ago.

I would really like local people to know these resources exist, how certain places got their names, and how the landscape of south Leitrim still echoes the memory of the battle, the biggest event to ever occur in county Leitrim, and one of the largest recorded medieval battles, he said.

A 90 minute documentary is available on Youtube entitled: The 750th Aniversary of the Battle of Ath an Chip by Noel MacLochlainn.

And, a book "Battle of Connacht, 1270" is available in some local bookshops and Amazon.

Researchers into these events were: Robert Lee of Cortober and Dublin, Frank Whitney of Port, and Noel MacLochlainn of Mackan, both from County Leitrim.

President Michael D Higgins has received a copy of the book and has been invited to visit a commemoration in July 2021 or 2022 in Roscommon and Leitrim.
A body of central London businesses has warned that if Soho dies, London dies.

In an open letter to Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak, the Soho Business Alliance said that businesses in the area were close to permanent closure, explaining that many wont survive [the] avalanche of costs costs due whilst we are closed.

The letter, which is also addressed to the secretary for business Kwasi Kwarteng, and Nickie Aiken, the MP for Westminster, calls for an extension to VAT cuts, business rates holidays and grants for struggling businesses, and asks for the government to support the landlord / tenant negotiations by ensuring no foreclosures by banks on landlords.

Without this support, the group say, [the] government is guiding many of our members and the hospitality sector as a whole, towards mass failure, CVAs and liquidation.

The letter also pushes for a hospitality recovery fund, and details difficulties particular to businesses in the centre of town  including that most have rateable values well above the 51,000 threshold for grants.

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A spokesman for the group told the Standard: Soho is the beating heart of London  famous worldwide for its diversity, independent small restaurants and late night venues, music and theatre, and of course being Londons centre for the LGTBQ+ community.

These small independent hospitality businesses and their amazing teams are facing financial ruin and unemployment this coming March and April. The government must come forward with a comprehensive medium to long term financial support package for small independent hospitality businesses otherwise Soho will become a boarded up ghetto rather than the shining worldwide beacon of the UK building back better. As Soho flatlines, culture flatlines, creativity flatlines, individuality flatlines If Soho dies, London dies.

Soho is the beating heart of London  famous worldwide for its diversity, independent small restaurants and late night venues

The proposals, which can be viewed in full below, have received support from Westminster council. Speaking to the Standard, councillor Matthew Green said: "Businesses across Soho and the West End have been hit hard, with the pandemic depriving restaurants, pubs and bars of more than five months of trade in the past year, including the Christmas and New Year period, which is so vital to hospitality.

"As these viable businesses count the cost of COVID and make difficult decisions about their future, they need a clear signal that they will be supported well into 2021. I can think of no better way than for the Treasury to immediately confirm that hospitality businesses will not face business rate bills in April. If this decision is taken without delay, I'm confident that the heartbeat of London that is Soho will pound for many years to come.

The SBA was formed last year by a body of Soho operators to help better represent the areas businesses, many of them restaurants and bars, during negotiations with the council over trading practices. It first successfully worked with the council to agree on terms for last summers al fresco dining terraces in the area, which the group say saved 90 per cent of local operators and more than 2000 jobs.

The groups six-point support plan is as below:

The Business Rates Relief needs to be extended for a further 6 to 12 months

The VAT on food of 5 per cent should continue for another 12 months and consideration should be given to reducing VAT on drink sales too

The CBILs 1 year interest free needs to be extended to 2 years and the repayment term extended to 10 years

Give consideration to paying the NI/PAYE contribution on the CJRS for small businesses only

The Govt should support the landlord / tenant negotiations by ensuring no foreclosures by banks on landlords

Deferred VAT and PAYE via the Time to Pay Scheme needs to be extended to 3 or 5 year payment plans.
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The SEC on Saturday sent a letter to Chief Secretary Adityanath Das repeating his instructions to move Praveen Prakash, principal secretary, out of the general administration department. (Photo:DC)

Hyderabad: A perception is that Andhra Pradesh State Election Commissioner (SEC) N. Ramesh Kumar is erring in his actions in an apparent eagerness to settle scores with the state government.

The SEC on Saturday sent a letter to Chief Secretary Adityanath Das repeating his instructions to move Praveen Prakash, principal secretary, out of the general administration department. He stated that Praveen himself has admitted that he had scuttled the crucial video conference with district collectors and superintendents of police that eventually led to a postponement of the Phase I notification for the gram panchayat polls.

The SEC also held out a threat to the Chief Secretary that not implementing his order with regard to Prakash would be judged as a deliberate affront to the commission, which has consequences.

Inquiries by Deccan Chronicle revealed that the SEC rushed with Saturdays letter even without waiting for a reply from the state government on the contentious issue. He merely reacted on the basis of media reports. The government did not send any official communication so far to the SEC, a senior official said, adding the SEC had been acting on presumptions.

The SEC went on to say that Prakash had come up with an erroneous and ill-conceived defence and wantonly displayed defiance, instead of exhibiting remorse and regret. Maintaining that the commission rightly judged him as being unsuitable to hold the office of principal secretary, Ramesh Kumar reiterated that his continued presence even after his own admission of guilt will be prejudicial to the holding of free and fair polls.

Sources said Prakash too must share the blame for putting the government in a tight spot by writing a letter to the Chief Secretary without being asked and releasing it to the media.

The SEC jumped the gun based on the contents of the letter circulated in media groups and without receiving it officially.

A girl from Wales has discovered a perfectly preserved 215-million-year-old dinosaur print, described as the 'finest' of its type found in 10 years.

Four-year-old Lily Wilder has been hailed by scientists after making the finding on a beach at Bendricks Bay near Barry.

The girl, from Llandough, near Cardiff, made the fossilised rock finding when out walking with her dad Richard, 47.

The print is just over 3.9 inches long and was made by a two-footed dinosaur currently unknown to science.

Lilly Wilder found the 'perfectly preserved' print when out walking with her dad Richard, 47, on a beach in Llandough, Wales

The creature that created it is thought to have stood about 75cm tall and 2.5m long.

Experts called it 'the finest impression of a 215-million-year-old dinosaur print found in Britain in a decade'.

It was so perfect Mum Sally, 38, said they initially thought it was carving made by artists.

She said: 'Lily saw it when they were walking along and said, "daddy look".

'When Richard came home and showed me the photograph, I thought it looked amazing.

'Richard thought it was too good to be true. I was put in touch with experts who took it from there.

'We weren't even sure it was real.

'I was imagining an artist had gone down and scratched it out, but I knew dinosaur footprints had been found along that piece of coast before, so I just thought I'd ask some people.

It was called 'so perfect and absolutely pristine' as well as a 'wonderful piece' by Karl-James Langford, of Archaeology Cymru.

The ancient print is just over 3.9 inches long and was made by a two-footed dinosaur currently unknown to science, experts said.

'I found this fossil identification page on Facebook and I posted it on there and people went a bit crazy.

'It's all been so exciting, discovering that it's actually what they thought it was.'

It was inspected after Sally and husband Richard reported the finding to experts, including palaeontologists, who specialise in dinosaurs.

Karl-James Langford, of Archaeology Cymru called it 'the finest impression of a 215-million-year-old dinosaur print found in Britain in a decade.'

It was located in Bendricks Bay near Barry, Wales, and is the best dinosaur print of its age found in the UK in ten years.

He added: 'It's so perfect and absolutely pristine, it's a wonderful piece.

'I would say it's internationally important and that is why the museum took it. I would say it's the best dinosaur footprint found in the UK in the past 10 years.'

A spokesman from the National Museum in Cardiff said the detail in the fossil was of great value to science.

'Its spectacular preservation may help scientists establish more about the actual structure of their feet as the preservation is clear enough to show individual pads and even claw impressions.'
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Riot Games is taking its ongoing gender discrimination dispute with former employees out of the courtroom and back into private arbitration after a court granted its motion to compel earlier this week.

It's a pivot from previous coverage of the case that saw it headed towards a settlement of $10 million, until California's DFEH stepped in to suggest the amount was too low and the conflict carried on.

In a statement sent out to press, Riot Games argued that a flip back to private arbitration will facilitate a "fair and speedy resolution to these cases." Meanwhile the counsel for the women that filed the class action lawsuit to begin with says in a press release that forcing the case back to arbitration aims to keep those former Riot employees from "fighting together as a group against the company."

Riot Games first attempted to block the class action and push the issues at its core into private arbitration back in 2019, citing clauses in each employee's employment contracts that allowed it to do so. Developers at the studio organized and pushed back against that and the inclusion of arbitration clauses in employment contracts as a whole, eventually forcing Riot to remove the clauses for new employees and triggering a larger promise of accountability and transparency from Riot.

The class action was eventually able to proceed, and the two parties had agreed upon a $10 million settlement before California state agencies stepped in last year and suggested that amount was letting Riot off lightly. Negotiations continued, eventually leading to this week's decision from a California court regarding arbitration.

For its part, Riot Games does say in a statement that it has worked internally to address the concerns brought up by the class action.

"Over the last two-and-a-half years, weve established new and updated policies and programs to promote inclusion in day-to-day life at Riot and help rebuild trust, increased diversity in our leadership team and across the company, continued to take action to ensure we are equitable to all Rioters, and established new recruiting and hiring processes to better meet our goals and improve candidate experiences," reads a portion of Riot's statement to press. "While we know we still have work to do, were confident in the strides weve made towards our ultimate goal of becoming the most inclusive company in gaming."

A forensic team reached Red Fort on Saturday to collect evidence in connection with violence that broke out during the farmers' tractor rally on Republic Day.

The historical structure is shut for visitors from 27 January to 31 January in the aftermath of the violence, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has said.

The monument was also closed from 22 January to 26 January owing to the Republic Day celebrations. However, it was supposed to be open for visitors on 27 January.

Tractor rally

Thousands of protesting farmers had reached the monument on 26 January after deviating from their tractor rally route triggering a conflict with the police.

Many of the protesters, driving tractors, reached the Red Fort while some of them hoisted religious flags on its domes and the flagstaff at the ramparts.

The Crime Branch of Delhi Police is investigating the matter and several teams have been formed to identify the culprits.

The force has termed the vandalisation at the fort as an "anti-national act".

Delhi Police on Wednesday said that it has issued a Lookout Notice (LOC) against some farmer leaders with the help of immigration.

The passports of these leaders will be seized as a part of the process, said Delhi Police in a statement.

On Friday, the Delhi Police had issued an appeal in leading newspapers asking people to share any evidence or information about the violence.

"All members of the public, including media persons, who are witnesses to the incidents or have any information about the incident or have captured any activity on their mobile phones or camera, are hereby requested to come forward and give their statements/footage/picture in their possession at room number 215, second floor, Old Delhi Police Headquarters, ITO during office hours, on any working day or contact on 8750871237 or 011-23490094 or send e-mail on kisanandolanriots.26jain2021@gmmail.com," the appeal stated.





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BEIJING, Jan. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 26, the leading brand in online K-12 English group classes, Whales English, has announced the completion of series B+ round of funding. This round of financing is led by New Oriental, a giant in the Chinese domestic education industry. This is the first time that New Oriental Group has invested in K-12 English live teaching products. So far, Whales English has raised a total of RMB 220 million in round B series of funding.

Tom Wu, the CEO of Whales English, said that with this new round of funding the company will focus on three areas: 1. Catering to different age groups. The focus will be on refining the company's products and exploring new ways to teach to Chinese children of different age groups. 2. While still adhering to the 1V2 small group class style, the company will launch larger group classes to meet the needs of all customers. 3. Product effectiveness. Whales English has introduced the world's first evaluation system published by National Geographic Learning and will introduce more optimized evaluation systems in the future.

Whales English is an online English education brand focused on "cultivating excellence" for students between the ages of 3 and 18 years old. The school helps children improve their English comprehension skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing from the point of no English skills at all to full English competency and proficiency. This is achieved through intensive reading and heuristic teaching styles of English-speaking teachers, original American textbooks and the "Three-fixed model" (Fixed teacher, Fixed students and Fixed schedule).

Currently, the monthly revenue of Whales English is 150 million yuan. The cumulative number of students the company serves is over 1 million. The profit of the first UE is 15%, while the renewal rate remains at about 80%, and the referral rate is up to 70%. The company has entered a healthy stage of large-scale growth and has become the No.1 online K-12 English group class education brand in China.



New Oriental strategic investment team believes that it is very challenging to create education products that can stand the test of the market. To be able to achieve this, a company needs excellent teaching content, a superior teaching design, a conducive teaching environment and competent teaching staff, as well as a commercial operation. Whales English checks all those boxes.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1429881/Whales_English_B__Funding_Flyer.jpg

There is a pressing need for a complete digital transformation of the industry to handle international shipments efficiently

When the pandemic struck in 2020, one of the few industrial sectors that were able to help the ecosystem was logistics. However, it faced stumbling blocks faced as the sector is not fully digitised. There is a pressing need for a complete digital transformation of the industry to handle international shipments efficiently. Logistics firms shared their concerns and wish list from Budget 2021 with Firstpost.

Dhruvil Sanghvi, Chief Executive Officer, LogiNext

Global and national supply chain is of paramount criticality in 2021 and beyond. Currently, there is a very high degree of compliance and paperwork which makes it difficult for technology companies to serve the global audience and forces companies to shift base outside the country. Urgent steps in this direction will help high growth companies keep base in India, generate employment across the spectrum and help revive the national economy after the shock of the pandemic.

Sanjay Bhatia, CO-Founder, Freightwalla

We hope the Union Budget will announce suitable investments towards the digitization of the shipping and logistics sector. A leap towards this initiative will bring in transparency, reduction in cost, and better cost management. Digitisation should also include implementing smart single-window clearance for smooth processing of shipments or approvals. Such initiatives will prepare us to tackle any untoward incidences in the future, like the current pandemic. Investments in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and BlockChain technologies can facilitate complete transformation. It can boost productivity in every sector. There is also an expectation that the proposed National Logistics Policy may be announced.

Sonesh Jain, EIR, WheelsEye

Some key expectations from the Budget are the implementation of uniform and subsidised diesel rates, especially for transporters with less than five vehicles; lowered GST slabs for small businessmen to boost profitability; allowing NETC and NPCI to solve toll or traffic-related payment disputes in real-time; empowering software and hardware-related innovation, partner with startups to solve on-ground real problems; develop a data and resource centre to enable easy availability of the logistics related databases and statistical information; standard GPS and other technology-related policies in order to automate toll collection, business operations and increase the safety of the commercial vehicles; and to develop a better custom documentation process and an integrated platform with access to all export formalities for bringing ease and transparency among the importers and exporters.

Alok Sharma, CEO and Co-founder, NebulARC

As India gears up for COVID-19 vaccine distribution this year, the logistics sector needs to gear up big time to ensure a smooth supply chain. In Budget 2021, we expect the government to invest in the digitisation of supply chain management with a focus on new technologies like AI, Machine learning, and IoT. These technologies will eventually decrease the pressure on pharma companies in effectively managing logistics. The government should also consider lowering ocean freight rates that are driven by the demand-supply scenario. This will also reduce the shortage of containers due to port congestion and delays last year. Besides this, we also expect the government to take a proactive step in funding large port construction for container trade to fuel the sector's growth.

Narasimhan Raghavan, Director, Raag Technologies and Services

The year 2020 has been a game-changer for the logistics sector. As we await Budget 2021, we are expecting the government to take steps to further strengthen the sector with reforms related to GST, and most importantly accelerate the implementation of initiatives under the Sagarmala and Bharatmala projects. It must be noted that logistics is also one of the highest employment-generating sectors currently. Therefore, the government must look at creating a thriving ecosystem for logistics leading to the overall economic growth.

We are expecting that the government will take further steps to strengthen the logistics sector with reforms related to GST, and most importantly accelerate the implementation of initiatives under the Sagarmala and Bharatmala projects. It must be noted that logistics is also one of the highest employment-generating sectors currently. Therefore, the government must look at creating a thriving ecosystem for logistics leading to the overall economic growth.

Abhik Mitra, MD and CEO, Spoton Logistics

With logistics holding the economy together even during the COVID-19 pandemic and set to play an even more crucial role in current times, the government must look at providing the much-required financial and infrastructural support to the sector. With India's aim to reduce the logistics cost from the current 14 percent of GDP to less than 10 percent, it is imperative for the government to bring about a groundbreaking transformation in the logistics sector that encapsulates an increased use of digital technologies and automation. We urge the government to take dedicated measures to boost digitalisation so as to drive transparency and bring in the required predictability in logistics.

Prem Kishan Dass Gupta, Chairman and MD, Gateway Distriparks

We expect strong support and initiatives for the EXIM industry which will help in increasing volumes. We hope the 2021 Budget will have enhanced allocation to the Indian Railways for completion of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) project at the earliest so that the industry can benefit from the new rail infrastructure at this time when the focus is to increase manufacturing in India.

As a Logistics company, we are looking at the governments increased investment in infrastructure, which will provide further impetus to boost the overall economy.

Rhitiman Majumder, Co-founder, Pickrr

The logistics costs in the country at around 14 percent of the GDP are still amongst the highest in the world and this is a key disadvantage for the Indian Industry to compete in the international markets. In Budget 2021, at the first instance, I would urge the government to create an enabling environment for the digitisation of documentation and the seamless transfer of documents from one agency to another reducing the compliance burden on the logistic service provider. Further, currently every corporate in India has to file more than 150 compliances to various government departments through the year, this needs to be rationalised and reduced.

Saahil Goel, CEO and Co-founder, Shiprocket

Despite the tough times induced by COVID-19 , the Direct to Consumer (D2C) eCommerce sector grew at a rapid pace last year. However, a National Retail Policy will help boost the sector even further. As small businesses are going online, we expect the Union Budget to focus on the improvisation of digital infrastructure in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. Better internet connectivity in rural areas will further stimulate the demand for eCommerce. Furthermore, measures to enhance warehousing would also benefit this sector immensely.
PORTLAND - The school administration is moving ahead with a full in-school reopening for seventh through twelfth grades on Monday.

Superintendent of Schools Charles D. Britton announced the decision in an email he sent to the parents of high school and middle school students.

The school system had moved to remote learning on Nov. 30.

Children in kindergarten through sixth grade then returned to in-school learning on Jan. 18.

Since that date, students at the high school and middle middle have been operating on a hybrid system with in-school learning alternating with virtual learning.

The reopening comes, as Britton noted, on the first day of the second semester.

Britton had initially pushed for an earlier reopening.

However, Board of Education members, concerned about a spike in coronavirus infections in the wake of the end-of-the-year holidays, voted to push back the re-opening until Monday.

Those concerns were shared by members of the teachers union as well.

Even as the secondary school administrative team was completing preparations for the reopening, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offered an assessment that was noted by school officials.

The CDC determined that schools might be able to safely open with appropriate mitigation efforts in place.

The preponderance of available evidence from the fall school semester has been reassuring, three CDC researchers said in an online article published by the Journal of the American Medical Association and widely reported by news sites..

There has been little evidence that schools have contributed meaningfully to increased community transmission, the researchers said.

Britton referenced the CDC report in his message to parents.

With masking requirements and student cohorting, transmission risk within schools appeared low, the researchers said.

These findings align with the conclusions of local and state health officials. In short, health officials have determined that so long as we implement our mitigation strategies with fidelity, we may return to in-person learning, Britton said.

I share this information with you for two reasons: First, please speak with your children and reinforce the importance of following all of our expectations related to mitigating the spread of Covid-19, he said in his email.

In general, our students have been terrific; however, a gentle reminder wont hurt, he added.

Britton also asked that parents take responsibility in your homes by keeping your children home if they are not feeling well, adhering to quarantine expectations if exposed in the community or school, and limiting gatherings with people outside of the home.

The entire faculty, staff, and leadership team are excited and ready to welcome our secondary students back for full in-person teaching and learning, Britton said.

He did, however, did include a cautionary note in his email to the parents: Please be aware that staffing challenges or the breakdown of our mitigation strategies might necessitate a return to the hybrid or remote learning models.

While a return to the hybrid or remote learning model could happen with very little notice, we will make sure all students are prepared should such necessity arise, he said.

In the meantime, the school system will continue to collaborate with the Chatham Health District and the Connecticut State Department of Public Health, to monitor new and emerging science on current and novel strains of Covid-19 until the much-anticipated day when we are all vaccinated, Britton said.
$8 million NASA grant pilots course to hybrid-powered aircraft

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Leading a diverse, collaborative coalition that spans universities, industry and disciplines, Penn State has been awarded $8 million from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to chart the course for hybrid electric aircraft.

"This is a bold project that will explore the possibility of a safe, efficient and innovative path to reduce the fuel consumption and lower the carbon footprint of the aviation industry," said Karen Thole, distinguished professor, mechanical engineering department head and the principal investigator.

The four-year project will focus on single and twin-aisle aircraft that carry 100 passengers or more, which the researchers say are well suited for hybrid propulsion.

However, it is not as simple as integrating a battery into a traditional, gas-powered propulsion system, according to Thole. The team will seek to reimagine the entire system, optimizing and re-designing the core of the gas turbine engine.

"With our collaborators, we will use all the knowledge surrounding these hybrid systems and find new ways to operate them with increased efficiency," said Reid Berdanier, assistant research professor in mechanical engineering.

According to the researchers, Penn State, with its historic strengths in gas turbines, is pioneering the development and testing of concepts for small engine cores that are efficient and integrate well into the hybrid system. They will be using emerging technologies such as additive manufacturing, machine learning and cyber-physical modeling to forge these new frontiers in hybrid propulsion.

"The goal is to shrink the engine as much as possible," Thole said. "In doing so, this brings up other technical issues, including how to manufacture the parts and how to improve efficiencies."

Amrita Basak, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, explained using metal additive manufacturing (AM), commonly referred to as metal 3D printing, will be an enabling technology to reduce the size of the engine core.

"This could push the boundary of AM," she said. "Optimizing part precision, surface roughness and conformity on such a small scale could change the way we 3D print metallic parts."

Thole explained that by leveraging the National Experimental Turbine (NExT) program in the Steady Thermal Aero Research Turbine (START) Laboratory, the AM capabilities at the Center for Innovative Materials Processing Through Direct Digital Deposition (CIMP-3D) and the resources of the Materials Research Institute, Penn State is uniquely positioned to lead this project.

She also noted the guidance offered by the University's Strategic Interdisciplinary Research Office in the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research significantly contributed to the proposal's success.

"The broad coalition of partners dedicated to the hybrid electric airplane project has enormous potential to develop advances and engage in innovation and discovery to bring transformational change to the field," said Lora Weiss, senior vice president for research. "We were pleased to support the development of their proposal and the assembly of the strong interdisciplinary research team and are excited that it will result in foundational knowledge for NASA and society at large."

Other key facets will include integrating machine learning and cyber-physical models, spearheaded by Michaela Amoo and Ahmed Rubaai from Howard University, and systems level architecture, led by Georgia Tech's Timothy Lieuwen and Brian German.

NASA's funding was provided by the agency's University Leadership Initiative, which was created to empower universities to collaborate to pioneer technologies with significant impacts on aeronautics and aviation. This project represents the first female-led team funded by the initiative.

"This is a proud moment for us," Thole said. "I'm honored to be a part of such a talented and diverse team. These unique minds and experiences are absolutely going to strengthen the project. Our team is also committed to educating a diverse group of students who will impact the future of aviation through unique research opportunities."

In addition to solidifying collaborations between the universities, the project will draw upon valuable insights from their industry partners: Pratt & Whitney, a world leader in designing and manufacturing aircraft and helicopter engines and auxiliary power units, and CVD MesoScribe will use a novel approach to deposit sensors on the additively manufactured gas turbine components.

"With the aviation market estimated to grow at around 4.5%, our industry's contribution to global CO2 will need to decrease so the aerospace industry's commitment to sustainability has never been stronger," said Sean Bradshaw, technical fellow in sustainable propulsion at Pratt & Whitney. "A strong research collaboration between academia and industry is vital and the fundamental insights generated from this important research will augment current efforts by the aviation industry to become more sustainable."

###

Additional collaborators include Irewole Orisamolu, Pratt & Whitney, Jeffrey Brogan, CVD MesoScribe and Collins Aerospace.

This story has been published on: 2021-01-29. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Leaving Cert students may not go back to school until March, it is feared, as pressure mounts on the Government to make a decision on when the return will happen.

Another intense day of talks between education stakeholders resulted in no clear answers for parents or students.

With just four months left in the traditional school year, students still have no idea when they will be returning to class despite Tanaiste Leo Varadkar having stated on Monday that schools will reopen on a phased basis next month.

Opposition politicians have criticised the Government for failing to meaningfully engage with Nphet on what is needed to safely get children back to the classroom.

It comes as chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said Nphet has given advice, and "is available to explain what that advice may mean but it's up to the education sector to plan the resumption of activities".

The Herald put 10 specific questions to the department including whether it has sought any advice from Nphet on a phased reopening, what criteria needs to be met for Nphet to recommend the return to education and what dates students are expected to start back.

The department did not respond to the specific questions but said "confidential talks" with unions and other education partners are ongoing.

Labour education spokesman Aodhan O Riordain hit out at the department, saying: "There's no sense of partnership, there's no sense of drive, there's no sense of being in control, there's no sense of being ahead of this thing.

"It's as if the department has almost given up."

He said that if the safe return of schools is a "Government priority", Nphet should be allowed play a bigger role.

Meanwhile, talks on plans for the Leaving Cert and Junior Cert exams this year were held yesterday and will continue next week.



A Sydney street photo of Dudley and Joan Doherty during their courting days. ASIO recruited Bill Marshall, a Belarusian emigre, to translate the tapes of Nosovs conversations when they were in Russian. Joan remembers that Marshall would arrive at the apartment at 10pm, and she could ask him questions about any foreign words she had heard and discuss any suspicions she had about the conversations she had transcribed. With Marshalls help, she found she had a talent for picking up foreign languages. Occasionally she had to transcribe a whole conversation in Russian, Polish or Serbian, and she was surprised at how much she could understand. Joans father, Harry Ridgway, had been a fine linguist, reputed to speak seven languages. Later on, Joans youngest daughter Amanda discovered that she had inherited the gift for languages too. She could understand the uncomplimentary things her mother-in-law said about her in Greek, thinking she would not understand. Despite the crowded conditions in their new home, the Dohertys had enough time together for Joan to fall pregnant. Mark Doherty was born in the apartment at Kaindi in 1951, and this placid baby became an unwitting player in ASIOs first covert operation. Joan continued with the listening work where possible, letting Mark sleep in the room furthest from the living room, but she was supported by a male ASIO operative. If she needed to take Mark out for a walk or go shopping, ASIO had the job covered.

When she went out with Mark, Dudley would often suggest she make the acquaintance of people who lived in the neighbourhood so she could find out who they were. This was Joans introduction to the principle that anyone at all could be a person of interest and that it was always worth meeting people and observing them. In the process, she also made some friends  in particular, she enjoyed the company of a couple called Patsy and James who lived in the same building. James liked to dress up in womens clothing and go out at night; perhaps he asked the elegant Joan for help with planning his outfits. Joan and Dudley Dohertys children Amanda, Mark and Sue-Ellen. Credit:Allen & Unwin It was exciting work, but it was also frustrating, because Joan only heard scraps of information that didnt tell her the whole story. She remembers transcribing many of Nosovs conversations with unionists, especially with members of the Building Workers Industrial Union. She heard that some union leaders believed unions had a dual purpose  not only to improve pay and conditions for workers but to educate them in Moscow-style radical politics. One of the regular visitors to the Dohertys flat was a colourful ASIO informer called Dr Michael Bialoguski, a medical practitioner and violinist who had escaped from the Soviet Union in 1941 and come to Australia using forged papers. Later on, he would play a significant role in the Petrov Affair, helping to confirm ASIOs suspicions that Soviet embassy staff Vladimir and Evdokia Petrov were spies for the KGB, the Soviet intelligence service.

Regular visitor: Dr Michael Bialoguski played a significant role in the Petrov Affair, helping to confirm ASIOs suspicions that Soviet embassy staff Vladimir and Evdokia Petrov were KGB spies. At this stage, however, he was just another informer, getting 5 a week from ASIO for information about Russian immigrants, while also running an abortion clinic. Joan disliked Bialoguski intensely; she never trusted him and called him a two-timer. She was entitled to her own views as long as she only recorded the facts. One day Nosov came up to the flat and banged on the door. Joan opened it but refused to let him in. My baby is sleeping, she said, holding firmly on to the door he was pushing. You are spying on me. I know, he shouted at her. Nonsense, she said. You are imagining things. Nosov called the owner of the building, who Joan remembers as a wealthy man from Papua New Guinea. Ah, youre just imagining things, he soothed Nosov. Its just a little family. With My Little Eye by Sandra Hogan. Credit:Allen & Unwin

Eventually, Nosov went away and they continued their work. Sue-Ellen was born in 1953, 15 months after Mark. She was a live wire from the beginning, who didnt waste much time on sleeping, and Joan decided she couldnt look after two children and ASIO. She resigned from her ASIO duties and dropped off the payroll. After that, I only worked for ASIO 19 hours a day, she later joked, poker-faced. It wasnt that much of a joke. Resignation simply meant that Joan took her orders from Dudley instead of from another supervisor. Dudley quickly worked out that a woman with young children was a perfect cover for a spy. In particular, he used Joan and the children as often as possible to sit in public places and listen to conversations. From 1953 to 1970 Joan continued to work for ASIO, without pay. She may have made ironic remarks about her situation, but she never seriously questioned her patriotic duty. She couldnt be certain whether ASIO officially sanctioned her work or whether she was just helping Dudley on the quiet  it wasnt a need-to-know issue.
Ghazipur, Jan 30 : The farmers' agitation on the Ghazipur border has changed direction as the video of an emotional farmer leader Rakesh Tikait caused outrage among farmers of western Uttar Pradesh even as many of them left their homes and reached the Delhi border overnight.

With this sudden change, it seems as a battle has started between the farmer community and the Uttar Pradesh government. However, Rakesh Tikait denied this and said that this fight is for the farmers only.

The movement was greatly affected after the violence at the Red Fort and on Delhi streets on Republic Day. Farmers' organisations came under pressure and were hit by various allegations, although Tikait, the national spokesperson of the Bhartiya Kisan Union, said, "There was a storm, and twigs, branches and hollow trees broke up in this storm, and now only the strong pillars are standing." On January 28, it had seemed as if the Ghazipur border protests would not last long. But a sentimental appeal from Tikait changed that.

Till now, the main centres of the movement were considered to be the Singhu and Tikri borders, but now Ghazipur border has emerged as a new centre of the protests.

The farmers' panchayat held in Muzaffarnagar also point to the growing support for Rakesh Tikait and the farmers' movement.

Uttar Pradesh is set for Assembly polls in 2022 and the activism of political parties is giving a different spin in the backdrop of the farmers' movement.

Tikait is considered a Jat farmer leader and the number of Jat farmers in western Uttar Pradesh is also high. They can play a big role in the win or loss of any party.

Tikait was asked, "Is this fight now Jats vs state government?", to which he said "No it is not, there is a farmer from every class in the movement, I have heard this Jat word for the first time in this movement, I have objection to it, this fight is between the farmers and the government." Tikait ponted to people standing near him and said, "Are these Jats ...?" At the same time, a farmer sitting next to Tikait told IANS, "I am a Pandit and this movement has all sections of farmers." Thousands of farmers of western Uttar Pradesh have arrived here on tractors, two-wheeler and cars.

The farmers' organisations are demanding repeal of all three agricultural laws and legal guarantee for procurement of crops at minimum support price (MSP) while the government is willing to give written assurance to amend the new laws and continue procurement on MSP.

The protesting farmers have been camping at the borders of Delhi since November 26, 2020, demanding withdrawal of the Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act 2020, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Price Assurance and Agricultural Services Agreement Act 2020, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act 2020, implemented by the central government, along with purchase of crops at minimum support price.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text


Omega Mart is an interactive art installation/grocery store from the New Mexico-based Meow Wolf collective set to open in Las Vegas. To promote the opening of the new art installation, Meow Wolf created a vintage promo video, which stars a fake Willie Nelson.

According to their website, Omega Mart is a place where people can "explore an extraordinary supermarket that bursts into surreal worlds and unexpected landscapes."

HOUSTON GETS TRIPPY: Seismique interactive art museum announces opening date

The abstract concept seems disorienting but cool, and the Willie Nelson look-alike, makes it seems like a must-see establishment.

The promo video gives off a "Stranger Things" vibe and gets even weirder by sticking the face of the Fort Worth country icon onto some non-Willie Nelson persons body as they describe some of what Omega Mart has to offer.

The faux-Willie Nelson strolls down the grocery store aisles, explaining everything the Omega Mart has to offer.

In the video, the fake Willie Nelson says, "Omega Mart has all the under-refrigerated dairy you need," as he retrieves a carton of milk from the dairy aisle, which eventually turns into a tripped-out trail of other cartons as it moves.

Nelson goes on to mention the store's "free-range staff" as the employee removes an egg from their mouth.

The super-weird Omega Mart commercial ends with the sound of an out-of-tune guitar being strummed.

While Omega Mart may seem weird to some, it gives us Texans an idea of what a grocery store ad on LSD might be like.
Admin gears up as Hisar farmers get set to protest today

Punjab MLA Navjot Singh Sidhu hoists black flag at his residence in support of protesting farmers

Farmers' Protest: Man who attacked cop with sword on R-Day, 43 others arrested

India

oi-Briti Roy Barman

New Delhi, Jan 30: Delhi Police have arrested 44 people, including man who attacked a police officer on Friday with a sword during clashes at Singhu border.

At Ghazipur, one of the other protest sites, thousands of demonstrators dug in on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, defying the Ghaziabad administration's ultimatum to vacate the area.

With the crowd swelling after a standoff and a tearful outburst by one of the senior leaders of the movement on Thursday, security forces in large numbers were called in again.

All India Kisan Sabha is set to observe a day's fast beginning at 10:30 am at Delhi's ITO, even as Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh appealed to the protesting farmers to attend the meeting with the Centre and resolve the issue as soon as possible.

He added that "the agitation has lost its steam" due to the violence in Delhi on January 26. Singh further warned that a "disturbed Punjab suits Pakistan's policies and asked central government to be on toes.

Moradabad-Agra highway accident | Gandhi statue vandalised in US | Oneindia News

A day earlier, the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) supporters stayed put on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, notwithstanding the Ghaziabad administration's ultimatum to vacate the UP Gate protest site where security force in large numbers was re-deployed.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, January 30, 2021, 10:27 [IST]
Ghaziabad:

The Hindon bridge was closed for vehicular traffic after big cracks were noticed on it.

The cracks were detected on Thursday at two points on the bridge following which District Magistrate Ministhy S set up a committee to assess the possibility of repairing the 60-year-old bridge.

The panel, comprising engineers from the Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department, State Bridge Corporation Limited and PWD National Highway division, will prepare a report, which will be sent to the chief ministers office for its nod to build a new bridge, the district magistrate said.

Different departments have declared the bridge irreparable and unfit for vehicular movement.

Also read: J&K: National highway closes for traffic due to blockade triggered by landslides

Also read: Heavy Rains in Mumbai affect Harbour Line services, lead to traffic delay

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Vietnam's health ministry approved the AstraZeneca vaccine for domestic inoculation, the first coronavirus vaccine to be approved in the country, the government said on Saturday as it battles its biggest outbreak yet.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc had said Vietnam must try to obtain the vaccine in the first quarter to ensure people's health.

Vietnam has kept its tally to a low 1,739 infections and 35 deaths.

Also Read: Serum Institute seeks approval to conduct trial for Novavax COVID-19 vaccine
Pat Shingleton retired from broadcasting Friday night after delivering weather forecasts on Baton Rouge's top two television stations for most of the last 44 years.

"Thank you for letting me come into your home, with maybe a good forecast and maybe a smile and maybe a roll of the eyes," Shingleton said on WBRZ's 6 p.m. newscast, holding a grandchild on his right hip.

Shingleton, 70, had been at WBRZ, Channel 2, since 1981. He previously had worked at its rival, WAFB, Channel 9, in 1977-79. He began his career in St. Joseph, Missouri, and also gave forecasts in Pittsburgh, near his hometown of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania.

While stepping away from in front of the camera, Shingleton will still work on community projects including Pat's Coats for Kids and Filling a Prescription for the Needy.

Shingleton is the second longtime TV personality to retire in recent weeks. Longtime weather forecaster Diane Deaton retired from WAFB last month.

"What matters is that you know that we have already purchased the vaccines and the plane ready to leave," she emphasized.

?? En vivo | Presidenta del Consejo de Ministros, @VBermudezV, informa sobre las gestiones para la llegada del primer lote de vacunas. https://t.co/HovRgGDAs0
Portuguese parliament on Friday approved the final wording of legislation allowing euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill and gravely injured people. The bill to allow euthanasia was passed in the parliament with lawmakers voting 136-78 in favour of the legislation. The bill will now go to the president for final approval before it can become law. Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who recently won re-election, will have the option to either pass the bill or veto it or send it for review.

Read: Spanish Lawmakers Vote Overwhelmingly In Favour Of Euthanasia, Assisted Death

If the president decides to veto the bill, the parliament can override it by revoting on the legislation. The president will decide in the coming weeks on whether to pass the bill or block it. Earlier last month, Spanish lawmakers passed legislation to make euthanasia and medically-assisted suicide legal in the country.

Read: Center-right Incumbent Wins Portugal's Presidential Election

Legal status of euthanasia elsewhere

With the recent passage of the legislation in the parliament, Portugal takes a step closer towards making voluntary euthanasia legal for terminally ill patients and people with untreatable injuries. Euthanasia is undertaken when a doctor administers a lethal drug into a patient at the latter's request, while medically-assisted suicide is when the patient takes the lethal drug under the supervision of medical staff. Euthanasia is legal in countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, while medically-assisted suicide is legal in Switzerland, Germany, and some US states.

Read: Portugal Holds Presidential Election As Country Battles Rise In COVID-19 Cases

The Supreme Court of India in 2018 passed a historic judgement allowing passive euthanasia for patients on life support. Passive euthanasia is when doctors take off the life support at the request of the patient or family members after a specially constituted medical board gives consent for it. Advocates of voluntary euthanasia argue that people should have the right to die, which is the basis for many of these court rulings and laws in countries where euthanasia or medically-assisted suicide is legal.

Read: Portugal Shuts Schools, Blames Variant For COVID-19 Surge

(Image Credit: AP)
New company filings underscore the financial pressure that was being heaped on a Blackstone fund that owned the Blanchardstown shopping centre in Dublin as the Covid crisis played havoc with retailers.

Accounts for a company behind the centre were signed off last month on the day that Goldman Sachs received competition approval to acquire the retail destination.

The accounts note that in the year to December 22 last, rents at the centre were down by a third compared to the previous corresponding period.

Blackstone bought the shopping complex from Stephen Vernons Green Property for 950m in 2016. The US investment giant likely walked away with little to show for its investment as retail asset values took a hit due to the pandemic.

Goldman Sachs was one of the backers for Blackstones investment in the Blanchardstown centre and had 150m of riskier mezzanine debt attached to the complex.

Read More

The 2019 accounts for Blanche Retail Nominee, the Blackstone company behind the centre, have just been filed here.

They note that there were two lockdowns during 2020 that impacted trading at Blanchardstown.

This unprecedented situation has had a significant impact on the business by reducing rent collections, increasing arrears and challenging the ongoing trade of a number of tenants, the accounts note.

During the year, British retailer Debenhams went into administration and closed its outlets here, including one at Blanchardstown. The centre's Debenhams outlet accounted for 5pc of Blanchardstown's total rent revenue in 2019. The shopping venue is home to other major retailers such as Marks & Spencer and Penneys.

Customer footfall has fallen by circa 20pc on the previous year, but spend is up, noted the accounts for the Blanchardstown firm,

The operational liquidity within the fund has come under increasing pressure due to the reduction in the collections of rent as a result of Covid-19, they add.

Active engagement is ongoing with tenants regarding rent collections, the accounts state. Year to date, collections are 66pc of last years collections.

Directors of the firm said that the high level of debt in the fund behind the centre coupled with the sudden fall in collections has put the fund under severe liquidity pressure to the point that an additional injection of capital is required along with a restructuring of the financing facility to ensure the future viability of the fund.

The directors warned that without a cash injection and restructuring the fund will no longer be in a position to service its debt and may as a result trigger an event of default.

UK property group Hammerson, which co-owns the Dundrum Centre, the Ilac Centre and the Pavilions Shopping Centre in Dublin, said earlier this month that it collected just 31pc of its first quarter rent in Ireland. Commercial tenants typically pay their rent in advance.

Goldman Sachs has acquired the Blanchardstown centre itself, two adjacent retail parks and external retail units, and an office block. It described it as an excellent asset in a prime location.

The Irish Bakery Association (IBA) has warned that, despite the best efforts of the industry, bread prices will soon be forced upwards because of the impacts of Brexit on ingredients costs.

Only 40% of the flour used in Irish bread making is actually produced on the island of Ireland, with the UK and the EU providing the rest of Ireland's bread making flour.

To add fuel to the Brexit fire, last year the UK suffered their worst harvest in 40 years.

Irish flour importers are finding that substitution options are limited in Europe. This is because the Irish consumer prefers to eat a type of bread theyre used to, made with the flour theyre used to. The flours produced on the continent are best suited to their own style of baguettes and bagels and less so to our slice pans and traditional Irish breads.

Ireland also lacks production of yeast or sugar, and produces very little vegetable oil for bakery use. The industry is seeing price hikes on all these ingredients.

As the cost of inputs goes up, the cost of bakery production must follow to maintain the industrys viability. Gerald Cunningham, secretary of the IBA said:

Prudent stock-piling of flour before Christmas has kept prices flat to date. We also researched alternative sources of flour. But the MATIF (Flour price index) is currently at a record high causing the market to be volatile.

"It is important for the market to know what is happening, and that without external interventions, price rises are inevitable.
Fermoy has taken a giant step towards retaking the top spot it achieved in the final IBAL Litter League table for 2018.

The disappointment of dropping 12 places on the 2019 league table has been somewhat assuaged this week after it emerged Fermoy has made it back into the top 10 on the final table for 2020.

The town finished in sixth place of the 37 towns and cities surveyed and, just as importantly, held onto its coveted 'Clean To European Norms' designation.

As can be seen from the attached blue panel (right) the An Taisce judges were for the most part generous in their praise for Fermoy, with more than half of the sites surveyed receiving top marks.

"Another top result for Fermoy. The three approach roads were all top-ranking, creating a positive first impression of the town. This high standard was sustained for more than half of the sites - with three sites just missing the top grade," read the report.

"Fermoy Town Park was not just good with regard to litter, but a very well presented and maintained environment. Abbey Street presented well with paving and painted buildings creating a positive impression."

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However, as can often be the case with margins between towns and cities on the table being so tight, one aspect can impact on overall performance. In this particular instance, it was the Mart Car Park, which judges described as being "by far the most heavily littered site in Fermoy".

"Not just casual litter but discarded shopping trolleys and general debris. This whole site presents very poorly, quite an anomaly for Fermoy," read the report.

"The signage 'CCTV in use in this area to detect fly tipping and rubbish dumping' is clearly being ignored and not enough of an incentive to deter such activity. Where does responsibility for this site lie?"

The chair of Fermoy Tidy towns, Cllr Noel McCarthy, said that while he was delighted with sixth spot, "it could easily have been even better".

"It is great to see the town moving back in the right direction, the result of a lot of hard work by Tidy Towns, local residents groups, Cork County Council, FAS and Tus," said Cllr McCarthy.

However, he said it was very disappointing to see the efforts of so many brought down by the irresponsible actions of a few individuals.

"Again the issue of people dumping items next to the recycle bins in the mart when they are full has cost us. Were it not for this, I have no doubt our final standing on the league table could have easily been better," said Cllr McCarthy.

"In my opinion the judges were quite right in saying not enough is being done to deter fly-tipping in the Mart Car Park. Cork County Council have done a consistently good job in monitoring the site, but they cannot do so 24/7. It has always been my contention that those caught on CCTV [should] be prosecuted, named and shamed."

Meanwhile, IBAL has found an increase in overall litter levels among the 37 areas surveyed, with the COVID pandemic being cited as a major factor in this. Coffee cups were among the most prevalent litter types found, while there was another rise in glass bottles and cans, suggesting that outdoor drinking has not waned over the winter months. The survey also showed that the second half of 2020 brought a further increase in PPE-related litter, primarily involving masks.

"Eight months into the pandemic, we would have hoped people would have moved to reusable masks with a resulting fall in mask-related litter. In fact, we are seeing more and more of them ending up our streets," said Mr Horgan.

"As the pandemic endures, and with it the sensitivity around touching items, people may simply get out of the habit of picking up other people's litter. We risk losing a civic behaviour which is vital in keeping our country clean," he added.

Fermoy's IBAL report card

Dublin Road approach - Grade A:

'While beyond the range of approach roads for the purpose of IBAL survey, it is worth noting that the roundabout at Junction 14 off the M8 was an exceptionally well presented environment.

'The survey area close to the town was very good with regard to litter and created a positive first impression of the town -this high standard was maintained for over half of the sites surveyed in Fermoy'.

Pike Road approach - Grade A:

'While Pike Road got the top litter grade, care needs to be taken at the temporary fences to ensure that it doesn't become a littered one.

There was a virtual absence of litter'.

Car Park at Aldi - Grade B+:

'A very freshly presented and maintained car park environment which just missed getting the top litter grade. With a little extra care this could easily be achieved'.

Fermoy Town Park - Grade A:

'A consistently top-ranking site, things were no different this time around at Fermoy Town Park. It was exceptionally well presented and maintained with all aspects in very good order e.g.,grass areas, planting, seating and railings'.

McCurtain Street - Grade B:

'Attractive paving and wooden planter boxes look well along McCurtain Street. Clearly a careful eye is kept on the vacant / poorly maintained premises as there was no litter directly associated with them. The most obvious litter item was chewing gum with lower levels of coffee cups, plastic bottles, sweet papers and PPE equipment. Signage on street bin: 'Bin it, Keep Fermoy a Clean Town #Stand Firm Against Litter'.

Beechfield - Grade A:

'There was a virtual absence of litter at this residential area. It has been enhanced with plenty of planting / shrubbery. Some of the litter awareness notice regarding cigarette butts and dog fouling is obscured by shrubbery'.

Abbey Street - Grade A:

'The fresh-looking paving creates a good impression along this interconnecting laneway. It is further enhanced by some brightly painted premises. There were no litter issues along Abbey Street'.

Patrick Street - Grade B+:

'The streetscape presented very well with nice paving and wooden planter boxes replete with green, white and red planting. Most of Patrick Street was good with regard to litter but it was brought down by noticeable amounts between the square and Kent Street -main items were food related e.g.,plastic bottles, coffee cups, fast-food wrappers'.

Mart Car Park - Grade C:

'This whole site presents very poorly, quite an anomaly with Fermoy. What looks like temporary fencing is clearly no longer temporary as it has been there for years -with heavy accumulations of a wide variety of litter at its base. Recycle Facility was in poor shape and there were a couple of abandoned supermarket trolleys within the car park. The signage 'CCTV in use in this area to detect fly tipping and rubbish dumping' is clearly being ignored and not enough of an incentive to deter such activity. Where does responsibility for this site lie?'

R666 Rathealy approach road - Grade A:

'There were no litter issues of note along this road leading into Fermoy.'
On Friday, January 29, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with a delegation of the Switzerland-based company Stadler Rail AG, headed by the president of the Board of Directors, co-owner of Stadler Rail AG group Peter Spuhler.

"During the meeting, the sides discussed the prospects for cooperation with the company in terms of modernization of rolling stock of Ukrainian railways, suburban and urban rail transport," the press service of the head of state reported.

Zelensky informed his interlocutor about the projects of transport infrastructure development in Ukraine, and also stressed the importance of attracting foreign technologies and capital to their implementation.

The head of state noted that this year Ukraine celebrates the 30th anniversary of independence, so it is planned to launch various projects for the anniversary. In particular, much attention is paid to infrastructure.

The president stressed that Ukraine has its own manufacturers of rail rolling stock, so the main condition for cooperation with foreign companies is the maximum localization of production in our country.

Zelensky assured of his willingness to facilitate foreign investors.

In turn, Peter Spuhler expressed interest in the company's work in the Ukrainian market and creating a joint production with Ukrainian partners.

Stadler Rail is a Swiss manufacturer of railway rolling stock, with an emphasis on regional train multiple units and trams.

ish

State police incidents reported

State police at Hazleton reported the following:

n Meraldo A. Mendez-Matos, 41, Hazleton, was traveling west on East 23rd Street on Dec. 23 at 3:48 p.m. approaching North Church Street (Route 309) and attempted a left turn, but didnt clear the intersection after stopping. He got onto North Church Street, hitting a vehicle driven south on Church Street by a 17-year-old girl from Hazleton. Her vehicle rotated and hit a vehicle operated by Michael A. Kundrik, 44, Hazleton, who was stopped in the North Church Street turning lane, facing north. The teen sustained a suspected minor injury and was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton. Her car and Mendez-Matos were left with heavy damage. Kundriks had minor damage.

n Troopers responded to a Jan. 23 reported disturbance inside a restaurant on North Church Street in Hazle Twp. at 9:33 p.m. The 27-year-old woman from Hazleton listed as the victim told troopers Brianne Wright, 26, Hazleton, appeared to be under the influence. She also said Wright hit her in the face and spat in her face. Wright faces citations for harassment, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness. She was wanted by Columbia County Adult Probation for narcotics-related charges at the time. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call troopers at 570-459-3890.

HAZLE TWP.

Man charged with indecent assault

A 77-year-old Hazleton man faces a misdemeanor for indecent assault after state police at Hazleton say he put his hand down a womans pants without her consent.

The charge was filed against Franklin E. Schell on Jan. 12 and he was released on $5,000 unsecured bail that day by Magisterial District Judge James Dixon, Hazle Twp.

A woman working at a store in Laurel Mall on Jan. 3 said Schell, a regular customer, put his hand inside her waistband and grabbed her buttocks, telling her, dont worry no one is looking, arrest papers state. The encounter was captured on store surveillance cameras, according to troopers.

Schell was interviewed by police Jan. 11 and told them he saw the womans skin showing and placed his hand in her pants to pull them up, court papers state. When a trooper asked Schell if the woman asked him for assistance with her pants, Schell said no.

Abnormal credit card charges lead to arrest

Troopers filed charges against a Gordon woman after unusual charges were found on an 83-year-old mans credit card account.

Jessica M. Gualtier, 38, faces theft and access device fraud by state police at Hazleton. She was denied bail Jan. 15 by Magisterial District Judge James Dixon, Hazle Twp., who determined she was a flight risk. Her bail was later reduced to 10% of $50,000 at Luzerne County Central Court in Wilkes-Barre.

Arrest papers state she was living with the man, who has cognitive impairment issues, from February 2019 to February 2020 and during that time added her name and an alias she uses to his account as an authorized user. His account went from a $1,369.12 balance to $13,929.16, court papers state.

The mans power of attorney was reviewing his financial records when she found the overdrawn credit card that contained purchases for womens clothing, Uber car rides and Doordash, and contacted police March 20, 2020, troopers said.

Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. A few storms may be severe. High 73F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms early, then cloudy skies after midnight. A few storms may be severe. Low around 50F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Over 50,000 Security Personnel have been deployed at Singhu Border. Delhi Police has arrested 44 people after the Singhu-Border violence including the man who attacked a police officer with his sword during the clashes. The Union Home Ministry has decided to temporarily suspend internet services at Singhu, Ghazipur, and Tikri till 31 Jan.

Amid ongoing Farmers-Centre deadlock, over 50,000 Security Personnel have been deployed at Singhu Border. Delhi Police has arrested 44 people after the Singhu-Border violence including the man who attacked a police officer with his sword during the clashes in Singhu-Border. High drama and chaos at Singhu Border were reported as locals and cops demanded removal of agitating farmers. In an announcement by Delhi Traffic Police, certain areas of Delhi borders, where farmers have been protesting against the newly enacted three new farm laws, have been closed.

Farmers protesting against the Centres contentious farm laws are locked in a face-off with the police at the Ghazipur border, as the Uttar Pradesh government decided to take action two days after the violence during the Republic Day Tractor Rally. On the same day as Republic Day, the Farmers Tractor rally left a blood trail and utter mayhem in Delhi as protests turn violent. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has blamed the Centre for the delay and providing solutions to demands of protesting farmers even after multiple rounds of talks. Capt Amarinder said that things decided in Delhi too little too late.

Farmer unions have been protesting on the borders of Delhi since November 26 demanding repeal of three new farm laws fearing privatisation and corporates taking over the agricultural sector. According to sources, agitating farmers will be holding hunger Strike and will not end the agitation until Centres rollbacks the three newly enacted laws. Farmers are blaming the BJP and RSS for instigating the locals against the farmers.

Delhi: Union Home Ministry has temporarily suspended internet services in Singhu, Ghazipur, and Tikri and their adjoining areas from 11 pm of Jan 29 to 11 pm of Jan 31, to 'maintain public safety and averting public emergency'.  ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2021

Farmers' protest against three central farm laws at Tikri on Delhi-Haryana border enters 66th day; visuals from the protest site. pic.twitter.com/JXcw4FGy7I  ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2021

Heavy security deployment continues at Singhu on Delhi-Haryana border where farmers' protest against three agriculture laws enters Day 66. pic.twitter.com/O6m2GRtzxq  ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2021

Also Read: Amid ongoing Farmers-Centre deadlock, Delhi traffic police closes Ghazipur border; traffic diverted at several locations

Also Read: Union Budget Session Kicks-Off: President articulates Govts vision; Oppn parties hold protest

The internet services were shut down in parts of Delhi-NCR close to farmers protest sites after Rday Tractor Rally violence. Krantikari Kisan Union leader Darshal Pal has appealed to the government to restore the services, else the farmers will protest against it.

The 60-year-old image of Juan Valdez continues to stand as a proud symbol of Colombian coffee growers and their dedication to producing the world's finest coffee.

The Juan Valdez character was created in 1960 to represent Colombian coffee growers and their traditions. The iconic image of Valdez dressed in his traditional attire  a striped poncho and hat - and accompanied by his mule - named Conchita - has proved to be a global sensation.

Music that enhances the taste of your Colombian coffee

Believe it or not, sound can influence your taste buds. And understanding how sound can be used to influence a person's tasting experience has been the life work of Felipe Reinoso, a researcher at one of Colombia's top colleges, Universidad de los Andes.

Reinoso has worked for over five years to create these sensory experiences, previously with products like chocolate and beer. But coffee was his most recent challenge.

By figuring out the different element's musicians use to create music, like frequency ranges and different instruments, Reinoso says he was able to understand how the brain associates each one of these elements with flavors, like bitterness, sweetness or acidity.

"How we listen can affect the experience of foods and drinks. Therefore, we can try to understand these associations and try to frame them as congruent or incongruent. By doing this, we are able to create music that most people would tend to frame as a sweet or a bitter type of music," he said.

For his latest project, the initiative led by Cafe de Colombia, Reinoso collaborated for the first time with music producers Miguel De Narvaez and Juan Fernando Fonseca, to create the song entitled: Colombia coffee, Beyond Taste.

"Together, we created a song integrating natural sounds with real Colombian music, in order to bring for the first time a multisensory tasting experience 100% made in Colombia."

To produce a song for coffee, the collaborators said that high notes were important as they evoke a sense of sweetness - a well-known characteristic of Colombian coffee - but that the bitter tastes are represented with low frequency and electronic sounds.

Reinoso says that coffee - a product that is delicate and rich in flavor - should be a moment to savor. Something, he says, gets lost in noisy, urban settings.

The researcher found ways to improve the experience of those living in big cities, through the use of headphones with special noise control.

"We brought the scientific layer of knowledge on top of this music, and we created a kind of sensory journey through music. It means that when people taste Colombian coffee, they have the opportunity to fully experience this particular section of the music that was created to trigger sweet sensations, bitter sensations and the kind of aroma explosion of coffee," he said.

Colombian coffee in the world

Cafe de Colombia is the name given to 100% washed Arabica coffee grown in the coffee regions of Colombia. It is also the brand the Colombian Coffee Growers Federation (FNC) created to promote their coffees both in the industry and among consumers as a high-quality product.

The FNC is a non-profit organization and since 1927 has established itself as the largest rural NGO in the world that represents more than 540,000 Colombian coffee growing families.

"Colombian Coffee has been for decades a benchmark of quality in the world. What we seek is to take our customers to the next level of a different experience, where we involve other senses," said Natalia Valencia, the Marketing Director for Cafe de Colombia.

"That's why we have decided to release this song so all our consumers will be able to enjoy it and intensify the experience of tasting the richest coffee in the world."

The Beyond Taste song is available for download on Spotify and YouTube under the message: "You can now taste the richest coffee in the world with your ears".

Follow us on:

Instagram: @cafedecolombiaww

Facebook: @cafedecolombiaworldwide

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1395011/IMG_0580.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1395012/IMG_0592.jpg

SOURCE Cafe de Colombia
India has said the use of the term foreign terrorist fighters for children may lead to stigmatisation and dehumanisation, underlining the need for nations to develop tailored and conflict-sensitive approaches to ensure repatriation, rehabilitation and reintegration of teenagers affected by armed conflicts.

India's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador K Nagaraj Naidu said at the UN Security Council Open Arria Formula meeting on 'Children and Armed Conflict' organised by Russia that the Resolution 2178 (2014) of the Council defines who foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs).

"There is a general tendency to extend the term to their families. Using the term FTFs for children may lead to stigmatisation and dehumanisation," he said.

The resolution condemns the violent extremism, which can be conducive to terrorism, sectarian violence, and the commission of terrorist acts by foreign terrorist fighters, and demands that all foreign terrorist fighters disarm and cease all terrorist acts and participation in armed conflict.

Naidu underlined that the treatment of children affected by the FTF phenomenon should be based on respect, protection, and fulfillment of their rights as defined by the international human rights law, in particular the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the international humanitarian law, as applied locally by relevant laws.

He told the meeting that India recognises the "urgent need" for member states to develop tailored, context- and conflict-sensitive approaches to ensure prosecution, repatriation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of children of FTFs.

Noting that there are multiple challenges, he said prosecution of FTFs introduces the challenge of collecting, handling, preservation and sharing of relevant information and evidence obtained from conflict zones, in accordance with domestic law and member states' obligations under international law.

"The situation is further complicated as many children do not have legal documentation. There may also be situations where a particular member state may not have a de-radicalisation or re-integration policy in place, he said.

Naidu added that while some member states have begun repatriating children of foreign terrorist fighters, the pace has been slow.

"It is thus evident that circumstances of the situation will determine whether the children of FTFs can be taken back or not, given legislation and/or absence of clear evidence for their claim, he said.

Given the complexity of the situation, he said, India is supportive of any UN led effort aimed at identifying solutions informed by an understanding of the rights and interests of the children of FTFs and implemented in a manner that is consistent with human rights, humanitarian law, and respective laws.

Naidu highlighted the recent trend in global terrorism wherein growing number of children are recruited and involved in terrorism-related activities.

For terror groups, children are most susceptible to manipulation, whether as active participants in terror or as human shields to protect the perpetrators of terror, he said.

Used as guards, spies, cooks, suicide bombers or human shields, these terror groups understand that children cannot fully grasp the inherent danger of combat, have an underdeveloped sense of right and wrong, and less likely to have divided loyalties, he said.

Naidu noted that children were also increasingly the target of coercion, both physical and mental and become victims, witnesses, and offenders, all at the same time.

Some of these children are abducted or forcibly recruited, some are enticed by monetary gains, some join voluntarily, while others have little or no choice but to accompany their parents or are born in conflict zones to people who have travelled there as foreign fighters, he said.

India pointed out that while the vulnerability of children to terrorist recruitment is affected by a multitude of factors, including their geographic proximity to a terrorist group, economic status, perceptions of social or political marginalisation, exposure to permissive social networks, and exposure to extremist propaganda, the relative importance of these factors vary individually and according to the local context.

While international human rights law provides the right for everyone to enter his or her own country, some countries of origin refuse to receive adults and their children suspected of being associated with armed groups, including designated terrorist groups. Others have expressed willingness to repatriate only children and not their parents, inevitably leading to the risk of family separation, Naidu said.

He said that some countries have implemented a policy whereby only orphans are repatriated or take only children younger than a certain age, leaving children in prolonged detention or situations of deprivation.

India has taken note of The Handbook brought out by the UN Office for Counter Terrorism (UNCCT) which uses the broad term, children affected by the foreign fighter phenomenon.

This usage not only affirms the principle that international standards for child rights should apply to all children, regardless of their situation or age, but also protects them, to an extent, from stigmatisation and dehumanisation, Naidu added.
The state is in close communication with both pharmacy partners and is working with them to ensure they have the resources needed to schedule and administer vaccinations at the rest of the long-term care facilities, she said. The state of Illinois is working alongside our partners to start vaccinations sooner than they were previously scheduled through the PPP programs, with the goal of expediting this process as much as possible.
By Ras J. Baraka

The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) recently insinuated that their lawsuit with other citizen groups had secured safe drinking water for the residents of Newark and calls the settlement of the suit an extraordinary victory for the future children of Newark. They promise that the council, and their co-plaintiff, Newark Education Workers Caucus or NEW Caucus, will monitor implementation of the settlement.

This language implies that their lawsuit has been the driver of our diligent efforts to eradicate lead from our drinking water and to keep our residents educated and safe.

This goes beyond disingenuous. It continues to promulgate the false narrative that the NRDC and NEW Caucus rescued Newark residents from a government incapable of solving its own problem.

It also ignores the $200 million my administration has spent on new filtration and water quality technology and upgrades to our water treatment plant and delivery infrastructure  and that does not include the $190 million we are spending to replace lead service lines.

So it is imperative for me to list the conditions of the settlement and to tell the truth about what Newark has done, has always done, and continues to do.

The first condition says Newark must replace all our lead service lines  at no direct cost to residents. The settlement was agreed upon last week, around the same time we hit the 17,000 mark of the 18,720-plus lines we have replaced for free.

Clearly, this settlement is not a new demand. We did not undertake this massive infrastructure program under the threat of a lawsuit. We did it on our own accord, with largely our own financing.

The second condition says the city must provide free testing for lead in water and free water filters and cartridges. We began that immediately, going above and beyond federal and state guidelines after USEPA tests revealed that our corrosion control system had faltered in 2018. Also, the city has done free water testing for decades and will continue this practice.

The third condition is about continuing education and proper filter installation, which we have done through public meetings, social media and home visits, even during COVID-19. We have worked with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, followed their guidance, regulation requirements and enhanced their programs with our own.

The other stipulations follow suit. There is nothing being demanded in this settlement that we arent already doing, and I resent the implication that we needed the NRDC and NEW Caucus to push us in this direction.

Perhaps this is an appropriate time to recap the things the City of Newark had to do  with no help from the NRDC or the NEW Caucus  to be this close to full lead line replacement in just two years, which our research shows is unprecedented in the nation.

We are confident that no city has replaced that many lines as quickly and at no cost to residents, in either capital outlay, increased taxes or water rate hikes, which is key because it ensures all our residents will benefit, not just those who can afford it. As a measure of this accomplishment, consider that the Environmental Protection Agency guidelines announced in December ask communities to replace these lines over a 33-year period.

There are several compelling reasons why we were able to accomplish this:

The leadership of the Department of Water and Sewer Utilities Director Kareem Adeem, who took over after the sudden death of former Director Andrea Hall Adebowale just as we were investigating the reasons for our problem.

Since lead service lines are the property of the homeowner, we had to work with our state legislature, which allowed us to use public funds on private property for the purpose of replacing lead service lines.

Since 74% of Newark residents rent, we had to pass a city ordinance to allow us to replace lead service lines without the homeowners permission because tracking down landlords would have slowed the process and left some homes undone.

Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzos willingness to use the countys Aaa bond rating for the city to comfortably secure a $120 million bond, allowing us to accelerate the work in a way that sets national precedents.

The cooperation of our residents, through the early days of the problem, with helping us identify and locate lead service lines, to making sure construction workers had enough PPE to continue working through the COVID-19 crisis with barely an interruption, was enormously helpful and, I believe based on their pride in the city.

Finally, the collective will of the government and residents alike to get this done.

This final point is the true story of what happened in Newark. We proved the eradication of lead from drinking water does not have to be an ongoing infrastructure nightmare, nor does it have to be forced through lawsuits. To suggest otherwise denigrates the people of this city.

Through this entire ordeal, we proved ourselves as truly a model city in correcting a problem that impacts millions of Americans in cities, suburbs and rural places.

I say, prayerfully and sincerely, that I hope we can someday actually sit and meet with the NRDC and other groups to plot definitive and workable programs for lead eradication, without media grandstanding, lawsuits or other self-aggrandizing practices that only distract us from the common goal of providing the safest water possible for everyone.

Ras J. Baraka is the mayor of the city of Newark.

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 30)  The Iloilo City government is planning to hold another COVID-19 vaccine simulation next week to look for ways to further shorten the process to just 15 minutes per vaccinee.

During the Laging Handa briefing on Saturday, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas said the local government conducted on Thursday a simulation exercise of its vaccine program, where about 500 participants were actually vaccinated with flu shots.

He noted it took them 30 minutes to vaccinate one person.

"I want that time to be lowered to 15 or 10 minutes. We're doing another simulation next week. Not only our medical personnel, but also our compliance officers, PNP, and barangay officials will be ready once the vaccines from AstraZeneca arrive," the official said.

According to the mayor, they may use universities and schools in the city as vaccination centers.

Setting up a pre-registration system for those who want to be immunized is also part of the plan, he said.

"We are looking into specific time and specific number of people to be vaccinated so no one will wait for too long. We will also have special vaccination for senior citizens and PWDs," Trenas added.

Trenas said the simulation will equip Iloilo City as they ready for the arrival of 600,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines from United Kingdom-based AstraZeneca, which are expected to be delivered by July.

The number of doses the local government secured is enough to vaccinate 70 percent of its population, Trenas said.

He said Iloilo City's vaccine drive will cover not only its residents, but also those working in the city.

To boost its vaccination drive, Iloilo City is also in talks with other pharmaceutical firms: Novovax, Janssen, Moderna, and Pfizer.

Aside from Iloilo City, several local government units have begun their respective mock COVID-19 vaccinations, including Manila, Pasig, Paranaque, Muntinlupa, Mandaluyong, Valenzuela, and Carmona in Cavite.